I am excited to share with you the second issue of the school year. I would like to start by thanking the readers for their amazing support. Your encouraging comments have made such a positive impact on our work. I would also like to applaud our amazing Editor-In-Chief, Elaina Gibson, for her passion and commitment to creating a high-quality newspaper, as well as our whole writing team for their dedication and creativity in writing such incredible stories. None of this would be possible without you. This edition showcases the many talents we have here at Miege, from incredible photos of the Fall Musical to a heartfelt testimonial of faith. We hope you enjoy reading this winter issue as much as we enjoyed making it!
ELISE OBLEPIAS
DESIGN EDITOR
CAMPUS GOES C.S.I.
SCAN FOR WEBSITE
On Oct. 22, seniors from the Medical Interventions class had the opportunity to participate in a crime lab at Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas. During their visit, students were shown the advanced processes and technologies used by professionals in forensic investigations. Senior Rowan Epps performed gel electrophoresis to analyze samples of DNA from a crime scene to identify suspects. I CLARE HANSEN
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
Senior Kirston Verhulst leads the girls volleyball team through the gym to celebrate their third consecutive state championship win. “I was a little bit nervous walking around the gym because there were a lot of people in there, but it was nice to see the support from everyone after we won,” Verhulst said. Verhulst has focused on leading the team by example, working hard to show the underclassmen how the team needs to play in order to win. “It was a pretty intense game, but our level of competitiveness really showed.” I EVAN ULMER
The Miegian staff from 2022-2023 & 202324 earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA, All-American rating from NSPA and were the state champions in the 4A division.
NEWS BRIEFS
LOCAL
LUMINOUS LIGHTS
Jingle Kansas City at the Legends Field had its grand opening on Nov. 30 and will remain open until Dec. 31. The attraction offers a magic forest ice skating trail, snow tubing and a winter wonderland light maze. Jingle celebrates the season of generosity with 12 Days of Giving by donating to 12 different charities including Children’s Mercy, Hope Kids and Steps of Faith.
STATE
LOVE ON THE FIELD
Hallmark came out with a new Chiefs-based love story called, “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” with guest appearances from Donna Kelce, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and players Mecole Hardman, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and George Karlaftis. The movie was filmed in Kansas City and features familiar places like Arrowhead Stadium.
FINANCING FOOTBALL
Drawing Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to Kansas, the state has issued billions in STAR bonds so Kansas can finance new stadiums for the teams. The plans to win over the Chiefs and Royals rely on sales tax and revenue. The law will allow Kansas to pay 70% of the cost for the new stadiums which will cost over 3.5 billion dollars. Cities and counties have the option of local tax revenue.
WRECKAGE TO RESTORATION
After five years since it burned down, the Notre Dame cathedral is finally being rebuilt. The cathedral burned down on April 15, 2019, and opened Dec. 8. The reason why it was burned is still a mystery, but investigators do believe that it was an accident. Over 846 million dollars were raised for the cathedral to be rebuilt. Most of the stained glass that survived the fire was restored, bringing the cathedral’s vibrant colors back to life.
PRINT EIC
Elaina Gibson
WEB EIC
MC Dunn
COPY EDITOR
Bella Dessert
ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR
Bria Sutherlin
PHOTO EDITOR
Evan Ulmer
GRAPHICS EDITOR
Jack Gelhaus
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Mary Thompson
DESIGN EDITOR
Elise Oblepias
WRITERS
Bebe Preu
Maggie Maloney
Sophia Hart
DESIGNERS
Cody Israel
Paul Fessler
Samantha Porter
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Clare Hansen
Liza Martinez
Norah Murtha
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.
COUNTING CONSUMPTION
Students react to social media restrictions
the aftermath of people’s posts having consequences.
BY MC DUNN WEB EIC
As technology becomes a norm in 21st-century American households, social media platforms, such as YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are a part of teenager’s daily routine.
Job or school reliance are some of the reasons for usage, but studies have shown that the majority of the people targeted by social media are teenagers. According to a Pew Research Center study from 2024, one-third of teens use at least one of the top four social sites every day.
Taking matters into their own hands, Instagram has implemented restrictions to censor inappropriate content, and limits daily usage. Teen Accounts require parental permission for users 16 or under who wish to use the app longer than one hour each day.
This facet is designed to prevent doomscrolling and ease parent concerns over social media interaction, but some users disagree with the idea of enforced limitations.
Instagram user senior Emma Masters has mixed feelings on Instagram’s control decision.
“I understand the heart behind it was to get kids to stop looking at screens because of impacts on the brain development or content in general: and I don’t disagree with that,” Masters said. “But I think a lot of that should come down to what parents are allowing and not allowing their children to see, not so much up to the app itself. I don’t think we should necessarily let the creators of Instagram, TikTok or any others dictate what people should be able to consume.”
Masters follows creators that post faithrelated content to incorporate Christian values into browsing, but has also seen
“Kids are stupid,” Masters said. “From personal experience, there are people who have posted some really hurtful things about me on the internet and I wouldn’t wish that upon anybody. That stuff is out there forever, and within the first ten minutes of these things being posted I got screenshots from different people and the users were not let off the hook.”
Instagram has also implemented “automatic protections” for teenagers, covering sensitive content, public interactions, sleep disturbance and vulnerability. The teen accounts prohibit outreach to strangers and filter out potentially inappropriate material from the viewer. It also sets the accounts to automatically private and a “sleep mode” that mutes the app from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
While Masters explained that she struggles with the imposed limitations, other social media users such as freshman Drew Kurt, who is new to social media and spends an estimated three hours every day scrolling, needs help being held accountable for his online actions and thinks the limitations are good and needed for everyone.
“Instagram and social media are taking over, and I know I’m on it too much,” Kurt said. “My friends and I need someone to tell us to get off of it. So I think (the restrictions) are very helpful for everyone.”
This new limitation will cut down their usage to a third of previous time, which he feels supports the conditions of society.
“I see social media taking over the world and everyone using their phones for everything,” Kurt said. “Too many people are not caring about their emotional well-being,
so I think social media does need actual restrictions on everything for our own good.”
Instagram publicly defended its barriers. Professionals and researchers in the social media field agree with the new account restrictions. Dr. William Datema, President of the National Parent Teacher Association and Lucy Thomas, CEO of bullying-prevention organization Project Rockit, are two of the faces who have commented on the impact it will have on teenagers.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, Threads and WhatsApp, will implement the default supervision settings to only Instagram within the next 60 days across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
“There’s no doubt that social media does disrupt our relationships with not only others but also ourselves,” Masters said. “But I think everything is good in moderation, and we are so blessed to be in a country where we can express freedom of speech to the extent that is on social media and I don’t want that taken away by new restrictions. I think it’s just really important that we are cautious of what we are putting out into the world.”
Teens spend an average of on their phones each day
8 hr, 39 mins
A TEST OF FAITH Rediscovering God in times of tragedy
BY BRIA SUTHERLIN
ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR
Blessings before every lunch since preschool and prayers at the beginning and end of school days echo throughout my life. The presence of God constantly surrounds me, but I didn’t truly realize its comforting impact until this past year.
Conflicting opinions of religion would float among my sisters and parents. I remember looking at my couch downstairs, where my family used to snuggle up, shoulder to shoulder with one person sitting on top of us so we could all fit in while watching movies. As I walked into my living room, I realized how I can now stretch my full body out on the couch and how my Saturday nights, once spent with my sisters, are now spent with my friends out of the house. My sisters had all officially moved out, and my mom had been with my grandpa who was in the hospital for almost the entire winter of my sophomore year. My independence was increasing but I was afraid.
because I was so worried, I would categorize myself as being lukewarm to Christ. I became warmer towards Christ while I was alone and in desperate need of comfort. I prayed so hard to God that everything became silent, the first time in so long. Ever since that night I knew I could put my trust in God.
I continue to try to grow my relationship with Him and, at this point, I crave for more of the Lord. I went to adoration that spring and just knelt at the altar with the healing sheet feeling the same relief. I could physically feel Him lift this huge weight off my shoulders, which caused my real discovery of how the Lord works for me.
My grandpa, going through this
Ever since that night I knew I could put my trust in God. “ “
Junior Bria Sutherlin
changed my life. He survived his heart attack and is still with us today. I truly believe that if that night I had not prayed as hard as I did, things could have been much worse. It was a miracle to me, and it was
what brought me to the relationship I have with God today. I pray every night and ask Him questions about Him and His plan for me. Before, I had never taken time out of my day to spend with him, but now I seek places where I find a connection to God. I pray and talk to him at the lake by my house or an isolated field where the sun goes down on the horizon. I realize now that God is making this life hard on purpose, for me to learn and grow. I have been taught more lessons than I could have imagined between my sophomore and junior years. I learned that He is with me and is constantly doing things for me. He is our biggest cheerleader and sometimes it takes a major life event to realize it.
DESIGN | SAMI PORTER
GIVE YOURSELF AWAY
Finding purpose in serving others
BY ELAINA GIBSON PRINT EIC
Service is most often thought of during the Christmas season but shouldn’t be forgotten during high school. It not only helps people in need but allows for spiritual and moral growth that may lead to finding your purpose.
For many students, the 80-hour service requirement to graduate seems initially daunting. Venturing towards the path of doing the least amount of work possible seems to be most people’s first choice at the start of the journey. But I strongly advise against taking the easy route, as what you put into the world is what you get out. Through hours of hard work, meeting new faces and putting yourself in the shoes of people facing unimaginable barriers, your mindset shifts into one, not of obligation, but love.
As I entered my sophomore year of high school, I started the Catholic Women’s Empowerment Club, rooted in the belief that we can grow closer to God through serving others. Our first project was serving a meal at Sheffield Place, an organization that helps mothers and their children take the journey from homelessness to selfsufficiency.
This act of making and serving dinner gave the families an hour of peace in their chaotic lives. That is why the service of high school students matters. You have to recognize it is nearly impossible to change someone’s life in a few hours, but you can give them your time, talent and treasure to create feelings of serenity that will have a larger impact when combined.
In the last three years of the club’s existence, we have gifted these peaceful moments and delicious meals to over 120 people impacted by homelessness. Bringing together one community to help another has been a
profound experience shaping who I am and what I value.
The same thing happens to many people. They find an organization that aligns with what they are passionate about and put their heart into participating as much as possible. If you like engineering you can help with middle school clinics or the building of costumes for children with disabilities. Maybe you find joy in reading and you opt to teach that love to the next generation. Sports camps and open gyms are held where athletes can share their skills and work ethic, leaving little kids feeling supported and inspired. The things that make us happy can be our driving force for why and how we serve others.
2 Corinthians 9:7 says “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” These perfect words are the epitome of what you have to do in order to live fully. Humbling yourself and allowing the Lord to work through you is the recipe for joy. Serving others has given me friendships, gratitude and a strong sense of purpose I would not have otherwise. Even if you feel reluctant about certain projects I urge each and every one of you to go outside your comfort zone and say yes to serving others. You will never regret it.
SERVING WITH SMILES
Making a plate for a Sheffield Place resident, CWEC club members volunteer in the second yearly dinner held in January. I COURTESY PHOTO
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Seniors
PLATING WITH CARE
The first ever dinner made by the Catholic Women’s Empowerment Club for Sheffield Place.
and teachers. I COURTESY PHOTO
Elaina Gibson, Clare Hansen, Julia Meyers and Kristina Erskine have served the women at Sheffield Place for all three years. Their last time before graduating, as the annual tradition comes to an end. I COURTESY PHOTO
Senior Kristina Erskine served the dinner made with donations received from students
“I love when it gets cold enough outside for me to go iceskating. I grew up on the ice, so skating brings back good memories.”
Clare Hansen | staff photographer
“One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking sugar cookies with my family using my grandma’s recipe.”
“I can’t wait for snow days and the ability to build a snow man. It makes spending time outside so much fun.”
Elise Oblepias | design editor
“Starting a fire and getting toasty during the cold winter months gives me so much comfort. It makes it feel like Christmas.”
Mary Thompson | social media editor MC Dunn | web eic
UNSUNG HEROES
Staffers work in plain site to help all
BY BEBE PREU STAFF WRITER
From maintenance to ministry, staffers who largely go unnoticed by students help keep classrooms clean, stomachs full, equipment operational, and faith-life strong. They are the behind-the-scenes “heroes.”
Faculty including Campus Ministry (CMT) assistants, cafeteria workers, maintenance technicians and custodial staffers each contribute different skills to the school.
One such worker is Director of Facilities, Thomas Bagley. He is dedicated to the school’s maintenance and the well-being of its students.
“(My) biggest responsibility is the health and safety of the students,” Bagley said.
Bagley oversees a team of six custodians who strive to upkeep safety and functionality throughout the school.
“Custodians do all the work: they clean and fix things around the school,” Bagley said.
As a former heating and air management technician, Bagley finds a different kind of joy working at a Catholic high school.
“It’s not as stressful as the previous jobs I worked in, and I would say they weren’t quite as fulfilling as working here is,” Bagley said.
However, Bagley also faces a variety of challenges in his line of work, dealing with stress management and a fluctuating schedule.
“Trying to deal with the ebbs and the flows and everything that pops up, and staying on top of all that while also keeping on top of my calendar can be challenging,” Bagley said. “Maintenance doesn’t really wait when there’s an emergency, we have to get on it.”
Although Bagley says his interactions with students are limited, he cherishes the relationships he has fostered with a handful of students.
“It’s nice to interact with (students) and see them succeed,” Bagley said.
On the first floor of the school, Deborah Schraeder greets students as they enter the CMT. As the administrative assistant, she is responsible for organizing mission trips and tracking service hours; but beyond that, she loves lending support to anybody who walks in the door.
“Just being with the students is a lot more fun than I would’ve anticipated,” Schraeder said. “I enjoy getting to know them all and I kind of feel like a mother to them.”
Before working for the school, Schraeder worked as a realtor. She describes her current career as the perfect fit for her.
“I loved being a realtor but it wasn’t conducive to family life, so I was looking for something that was more flexible,” Schraeder said. “Then, this spot became available, and it truly was a Godsend.”
As Schraeder arrives at school in the mornings, lunch lady Victoria Baca has already prepared fresh meals for the day ahead. Her day, preparing and cooking the cafeteria’s food, starts at 6:30 a.m. to have all of the selections ready by lunch time.
Baca values the interactions she shares with students throughout the day.
“It’s special to see all the students grow up throughout the four years they are here,” Baca said.
She expressed how feedback from the students about the food provides an idea to her staff on how satisfied students are with their meals. They have to pay close attention to which items students
SMILING BRIGHTLY
Chef Angelica Martinez enjoys serving tacos to students on Taco Tuesday. “I came to Miege because I heard good things about the school,” Martinez said. “The students are very lovable, and I enjoy interacting with them every day.”
I LIZA MARTINEZ
are selecting to meet demand.
“Our main goal is really just to make something the students will enjoy, that’s what makes us enjoy what we do,” Baca said.
People can forget about the careers outside of teaching that make the institution possible. Although they might not teach a specific classes, many have found ways to build relationships through interactions such as brief conversations or sharing the Catholic faith.
“Knowing that I can hopefully make a difference in other people’s lives, and working through a Catholic High School is a lot more fulfilling: that’s what I value about working here,” Bagley said.
ARGUING TO VICTORY
DEBATE TEAM PREPARES FOR REGIONALS
BY BELLA DESSERT
COPY EDITOR
Diving into the season, the debate team prepares for weekend competitions and ultimately state in the winter season with hours of practice and work throughout the year. 20 year National Forensics League and Debate coach, Melissa Reynolds, leads the team through the process of long hours and work.
Developing students’ critical thinking and public speaking skills, tournaments begin in mid-September and peaks in January with the State Debate Tournament.
After losing a handful of seniors from the team, the group remains small but each member presents different assets. The team is made up of 12 advanced debaters and around 20 first-year members.
Seniority is a large aspect throughout sports, extracurriculars and clubs as leadership is a tool developed through the skill set that students work on and advance while being on the team.
“As a senior and the vice president of debate this year, I feel way more responsibility than in past years,”
senior Kristina Erskine said. “The underclassmen and juniors look up to me for guidance and leadership and to raise this team to a level of excellence.”
Preparation for these competitions consists of many layers from research and backing cases to physical and mental preparation, with long, committed days at competition beginning at 5 a.m.
“Looking through and familiarizing yourself with your case and with the evidence that is compiled can go a long way to making your tournament experience more convenient,” third-year returner junior Joshua Collins said.
Collins expressed that his favorite part about debate at the school is the people and community, who are always welcoming and accepting.
“Every year, Mrs. Reynolds plans events such as the Debate Football game and the end-of-year debate Christmas party, which bring everyone closer together,” Collins said.
On Nov. 23, the team hosted their own debate competition in the school with students such as senior Oliver Busenhart who achieved Premier Distinction, the highest degree in the National Speech and Debate Association Honor Society.
“Knowing your side of an argument as well as the opponents and understanding
new perspectives during competitions has always been one of my highlights,” Busenhart said.
Typically each tournament consists of five debate rounds with each round having a two-person team debating the Affirmative side against another team debating the Negative.
“The idea is to present evidence to build your case in constructives, answer questions in cross-examination, and then refute your opponents’ arguments while strengthening your own arguments in your rebuttals,” four-year senior Joseph Schmidt said.
Schmidt added this year’s topic discusses the strengthening of domestic intellectual property rights, a much more complex topic than in previous years, requiring bigger emphasis on speaking ability as opposed to evidence quality for the season.
Throughout the high school experience, forming bonds between under and upperclassmen is important and helps strong partnerships lead to winning medals.
“When you put in eight hours of your Saturday debating at a tournament, being recognized and brought on a stage, receiving a medal and recognition makes the whole process worth it,” Schmidt said.
REBUTTING OPPOSING CLAIMS In debate class, senior Oliver Busenhart expresses his talents through speech. “Debate has really helped me see new perspectives on how to express my opinions and arguments,” Busenhart said. I CLARE HANSEN
CALLED TO SERVE Season of giving emphasizes student’s service
BY ELAINA GIBSON
PRINT EIC
By distributing a hot meal to a person experiencing homelessness at a local food kitchen, senior Nikita John grows a deeper understanding of the power of following Jesus’s commandment to care for one’s neighbor.
Upon graduation, students are required to complete at least 80 service hours. According to Campus Ministry Director Bill Creach, this number was designed for students to build deeper connections with members of the community and find God through humble good deeds. Half of the service hours completed are under the “corporal works of mercy” category that are fulfilled by helping people face to face.
“It’s important to help keep score for a freshman volleyball game,” Creach said. “It’s important to help out on back-to-school night, but I think it’s most important to help people who need help the most. Those are the ones who have less or are experiencing hardship, the people Jesus told us to help.”
The approved “corporal works
of mercy” list includes a variety of organizations that work to enhance the lives of those in need. By pushing students to experience acts of service
“ “
...all I can think of is, if God allowed me to do this, I am already blessed.
Senior Nikita John
outside their comfort zone, John credits volunteering at a food kitchen for helping her build connections with people she wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
“I’ve met all sorts of personalities on the other side of the counter,” John said. “Many of them say “God bless you” when they are handed their tray, and all I can think of is, if God allowed me to do this, I’m already
blessed. That person in need could have been Jesus, and it’s a good idea to treat Him at the homeless shelter the same way I’d have treated Him if He showed up at my house in a golden chariot.”
Though serving others alone inspires much growth, junior Joseph Charles was particularly impacted by attending the annual spring break West Virginia mission trip with his classmates.
“West Virginia helped me build community with the people I go to school with and showed me just how fortunate I really am,” Charles said. “My group went to this old lady named Donna’s house. She was getting a little bit old for her stairs, so we built her a ramp so she could get to her front yard and her car a lot easier.”
Charles and John agreed that building relationships rooted in a love for serving others is a good path to fulfilling friendships.
“Volunteering in groups definitely makes light work, and it’s not a bad idea to spend time with people you like while doing good work,” John said. “It makes the time go by faster, and bonding with other volunteers is quite fun.”
The campus ministry team and theology department provide various service opportunities for students to gain hours, each year trying to get more students to participate. Junior theology teacher Patricia Arnold passes her meaning of service onto her students.
“Service gives us an opportunity to be like Christ,” Arnold said. “Especially what Jesus said about serving the least of our brothers and sisters, taking care of those who are not being taken care of.”
Arnold says students initially serve because somebody made them like a parent or teacher, but then they realized that it was more fulfilling to give than to receive.
“When I look at the number of hours being volunteered, certain students have well over what they need and are still going out,” Arnold said. “Those students seem passionate,
GIFTING WITH CARE
and when I offer opportunities and they sign up for them, it’s clear that they care about serving others, not just checking off a box.”
Students are prepared to take the sentiment of service they have learned and strive to continue it in their future careers.
Senior Jayden Reyes attributes her time spent volunteering at St. Mary’s food kitchen to wanting to help more people on a larger scale.
WRAPPING AND LAUGHING
“I love how hands-on it is,” Reyes said. “I enjoy cooking, and I feel the good spirit from everyone every time I help. It’s made me want to eventually start my own nonprofit organization to help those who are in need. Seeing the young children made me realize how fortunate I am and want to pass it along.”
John uses community service to prepare for her entrance into the medical field. By volunteering at Belton Regional Medical Center’s emergency room, oncology facility, lab and kitchen, she furthers her ambitions in making protecting and connecting with people her purpose.
“At first I joined their staff because I wanted some exposure to the medical field and they were the only hospital in
Sophomore Gavin Lankford wraps donations for the Don Bosco Christmas fundraiser. “I like helping the community around me,” Lankford said. “Herd time was fun, and I enjoyed wrapping presents with my friends.” I LIZA MARTINEZ
Carefully wrapping gifts, senior Addison Tindle dedicates time to helping her community by donating items for Red Bag. “I think Red Bag is important because we get to help out families in need, and it makes the kids feel special,” Tindle said. “I don’t think kids should have to worry about Christmas, and helping out like this takes stress off the parents’ shoulders.” I LIZA MARTINEZ
the area accepting minors my age, but I soon grew to love the environment,”
John said. “Most of all though, I enjoy the “forgotten” jobs around the place, it reminds me that there is dignity and importance in the little things.”
As Christmas approaches an emphasis on giving is put into the season with the annual school-wide Don Bosco Red Bag fundraiser. Each herd is in charge of buying presents for a different family, sparking school-wide participation. Charles appreciates how the community comes together to support hardworking people.
“I like that we’re helping out a family in need,” Charles said. “Knowing that with our contributions we affect their Christmas, and that will mean a lot to them. I feel like my heart grows because it has an amazing impact on people and you really see how grateful they are.”
Wrapping gifts and making donations is one of John’s favorite school traditions. Giving to the same family for three years in a row added a personal connection as she watched the two kids grow up.
PILES OF PRESENTS
Grace
during Red Bag wrapping day for an adopted family. “Red Bag is important because we are helping people who are less fortunate than us,” Stella said.
“As a Catholic community, we need to help others.” I LIZA MARTINEZ
“As an added plus, that family brings an entire herd together,” John said. “We’re all working for the same cause and loving it. It adds to the sense of community we’ve been building here.
They don’t do it because they’re told to. They do it because they know they should as leaders. “ “
Campus Ministry Director Bill Creach
When it comes to charity, the more the merrier.”
In the spirit of helping others, Creach emphasizes that the small acts of kindness that come from an attitude of service are why getting into the
practice is so important.
“Our first Herdsgiving or Christmas party the execs stuck around and cleaned up in the commons,” Creach said. “It was a mess, Skittles and trash all over the place. We didn’t announce at the time that they had to stick around. They just stayed and helped, and that’s become kind of a tradition for the student leaders. They don’t do it because they’re told to. They do it because they know they should as leaders.”
In Pope John Paul II’s quote, Arnold finds the meaning of service: “The more ready you are to give yourself to God and to others, the more you discover the authentic meaning of life.” John finds significance in the expression “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” While community service is not strictly Catholic, John values how the church draws attention to its ties with Jesus.
“My faith definitely plays a role in my wanting to serve,” John said. “I like to think I’m doing to others what God would do for me in a heartbeat. I could very well be that person in need one day.
Senior
Stella sorts presents
STAGS SERVING
FINDING COMMUNITY
Senior Rose Lopez paints primer on the ceiling of a food pantry during the West Virginia service trip. “As cliche as it sounds, giving back to a community helps you realize how much you really have and can be thankful for,” Lopez said. “Being able to hang out with the community lets you see the flip side of what a great life you live.”
I COURTESY PHOTO
BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS
Singing with his friends around the campfire, junior Ryan Hutchinson enjoys community-building time on the West Virginia service trip. “It allowed me to know that I can do things in life for other people,” Hutchinson said. “I could instantly see the change happen with the big smiles on people’s faces while we were there, or how we actually made life-changing impacts for them.”
I COURTESY PHOTO
CAREFULLY CONSTRUCTING
Sophomore Jayshawn Willoughby constructs a wheelchair ramp on the West Virginia service trip. “On the trip, I learned that I’m very grateful for what I have, and I’m grateful for what I can do for others,” Willoughby said. “I feel like this trip brought me closer to God, and I pray to Him as much as I can.”
I COURTESY PHOTO
PERSPECTIVES stag
1. SINGING IN FALL SPIRIT
Sophomore Aaron Asjes is excited to be singing at the fall concert. “I’ve been singing ever since I was little, and it’s something I enjoy doing,” Asjes said. “It’s a fun group of kids, and Mrs. Christie is a really great teacher. She really helps to develop our character.”
I LIZA MARTINEZ
1.
2. PIPETTE PRECISION
Senior Michaela Wilcox prepares to pipette DNA samples to run gel electrophoresis in Medical Interventions, the third class in the Biomedical Science PLTW track. “In a lot of classes, you don’t get to be as hands on, but we get out all the instruments and use samples from our own bodies,” Wilcox said. “We get to test our DNA and see the results in real life.”
I CLARE HANSEN
3. RACING FOR THE WIN
Determined to win the octopus race, sophomore Henry Hogard drags his partners across the gym floor. “I like competing in general, but doing it with my herd for points and being on a team with others is more fun,” Hogard said. “Some of my closest buddies came from being in Lucas.”
I EVAN ULMER
2.
4. IMPACTING WITH EMPHASIS
Junior Joshua Collins gives a speech for Impact Day to the student body about his summer working for the Pro-X Internship. “It was an opportunity to branch out of my comfort zone and put my speaking skills on display,” Collins said. “I learned to connect with other people and be more committed to what I’m doing.”
I EVAN ULMER
3.
4.
5. DECORATING WITH A PASSION
Senior Emma Masters spends herd time decorating the Lucas Christmas tree. “It’s a good way for us to band together, and we’re all able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves,” Masters said. “I think people feel more in community when they have a purpose.”
I LIZA MARTINEZ
6. PLAYING WITH CAUTION
Freshman Connor Droege has fun playing Jenga during Herdsgiving. “I really enjoyed spending time with friends and being able to connect with my fellow herd members,” Droege said. “It gives us a break from the regular school schedule, and helps us have a little bit more fun in the day.”
I EVAN ULMER
7. ANALYZING THE CRIME
Junior Mary Noblitt works with a partner to analyze the results of a crime scene in her Principles of Biomedical Science class. “The class teaches me about a lot of different jobs in the medical field,” Noblitt said. “It helps show me what I’ll be interested in when I’m older.”
I CLARE HANSEN
8. JUMPING IN SPIRIT
Martina herd members cheer on teacher Matt Eshelbrenner during a mentor musical chairs competition. “I was really excited because Mr. Eshelbrenner kept winning since we had every item ready,” sophmore Michael Blount said. “Martina started off really weak at the beginning of the year, but we’re starting to come back. Mrs. Summers always says ‘It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon’, so we just strive to do the best we can in every competition.”
I EVAN ULMER
ENGINEER DISCOVERY
Inside the Hands-on, Student-Driven Classroom
BY MAGGIE MOLONEY STAFF WRITER
As students step into the house under construction across the street from the school building, engineering concepts spring to life before their eyes.
“For the last couple of weeks, we went over to the house across the street,” engineering student junior Mateo Gajewski said. “It’s being renovated and since we’re in a structural engineering class, it’s relevant to what we’re learning.”
The students toured outside the house, interacted with the construction workers and applied these experiences back in the classroom.
Junior Victor Axtell described how various lessons that differ daily keep him intrigued. For some, the appeal of engineering courses came about because of hands-on opportunities.
opportunities for learning, and collaboration experiences.
“The building part of the process, the physical thing, takes a while and never works on the first try, but it’s fun when it does start working,” Gajewski said.
Gajewski also said the balance of theoretical concepts with physical projects has been motivating him since he joined the program. A day in Clark’s class offers a mixture of activities that allow them to think about engineering from various dimensions.
He makes it possible to work with other people and to figure things out on your own.
Junior Mateo Gajewski “ “
Civil engineering class combines technical skills with hands-on projects and practical applications to reach beyond the classroom. For the students in teacher John Clark’s class, each class brings a different challenge,
“Attention to detail is really important in physical projects, you have to break down the cost of everything, whether it’s from the concrete that makes the flooring of a basement, to the
insulation of walls,” Gajewski said. Many students start with the engineering program during freshman year. A large percentage sticks with the program through senior year.
“I took engineering classes freshman year and sophomore year, so I decided that I should just keep going,” Gajewski said. “The program draws you in with hands-on projects.”
According to Axtell, the class also provides an outlet to be creative, including taking ideas and turning them into reality. Yhe appeal of engineering courses came about because of handson opportunities.
“Sometimes it’s a lot of hands-on stuff,” Axtell said. “Right now, there’s a lot of stuff in the notebook, doing floor plans, calculating different costs and that kind of thing. That’s been fun.”
Students in the class agreed that Clark’s approach is helpful in developing both independent problemsolving abilities and teamwork skills central to engineering.
“I think Mr. Clark does a very good job with the curriculum. He structures everything really well to make it engaging and, you know, fun,” Gajewski said. “He makes it possible to work with other people and to figure things out on your own.”
From fundamental lessons to handson projects, Clark’s civil engineering class introduces students to the work of an engineer, developing the skills they can continue to build on in higher level classes.
“It’s a mix of innovation and problemsolving, with a little trial and error thrown in,” Axtell said. “But that’s what makes engineering so exciting, you see something come together that you built from scratch.”
EXAMINING STRUCTURE
Junior Chris Tinoco listens intently as he learns about a house being constructed near Miege. “This class helps give me experience in the field and sets me up for a future job or occupation in an engineering-related field,” Tinoco said. I EVAN ULMER
sports HIGHLIGHTS
FEELING THE HYPE
Senior Brayden Lane positions himself for the next play in a state playoff against Tonganoxie High School. “Football is a place where I find joy,” Lane said. “We do a lot of team bonding in the weight room and talking together when we’re in groups.”
I CLARE HANSEN
BENCH BONDING
Junior Keyvonte Hudson cheers for his team as they score a point against Barstow. “The team is great, and I feel like we’ve become a family,” Hudson said. “We do a lot of team bonding, and I’ve taken some of the underclassmen under my wing.”
I NORAH MURTHA
SPOTLIGHT dance edition
Senior Lauren Lopez won the 4A Player of the Year award for volleyball. “This is my second year getting the award, and I couldn’t have done it without the team around me and my coaches who push me and make me the player I am,” Lopez said.
Stevens wins the First Team All State award for volleyball. “This is a big accomplishment of mine,” Stevens said. “I have been working for this award since freshman year. I pushed myself as hard as I could and it paid off”.
TAKING A SHOT
Freshman Keenan Poulsen jumps high for a shot against Barstow High School. “Basketball makes me feel at peace when I’m playing,” Poulsen said. “So far the team has played really well together and when we work together, we can get a lot of wins.” I NORAH
MURTHA
Sophomore Wesley Walsh drives high for a layup against Barstow High School. “I like basketball because it’s engaging and entertaining the whole time,” Walsh said. “I’ve been playing since kindergarten or preschool.” I EVAN ULMER
DYNAMITE DUNK
SENIOR LAUREN LOPEZ
SENIOR TRINNITI STEVENS
HOOPS WITH YOUTH
Girls basketball starts season off hosting clinic for kids in the community
BY MC DUNN
WEB
EDITOR
Springing for the basketball, two girls reach to the sky for the basketball hoisted by head basketball coach Mike Allen. Senior captain Kirston Verhulst gains possession while defenders scramble to stop her, pivoting around a defender as she hands the ball off to fellow senior captain Avery Kurt.
A new season means new leadership, goals and hopes. As one of the new captains, Verhulst’s priorities include leading by example and involving the entire team rather than one player carrying the load.
“Having a voice is very important, but I think just working hard and giving my full effort will get the rest of my team to buy into that,” Verhulst said. “Being a leader who gets a team to ‘buy in’ means playing hard not just individually. I try to show people that working together is the most important thing to winning and leading in the games.”
Kurt starts her third varsity season aiming to mirror the compassion her graduated captain sister, Carly Kurt (‘24), showed players last season.
“I look up to my older siblings with leadership and how they would go out of their way to talk to people after games,” Kurt said. “A goal of mine is to talk to someone after each practice and drill and recognize them as a good teammate.”
With varsity bringing back all returners apart from two new players, Kurt shares that the girls have the
potential to chase aspirations. Their strategy is to form team chemistry and achieve their goal of winning every game.
“Going undefeated and winning state seems like a big goal but is definitely possible with the team we have this year,” Kurt said. “We’ve always had a tight-knit group. Practices are tiring and have lots of conditioning at the beginning of the season. But we know it’s also important to let our bodies recover as the season moves on.”
This season’s roster includes two new faces: junior Jayla McClinton and freshman Scarlett Singleton. According to Singleton, they are finding ways to fit into the new program.
“Jayla and I like to get people going and riled up, and I love that for us,” Singleton said. “The team has been very welcoming. I was nervous starting as a freshman, but they were really nice, so I appreciated that.”
Prior to focusing on team practices and game schedules, the team hosted the annual Terry English basketball clinic on Nov. 23.
This event holds a special place in the hearts of players such as Verhulst who have a relationship with the English family. Her two graduated sisters both played for Terry. During his 46 years as a basketball coach, Terry contributed to securing 23 state championship titles. He passed away from a stroke in 2022. To honor his legacy, the court was named after him and the clinic became an annual tradition.
“(Coach English)did so much for this program,”
Kurt said. “If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be anywhere close to where we are today.”
The clinic is offered to elementary boys and girls. The high schoolers explained ho a variety of games and drills that mimic the spirit of Coach English through the clinic.
“If you knew (Coach English), you know that he raised a winning program,” Verhulst said. “It’s people playing for the same goal, and he made sure people knew that. That goes into why we do this clinic and why the program’s culture is the way it is.”
STRUTTING ALONG
Sophomore Finley LeMay teaches young girls basketball at the Terry English Basketball Clinic. “We have so much fun coaching the girls,” LeMay said. “We do a bunch of drills and games, and it gives all of them something to look forward to.” I NORAH MURTHA
DESIGN | JACK GELHAUS
Bringing the Spirit Cheer, dance teams compete at state placing second, fifth
BY BELLA DESSERT COPY EDITOR
Finishing off the fall season, pom poms swish and bright bows flash through the gym as the cheer and dance teams prepare for state competition.
The dance team competed in the state competition in Topeka, KS on Nov. 22, placing fifth, followed by the cheer team competing on Nov. 23 and placing second.
After a loss of many seniors, both the dance and cheer team have expanded their squads with new freshmen and sophomores.
According to senior cheer captain Julia McCaffree, the state process for the cheer team starts in early September when the team begins their ‘band chant’ and ‘cheer.’
“As we get closer to the competition, we are running, fixing and perfecting the routine for multiple hours a day so we can make sure it’s perfect,” McCaffree said.
After preliminaries, the top six teams from each division performed for finals and were re-scored by the judges based on technique, formations, spirit, cleanliness, rhythm, etc.
This year, the competition added having administrators announcing a physical football game situation over the speaker to the rules. Each team has to decide if it is offensive or defensive. The team began by performing all four together in one routine and ended the competition day with awards – placing second overall.
“Each year is a different group of girls and a different team, with different talents,” senior captain Josephine Dorsett said. “This year I think we are better at being super loud and working together to get things done.”
Difficulties and obstacles of the long competition day and preparation for
state range from stamina and duration to technical performance.
“Leading teammates can be difficult, but I feel that as a captain I get to make a greater impact on my team and I get to help the girls reach their full potential of being a cheerleader,” Dorsett said.
Paired with cheer, the dance team placed fifth overall at their state competition on Nov. 22 after months of dedication and practice..
“There is constant adrenaline the entire day because you know that the performance is going to happen and there’s anticipation of whether or not you made it to finals,” senior Zoey Turpin said.
At the competitions, each team performed their full routine at the beginning, allowing a few teams to be taken to the finals after each was done. The selected teams repeated their performance where a final score was given, followed by their distribution of awards
Similar to cheer, the dance team faces challenges from 6 a.m. practices to the long competition day at state itself.
“The biggest challenge is the weeks leading up to the competition; we have to keep up morale even when the practices get longer, more frequent and more intense,” senior captain Francesca Chaffee-McClure said.
According to junior team member Abigail Baniewicz, the fatigue that comes with getting up at 5 a.m. and doing full-outs every day is difficult, but knowing that things always come together in the end gives her hope for the team.
“As a captain, I send out our practice schedule each week, lead stretching and warm up, plan activities for the team and try to make things run as smoothly as possible,” ChaffeeMcClure said. “I have been on this team for four years, but senior year has shown me a whole new side of the
work that goes into a team.”
Enduring the long competition day allows the girls to bond as students and a team.
“The experience was really exhilarating,” junior team member Nora Butler said. “I expected going in with very low expectations so after prelims when we got announced to finals I was really excited. When they announced us as fifth place, I was just so proud of how far the team had come this season.”
STUNNING STUNTS
Standing strong, junior Mairin Putnam performs a stunt with her teammates. “I like building up people and just helping cheer everyone on,” Putnam said. “I feel like we performed well at State, and the team really came together during finals.” I EVAN ULMER
MOVING THE PLOT ALONG
Senior Tess Sollars, who played Amalia Balish, enjoys her last fall musical. “The cast was super supportive, and super kind to me,” Sollars said. “It was a very uplifting experience, and it taught me a lot before I go into majoring in musical theatre in college.”
I NORAH MURTHA
BRAVELY BELTING
SHE LOVES ME
HAND IN HAND
Soaking in the experience of playing one of the lead roles, junior Luke Allen, as Georg Nowak, dances with junior Josh Collins who plays Mr. Maraczek. Allen enjoyed putting in the hard work. “I love the reactions from the audience, and getting to tell a story,” Allen said. “We didn’t have as many seniors this year, so I was able to step up and it was pretty cool. Everybody leaving is really emotional, but I was more sad to be leaving the character.”
I NORAH MURTHA
Senior Cait Coble, playing the role of a heartbroken sales clerk, Iiona Ritter, sings about finally being pushed too far, unleashes her rage through song. “I’ve always been someone who loves to perform. It brings me a lot of joy to share that with people,” Coble said. I EVAN ULMER
A ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE
Being pushed and pulled around the stage by the waitress, played by junior Bella Dessert, senior Oliver Busenhart plays the role of the busboy. “This is a very prominent scene for me, I felt a lot of pressure to not blend in with the rest of the ensemble,” Busenhart said. “This was a solid experience to have my own moment to shine.”
I NORAH MURTHA
DIPPING HIS DARLING
ADVISING
YOUNG LOVE
Senior Ike McKee, playing the role of Ladislov Sipos, tells another Georg how to get the girl.
“Theater is a great community, and it’s really fun to inspire people,” McKee said. “Part of being an actor is listening and reacting, and I think I’ve really advanced in those qualities through my years.”
I EVAN ULMER
Senior Zeke Harris has a bittersweet experience doing his very first and last musical at Miege. “We have a really great theater program going on,” Harris said. “The community is filled with people that are really good to each other, and they’re very smart. It’s easy to get along with them. “There are normally traditions and standards set for seniors that I had to keep up with not knowing how the theater department worked beforehand.” I EVAN ULMER
