D O N N E L L DY Y DaRt TheSept. 16, 2022 Issue 1
In Honor of
Truman For the past eight years STA was blessed by the presence of Truman, the campus cat. page 14 DONNELLY
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the DART | September 16, 2022 2.
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With Teresian here tomorrow evening, we wanted to make sure our lovely readers had their monthly dose of The Dart in advance of the dance.
Welcome back to a brand new school year! We are so excited for you to see our first issue of 2022-23 and hope you love our changes! Now we know that this issue is a bit shorter than normal, but we promise this is only temporary
Finally on pages 22-23, enjoy Anna Stout’s last look on what is in her backpack including all the essentials that a STA student should have.
The awe-inspiring Mara Callahan has blessed us with a photo essay on page 5, titled “Food for Thought.”
As you can probably tell from our beautiful cover designed by Kaylee Lary, our centerspread written by Megan Turley and Dianne Haake is focused on our beloved campus cat, Truman. While he is no longer with us, he will always live on in our hearts and in our quad.
On page 8, we have a new addition to The Dart! “Tell Me Something Good” features one student from each grade answering a question about what good is going on in their lives.
Don’t miss pages 18-19, which feature Tierney Flavin’s story about the pressure of asking dates to Teresian.
3. the DART | Letter from the Editors | designed by Megan Turley
We are so excited for the year to come and cannot wait to bring you along with us!B
Dear Reader,
For our “Star Spotlight” this issue, Isabel Glover has interviewed the one and only, Dr. Andrew Clark. As a staff, we definitely learned a lot from this interview and we can guarantee that you will enjoy it as well.
On pages 6-7, Caroline Hinkebein has written a story on the post-Covid revival of the foreign-exchange program at STA! St. Teresa’s has had students from Germany, France, Argentina, and more on campus already this school year.
Moving over to pages 12-13, Olivia Cooper has reviewed local ice cream shops and Kyra Fieger has reviewed and rated the concerts she attended this summer.
Then on pages 14-17 you will find the centerspread in honor of Truman, our campus cat.
On pages 20-21 you’ll find a sports feature written by Lina Kilgore about our city’s newest trailblazers, the KC Current women’s professional soccer team. This spread also features our Athlete of the Issue Margot Randall.
Sports: KC Current
Tell Me Something
News: STA Goes Global
Good
0805060910121314182023
Star Spotlight: Dr. Clark Makes His Mark
Review: How it Stacks Up
Review: The Shows of Summer
The Dart
Photo Essay: Food For Thought
[Word] Search Through the Dart
Feature: Dance? Date? Drama?
Last Look: What’s in My Backpack
Centerspread: In Honor of Truman
the DART | Table of Contents | September 16, 2022 4.
A sign displays the opening of the Overland Park Farmers Market.
5.
the DART | Photo Essay| designed by Mara Callahan
Photos and Graphics by Mara Callahan l Editor-In-Chief
A young girl working at the Juhl Greenhouse and Truck Farm glances out at the people waiting in line to purchase fresh garlic cloves.
ThoughtFoodfor
A Grey and Rash Teas employee hands a customer her iced tea at the Overland Park Farmers Market Aug. 27.
Through the months of August and September, the Overland Park Farmers Market is home to local farmers from all over Kansas City looking to sell their seasonal produce.
The Fairway Creamery Truck is parked right outside the Overland Park Farmers Market.
A young boy assists a farmer in sweeping.
An Odd Bird Farms member sits as he waits forcustomers to visit the stand.
Both girls expressed that although they had never experienced anything like the en vironment of the all-girls education at STA, they preferred it.
Alternative Coverage by Chloe Denk | Web Editor
Gabrielle expressed awe at how big everything in America was in comparison to France. But the biggest culture shock for them both was the air conditioning.
to Kerrigan, the Chilean and Ar gentinian students view school in the U.S. as more laid back than in their home countries, with looser uniform policies and more social opportunities.
“It was very interesting to talk with the Sisters of St. Joseph and they were very open-minded,” Guillemette said.
COVID-19 pandemic, STA has not been able to have foreign exchange students on campus since 2019. This year, foreign exchange students have returned, hailing from France, Germany, Chile and Argentina.Foreignexchange students from Argenti na and Chile visited Kansas City for one week through a program called Global Ties. Senior Ava Martinez was a youth ambassador for the trip and spent time with the students at dinners and events with the goal of show ing them Kansas City culture. Unlike most exchange programs, these youth ambassa dor trips are centered around diplomacy and politics, preparing all those involved to be good global citizens. Martinez was surprised at the impressions the students had of the United“You’dStates.beamazed how many of them use “Glee”and “High School Musical” to base their assumptions on,” Martinez said.
Senior Georgia Kerrigan agreed that the foreign exchange students she interacted with were not all that different from American students.
“The environment, the air conditioning of the buildings and the shops, of the houses; in France, we don’t have air conditioning like that in every house, not in my house,” Guillemette said.
“The mood of every person who was very excited to go to the game was incredible
the DART | News | September 16th, 2022 6.
STA Goes Global
Story by Caroline Hinkebein | Features Editor
Kerrigan mentioned other surprising dif ferences including the lack of single-gender education and the notable absence of school dances in their countries.
STA also welcomed five French foreign exchange students and two chaperones from Le Puy France, including Guillemette andSimilarlyGabrielle.to schools in Chile and Argen tina, there are no single-gender schools in France and no uniforms in the schools back in their home country. Guillemette and Grabrielle shared their excitement at getting the chance to explore a new country and“Weculture.were very excited to go to school in the U.S.A.,” Guillemette said.
and it was the first time we ever went to a baseball game,” Guillemette said.
away, I probably wouldn’t have known that they were from a different country because they were all interested in the same stuff as me and we were able to carry on con versations and understand what the other was talking about. We use a lot of the same slang. They’re pretty much exactly the same as us.”
One big difference the Chilean students noticed between American and Chile high schools was the school spirit.
“We waited for two years, so it was most exciting to come here,” Gabrielle said.
he typical American high school experience is synonymous with bold, cinematic movie scenes: the big football game or students performing a choreographed dance through the hallway. These can become the stereotypes that foreign countries use to describe the U.S., especially for teenagers who participate in foreign exchange student programs. These programs give students and their host fami lies the opportunity to explore new countries andDueculture.tothe
Stinner’s Snack Picks
T
STA welcomes foreign exchange students from Germany, France, Chile and Argentina for the first time in three years.
“They all seemed like any other high schooler I’d met,” Kerrigan said. “If the accent wasn’t a give
Stinner’s snapchat story rates her favorite and least favorite American foods.
“A lot of those traditions, they’re like, ‘that’s so cool, I wish we could go to one of those, they just don’t do that here,’” Kerrig anAccordingsaid.
During their stay, the French students also made a trip to St. Louis to tour the mother house of the Sisters of St. Joseph and speak with the Sisters.
Gabrielle shared this sentiment.
Senior Sofia Fortin had the chance to host a foreign exchange student from Chile, Fiorella, throughout her school day. She also spent a lot of time with Mika, another Chilean student. Fortin was interested in finding similarities between U.S. and Chile pop culture.
“I was able to talk to Mika about Harry Potter, I was asking all about “Twilight,” “Hunger Games,” team Edward, team Jacob, team Peta, etc.,” Fortin said. “They like their own pop culture as well, but it was cool to see the things that are international.”
“They really liked the school spirit,” Fortin said. “They love Twinks, they love Spirit Club and all their costumes and everyone going around and the involvement, the fun aspects of it, because it didn’t seem like they have many events at their schools like that.”
The French students also got to experi ence a Kansas City Royals baseball game.
“The sports events [in America], there’s always something going on as far as sports seasons go,” Stinner said. “We don’t have sports teams at our school or at any school in Germany.”
In addition to her experiences with the Sisters, Guillemette appreciates the expe rience her host family was able to give her during her time here.
The most exciting thing is that everything you do here is exciting, because it’s a dif ferent continent and it’s a whole different thing.
go to the grocery store or something,” Stin ner said. “My mom uses it [the car] to go to work and the grocery store and that’s it.” Tomorrow evening, Stinner will be attend ing Teresian and has a date to the dance. She is very excited about this new experience because there is only one school dance when students graduate high school in Germany and from her perception, school dances are a big part of American high school culture. Overall Stinner is determined to make the most of her stay.
What amazed her the most was Costco.
“It doesn’t taste that good, you don’t have all these extra things; [here] you can pick ex tra snacks, extra drinks, wraps, yogurts, we don’t have that; we just have one hot meal, maybe two, and it doesn’t really taste that good,” Stinner said.
“My host family was very good; there are things that we discover a lot here and in our country, we know our country, it’s not new for us; here everything is new so it’s very exciting for us,” Guiemette said.
She also appreciates the variety of classes students can take in the U.S. compared to Germany.“Hereyou can choose algebra or geome try or calculus, and in Germany you just have maths,” Stinner said.
Chilean and Argentinian exchange students hang out in front of the M&A building with Spanish teacher Ani Haroian. photo courtesy of Ani Heroian
“Costco is crazy,” Stinner said. “I’ve been there once; it was just a whole totally dif ferent thing, it was the craziest thing ever. Everything is just massive. I was in the chip aisle and it was just huge. I’ve never seen something like that my entire life. And my host dad Ryan, he comes home with this huge sack of just Ziplock bags, five packs of them and it’s like, ‘what do we need those for?’”The biggest culture shock for Stinner was how much Americans use cars compared to Germans. Something she misses is public transportation.“InGermany I don’t use the car, I’m not allowed to drive, obviously; we’re allowed to drive at age 18, so I use the car with my mom probably once every two to three weeks to
Along with the school curriculum, Stinner was impressed by American food, especially our school lunches at STA.
very happy; we are thankful for the hospitality in this school and in our fami lies,” Guillemette said.
Clara Stinner “
Overall, the exchange students said they are very grateful to have visited the U.S. and wish to come back to explore more cities in the“Wefuture.are
“
French foreign eschange students pose for a picture at STA. photo cour tesy of Barbara McCormick
“The STA lunch is crazy good; to have a drink, a snack and then fresh meals, that’s crazy,” Stinner said.
“[I miss] my friends and family, and may be the bread,” Guillemette said.
Despite the excitement of experiencing new things, Guillemette still misses some things about France.
STA also recently welcomed sophomore Clara Stinner, who is a foreign exchange stu dent from Germany. She made her way to the U.S. through applying to a German for eign exchange program, and her host family found the U.S. program, ISE (International Student Exchange), to connect with her. She is staying for the longest of all the exchange students this year, a whole semester, from Aug 10 to Dec 20. Stinner reminisces on her first impressions of the U.S.
“My least favorite was Cheez-Itz,” Stinner said. “Everyone told me they were really good and I was really excited to try them and then I tried them and it wasn’t good. My favorite is Rice Krispie treats and beef jerky.”
According to Stinner, the lunch in Germa ny doesn’t compare.
“The most exciting thing is that every thing you do here is exciting, because it’s a different continent and it’s a whole different thing,” Stinner said.
“Everything is huge; everything in the airport was huge, and there was so much going on, it was crazy,” Stinner said. “And everyone’s nicer. If you go to a restaurant, the servers talk to you; they start conver sations with you and we don’t have that in Germany.”Similarto the Chilean students, Stinner also noticed the difference between Ger man and American high schools in regard to school spirit and sports.
7. the DART | News | designed by Chloe Denk
“Everything you do is exciting: going to the grocery store, it’s exciting. Everything you see is new, which is really nice. I’m going to miss that and just seeing new things. When I go back to Germany, it’s gonna be my old boring life. My life wasn’t boring in Germany but I’m gonna go get back there and be like ‘oh, I’ve seen everything.’ Here I can find stuff that I’ve never done before, which is really nice.”B
To fully experience the American food culture, Stinner made a Snapchat story where she reviews foods she’s trying for the first time.
Sophomore foreign exchange student Clara Stinner smiles in front of Goppert during her first semester at STA. photo by Anna Massman
“This school year, I’m looking forward to Tersian and Junior Ring. The planning is stressful, but it’s so worth it in the end when you get to go through with the plans that you spend so much time working on. I also love shopping for dresses for these dances.”
The Dart asked students from each grade what they are most excited for this coming year. Stella Baska
“I’m most looking forward to being a senior and all of the traditions and new friendships that will come from that. It’s sad to think we’ll all be leaving soon, but I’m excited to come together as a class and make this the best year yet! “ O’toole
Carli
SEFRHMAN
SOPHOMORE
“ThisONUJIR
year I am most looking forward to meeting people through sports! Not only through playing sports, but also through cheering for JV and varsity at games.”
Story by Charlotte Malone | Editor in Chief
SENIOR
Tell Me Something Good
Mia Pic hardo Evelyn Parker
the DART | Tell Me Something Good | September 16, 2022 8.
“I’m most looking forward to making new friends and FBLA!”
Where do students keep important school items such as folders, pencils and their computer? (Found on page 22)
What month did the Phoebe Bridgers concert take place? (Found on page 13)
[word]throughSearchthe Dart NNABRZIECGI QOAILZALPFS WVBCSINDHHK WWKLCURRENT WURPSJLBKPM WQNNNAIEPVA WQCPLECUTRY WWKQFNCSIRL NALTIDJZEIN WOGPILSNEYI
Questions What shows did you binge-watch this summer? Alternative Coverage by Annie McShane | Copy and Design Editor 15% said “Never Have I Ever” 5% said “The Umbrella Academy” 45% said “Stranger Things” 35% said “The Summer I Turned Pretty” * Poll out of 126 the DART | Word Search| designed by Ellie McManamy 9.
What language does Dr. Clark teach? (Found on page 11)
What is Kansas City’s Women’s soccer team called? (Found on page 20)
the DART | Star Spotlight Month| September 16, 2022
Dr. Clark, STA Latin teacher, discusses his reasons for teaching, his love for languges and his many hobbies. Story by IsabelGlover |StaffWriter
Latin teacher, Dr. Clark, poses with his skeleton, Sept. 6. photo by Isabel Glover
10.
When I went away to graduate school, I was part of the PhD Program at the University of Florida where they pay for all your credits and give you money, but you have to teach. So it was part of my PhD that I taught Latin. I continued teaching because all of the stresses of grad school were alleviated by the pleasures of teaching. I teach because language is actually how you will accomplish virtually every single goal in your entire life.
Why do you love teaching Latin?
I’m a linguist and a linguistics teacher who uses Latin to teach linguistics. Latin and Greek just happen to be the basis of most academic terminology for the English language.
Every single day, I come in as I come in, defeated and the students build me back up. And then I wait the next day to do the same thing. And it’s amazing. I mean, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
11.
How do you approach teaching at an all-girls school?
Iris Roddy, valedictorian, (Class of 2022) happened to mention me in her speech last year. I got mentioned in the valedictorian speech, how lucky and cool! Or I think, how did I come from where I come from? I end up being a valuable enough addition to her life that I made it into her speech. And that’s not about me. It’s about that life that offered me that experience that I got to be a part of it.B
and I draw for my seniors. I ask them what cartoon character meant a lot to them as a kid and I give a drawing to them. I did about 17 last year, and will probably do more this year. I like music. I don’t play any instruments, but I’m trying. I like watching good films, when I have time.
How have you made an impact on others while teaching?
the DART | designed by Maya Tule
I could put a seven-syllable word on the board, and my Latin IV class can take it apart and tell you what every single piece means. That’s incredible. That sensation is incredible. I didn’t give that to the students. We learned a lot together, I was the teacher, they were the students and we went on this journey together. The fact that I was able to be with them as they got there is a feeling you can’t even understand.
What courses do you teach?
I love to cook, read and write. I’m currently plotting out a series of fantasy novels. I’m working on creating languages, names and city names for my series. I read poetry and have been doing that for years. I started writing terrible poetry, and I am currently writing, let’s say decent poetry. I like to cook, I don’t eat meat at all. I cook a lot of vegetables and grains. I am very interested in spices and how to combine spices. I really like to draw
Why did you decide to teach at St. Teresa’s Academy?
I started teaching at St. Teresa’s Academy because I have learned from teaching at universities that women take school more seriously. A position opened up at STA and I thought, ‘that’s where I belong with the serious students who want to learn’ and guess what, I have amazing students. I get through so much, it’s unbelievable.
What led you to become a teacher?
Latin is one of the oldest languages in the world and historically, was considered the language of scholars and educated people.
Besides teaching, what other things do you enjoy doing?
Most popular flavor–Butter Cake
4.5/5 stars
During the month of August I went to three different local ice cream stores in the area. My hope was to discover which stores had good quality ice cream, great service and a welcoming aesthetic of the store.
the DART | Review | September 16, 2022 12.
Most popular flavor–the Snickster
The Scoop is located in Martin City and is linked to Martin City Pizza, and the Coast to Coast Pub. While The Scoop is a little more of a drive from STA, I can say it is well worth it. They make all their own ice cream and the flavors change periodically. I tried a scoop of the Snickster. It is a snickersinspired flavor that has chocolate, peanuts, pecans, and caramel in it. It was very creamy and I could tell it was homemade. The staff was also super friendly and more than happy to let me take pictures of their establishment. The aesthetic of the store is great as well. Since it is outside I got a feel for the nightlife; there are string lights hanging, you can watch the train go by and you get a view of all the restaurants in the area!
4/5 stars
Pictured is the front door of Summersalt, Aug. 29. The store windows of Betty Rae’s ice cream show people as they enjoy their ice cream, Aug. 27.
How It Stacks Up
With its delicious ice cream and nice store, it’s no wonder why Betty Rae’s has become such a popular ice cream shop. I was so excited that I had the excuse to visit, and it was worth it. I went on a Saturday night and it was very busy, which is always a good indicator of the quality. This time I tried a scoop of the Cookie Dough since they did not have a similar flavor to the Snickster. It was so good. The cookie dough in it did not taste processed, and the ice cream portion tasted homemade. There are pictures of Kansas City lining the walls, and they have a photo booth located in the store. You can sit inside, or outside depending on what your preference is. If you’re not in the mood for just plain ice cream, then you can also order one of their ice cream cakes. The staff members were also very nice, accommodating and more than happy to let me try one or two different flavors.
I had heard good reviews about this store, but I had never visited before, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by it. The store itself is a cute walk-up window, and they had some special flavors listed on their menu. The ice cream flavor I tried was salted caramel. Since this is one of my favorite flavors, I am usually very picky about it. This version was extremely good. It was creamy, and the sweet and salty flavors complemented each other well. The one thing I would criticize is that there really aren’t any good places to sit and enjoy the ice cream. Overall, however, the store is cute and the ice cream is delicious.
4/5 stars
Story and photos by Olivia Cooper | Staff Writer Graphics by Anna Massman | Opinion Editor
Most popular flavor–Brown Butter aka Butter Pecan
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The Shows of Summer
13. the DART | designed by Anna Massman
Kendrick Lamar
TheTheLumineerssecondconcert
Story by Kyra Fieger | Lifestyles editor Graphics by Anna Massman | Opinion Editor
Pheobe Bridgers
While not all of these decisions were planned, they made my summer spectacular, filled with memories my friends and I now hold dear. I was able to live in the moment and enjoy great music with the best people, completing my summer goal and filling up my concert cornucopia.
To live in the moment — this was my motto for the summer going into my senior year. This goal inevitably led me to three different concerts in the span of one and a half months. I have never been more happy about these decisions.
on my roster was the Lumineers. The Phoebe concert was indeed a happy accident; however the Lumineers was not. I had gotten the tickets for my birthday pre-COVID-19 and was finally able to see them on August 13th. My seats had been upgraded to the VIP pit and I had never felt more blessed—this was the concert of my dreams! I have been a diehard Lumineers fan since my dad played the hit song, “Ophelia,” for me in the car as a little kid. It was amazing to see how everyone was so engaged and dancing around. The band sounded exactly like they do on Spotify. They were insanely energetic and each person could play multiple instruments. The barefoot pianist jumped around with his tambourine, the drummer hopped onto the piano from time to time and the lead singer belted out lyrics. After the confetti shot out and the concert came to an end, I was lucky enough to high five the lead singer as he walked backstage. This night was definitely one I won’t forget and will go down in the books.
The first concert I attended was Phoebe Bridgers on May 31. Although I had listened to her music occasionally before seeing her live, I didn’t feel an urge to buy a ticket. Two days before the concert I got a text from my family friend Kate. She was going with a group from work and they had an extra ticket. At first, I debated taking it because 1) I didn’t know any of Kate’s coworkers and 2) Unlike the rest of the group, I was not a die-hard Phoebe fan After discussing the situation with my mom, I accepted the invite on a whim and was off to Starlight Theater. As the evening unfolded I was pleasantly surprised. The way Bridgers interacted with the crowd was intimate and so entertaining. She was able to connect with the crowd who came out to see her. Her songs fit perfectly with the stormy atmosphere of the night. I can officially say post concert I am now a Phoebe Bridgers fan through and through.
The last concert on my list was Kendrick Lamar. Much like the first concert, my decision to go to this concert was super last minute. Over the summer I got a job and had to work weekends, which prevented me from going out because I would get off late and be exhausted. Lamar was on a Sunday after work and I didn’t really feel like going. Regardless, four of my best friends wanted to go and how could I resist? We quickly bought cheap tickets in the nosebleeds and were ecstatic to go. This ended up being one of the best decisions of my summer. Everyone around us was constantly dancing and singing the lyrics to all his songs. Baby Keem was the opener and fun fact: is also Kendrick Lamar’s cousin. So, towards the end of Lamar’s performance Baby Keem came out and performed my favorite song, “Family Ties.” By the end of the concert I had an adrenaline boost and was sweating so much. Although it was super hard for me to get up the next morning since I got home around 2 a.m., I didn’t regret my decision at all.
And thus began Truman’s time on campus, where he happily prowled for approximately eight years, charming hundreds of students during this time.
“Truman was the best because he was our little mascot and spirit animal in a way, even when he was cranky,” alumna Alex Speier (‘22) said.
In Honor of Truman
A
Truman the cat had been the unofficial mascot of STA since 2014, first appearing to administrative assistant Kelly Drummond, and the rest of the STA community when he was little more than a kitten. Over the course of a few years, this orange tabby became a staple part of the STA community.
When Truman first appeared on the STA cam pus, Drummond was apprehensive to welcome him—concerned about allergies, ownership and the logistics of having a “campus pet.”
Truman was cherished by many in the STA community. He was featured in multiple official STA marketing campaigns—such as the promotional brochures given to prospective students, the stickers distributed at special events and even shirts sold in the Star Shop.
Truman walks in front of the Donnelly building July 12, 2021. photo courtesy of Emma Novosel
Drummond had an exceptionally close bond with Truman, and she
the DART | Centerspread| September 16, 2022 14.
STA’s beloved campus cat Truman passed away this past summer. With the grief and shock of his death, the STA community is prompted to consider relationships with their own pets.
s junior Lauren Sweeny walked onto campus for dance practice, her tired eyes fixated on Truman, who brought happiness to her early morning.
Story by Megan Turley | Lifestyles Editor and Dianne Haake | Social Media Team
“He was on campus every day; he would be out side and the kids would pet him,” Drummond said. “So we put a notice out on NextDoor that this cat was at school and didn’t belong to anybody…so the owners contacted us and said ‘he’s an outdoor cat, he doesn’t like to stay indoors, and that he liked being around people’.”
Alex Speier “ “
Alumna Alex Speier (‘22) pictured with Truman. photo courtesy of Alex Speier.
username “@truman.the cat.” The account has been around since 2016 and was most recently run by Speier who made it her goal to update the account as often as possible.
“I tried to really revive the Instagram and post pretty often. When I would see Truman in the quad I would always try to chase him down to get a quick picture. I loved getting to capture photos of him with students and spread the love for him. I will miss Truman so
believes that he brought a more positive atmosphere to the campus.
“I think he affected the campus in a really positive way,” Drummond said. ”He was [the students’] mascot and he just brought a little bit of sunshine onto our campus.”Inaddition to being featured in official STA mar keting materials, Truman made his own headline in an unofficial, student-run Instagram account with the
Truman hanging out with mini Truman in the Donnelly offices. photo courtesy of Kelly Drummond by Annie McShane
“Being able to run Truman’s Instagram was such an honor alongside the humorous aspects,” Speier said.
15. the DART | designed
I loved getting to capture photos of him with students and spread the love for him. I will miss Truman so much, as I know the whole STA community will.
Over time, being on campus became syn onymous with interacting with Truman. Ju nior Alice Coates recalls times when seeing Truman in the quad would lighten her mood.
Sweeny is enthusiastic about the idea of a new campus com panion.“Iwould love to have anoth er campus cat!” Sweeny said. “Although Truman cannot be replaced, I think a new campus
“We had Critter, who was a cat that came to STA when I first started working here,” Drummond said.” He was on campus a lot. He was the same [as Truman];he was always laying outside under a tree, and when the bell would ring, he would get up and come to the door. We had another cat that just showed up one day, a little black stray cat. And one of our former principals, Mary Anne Hoecker, took it home because it was getting to be wintertime, and it became her cat but it was here everyday.”
Over the years, students weren’t the only ones to interact with Truman; the teachers of STA also fostered relationships with him. Biology and physical science teacher Mary Montag held lots of love for the school’s resident feline.
Despite the previous cycles of having a local pet on cam pus, Drummond is wary of forcing a new campus cat onto the STA community.
the DART | Centerspread | September 16, 2022 16.
Senior Triffin Farrar echoes this sentiment that Truman’s pres ence brought a certain brightness to
“Icampus.thinkthat people would just see Tru man walking on campus and think, ‘Oh my God, it’s Truman!’” Farrar said. “That cat was annoyed with us, but we loved him…he was just a part of the campus.”
Troy University provides research that suggests Farrar’s push to bring campus pets to STA will bring mental health improve ments to students.
cat would make everyone happier.”
Truman’s impact on the STA community extended beyond lightening the mood or making students smile. Farrar is the pres ident of PAW club, STA’s pet club that fo cuses on caring for pets and helping at area shelters, and saw Truman’s death as motive for STA to keep providing a campus animal for students and staff.
“It’s just always been so nice to have a little visitor cat,” Montag said. “And Tru
As the community grieves the loss of Truman, questions about STA establishing a new campus cat have arisen.
“I think it just needs to naturally happen,” Drummond said.” There’s a reason why Critter was here, there’s a reason why Truman was here. And I think there’ll be a reason when we get another cat if it’s what’s supposed to happen.”
Truman sticks his tongue out in the STA quad. photo courtesy of Kelly Drummond
“My friends and I would come to campus during the summer, but it would be in the evening, and every time that we were here, Truman would just appear,” Coates said.
The study found that incorporating ani mals into therapy sessions and owning a pet may help students with psychological issues such as depression, anxiety and learning challenges, which can lead to students per forming better in school and have a better chance of achieving academic success.
Montag mirrored the thought that a new campus animal should just happen naturally and that there was no need for the STA community to rush into “hosting” another animal.
“And I think this is pretty true: we don’t find animals, they seem to find us. Someone will find us, that’s what I think,” Montag said. B
much as I know the whole STA community will.”
man doesn’t act like any other cat I’ve ever known. There aren’t many cats that are that comfortable around so many people…but just to have his sweet little presence around was so nice. I miss him. I miss him a lot.”
“Freshman year we had a service animal coming in every week,” Farrar said. “We were all hanging out with him during activ ity, especially during finals week. I’m trying to plan something like that this year. I want to have a service agency that will come at least once a week, and then be able to have the students decompress during activity.”
The BenefitsHealthofPetsmentalHealthyHabits Provide companionship to help contend with lonliness Reduce anxiety, depression and Playingstress with an animal can elevate serotonin and dopamine levels Create reasons to exercise Regular activity with pets lowers cholesterol levels, blood pres sure and triglyceride levels Generate opportunities to socialize Alternative Coverage by Chloe Denk | Web Editor Information courtesy of helpguide.org and cdc.gov
the DART | Feature | September 16, 2022 18.
celebration at school or college, usually including a dance and a football game, when people who were students there at an earlier time can return to visit.” This is the definition provided by the Cambridge Dictionary of the word “homecoming.”
“I feel like homecoming week for normal co-ed schools is so glorified,” Sonnenberg said. “[They] have the homecoming football game and then homecoming court and homecoming king and queen and things like that.”
With Teresian occurring tomorrow night, Sept. 17, students reflect on the complexities of a single-sex school’s homecoming—especially when it comes to finding a date.
A lot of girls here actually go with just a group of girls. It’s a good feeling if you’re in the same boat; you don’t have to worry about finding a male date.
“I feel like, with everything else I get out of coming to an all-girls school, [homecoming] is such a minor detail,” Vovk said. “I just feel more confident in this environment day to day so it doesn’t matter if one day of the year I don’t get a traditional experience. I think it’s just really different to people who don’t go here and totally normal for people who do.”
This year, Teresian lands before most other Kansas City school’s homecomings—leading the girls to ask their date first. Vovk notices tension in the air around Teresian. She attributes it to students worrying about a date. “It’s very stressful for most people,” Vovk said. “There’s just so much awkwardness and nervousness.”
Although junior Gabi Vovk also notices the differences, she doesn’t mind Teresian’s lack of “traditional” aspects of homecoming.
Besides the lack of homecoming royalty, a football game and other typical aspects of homecoming, STA’s students face another challenge during Homecoming Season: finding a date.
A
Mya Snapp “
As an all-girls school, St. Teresa’s Academy’s take on homecoming— called Teresian—strays from this traditional definition of a homecoming.
“ “
Sophomore Molly Sonnenberg will be attending her first Teresian this year. Growing up, Sonnenberg saw a drastically different version of homecoming represented in film and media than what she sees at STA.
Story by Tierney Flavin Features Editor
Dance Date Drama ?
“I feel like it’s fun that Teresian is full of people from all different schools,” Sonnenberg said. Others opt not to take a date at all to avoid the stress.“Alot of girls here actually go with just a group of girls,” Snapp said. “[It’s] a good feeling if you’re in the same boat, you don’t have to worry about finding a maleDespitedate.”the stress surrounding dates and the differences between Teresian and co-ed schools’ more “traditional” homecomings, Snapp prefers her own dance to others she has been to throughout high school.“Ienjoy Teresian the most; everybody has a good time,” Snapp said.
”According to a survey of 183 students, 76.4 percent plan on bringing a date to Teresian; 62.9 percent of those said they would be bringing a date from Rockhurst High School. “I feel like a lot of STA girls try to ask Rockhurst boys,” senior Mya Snapp said. “Unless [they’re] dating someone from [another school] or something. So I mean [taking a Rockhurst boy] is kind of a trend
Sonnenberg has felt pressure to choose a date since July. She—alongside many of her friends—asked their dates almost two months ahead of Teresian. Sonnenberg has since realized that it is not as stressful as it seemed. “Asking someone to homecoming is really hyped up and really nerve-wracking,” Sonnenberg said. “Everyone is like ‘Oh my God, what if they say no,’ but any guy would love to go to Teresian or to homecoming. So once you ask the guy then there is so much less pressure.
19. the DART | designed by Anna Cucar
Similarly, senior Leigh Dolan has felt inclined to take a date from Rockhurst to Teresian.
“[Girls want] to get asked back to Rockhurst and then you have two dances to go to,” senior Leigh Dolan said. “For me a lot of my guy friend group goes to Rockhurst, but there are other boys that I hang out with. But there’s just the pressure to take someone from Rockhurst since all of your friends are.”
Despitehere.”onlyattending STA for two years, Sonnenberg has also noticed this tendency. The pressure to ask a Rockhurst student makes sense to her, though. According to the survey of 183 students, 69% of STA students who are going to a homecoming other than Teresian will be attending “Roco”—a portmanteau of “Rockhurst” and “Homecoming.”
“A lot of people think that they have to ask a Rockhurst boy so they could have a date back to ‘Roco,’” Sonnenberg said. “Also because Rockhurst is an all-boys school. So obviously, they don’t have girls at their school that they can ask.”
Some students, however, choose to take a date from a school other than Rockhurst. According to the survey, STA students who chose to take a date this year plan on bringing them from Blue Valley, Lee’s Summit, Bishop Miege, Notre Dame de Sion, St. Thomas Aquinas and many more.
Sonnenberg highlights the diverse population that ends up at Teresian.
If her experience at Teresian had to be summarized in three words, Dolan would describe the dance as “magical,” “fun,” and “exciting.” This year’s Teresian Dance will be held tomorrow night, Sept. 17, on the Kevin Gray Athletic Field from 7-9 p.m. B By Ellie
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KC CURRENT
“It's a really big step for women's soccer and just soccer in general for the Kansas City area,” Scheuer said. “It just shows the Kansas City soccer culture, especially the focus on women's soccer and how much it's evolving and the importance of providing a space specifically for their development.”Perhapseven more exciting, on Aug.
I
To truly understand the excitement that flooded Kansas City in 2020 when KC Current’s debut went public, it is important to note the previous professional women's soccer history in the area. From 2012-2017, FC Kansas City was the professional women’s soccer team that had some notable successes. They were one of the eight founding clubs when the league first began and would go on to be NWSL champions in 2014 and 2015, but did not receive very much recognition. STA English teacher Katie Dolan reflects on FC Kansas City’s five-season reign.
“I understand that reorganization and rebuilding [of the team] takes time,” Dolan said. “It was disappointing that last season, they did show so poorly, but I hate to say it's to be expected. I just didn't realize the turnaround would happen as quickly as it did.”Along with the quick two-season turnaround that results in them being ranked third in the league, the KC Current is bringing even more attention to their newly-founded team. Just a few weeks ago, it was announced that the first ever women’s home stadium, that will not be shared with a men’s team, will be built in downtown Kansas City, specifically for the KC Current. The construction has already begun and plans to be finished by the 2024 season. Scheuer expressed her impression of the recently announced stadium plans.
19, the team broke the attendance record for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with a reported 10,000 fans coming to support the team of teal. Dolan found that the advancements and successes recently made by the KC Current convey an even greater message.
the DART | Sports | September 16, 2022 20.
“After FCKC left, I was really sad because I loved going to the games with my friends and just the environment was really fun,” Scheuer said. “But it was great to hear that a women's team was coming back to represent Kansas City.”Considering the deep love the community had for FCKC, the news that a bigger and better funded team was coming from Utah was much welcomed news. Dolan remembers first hearing about the arrival of KC Current.
“It's sending men the message that women deserve this, we're going to fight for it and we're not going to give up,” Dolan said.
“I remember going to a few games out at Swope Park, but I don't know if it was me, I just wasn't as interested or if they also weren't as public or visible, '' Dolan said. “I think it might have been a little bit of both.”
are obstacles to overcome. The first season in 2020-21, the team finished with a record of 3-7-14. This means they only won three games and in return, lost 14 games total. However, in their second year of existence, with some changes in coaches and strategy, they currently have a record of 8-5-4. Now with eight wins, only four losses and an ongoing winning streak, their troublefilled season is now only a faint whisper in the passing wind. Dolan reflects on the rapid transformation of the team from consistently losing, to continuously winning.
The team’s season progresses with their next home game on Sunday against the Portland Thorns. B
Junior Hailey Scheuer also remembers the old women's team in Kansas City, but more recently she remembers its abrupt ending.
Despite the KC Current's very recent founding, they have greatly affected both the Kansas City community and women's soccer as a whole.
Story by: Lina Kilgore | Web and Sports Editor believe how quickly it ofhappened.”TheexcitementKCCurrent flooded the area; however, as with all beginnings, there
KC Current celebrates after scoring a point. photo courtesy of KC Current.
“ I was so excited,” Dolan said. “I couldn't
n December of 2020 a long-needed and much-awaited addition was made to the Kansas City Area: the founding of the Kansas City’s women's professional team, formally known as the KC Current. Since its 2020 debut, the KC Current has not shied away from making its presence felt on the local sports scene as well as in women's soccer as a whole. From turning an overall losing season into an on-going 10game winning streak, to having the first-ever women’s soccer stadium built for their play, KC Current has had a full schedule in its mere two years of existence.
STA volleyball plays Bishop Miege at home.
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Randall has some tough decisions coming up as she has decided to continue her volleyball career and play in college.“I know in the long run, playing in college will definitely be well worth all the work,” Randall said. B
Randallcareer.
Randall plays middle hitter for the varsity team and enjoys the relationships that she has formed this season.“ I love to be part of something bigger at STA than just sports,” Randall said. She is excited and has a good feeling about this upcoming volleyball season.
STA softball plays St. Michael’s at home.
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Junior Margot Randall has been playing volleyball since she was in 3rd grade and has loved it ever since. After some of her friends started to join a recre ational team, Randall thought she should give it a try and start her volleyball
October SeptemberOctober
STA tennis plays Blue Valley Northwest at Plaza Tennis Courts.
Volleyball Tennis CountryCross
Sports HighlightsAthleteoftheIssue: Margot Randall September 22 28
21. the DART|designed by Isabel Glover
has been on varsity volleyball for two years at STA. She enjoys many aspects of playing at STA, but she especially loves the fans. “I absolutely love our student section and their support, even when our team is not doing the best.” Randall said.
Cross country has a meet at Raymore-Peculiar High School. Softball
School is back, and the Dart staff has compiled a list of several backpack essentials.
Notebooks
The back—to—school rush is winding down and everyone has found their favorite school supplies. Here are some essentials for the year, as well as a few handy things to have in your backpack. The Dart has curated a list, so now all you need to do is run to Target and you’ll be in perfect shape for the current school year. The Dart staff is pumped for this year and hopefully you are too!
the DART | Last look | September 16, 2022 22.
Graphics by Anna Stout | Design Editor
What’s in my Backpack?
23. the DART | designed by Anna Stout DELL ComputerFoldersPencil Bag Pens and pencilsComputerCalculatorChargerHeadphones ( ) x ÷ + 0.0 45 789 0.(-)enter 123 6 x cos y x√ x²x y sin tan , ^ { }
Never Too Matcha Column by Ellie Escape
Column by Lina Kilgore My Summer as a Camp ColumnCounselorby Ellie Buttell On the DNO
CervantesColumnBeingMcManamyRealbyJasmineFor updates and more, follow the Dart on social media! @dartnewsonline @dart_sports @dartnewsonline @dartnewsonline @dart_sports @dartnewsonline the DART | September 16, 2022 24. My Daily
