2003-2004 Vol 63 Issue 8

Page 11

Page 8

Track and Field breaks records

Volume 63, Issue 8

St. Teresaʼs Academyʼs The Dart

April 29, 2004

Stars prevail in rain, defeat Storm

photo by Rachel Straughn

Members of the STA Varsity Soccer Team cheer as they are announced prior to their game against Sion April 22 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Ann Langworthy Associate Editor

The STA Soccer Stars shut out Sion 1-0 April 22 at Arrowhead Stadium.

The game-winning goal was a free kick about 10 feet outside the penalty box scored by Freshman Lauren Fowlkes with 18 minutes left in the second half.

“It was great being the one to score,” said Fowlkes. “And it’s always good to beat Sion.”

Fowlkes, who has been playing soccer since the age of four, is one of four freshmen on the varsity team.

Despite consistent attacks on the goal, goalie Emily Welch,

junior, managed to hold off the Sion offense.

“The whole team contributed,” said Welch. “If I didn’t have my defense I wouldn’t be half as good as people say I am.

I’m nothing without them. They make it so much easier for me.”

This marked the first time either teams stepped foot onto the Arrowhead turf.

“It was really nice grass,” said Senior Sarah Kitts. “It made it so much easier to pass and possess the ball.”

The rest of the team agreed that playing at Arrowhead made the game easier.

“It was so cool,” said Junior

Jessie Holbrook. “It was fun to play on a bigger field. And it

photo by Rachel Straughn

Freshman Michelle Jantsch challenges a Sion player during the April 22 game.

gave our offense more options and chances to score.”

Arrowhead opened in 1972 as the official stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs. During the off-season it is in use by the Wizards or area high school teams.

“There was much more space,” said Fowlkes. “It made me think about what it may be like to play in the future.”

The game was announced

by Bobby Day, the voice of the Wizards.

“I liked how they announced our names just like the Wizards,” said Senior Jenny Jantsch. “Plus we had a

lot more fans–way more than Sion.”

All of the players appreciated the fans’ support.

“It was kind of scary to play at Arrowhead but the fans helped,” said Senior Maddie Kramer. “They were really loud.”

Although there was not the usual turnout for an STA/Sion game, the STA cheering section did not let their team down.

“They needed my support,” said Senior Katie Gillis. “I came to cheer the Stars on so they could win.”

Many Star supporters came see Soccer, page 2

Statue of Liberty Drivers pump money out of wallets to reopen for first to meet high gas prices, fill tanks time since 9/11 Maggie Mullane

duction. Gasoline imports from foreign countries aren’t as reliable Gas prices throughout the as in years past due to strained United States continue to shock relationships with Saudi Arabia consumers and producers alike and the war in Iraq, and the numat the highest they’ve been in ber of oil refineries in the United twenty years.

States has dropped significantly Right now, in California, over the past 20 years. The last the average price of gasoline is refinery was built in 1976. Add to $2.12 a gallon with some that, refineries are switching gas stations reaching $2.37 a to different types of fuel for gallon. The highest price for the summer, making it more gasoline in the United States difficult for foreign markets is $2.41 a gallon in Kihei, to meet the increasing oil deHawaii. The lowest is $1.47 a mands in the United States. gallon in Clifton, New Jersey.

“When I started driving, Gas prices are averaging gas was 15 or 16 cents a gal$1.80 a gallon throughout lon,” said Dr. Joe Grantham. the US. “I can remember one of my According to the execufriends had a 1930 Model A tive director of the Petroleum Ford and we were coming Marketers and Convenience back from a trip and stopped Store Association of Kansas, in Bonner Springs at an old it won’t be long before gas service station to get some prices jump to $2 a galphoto by Rachel Straughn gas. Just a quarter’s worth lon in Kansas. At Phillips of gas got us from BonAn STA student fills her car’s gas tank at a 66 in Brookside, Regular QuickTrip gas station. Gas prices in the United ner Springs to Kansas City, Unleaded gasoline is $1.69 Staes are the highest they have been in 20 years. Kansas.” a gallon, Unleaded Plus is With the 2004 Presidential $1.79 a gallon and Premium gas prices can be blamed on the Elections rapidly approaching, gas is $1.89 a gallon. In Shawnee, fact that the Organization of the prices and gas tax increases are Kansas, prices are higher. At the Petroleum Exporting Countries important topics Shamrock station on Johnson has decided to reduce oil prosee Gas, page 2 Staff Writer

Chandler Domian Staff Writer

The Statue of Liberty’s base and pedestal are scheduled to reopen mid to late summer after a $7 million renovation that began on April 5 and will update the statue’s fire and emergency notification systems. According to IBLNEWS, the renovation will also include a secondary screening process, a reservation system, and the addition of a glass ceiling at the statue’s base allowing visitors to observe the statues inner structure but not climb to the crown.

Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty closed Sept. 11, 2001 in response to the terrorist attacks on the world trade center.

Liberty Island reopened Dec. 21 of that year requiring visitors to pass through metal detectors and screenings prior to boarding boats headed for Liberty Island.

The Statue has been closed ever since, making it the only national monument to remain closed

since Sept. 11.

“This impressive monument has always been a beacon for our shores,” said Secretary of Interior Gale Norton to the Asbury Park Press. “Unfortunately, she has also been a symbol to the darker forces of terrorism before and after September 11.’’

In April of last year the National Park Service requested the help of non profit organization, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation to re-open the statue. After the foundation’s agreement to help with the project, “The Campaign to Re-Open the Statue of Liberty” began Sept. 22. The campaign raised $5.6 million in donations this February, passing the original estimate of $5 million.

The fundraiser then reached the revised estimate of $7 million.

The bulk of donations came from Official Sponsor of the campaign, Folgers Coffee, and the Principal Partner of the see Statue, page 2

Drive, Regular Unleaded is $1.73 a gallon, Unleaded Plus is $1.83 a gallon and Unleaded Super is $1.93 a gallon.

There are many theories about why there has been such a drastic increase in gas prices. 26 percent higher than the average of the past ten years, the recent raise in

2

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

(continued from page 1) campaign, American Express.

Other contributors include Walmart, The Annenberg Foundation, American citizens, and New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg who donated $100,000.

According to articles published in The New York Times, National Park Service delays, and The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation’s reluctance to spend the money in its $31 million endowment, have prevented an earlier opening of the statue.

An April 5 article in USA Today states that federal investigation is underway to determine why the foundation launched a $7 million fundraising campaign when it had a $31 million

“

endowment.

“We want to know why you have to solicit $100,000 from Mike Bloomberg when you’re sitting on $30 million?” said an official in an April 4 edition of Times.

The Times reported that the re-opening process was further delayed because the National Park Service, responsible for the statue, did not ask congress for the $2.3 million; the initial estimated cost for the renovation.

“I resent the commercialization of it, pretending that we have to go begging corporations for money, when there has been more than enough money all along,” said Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey, D-N.Y. to The San Diego Union-Tribune. “As an American citizen, I don’t want the Statue of Liberty co-opted

OVER HEARD Student Cleanliness

Ann Stacy

Associate Editor

Last fall I decided to write a column, the content of which would be the random topics of conversation held by my fellow STA students. I figured, there are some pretty entertaining conversations that occur at STA, so why not share them with the community. Since that time I have “OverHeard” numerous comments ranging in topic of dress shopping to stress, shaving to personal hygiene. Although these topics were all unique, they shared a few common qualities.

The things that girls had to say about the topics were usually entertaining, sometimes stomach turning and always, quite frankly, weird.

Now, this is not meant to offend anyone who may have recognized one of her conversations in “OverHeard.” In fact, it is exactly the opposite. If this is the case, that person should feel secure in knowing that she is a completely normal STA girl. This is because although STA girls are all very distinct individuals, we all share one unifying bond. We are all straight up, stone cold, no diggidy no doubt…weird.

“I was trying to explain to someone how weird our school is,” a girl said. “They didn’t believe me.” “The other day I was looking around and I was like, ‘this school is full of weirdos,’”a girl said.

Some students believe that the quality of being weird is embedded in girls even before they begin their four-year careers at St. Teresa’s.

“The minimum requirement for getting into STA is being weird,” a girl stated, shedding some light on the topic. “You think it’s the placement test, but really, it’s the weirdness.”

On the other hand, some students believe that STA is to credit for taking a normal girl and making her weird. In this case a girl begins her freshman year as a regular human. Then, as time progresses, she becomes increasingly strange until she eventually reaches the status of being truly weird.

People who believe this

“

Statue

things, but always seem to wind their way back to one reason.

“You come in to STA normal and leave completely weird. I think it might have something to do with the lack of boys,” a student hypothesized.

An outsider to STA may consider these ides of a girl’s path to weirdness as bogus. In fact some might think, “such nice Catholic school girls? No way.” To these people I say no, my friends, way and way indeed. They may think they know, but they have no idea.

It isn’t until one has walked the halls of STA and seen the sometimes unexplainable things that happen that they can truly understand. All of us have heard the saying, “if these walls could talk…” Well, if the walls of Donnely, Goppert and M&A could talk I’d have to guess that they would be left speechless.

No matter how a girl attains her weirdness, she is assured to leave STA 100%, genuine weird.

People might think being weird is something of which to be ashamed. They are wrong.

“You are so weird,” a girl told her friend. “I know,” her friend responded, accepting the truth.

“We’re weird,” a student said speaking on behalf of her class to a teacher. “No, you’re not weird,” the teacher said reassuringly.

“Yeah we are. We’re weird,” the girl repeated. “Some people try to run from their weirdness, but you just have to embrace it,” a girl said.

The weirdness of STA girls is not always detected through speech. Actions also play a large part. Girls skipping across the quad, dancing in the hallways and doing countless other crazy things all convey that one of a kind STA brand of weird.

“I really think someone needs to come to St. Teresa’s, tape all the weird things that people do here and make it into a t..v. show,” a girl told a group of her peers. “ I’d watch it.” “Ohhh, the fine Academy,” a girl said with a smile as she observed a herd of girls sprint across the quad and tackle a fellow student.

When it comes down to it, STA without its weirdness would be like STA without stories of the haunted M&A fourth floor, Twinks, people wiping out on the seal when it’s wet, advisory parties, frees or even that curious sculpture of scantily clad children on

NEWS

April 29, 2004

Kansas City, Missouri

by Wal-Mart.”

The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation posted a statement on their website stating that fundraising did not delay the re-opening of the statue.

The statement says that the National Park Service formalized the request for the foundation to raise money for the project last July and the funds were available to begin work on the monument less than two months later.

According to the foundation, The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior have complete control over the opening of the Statue of liberty. The Interior Department approved the plan to re-open the statue March 30.

The Foundation also confirmed the endowment’s terms of use. The money is to be set

Gas

(continued from page 1) in the political world. Both cadidates are guilty of supporting an increase in gas tax at some point.

According to Robert E. Ebel, chairman of the energy program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, many lawmakers believe higher gas taxes will decrease the demand for oil, promote more fuel-efficient vehicles and moderate U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

According to Dan Morgan of the Washington Post, President Bush recently attacked presidential candidate Senator John F. Kerry for once supporting a 50 cent increase in gas tax, while there are many people in the Republican Party who also support an increase in gas tax.

Gasoline taxes finance highway building, safety programs, and mass- transit projects. Since 1997, state legislatures have tried 17 times to raise gas tax to improve their roads and highways.

“My opinion is the people in control of the oil jack us around,” said Grantham. “They control how much prices go up and down. They decide to cut production of oil and raise prices. This doesn’t help poor people; it just gives more money to the billionaires. People at the top are self-serving; people at the bottom are supported by the government; people in the middle are the butt of everything.”

Grantham believes gas prices

Soccer

(continued from page 1) despite the bad weather, a morning full of thunderstorms and scattered showers throughout the game.

“The rain won’t keep me away,” said Sophomore Katherine Schilling. “That is what makes it fun.”

Other fans came for different reasons.

“My friend had an extra ticket,” said Senior Kate Stueve.

“Also, since we are seniors, this is one of our last chances to come to a game.”

The Stars proved themselves capable to overcome any storm, weather or otherwise.

“Any win against Sion is a good win,” said Willa Raybould, mother of player Allison Raybould.

The players agreed.

“It feels amazing to beat

aside to generate interest and investment income as well as to support the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for posterity.

“Further, as part of its promise that the endowment would be set aside to continually maintain the monument for future generations, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation – like most well managed charities – has never dipped into its endowment principal,” as stated on the foundation’s website.

According to an article published in The Salt Lake Tribune, visitor attendance to Liberty Island has dropped 45 percent since its reopening Dec. 21, 2001. The article states that officials hope renewed access to the Statue’s interior will create appeal for more tourists to visit the statue. shouldn’t be a problem with the technology available.

“They could make engines that don’t use much gas,” said Grantham. “With the technology we have, they could make cars that can go 100 miles per gallon.”

If the gas prices do jump to more than $2 per gallon, it is likely that more students and people throughout the metro will begin taking the bus.

“Within the past several weeks, many more people have called the Metro Bus Regional Call Center to find out about local and monthly bus fees,” said one worker from the Call Center.

“We do not plan on limiting the amount of bus services due to gas, but it is likely that we will begin to be of service to more people throughout the metro.”

Right now, the Metro serves an estimated 40,000 people per day. Local fares are $1 and monthly passes start at $36.00.

Fares are higher in the suburbs and in Independence and Raytown.

“If prices go past $2, I’m not driving anymore,” said STA Junior Michelle Collins. “I pay too much for gas already. The prices are ridiculous and I have to fill up almost every week.”

It is unlikely that there will be any relief from the intense gas prices in the near future; the summer months cause an increase the prices.

“The thing to do is to go out to the mountains of Montana and be self-sufficient and not depend on anything,” said Grantham.

At a Glance . . .

STA News On March 26, the National Honor Society inducted its newest members. Following tradition, the inductees, as well as the current members, were announced and received a rose.

Following the induction, Ms. Nancy Hand announced the Valedictorian for the class of 2004. Jessica Yeager, who will attend Harvard University next year, holds the highest grade point average in the class.

Ms. Mary Anne Hoecker announced the Salutatorian, Elizabeth Sherman, who holds the second highest grade point average in the senior class. Sherman will attend Dartmouth College in the fall.

At the close of the ceremony, Dr. Faith Wilson announced the winner of the Academy Woman award.

Brittany Cummings, who will attend Truman State University, was voted Academy Woman by her classmates and teachers. The other nominees for Academy Woman included Kelly Harbison, Alex Persley and Agie Sparks.

Academic Awards Night will be held tonight in the Auditorium. Awards Night recognizes the accomplishments of students in all grades and all academic fields.

Prior to the distribution of the awards, a dinner is held for the recipients of scholarships.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Grandmothers’ Tea will be held in the gymnasium. The tea is a long-standing tradition at STA. Students are permitted to leave an afternoon class to meet their grandmothers at the reception.

The women enjoy music and snacks while talking with each other. The tea gives students a chance to share the St. Teresa’s experience with their grandmothers.

St. Teresa’s Academy, 5600 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri 64113 (816) 501-0011 Brittany Cummings Jen Vogel Ann Langworthy Ali Ryan Ali Sherman Ann Stacy Rachel Straughn Allison Jaros Katie Monaghan Kelly Woodward Katy Corogenes Rose Dillon

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Associate Editor Associate Editor Associate Editor Photo Editor Assistant Photo Editor Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Features Editor Business Manager

Staff Writers/Photographers Chandler Domian, Caroline Findlay, Kathryn Fitzsimmons, Katie Hembree, Alex Hercules, Leslie Herring, Molly Huber, Megan Kelly, Julia McQueenyThorpe, Maggie Mullane, Cierra Obioha, Colleen Slentz, Juana Summers, Tyler Yarbrough Editorial Policy The Dart is a student newspaper written, designed, and typeset by members of the newspaper staff. The Dart is published with funds from the St. Teresa’s Academy general operating fund.

Unsigned editorials present the opinions of The Dart staff. Signed editorials reflect the opinions of the individual.

Letters Policy The Dart encourages letters to the editor. All letters are to be submitted to Mr. Eric Thomas in Music & Arts 205. If a letter is to be considered for

April 29, 2004

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

NEWS

Kansas City, Missouri

Seniors celebrate final school dance

Kathryn Fitzsimmons and Maggie Mullane Staff Writers

Seniors packed the Little Theater Friday night to celebrate “A Night in Paris” for prom, their last big event together before graduation.

“It was the best dance I’ve been to [at St. Teresa’s,]” said Ann Smith. “It was nice because everyone was so excited to be there.”

Prom preparation began way before Friday for most students attending the dance. Lindsee Acton brought fabric for her

programmed for Pre-Prom wouldn’t play. English teacher Mr. Mark Fudemberg helped out, however, providing narration for the evening.

STA seniors and their dates then moved on to the Little Theater in Municipal

chicken, salad, pasta salad, vegetables and cake fueled the seniors for a night full of dancing.

The dance ran until 11 p.m., when some seniors dispersed to a school sponsored after party at Mission Bowl. There, the

“The best part was the dance. It was all seniors—I knew everybody.”

–ANN SMITH, SENIOR homemade dress weeks before the big day to have STA students sign.

Many other students bought their dresses months before the event itself. Others, however, like Katharine Bush and Ann Smith, chose to take the easy route. Bush went shopping for her dress the night before and Smith chose to do her own hair rather than have it professionally done.

Some seniors then spent most of the day getting ready for the big event, but others still took it slowly.

“I slept till noon, took my time getting ready,” said Smith.

Pre-Prom, a Southern tradition of presenting yourself and your date to family and friends, started at 6:00 p.m. where the seniors escorted their dates across the Auditorium stage complete with a Parisian backdrop.

There was only glitch all night, when the CD

3

Waking Up Our World: You think you’re in debt!

Brittany Cummings Editor-in-Chief

The U.S. National Debt as of April 22, 2004, totals $7,164,184,148,154.46 according to the U.S. National Debt Clock. Whoa!

Can you pronounce that figure? What does this mean?

To provide some background: National Debt is the total amount of money owed by the government.

The federal budget deficit is the amount of money that exceeds revenue yearly. The sum of all deficits of the past 200 years adds up to the National Debt.

For starters, the estimated population of the United States is 293,855,418. As a result, each citizen’s share of this debt totals $24,379.96. Eeek! How is this possible? Since September 30, 2003, the National Debt has continued to increase an average of $1.87 billion per day. Yikes!

Since 2002, the Debt reached the $6 trillion mark. But why does any of this matter to us?

Senators are continually passing bills to raise budgets, primarily regarding military spending.

In March, Senate Republicans pushed a $2.36 trillion 2005 budget resolution through passage.

How can we [Americans]

afford this kind of a budget when we are struggling with our own problems at home? How can we possibly meet the expense of “Homeland Security” when the rest of our economy is struggling?

It is simple: we cannot. While on the surface everything may seem okay, the Debt is continually growing, at a frighteningly rapid pace.

Fifty percent of government spending is directed towards past and current military expenditures.

This includes the $280 billion of interest on the National Debt created by military spending.

Sickening! The amount of money we [Americans] spend on the military is almost double what we spend on human resources.

Instead of providing healthcare for each American citizen we are venturing into places and situations where we are unwanted. And for what?!

Are you aware of the $3.9 billion we contribute to the operations in Iraq each month?

Clearly we need better budgeting. It is our generation that will be paying for this.

Whether it comes from less social security or higher taxes, this money will be coming out of our pockets!

It is important to be aware of where our dollars are going! Pay attention. Stay informed. The easiest thing you can do is vote.

Vote with a conscience and more than anything, just vote!

photo by Kathryn Fitzsimmons

Christine Weston and Steve Redmond pack the dance floor at the Little Theater on Friday night, enjoying their final STA dance.

Auditorium Downtown for the dinner and dance.

“The best part was the dance,” said Smith. “It was all seniors—I knew everybody.”

The dance began at 7:30 p.m., and the seniors had to arrive no later than 8 p.m..

A buffet of roast beef,

students could bowl until the early in the morning. Other students, however, celebrated in different ways.

“My group had a prison bus rented out until 4 a.m.,” said Senior Ann Smith. “We just hung out and danced on the bus.”

source: www.warresisters.org

Zoo receives funding for improvements Ali Ryan

Associate Editor

On April 6, Kansas City voters passed a $30 million bond which will “Renew the Zoo.” 68 percent of voters approved this bond, giving the Kansas City Zoo the resources to improve existing facilities, to make them more appealing and to enhance the zoo with more exhibits.

“I think [the passing of the bond] will be good for the city and it’ll bring tourists and help put Kansas City on the map,” said Junior Amy Kuhnlein.

The bond will most likely be issued to the zoo over a period of six years and will be focused on five strategic improvements.

The first goal is to repair, renovate and re-do. Beginning in the fall, approximately one-third of the bond will be

to animal exhibits and electrical and plumbing work.

“Weʼre looking at polar bears being the final frosting on the cake. We have many other new exhibits in the planning stages over the next 20 years.”

–RANDY WISTHOFF, ZOO DIRECTOR

Red Barn at the zoo is currently home to exhibits for children.

In the spring of 2006, the first phase for the improvements of this area is expected to take place.

The goal is to provide an interactive area with animal contact for children to gain knowledge.

The third goal for the bond is to renovate the original zoo building. The “Tropical Habitat” building was built in 1909 and was home to the entire animal collection.

It was closed in 1999 to the public because the aging building needs so many improvements. Renovations will be made to the building so that it can house indoor exhibits for its planned reopening in the spring of 2007.

between animal exhibits. Currently, visitors to the zoo must walk long stretches of paths to get between exhibits.

“I think [the passing of the bond] will be good for the city.”

–AMY KUHNLEIN, JUNIOR Using the bond money, a “main street” will be built to make the different exhibits easier to get to. This first part of this street is expected to be open in 2007.

The fifth and last goal for the bond is to return polar

1930’s to 1990 but was forced to give them to other zoos because of the aging of the exhibition area and the lack of space.

Now a new exhibit area will be built, complete with a underwater viewing area.

The bears are expected to be returned to the zoo by the 2009 Kansas City Zoo centennial.

“We’re looking at polar bears being the final frosting on the cake,” said Zoo Director Randy Wisthoff. “We have many other new exhibits in the planning stages over the next 20 years, but the polar bears will cap the bond related improvements.”

STA students also look forward to the returning polar bears.

“Polar Bears are neato, and I think it’s cool that they’re try-

4

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

OPINION

Kansas City, Missouri

April 29, 2004

NFL player serves as example to all Jen Vogel

Editor-in-Chief

Fame and fortune: Americans dream of attaining them, and idolize those who already have.

To be rich and famous is to have it all; what more could a person want? This is the mindset that shapes many people’s sets of priorities. However, there are those who are willing to sacrifice it all, forfeiting both fame and fortune, for something they feel is more important. Recently, Pat Tillman has received national recognition for doing just that.

Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Tillman,

an NFL football player for the Arizona Cardinals, left a 3-year, $3.6 million football contract to join the Army Rangers. He was killed in Afghanistan last Thursday, at the age of 27.

Tillman’s fame and fortune hadn’t come easily; he overcame the odds on numerous occasions to get to that point.

In 1994, he came to Arizona State on the school’s last football scholarship, only to ride the bench. At 5 feet, 11 inches and 200 pounds, people considered him too small to play linebacker.

Four years later, he was named the Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

In 1998, he was one of the last picks in the NFL draft, not chosen by the Arizona Cardinals until the 7th round. He soon earned a starting spot as safety, and set the club record for tackles in 2000. When the St. Louis Rams offered him a five-year, $9 million contract, he declined out of loyalty to the team that drafted him initially.

Even after the time and effort he put into his football career, he was able to walk away from it all. In an interview following September 11, he commented on the insignificance of the game in comparison to everything else happening in the

world. Later, he left the game, offering no public explanation.

He didn’t want attention or recognition for his actions. He didn’t do it for fame or fortune; he did it because he had his priorities in a different order.

Tillman’s actions have received national attention because he is an extreme example a person who rearranged his priorities. Of course, there are an infinite number of everyday people who act in a similar manner, but on a smaller scale. In fact, St. Teresa’s is full of them.

They are the teachers: the people who choose a profession not for fame or fortune, but

for the non-monetary rewards of the job. They don’t often receive recognition across the country, or dominate national headlines, but they also have their priorities in a different order.

So, while Americans praise Tillman and the strength he showed in standing by his convictions, it is also important to remember the everyday examples. From the other men and women fighting across the globe, to the teachers standing in the front of the classrooms, people everywhere forfeit fame and fortune for something they feel is more important.

photo poll: What kind of cell phone is in your purse?

“Nokia. I like it because I don’t have to pay for it.”

–Lindsee Acton, senior

“Samsung. I like it because I can make plans anywhere and I dont’t have to be at home to get in touch.”

–Emily Lodigensky, junior

Three Perspectives

One Issue Janelle Bailey, senior

Senior Janelle Bailey has a long history of cell phone use starting in eighth grade. She’s had phones that were too big and phones with not enough minutes. She had to cancel her first cell phone when she ran over the plan.

“I told my dad I didn’t use all those minutes and he got upset at the company.” said Bailey. “So we just cancelled that plan.”

Bailey admits that she still goes over today. She currently has a 600 minute a month plan with unlimited night and week-ends but complains that she really needs a thousand minutes. The problem is that more minutes cost more money, and Bailey’s father is already paying the 500 dollars a month it costs now.

“He wants me to have a communication device just in case of an emergency,” said Bailey. “He says don’t use it a lot but I do. He gets upset, then he gets over it, then he pays it.”

Bailey doesn’t have to worry about money which is often one of peoples’ biggest concerns about having a cell phone. She tends to focus on all the good things about her cell phone.

“I can talk to my boyfriend a lot,” said Bailey. “If I didn’t have a cell phone our long distance bill would be very very high since he’s in college.”

Bailey says she now calls her boyfriend three or four times day using her cell phone. Cell phones offer her other conveniences also.

“If I need to stay out later, I can just call instead of missing curfew and getting in trouble,” said Bailey.

“Or if they’re at the grocery store I can just call and ask them to pick me something up. If they’re out and I want to leave, I can just call and check in instead of waiting for them to come home.”

Bailey stresses that cell phones actually help families stay in touch.

“I have a family plan so everyone can talk for free, that increases family communication.”

Bailey’s sister has been known to call other members of the family from her room instead of just yelling for them.

Bailey also sees how cell phones could make life easier in the future. She sees them replacing house phones altogether. She can hardly think of a bad thing about cell phones and is on hers all the time, even at school.

“Sometimes I need to call colleges, but I don’t get home during their hours, so it’s convenient to call during school hours.”

“Samsung. I call it ‘It’s my phone plan.’”

–Jill Cousins, sophomore

“Samsung. I love it because it’s mine and I don’t have to wait for people to be able to use it.”

–Katie Meyers, freshman

Cell phones Are they a necessity or a nuisance?

Ms. Kathy McCarthy, computer teacher

Ms. Kathy McCarthy has opinions about cell phones.

“I think that cell phones are a wonderful invention,” said McCarthy. “They make life a lot easier for a lot of us and if I was a parent I would want my young adult to have a cell phone. But, I have a big but, many people don’t show courtesy with cell phones.”

According to McCarthy the key to having a cell phone is knowing when and where to use it.

“I’ve thought about this a lot on campus,” said McCarthy. “I agree with school policy. I have a cell phone but I try to remember first thing to turn it off. I do think it can be a problem professionally.”

McCarthy points out how disrespectful it can be to have a cell phone go off in a meeting or during a class.

She feels if this does happen the cell phone should be turned off, and definitely not answered in any case.

“There is a code of etiquette with cell phones,” said McCarthy. “The majority of kids have cell phones and I think they are very respectful of having them off.”

Another dislike McCarthy has is the phone bill.

“It drives me crazy,” said McCarthy. “I get so tired of trying to find the best deal. I stayed with the same company at first because of my number, but now that they passed that law saying you could take your number with you, I watch for better deals.”

The variety of ranges and services offered by cell phones can be a positive according to McCarthy in helping find something that fits you but it also can make if very confusing for those looking for the “best” deal.

This means knowing when and what to purchase as well as when and where to use a phone appropriately, like talking on a phone and driving.

“I wouldn’t drink and drive, but I talk on the phone and drive,” said McCarthy. “It would worry me if I had a teenager.”

McCarthy notes the dangers of talking on the phone and driving but driving time is still a very appealing place to talk on a phone to others for her.

“It’s a good time for me to catch up with others,” said McCarthy. “It’s kind of a quiet time for me.”

They thing McCarthy likes best about having a cell phone is the sense of security she gets from it.

“It’s such a safety thing,” she said. “I watch some of these movies and I think if they had a cell phone the dilemma would be mute.”

McCarthy sees the advantages of cell phones but also some of the problems they can cause in society.

“It just comes down to how people use cell phones,” she said.

“Nokia. I need to keep track of my kids and I am too lazy to walk to the back of the room to use the phone.”

–Ms. Renee Blake, science teacher

Allison Jaros Staff Writer Ms. Diane Bougeious, massage therapist

Diane Bougeious, a massage therapist and chaplain, works in hospitals in her own home and a variety of other places. She sees how cell phone use affects the community negatively, although she carries a cell phone around for emergencies.

“How I define an emergency changes,” said Bougeious. “It’s not always being stuck on the side of the road. But there is always a sense of emergency when I use it.”

She uses her cell phone for re-scheduling in emergencies and having it so her son can reach her. In general, she relies on a pager more.

“Pagers are nice because you don’t feel you have to respond right away,” said Bougeious.

She also uses a pager when she is working at a hospital because cell phones can interfere with hospital equipment including wireless machines that monitor hearts and other vital signs. Pagers do not cause this kind of interference.

“People are so used to using their phones that they just whip them out in a hospital and forget the consequences,” said Bougeious. “Normally it’s just a matter of reminding them not to.”

Bouegeious main complaint about cell phones is the sense of urgency they cause in society.

“While [using cell phones] look like a great idea, it really means we end up being tied up all the time,” said Bougeious. “We loose our sense of being alone, it invades our personal integrity; there is no space to rest” She notes how people feel obligated to cell phones and will answer them no matter what they are doing.

“People feel a sense of responsibility to [their phone],” said Bougeious. “Sometimes the phone dictates what will happen in our lives instead of us.”

She deals with this by only having her cell phone on when she wants it. The first year she had a cell phone she had it on so seldom that the battery lasted all year.

“When I went to replace it the man told me I had been using it wrongly,” said Bouegious.

But she feels that it is better to have it off too much than on too much.

“Primarily it’s a matter of manners,” said Bouegious.

“Cell phones can be helpful as long as we don’t let them run our lives.”

Her advice to cell phone users is to maintain a sense of balance by keeping the phone off sometimes and using other devices like pagers or message machines to screen calls and decide when you have time to talk and when your obligation to yourself or others is more important.

April 29, 2004

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

HOW TO... find the boys of summer

Ann Langworthy Associate Editor

Signs of summer fast approaching are all around us.

Flip flops are being resurrected from the back of closets and the seniors can no longer focus on one thing for more than five minutes. There is no doubt that soon we will be free.

With summer comes time to rest, relax and most importantly, hunt down a hot boy. Boys can make life

“Excitement is the essence of the boys of summer. Take risks and enjoy them [. . .] Three months of freedom is plenty of time to make your move.” more exciting, interesting and wonderfully complicated.

With a tall, tan, beautiful specimen of a man by her side, a girl’s summer is sure to be blissful.

First, look in the classic place: the pool. This is the one place you are absolutely guaranteed to find a mecca of shirtless boys.

Plus, the water provides a way to approach the target without being seen.

This way you can get an eyeful before you are noticed.

However don’t limit yourself to swimming holes. Anywhere has the possibility of a spotting.

When you do spot a target,

take time to plan your method of attack. First impressions can last a lifetime.

You have a window of approximately 30 seconds to show him how utterly fabulous you are.

A helpful hint is to spark conversation with a random fact. For example, “No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, and purple.” “My lips are registered weapons.”

Or “Did you know the most common name in the world is Mohammad?”

Another possibility is to sing a short excerpt from a song. For example, “I want to rock and roll all night, and party every day.” “I’m addicted to you, don’t you know that you’re toxic?”

Or “I believe in a thing called love, Ooh.” Just try to catch him off guard and get a laugh out of him.

Always, always, always leave them wanting more. This is especially important the first few times you run into each other.

Remember, it’s either leave or be left behind.

Excitement is the essence of the boys of summer. Take risks and enjoy them.

I know all of this can all seem overwhelming at first.

Don’t begin to fret; three months of freedom gives you plenty of time to make your move.

Remember, it may take some time to find the stud that’s right for you. Don’t be deterred by the rejections, blank stares and insults you receive along the way. These fools are simply intimidated by your magnificence.

I will leave you to ponder the words of my personal hero, Hillary Duff. “Why not take a crazy chance? Why not (Why not) do a crazy dance? If you lose the moment you may lose a lot, so why not?”

LIFESTYLES

Kansas City, Missouri

5

Meditate for inner peace Molly Huber Staff Writer

Do you ever feel totally stressed out? Like there just isn’t enough time in a day to finish everything? Like you can never find time to just relax? Do you even know how to relax anymore?

If stress and frustration are your problems, meditation may be the solution.

Meditation is an age-old form of spiritual growth and self-realization intended to help individuals achieve a sense of inner peace, happiness and relaxation or lead them to discover who they truly are. The art can be traced back to ancient people, especially early orders of monks, who hoped to become closer in spirit to their God or gods. Today, meditation may still be used for the same reasons, but now is more frequently used to relieve the stress that results from living in a demanding, fast-paced world.

The act of meditating centers around giving one’s full attention to a single thought and focusing on only that thought for a certain amount of time, usually for twenty minutes to an hour. The thought can be anything—a color, symbol, phrase, religious passage, one’s own breath or whatever focus is desired. By channeling your concentration towards this one thought, the consciousness of the individual should ultimately be altered to become more aware of her being and to accept who she is. This awareness of one’s own self through meditation has been known to bring a strong sense of fulfillment and lasting happiness to those who practice it frequently.

“Meditation is an adventure of self-discovery,” said meditation student Christopher Calder.

“How can you live without knowing who or what you are?”

The most important secret to meditation is developing a powerful hara, which, in meditation, is the ethereal ball of energy within everyone that lies just behind and below the navel.

The hara is the natural balancing point of consciousness that is often revered as the true center of the body. To be centered in

the hara, one must first direct their attention to their breathing process as felt in the stomach. If one focuses on the hara, all other distracting thoughts that come to mind during meditation will gradually disappear on their own and allow the meditator to gain a greater inner calm. Statues of Buddha often portray him with a large stomach to convey the message that the hara, which lies in the stomach, is the key to meditation.

While meditation does not play an extremely large role in the Christian religion, its practice can be found in the classrooms and chapel of STA. Religion teacher Ms. Robin Good assigns her Spirituality students to lead meditations every Friday in the chapel as part of the curriculum.

“When you look at the topic of spirituality, taking time to separate yourself from daily life has been a part of history for as long as history can remember,” said Good. “Historically in religion, there is a need to calm and quiet oneself. An example would be of Jesus praying in the garden.”

While the class has its basis in religion, the meditations do not have to be religious in nature and

are done primarily to relax and reflect. Topics range from selfimage to friendships to dealing with problems and students are given most of the class time to reflect in silence.

“It was really nice knowing you could go to a class like that after taking a really hard math or chemistry test,” said Junior Katie Hembree. “I tried to get the most I could out of each meditation, but I still relaxed and enjoyed myself.”

Good believes that students, especially at STA, have a great need for meditation in their lives because they do not have any down time.

“People need time to just be,” said Good. “They need to be aware of the need for calm and that the world is beyond what we can see, hear and think. If everyone meditated, it might open a door to making the world a better place.”

Ms. Mimi Harman, another religion teacher at STA, also believes in the power of meditation. “I think meditation would be beneficial for everyone because it’s one of the purest forms of prayer,” said Harman.

“It’s really about focusing on just one thing, which is God.”

Jazzercise offers dance for great exercise Katie Monaghan Entertainment Editor

Maybe you’ve heard about it in the halls or you’ve even received an invitation to join, but what is this Jazzercise, exactly?

If you were thinking that it was a new musical training program for jazz singers, you would be wrong.

All you music lovers beware, Jazzercise is an exercise center that takes popular songs and turns them into choreographed exercise/dance routines.

From Outkast to Dixie Chicks, Jazzercise allows its members to groove into fitness.

Jazzercise is different from most fitness centers or gyms because it blends popular music, dance and muscle toning movements to create a

whole new workout.

Each 60-minute workout consists of a gentle warm up, a 30-minute aerobic workout, a muscle toning and strengthening segment with weights, and a final stretch at the end of class.

An instructor armed with a headset microphone and an energetic personality teaches each class.

For the first part of class, fast-paced music is played as exercisers step, twist, and dip to the choreographed workout of the instructor.

It is at this time that it is very important to have a water bottle close by because this segment is meant to get your heart pumping. It’s also important to know your left from your right, in order

to successfully follow the instructor’s cues..

After the heart racing experience of working out to some good tunes, a slower beat of music is played for a short relaxation exercise to bring the heart rate down.

Next, the muscle toning section of class begins. This segment is meant to strengthen and stretch muscles with weights and, again, choreographed music.

The cushioned floor mats and

hand weights are brought out.

Jazzercise provides floor mats and weights for all Jazzercisers, although it may be helpful to bring your own.

Jazzercise suggests that newcomers become familiar with the workout before using weights.

When the muscle-strengthening segment is over, a final cooldown stretch is performed in order to slow down the heart rate and complete the whole Jazzercise experience.

“Jazzercise is different from most fitness centers or gyms because it blends popular music, dance and muscle toning movements to create a whole new workout..”

Although Jazzercise is not the first program to incorporate music into exercise, it is one of the most popular. There are several Jazzercise locations throughout Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri.

To obtain further information about locations, classes and schedules, visit the Jazzercise website at www.jazzercise.com.

Classes generally cost $8 per week or $37 per month with an Easy Fitness ticket, although there is usually a student discount depending on the center. Walk-ins are welcome.

Just remember to wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to dance yourself into a healthier you!

6

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

Funniest Teacher:

Mr. Whitney For the second year in a row, Mr. Whitney has racked up the majority of votes for “Funniest Teacher.” Whitney is also the winner of Most Enthusiastic. Perhaps his sense of humor is mistaken for enthusiasm. . .

Ms. Dolan, one of the runner ups, found humor in the fact that people found her humorous. “At least some people think I’m funny,” said Dolan.

“But really I’m sure they think I’m funny looking.”

Most Enthusiastic Teacher:

Mr. Whitney

Mr. Whitney can wear the Crown of Enthusiasm for yet another year.

His enthusiasm for world politics and American history is evident in the classes he teaches. Many students find his sense of humor and excitement refreshing in the classroom. Whitney, however, is skeptical of his own enthusiasm.

“If I am the most enthusiastic teacher then that can’t say much for the rest of the faculty,” Whitney laughed. “I don’t believe that. That’s unbelievable.”

STATS:

25%-

Mr. Whitney

15%-

Mr. Fud

12%-

Ms. Dolan last year’s winner: Mr. Whitney

STATS:

13%-

Mr. Whitney

12%-

Ms. Dolan

10%-

Ms. Montag last year’s winner: Mr. Whitney

STA We asked you STA, and you told us.

These are a few of your favorite things: STATS:

50%-

Starbucks

Starbucks

It would be wise of STA to invest in Starbucks stock due to the overwhelming response of student’s votes for “Best Coffee Place.” The prices are notably high, but seemingly worth it just for the image. Freshman Katarina Vaughn said that she likes to walk around with a Starbucks cup because it makes her feel cool.

Best STA Sport to Watch:

Ms. Rowland The teacher that is strolling through the halls in style this year is Ms. Rowland. Rowland had over a hundred more votes then the runners up.

Ms. Harmon, Mr. Fud, Ms. Blake and Ms. Dolan all got votes for their style as well. Other than being stylish, Rowland has a multitude of ensambles.

It was rumored that her Latin students last year attempted to see how long it would take for her to re-wear a pair of shoes.

Best Place in School to Get Work Done:

Library

After looking at the endless ballots for best place to get work done in, it was pretty clear that library had won this category. The library is a place where you go and it is guaranteed that you will get work done. With the kindly Ms. Hershewe policing the library for silence, students can rely on a quiet working environment. Even though silent study, MSRC and even the bathroom had votes, the library won with almost over a hundred more votes then the runner-ups.

Best STA Assembly:

Auction Pep Rally

It’s no surprise the Auction Pep Rally won again this year. Over the past few years, the administration has entertained the students with an Austin Powers parody, complete with bald Mini-Me, and Freaky Friday imitation with the male staff dressed as students. All of this is in an effort to entertain, of course, but more importantly to motivate students to sell raffle tickets for the school aution.

16%-

Muddy’s

8%-

Latte Land last year’s winner: New Category

STATS:

Basketball

STATS:

April 29, 2004

Kansas City, Missouri

THE BEST OF

Best Coffee House in KC:

Best Dressed Teacher:

CENTER SPREAD

54%-

How could cross-country and golf compete with Basketball as best STA sport to watch? Theater pulled four votes altogether, however the raw improvisation of basketball and unscripted emotion must play on one’s attention span more. Some say the dance team was cheated out of “Best of…” recognition.

“The only reason girls came to games was to watch us dance,” said dance team co-captain Sophomore Sarah Tampke. Basketball has held tightly to its reign as the best sport to watch for two years.

Basketball

23%-

Vollyball

13%-

Soccer last year’s winner: Basketball

Best STA Club:

Spirit Club “We got spirit, yeah yeah, we got spirit!” Spirit club is one of the biggest clubs in our school. The girls involved in Spirit club are some of the most out-going and crazy girls you will ever meet. This might be one of the reasons why Spirit club was voted best club. Sheer numbers can do more than just make noise at a basketball game, it can win a school poll too.

Teacher Most Likely to Give Homework:

Ms. Hernon

For the second year in a row Ms. Hernon has been voted most likely to give homework. Most of Hernon’s students agree that there aren’t many breaks in her class.

“Ms. Hernon gives homework every single night,” said Junior Meg Franke. “I know that every time I go to her class, I’m going to leave with homework.”

Mr. Wilson wasn’t very far behind. What does this say about the math department?

Best Thing to do in a Free:

Socialize Ahh, frees. The greatest blessing of the wonderful STA modular scheduling. Students have the opportunity to have a few minutes during the day to take a break from their classes. During this free time, there are infinite possibilites available to the student, within the boundaries of school rules and in a supervised area, of course. For those students who share frees, frees are a social event. They can often be spotted giggling as they move to their next class. The nappers are also quite easy to spot (look for head lines!)

Best STA Sport to Play:

Soccer

At St. Teresa’s, the varsity soccer team has won state two years in a row and hopefully on its way to a third! There is a varsity team, a junior varsity team and a “C” team that play at STA. It is a very popular and compettive sport. Recently, the soccer Stars got a chance to play rival Notre Dame de Sion at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Wizards play.

Best Resturaunt for Advisory Parties:

Chipotle

STATS:

19%-

Chipotle, located at 75th and Wornall, is an easy, inexpensive, and tasty restaurant that is often chosen by advisories for their parties. First of all, it has an easy-to-use order form. Secondly, Chipotle is very inexpensive. A burrito costs about $5, and they are so big, they can last up to three meals.

Lastly, Chipotle is delicious. The restaurant has something for everybody to try. The runners-up were Planet Sub and Panera. They are both excellent choices as well, but they do not have the convenience of Chipotle.

Spirit Club

12%-

Drama Club

10%-

Care Club last year’s winner: Spirit Club

7

STATS:

45%-

Socialize

33%-

Sleep

17%-

Homework last year’s winner: New Category

STATS:

22%-

Soccer

20%-

Volleyball

11%-

Cross Country last year’s winner: New Category

STATS:

38%-

Chipotle

15%-

Planet Sub

11%-

Panera last year’s winner: New Category

Most Organized Teacher:

Ms. Blake

STATS:

35%-

Mrs. Renee Blake, science teacher at STA, is organized, according to her students. She teaches honors Biology, Anatomy, and Botany. At the beginning of the course, Blake hands out a CD with all assignments the girls will have for the whole semester. Her lessons are sometimes presented in PowerPoint presentation, on an interesting video, or in an educational lab. Blake finds ways to make her class fun while her students learn. The second and third place teachers were Ms. Mary Montag and Ms. Arlene Hernon. Isn’t that amazing how all three teachers came from the math and science department?

Ms. Hernon

17%7%-

Mr. Wilson

Ms. Metzler last year’s winner: Ms. Hernon

STATS:

42%-

Ms. Blake

14%-

Ms. Montag

11%-

Ms. Hernon last year’s winner: Ms. Blake

60%-

Ms. Rowland

Best School Dance:

16%6%-

STATS:

Dr. Joe

71%-

Teresian is the annual dance put on by the Yearbook staff in late October. It is STA’s version of Homecoming. It is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors and their dates. It is the only dance put on at STA that unites almost the entire school at a formal function. Prom is only for seniors, the Freshman Mixer is only for freshman, and the Christmas Dance is informal.

Fud last year’s winner: Ms. Rowland

Teacher Most Likely to Tell Stories:

STATS:

Teresian

Harmon

Teresian

18%-

Dr. Joe is notorious for his excellent stories. With a life as full of real adventures as his, it’s hard to learn constructions when hearing about his marathon days because they are so much more entertaining. His love for jelly donuts and licorice (real real licorice, not that red candy stuff) is well known. He is currently working on his book, which is a compilation of the many stories of his life.

Freshman Mixer

11%-

Christmas Dance last year’s winner: Teresian

51%-

Library

Best School Sponsored Event:

26%7%-

Silent Study

Father-Daughter Dance

The Father Daughter-Dance in February is a highly anticipated event.

Although dancing with your dad and with that hottie from Rockhurst is a different experience, students find that it is no less enjoyable. One of the highlights of the evening include the senior dance-fff. This year’s winners, Kelly O’Brien and her father, wowed their spectators with their dancing skills. Mother-Daughter luncheon is another fun event sponsored by STA, featuring a senior fashion show.

MSRC last year’s winner: The Library

STATS:

55%-

STATS:

43%-

Dr. Joe

14%-

Ms. Hansborough

10%-

Ms. Dolan last year’s winner: Dr. Joe

STATS:

68%- Father

Daughter-Dance

29%- Mother

Daugther-Luncheon 3%- Grandmother’s Tea last year’s winner: Mother Daughter Luncheon

Auction Pep Rally

39%-

Best Intramural Sport:

4%-

Badminton

Class Day

NHS Induction Ceremony last year’s winner: Auction Pep Rally

Badminton is introduced to all of the students their freshman year when they take Physical Education. Although it is for a grade then, apparently it doesn’t taint anyone’s opinion of the sport. Ping Pong, which came in second, is a new intramural sport replacing bowling. Even though ping-pong has become very popular, it will be a while before it catches up to badminton or achieves the greatness of bowling.

Best Food in the Vending Machine:

Candy Bars

The array of favorite vending machine foods was extensive. After tallying the endless list of vending machine options, it became obvious that the true winner, Snickers, only won by fewer than a dozen votes. To remedy the situation, the possible answers were divided into categories to better determine the true winner. “Candy Bars” include more than simply Snickers, but also Twix, Reeses, Whatchamacallits, Kit Kats and Nutty Bars to name a few. “Chips” was the obvious second category, and included the entire -ito family: cheetos, doritos, fritos, etc. The last category was the “Snack Cake” category. Included here are brownies, poptarts, honey buns, donuts and cookies.

STATS:

59%-

Badminton

Best Excuse for Being Late to Class:

“My Skirt Caught on Fire”

Ping Pong

12%-

Volleyball last year’s winner: Badminton

STATS:

Most Common “Wrong Class” “No Bells” “Fell on the Seal”

24%-

Reading through the surveys of “Best Excuse” proved how creative some STA students are. Though many included practical excuses like “Mr. Fud kept me late” (completely believable) others were things like “women last year’s winner: problems” and something about a llama (?). However, many seemed to feel Meeting with a Teacher that “senioritis” was an adequate enough response for tardiness.

Best Pizza Place in KC:

Best Elective: STATS:

35%-

Candy Bar

18%-

Chips

13%-

Snack Cakes last year’s winner: Animal Crackers

Drama

Drama is a predominately freshman class, though sophomores and upper classman are allowed to take it. It is a year-long elective that teaches everything from script analysis to set design. It is pre-requisite for many other fine arts classes. Ms. Prentiss is the teacher and she makes the class really fun and interesting, according to many of her students. Fibers, taught by Ms. Martin teaches students to work with many different textiles and they are able to create several diverse art pieces. Choir (Freshman chorus, Concert Choir, A Capella Choir and STA Singers) was a close third, taught by Mrs. Jennifer Benjamin.

i-

Waldo Pizza

STATS:

19%-

Drama

15%-

Fibers

11%-

Choir last year’s winner: Fibers

a

Waldo Pizza is the first to win “Best Pizza Place,” however some may be confused as to the restaurants real name. The Pizza place located near 75th and Wornall is called Waldo Pizza, not Waldo’s Pizza. The owner is not a man in red and white striped shirt, but a man named Phil.

How does the local parlor keep up with the multimillion giants? “Its probably because of the excellent pizza and great atmostsphere,” said sophomore Katie Metzger, former Waldo employee. However, some disagree, sophomore Jessica Dahmer gives credit to the salad. All of Waldo’s accredited qualities contribute to it’s “Best of…” status, and proves that corporate pizza does in fact “suck.”

STATS:

17%-

Waldo Pizza

17%-

Minsky’s

13%-

Da Bronx last year’s winner: New Category

a

8

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

FINE ARTS

Kansas City, Missouri

April 29, 2004

An inside look on student productions Caroline Findlay Staff Writer

What is it like to be part of a student production? Stressful?

Exciting? Chaotic? Fun? All of these feelings are apparent while backstage during the annual student productions.

Student productions bring together many different people in order to accomplish one goal: put on the best show possible.

There were five student-directed shows this year.

They were held April 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium at STA. There are many important elements that go into assuring a successful show.

There’s the script itself. Seniors Rachel Hogan and Kelly Harbison were co-directors of, “In Front of Closed Doors.”

They had been writing the script since their freshman year. Senior Tonia Barksdale, the director of “The Bathroom Monologues” also co-wrote the play with Junior Colleen VanBuskirk and Sophomore Anna Johnson.

Another element is the backstage crew. These girls usually go unnoticed. They handle lighting and sound, props, clean-up, ticket sales, and anything else that needs an extra hand. These girls are willing to do anything they can in order to make the productions run smoothly.

Now how smoothly did the shows run?

I arrived at 7 p.m. to see half the actors on stage doing sound check. Drama teacher and productions advisor at STA, Mrs. Shana Prentiss, invited me to sit down and observe everything going on. Almost everyone was in full costume and makeup. Most of the girls were casually talking,

but some seemed very concentrated and already mentally preparing themselves for the show.

After sound check, everyone preceded downstairs to Prentiss’ room. By this time, it was 7: 10 p.m. Girls in the second act began arriving. The casts were talking or laughing or singing or dancing. Very few girls looked nervous. Someone turned on the CD player and it was Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby.”

Junior Emily Lodigensky told me that the song was in honor of one of last year’s seniors, Jessica Denzer. Everyone belted out the lyrics, whether they knew Jessica or not.

There were still some last minute preparations, but many girls still had time to goof around. Barksdale was straightening Johnson’s hair, Senior Emily Willets stole Lodigensky’s shoe. I was still in awe that these girls were getting ready to go onstage, but it didn’t seem to faze them. Then, “Idiot Boyfriend” came on. The spirit clubbers, Juniors Ann Stacy and Allie Brown along with Corcoran attempted to reenact their dance from last year. Okay, now I was starting to see a few nervous faces, but not nearly as many as I had expected.

It was 7:25 p.m. and time for “Shakedown.” Everyone gathered in the cafeteria pit in a circle. They all crossed arms with the person next to them and people got a chance to talk to the group. Many seniors expressed their gratitude and praise for everyone involved with the productions. It got a little emotional considering it was the seniors’ last show at STA. Then they each squeezed the hand of the person next to them

“Putting on student productions can be very stressful, but everyone handled it so well”

and it went around the circle.

Senior Alex Persley started and when it got back to her I saw the reason why it is called Shakedown.

They chanted, “One, Two, Three, Break-a-leg!” Then the seniors got in the middle of the circle and everyone counted to eight while shaking each hand and then each leg. They counted to four, then two, then one.

That went on for three or four rounds—each time getting faster.

Then in the huddle they all yelled, “Stu Pro Go Go.” Then, Willetts said,“Everybody clap your hands!” (From the Cha-Cha slide). That completed Shakedown and they filed out of the cafeteria. The first act heads to the stage, while the second act goes back to Prentiss’ room for last minute prep work.

I found a chair to sit in—out of the way—and watched the

first show get ready. The desks and chalkboard were already in place. Each girl got what she was responsible for. It was so dark; I have no idea how they could even see where they were walking. There were a few whispers and then silence when Senior Caitlin Corcoran, director of “The End of Civilization as We Know It,” addressed the audience (the normal “turn off your cell phones and enjoy the show” bit). Then the curtain opened and the show began. The show seemed go very well; all props were in place and everyone remembered their lines (or it appeared as if they did). As soon and the curtain closed, girls scrambled to get desks offstage and the new set onstage. There were two more shows in the first act before intermission. Both shows were chaotic until the curtained opened and it was like

watching ducks on water—paddling hard underneath, but gliding on the surface. No one in the audience would have known that the actresses and the run crew head, Senior Allegra Perkins, had gotten all the props in place just in time. Intermission came and went and it was time for the final two shows. They went just as well—if not better—than the first three shows. It is so exhilarating to see the last final touches before the show is put on.

So, was this what I expected?

Not really. Everyone seemed very calm and completely prepared— not that I expected them not to be. Putting on student productions can be very stressful, and usually is, but everyone handled it so well. Who knows? Maybe this experience has inspired me to audition for student productions next year.

photo by Julia McQueeny-Thorpe

Students in “The End of Civilization as We Know It” start off the Student Productions on opening night, as seen from the light board. The play featured a deranged teacher giving her students a test of their understanding of historical lessons.

STA junior singer focuses Life of a ‘Miracle’ shown in new book on interest in cultures Tyler Yarbrough Staff Writer

On an average school day, the harmonious voices of students permeate through the walls of Ms. Benjamin’s classroom and circulate through the halls of M &A. Within those classroom walls, choirs read music and prepare for their next singing engagement. For Junior Jene’ Counts, being a member of the STA Singers is much more than winning competitions and singing at concerts with hundreds of people in the audience. Counts has a hunger to let her voice be heard and being involved in the choirs at STA has fulfilled that desire. Beyond that, Counts has goals for the future that distinguish her from other students at STA. Since coming to STA, Counts has been in the Fresh-

Rose Dillon

man Chorus, the A Cappella customs on the present state of Choir and currently she is humanity. an alto for the STA Singers.

“It fascinates me to learn and Counts has had a love for music understand how we have deand singing since she was a rived from ancient cultures and young girl. so much of our “I started religions have singing at church derived from when I was only pagan religions,” two years old,” Counts said.

Counts said.

Reading and Counts not exploring differonly sings in the ent geographic choir at school, regions have but she sings in sparked Counts’s her church choir interest in hisat Faith Baptist tory.

ENE OUNTS Church and in “I recently UNIOR finished reading the 21st Century Youth Choir at “The Da Vinci St. James United Methodist Code” and that got me more Church. interested in art and religious According to Counts, singhistory,” Counts said. “I learn ing is her passion but she more by traveling to different has a greater enthusiasm for countries as well.” knowledge. She hopes to go Counts plans to attend Washto college and major in history. ington University in St. Louis, She has aspirations to become but her second choice college a historian and explore the is Clark Atlanta University in significance of past events and Atlanta, GA.

“It fascinates me to learn and understand how we derived from ancient cultures.....”

–J ʼ C , J

Business Manager

“Dancing on the Edge,” by Han Nolan, chronicles the life of Miracle, a mentally disturbed girl, and her dysfunctional family.

Miracle was given her name after being born from her mother’s dead body after her mother was hit by an ambulance.

Miracle’s clairvoyant grandmother, Gigi, constantly reminds her of her birthright.

When the story begins, Miracle is living with Gigi and her brooding father, Dane, a literary prodigy. During a séance, Dane mysteriously vanishes. Gigi explains his disappearance by saying that he has melted, and moves with Miracle to Alabama.

Living with Gigi’s ex-husband Opal in Georgia, Gigi gets a job telling fortunes in the back of a gift shop, and Miracle builds a relationship with Grandaddy Opal. Opal signs Miracle up for dance classes, but tells her that she can’t tell Gigi, because she wouldn’t approve. Miracle runs home from every class with an

imaginary eraser behind her, removing her memory so that Gigi won’t find out.

All the while, Miracle is convinced that Dane’s disappearance is her fault, and that she can make him come back if she follows her grandmother’s mystical rules. She wears purple, the color of divinity, and choreographs a dance she believes will bring him back from the “other realm.” Miracle gets to the point where she can’t see herself in the mirror, expecting to see her mother or Dane.

In a realistic but surprising twist, Miracle’s life changes permanently. Any additional information would ruin the story.

Nolan weaves a powerful narrative of family deception and Miracle’s stunted emotional development, into which reader is drawn. Especially interesting is Nolan’s depiction of the occult.

The author achieves a balance in the darkness, fascinating the reader without descending into what could become extremely depressing.

April 29, 2004

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

Worlds of Fun:

ENTERTAINMENT

9

Kansas City, Missouri

Muddy’s offers ‘local flavor’ with its unique atmosphere

Celebrating 30 Coffee attracts college and high school students alike generally very friendly, and if you years of thrills Katie Hembree go there often enough, you are to make some great new and new rides Just four blocks from STA at bound friends.

Staff Writer

Cierra Chuly Obioha Staff Writer

Not to much surprise, Worlds of Fun [WOF] opened April 3 making this its 30th year of establishment. Though great in age, through the years WOF has been able to continually keep customers coming back for more.

“I go to Worlds of fun at least 12 times in the summer,” said Sophomore Christian Pippens.

“I go a lot because you can meet new people and because I love the rides.”

Pippens goes about every week to WOF because of her choices of rides like the Mamba, Monsoon, Boomerang and more.

Now that the new ride Spinning Dragons has been built, teens similar to Pippens will be able to have an additional selection to choose from.

The Spinning Dragons that showcases cars spinning in complete circles has replaced the 23-year-old Orient Express. According to information released by WOF, thrill seekers will be entertained by the “uniquely designed” roller coaster even with the Orient Express gone.

“I liked the Orient Express,” said Junior Marcie Conway.

“That was one of my favorite rides. I used to go to [Worlds of Fun] a lot, but I got tired of the rides.”

Worlds of Fun does recognize those few customers that are bored with many of their original rides. Therefore, they attempt to add a new improvement every year. According to a Worlds of Fun representative, whether it is a new shop, new ride, or a new game for the arcade, they try their best to keep their customers satisfied.

“What I like about Worlds of Fun is the diversity in the things you can do,” said Sophomore Errin Price. “Of course you can ride the roller coasters, but there are arcades and [restaurants] too. I go to Worlds of Fun a lot in the summer, but the rise in their prices will probably decrease the amount of times I’ve been going.”

The price for a WOF ticket has increased. It is now $36 for admission and $7 for parking.

For an individual single-park season passport, it’s $59.95.

But, after 4 p.m., one may purchase twilight tickets for $16.95 each.

To experience this “175 acre playground,” go to 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue.

Worlds of Fun is now open only on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, beginning May 24th, it will be open on weekdays. For more information call 816-454-4545 or visit worldsoffun.com.

318 E. 51 St. lies Muddy’s, a cof coffee house with eccentricity and a neighborhood feel serving “local coffee” with “local flavor.” The menu is handwritten on a chalkboard offering breakfast items like pastries and fruit, as well as lunch items like sandwiches, paninis, cookies, cakes--and of course every meal can be accompanied by coffee, Italian soda or another beverage from the list.

“I go [to Muddy’s] everyday,” said English teacher Mr. Mark Fudemberg. “Occasionally I will get an iced mocha, but 90 percent of the time I just order coffee.”

Last year Muddy’s added a new beverage to their menu, the Milky Way latte. This is one of Muddy’s most popular and unique items to choose from.

Beverages come in 16 oz and 20 oz sizes.

“An average tab here is between three and five dollars for drinks,” said Samuels.

Muddy’s spacious quarters of offer plenty of room for customers.

Located near the UMKC campus, Muddy’s accommodates their college student customers who may need wireless internet, or extra room for laptops and textbooks.

An outside patio with tables and chairs is more appealing to those wanting to socialize. The staff is

“What makes us different from other coffee shops is that we are by UMKC,” said Barista Mr. Peter Samuels. “This allows for a varied atmosphere where people of all ages come [to Muddy’s].”

Several local coffee shops like Aixois, Starbucks, and Latte Land are other popular choices for cof coffee lovers.

“I don’t feel like we are threatened by high volume coffee shops,” said Samuels. “However, in other locations when [high volume coffee shops] like to move next door, it poses a problem.”

Because of Muddy’s location, business thrives from high school and college students and the neighborhood community.

Come to Muddy’s on weekday mornings and it’s packed with customers of all ages, however, business is slower in the evenings.

Muddy’s location makes it unique compared to others nearby. “[Muddy’s] is an excellent location- not close to any busy streets, as opposed to Broadway café,” said Customer Jennifer Crabtree.

“And the atmosphere is quiet, intimate, and very laid-back, if you’re not a smoker when you enter, you will be one when you leave.”

photo by Katie Hembree

Muddy’s provides a comfortable environment to hangout with friends, play card games, drink coffee, read the newspaper.

STA alumna rocks steady with new band ‘Learning Disorder’ Lauren Krum, Dan Martin bring rock, folk, soul to music

Leslie Herring Staff Writer

There are many types of learning disorders, ADD, ADHD, however, none has ever sounded so good. What started out as guitar lessons has blossomed into an incredible musical group, both instrumentally and vocally.

When former STA student Lauren Krum started taking guitar lessons from Dan Martin, neither of them had a clue that they would become a band.

During her sophomore year, Krum had to come up with a project for English the night before it was due. The next day, Martin and Krum performed the project to the tune of a Tenacious D song for her class. She got an A. When asked the name of their band by Krum’s class-

mates, Martin replied “LD” or Lauren and Dan. Martin’s mother later told them that LD stood for Learning Disorder, hence the new name of the band.

Learning Disorder first performed at Afganijam in 2003 and have already recorded a demo.

On their new self-titled album, due out later this year, Learning Disorder combines many different types of mu-

Martinʼs mother later told them that LD stood for Learning Disorder, hence the new name of the band. sic. Every song has a different sound to it, whether it is rock, soul or folk,. Krum’s soulful voice has been compared to Michelle Branch and in some of the songs, such as “Lies” and “”Unbreakable,” she sounds a

little Natalie Merchant-esque.

Her talent is most apparent in “November,” “Lies” and “I Can’t Learn.”

The instrumental talent of Learning Disorder is incredibly obvious on this CD. In “November” the guitar in the background sounds similar to John Mayer, however, Learning Disorder’s playing is much more honest and raw. In “Unbreakable” Learning Disorder really displays their instrumental talent during the 26 seconds in the beginning of the song, before they ever start singing.

The beats and the lyrics of the CD make you want to listen to it over and over. There is so much emotion in the songs that it keeps you engrossed in really hearing the lyrics. In “Lies” Krum sings “I love you too much to tell you how much I do.” It does not get more honest than that. People will be able to identify with what she sings because the audience is very connected to what the lyrics say.

Making music is a huge part of Krum’s life.

“I think for some people mu-

sic is like breathing out,” said Krum. “It’s like speaking for me. It’s an enjoyable exercise in self expression.”

Learning Disorder’s music will be available at Streetside Records and Recycled Sounds.

Krum and Martin are also working on setting up a website

“There is so much emotion in the songs that it keeps you engrossed in really hearing the lyrics.” where their music will be available.

Their new CD is a display of one of the better local musical groups. Learning Disorder makes you want to hear more and listen to them over and over. Their songs gets stuck in your head, their lyrics are emotional and truthful and everyone will be able to connect to their music in one way or another.

10

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

Practice Makes Perfect

Soccer Stars Kelly Woodward Sports Editor

After a long hard day at school, soccer practice seems to be the last thing on every player’s mind.

Varsity soccer players slowly make their way down to the gym after talking to friends and trips to Bagel and Bagel.

Around 3:45, the girls begin to get ready to play. Making their way to their bags, the girls finish snacks and laugh with friends. Shin guards and socks come on, followed by soccer cleats and getting the balls ready.

At about 4:00 p.m. the girls know that it’s time to start.

They grab their balls and their bags and head down to the field.

The players start with a warm up job twice around the soccer field. The “C” team and junior varsity are still practicing so they have to run on the outside.

After running, the girls all stretch. They have fun, joking and laughing, talking about the weekend and games to come.

They stretch for about 15 minutes before beginning different drills.

Their first drill is done with five girls. Three are on one side and two are on the other. The first person passes the ball and then moves to the end of the line. This is repeated until the coach says. They will switch it up a little by doing one touch and two touches when passing the ball.

Between this and another drill, the girls stretch again. To me this seems kind of worthless, considering a bend here and a stretch there are the only things being done.

Then the girls work on their shooting and then proceed to a scrimmage.

The girls end with a passing and a long cool down. They stretch and also talk about upcoming game strategies.

After all the running and working hard, the girls head home and prepare themselves to keep the coveted first place all- state champioinship.

After watching soccer practice and listening to the dedication and yearn for winning, I came to have a new found respect for these girls.

It seems to be all about soccer all the time, but these girls truly have their hearts in the game and really have a love for it.

I was very impressed at their skills and dedication.

SPORTS

Kansas City, Missouri

April 29, 2004

Together we can: ‘Juntos podemos’ Ann Stacy

Associate Editor

Last year, after eight consecutive seasons of losing records, the Kansas City Royals inspired fans and the rest of Major League Baseball to “Believe.”

The team’s final record of 83-79 was the best it had been since 1993. Players such as shortstop and Rookie of the Year Angel Berroa, along with Manager of the Year Tony Peña, helped make a winning season throughout much of which the Royals were highly ranked in the American League Central.

This season the Royals are back with both veteran and new players, and are again lead by Pena. Talent from players such as Carlos Beltran, Joe Randa and Juan Gonzalez will shape the Royals’ record. Support from Kansas City fans will help create an exciting atmosphere around the team. A new motto “Juntos Podemos” or “Together We Can,” formulated by Peña, is being used to look ahead to the remainder of the Royals’ 6-11 season.

Players

Two of the Royals’ eight losses this season have come in the bottom of the ninth inning when the Royals have had a lead. Partly due to performances like these, many people have attributed the Royals’ thus far unsuccessful season to their pitching.

“So far our pitching hasn’t been too good,” said Mr. John Wathan, former Royals player from 1976 to 1985, former Royals Manager from 1987 to 1991 and current Royals’ Special Assignment in Scouting and Player Development. “I think it’s just one of those things where we’ve gotten off to a bad start, especially starting pitching.”

History teacher and season ticket holding Royals fan Ms.

Sara Acton agrees with Wathan.

“I still think [the Royals’] biggest issue is going to be pitching,” she said. “I don’t think we’re going to do as well this year as last year because of the pitching. I just really haven’t seen anything great yet.”

Despite the Royals’ current pitching situation with injured pitcher Mike MacDougal and recently recovered pitcher Kevin Appier, along with their win loss ratio, Wathan optimistically views the rest of the season.

“I think [the pitching] will improve, I think we’ve got a good enough pitching staff that we should pitch better later in the season,” he said. “Last year we had a great start, so everybody was in hopes of doing the same thing this year, and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t early in the year. Most people forget that [the season] is a marathon and not a sprint.

It’s awfully early. You can’t panic this early, and I think we’ll be a lot better.”

The quality performance that Wathan predicts in the season to come, and that the Royals exemplified last season, is what makes a difference in selling tickets. This impacts the role of Royals Lancer Mr. Mike Sweeney. As a Lancer, Sweeney is a volunteer salesperson and sales agent for the Royals. He sells season tickets and is a goodwill ambassador for the team. Sweeney sees a direct connection between the performance of Royals players and the interest of people in purchasing tickets.

“The whole success of the Royals is based upon their onfield performance,” said Sweeney. “[Lancers] can do all the things we want to in this community, but unless [the Royals] are successful on the field, you don’t sell a lot of season tickets.”

Tony Peña

As the skipper of the Roy-

als, Peña plays the role of team leader. Many believe that he has been the positive change for the Royals since he took over the team in 2002.

“He had a great year last year,” said Wathan. “He brought a breath of fresh air to Kansas City with his attitude, the ‘We Believe’ attitude. I think it will carry over this year.”

Acton shares Wathan’s opinion of Peña.

“I think Tony Peña has really been the difference for the Royals,” she said. “He has great charisma and he’s really done a lot for the Royals. So I think [he has] probably been the Royals’ best pickup, hands down, over the last couple years.”

Like Acton, many people recognize Peña’s attitude as an asset to his position and a positive influence for his players.

This in turn affects the quality of play of the team. “[Peña is] a tremendous motivator,” Wathan said. “He’s one of the most positive guys I’ve ever seen, and you have to be that as a manager, because there are going to be a lot of times like there are right now when we’re not playing very well and losing a lot of ball games at the end of games and at the middle of games. The players know that he cares about them. I think they’re going to play how they played for him last year. They played 110% all the time for him and I think that’s huge for the manager.”

Fans

One component that is important to athletes and teams is their fan base. Last season, as the Royals’ wins increased, so did their fan support. This season Royals fans have expressed interest in their home team by their attendance at home games. On opening day 41,575 fans broke the opening day attendance record for Kauffman

Stadium. This fan support is different than the wavering support of the late 90s when yearly attendance was in the range of approximately 1,200,000 to 1,500,000. Despite Acton’s St. Louis Cardinal fan roots she has become one of the fans who supports the Royals.

“Up until the last five years I was a big Cardinals fan and not so much a Royals fan,” said Acton. “But, my husband really loves baseball so we just started going to Royals games. I think if you go to the stadium you really can’t help but start to be a fan.”

According to Wathan strong fan support is important to a team and makes a big difference.

“The more people we can get out there that believe in what we’re trying to do as the Royals organization I think the better and easier it is for players to play,” said Wathan. “[The players] feel that energy in the air, that electricity, and I really think it helps every player.”

Sweeney recognizes that even in rough times it is essential for all Kansas Citians to stand behind the Royals.

“Whether [the Royals are] good or bad, the reality is they’re our only team. Without the Royals we’re not a major league city,” Sweeney said. “Everybody ought to support them.

It’s huge for this part of the United States and for Kansas City.”

Wathan sees that past and continued success of the Royals maintains a strong fan base. “[The success of the Royals has] really given everybody a renewed spirit about baseball,” he said. “[The fans] did a great job last year and hopefully if we can do our part and keep fielding a competitive team, then the fans will keep coming out and it will be a lot of fun.”

Countries showcase athletes’ talents in this year’s Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece Megan Kelly Staff Writer

This summer’s Olympic games will return to their roots, in the first city to host the Olympics: Athens, Greece. From Aug. 13 to 29, 10,500 athletes will compete in 28 events in 38 venues.

After beating out ten other cities in September 1997 for the honor of hosting the games, Athens has had more than six years to prepare the city for the games.

Unfortunately, this time has proven to be insufficient to prepare the city for the upcoming Olympics.

Athens is experiencing construction delays - only 15 of the 38 venues are complete. The remaining majority still require attention.

Olympic officials recognize the urgency of the situation, but still reassure the public that the games

will commence as planned. back burner, meaning that athletes “Today, there is still a lot to do,” may need to use sunscreen as they International Olympic ComGames at the Summer Olympics: mittee President *Aquatics *Judo *Archery *Modern Pentathalon Jacques Rogge *Athletics *Rowing told the Associated Press. “. . . *Badminton *Sailing There’s enough *Basketball *Shooting *Baseball *Softball time to do it, *Boxing *Table Tennis but there’s a need for a sense *Canoeing *Taekwondoe of urgency and *Cycling *Tennis *Equestrain *Triathlon results.” *Fencing *Volleyball Among those venues *Football *Weightlifting still in need of *Gymnastics *Wrestling *Handball work are the *Hockey swimming complex, the marathon course, and the main athletics compete in an uncovered pool. stadium. The roof on the swimPlans for widening the marathon ming complex has been put on the course into a dual carriageway are

unsure, as no contractor has been hired for the job, and work on the elaborate Spanish style roof of the main athletics stadium has not yet begun.

The delay was partly a result of the Mar. 31 strike in Athens. The strike included all labor organizations and halted progress on some of the Olympic construction projects.

Despite discouraging prospects, Olympic officials remain optimistic.

“What people are interested in is the 13th of August,” said Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki of the Athens Organizing Committee.

“Everything will be ready and operational . . . including the [main athletics stadium’s] roof. . . . We believe we can surprise the world in a very positive way.”

April 29, 2004

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

SPORTS

Stars compete at varsity level Colleen Slentz Staff Writer

The track and field team went to a varsity meet Saturday at Lee’s Summit High School.

“This was a very big, very competitive meet,” said Head Coach Ann Bode-Rodriguez.

“There were supposed to have been 28 teams. This meet is very close to our district and sectional competition.”

Junior Bridget Moran placed third in the 3200 meter. The 400 meter and 800 meter relay teams (including senior Amber Bryant, Junior Brandi Kerens, Junior Sara Penaloza, Sophomore Laura Quiason and Junior Kathryn Williams) broke personal records. Jen Schuler dropped three seconds from her personal record in the 800 meter.

Senior Krystol Griffin and Sophomore Jazmyn Froe threw the shot-put. Griffin currently holds the school record for the shot-put, but Froe, according to Bode, is “knocking at her door.”

Juniors Joelle Mack and Michelle McGill jumped the high jump.

“They had some really good jumpers there,” said McGill. “We didn’t do especially well.

Senior Tyler Yarbrough and Sophomore Kate Harbin both jumped the triple jump and the long jump. Yarbrough and Harbin have both beaten the school record for the triple jump this year.

“It’s interesting because in the first meet of the season, Tyler broke the school record,” said Bode. “And then Kate came along and broke Tyler’s record.”

photo by Juana Summers

Freshman Oghosa Iyamu ran the 100 meter dash at the OHara Invitational meet. Iyamu is a first year runner and finished third in her heat.

Senior Diana Jantsch ran Freshman Amanda Morall, both the who ran the 3200 1600 meter meter relay, agreed. and the 3200 “This meet, commeter. Junior pared to many other Jacqui Lindmeets we’ve ran, was sey ran the tough,” said Morall.

400 meter.

“We had a really good The Lee’s competition. When Summit we have competition, meet was a it helps us to improve Varsity meet. ourselves and our This means time.” that there It was drizzling on can only be and off at the meet two entries and it was, by spring photo by Juana Summers standards, cold. per event Lauren Goulding jumps herdles at and the “It kind of messes competition the O’Hara Invitational. up my concentrais stiff. tion,” said McGill, referring to

the weather. “When I’m about to jump, there comes this huge gust of wind and it messes up my concentration.”

Sophomore Laura Quiason, as a sprinter, had a slightly different take on the weather conditions, saying that it pushes her harder.

The track and field team appeals to many people because of its variety of different events.

There are opportunities for lots of people with different skills to excel in track and field.

“I think that there is basically an event for everybody,” Bode said. “And I think your biggest competitor is yourself, or the clock or the tape measurer.”

In 1986, Amy Thompson suffered from a gun shot to her head at age 23. After severe surgery and a six-week coma Thompson survived. For three years, Thompson struggled with her brain injury and died unexpectedly Christmas night 1989. Thompson graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in 1981, and participated in choir and tennis.

“Amy’s determination to live showed in all aspects of her life,” said junior Allie Brown. a relative of Thompson’s.

“Whether it was running, or school work. You could tell she really cared.”

running.”

At 8:00 a.m. an expected 3,000 participants will commence the race. The RCAA certified course circles the Brookside area. Approximately 10:00 a.m. is when the race will end, and awards for the top three finishers in their respective category will be distributed.

“It’s a great course for beginners and veterans,” said Ms. Carly Spiker, three year participant.

To join the efforts of the run or the Brain Injury Association call 816-9689RUN, or register online at www.amythompsonrun.org.

Annual run attracts athletes, raises money Leslie Herring Staff Writer

Monday, May 31st marks the 17th annual Amy Thompson Run to Daylight race. The Loose Park Pavilion serves as the race’s beginning and end.

Runners and those in wheelchairs participate in an 8K (4.96 miles) and 5K (3.2 miles) run. Participants also have the option of joining in the Family Fun Course run/walk (1.2 miles).

“The Amy Thompson Run is great,” said Sophomore Katie Kennaley. “There were so many people that I couldn’t even see the street.”

The run was founded to show Thompson how much her friends and family cared for her.

After her death the proceeds of the race went to benefit the Brain Injury Association (BIA) of Kansas and Greater Kansas City. In the past 12 years, Run to Daylight has collectively raised over $1,000,000.

Many feel that participating in the race is a way to bring personal satisfaction as well as helping others.

“I run the Amy Thompson run because I get to support a good cause while doing what I love,” said Spiker. “Which is

What’s been going on in the world of sports Soccer •5/3-O’Hara (Home) *5/10-Pembroke Hill (Home) *5/11-Blue Springs (Away) *5/15-Districts TBA *5/29-Quarterfinals TBA *6/4-State TBA *Varsity has played SION twice and beat them both times.

Swim/Dive Team • 5/6-Swim and dive meet *The swim and dive team has competed this year with a new practice time in the afternoon instead of in the morning. Dive star Katie Adair qualified for state and takes home mostly wins.

Track & Field •4/30- Aquinas *5/6-Piper *5/11-Benton *5/11-Blue Valley (JV/Frosh) *5/15-Districts TBA *5/22- Sectionals TBA *5/28-State TBA

11

Kansas City, Missouri

Publication Olympics *Recently the yearbook and newspaper staff participated in an olympics to decide who is the “best publication.”

Yearbook barely won by one point but newspaper will always be Mr. Thomas’ fav.

Star Athlete Lauren Fowlkes Molly Huber Staff Writer

Most students of STA have become familiar with the name Lauren Fowlkes. It is most always mentioned in discussions of soccer and it can be heard over the intercom almost every day after a varsity soccer game, announcing another goal scored.

Although Fowlkes, now a freshman, became an STA student just under a year ago, knowledge of her and her skills as a soccer player is fairly widespread.

Fowlkes has been extremely involved in athletics ever since she could walk. She began playing soccer at the age of four in the Lee’s Summit Soccer Association (LSSA). She soon began playing premier soccer and joined her current team, the Dynamos, in the second grade.

Fowlkes has also been involved in basketball, track and swimming, but she said her real passion has always been soccer. “[Soccer]’s always been my favorite just because I’ve really grown to love the game and I was always decent at it,” said Fowlkes.

In addition to playing Dynamos soccer, Fowlkes also plays on the 1988 Missouri State Olympic Development Program (ODP) team. With this team, she has gotten the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the nation and travel to Florida, Texas, Massachusetts and all over the Midwest. Last month, she and her ODP team traveled to Germany for a week to compete in an international tournament.

“Going to Germany was amazing and probably the best experience I’ve ever had,” said Fowlkes. “It was really different and I learned a lot from it.”

Fowlkes is currently a starting forward for the STA Varsity soccer team. She has scored seven goals total this season in the ten games she has played in and has helped lead her team to more than one victory. Fowlkes said her most memorable game this season was against the Jenks High School team from Oklahoma, which played STA in the St. Louis tournament on April 17.

The two teams were tied 1-1 up until the last 30 seconds of the game, when Junior Katie Kelley crossed the ball to Fowlkes off of a restart and Fowlkes headed it in, giving STA the 2-1 win.

Also, in the recent STA vs.

Sion game at Arrowhead Stadium, Fowlkes scored the only goal of the game on a free kick from 30 yards outside the box, giving STA another victory.

Although Fowlkes has an avid athletic and social life, she still maintains a 4.0 GPA. She said her secret is planning everything out and using all her frees and activities to finish her work. She also stays away from TV- watching, which she said wastes time.

Fowlkes looks forward to the rest of the season and hopes STA will win State again this year.

12

St. Teresa’s Academy’s The Dart

ACCENT

If you were

Candidates’ Corner : Bush wants a 2nd try Kathryn Fitsimmons

PRESIDENT...

Juana Summers Staff Writer

Many STA students take politics seriously, holding definite stances on political issues, which will be important in the upcoming presidential race.

“The most important issue to me is to decide if [candidates] will be able to handle themselves publicly in dealing with the issues of economy and war,” said Sophomore Cori Dover. “I think it is important that they will be able to stand on their beliefs and not change them for someone else.”

If STA students were able to run in the upcoming presidential election,many would focuse on improving education, cleaning up the war in Iraq, and reform American foreign policy.

Education has been a very visible issue in the past four years, specifically in the Kansas City school district’s efforts to maintain accreditation. On a national level, President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act, which proposed “raising the bar” in education policies in order to effectively educate every child.

According to Kerry, Bush signed this act but has yet to follow through with the proposed effects. Kerry’s plan includes a program that would allow full funding for all to receive quality education.

“The solution is not to take kids out of public schools, it should be to make those schools better,” said Freshman Meaghann Taylor.

Sophomore Katie Kennaley says that college is somewhat expensive and that she always took education “for granted.” If education costs were cheaper, Kennaley believes that more people would pursue higher

education.

“Why are [college costs] so high in the first place?”

The liberal point of view on American foreign policy showcases the overly presumptuous stance by the current administration in the occupation of Iraq as well as a highly militant attitude towards other countries. However, the conservative point of view applauds actions recently taken to protect the country, including being at the forefront of efforts to protect American freedoms.

“I really don’t think we have handled any relationship improperly,” said Dover. “We might not have done it all to make best friends with them all, but I defiantly think we thought of our best interests when dealing with other countries, whether or not it was for their good” Kennaley believes that the president has taken the best steps in American involvement with other countries. “[President Bush] was under a lot of stress, “ said Kennaley.

“He did what he thought was best at the time.”

During the current presidency, America waged a war with Iraq that included the deployment of thousands of troops and resulted in the capture of dictator Sadaam Hussein.

“The defeat of violence and terror in Iraq is vital to the defeat of violence and terror elsewhere; and vital, therefore, to the safety of the American people,” said President George W Bush in a publicly aired press conference April 13. Democratic candidate John Kerry shares this commitment to victory in Iraq.

However, Kerry believes that

aside from strong military forces, there is a need for a strong political plan. “... To maximize our chances for success, and to minimize the risk of failure, we must make full use of the assets we have,” said Kerry in his editorial, “A Strategy for Iraq”, published in the Washington Post. “Yet the military alone cannot win the peace in Iraq. We need a political strategy that will work. “ “The war, to me, was a way for our country to go over to the Middle East and prove that we, as a country, are not going to let anyone cause that much terror and panic in our country again,” said Dover.

“I wouldn’t consider myself pro-war in the sense that I support the killing of our men and sending out more troops,” said Dover. “But, I definitely think that what they are doing is serving a purpose and is being done for our safety” However some students saw the war a s a mistake on America’s part, Senior Hilary Bowker said “ After not finding weapons of mass destruction we should have pulled back from Iraq.”

Taylor said that America’s justification was, “We were wrong, but we got rid of Sadaam.”

Taylor believes that Iraq deserves a free government; similar to that of the United States and that the main focus should be on culture, which has been “trampled during Sadaam’s reign.”

Kennaley believes that once America realized that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, troops should have pulled out instead of continuing to pursue Iraq.

“We should support [troops] in Iraq,” said Kennaley. “We chose the president and should stand behind him.”

a photo column

R e fl e c t e d R e fl e c t e d by

Rachel

Straughn

photo by Rachel Straughn

Snowy barn 2004.

April 29, 2004

Kansas City, Missouri

Staff Writer

The Bio: Mr. George Walker Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut. He grew up in Midland, Texas, with his mother Barbara Bush and father, former president George Herbert Walker Bush.

Bush attended the Phillips Andover Academy High School where he was a cheerleader. He later attended Yale where he was president of his fraternity and earned a degree graduating in the bottom 20 percent of his class.

After college, Bush joined the Texas Air National Guard and was promoted to 2nd Lt., but was trained in a plane that was not used in the war. He was honorably discharged in the 1970’s.

After his discharge, Bush recieved his degree from Harvard Business School and later used his degree to serve as CEO for Bush Exploration Oil & Gas Company for 11 years.

He was also the General Manager for the Texas Rangers baseball team.

Due to his popularity, Bush was elected Governor of Texas in 1994, then re-elected in 1998, becoming the first Texas governor to be elected to consecutive four-year terms.

Known as a compassion-

ate conservative, George W. Bush gained the respect of the Republican Party and won the 2000 presidential election after the Florida voting controversy.

He was sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States on January 20, 2001.

The Issues: •Bush has created a threestep program to fight the war on terror: defend, preserve, expand. First, he will defend peace by opposing and preventing violence created by terrorists. Next, he will preserve peace by developing an age of good relations with the world’s great powers. Last, he will expand peace by attempting to extend the benefits of freedom to the entire world.

•Bush’s plans also include creating more employment options and providing tax relief so that Americans will be able to invest their money instead of giving it away in taxes.

•Bush wants to provide more modern health care options in hopes of strengthening the doctor/patient relationship.

•Child education is also important to Bush’s campaign plans. He wishes to improve general performance in schools and close the gap between wealthy and poor students.

Cool revisited Katy Corogenes and Rose Dillon

Page Editor and Staff Writer

Often when researching the world of cool we come across “cool anomalies:” things that are so uncool that they actually revert back to cool. We call this the “cool cycle.” It kind of works like the water cycle. The cycle starts off with something so cool only a select few know of its coolness.

It then starts to disperse to the general populace, and the demand becomes so great that it spawns knockoffs sold at Wal-Mart, loses all coolness and lingers in the discount bin until a few decades later it is re-discovered and re-invented by those in the know, and thus the cycle begins again. Often you don’t realize the cycle has occurred until it is over. In the past year many things have made their way through the “cool cycle.”

One of the latest products of the “cool cycle” is The Boohbahs, basically the reinvention of the Teletubbies. Now don’t rush to your closet and dig out your Lala backpack, Boohbahs are not Teletubbies. The multicolored puff pastries are geared toward an older audience and promote exercise by wiggling and jumping up and down. They are joined by the Story People who distract you from the creepy blinking eyes of the Boohbahs. By this time next year, however, the Boohbahs will be out on their squishy little tushies, banging on the cool door to be let back in.

Another item that has traveled through the world of cool are Ugg boots. Known in their native Aus-

tralia as ugly boots, these sheepskin shoes have been keeping the Aussie’s feet protected from the hot sand on the beach while surf surfing since the 1970’s. The footwear from down under became a hit in the celebrity world of the states last fall. As their popularity rose people began to search for ways to make their Uggs stand out, and markers and sequins were employed to make the boots anything but ugly. Unfortunately their demise was not far off. In the spring of 2004 Uggs made the fatal mistake of appearing on Marlon Brando’s feet: truly un-cool.

A third accessory of cool is the trucker hat. Von Dutch and Ashton Kutcher placed these firmly on the head of every fashionista in Hollywood. Approximately three weeks later, the trend was long gone, and the fedora moved in.

However, we fully support those who sport trucker caps because, though non-fashionable, they give the wearer the hard edge of a grimy, unwashed, lecherous crosscountry truck driver.

Not everything is cool enough to enter the cool cycle. Even if something does, it may not return in the same form, so it’s best not to let the Hanson poster linger on your wall or the lime green wardrobe from the Limited Too occupy to much space in your closet. But if you find a lovely piece of your fashion past and you think it’s appropriate for a night out on the town, by all means, wear it! Due to your intervention, it could reenter the cool cycle.

Which would make you the cat’s pajamas.