The Miegian Newspaper: December 2021

THE MIEGIAN

Vol. 65, Issue 2 | Dec. 2021 Bishop Miege High School Roeland Park, KS 66205

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COOKING IT UP Students follow alternative eating diets

INSIDE Page 8

Learn about the new Big Hart, Little Hart buddy system.

Page 22

See the return of retro trends.

Page 30

Get an inside look at the head girls basketball coach transition from father to son.

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content overview

TAPPING THROUGH TIME Chimney sweeps and Mary Poppins tap dance to “Step in Time” to showcase the fall production of “Mary Poppins” during the annual open house event. | MARIA NGUYEN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHOTOS

04 News Briefs 05 Winning Waivers

24 Perspectives 12 Exchanging Countries FAITH 14 Food Frenzy 18 Calling All Girls 26 By the Students

06 Behind the Screen

19 Puzzle

NEWS

Explore what the new option of waving finals means for students.

FEATURE

08 Big Hart, Little Hart 10 College-Level Creativity Take a look at AP art students and their artistry.

GRAPHICS OPINION

20 Electing for Electives 21 Too Much Weight 22 Totally Tubular

ATHLETICS

28 Athlete Spotlight 30 Changing the Play COVER DESIGN | A’MYRAH CHEADLE & NATALIE MARTINEZ COVER PHOTO | NATALIE MARTINEZ

letter

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STAFF MEMBERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Isabel Copeland

PHOTO 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

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 2020 All-Kansas award winning 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 am proud to present to you this year’s second issue of the Miegian. Our goal is to create a publication that represents the heart of Miege. As a staff, we work to include everyone and cover every aspect of our community.

With each issue, it’s always a thought if we will meet our deadline or if the stories will be loved by the readers. However, our staff is consistently able to rise to the occasion and create something for everyone to enjoy.

I am so impressed with each staff member and the work they have put in on a daily basis. Everyone truly brings something unique to the table to make this year’s Miegian special. With each issue, I believe our staff showcases their talents to make it special.

In this issue, you can learn about how students use social media, those who have lived in other countries, retro trends that are making a comeback and see the transition between girls’ basketball coaches.

As you read this edition of the Miegian, I hope you are able to enjoy this issue as you learn more about the people who make Miege such a special place.

EMMA LAZARCZYK PHOTO EDITOR

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news

NEWS BRIEFS

LOCAL

LOCAL

SING IT OFF

The East Central Kansas Music Educators Association held its auditions for the district honor choir on Nov. 6. Students had a blind audition that included performing two pieces and sight reading. Selected students who placed high enough are seniors Cara Parisi and Shea McGraw, juniors Maria Nguyen, Polly Ayala and Vincent Lopez and sophomore PHOTO | ALENA GILLESPIE Julia Quigley.

PHOTO | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

STATE

NATIONAL

BURGER FEST

On Nov. 15, Whataburger opened in Lee’s Summit. By the end of 2023, 13 more locations will be open in the KC metro area. According to Whataburger’s website, Chief’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the franchise partner of eight of the locations that will open in KC.

PHOTO | PIXABAY

Dec. 10

WRESTLING

PHOTO | UNSPLASH

ACADEMICS Dec. 10

SCHOLARS BOWL

Varsity boys has a tournament at Lee’s Summit North.

The Varsity team has a competition at Turner.

SWIM AND DIVE

DEBATE

Dec.15

Dec. 11

Varsity boys compete at the Turner Invitational.

The debate team is competing in regionals.

BASKETBALL

FINALS

Dec. 18

Varsity boys and girls at the 12 Courts of Christmas Tournament at Hyvee Arena.

LIVING IN THE MOVIE

This December, Airbnb is renting the house from “Home Alone.” Four super fans will win a one night stay for only $25. The house will be decorated as seen in the movie with Christmas decorations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ATHLETICS

THE HONORS

Sixty-two students were inducted into the Albertus Magnus chapter of National Honors Society on Nov. 17.

A reception in the commons followed the ceremony.

Dec. 15 - 18

Students will be on a special schedule each day.

GIFTING IT

Wrapping for Don Bosco families takes place during faith family on Dec. 14. |ALEXA

VALDEZ

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Band, choir and handbells has its Christmas concert on Dec. 15. |

MARY-KATHRYN WERT

news

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WINNING WAIVERS

New policy creates chance for fewer finals JULIAN GALLEGOS

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STAFF WRITER

ith the first semester coming to a close, the newly added finals exemption policy is giving hard-working students the ability to take one final off of their mind.

For the 2021-2022 school year, the administration decided to extend final exam waivers to everyone in the school for the first time. Previously, only seniors had been allowed to waive finals during second semester only.

“I think that it’s really helpful especially for some classes that people might be struggling with,” junior Lauren Lueckenotto said. “It would be one less thing to have to study for, and we would be able to focus on the AP classes that are harder and require a lot more time.”

Students who are enrolled in AP classes are unable to waive the final exam in that class. Any student who is dual-enrolled for college credit in a class also cannot waive their final.

97%

of students plan to waive one of their final exams “Students get really stressed out from all the different subjects they have to study for,” Lueckenotto said. “If there’s one less one to study, I think that it will make it easier for people to succeed.”

Principal Maureen Engen said having waivers will act as a motivation to inspire students to strive for better grades and to study more throughout the year instead of finals week.

“It’s an incentive for a student to get to the end of a semester class and know that they’ve given it their all,” Engen said.

“We just feel like it’s a good motivational factor for all students.”

Though the exemptions are put in place

to help students, if a teacher believes that taking the final will be more beneficial, they can require their students to take the final.

“The administration and teachers have the right to deny any exemption,” Engen said. “In the end, the teachers have the ultimate say.”

Final exams can account for 15% to 20% of a class grade. With that taken into account, final exam results are pivotal to determine the grade in a class.

“This little final can literally destroy my grades if I’m not careful,” senior Abraham Caro-Martinez said. “It’s really helpful that this year a little bit of the stress of one more final will be gone.”

According to Caro-Martinez with how impactful finals are towards a student’s grade, December can wear out students mentally with how much studying is necessary to get everything correct.

“The whole finals week just makes me feel stressed and tired,” Caro-Martinez said, “I think that finals are honestly unnecessary because they are so impactful on our stress and can destroy your grades.”

French teacher Leigh-Ann Haggerty pointed out that the one drawback to this policy is that it is not getting students ready for college life.

“I think the only problem could really be that this is not necessarily preparing you for college life,” Haggerty said.

“There are some classes where all you have is a midterm and a final, so that I see is the only adverse effect of waiving finals.”

Haggerty also said innate motivation can help students retain knowledge instead of simply having to memorize study guides for final exams.

“I also believe that you really want knowledge for knowledge’s sake, and you want people to have what’s called intrinsic motivation,” Haggerty said.

“You want motivation that comes from inside and sometimes just having a final is extrinsic motivation. So it’s just

saying, ‘here’s something you have to know for this final’ and it doesn’t mean that you actually know anything.”

Engen said she believes that students should be allowed to waive finals if they have already shown hard work throughout the semester.

“Ultimately, what I’d say is that the goal of a teacher is to make sure that students leave that class, and they have mastered the skills in their class,” Principal Engen said. “Success isn’t necessarily defined as, ‘I taught, and you did really well on a final exam.’ That is not an ultimate measure of success. Progress is the ultimate measure.”

CRITERIA • Students must have better than 92.5% in the class • Model appropriate behavior and attendance • No more than 4 unexcused absences in one class for the semester • The administration and/or teachers have the right to deny an exemption

ILLUSTRATIONS | JULIAN GALLEGOS

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news

BEHIND THE SCREEN

People can connect in ways they are scared to in-person.

SOPHOMORE EMMA HANSEN

It creates an unrealistic standard in society for young girls to look at.

SENIOR ELEANOR WERNER

It creates a fear of missing out and jealousy.

JUNIOR OSCAR LUDWIKOSKI

You can communicate to your friends through social media.

FRESHMAN AVERY KURT

news

ONLINE PRIVACY AND SAFETY TIPS:

1. Be aware of what’s public and who is viewing your content.

2. Check your privacy settings.

3. Be careful when you check-in or share your location.

4. Don’t share extremely personal information online.

5. Don’t share anything you don’t want to stick with you forever.

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BIG HART, little hart “ I’m a transfer, so I really

liked the idea of having someone to stick with and someone to support us.

Doing it changes faith family, and you get to interact with more people.

Freshman Caroline Findley

JUNIOR MAYA SHAPIRO

Junior Maya Shapiro

excited to get to know “ I was the underclassmen a little

bit more. For years I had never really known anybody outside of my grade, but this year, there’s a lot more communication, which is exciting.

SENIOR ELLA HOWARD

Sophomore Ava A Senior Ella H nderson oward Sophomore River Ball

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New faith family program connects the grades MARIA NGUYEN

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STAFF WRITER

new year brings back traditions and begins fresh starts. Along with the induction of a large freshman class and a number of new staff members, several new school programs have been introduced.

Along with the Fully Alive program, the Big Hart and Little Hart program was introduced to help connect upperclassmen with the younger students in their faith family classes.

“It’s my fourth year here, and we never had a set program in faith family,” senior Mikey Hanson said.

“This gave us upperclassmen the opportunity to get to know some of the underclassmen better.”

The random pairings of older students with underclassmen have led to new interactions and

connections where there previously was, according to senior Ella Howard, a separation between the grade levels.

“I was excited to get to know the underclassmen a little bit more,” Howard said. “For years I had never really known anybody outside my grade.”

According to herd coordinator Jessica Switzer, the Big Hart and Little Hart pairings have allowed for deeper connections in the Miege community and helped lessen feelings of isolation.

“Miege has always had an amazing community,” Switzer said. “The Big Hart and Little Hart matchups is just one facet of keeping the Stag community strong.”

like how the “ ILittle Harts get to

pair up with an upperclassman.

They’ve been through what you’re going through in the school year, so they can talk to you about it and help you through it.

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SOPHOMORE FRANK CRESSEY

Senior Mikey Hanson

Sophomore Frank Cressey

ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTO | MARIA NGUYEN

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COLLEGE-LEVEL CREATIVITY AP art classes foster students’ creative side

KATE MOORES

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STAFF WRITER

hen walking into the art room, eighth hour is seemingly empty at first: the tables hold scattered students in the Portfolio Art class under the painted ceiling tiles, paintbrushes and pencils untouched. However, there is a corner of the spacious classroom that is heard before it is seen, laughter and music emanating from it. Tucked away beyond tables and cubbies is the AP Art side of the room, which hosts Miege’s creative students as they bring canvases, clay and paper to life through art.

Seniors Ffion Hughes and Caroline Brandt, both in their first year of AP Art, are among a large group at a table in the center of the peaceful chaos, heads down and voices loud. Their artwork

PAINTING IN PIXELS With pops of color and artistic skill, Sophia Nordling’s painting stands out among the many canvases in the AP Art storage area. | KATE MOORES

WORKING TOGETHER Collaboration is common in the artroom, shown here as seniors Caroline Brandt and Kiley Condon discuss Brandt’s art. Her colored-pencil rendition of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakastani advocate for women’s rights, connects to her overall theme of the female struggle. | KATE MOORES

could not be more different.

“My portfolio focuses on the theme of womanhood and femininity, and the experiences and struggles we experience daily,” said Brandt as she scrawled offensive words women hear often in the backdrop of her piece.

“I wanted to choose [a focus] I could relate to the most.”

Hughes’ portfolio, on the other hand, explores the effects cancer has on people and those around them.

“I think my artwork is better when it’s something personal to me, so I wanted to do something about my family,” Hughes said. “My grandpa has

genetic cancer, and it’s been passed down in my family.”

AP art classes are the most advanced art classes that Miege offers, and college credit is available through them. There is no specific assignments given: students choose their own focus and create twenty pieces related to their topic. Before taking an AP art class, students are required to take beginner Survey of Art, followed by the year-long Portfolio Art class. The class size for 2021-22 is twelve students.

“AP Art classes allow students to work towards college credit, become independent critical thinkers, and build an Art portfolio,” said Micheal Long, art teacher and head of the Art Department.

The beauty of college-level art classes is the freedom; students choose their own focus and mediums with little restraint from teachers. On any given day students

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can be seen making prints from rubber carvings, splashing paint, collaging paper onto canvases and even making paper.

“I like using mediums that are unique and catch people’s eyes,” Brandt said.

However, the class stays relatively small due to the rigorous course load and artistic talent required.

“AP art courses are rigorous and fast-paced with regular deadlines,” Mr. Long said. “They require weekly studio hours outside of class and are designed for students who want to develop mastery in their art-making skills.”

The prerequisites usually limit the classes to upperclassmen, and this year there is only one junior in the class: Dania Loredo. Her focus includes nature and endangered animals in order to bring attention to environmental issues. In class, she’s typically focused on morphing clay into an elephant trunk or dabbing colors onto a jungle scene.

“In developing my focus, I really thought about what I liked and the things I was interested in,” Loredo said.

“I realized that the number one thing I liked drawing was sunsets, animals, and nature stuff. I started out with only nature, and then began focusing on environmental stuff.”

The small class size is not a weakness but rather a strength of AP Art, according to the students.

Brandt, Hughes and Loredo reported that the small class size allows everyone to become friends and genuinely help each other develop their artwork.

“It [The class] is really nice because we’re all friends. We all talk, but they encourage me to work on my art as well,” Hughes said.

Through the small class size and required creativity, AP art classes encourage students to express themselves through their artwork. It’s the community, not the class, that inspires the students to create, according to Loredo.

“We really do [support each other’s artwork] a lot; we go around the room often and say nice comments or give advice about each other’s artwork,” Loredo said. “It feels like everyone gets along really well.”

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FEATURED ARTISTS

SKETCHING SCENERY Senior Kiley Condon’s focus concerns nature and how people connect with it. Her sketches include various plants, landscapes and people enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. | KATE MOORES

feeling inspired Seniors Caroline Brandt and Ffion Hughes share quotes from their favorite artists that motivate them to create.

ARTIST EDWARD DEGAS

ARTIST HENRI MATISSE

“

“ Creativity takes courage.

“

is not what you see, but “Art what you make others see.

CAPTURING THE ORDINARY “People Watching” is what senior Olivia Willliams chose to base her projects on, and a variety of activity is shown through her work.

From ballerinas to bikers, Williams enjoys catching people in the midst of life through her art. | KATE MOORES

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EXCHANGING COUNTRIES

Senior Juan Pleitez with his surfboar beach, one d on El Salv of the things adoran he said he m COURTESY isses the mos PHOTO t. |

Ecuador grade class in ng with a 2nd Lo OTO l PH ae ich SY M TE r Art teache e poor. | COUR th e rv se to d where he worke

Community shares experiences of living abroad COLIN BATLINER

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STAFF WRITER

etter wages, freedom and more opportunities are just a few reasons why someone might come to America.

For Miege students and staff who lived abroad, it was hard to leave behind their lives in different countries.

Senior Johny Warren was born and grew up in a village in South Vietnam and has gone back to visit multiple times. He remembers growing up and freely exploring the wilderness and said he misses the liberty of it.

ILLUSTRATION | PIXABAY

“When I’m over there I can wander around and go on my own adventures whenever I want through the forest, the sense of not being bound by anything,” Warren said. “You go outside a lot, most people don’t do that here, they’re stuck in offices and don’t get to experience actual nature.”

According to Warren In Vietnamese culture, family is much more important and a more focused point of everyday life than in America.

Warren said, along with the food, that this is what he misses the most.

“In America, the culture is a mixture of a lot of other cultures and you can experience many different things such as food,” Warren said. “In Vietnam and now, still, we ate a lot of soups and not much meat so as a kid my meals were a lot different than they are now.”

Warren and his mom came to America because she was looking to earn better wages to support them and chasing the American dream sounded like a great opportunity.

“She saw it as a way to better herself because it’s the land where you get to accomplish your dreams,” Warren said. “It was never easy though, she had to work extremely hard to become successful.”

After living in El Salvador for the first 13 years of his life, senior Juan Pleitez moved to America with his mom which is her home country. Pleitez remembers the warm weather of El Salvador fondly but said he enjoys the people of America more.

“I like both countries for different reasons,” Pleitez said. “I’ve made more friends here but in El Salvador the weather lets me do anything, like go to the beach or to the mountains on any day. Up here I like people’s personalities more. People are more open about everything.”

The transition to America was easier for Pleitez because of his mom being an American, something that he said really helped him adapt to the new country.

“My mom’s from here so when I grew up I always knew what was going on in America,” Pleitez said. “Transitioning into school was kind of hard, but it wasn’t any different than anything my mom said.”

feature For freshman foreign-exchange student from China, Ella Liu, her plane trip to America came on a whim after her dad asked her if she would want to come here for school.

“I just came by myself,” Liu said. “My dad asked me one day, ‘Do you want to go to America.’ and I said yes. so now I’m here and I came on a plane by myself. In one year, I learned English, I took a test and now I live with an American family.”

Liu said she wanted to learn more about American culture, reinforce her English skills and find her interests. By coming to America, she found out that all these things are possible while also going to school and studying.

“In Chinese schools, we only study."

Liu said we have a lot of homework and don’t have much time to do things we like but in American schools, the students do not only study, and they also help us to find our interests and don’t give us that much homework.”

Humraz Sidhu lived in America for five years before moving back to India during a time of war when he was six to see many of his older relatives that still live there. For Sidhu, going between countries was easy because he had something to look forward to when traveling between each country.

“The hardest part was kind of getting used to the time changes rather than getting used to any of the culture,“ Sidhu said.

Having been to five different countries, living and working in three and spending time on a fishing boat in Alaska, art teacher Michael Long knew he wanted to travel the world when he was just a young child after receiving gifts from his grandmother.

“My Grandmother always sent me a subscription to National Geographic every year for my birthday, and I always wanted to visit the places I read about in that magazine,” Long said. “I have always been a wanderer since I was little.”

While living, working and traveling in Central and South America, Long saw a harsher kind of poverty that he previously didn’t know the people still lived in.

“Poverty and the paradox of the poor being the kindest and happiest people I have ever met were life-changing,” Long said.

Long was able to teach students in these countries and build relationships with them as a mentor to help them strive for a better future for themselves and their families.

“The respect that the students have for their education/school [is incredible],” Long said. “Students realize that education is their ticket out of poverty, and those fortunate enough to attend school take it very seriously. The wide gap between the rich and the poor was mindblowing.”

As an American leaving to other countries, Long did the opposite of Warren and Pleitez who had come to America. He was able to meet people who were completely unfamiliar with someone who looked like him.

“When traveling among indigenous groups, people would just come up to me and stare right into my eyes sometimes; for five to ten minutes, I would have several people standing in front of me, not saying anything, just looking straight into my eyes,” Long said.

“When I inquired about that, a friend told me that many have never seen people with my eye color.”

Seeing the poverty and living conditions of the people he stayed with created a new sense of how fortunate the majority of people are in America he said.

“I think that every experience and person we encounter when we travel changes us,” Long said. “The most profound change was my mindset, and realizing how fortunate I am and seeing what some people have to do to survive was a real eye-opener.”

“I think that every

experience and person we encounter when we travel changes us.

“

ART TEACHER MICHAEL LONG

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foreign food faves El Salvador

“One of the things I miss the most about El Salvador is pupusas.”

- senior Juan Pleitez Pupusa - national food of El Salvador, a flatbread usually stuffed with meats and cheeses

Vietnam

“In Vietnam we ate a lot of soups, but they’re different than here, they have a lot more fat and flavor compared to foods here.”

- senior Johny Warren

Brazil and Argentina

“The best food I ever had was in Argentina and Brazil.”

- Mr. Michael Long

Empanadas - a festival food in Argentina, they are made with rolled up and crimped dough and filled with meat and other ingredients

India

Butter chicken is a curry of chicken in a spiced tomato, butter and cream sauce.

ILLUSTRATIONS | COLIN BATLINER

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FOOD FRENZY

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Students explore eating habits A’MYRAH CHEADLE, ISABEL COPELAND & NATALIE MARTINEZ STAFF WRITERS

B

ILLUSTRATION | MARYKATHRYN WERT

eef, steak, chicken and pork, these are all foods senior Selma Figge-Tirado didn’t try until she was 3 years old. Figge-Tirado has continued this lifestyle into her teenage years. According to The Vegetarian Resource Group about 3% of the youth in the U.S. is vegetarian and 1% is vegan.

Figge-Tirado represents part of the 13% of students who have an alternative food style, according to a recent survey of 170 students.

Figge-Tirado has been a vegetarian since she could eat solid food. Figge said she initially became a vegetarian because of her love for animals.

“I really love animals and just thought it was really cruel that people eat them and [I see] them as equal as humans,” Figge-Tirado said.

Unlike Figge-Tirado, junior Lily Sumstine transitioned from a vegetarian to a vegan diet in 2018 due to health reasons.

“I was a vegetarian for a few years starting in 2016, but I didn’t really eat eggs at all and I’m super lactose intolerant,” Sumstine said. “So I was like, ‘might as well just go vegan.’”

For senior Lola Wrigley being a vegetarian introduces new things. Different types of food have been introduced to senior Lola Wrigley.

“I really like to try foods,” Wrigley said. “I’ll try new stuff when it’s in front of me, especially if it’s a special occasion.”

Trying new foods is not the only thing students benefit from in their food journey. Sumstine said she hasn’t been ill since 2016 when she became a vegetarian.

“I have more energy too,” Sumstine said. “I just feel better about myself because I’m not putting bad stuff in my body.”

For senior William Vani, his interest in becoming a vegan began with the goal of losing weight.

“I was vegetarian for two weeks because of the new year and I did that because of health,” Vani said. “Then I started thinking more and more about moral reasons and then it happened naturally.”

Although transitioning to different food styles can be difficult, senior Graham Spearman partners with a family member.

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“My dad and I [are keto] together because we both lift together,” Spearman said. “He does all the cooking in the house, so he’ll tell me what we’re having for dinner. It’s usually a lot of high proteins and fats.”

Having food that is accessible to their diets proves to be easy for students in their own kitchen. For Vani some restaurants have restricted options for vegans, eating out isn’t a struggle.

“I usually look at the menu before I go to places just to see if they serve things I can eat,” Vani said. “If I am at a place and they don’t, I try to think of ways that I could get a different meal.”

At school, the cafeteria provides options for standard and alternative diets. Some students with alternative diets bring their own lunch while others buy a lunch.

“I get the french fries,” Figge-Tirado said. “I can still eat a lot of the same things that the school will serve.”

Among students with alternative food styles, different foods feed into their cravings, which according to Vani, is not an issue for him.

“There are alternatives for everything,” Vani said. “There is nothing that tempts me like that.”

With her food style, Sumstine hears different types of responses from others.

“Usually the reaction that I get from people it’s like 50/50,” Sumstine said.

“Sometimes people are like, ‘Oh that’s

BON APPÉTIT Senior William Vani checks on his Korean Gochujang tofu. This is a really simple recipe for him to make. “There are food alternatives for everything, so it can be easy to be creative,” Vani said. | ISABEL COPELAND

gross’ or like, ‘Oh that’s cool’ but there’s not a person I know that I’m close to that dislikes me for it.”

According to Figge-Tirado, alternative eating habits produce positive effects on the environment, animals and people’s wellness.

“Even just going vegetarian can have serious effects on the environment,” Figge-Tirado said. “You should really just value [animals] enough to not eat them. Because they’re adorable, and they have feelings too.”

IS YOUR FOOD REALLY VEGAN?

French fries- Beef tallow Caramel- Dairy products White sugar- bone char French onion soups- Beef broth Chips- pork enzymes Marshmallows- gelatin Jello- gelatin

Honey- animal product Red candy- red bug dye ILLUSTRATION | DELANEY JOHNSON

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FOOD STYLES Heart Plants and other vegan/ vegetarian foods have less saturated fat, which can reduce the risk of disease by lowering chloesterol levels.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and potassium, which are all thought to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Skin

Mood For some, the compassionate lifestyle of avoiding harming animals gives a clearer conscience.

B vitamins, found in foods, boost mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine.

One of the worst culprits for skin issues is dairy.

Consumption of dairy exacerbrates acne, but with more fruits and vegetables in the body, there are more vitamins for the skin.

SOURCES | NEWS MEDICAL LIFE SCIENCES

MUD PIE

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Student reviews all-vegan restaurant EMMA LAZARCZYK PHOTO EDITOR

L

ocated in the heart of Kansas City, Mud Pie brings a vegan twist to beloved food and drinks. If you are vegan or just want a healthier option, this homey cafe is perfect for you.

Walking in, you are instantly greeted by the cheery coffee shop baristas. The smell of ground coffee beans fills the space and welcomes you in.

Looking over the menu, I struggle limiting myself to only three items.

As a vegetarian, there are times when I miss popular foods that I once ate on a day-to-day basis.

Going to get food with friends can be difficult if there are no vegetarian options. Mud Pie allows for me to indulge in vegetarian foods that taste like real meat.

The sausage cheddar scone is a great substitute for real meat. The filling pastry was warmed perfectly and was a great balance between “sausage” and “cheddar cheese.” It is hard to believe that it was 100%

vegan.

Along with the scone, I had the glutenfree chocolate brownie. While on a completely different side of food, the brownie lives up to the high standard set by the scone. The brownie was delicate, yet rich at the same time.

Of course, I can not go to a cafe without ordering a coffee. I ordered a vanilla iced latte. The coffee taste was the perfect amount.

The vanilla syrup was able to balance out the coffee flavor.

This hipster and trendy coffee shop has options for everyone.

Whether you’re craving a chocolate-filled dessert or a lighter pastry, you are sure to find something delicious.

In total, my meal costed $13.50.

For a fully vegan menu, the prices were fair. Compared to other popular coffee shops, Mud Pie is cheaper and carries healthier and planet friendly options for everyone to enjoy.

SCAN HERE TO SEE MUD PIE MENU

Mud Pie offers a variety of vegan options on their menu. Some of their items include, a vanilla ice latte. cheddar-sausage scone and a gluten free brownie. | EMMA LAZARCZYK

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LAINE LISTON’S PASTA INGREDIENTS

-1 lb pasta, 1 T olive oil - 2 cloves garlic minced - 15 oz diced tomatoes - 1/2 tsp sugar, salt and pepper - 2/3 cup of parmesan cheese and pepper - 3/4 cup of heavy cream - 1/2 oz fresh basil

DIRECTIONS

- Boil pasta till cooked and set aside - Heat olive oil over medium heat - Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until fragrant - Add tomatoes, then add sugar, salt, and pepper - Let simmer for 2 minutes

- Add heavy cream and reduce heat to low - Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted - Add sugar and salt if needed - Finally add pasta, then stir, add basil to finish

| COURTESY PHOTO

18

features

Laser-Focused Junior Janella Corpin helps her GNO buddies put on their laser-tag vests. The group of girls split up into two teams. “You feel like you can relate to them a lot and you get to see different perspectives on things,” Corpin said. | EMMA LAZARCZYK

CALLING ALL GIRLS Girls’ Night Out fosters community relationships EMMA LAZARCZYK

N

PHOTO EDITOR

eon lights and girls laughing fills the room. After a friendly competition of bowling, Girls’ Night Out Members continue to motivate one another as they begin a game of laser-tag.

Girls’ Night Out (GNO) is a communitybased organization created to ensure that each girl has a place where she feels she belonged. Junior Janella Corpin joined GNO in the beginning of the school year after hearing about the opportunity from learning resource director, Mallorie Hurlbert.

“I’m a volunteer, but I don’t really feel like a volunteer,” Corpin said. “I feel like the only thing I do as a volunteer is I start conversations, but after that, conversations usually flow and we get to do a bunch of fun activities together.”

The organization’s goal is to build a positive community for young girls.

“GNO welcomes a wide range of interests, talents, beliefs and differences,” GNO Program Coordinator Mallorey Beckloff said. “We encourage all participants, both peers and participants, with or without a developmental disability, to use their strengths to encourage others.”

Volunteers may be in the title, but everyone gains something from the group according to Beckloff.

“You get a lot out of it, not just service hours,” Corpin said. “You get social skills, friends and a good support system.”

Throughout six months, the girls participate in group activitiesacross the KC metro area to form close friendships and grow individually as people.

“We do a lot of things — it changes every week, which is another thing that I really like,” Corpin said. “We do haircare week, practice giving and receiving compliment, how to start conversations, how to order independently ... that one is one of my favorites.”

GNO hosts events that allow members to grow in their self-confidence and find a sense of community.

“We go to places where we can play games, have fun, try new things, support each other and practice having genuine conversations,” Beckloff said. “Whether we are at a fitness center or an art studio, we create opportunities for participants to connect with other girls in the group.”

According to Corpin, she wants to help her new friends grow and become more confident in themselves.

“On compliment night, you got to see

how grateful everyone was,” Corpin said.

“I think that was my favorite night because you got to see that you were helping people and encouraging people.”

GNO allows girls 13-20 to form close friendships with other girls and try new things.

“You can relate to other people and you don’t have to worry about what they think,” Corpin said. “We talk about personal things, so it allows us to connect on a personal level. It’s important to have girls to talk to and girls your age to be friends with.”

For Corpin, GNO has become part of her life even when she is not with the girls and said she regularly checks up on the girls throughout the week.

“It is very important to me to see the girls open up,” Corpin said. “The first week they were quiet and then as the weeks go on you become more of their friends and someone they can talk to.”

GNO works to improve and change the lives of all girls involved. It is their goal to create a community where everyone can grow together as friends.

“Girls’ Night Out makes me really happy,” Corpin said. “You feel like you can relate to them a lot and you get to see different perspectives on things. It makes me grateful that I have people I can talk to.”

puzzle

19

Christmas Riddles 1. How is the Christmas alphabet different from the normal alphabet?

2. When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?

3. How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?

Unscramble the words.

SRITMCSAH

YILDOHA

TRAONMSEN

EEEBMRCD TRIEWN

BDGGIRNREEA

ELTBECAER THGLSI

Dots and Boxes Two players take turns drawing lines to connect the boxes.

When a player draws a line that completes a box, write your initials inside to win the box.

The player with the most boxes at the end of the game wins.

ILLUSTRATIONS | MARIA NGUYEN

Riddles: 1. The Christmas alphabet has “no el.” 2. In the dictionary. 3. Nothin — it was on the house.

Unscramble (left to right): Christmas, Holiday, Ornaments, Gingerbread, Winter, December, Lights, Celebrate

20

opinion

ELECTING FOR ELECTIVES Students should take electives over study hall AVA BELCHEZ

I

COPY EDITOR

t’s late January, and the list of classes is in front of you as you select your schedule for the following year. You see that you have an open spot, an opportunity to take an elective — a chance to take a class in art, music, engineering, language or more.

However, the temptation to choose to take a Stag Seminar often overrules the desire to take an elective. A free period, a time to get homework done and socialize and a break from the rest of your classes, may appear more attractive than adding another class to your already packed schedule and workload.

But what are you missing out on?

An elective class can also serve as a break from the rest of your classes, but unlike Stag Seminar, it’s a more rewarding one. You are given the opportunity to meet

people who are interested in the same activities as you or discover a passion for an activity you’ve never tried before. Either way, you learn something new and are opened up to another aspect of the school.

Electives are worth more because you will gain more, but also because they are worth more credits. The required number of elective credits is six and the total amount of required credits is 26. Taking Stag Seminar will give you 1/4 credit, while electives can give you 1/2 or even one whole credit.

But don’t let the numbers cloud your judgement. Even if you have as many elective credits as you need to graduate, don’t immediately turn to Stag Seminar as your only option. Surpass the required goal and try something new. I have very much exceeded the required amount of elective credits and am currently in four elective classes: AP 2-D Design, Concert, Chorale, band and newspaper.

As someone who has taken Stag Seminar, I would not trade the elective classes I’m currently taking for a study hall. I look forward to them every day, and knowing I have them next hour motivates me through my harder classes.

The connections you form with teachers and fellow students through elective classes is something that you are excluded from when taking a Stag Seminar. Freshman year, elective classes are the perfect way to meet new people. Senior year is no different; you can still meet new people and try new things.

In the end, it’s your decision whether to enroll in an elective class or Stag Seminar when re-enrollment rolls around or you’re given the chance to change your schedule this January. Just remember that you get out what you put into your high school experience, and electives will give you more than Stag Seminar will.

0.25 Credits 0.5 - 1 Credits

STAG SEMINAR

ELECTIVES

WEIGHING THE OPTIONS ILLUSTRATION | DELANEY JOHNSON

opinion

21

TOO MUCH WEIGHT Final percentages should replicate previous years MIEGIAN EDITORS

L

STAFF EDITORIAL

ate night studying, tired eyes, anxious thoughts and cramping hands. As finals approach, students are overwhelmed by the oncoming finals. For the first time in two years, final grades are worth 15% to 20% of their semester grades. Students’ idea of finals has changed drastically as the previous school years have been a rollercoaster.

Last year due to COVID-19, administration decided to modify the percentage of finals in the spring to accommodate for the setbacks students faced. This change was only temporary; however, 10% to 15% for final grades should continue to be the standard.

Having a cumulative final grade worth 20% of a grade is unfair to students. If a

student has an A in a class, but struggles with high-pressure tests, they may not perform well on the exam and end the class with a low B. Finals have a negative effect on students’ grades with no time in the semester to bring it back up.

Asking students to take up to eight finals in a matter of three days is already a hard task. Students deserve a little leeway.

While the change in finals’ weights was modified in the previous school year to accommodate for COVID-19, the school should carry the 10% to 15% final grade into future years.

Variations in classes are also something that should call for alterations when it comes to how much a final should count for. If a student is in a level one art class, a 20% final is unrealistic.

Elective final grades should be minimized due to the less scholar-based curriculum, especially if a teacher has the

choice to decide what the final exam is worth.

Unlike electives and non-honors/AP classes, students’ final grades is determined by the teacher themselves. For AP classes, grades replicate the set percentage of the college that students are dual enrolling in, to receive college credit.

If possible, teachers should modify their final grade worth, to account for what type of class they teach.

Overall, students’ class grade should not rely so heavily on their performance on one test. Students can work hard throughout the course and then struggle with a cumulative exam due to the stress, other classes, etc.

The previous change was in response to the adverse effects of COVID-19; however, a negative event led to a positive change in school. Administration should reevaluate the necessity of finals and replicate the 15% to 20% final grade enforced last spring.

STAG THOUGHTS

What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received?

“Alabama football tickets because my grandpa gave them to me and he lives down there.”

FRESHMAN JORDAN BALLARD “My Sony DCR-VX 1000 because I wanted to film skate board videos in an alrernative way.”

SOPHOMORE DIEGO MELGOZA

“My Air Max 270 shoes because I wear them a lot and I saw them on Pinterest.”

JUNIOR MORGAN MITCHELL

“My Apple Watch because it’s my whole life on my wrist.”

SENIOR GABRIELLA HENDERSON-ARTIS

PHOTOS | NATALIE MARTINEZ

22

opinion

Totally

Retro trends make a comeback

Tubular BACK IN BUSINESS

According to a survey of 154 students, these nostalgic items are coming back in trend.

CAMERAS 85% of students own a disposable and/or a Polaroid camera.

VINYLS 66% of students

own a record player and/or vinyls.

GAMES 56% of students

play Nintendo and/or retro arcade games.

CD’S 53% of students ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOS | DELANEY JOHNSON

own a CD player.

opinion

23

FASHION FORWARD

The style of these four students incorporates many of the modern trends from previous decades.

‘70s

‘80s

Sophomore River Ball FLASHBACKS:

High-waisted pants, sweater vest and turtleneck

‘90s

Sophomore Mary Albers FLASHBACKS:

Corduroy, high-waisted pants and MTV graphic t-shirt

‘00s

Junior Olivia Hawley FLASHBACKS:

Lined flannel jacket, mom jeans and silver necklace

Senior Hillary Daniel FLASHBACKS:

Butterfly clips, mini purse and matching pastel set

TIMELINE: BLAST FROM THE PAST

According to a survey of 159 students, they associate their personal style with decades ranging from the 1970s to the 2000s.

Brands: Adidas and New Balance Trends: Round sunglasses, high-

waisted pants, crochet tops and halter tops

1970s 1980s 1970s

Brands: Nike and Vans Brands: Carhartt and Converse Trends: Mom jeans, corduroy, bucket hats, Trends: Chunky sneakers, hair clips, patched denim, fanny packs and biker shorts.

slip dresses, platform shoes and scrunchies

Brands: Puma and Prada Trends: Low-rise jeans, mini purses, velour

tracksuits, baby t-shirts, cargo pants and cardigans

1990s 2000s

perspectives

STAG PERSPECTIVES

24

BRINGING THE SPIRIT With smiles on their faces, sophomore Alanah Garcia and junior Ava Fortin perform their cheer routine at the pep assembly on Nov. 19.

The cheer team competed at state the following day in Topeka. | COLIN BATLINER

THICK AS BLOOD After donating blood, senior Paul Ruf rests in the gym. Juniors and seniors who were eligible to donate signed up for time slots during the school day. “Knowing that what I did was going to help other people helped me get through it,” Ruf said. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

ON THE COURT Eyes on the ball, sophomore Ashley Landis serves for the Perrini herd in the volleyball herd competitions. The games were played to 15 points between all eight herds. | NATALIE MARTINEZ

perspectives

25

SKY HIGH Rappelling down the rock wall, sophomore Graham Hawks and senior Nina Kalmus hurry down after taking third and first place respectively in the rock climbing competition. This was the first competition of its kind and saw Tylicki take first place overall. “I was extremely proud of myself when I heard my time,” Hawks said. | EMMA LAZARCYZK ALIVE WITH GOD During Reconciliation, junior Jordan White sits in the gym with the rest of the junior class on the “Get Right” day on Dec. 1. The service is offered at Miege once during Advent and once during Lent. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

CHRISTMAS CHEER Reaching out to each other, junior Stephen Neenan and sophomore Connor Neenan represent the Bohaty Herd in the Christmas lip-synch competition. The brothers sang to “All I Want for Christmas is You.” | EMMA LAZARCZYK

BAND TOGETHER Focused on his music, senior Dawson Ribbey plays the flute at the Fall Concert on Oct. 20. The band performed first before the hand bell choir, Miege Singers, Treble Choir and Concert Chorale.

“Performing with other people helps you feel safer and like you have security in case you mess up,” Ribbey said. | MARY-KATHRYN WERT

DESIGN | MARIA NGUYEN

26

faith

BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS

THE BODY OF CHRIST Fulfilling her role as a Eucharistic minister, senior Shea McGraw hands communion to freshman Lauren Lopez at the Archbishop Mass on Sept. 1. In addition to giving Communion, McGraw also sang in the liturgy choir. | DELANEY JOHNSON

Teens participate in leading each all-school Mass

A

COPY EDITOR

s all-school Mass begins, hundreds of students file into the gym to take their seats. They join the large number of students already in the gym or prepping to help lead Mass.

Whether it’s singing in the liturgy choir, reading the scriptures or being an altar server, students have an essential role in all-school Mass.

The liturgy choir, which is open to all students, leads songs and psalms from the front of the gym with student cantors.

Senior Shea McGraw has cantored numerous times and said to her, music is a key aspect of her religion.

“Once I listen to the song all the way through, I want to listen to [it] over and over again,” McGraw said. “Then I start to memorize the lyrics and then I listen to the message that’s being said in the song.”

Singing in the liturgy choir allows students to better focus and think about

“

what is coming next in Mass, according to McGraw.

Freshman Michaela Wilcox, who has been an altar server at all-school Mass, agrees that being involved in the Mass keeps her attentive.

“I did it because I wanted a way to make it easier to pay attention in Mass,” Wilcox said. “When I was just sitting there, I couldn’t pay attention. Then, when I had to do something, I had to pay attention.”

I feel like I actually am part of [Mass], not just watching.

“

AVA BELCHEZ

FRESHMAN MICHAELA WILCOX

Wilcox has been attending Mass as an altar server since grade school and followed her alumni brother by becoming an altar server.

“I feel like I actually am part of [Mass], not just watching,” Wilcox said.

Senior William Vani manages all aspects of sound at Mass, including turning microphones on and off and changing the volume. Vani said he has to pay attention in order to know when to mute certain sources.

“I enjoy making sure that everything runs well and that the sound is satisfying for everyone at Mass,” Vani said. “I also enjoy working with all the people who are also a part of the Mass because they are all super kind and helpful.”

Not only is a student-led Mass beneficial to the students leading it, but to the student body as a whole, according to McGraw. She said Mass at school feels less like something she is forced to go to.

“Your choir and your cantors are students, your Eucharistic ministers are students, the people leading into the Mass are students,” McGraw said. “It makes it a lot more meaningful.”

The efforts of the students leading Mass are beneficial to everyone in the community, not just those leading it, according to Vani.

faith “I think a benefit that comes because the Mass is student-led is students pay more attention and care for what is happening more because they appreciate their peers’ work towards the Mass,” Vani said.

As a Eucharistic minister, senior Francesca Dessert said she enjoys working with her peers to make Mass feel special.

“It’s really fun to work with the priest and be up at the altar,” Dessert said. “It makes me feel better about Mass and look forward to it.”

Involving students directly with all-school Mass is an aspect of the school that increases the feeling of community, epecially for students, according to Dessert.

“I think it really helps students get involved with the church and get back into their faith,” Dessert said. “It’s a good way for students to feel they belong to a community.”

27

VIVA BISHOP

MIEGE Students participate in the “Viva” traditon as they raise their fists and repeat after the leader. The “Viva’s” take place at the end of Mass and honor the school and the liturgy. The tradition was brought back after requests to continue it. | DELANEY JOHNSON

MINISTRY THROUGH MASS AVA BELCHEZ COPY EDITOR

Campus minister Bill Creach is heavily involved in each all-school Mass. According to him, Mass is the most important way he serves and he is thankful for the students that serve alongside him.

“I’m happy to have kids step up who want to lector and the kids that want to help with eucharistic ministers, as well as the choir that Mrs. Christie organizes,” Creach said.

Creach said that having students, especially seniors, helping out with Mass encourages underclassmen to step up as leaders once they are in their place.

“One of the big goals and objectives of Miege is to develop leaders and give them opportunities to lead,” Creach said.

Overall, having students in leadership positions during all-school Mass is valuable to the entire community, according to Creach.

“It’s beneficial for me because number one, I need the help,” Creach said. “Number two, I think it’s important for the community to see young people in those roles.”

Creach said he would rather have students assisting with Mass than adults, and agrees that being involved with Mass motivates them to pay attention.

“It makes you focus more on what’s being shared, what’s being said, what’s being sung, what’s going on around you,” Creach said. “I think it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

FIRST COME

FIRST SERVE As Mass begins, freshman Michaela Wilcox and junior Dawson Utt process into the gym. They are regular altar servers at all-school Masses. According to Wilcox, she reached out to campus minister Bill Creach about becoming an altar server. | A’MYRAH CHEADLE

28

athletics

TAKING THE LEAD Sophomore bowler Olivia Fonseca, senior basketball players Emajin McCallop and Xavier Hall, senior swimmer Blake Allen and ILLUSTRATION | MARY-KATHRYN WERT sophomore wrestler Maria Ziegler represent the winter sport that they compete in. | ALENA GILLESPIE

ALENA GILLESPIE FEATURES EDITOR

Xavier Hall

Basketball has been part of senior Xavier Hall’s life since he was 6. He has been playing the game ever since, all year round.

For the upcoming season, Hall prepares to take a leadership role.

“I want to make connections with my teammates on and off the court,” Hall said. “I’ll do this by staying in contact with them and being friends with them.”

Hall said he looks up to head basketball coach Rick Zych.

“I admire his competitiveness,” Hall said. “He always wants to win.”

Hall’s favorite moment from playing in high school was when Miege won the state championship last year. His top goal is to do the same this year.

“I think a lot of people are underestimating us because we lost Mark [Mitchell] and Taj [Manning],” Hall said. “I still think we’re going to be really good and win several games.”

With a smaller team this year, Hall said he feels that the team will still fit in nicely.

“I think we’ll be able to spread the floor out, so we will be able to play faster,” Hall said. “I’m looking forward to playing with a new set of guys.”

Olivia Fonseca

Motivated by her dad, sophomore Olivia Fonseca has been bowling since she was 5.

As a freshman last year, Fonseca qualified individually for state.

This year, she said she aims for the entire team to make it.

“I’m hoping we qualify for state as a team this year,” Fonseca

said. “We were only a couple pins away from qualifying the team last year.”

According to Fonseca, the team aspect has allowed her to develop friendships, and she is excited to meet the incoming athletes this year.

“I am looking forward to the new people on the team,” Fonseca said.

Fonseca said head bowling coach, Matt Eshelbrenner, has a way for driving the team.

“He motivates us really well,” Fonseca said.

Fonseca encourages anyone considering joining the bowling team to go for it.

“Don’t knock it until you try it,” Fonseca said. “Most people who do bowling have never bowled before.”

Jack Leavey

During senior Jack Leavey’s sophomore year, he was dragged to dive practice by upperclassman Ethan Waris after not wanting to go.

Today, Leavey is inspired by Waris to continue diving.

For Leavey’s third year competing at dive, he hopes to place high after placing third at state last season.

A moment of dive that stands out to Leavey was during his first ever meet.

“Ethan and I both failed out of our meets and then the next week after, we got first and second,” Leavey said.

Being the only athlete on the dive team, Leavey practices with other dive teams at Blue Valley Southwest. Leavey said he admires his dive coach Jeanette Giangrosso. He hopes anyone interested in diving joins.

“It’s a really good team,” Leavey said.

Tyler Pankey One event can be a gateway to a person’s life.

For sophomore Tyler Pankey, his dad took him to a wrestling tournament when he was seven. Pankey has competed ever since.

“I’ve been wrestling every year,” Pankey said. “My Grandpa Mark, who competed in high school, inspires me.”

Pankey has set a goal for himself to place in the top three at state.

“I want to compete to the best of my ability,” Pankey said.

At wrestling practice, Coach Ryan Wrigley has the athletes run, do wrestling drills and do lives. Lives are similar to matches.

“He pushes and drives me,” Pankey said.

Before matches, Pankey ties his faith into the sport.

“I pray before every match,” Pankey said.

As a freshman last year, Pankey qualified for state and had a final record of 24-7.

“It feels pretty good,” Pankey said. “I don’t want to be one of the best. I want to be the best.”

Maria Ziegler

Since winter of last year, sophomore Maria Ziegler has competed on the girls’ wrestling team.

The girls’ wrestling team started last year and had a total of three wrestlers. This season, Ziegler as well as two other female wrestler will be on the team.

Ziegler said she was happy when she heard that the school was starting a girls team.

“My brother [initiated me] to do wrestling,” Ziegler said. “He wrestled the four years he was at Miege.”

According to Ziegler, wrestling has had a positive impact on her life.

“I train outside of school, but Miege is where I do all of my competitions,” Ziegler said. “It’s my life.”

Before every wrestling tournament, Ziegler listens to rap music as part of her pre-match ritual.

This season, Ziegler hopes to make it to state and get Miege a trophy.

“It is a hard sport that you have to commit to, but it is really fun,” Zieger said. “You really have to focus.”

Blake Allen

Senior Blake Allen was inspired by his parents to swim.

According to Allen, his parents put him in swimming at a young age thinking it was something he would enjoy.

Allen has been swimming for around eight years. “[Swimming] is a place where I do not have to think about anything,” Allen said. “I go, work hard, any of my other problems are gone for that time.”

To top off his senior season, Allen joined a club team to prepare for his year.

“I wanted to get ready for the swim season before it actually happens,” Allen said.

This year, Allen is taking the role of a senior captain.

athletics

29

“I’ll make sure that the team is really working hard and that no one feels left out,” Allen said. “We are all working together to become better.”

According to Allen, he hopes the swimmers will succeed as a team.

“I definitely have expectations that we will get better as a group,” Allen said.

Individually, Allen has set his own goal for the season.

“I definitely want to win a few meets,΅ Allen said.

Swim coach Dennis Mueller has a positive impact on Allen.

“He’s a very friendly and very generous person,” Allen said. ¨He’s all around a really great person and coach.”

Jack Brown

Encouraged by his friends to bowl, senior Jack Brown joined the bowling team his sophomore year.

This season, Brown is looking forward to the Topeka tournament. In previous seasons, driving to this tournament in the school’s white bus has been one of Brown’s favorite memories.

“It is really fun because we get together for a couple days,” Brown said.

A pre tournament ritual that Brown does before each meet is listen to music.

“Rap is my favorite,” Brown said.

According to Brown, his highest score in one game is around 230 pins. Brown said he appreciates the way bowling coach Matt Eshelbrenner conveys to the athletes.

“I admire his ability to communicate with everyone,” Brown said.

Brown said he wishes that anyone with an interest in the sport joins this season.

“It is a lot of fun and you don’t have to be super good,” Brown said.

Emajin McCallop

Basketball has been part of senior captain Emajin McCallop’s life since she was three years old. Next year, McCallop is committed to playing basketball at Alabama A&M. “I come from a basketball family,” McCallop said. “Seeing all of them doing it growing up, I wanted to do it.”

Due to a knee injury, McCallop will be supporting her teammates for the majority of the season off of the court. “[I’ll be] keeping the bench energy alive, as well as echoing the coaches play calling,” McCallop said.

According to McCallop, she will also be helping the younger players adjust to high school basketball.

“I still have to lead my team on and off the court,” McCallop said.

McCallop said she looks forward to watching her teammates and encouraging them throughout the season.

“I’m really excited to see what the team does this year and how they overcome and adapt to all these changes,” McCallop said. “I can’t wait to support them the whole way.”

30

athletics

CHANGING THE PLAY

Father and son make transition of head coach position MARY-KATHRYN WERT & EMMA LAZARCZYK STAFF WRITERS

T

he name Terry English goes handin- hand with the legacy of girls basketball. In fact, English has been the only head coach of the girls basketball team. He has led the team since it was started in 1976 and has continued to shape its reputation.

After 45 years, English has retired from his position as girls basketball head coach and handed the position of leading his legacy over to his son, Jeff English.

Ever since Jeff was a little kid, he spent time at basketball practice with his father. According to Jeff, he would watch practice and sit on the bench.

“It’s kind of always been a passion of mine,” Jeff said. “I grew up always hanging around Miege, always hanging around the basketball programs.”

Jeff spent most of his childhood in the Miege gymnasium and, according to Jeff, he was never grounded when he was younger.

“My mom and dad just wouldn’t let me go to girls basketball practices, and so that shaped me up right away,”

Jeff said.

Jeff has always had a part of the program and actively participated even as a child.

“Jeff has been with me... since he was knee high,” English said, with his voice choking up. “He’s just kind of just like me.

He loves the game, he loves to be around the kids.”

For the past 14 years, Jeff has also been working alongside his dad on the court as assistant coach. This season, Jeff’s job will

by the numbers

22

championship titles

45

years as head coach look different as he takes charge and leads the team.

“There are a lot of things that I am going to take from my dad,” Jeff said. “He set such a good foundation here that my job is to continue that but add little wrinkles that make it mine, but at the same time keeping the foundation the way it is.”

Working as a father-son duo, the coaches’ bond creates a dynamic atmosphere on the

court that shifts the mood of the game, according to both English and Jeff.

“It’s a bond that you have with a father and a son that not many people are able to have,” Jeff said. “You agree on a lot of things and you disagree on a lot of things.

I think that has made our relationship stronger. All of the state — championships that we have won together — those are always memorable, but just the day-to-day is just as memorable too.”

The team has become a family for both Jeff and English as they have shaped the basketball program, they said. According to Jeff, he has received opportunities to coach at other schools, but he turned them down because he feels that Miege is where he belongs.

“Sports in general is a huge part of my life, the comradery of the competitive spirit of it, the sense of team, of community, of playing for your school,” Jeff said. “Miege has been a huge part of my life, I went to school here and graduated in ‘02, played football, basketball, baseball, you know I still have friends that are a huge part of my life from Miege, and I think sports kind of brings that out in you.”

Handing over the team to his son after all these years was not an easy decision, English said.

“It was very difficult, very difficult,” English said, as he looked over his shoulder at the girls warming up. “Finally doing it and saying it - it was tough.”

Jeff said that some players will play in college; however, most of them will end their career after high school. He hopes that the girls realize the friendships they create now are more important than the wins. The season may only last a few months, but the team is something that the players will always hold with them forever, Jeff said.

“I hope that sometimes [the players] just take a step back and realize that these are the days that they will remember for the rest of their lives and to really enjoy them and to cherish them, not get so

FLASHBACK Coach English shows his team the way. | The Hart Yearbook 1977 with original caption

athletics

31

accomplished all of that.”

THE FIRST STEP

First girls basketball story from the Miegian Archives This is a story from the Miegian written in 1976 about Coach Terry English’s first year at Miege.

MIKE HILL

STAFF WRITER (1976)

The basketball program is now in gear as both teams have started practicing for their coming seasons. The girls’ team, the first in Miege’s history on a state competition level, opens its season Dec. 1 at O’Hara. The boys’ team, hoping to rebuild after a disastrous 1-19 record last year, begin its season at home Dec. 3 against St. Pius.

The girls’ team is coached by Mr. Terry English, who will be a student teacher second semester at Miege. Coach English is aided

by Miss Rose Mary Falke and Mr. Bill Reardon.

According to Coach Reardon, over 100 girls tried out for the team. The team is composed basically of underclassmen as only two seniors and two juniors made the team. Coach Reardon last coached in 1969, when he finished directing six years of freshman football and basketball for the Stags.

“The second year I coached at Miege,” remarked Coach Reardon. “Mr. English was a freshman. He was the best basketball player I coached in basketball in the six years. The team he was on finished the season with a 10-1.”

“I want girls’ athletics to be established at Miege,” stated Coach Reardon. “If the girls’ team does not have a better than average record then I will be very surprised.”

“ There are a lot of things that I am going to take from my dad.

“

wrapped up in being so serious about it,” Jeff said.

English started the girls basketball program and has watched it evolve over the years.

“It feels good to hand over the program to my son, it really doesn’t feel good to hand over the program,” English said. “I’m close to these kids and they mean a lot to me, and the program means a lot to me. But I know he’ll do a good job in continuing what we’ve been doing so far.”

After 45 years of building the team, English struggled with the thought of giving it up.

“Right before I left the hotel I told my wife [I was giving up head coach position],” English said. “Nobody else knew.

Jeff, none of the other coaches. None of the players knew, until I came into the locker room after the [state final] game.”

As Jeff begins to lead the team, he said he hopes to take parts of his dad’s coaching style and keep applying them on the court.

“I love how disciplined [English’s] teams were,” Jeff said.

“They were always ready to play. He instilled a confidence in them that showed on the court when they got out there to play games. They knew that if they did what they were asked to do, that they were put in a good position to win the game, and that’s really important.”

Even with the transition of head coach, the father-son duo will continue to work as a team to ensure the girls team continues to be a success. According to English, he will speak up when needed, but he will not get in his son’s way.

“We have a good relationship and that’s going to stay that way,” English said. “Just like when he was assistant coach and my assistant, he didn’t agree with what I was doing. There may be some things I don’t agree with the way he does it, but still, whatever happens he backed me and whatever he does I’ll back him. We have to live with that.”

English said he is looking forward to how the team grows without him as head coach and how his legacy continues.

“I didn’t want this to be a girls program, I just wanted it to be a basketball program,” English said. “I knew that the girls couldn’t jump as fast and in some cases can’t run as fast or none of them will ever be able to dunk or anything like that, but I wanted them to play the kind of basketball that people enjoyed coming to watch, and I think we

HEAD COACH JEFF ENGLISH

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Posing confidently, junior Harrison Roth and seniors William Anderson and Jaylen Burch perform a remix of “Jingle Bell Rock” in the lip-sync competition on Dec. 2. Roth, Anderson and Burch competed as members of the Millie Herd; each herd performed three 30-second skits with Millie taking second place. | EMMA LAZARCYZK