Dart Vol. 81, Issue 4

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ST. TERESA’S ACADEMY KANSAS CITY, MO VOLUME 81 ISSUE 4

Why Not Me?

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Beauty standards are manifested in a myriad of ways: social media posts, television shows, weight-loss advertisements, and even in everyday conversation. These ideals may influence mental well-being,

Beauty standards are manifested in a myriad of ways: social media posts, television shows, weight-loss advertisements, and even in everyday conversation.

These ideals may influence mental well-being, selfesteem and relationships with others. page 16

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the DART|February 11, 2022

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Dear reader, January has come and gone, the school year is over halfway done and we are already on our fourth edition of The Dart this year!

Time sure flies when you are having fun.

Be sure to congratulate the class of 2022 Valedictorian Iris Roddy if you see her in the hallway! Caroline Hinkebein covers Roddy’s reaction when she found out, as well as how she balances academics and other commitments, all on p. 6-7.

If you are looking for some restaurant suggestions, look no further than p. 10! Lily Sage reviewed three Mexican restaurants and will tell you where your next Taco Tuesday needs to be. On p.11, Kyra FIeger did a “Wicked” good job reviewing the hit Broadway musical.

On p. 14-15, Annie McShane writes about the importance of Black Student Coalition and some of its members shared their personal experiences with the affinity group.

BSC has planned events to celebrate Black History Month, so be sure to attend them to learn more.

As the cover indicates, many students are faced with a constant bombardment of advertisements and social media posts telling them how they should look. Our cover story this cycle investigates the beauty standards that are imposed on teenagers, and students share their experiences with these pressures.

On p.24, Sydney Waldron dives into learning more about the new Swim and Dive coaches. Although they are new this year, they have a long history: Coach Andrew Wilcox was previously at STA, while Coach Paul Winkeler was at Sion. The Dart even wrote about them in 2010!

If you need book, movie, TV show and music suggestions, look no further than p.2829. Miriam Parsa created a “if you like this, then you’ll like that” to help you find your new

favorites.

From the entire Dart staff, thank you for reading and supporting the publication!

Love, Sydney Waldron Sophia Rall Becca Speier

the DART|designed by Lauren Brackney

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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21

30

04 06 08 10 11 12 14 16 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30

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news feature: Omicron Gone Wrong star spotlight: Iris Roddy bits & pieces: Valentine’s Edition review: Let’s Taco ‘Bout It review: “Wicked” Good feature: Custodial Staff feature: Black Student Coalition centerspread: Beauty Standards feature: Mindfulness in Motion perspectives: Hush-Hush perspectives: Take a Page From My Book sports: Swim Coaches - A Dynamic Duo community: Scraps KC humans of STA: Ellie McManamy, Sabrina Allan, and Lily Brown last look: If you liked this, try that! photo essay: A Morning in the River Market Cover design by Sydney Waldron | Editor-in-Chief

the DART|February 11, 2022

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NEWS FEATURE

New Year, New VarianT

Nearly two years have passed since STA and the whole world shut down to stop the spread of COVID-19-19. Currently, new variants like Delta and Omicron have become widespread. STA’s community reflects on what to make of new safety procedures as at-home tests and mask mandates are released.

Story by Lauren Brackney | Design Editor

“

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e’re going to be stuck with this for a while, unfortunately, is the way it looks,” science teacher Matthew

Lewis said.

Although the first confirmed COVID-19-19 case in the United States was reported in January 2020, Kansas City would not report a single COVID-19-19 case until March of that same year, according to the CDC. STA adapted to stop the spread of COVID-19-19 by transitioning to virtual learning March 23.

“I remember going into spring break and telling my advisor, ‘Hey, I’ll see you in two weeks,’” senior Bella Avery said. “Then I didn’t see her until the beginning of senior year, really, because I was virtual all of junior year.”

Current STA sophomore Grace Mackay was in eighth grade at the beginning of the pandemic.

She has since had to adapt to COVID-19 protocols for the entirety of her time in high school.

“Since it’s my second year of high school, it’s also the second year of the pandemic,” Mackay said. “I would just really like to kind of experience what it feels like to have a normal year.”

With the spread of new variants on the rise and the continual increase in both hospitalization and cases, the possibility of a normal school year this year has diminished. As the new variants arose and eventually spread to the Kansas City area, Mackay is reminded of the early days of the pandemic.

“I think it was definitely scary because I feel like we always kind of think it is dying down and then you will hear about Delta coming up or Omicron or anything like that,” Mackay said.

“I feel like it is kind of like how the start of the pandemic was where it started somewhere else and then it spread.”

The first reported case of Omicron in Kansas City was in early December. According to Saint Luke’s Hospital, Omicron made up 77% of all COVID-19 cases in the Kansas City area Jan. 5.

Lewis is also concerned for when and where a

Due to the increased transmission of the Omicron variant, at home tests have increased in popularity Jan. 24. The COVID-19-19 pandemic is currently heading into its third year. photo by Becca Speier

new variant will originate from and whether it will spark yet another global outbreak.

“It takes months for some of these variants found other places to get to us,” Lewis said.

“Delta took six to nine months to reach us here in Kansas City. Omicron took a couple months because it spread so quickly.”

Avery understands that the next mutation of the virus could occur much closer to home than anyone expects.

“It could happen right here in Kansas City, and I feel like people don’t really have that sort of view about it,” Avery said.

Along with the spread of new variants, there is also a spread in misinformation surrounding them. Lewis thinks that the comparison between the variants is misleading. “[Omicron is] milder but they never say milder compared to what — it’s milder compared to Delta, and Delta was bad compared to the original strain which was bad in and of itself,” Lewis said. “So where is [Omicron] in that comparison?”

Avery thinks that comparing the severity of one variant to another has contributed to the confusion and overshadows the importance of getting vaccinated and keeping others safe.

“Omnicron isn’t as deadly, but it’s more transmissible and what they don’t realize is that there are people out there that aren’t vaccinated — either if they can get [the vaccine] or can’t, for whatever reason, there are also people who are immunocompromised or have other illnesses that they need hospital beds for,” Avery said. “We’re not thinking about it entirely.”

According to the White House, the Biden administration began to distribute athome testing kits Jan. 19 after purchasing half a billion tests.

“I feel like that should have been a priority much earlier in the pandemic,” Lewis said. “It should have become normalized much earlier so we could track things like they do in other countries that have had tests available to people for a long time. Now, we are just doing that.”

Lewis believes that the accessibility to tests will help everyone make safer choices if they are exposed or test positive.

“You know, helping people just be aware, instead of going well, I’m gonna just risk it,” Lewis said. “So people can

the DART|FEBRUARY 11, 2022

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STAR SPOTLIGHT

IRIS RODDY Iris Roddy is the Valedictorian for the STA class of 2022.

Photo and story by Caroline Hinkebein | Sports Editor

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Senior Valedictorian Iris Roddy smiles for a picture Wednesday Jan.26. Roddy says that the accomplishment of becoming STA’s Valedictorian for the class of 2022 “has yet to sink in.”

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ow did you find out that you were Valedictorian?

I got an email from Mrs. McCormick Friday during Interim:a Google calendar invitation to a meeting with her Monday during my lunch period. That wasn’t initially not my thought about what it was. I kind of freaked out; I was like ‘whoa, what is this about, what’s going on?’ I was like either it’s something really, really good or something really, really bad. I did not know which. So I went home and I mentioned it to my dad and he knew. He didn’t really tell me but he knew.

I really found out Monday during my lunch period.

How did you feel when you first found out?

It didn’t feel real. You know? I was kind of shocked, it didn’t sink in. It kind of still hasn’t.

What was the experience like when it was announced over the intercom and everyone else found out as well?

It was really cool. I was in my College World Faiths class and everyone started clapping and freaked out. It was really nice.

Who do you think was most proud of you for this accomplishment?

Probably a tie between my parents. They both acted very calm on the phone when I called them but my older sister told me that my dad freaked out after he hung up with me.

He was just like ‘ah yeah that’s cool, good for you, good job, proud of you’ very calm, you know? Which kind of kept it from sinking in how crazy it is. Then he hung up and freaked out to my sister.

Who do you think helped you the most along the way?

My sisters. They would always tell me not to get super stressed about school stuff and try to make sure I’m doing other things and not to get hung up on school work. My little sister would always tell me don’t get stressed about stuff that’s out of your control. You shouldn’t be spending excessive amounts of time studying or working on stuff, just do what you need to do, get it done. So, a really good attitude. I’m like great, she’ll have a very healthy relationship in high school with school work.

Have you always wanted to be Valedictorian or is it something that just kind of happened?

I was not working towards it; it never really crossed my mind until people started talking

the DART|designed by Taylor Hayes about it last semester or wondering who it was going to be. I never thought it was going to be me.

What do you do outside of school?

I don’t do any sports. I’m co-president of Book Club. This is my second year of doing that, so we do a lot of meetings, organizing stuff. We always try to be really prepared for our meetings to have fun activities planned because we always feel really bad when we show up and don’t do anything. We always have crafts, Kahoot, stuff like that. I’m in JCL (Junior Classical League), the Latin extracurricular. We do Latin trivia, Latin holidays, etc. I’m in GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance) this year, which is fun. Other than that, I work after school in an aftercare program. I work with kindergarteners, and I watch them for a couple hours until their parents pick them up.

How did you balance all of these commitments with your school work and social life?

All of my friends are also very schooloriented and they care a lot about their grades so we all pause during the week, don’t really hang out after school as much, but then on the weekends we would. Other than that, it really helped me when I got some pet mice my sophomore year and I’ve had a couple different generations of mice since then. It’s really nice to have someone to take care of. [I] play with them, make sure their cage is clean, and I have one that just constantly wants attention; she would sit in her cage and just scream if she knew I was around like ‘take me out.’ That was really good for me; it seems a little bit stressful to have to manage them all the time but it was really good because it forced me to stop working on school and do something else for a little bit. I also have a cat who would cuddle up with me when virtual school was going on so that was also nice to get to de-stress while petting my cat What has been your favorite class that you’ve taken at STA? That’s a really tough question. I really like Latin; all four years I’ve had really good teachers. Dr. Clark is new this year but we’ve learned a lot, we’re meeting a lot and he also never assigns too much work so it’s a fun class. You’re learning a lot, you’ve got to put a lot of work in, but it’s never super stressful — a nice balance.

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Who has been your favorite teacher?

I don’t really have a favorite but I’ve had Ms. Taber for the last two years. She’s so good at her job; I’ve really loved her classes. She’s always really willing to help you outside of class. She’s definitely, if not my favorite, one of my top favorite teachers.

Do you know what you’re interested in majoring in in college?

I know I want to do something STEM-related.

I’ve really been liking math in high school and maybe chemistry?

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become Valedictorian?

I would say that you definitely need to have a good work, school and life balance. Find stuff outside of school that’s not related to school at all. Find a hobby, have some pets, have your friend group and don’t think about school all the time. Don’t stress about school all the time because it’s all going to be okay. b

Senior Iris Roddy’s mice help her de-stress by giving her something to do other than school work. She recommends getting pets to take care of to anyone who is feeling stressed out with school. photo courtesy of Iris Roddy

Senior Iris Roddy is carried by her sisters as they pose for a photo. She has a younger sister who is a freshman at STA as well as an older sister who is an STA grad. photo courtesy of Iris Roddy.

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the DART|February 11, 2022

BITS & PIECES

MY LIFE

SUCKS!

“My life sucks because I don’t really have plans for Valentine’s Day besides hanging out with my family.”

Sophomore Chelley Young

MY LIFE

ROCKS! “I’m spending Valentine’s with my friends and family this year!”

Sophomore Chelsea Luna

DART STAFF music picks

Graphics created by Annie McShane

Flowers

Chocolates

Teddy Bear

To participate in next issue’s poll, go to dartnewsonline.com to cast your vote.

“I love the Lumineers album, ‘Brightside,’ because of the relaxed vibe it gives. It is perfect to listen to during homework, in the car, etc. My favorite song on the album is ‘Birthday’ because of the happy and chill beat.”

- Anna Stout | Writer

“I’ve been listening to ‘Minor’ by Grace Abrams. I started listening to it because one of the songs from it was on one of my playlists. I became obsessed with that one song, so I listened to the entire ep, and I have not been able to stop!”

- Miriam Parsa | Instagram Editor

“I love [‘The Walls are Way Too Thin’

by Holly Humberstone] because to me it feels like making the best of a bad situation. While it’s not the most upbeat album, it definitely makes me reminisce on some happy/sad times in my life.”

- Charlotte Malone | Photo Editor

the DART|designed by Becca Speier

A&E

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ACROSS: 3: What is the date of Valentine’s Day? 5: How many conversation hearts are produced each year?

DOWN: 1: What country celebrates a “day of love” on the 14th of each month?

2: How many years have chocolate boxes been around?

3: What company celebrates “Friend’s Day” instead of Valentine’s Day? 4: What are the two letters associated with ‘hugs & kisses’?

VALENTINE’S DAY CROSSWORD

the Reading Nook

Have you ever wondered what the STA staff is reading? This issue, English teacher Alexandria Hardin shared about her current favorite book, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

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Mark Your Calendars!

“

FEB Service Week 14th begins

FEB President’s Day: No 21st Classes

FEB Opening night 16th for the play

FEB Black History Month Hair 28th

Ash MARCH Wednesday 2nd

Show

Story and Graphics by Annie McShane | Copy Editor

y favorite book is ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I first read this book in spring of 2021, so I was a little late to the game, but I’m really glad I read it,” Hardin said. Set in Hollywood in the early to mid 1900s, this book follows Evelyn Hugo, a woman who is trying to make it big in the world of film while working to define who she is and what society will accept of her.

Hardin sees Hugo as a morally gray protagonist, but that is part of what makes her love the book so much.

“That is what makes her so intriguing, so human and relatable. She is a bit rebellious, she kind of does her own thing a lot of times. She ends up having, exactly as the title says, seven different husbands throughout this time as she’s exploring herself and where she belongs within society,” Hardin said.

Hardin said that the reason this is her favorite book is because Hugo is an inspiring woman whostands up for herself and what she wants.

“Even though I may not always agree with her decisions and how she handles things, I think it says a lot about her as a woman that is seeking independence and fulfilling her own life goals,” Hardin said.

Hardin rated this book five out of five stars, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read. B

the DART|February 11, 2022

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REVIEWS

Let's Taco 'Bout It Do you ever wonder where the best place to grab a nice Mexican dinner in Kansas City is? Well, I tried three different Mexican restaurants in the KC area and this is where you should have your next Taco Tuesday.

Story by Lily Sage | Opinion Editor

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Graphics by Annie McShane | Copy Editor

hat I’m about to tell you might completely shock, hurt or even confuse you. Trust me, it’s not something I’m proud of. Alright, I guess it’s time to come clean…my favorite Mexican restaurant is Chipotle. I know, I know, I know. My love for the chain restaurant has been going strong since I was in freshman year; it’s concerning. I eat at Chipotle around three or four times a week. In fact, I’m probably single-handedly keeping them in business. However, lately I have been thinking a few things: number one, this obsession is probably not the best for my general health and number two, there are so many locally owned and authentic Mexican restaurants in the Kansas City area that I have never tried. Over the past few weeks, I ate at three different Mexican restaurants in the Kansas City metropolitan to find where you should have your next Taco Tuesday.

AAAAB My first stop was Teocali, located Downtown at 2512 Holmes Street. Alright, let’s get into what everyone is here for: the FOOD. I went with one of my friends and we started with the bottomless chips and salsa, and of course we couldn’t skip out on some queso con jalapenos. The salsa was very fresh and had great flavor; I tasted some major cilantro tang, but that’s a good thing for me because I LOVE cilantro. Thank goodness I wasn’t born with the “cilantro tastes like soap” gene. The queso was just ok… I don’t even remember what it tasted like; hat’s how little of an opinion I had on it.

Of course like at any Mexican restaurant, we devoured the chips, salsa and queso before our actual entrees arrived. I ordered the Teocali Grande Burrito with chicken, and the name was no lie; I want to say it was about a foot long, and I don’t think that is over-exaggerating.The burrito originally came with red enchilada sauce on top, but I subbed that out for their verde tomatillo sauce, which I still dream of. The chicken was a little dry but the verde sauce made it all worthwhile.

The menu was very extensive and had a lot of variety. Overall, I give Teocali a 4/5 stars.The restaurant was delicious, however it wasn't my favorite out of the three restaurants.

AAABB

My next stop, which happened to be the very next night after Teocali, was Mi Ranchito located in Overland Park at 7148 West 80th Street. Right when we walked to our booth, chips and salsa were brought out to us. Strike number one was, this so-called “salsa” basically just tasted like tomato juice and a squeeze of lime, which made me very disappointed. My family also ordered the chile con queso, which was melted yellow cheese, and this was kind of a debatable for me because I normally only like white queso; strike number two. It had just the right amount of spice for a nice kick at the end of the bite, but it was still missing a certain “je no c’est quoi."

For my entree I ordered the Chile Verde Enchiladas with pork. The enchiladas were incredible; they were Mi Ranchito’s saving grace. They were stuffed with two different kinds of cheeses — which for someone with lactose intolerance like myself can be concerning, but I popped a lactate and was good to go. The pork was soft and very flavorful and the verde salsa on top was incredible. I know that the menu was huge because I was generally overwhelmed trying to read all the different meals they have to offer. Overall, I give Mi Ranchito a 3/5 stars. If not for the enchiladas, Mi Ranchito was not worth it.

AAAAA My final stop was Ponaks, located at 2856 Southwest Boulevard. This was by far my favorite restaurant.Once again, right as we sat down, chips and salsa were brought to us. We were given two types of salsa: a traditional red salsa and a green verde salsa.

Can you guess which one was my favorite?

Both had great flavor and a nice level of spice but the green verde came out on top for me.

My family went back to our roots and ordered the white queso, which had an unexpected smokey flavor that was welcomed by all four of us. I ordered the Chile Burrito with pork chili in it and the burrito was smothered in that very same green verde salsa. I have absolutely no words to describe how good this burrito was; it was truly a spiritual encounter that needs to be experienced by everyone. Ponaks, in my opinion, deserves a 5/5 stars. B

the DART|designed by Annie McShane

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Good

Seeing "Wicked" with my family made my inner child content and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

Story and Graphic by Kyra Fieger | Lifestyles Editor

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hile most people were somewhere out watching the Chiefs during the divisional championship game, Jan 23, I was walking up towards a ticket booth to check into the Music Hall. While I didn’t know what to expect, my heart was racing as the realization set in that I was about to see the Broadway musical: “Wicked.”

My family is definitely more artistically inclined, so growing up, my brother and I were theater kids at heart. That said, I gave up my so called “acting career” at a younger age to pursue sports, meaning I hadn’t experienced the rush of a performance in awhile.

I didn’t truly know what to expect, but my brother and mom were ecstatic, to say the least. Both were my partners in crime for the night, helping me get photographs of the “Wicked” bus and such. The three of us were lucky enough to see the last show, barely being able to get seats as the musical is popular.

I was first drawn to “Wicked” because my friend, Emma Mullins, went to see it with her dad and sister weeks prior. After the showing, Mullins raved about the musical, saying it was "an amazing experience."

I knew “Wicked” was in town, but hadn’t considered actually going to the showing until I heard about Emma’s experience.

Knowing my brother and mom would love to join me, I pitched the idea of going to my family and both were immediately on board.

Sitting down in the red velvet seats surrounded by others in the theater, I was amazed at how the production had taken many COVID-19 precautions in order to make it a safe and enjoyable night. Masks were kept on the entirety of the play and no food or drink was allowed in the theater in order to prevent people from taking their masks off. Although I wish there would have been better organization in regard to lines and social distancing, all three of us still felt safe during the whole showing.

As the lights dimmed and the curtains drew, three monkeys appeared on the stage, screaming and climbing up the railings. A large mechanical dragon hung from the ceiling and began emitting smoke and growling. I won’t lie: at first I was a little wary and somewhat terrified. The animatronics were very realistic, and the monkeys’ screeching pierced the air. I was very impressed with the costumes and set design.

The first scene was set as if Glenda was telling the story of her and Elphaba’s friendship and how it came to be. The contrast in acting between Glenda and Elphaba was impeccable and viewers could tell there was attention to every detail. From the difference in how they dressed (Glenda would wear pink poofy dresses while

Elphaba dressed in plain black and brown robes), to their rooms during boarding school.

I was amused with how much each actor interacted with the audience.

The story itself kept me on my toes since I hadn’t heard anything about the musical previously. I could tell my mom and brother were enjoying the show just as much as I was.

By the end of the performance everyone in the audience was up out of their seats, the methodic sound of everyone's clapping crashed with sharp whistling, expressing the gratitude we all had to experience such talent. Our praise had only begun as the curtain rose once more and the cast took their final bows.

I know this may sound cliche, but I became emotional as Glenda and Elphaba came out for their final bows and both were crying. This moment highlighted just how much the cast put into their shows and I’m forever grateful to get to experience such a moment.

I would strongly encourage anyone who is thinking about going to see this, take action and do it! The money is worth it for what you are able to experience. I know for me -seeing “Wicked’ will forever be one of my core memories.B

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the DART|February 11, 2022

FEATURE

cleanup crew The custodians of STA help with anything and everything, from crumbcovered floors to broken toilets, the custodial staff will have your back.

Story by Megan Turley | Social Media Team

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very morning, Gretchen Farrell wakes up at 4:15 and makes her daily drive to STA. She cleans the Windmoor conference rooms, wipes down the doors and windows and tidies the chapel before ending her time at STA for the day.

“I work from 6:00 to 9:00 in the mornings, and then I have my own business doing construction cleanings for the rest of the day,” Farrell said. “Sometimes I don’t get home until 6:00 or 7:00 at night, it’s a long day and my cat’s not happy about it.”

Farrell’s work, as everybody’s, has been affected by COVID-19.

“Really just the mask part [of the pandemic] has been a big deal,” Farrell said. “It’s hard to maneuver around and work because we’re not sitting in classrooms; we’re up and moving, and it gets hard to Mop breathe.”

Bucket Even though Farrell may spend only a small amount of time on campus, she still loves to interact with the community, “[My favorite part is] when you girls are coming in for class, I hold the door open sometimes,” Farrell said. “I usually feed Truman in the morning when he’s here.”

The custodians at STA aren’t one unified body. Many of the workers only come in part time and balance other jobs, family and personal time with the often demanding work of cleaning such a large campus. At any given time before or after

school, there are some 10 custodians on campus, cleaning the buildings, taking out the trash and making sure the campus is beautiful for the students and staff every day.

Carlos and JoJo Palacio are aunt and nephew and work in the Donnelly building once the school day ends. They clean off

desks, tidy classrooms, take out the trash and even employ the help of several students working on campus as junior custodians.

“One of our greatest challenges as custodians is trying to please everybody, make everybody happy,” JoJo said. “That’s really difficult. Because everybody wants things done differently.”

One of her greatest personal successes has been finding more patience in herself.

“I was very impatient,” JoJo said.

“I’m a very impatient person. But A few things all custodians need for their day. recently I’ve kind of learned Alternate coverage by Anna Stout|Writer how to be more patient and understanding and Caution listening.” sign Caution JoJo’s day starts early and with prayer.

“I get up and do my Caution! prayers, because you can’t start the day Wet Floor without God, then I wet Floor come to work and just do my job,” JoJo said.

While JoJo works Mop through the day, Carlos finds a way to juggle going to school full-time as a senior at Shawnee Mission East, as well as working a custodial job.

Cleaner “I’ve been coming here since and rag I was 14; I was getting paid in stuff ner Clea like snacks,” Carlos said.

Carlos’s philosophy of custodial success revolves around the three P’s.

Custodian Essentials

the DART|designed by Sophia Rall

The Faces of STA

*not pictured: Cardell Baker, Celia Cisneros, Gretchen Farrell, Hector Pacheco, Yasmine Pacheco, Vicky Watton, Marina Sanchez, Laura Gonzales

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Operations Manager

Carlos Palacio

Jojo Palacio

Director of Campus Operations

Maintenance Technician

Lazaro Torres

Gil Mont

Becky Flores

“We try to do our best having patience,” Carlos said. “Patience, pleasing and perception. The three P’s.”

Even after the afternoon crew has finished their work, Operations Manager Gil Mont’s day continues on. Because of his title and accompanying responsibilities, he often has to stay late to help set up or take down decorations, chairs and tables for anything from all-school masses to alumnae celebrations. Not only is he in charge of event setups, but he also manages the custodial staff, including the student helpers who work with him and the other custodians at STA. Mont was the one to begin the STA student custodians program, and lists it as one of his biggest personal successes as of late.

“It’s been great working here for the last 12 years with my student workers who help me with cleaning and set ups,” Mont said. B

Kevin Hunter

Morning in the life of

Gretchen Farrell Graphics by Sophia Rall | Editor-in-Chief 4:15AM a.m.

Wake up a.m.

6-9AM Clean Windmoor Building

9AM a.m.

Depart from STA

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the DART|February 11, 2022

FEATURE

Celebrating Black History Month at STA

Black Student Coalition is one of STA’s affinity groups that provides a safe space for students of color. Members of the group share about its importance as well as plans for celebrating Black History Month.

Story by Lina Kilgore | Staff Writer

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very year, during the month of February, Black History month is celebrated in the United States.

Many different kinds of events happen all over the country, and at St. Teresa’s Academy. All of the celebrations that STA holds are run by the Black Student Coalition.

Black Student Coalition is one of STA’s affinity groups, alongside Asian Affinity Group, Hispanic Affinity Group and the Gender Sexuality Alliance.

The president of the extracurricular, junior Riyan Jones, sees Black Student Coalition as a safe place on campus.

“It’s a space on campus for other Black students to come and express their concerns about things that are going on around campus or in the world in general,” Jones said. “We also use it as a tool to educate others.”

Black Student Coalition’s moderator Brianna Walker has been involved with the group since she came to STA in the fall of 2018. She sees the group as a place where students can come together, be themselves and talk about things that are happening within their specific communities.

Sophomore Chelley Young also sees great importance in having an accessible

affinity group on campus. She thinks it is very important to have a group that all people of color are free to join if they are interested.

“We like to do things around campus, since we go to a predominately white institution, to just make everyone feel safe and included,” Young said.

Black Student Coalition is involved

The Black Student Collation poses with Brianna Walker and Dr. Siabhan MayWashington Sept. 3, 2020. They hold up clenched fists that represent the logo for the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. photo courtesy of Claire Smith

in many different things outside of campus. Walker shared that one of the extracurricular’s biggest community service project is adopting a family.

“Every year, we adopt a family in the Kansas City community,” Walker said.

“Whenever we have a bake sale, we’re raising money for the family that we’re going to give to and 100% of those proceeds go to them.”

One thing that Walker loves about doing things like bake sales is being able to talk with students about what Black Student Coalition is.

“The bake sale that we had in December was so much fun, getting to explain to all the students ‘Who is Black Student Coalition?’ especially to the freshmen, because they had no idea, so talking with them and saying ‘This is what we are, this is some of the things we do and this is why we’re here.’”

Walker said.

Black Student Coalition also plans many events to celebrate Black History Month.

Jones shared that a lot of their planned events are similar to last year.

“We’re planning our next big event, Black History Month, which includes a church event, a hair show and a plaid table talk,” Jones said. “We also plan a symposium for other area high school

the DART|designed by Sydney Waldron students to invite their Black students from their school to come and we host “When the teachers acknowledge your basically a giant seminar.” intelligence, I think that just really feels Walker said that Black Student good,” Young said. “Depending on what Coalition holds these events to celebrate community you live in, some people of Black History Month in a fun, but also color think certain things are unattainable, educational and informational way. Jones so when others tell you you can and they thinks that it is so important for STA support you emotionally and physically, it students to come and celebrate Black just feels really good.”

History Month at these events.

Jones shared that Black Student Coalition “We have so many people come and has helped her feel accepted at STA and is take time out of their busy schedules to one of the main things that keeps her here. help educate the rest of us,” Jones said.

She feels that it is so important to have a “I think that it’s really important that we safe space that reminds her that she is not really turn out for them and show our support for them as well as your fellow students on campus.”

Jones also believes that it is important to focus not only on past achievements of Black people, but what Black people are doing today. She feels that a great way to celebrate Black History Month is by taking time to find out what Black people are accomplishing in the present.

Trailblazing African American women “I think that there’s just so much throughout our country’s history. happening now that we kind of turn a blind Alternate coverage by Anna Massman | Outreach editor eye to because we’re too focused on the past,” Jones said.

Along with finding out what Black people are accomplishing today, Jones Alice Coachman thinks it’s important to educate yourself on issues within the Black community. woman to earn an Young agrees with this, and thinks that it Olympic gold medal is a great way to help support the Black community.

“It’s really important to be an ally and be educated about different issues within our whole community and just do Shirley Chrisolm is whatever you can to help,” Young said.

Walker believes that this education American woman starts at STA, and she is constantly finding elected to ways to help teachers involve important Congress people of color in their lesson plans.

“I always start with the teachers, making sure that they know different Mae Jemison people that they can talk about throughout the year,” Walker said. “Some Black woman to of those small ways are just by having pictures up on the wall, that way it either travel to space piques an interest or it gets you looking at people of color, so then maybe a student might ask about ‘Who’s on your wall?’

Kamala Harris ‘Who is that?’ ‘What do they do?’ So that becomes the right there opens up the door.”

Young has noticed the effect that this of color VP support from teachers can have. Although she was nervous to come to STA, she has felt recognized by her teachers and peers.

Black Women’s Firsts in U.S. History 1948

1969

1992

2020

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alone on campus.

“Sometimes when you’re a minority in a space, it’s harder to connect with those who don’t really go through the same things that you do, so BSC kind of opens up a space for us to kind of connect with each other,” Jones said.

Walker thinks that all the affinity groups on campus are necessary to remind people that these students hold space at STA. She also feels that these groups are important because they provide a space for students to talk about different issues from different perspectives.

“I think it’s so important to have a space that’s unique to those students, because our Black and Brown students, Asian, GSA, they have very unique lived and learned experiences that they’re not always able to share on campus for a wealth of reasons,” Walker said. “Whether they feel like someone can’t relate or maybe they feel uncomfortable sharing their stories, but when they come together in those unique spaces, they’re able to let their hair down and really not care.”

Young believes that Black Student Coalition is something that every school should have as a safe space for people of color. She thinks that STA can provide a great example for other schools that are establishing similar groups.

“I know there are other schools that don’t have [Black Student Coalition], but they are starting to form different groups like we are, and I think we’re a really good example,” Young said. “Especially since we’re very inclusive, because we don’t only have it just for one group of people, we have it for a bunch of groups of people.”

Walker, Young and Jones all feel that during their years at STA so far, Black Student Coalition has been a positive space that has helped them form bonds with people that they may not have otherwise known.

“I always say that the students teach me way more than I could teach myself,” Walker said. “They’re always teaching me something, and just humbling me that every Black experience is not the same.” B

B 16|

the DART|February 11, 2022

CENTERSPREAD

eauty: in the eye of the beholder?

Beauty standards are manifested in a myriad of ways: social media posts, television shows, weight-loss advertisements and even in everyday conversation. These ideals may influence mental well-being, self-esteem and relationships with others.

Story by Sophia Rall | Editor-in-Chief, Lauren Brackney | Design Editor and Lauren Ford | Graphics Editor Graphics by Anna Stout | Writer Photos by Charlotte Malone | Photo Editor

A "

beauty standard is just something that people put onto someone else to make them feel better about themselves,” freshman Allison Buckley said. “A lot of it is fake.”

Beauty standards are defined by "Teen Vogue" as “the individual qualifications women are expected to meet in order to embody the ‘feminine beauty ideal’ and thus, succeed personally and professionally.” These ideals range from having white teeth to tan skin. In a survey of 59 STA students, 38 said the most prominent beauty standard for teenage girls was being “thin” or having “the perfect body.”

Although beauty standards may weigh most heavily on adolescents, they can affect girls as young as age six. In a study by the National Eating Disorders Association, 42% of 1st-3rd grade girls wanted to be thinner. Buckley began to notice the influence of beauty standards while in middle school. She recognizes the negative impact that beauty expectations can inspire, especially for young girls.

“It affects how you grow up and how you view your self-worth and your body image,” Buckley said. “We live in a society obsessed with looks and where your body image and what you look like is the main focus. No one will get to know you if you don’t fit in or look a certain way.”

Sophomore Claire Lystad also noticed beauty standards at a young age.

She recognized that they have been exacerbated by the pressure of being a high schooler.

“I think they [beauty standards] have been present for my whole life, but I probably started to really see them when I began high school and it was sort of this focus to impress new people you meet,” Lystad said.

Sophomore Gabi Vovk views three beauty standards as most prominent: being thin, having Eurocentric features, and wearing trendy clothing. Of these, Vovk views the ideal of being thin as the most harmful, but also the most enduring.

“We're really a trendy generation right now,” Vovk said. “But the one consistent [beauty standard] has always been being thin and having not only that, but having a smaller figure: sloped shoulders, a smaller ribcage, a thigh gap — things that most girls just don't have.”

the DART|designed by Anna Stout

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Being thin often goes hand in hand with wearing trendy clothing as some brands, such as Brandy Melville, carry limited sizing options. Trends may not be intentionally geared towards smaller bodies; Vovk gave the example that a thinner person may have just happened to pose with the clothing piece on.

However, clothes can still be exclusive of plussized bodies. “ ‘Pinterest clothing’ is really geared towards the thinner, smaller body type,” Vovk said. “I don't think a lot of it's intentional; I just think a skinnier person happened to post it at that time. But a lot of this [clothing] is geared towards a slimmer body type and some people just can't fit that. It makes people really feel bad about themselves. No matter if you're like 90 pounds or 400 pounds, no one likes clothes not fitting them.”

While fashion trends can be supportive of beauty standards, senior Roux Grey utilizes fashion as a valuable form of self-expression.

“Going outside of your comfort zone is very good — skirts and dresses for me are very outside of my comfort zone but I really like them,” Grey said. “I just bought a new skirt and that's not something I would have done like five or six years ago but I like them. You should definitely go outside your comfort zone too, if you like it.”

Both trends and beauty standards can be propelled by social media. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine,

researchers found a positive correlation between high social media usage and feelings of body dissatisfaction among young women.

Lystad believes that high schoolers are most susceptible.

“Being teenagers who spend our time on social media, it's all very heightened and we feel more pressure to have perfect bodies because these standards are showcased,” Lystad said.

65% of girls under 18 believe there is an "ideal body." *information from Beauty Schools Directory

the DART|February 11, 2022

18|

CENTERSPREAD positive movement “urges people to love their bodies no matter what they look like,” according to the National Eating Disorders Association. The movement has influencers of its own, such as model Candice Huffine whose posts include

“

One thing I find that really brings out the beauty in someone is listening to them talk about what they're passionate about.

Roux Grey

“

S Senior Danielle Tyler sees the ideal of thinness manifested through social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, in particular.

“On the Explore page [on Instagram] if I scroll through there's just so many girls that post in their bikinis and everyone’s like 'Oh my gosh I wish I had your body,’ ” Tyler said.

Alternatively, Grey has found that diversifying their social media feed by being mindful of the content they are viewing has led to a more positive online experience.

“I don’t get a lot of influencer posts; if I do follow influencers, it’s normally queer people or people with tattoos or dyed hair or piercings — thats what I find pretty,” Grey said. “I don’t follow anyone who encourages eating disorders; I don’t like that.”

Some social media movements have began to combat the negative effects of beauty standards; for example, the body

representation and inclusivity of plus—size models.

However, content promoting beauty standards is still prominent on many social media sites.

Not all teens are able to ignore these hazardous posts, making them susceptible

to seeing misleading information. Buckley believes that the advice teens see online surrounding weight loss can lead to unsafe diet practices.

“A lot of people get too comfortable [on social media] and share their numbers, diet plans, and tips to help you lose weight in unhealthy ways,” Buckley said. “I’ve known a lot of people that have done these things to lose weight and change their diets — not to be healthy but to be skinnier and fit into the beauty standard.”

Grey agrees that the information presented on social media can be unsafe, especially for younger users. Although they personally do not follow the suggestions, Grey sympathizes with fellow students who follow dieting tips from influencers.

“You can think that those [influencers] are pretty, but that is a very easy way to get into an eating disorder,” Grey said.

“You think that you are going to end up being pretty like them - and I can see how

Sophomore Saylor Pickard, freshman Layla Cranston and junior Samantha Lif stand together while reading fashion magazines Feb.4. Out of 59 students, 56% said they believed that beauty standards negatively impact their lives.

the DART|designed by Anna Stout

it is appealing — but that is just not how it works.”

Lystad believes the moment a person notices how they differ from the beauty standard that is praised in society can spark an unhealthy obsession with appearances that can last a lifetime.

“Forcing yourself and your body to reach unrealistic expectations not only leads to body dysmorphia, eating disorders and many other issues but it creates this self hatred that never really leaves,” Lystad said. “I think the moment someone becomes aware of themselves and their looks, something breaks that never really fixes. It's important to try and keep it as intact as possible.”

Recognizing that mainstream media’s perception of beauty is subjective can be difficult for teenagers. Tyler recalled that breaking this habit, though difficult, allowed her to live a healthier lifestyle.

“It was really hard for me to break out of that, especially with how our bodies should look,” Tyler said. “What helped me a lot was looking at, especially with eating, looking at what it actually does to your body and the science behind it. It helped me realize I’m going to end up so sick just to look a certain way.”

Grey maintains that beauty is not only in physical appearance, but also is evident in seeing others’ passions.

“One thing I find that really brings out the beauty in someone is listening to them talk about what they're passionate about,” Grey said. “That makes me very excited. Even if I don't like the topic, I'll still listen. It's just very, very nice seeing someone talk about what they're interested in.”

As for seeing beauty in oneself, Vovk sees value in learning to love

A Century of Beauty Standards

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oneself.

“It comes down to looking at yourself in the mirror,” Vovk said.

“You know, you need to be able to love yourself; we're able to love anyone else. I think that's what I think people forget, like how to truly, truly deeply love themselves. And I think it's I think people need to realize that I'm going to be in this body till the day that I die. So I might as well make the most of it.”B

Pickard poses while makeup products are held up to her face Feb.4. In a survey that was sent out, 27 out of 59 STA students said they spend between $50-$100 in order to maintain their appearance each month.

Beauty standards have constantly been a part of American society for years and this is a look at how it has changed throught the years Alternative coverage by Sydney Waldron | Editor-in-Chief

1980s

“Super Model Era” - Tall - Toned arms - Athletic

1920s “Flapper Girls” -Flat chest - Short bob hairstyle

1930s-1950s

“Hollywood Gold Gold” era” -Curves - Large breasts - Slim waist

1960s

“Mod Squad” - Willowy - Long, slim legs

- Adolescent physique

Current

“BBl” - Large breasts and butt - Thigh gap -’Healthy skinny’ - Flat stomach

1990s

“Heroin Chic” - Very thin - Translucent skin - Androgynous

*information compiled from "Science of People"

20| “B

the DART|February 11, 2022

MAIN ED

Does consumerism influence societal beauty standards?

uy me, I’ll make you prettier!”

Advertising comes with a lot of false promises. Big companies prey upon people’s deepest wants and desires to help sell their products — capitalizing off of teenagers’ longings to blend in or fit into society’s standards. Pictures of beautifully shampooed hair and long, lean legs grace the sides of tens of thousands of buildings located in big cities.

Signs everywhere pick apart normal teenage developments and market them as flaws that need to be fixed. Acne must be washed away with a special serum; chin fat can disappear with the simple purchase of a jaw enhancing mouthpiece. Through these marketing techniques, pubescent teenagers are taught to believe the only solution to the insecurities surrounding their physical appearances comes through buying overpriced beauty products or enhancements.

According to Askwonder.com, an “estimated 80% of U.S. women wear cosmetics each day. For the broader category of skincare and beauty, the average woman

leaves her home each day having used at least 16 facial care or cosmetics products, and spends an estimated $250 per month on skincare and cosmetic products.”

The question asked by The Dart staff was “Does consumerism influence societal beauty standards?” An unanimous majority voted yes. The pressure teenage girls face in regards to their appearances has always been heavy, but with more and more exposure to the advertising of beauty products through media, the weight has become astronomical.

Teenage girls are now expected to have perfectly shaped and painted nails, long luscious eyelashes, trendy clothing and perfectly blown-out hair. Where do these high expectations stem from? The media’s fixation on promoting beauty standards through excessive advertising.

Many big businesses promote their models as being “all-natural.” Businesses claim that “you too would look like them” if you simply bought their $50 face wash or drank their mildly unappetizing celery juice. This push in appearing naturally beautiful without looking

as if you’ve tried creates a new wave of insecurities amongst developing adolescents.

A young girl who was previously happy with their nightly routine is now being told they’re not doing enough — not buying enough to be considered a “natural beauty.” It is a human condition to want to fit in, to blend in with the crowd and not stand out. If all of your friends are using a nightly liquid to grow their eyelashes — and it seems to be working — the only plausible solution is to join them and start using that enhancer too; otherwise, your eyelashes won’t look as flattering without a trace of mascara.

The cost of “beauty” is too profitable for too many big businesses. Social media pressures combined with the constant barrage of advertising results in unrealistic standards and expectations. The next time a product from a store shelf shouts “buy me!” teenage girls should stop and think about what they’re really paying for. B 22/22 staffers agree

right on target Freshman Cate Turner

“I think that in society today, the popular opinion is that in order to be attractive, you have to give in or fit into the beauty trends that come from consumers and popular brands. Consumerism fuels the beauty standard by profiting off of teens’ insecurities and them wanting to perfect themselves in order to blend into societal standards of beauty. Big businesses like self-tanning and makeup brands profit off of teens wanting to be the best version of themselves by sacrificing their own skin and bodies to just ‘fit in.’ An enormous portion of today’s youth thrive on peer love and attention by comparing themselves to supermodels and beautiful actresses like Kendall Jenner and Angelina Jolie.

Negative self image creates mental insecurities and is a significant factor in the declining mental health of the youth today.”

Junior Caroline Hulsing

“I think certain trends can have a negative influence on girls, especially since society is all about creating an ‘acceptable’ beauty standard. It creates an impractical norm to achieve and therefore is invalidating women’s images and acceptance of themselves.”

the DART|designed by Lauren Brackney

mindful moments Mother-daughter-duo Sarah Taber and Luci Knopik, along with English teacher Kelly Finn, highlight the importance of mindfulness during the business of the school day.

Story by Tierney Flavin | Social Media Team Photos by Lina Kilgore | Writer nglish teacher Sarah Taber and her and I had mistakenly associated challenges daughter, sophomore Luci Knopik, with mental health as something that was wake up each morning and spend a wrong with me,” Finn said. “I had this view few minutes together to prepare themselves that I think ties into public stigma. I think for the day. This typically looks like listening what happened to me was really scary and to a mindfulness podcast (“10% Happier” or frightening.”

“Making Sense”) or simply just taking the Finn adds that her journey with mental time to breathe before the business of the health, aided by medical and meditative day takes over. professionals around her, was guided by Taber has been working with these mindfulness and positive strategies. mindfulness strategies since she was in high “I became aware that I could empower school. myself through balancing an approach that “I just grew up on a large ranch so I would used both western medicine and some often go on long solo walks and realized mindfulness and meditative strategies that how good I felt afterward,” Taber said. “[It helped ease the symptoms,” Finn said. “I’ve was] like a cleansing and filtering of the day’s learned how to take some of those breathing interactions. Now, I realize that walking strategies and relaxation strategies and layer mindfulness allows for even more--creative them on throughout my day. Whether that’s ideas, solving problems, mood improvement, just taking a moment to quiet myself and and spirituality.” breathe, sometimes I just do it in my car.”

Knopik said that at first she did not Taber believes this same mentality could understand why her mom was pushing her be applied to students, that the many to practice mindfulness, but now she has benefits to mindfulness would be helpful seen the benefits of these practices through in the craziness of juggling school, work, the stresses of school. Knopik defines their college applications, social pressure and all morning mindfulness momentas as “a form of of the other stressors that come with being a self care.” high school student.

“It really helps like being aware of my “[Mindfulness] can help if you’re feeling feelings and being aware of my breathing anxious, or it can help you on a philosophical really affects how I act,” Knopik said. “It can level to understand how be really hard when you’re stuck in a bad your mind and body work moment and you can’t be alone.” together,” Taber said.

English teacher Kelly Finn also practices “It can help you focus and believes in the importance of better for tests and mindfulness. tough assignments, “[Mindfulness strategies] profoundly and it can help you changed my life,” Finn said. “They just shifted see patterns of my outlook on life from being constantly sort thinking you easily of pushing and pushing and pushing to reach fall into that might my next goal and recognizing that I can still need changing.” achieve those goals and evolve as a person Finn also believes from a less frenzied standpoint.” that these strategies Finn began practicing mindfulness during could be useful in the a period of anxiety in her life after the birth of classroom. her third child and a subsequent struggle with “Reminding [students] the stigma surrounding mental health. that you can be “I had always thought of myself as being empowered by using some this really confident and capable person of these strategies that are

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FEATURE

pretty simple: like the four-breath technique,” Finn said. “I try to explain that those are little tools in your own private tool-kit…I also like to incorporate mindful moments into my classes because it’s part of learning. It’s part of how our brains take up information, preparing our brains to take in information.”

STA has both club and extracurricular activities for students that wish to incorporate mindfulness practices into their days.

Finn is the proctor for the yoga and meditation extracurricular as well as the Journaling Club. There are also electives available for those who want some mindfulness in their bell schedules.

Some students have also found ways to incorporate mindfulness strategies, some as simple as breathing patterns, into their days. Knopik highlights the importance of mindfulness in her life as a student.

“Just…being able to consciously feel like you aren’t losing control at school or at work, knowing that there are things to bring you back,” Knopik said. “Because it can be really scary when you lose yourself in a moment of anxiety.

So I think there’s something really peaceful in being able to breathe yourself back into a better headspace.”B

Sophomore Lily Migneron listens to mindfulness podcasts while she journals Jan. 24. She finds meditation podcasts especially helpful to calm her down and allow her to focus on her breathing.

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the DART|February 11, 2022

PERSPECTIVES

Hush Hush

Society both glamorizes and shames talk surrounding mental health and therapy.

Story and Graphics by Mara Callahan l Features Editor

P

lease don’t text me at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays — I’ll be at therapy. Even before typing that out, my heart begins to race at the thought of others peeking over my shoulder, reading my writing and finding out my well-kept secret. Well, now it’s out: I see a shrink.

I first started meeting with my therapist last May and it has utterly altered the course of my life. I’m a swimmer and have practice after school each night — this proved to be a problem when scheduling sessions with my therapist led to an outstanding number of missed practices. I felt the need to keep the talk surrounding my mental wellbeing “hush hush.”

I first approached my coach with a simple, “I have an appointment this Wednesday and will be missing practice.” However, this soon evolved into a weekly occurrence, and I realized I could no longer mask my absence as an “ambiguous appointment.” After careful consideration, I realized I shouldn’t have to hide where I will really be.

The mental health stigmas I’ve grown up with made me feel shame at the thought of seeking help through therapy. It is the “American way” to simply suck it up and push through, to get the job done no matter the consequences. Living in the competitive world of modern day high school, I felt expected to accomplish things on my own, as if asking for help was a sign of weakness.

When I first watched “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” I was a young impressional preteen. While this movie is one of the better depictions of depression and anxiety in film, I should not have walked away from the ending credits admiring the life of a suicidal teenager with highly functioning PTSD. It is not difficult to make a movie about a topic as heavy as mental health: however, it is difficult to make an accurate movie about a topic as heavy as mental health. Movies and media are meant to entertain us, to draw us in and keep us on the

Yes!

edge of our seats.

When a form of entertainment is based on someone’s depression, anxiety or disordered thinking, the illness itself is reduced to a plot point.

The way media sources portray mental illness affects the way our society views these topics and ultimately results in them being considered taboo. I love Billie Eilish as much as the next fatigued 15-year-old girl; however, with lyrics such as “Thought I could fly, so I stepped off the Golden. Nobody cried. Nobody even noticed,” it could be argued that her songs glamorize much of the gruesome realities of living with depression. I don’t believe Billie Eilish is to blame for this glamorization; that title belongs to the media. Tabloids and TikTok don’t limit themselves to frilly song lyrics when addressing mental illness; they completely envelop the idea of mental health and spit it out in a pretty little package.

Not only has mental illness been romanticized through film and song, it has been given its own aesthetic. According to The Establishment, the “Sad Girl” aesthetic is the idea that women are best when they are sad. The tall, dark, misunderstood woman is more desirable because she is easier manipulated by men. This idea that depression is a personality trait or a clothing trend is a direct result of the media’s wrong interpretations of what mental illness truly is.

Mental illness is not crazy. It is not beautiful. It is not sensational.

Mental health deserves to be talked about and discussed without the prying eyes of people seeking amusement. B

Mental Media: Is It Accurate?

Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of bipolar Pat Solitano is both parts appealing and unsettling, providing the viewer with insight into the mania the character is facing. This romantic comedy offers up an accurate dipiction of loving someone battling depression.

NO!

Joaquin Phoenix provides an excellent performance as Arthur Fleck in “The Joker,” but the film altogether paints a character with extensive mental health diagnoses as a maniac.

Yes!

Anya Taylor-Joy offers up an accurate depiction of a young women struggling with addiction in Netflix’s “Queen’s Gambit.”

The interactions between each character highlight the care and time it takes to overcome alcohol and drug abuse.

the DART|designed by Mara Callahan

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Take a Page Out of My Book

After reading the “Harry Potter” series for the first time last summer, I have not been able to put books down.

Story by Miriam Parsa l Social Media Editor Graphics by Mara Callahan l Features Editor

I

have loved the “Harry Potter” series since I was a child, but I always used to turn down the volume when I watched it at home in hopes that my mom would not hear and come in. It’s not that I don’t love my mom, but — until recently — I could not stand the incessant nagging that “the book is better” and her response of “read the books to understand” after I asked questions about the plot. Until this summer, I was adamant about the fact that I would never actually read the “Harry Potter” books, but the peer pressure finally got to me and I broke down.

Once I finished them, I realized I didn’t want to go back to my routine of watching sitcom-after-sitcom. Something about being straight-up told what a character is feeling instead of having to make an inference from actors made reading so enjoyable, so I downloaded the app goodreads and started following “booktokers” on TikTok. Starting in July, I read nearly 50 books in 2021, and by the end of January of 2022 I had read 18. Tracking these on goodreads is genuinely the most euphoric feeling. I am obsessed with showing what books I have read recently to my friends who also have the app, and I am not lying by saying I have spent upwards of an hour on it in one day.

My favorite author at the moment is Taylor Jenkins Reid. I am in love with her collection of books that surround celebrities through

the decades, starting in the 70s. The first one I read was “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” which follows a movie star through her life and her (surprise!) seven husbands.

The next one was “Daisy Jones and the Six,” AKA my favorite book I have ever read. This one is in the format of an interview with members of a band during the 70s and 80s as they record and perform a dramatic album detailing internal romances and drama, à la Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours.” The third, which I read just a few weeks ago, is “Malibu Rising.” This book details four siblings past and present as they prepare to throw the biggest and most chaotic party in Hollywood in 1983. Something about Reid’s writing fully transports me into her fictional universes; I could read her books for hours on end.

While I still love movies and sitcoms, reading allows me to delve into fictional universes in a way that watching things never can. The way you are directly told what a character is feeling and how the characters around them react is so rewarding. In addition, the superiority complex I have when goodreads tells me I am 13 books ahead of schedule to read my goal of 50 in one year may be worse for me than better, but I could not care less! Be sure to join me and read all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books so you can feel

my intense emotional attachment to all of her characters.B

the DART|February 11, 2022

24|

SPORTS

Swim Coaches Paul Winkeler and Andrew Wilcox have known each other for over a decade and started coaching at STA together this year.

Story by Sydney Waldron | Editor-in-Chief

P

aul Winkeler started his coaching career in 1996 when he was a student teacher at STA, with STA’s softball program.

However, his passion for coaching began long before then.

“I knew from a very young age that I wanted to coach,” Winkeler said. “I became a teacher because I knew I wanted to coach. I have always been a giant sports fan; I have always been drawn to the strategy of it and working with athletes.”

While Winkeler always envisioned himself as a coach, his passion for swimming started later in life, when in 1999 he took his first job as a swim coach at Rockhurst high school.

“Honestly, I started coaching because I was asked,” said Winkeler.

“I was more focused on coaching baseball and hockey at the time but I said that I would coach it [swim] for a year.”

At Rockhurst, Winkeler found his passion for swimming created a community and home for himself there.

“I loved [coaching swimming] so much that when my high school alma mater called and offered me a teaching job back home in St. Louis, I said no, I already am home,” Winkeler said.

Part of finding his home at Rockurst was co-coaching with Andrew Swim Coaches Winkeler and Wilcox pose for a picture Feb. 8, 2010. This photo was used in a Dart story titled "St. Teresa’s Academy swim coach Andy Wilcox and Notre Dame de Sion swim coach Paul Winkeler form ‘bromance’ through swim."

Sports Highlights what you missed: Don’t miss out: both defeated Pembroke Hill High School on Feb. 4

Varsity Dance placed first in mix and fifth in precision jazz at the Lee Summit North Competition on Jan. 27

11 Tonight at 6 p.m. at Gladstone Community Center

February

24 Games at Sion JV at 5:30 & Varsity at 7

Spring Tryouts

Varsity and JV Basketball

February

Basketball

overall at the Springfield Invitational Meet on Jan. 29

Dive Districts

Varsity Swim and Dive placed third

February

28

Spring tryouts start, Lacrosse / Track & Field Feb. 28 - March 5 Soccer March 1 - 6

the DART|designed by Kaylee Lary

Wilcox, who started at Rockhurst in Fall of 2009, stepped back in the Fall of 2015, and rejonied the staff in 2019. Wilcox and Winkeler coached at Rockurst swim toegteher until 2021 when they joined the STA swimming staff.

“I have learned so much from him; he is like a big brother to me,“ said Winkeler. “It's wonderful to be able to coach with your best friend on a daily basis.”

Winkeler also says that Wilcox plays a big role in helping his mode, and keeping him on track.

“My favorite thing about coach Wilcox is that when I am at my grumpiest he can always get me to smile,” said Winkeler. “He can always say something to make me smile.”

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“

My favorite thing about coach Wilcox is that when I am at my grumpiest he can always get me to smile. He can always say something to make me smile.

“

Paul Winkeler

While Winkeler was the head swim coach at Rockurst and Wilcox was the assistant coach, at STA Wilcox is the head coach while Winkeler is the assistant. However, Winkeler says that there is no power struggle between the two when making decisions.

“When you have been coaching for as long as the two of us have been there is no power struggle," Winkeler said. “I have no problem being his assistant and he has no problem being mine.”

Wilcox describes the closeness with Winkeler as something almost supernatural.

“He and I can read each other's minds,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox’s and Winkeler’s goals for the team this year are centered around swim State.

“My goals for the team are to continue to improve our position at State," said Wilcox. “Our coaching staff is working tirelessly to continue to improve our State rankings.” b

Coaches Winkeler and Wilcox check their watches while timing the swimmers Jan. 19. These two have spent time together coaching Rockhurst and St. Teresa’s teams.

Winkeler has won 13 State championships and he had Wilcox by his side for 8

Athlete of the issue:

Amanda Willis

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Story by Charlotte Malone | Photo Editor

reshman Amanda Willis has been playing basketball since she was in kindergarten. Being new to the school, trying out for the STA basketball team was very nerve-wracking. “It was pretty scary, just trying out in general.” Willis said. After making the junior varsity team, Willis was moved up to varsity shortly after. “It felt very good; I was really proud of myself,” said Willis. Willis is one of the only two freshmen on the varsity team. Willis plays point guard on the team and says that her favorite memory is traveling with STA to play in St. Louis.

Outside of school basketball, Willis also plays on a club team, Eclipse. Through this team, she only plays against girls in her age group, while STA plays against other high school teams. The varsity basketball team will play against Bishop Miege High School at Miege next Tuesday, Feb. 15th, and Districts will begin on February 26th.b

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the DART|February 11, 2022

COMMUNITY

Scrapping up KC Scraps KC, a creative reuse center, is giving a new purpose to people and things in the Kansas City community.

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Story by Anna Massman | Outreach Editor Photos by Anna Stout | Writer

hose old, dried out pens you have in the bottom of a desk drawer? Or perhaps they’re rubber bands. Maybe they’re googly eyes you forgot you even own. Whatever the junk ruminating in your house is, there’s a chance Scraps KC, a local, sustainable nonprofit, could take it off your hands.

Located in Westport, Scraps KC is both a “creative reuse” center and retail store. By the time it launched in 2016, Scraps had already diverted 12 tons of materials from the landfill. Its process begins with donations of old items, which are cleaned and sorted through by volunteers. After being accounted for, materials are then donated to disadvantaged classrooms, or placed in the store, patiently waiting for a new purpose.

During Interim Week, a group of students was able to visit Scraps’ retail store and purchase some of their items. Annie Hess, a sophomore who participated in the course, learned more about the sustainability aspect of their mission.

“We were building Buddhist prayer flags, so we needed natural materials that decompose back into the earth,” Hess said. “We were able to get natural fabrics, like wool and cotton, and decorative supplies, like ink stamps.”

For many of the volunteers at Scraps, their work has also given them a new purpose; homeless individuals account for a large part of Scrap’s volunteer community. The opportunity to volunteer has given them a chance to feel purposeful and needed. In exchange for their help, they’re given warm meals, necessities and even help finding a job.

Math teacher Kim Sirridge, who led the interim class, believes the greatest part of Scraps is its versatility.

“Not only are they a community of resources for rehoming materials, but they also have a community mission, which is outreach to the homeless population and offering work and resources for people who need it in the area,” Sirridge said.

Regardless of the help it already has, Scraps is always looking for more volunteers. With jobs ranging from sorting donated materials to preparing and serving lunches, it has a place for everyone.

Visitors are also welcome to their makerspace, complete with sewing machines and all the materials you need to create an art masterpiece.

For those that would rather create at home, supplies are for sale in the store at greatly discounted prices. Those prices are even further reduced by 20% for teachers buying for their classrooms.

Sirridge describes Scraps’ unique mission as a “community collaboration.”

“It’s a resource for a number of people for a number of

different reasons, and it provides volunteer outreach interaction opportunities that not all nonprofits do,” Sirridge said.

To help support the nonprofit, benefactors can donate materials found on their online “accepted materials” list, such as deodorant, clothing, or gift cards for places like Pizza Hut or Jimmy Johns.

Scraps also accepts monetary donations in any amount.

Although Scraps may appear to have a multitude of layers, its mission is clear: to make sure everything —and everyone— has a purpose. B

An aisle of the Scraps KC store is dedicated to knitting and crocheting Jan. 29. The aisle has colorful yarn, knitting needles and knitting tutorials for all your crafting needs.

The door to Scraps KC has many different signs on it Jan. 29. The signs read things such as, what door to use, “Scraps KC’s hours” and more.

the DART|designed by Tierney Flavin

HUMANS OF STA

STA students with unique hobbies were asked about why their hobby interests them.

Story and photos by Ellie Buttell | Opinions Editor

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Senior Sabrina Allan skates at Carriage Club. This is Allan’s final season of skating with Carriage Club. photo courtesy of Sabrina Allan

What has your experience with figure skating been?

“I started skating at Carriage Club in 2009 and then I got into competition in 2011 and did that until high school.

I would have a competition around three or four times a year. In middle school I would practice three times a week; that’s when I was in competition. When I’m skating I feel at peace and I’m just thinking about just doing what I’m doing. It was hard to pick up, lots of tears and bruises, but I finally got it. This is my last season this year, but learning new things always motivates me. ” B

Sophomore Ellie McManamy poses with one of the tops she made Jan. 19.

McManamy will be starting an Instagram account to promote and sell her pieces.

How did you get involved with crocheting and how has it developed over time?

“I started crocheting this past summer because I needed something to do with my hands and I was bored all the time. I learned everything I know from YouTube. My plan is to have an Instagram account because websites cost a lot of money to be able to use. I make cropped crochet tops, skirts, sets and more. The name is going to be ‘Crochet Collection.’ Making the tops can take me around six hours, so I’m going to sell them around the $40 to $50 price range, but I’m still figuring that out. I’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet because I wanted to be able to make those kinds of shirts. Once I got better at it and did it everyday I was like, ‘Why don’t I make this into a business?’ Now I’m putting everything together and it’s so exciting to market it!” B

photo courtesy of Lily Brown

What encouraged you to begin painting nails?

“I started painting nails at the start of quarantine because I would get my nails done so often. I got a gel kit and a UV light and it made my nails grow really fast, so I started doing it more often! I would use my mom’s nails and learn how to do little designs on them. I bought my own kit and would do other people’s nails for $20, which is really cheap.

I’ve already made a profit and I can do what I want with my nails. It didn’t take me too long to learn how to do the gel because I would get mine done so often that I would observe how they did it. I can do leopard print; I did it on myself and it’s my favorite design ever!” B

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the DART|February 11, 2022

LAST LOOK

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if you like this, then you’ll like that Choosing what show to watch, book to read or album to listen to can be a struggle.

The Dart is here to help!

Story and Graphics by Miriam Parsa

he amount of books, movies, shows and songs to choose from can stress you out. To make choosing a bit easier, here are some recommendations of what you might enjoy based on other things you have liked!

Both “Gossip Girl” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” are about people with questionable morals living in high society. Through these, you can experience the life of glamour and enchantment of the filthily rich.

gossip girl

To Enter the World of the Rich, Influential and Sometimes Terrible

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo TAYLOR JENKINS REID “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is novel about a controversial figure in 60s Hollywood whose reputation and relationships are constantly judged and “reputation” is an album about a woman finding love while the world chastises her every move...of course they’re a perfect pair! [“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is even rumored to be based on “reputation”].

reputation With a tagline on Netflix of “rich, unreasonably attractive private school students do horrible, scandalous things to each other, repeatedly,” the controversial “Gossip Girl” meshes perfectly with Taylor Swift’s “reputation.”

the DART|designed by Miriam Parsa

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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Both “The Inheritance Games”and “Knives Out” involve the death of a billionare who mysteriously bypasses his family in favor of a random girl of no relation.

THE ORIGINAL BESTSELLER

“Daisy Jones & the Six” was inspired by the recording process of “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac, so of course if you enjoy one, you should enjoy the other.

FLEETWOOD MAC RUMOURS

THE SECRET HISTORY

DONNA TARTT “The Secret History” and “Dead Poets Society” are about rich and priviledged private school students and give off the same dark academia vibes.

However, one explores evil a bit more than the other.

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the DART|February 11, 2022

PHOTO ESSAY

Exploring the City Market

The City Market has been in Kansas City since 1857, resulting in 160 years of service. Many shops that represent cultures from around the world can be found at the City Market.

Photos by Lina Kilgore|Writer

A colorful flower and outdoor shop is located within the Market Jan. 22. There are many outdoor shops as well as indoor shops in the area.

A woman walks by the shops in the City Market Jan. 22. The City Market is a few blocks north of Downtown.

Two people dine outside of the well-known Pigwich restaurant Jan. 22. Pigwich is a gourmet sandwich shop that has been open for six years.

The “City Market” sign located in the front of the market is shown on a sunny day Jan. 22. The City Market has been in Kansas City since 1857.

Fresh fruits and vegetables pictured are sold every Saturday at the indoor Global Produce store Jan. 22.

Many cultures and ethnicities all around the world are represented in the stores within the City Market.

the DART|designed by Lina Kilgore

The 2021-2022

DART STAFF

Advisor | Dianne Hirner

PRINT

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Editors-in-Chief | Sophia Rall, Rebecca Speier, Sydney Waldron

COPY

WEB

Design Editors

Feature Editor

Web Editor

Lauren Brackney, Lauren Ford

Mara Callahan

Kathryn Hart

Photo Editors

Opinion Editors

Multimedia Editor

Kaylee Lary, Charlotte Malone

Lily Sage, Ellie Buttell

Katie Massman

Staff Writers

Lifestyles Editor

Outreach Editor

Anna Stout, Lina Kilgore, Taylor Hayes

Kyra Fieger

Anna Massman

Copy Editor

Sports Editor

Social Media Team

Caroline Hinkebein

Miriam Parsa, Tierney Flavin, Megan Turley

Annie McShane

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ON THE DNO

the DART|February 11, 2022

on the

DNO

I love “Love Island” Column by Tierney Flavin

Stars in Paradise: staffers find love!

Video by Katie Massman

Parkhill South Swim Meet Gallery by Kaylee Lary

Basketball Senior Night Gallery by Lily Sage

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