The Dart Vol. 90, Issue 6, May 17, 2024

This Issue

On the DNO

Mother Daughter Fashion Show

Gallery by Molly Sonnenberg and Maya Tule Back to

Future?

Column by Dianne Haake

Pre-Prom

Gallery by Maya Tule

McGannon

Color Throw

Gallery by Maya Tule

Dear Reader,

Here we are, the new kids on the block: your 2024-2025 editors-in-chief of The Dart! Taking the helm of STA’s news organization is an honor, and we definitely have some big shoes to fill. Annie and Tierney have been incredible role models, and we hope we can follow in their footsteps. What better way to start this new chapter than with a bittersweet double-issue, beginning with fun summer content, and then finishing with a send-off of our seniors? So, as our first action in charge, let’s give you a rundown of the issue…

On pages 4 and 5, Ellie and Chloe take on the topic of the parking lot expansion slated to begin construction this summer. Jo follows that up with the to-dos of the season on pages 6-7: summer hustles and current events.

On page 8, Wynnie gives you the scoop on another all-girls school in KC, while Stella follows up on page 9 with updates on the Royals stadium vote.

Next up, a quintessential summer story on pages 10 and 11: our Star Spotlight follows Drew Kasyjanski’s time at summer camp.

On page 12, Isa gives you the low-down on sustainable fashion so you can dress to impress while caring for the planet. Chloe follows that up with the latest on the TikTok ban on page 13.

On page 14, Molly lets you know the best places for a refreshing summer treat, which you can enjoy in one of the swimsuits Cassie suggests on page 15.

Although our regular coverage ends there, never fear! The senior section is still to come.

We kick off our ‘24 send-off with pages 16-19, which record the Class of 2024’s best high school memories, written by Katelyn and Annie.

Then, we highlight some of our most inspirational seniors with our coverage of the Academy Woman nominations on pages 20 and 21, written by Ellie.

Page 22 celebrates two of our brainiest stars with a story about our “Val” and “Sal” by Sarah and Lina. And of course, we couldn’t forget our Mother Evelyn O’Niell nominees on page 23, covered by Anna Massman, who takes a closer look at STA students and service.

Next up, on pages 24 and 25, Olivia and Jasmine tell us about our sporty Stars, who are continuing their athletic careers in college.

Pages 26 and 27 include columns from some of our stellar senior writers: Tierney, Anna Massman and Ellie.

Pages 28 and 29 hold sage advice on what to take to college, written by Tierney and Dianne.

On pages 30 and 31, the queen of Last Look, Anna Stout, gives us the Last Look of her career: The Dart’s Ideal Dorm Room.

And last but certainly not least, page 32 of this issue is one very close to our hearts: a farewell from The Dart’s reigning EICs.

We hope you enjoy this issue; we couldn’t think of a better way to wish our spectacular seniors goodbye and good luck. We’ll miss you, seniors, but we know you’re gonna go far. Whenever you feel homesick, just remember one thing: turn on that Jay-Z song, put your hands in the air, and party like the STA!

HAGS, Chloe, Molly and Rebecca

STA Initiates

Plans to expand the junior lot are set for July, and 50 new spots are in the works.

Story by Chloe Denk | Design Editor and Ellie McManamy | Social Media Editor

Maya Tule | Associate Photo Editor

On April 3, architect Tom Usher joined his neighbors in the Windmoor Center to hear from STA’s administrative team regarding upcoming parking expansions on campus.

Usher has lived in his home across the street from STA for the past 19 years. This will be the second time the lot has been expanded since he has lived here, the first being in 2011 with the addition of the current junior lot. Until early April, the neighbors surrounding STA had not heard of the new changes set to take place.

This school year, STA’s administration and board of directors made an executive decision to add an additional 50 parking spaces to the southeast corner of campus, directly connected to the currently-existing junior lot. Construction is scheduled to begin sometime in the month of July and last roughly two weeks.

The plan is set to remove several trees and 0.66 acres of green space. The site will be leveled to accommodate the new lot, raising the height of the overall area significantly.

According to Siabhan May-Washington, president of STA, the decision is a result of concerns surrounding safety on campus, as well as parking accessibility issues for students.

In recent years, May-Washington said, there have been thefts of car parts off of STA students’ vehicles, which she believes can be addressed by moving more cars into the lot.

“There have been some instances with catalytic converter thefts on the street [and] even some in our lot,” May-Washington said. “If we can bring more cars off the street, our security officers can really pay closer attention to the cars that are in the lot.”

May-Washington emphasized the safety advantages of having more students parked within a lot.

“It all comes back to safety and just being able to have greater custody [and] oversight of our students, our constituents, our visitors,” she said. “It really comes down to safety and convenience, not only for current students…[but also for] anyone who comes to our events. We need to be able to have more parking.”

The issue expands beyond safety, however: the administration plans to use the expansion to minimize the number of students parking on the streets surrounding STA.

“The primary reason that we are expanding the parking lot is because too many students and visitors have to park in the streets,” May-Washington said. “We want to eliminate [this issue] as much

as possible, bring more cars on our property and eliminate some of the street congestion that’s taking place.”

Usher, along with many of his fellow neighbors, expressed concerns about the way in which STA informed

neighborhood residents of the impending project, specifically at the neighborhood meeting.

“They came to us too late,” Usher said. “They already had the design. They told us on April 3rd that they considered eight or nine different locations, and they settled on this one. We were all in the room going, ‘I thought that’s what we were here for, was to give feedback on what was in the best interest of everybody.’ We felt a little hurt that we weren’t brought into the process earlier.”

Usher explained that his experience with the current project has been different from that of the previous 2011 expansion, in which he felt STA was more receptive to neighborhood concerns.

“I feel like we worked together, and St. Teresa’s listened to us,” he said. “I stood in favor of the [2011] parking lot, and I think a lot of neighbors got support out of St. Teresa’s.”

In terms of the upcoming expansion, however, Usher struggled to see a benefit in the parking situation and questioned the urgency of the project.

“We’ve all lived with [the current situation] for so many years,” Usher said. “It’s really not a concern…there’s usually about 50 or 60 cars up and down Wyandotte and Westover, and there’s another 30 to 50 on Main and even 55th Terrace…so these 50 stalls are not going to put a dent in that. If it’s not really going to do anything, why do it at all?”

Usher emphasized the value in green space on the STA campus and in the neighborhood.

“I think what we’re saying is we prefer the green space,” he said. “We don’t mind people parking on the street. The asphalt is already

Photos by

Parking L t Expansion

there; let’s keep the green space. That’s what makes Brookside so wonderful – it’s not a bunch of parking lots [and] it’s not downtown.”

STA AP Environmental Science teacher and Green Team leader Sarah Holmes conveyed similar environmental worries.

“The big thing is water runoff,” Holmes said. “Adding more impervious surfaces to our parking lot means when the rain hits it, it’s just going to run off and pick up oil, gas, dirt and all sorts of things and it’s going to go to our storm drains. We need it to recharge the aquifer [so] we need it to percolate down through the soil.”

The proposed plan will increase the site’s impermeability by an additional 54.5%, according to a micro drainage study conducted in preparation for the project. In addition to the project’s impact on groundwater, Holmes communicated the project’s consequences for native species.

“I think they’re going to take out the two mature persimmon trees that we have on campus, which are an amazing thing,” Holmes said. “It’s a really cool native tree that’s rare in urban environments and provides a lot of food for all sorts of organisms: butterflies, bees, bugs and beetles.”

Holmes explored potential ways to honor the current landscape of STA if the project goes through.

“Can we mill [the persimmon trees] and make them into some benches for an outdoor classroom?” Holmes said. “The trees are gone. We still have this beautiful native persimmon wood… can we pay homage to what was here before?”

She also suggested integrating conservation into the project through the use of native plant species for new landscaping. Additionally, Holmes expressed interest in using the parking lot for educational purposes by implementing permeable pavement that students could learn about.

Holmes also proposed waiting a year to experiment with alternative solutions to the current parking issues, such as incentivized carpooling and biking.

“[Try other methods] for a year,” she said. “If after a year it doesn’t work, and people aren’t happy, then rethink it. But I like the idea of getting the neighborhood involved, letting them have a voice, talking to them about it, talking to students, talking to all of our stakeholders and then making a decision.”

She emphasized that protecting the environment is a hard task, and environmental concerns are easy to overlook.

“If you don’t study [environmental science], you don’t think about it,” Holmes said. “You don’t think about the problems with a new parking lot.”

One of the objectives of the expansion is solutions to traffic congestion. May-Washington explained that multiple options were on the table, including staggered departure times for students and the expansion of the security team.

“We’re currently looking to expand, if we can, our security team,” May-Washington said. “I would love to have security be a more mitigating force to help with traffic patterns and incoming and outgoing.”

In regard to the amount of cars using the lot, May-Washington said it may be impossible to reduce the number of drivers.

“For some students, it’s impractical; they cannot carpool with another STA student or they cannot walk or they cannot bike,” MayWashington said. “We highly respect the right of parents if they want their daughters to drive to St. Teresa’s…to do that.”

May-Washington asserted that the decision to expand the parking lot ultimately rested in the hands of the board of directors and administration.

“I’m happy to bring students to the table for other matters, but [this decision was an] administrative call,” she said. “So this decision was primarily administrative and board-directed, and students are not part of the conversations.”

She maintained that STA planned to stay central to the best interests of students.

“At the end of the day, St. Teresa’s Academy has every right to make decisions that are in our best interest,” May-Washington said. “We do care greatly for our neighbors, and so we are going to listen to our neighbors, but ultimately [make] decisions that are best for our students and our constituents. You will never be able to please everyone. But as long as our decisions are being made with intention, according to our mission, according to the best interest of our students, that’s what we will do.”

Nevertheless, neighbors continue to express concerns about the expansion.

“I have no doubt that this will be heavily landscaped, and it will be nice,” Usher said. “But once the green space is gone, it’s gone. It won’t be back.”

Holmes hopes that going forward, STA’s status as a Missouri Green School, the only one in the Kansas City area, will help to frame future projects within an environmental and sustainable lens.

“It’s a complex issue, and there [are] a lot of different sides to it,” Holmes said. “You have to be sensitive to that. But I also think that sometimes the voice of the environment is not the first one that people think about. It’s not the one that people hear because they’re non-human beings, right? We tend to prioritize the rights of humans and not the rights of other things.”

This shows the site of the parking expansion on the southeast side of campus.

Story By Jo Marshall | Staff Writer

Jo Marshall

The Spread of Sisterhood

As Kansas City’s first all-girls public charter school celebrates its five-year anniversary, we see similiar values in sisterhood.

Story by Wynnie Sprague | Staff Writer

The Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy (KCGPA) founded in 2017, became the first and only all-girls’ public charter school in Kansas City. It serves students in grades 5-12, who have been impacted by historical segregation. The school's mission statement says, “We prepare young women to use their voices, succeed in college and lead impactful, meaningful lives.”

Nicole Smith, the current director of diversity, equity and inclusion at STA, is on the board at the KC Girls Prep Academy and will take the helm as CEO for the next school year.

“Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy is geared towards educating sharp girls who for whatever reason cannot attend St. Teresa's or Sion,” Smith said. “It might be logistics as far as transportation or not feeling like they have the resources to attend a school like STA. The target is for girls that see the value in single-sex education that want to be challenged academically. It is geared toward a BIPOC population, which is black, brown or indigenous people of color.”

The STA community will miss Smith, but she is excited to see where this new opportunity takes her.

“I’m excited to continue working in an environment that empowers young women,” Smith said. “I hope to develop a relationship between KCGPA and STA.”

According to the KCGPA website, a strong emphasis is given on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math). The educators believe in preparing girls for careers in these fields and closing the gender gap in STEM, offering a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced math and science courses, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning and research projects.

The website further details the school's focus on a supportive and inclusive environment, with teachers and staff who are

dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing space where girls can thrive academically and personally. Mentorship programs and leadership development opportunities are designed to help girls build confidence.

Similar to STA, the KCGPA’s website states, “We work to build a feminist, antiracist space where young women support and challenge one another in true sisterhood.”

Another unique aspect of KCGPA is its commitment to community engagement, by encouraging students to get involved in service projects and make a positive impact in their community.

There are many opportunities for STA students to get involved in the KC Girls Prep Academy, whether it’s by a donation or going to volunteer there.

“You can go on their website and they definitely have a tab for donations,” Smith said. “Sometimes there are specific things they're looking for; there might be items that they need for projects. There is an auction coming up in September called “Leading With Love” that you can donate to. You can always contact them for volunteer opportunities or reach out to me and I can tell you things that are going on there. I know that [they are] trying to work on a garden and some other things. St. Teresa's and the girls Preparatory Academy, we're trying to find a way where we can not necessarily partner but be of assistance to them because our mission is ‘to love thy dear neighbor without distinction’ and we want to make sure that we love our dear neighbor, which is to love the Girls Preparatory Academy and any way that we can possibly show them love.”B

Learn about and donate to the Kansas City Girls Prep Academy here!

So long, new stadium! I

Kansas City’s stadium tax vote has proven to be controversial; The Dart explores varying perspectives.

Story by Stella Baska | Staff Writer

Imagine a perfect day at The K: a blue sky, a savory hotdog or two, and a Royals win. Could this be possible with a new stadium downtown? This question has sparked debate among Kansas City citizens.

On April 2nd, Jackson county voters denied the dreams of a stadium tax. The 3/8 of a penny tax would fund the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs for the next 40 years. Before the vote, Kansas Citians paid a similar tax for the maintenance of the Truman Sports complex, the teams’ current location.

This vote was crucial to the Royals owners, as they were planning on building a new downtown stadium in the Crossroads District. However, this plan proved to be extremely controversial for many reasons.

For one, many voters saw the proposed facility as a “billionaire’s stadium.” This is not only due to the pricing of the new stadium, standing at $2 billion, but also that the people profiting off the stadium will mostly be wealthy sports franchise owners, not the public. Though many of the owners have the income to sponsor the move, the public still would pay a large amount of money for the new stadium.

Another reason behind the controversy: the location, more specifically the businesses located in the Crossroads. While a downtown stadium can cause a boom in sales for many local businesses, the move would require around 20 businesses to relocate.

Many of these businesses are also in historic buildings, which was another concern with the stadium. The construction of the stadium would cause the demolition of several buildings and streets. Infrastructure during the building process would be extremely chaotic.

Many business owners wonder why the Royals did not consider

the East Village area for their relocation, as there are eight vacant lots that could be used for stadium space.

Still with all these issues at hand, there are several positives to a downtown stadium in KC’s future.

Firstly, downtown energy has become a necessity to many cities, especially in sports. Generally, downtown stadiums earn more revenue for teams, cities and local businesses.

Major League Baseball especially prioritizes downtown stadiums. There is talk of a White Sox move to downtown Chicago, Oakland will relocate to Las Vegas for a downtown stadium, and some of the most iconic fields are downtown, such as the Cubs’ Wrigley Field and the Oriole’s Park at Camden Fields.

A downtown field would lead to more accessibility for all Kansas Citians, since driving would not be necessary. The street car could be a vital part of transportation, but alternatively, fans could enjoy walking downtown before a game.

The Chiefs would also benefit from the tax, so Arrowhead would receive an update. The $800 million renovation would sponsor an upper-level concourse and parking deck, new video boards, an expanded tailgating space, and much more.

So, with many pros and cons, the stadium tax was polarizing to the city.

Narrowly, the referendum was voted no, 58% to 42%. While there are several reasons “no” was the majority decision, some blame poor planning on the teams’ part. Though the Chiefs and Royals spent around $3 million in advertisement, many citizens were not clear on what the stadium plans were or what the tax was.

With or without the tax, the Chiefs and Royals continue to negotiate. The Truman Sports Complex’s lease ends in 2031, leaving everyone questioning if the teams will leave Jackson County.

As ominous as this sounds, it doesn’t mean that it will happen.

The teams are looking at numerous places near Children’s Mercy Park, North Kansas City, or possibly trying again in Jackson County.

The Royals could relocate to Nashville, though. According to ESPN, Nashville is one of the top potential cities for a team expansion or re-location.

With many forthcoming proposals reliant on public opinion, this will continue to be a developing story.B

DREW KASYJANSKI

Sophomore Drew Kasyjanski finds great reward spending her summer at Camp PALS.

Story by Rebecca McGannon | Staff Member

Q: What is Camp PALS?

A: Camp PALS is a program for people with and without Down syndrome. It’s like a summer camp where you get paired one-to-one with someone who has Down syndrome. We go to amusement parks and we went to the beach last year. You just hang out with them for the week.

Q: How did you start going to Camp PALS?

A: My sister works within the disabled community and so she’s gone to camp for a couple years. She leads programs all across the country, and so I started going to them once I turned 15. I’m going to my third year this summer!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Camp PALS?

A: I think the friendships that are made. It really proves that everyone is so different but you can still be friends with them. Being inclusive is such an important thing, especially in this community. Just building those relationships is really important. I still facetime all the people I’ve met, and I still talk to them. It’s just building really close friendships with people all across the country.

Q: What keeps you going back to Camp PALS?

A: I think PALS, for me, is somewhere I can fully be myself and I’m meeting people from all different backgrounds and experiences. I think it’s just a really cool experience. I really enjoy it.

Q: How has PALS changed your thinking?

A: I think it has really showed me that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is really necessary to grow. I think becoming friends with everyone and with people you wouldn’t normally put yourself in a group with is important to grow and develop because you are seeing all these different perspectives and learning to be open minded.

Q: Would you recommend Camp PALS?

A: I tell all my friends to sign up! I’ve convinced a couple of my friends to sign up for this summer and I highly recommend. It is truly the best week of my life every year! B

For more information about PALS and volunteering opportunities scan this QR code!

Fashion Future

Everything you need to know about sustainable fashion.

Story by Isa Glover | Associate Sports Editor

With the rise of fast fashion comes the concept of sustainable fashion. In recent years, a shift towards sustainability has been reshaping the way fashion is perceived, produced and consumed.

Potsie Camarena, Operations Assistant and Social Media Manager at Rightfully Sewn, works to be sustainable by helping local “slow” fashion companies.

“[Rightfully Sewn] wants the products that come off our production line to last and be durable, so we do quality control to make sure each item is made correctly,” Camarena said.

Camarena is aware of the challenges of sustainable fashion.

“Companies would rather save money by cutting costs and paying low wages, and our policy makers are not doing anything to stop it,” Camarena said. “Plus, consumers do not want to pay more for durable quality items that they can get cheaper somewhere else.”

One of the main factors contributing to the decrease in environmentally safe fashion is fast fashion.

“Fast fashion is any fashion company that puts out new styles every day to keep

up with the trends,” Camarena said. “They usually over produce the amount of product they need which causes a lot of clothes that don’t get sold to end up in the landfill.”

Although there are challenges with sustainable fashion, there are many benefits to help the environment.

“Creating fashion sustainably can reduce the environmental impact because companies are making durable, responsible fashion made from renewable materials manufactured and distributed ethically,” Camarena said. “It’s as simple as using materials that are made from renewable and natural sources or fabrics made from recycled materials. Cotton, linen and wool are all renewable natural fibers that will biodegrade faster than synthetic materials, which take hundreds of years.”

One way to combat fast fashion is to become a conscious consumer.

“A conscious consumer means making more thoughtful shopping decisions, often with the goal of consuming less and prioritizing sustainability,” Camarena said. “Whether it’s supporting companies that follow higher ethical standards or purchasing more durable products for a

sustainable wardrobe, it is about being informed about what you’re buying and putting a bit of extra effort into caring for your clothes and educating yourself.”

There are many ways to be a conscious consumer.

“The easiest thing you can start with, and I know it sounds silly, but wear all of your wardrobe,” Camarena said. “You can also shop local, buy second-hand clothes, mend/ alter your clothing rather than getting rid of it, learn how to care for your clothes so they last longer, sell unwanted clothing or do clothing swaps with your friends, stop buying synthetic clothes where you can, look for natural materials or recycled synthetic materials and recycle and upcycle your clothes. Turn those old sweatshirts you don’t wear into a blanket, or make the jeans that still fit but might be too short on you now into a new pair of jean shorts.”

Camarena believes that teens need to stay informed about sustainable fashion.

“You [teenagers] all have an entire world of info at your fingertips, all you [teenagers] need to do is use it in the right way,” Camarena said. “Teenagers can use social media in a way to stay informed and find resources to learn.”B

You can’t go out these days without seeing a shopping center, thanks to the ancient Romans who built the very first one.

The loincloth is the oldest item of clothing, but the second oldest is the skirt – an item which is still very popular.

Many companies try to be eco-friendly, but Stella McCartney bags go a step further and are made out of corn.

Doc Martens come in all different colors and sizes now, but the first pair was created using old tires.

The famous Lacoste crocodile symbol was created in 1933, and was the first designer logo.

TikTok has been presented with a choice: sell or be banned from American app stores.

Story by Chloe Denk | Design Editor

Early last week, TikTok sued to block a U.S. law that proposed a nationwide ban of the app. The legislation, passed in April, was prompted by concerns about national security.

Since TikTok was introduced in 2016, it has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, growing to boast 1.5 billion monthly users and generate $9.4 billion in revenue per year. In the U.S., the app is used by 170 million Americans.

While TikTok is widely utilized for entertainment and business purposes, legislators have become increasingly concerned about national security risks associated with the app.

According to USA Today, “The FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have warned that the company could share sweeping user data, including browsing history, location and other identifiers, with Chinese authorities.”

This year is not the first time concerns have arisen. In 2020, then-President Trump attempted to push ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, to either sell TikTok or risk being banned from American app stores. The attempt ultimately failed, but governmental worries persisted.

In 2022, concerns arose about TikTok employees accessing nonpublic user information, and in February of 2023 the U.S. government mandated that the social media app be deleted from all government devices.

In the wake of these events, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, attended a congressional hearing in March of 2023. While topics of conversation were wide, concern for the security of American data remained central, and film of the hearing circulated on the TikTok platform. Chew claimed that user data was being protected by Project Texas, which began in 2022 and sought to move American data to servers in the United States, overseen by the Texasbased company Oracle.

This year, the issue of national security came to the surface once again, centering on fears that the Chinese government could use TikTok to spy on American citizens and influence the American public. On March 13, 2024, a bill passed the House of Representatives that would force ByteDance to sell the app within six months. If the

TickingOut

TickingOut

Is TikTok’s TimeTickingOut

company declined to sell, it would become illegal to distribute apps developed by ByteDance in the United States. TikTok would become unavailable for new downloads, and existing users wouldn’t be able to update it.

Before the bill could be voted on by the Senate, however, new legislation passed the House on April 20th by a vote of 360 to 58, as part of an aid package for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. The new bill was passed by the Senate on April 23rd, with a 79 to 18 vote in favor. On April 24th, Biden signed the bill into law.

The new legislation is similar to the original proposal but provides ByteDance with 270 days to sell, an extension of the original six month deadline. It also allows the President the ability to extend the deadline if he believes there is an upcoming sale.

TikTok responded to the new development on April 17th with a post on the social media platform X: “It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually.”

The company sued the United States government on May 7th in an attempt to stop the new measure, citing it as an abuse of first amendment freedom of speech rights.

In addition, the company encouraged users to complain to their congressional representatives. Many creators oppose the bill on the grounds that it supports their incomes.

Even if the bill proves successful, another question arises: will a sale actually be possible? Because of China’s export regulations, it is possible that the Chinese government could block the sale of TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, a large part of its worth. If a sale did go through, there are very few who have the resources to purchase the company, as it is likely to cost tens of billions of dollars.

These factors suggest that a TikTok sale or ban from app stores is not likely to happen any time in the near future; TikTok users won’t have to kiss the app goodbye anytime

soon.

Aside from national security risks, many in the STA community oppose TikTok for other reasons. Junior Ella Janssen had the app for more than five years before deleting it.

“I deleted TikTok just because I realized how much of a negative effect it had on me,” Janssen said. “I realized I had been spending way too many hours on there…just scrolling. I didn’t retain anything and my attention span just got really bad.”

Janssen also expressed fears about the content shown on the app, and cited mental health concerns.

“I just have seen myself deteriorate with attention span, and just my mental health,” Janssen said.

School counselor Mary Gajewski expressed similar concerns in regard to the STA student body.

“Anytime you’re a minor and you’re on a social media app, it’s open to anybody,” Gajewski said. “There’s that potential for victimization. There’s a huge safety risk for just mental health and depression, anxiety.” She also addressed the disconnect social media can create.

“I think that what we’re losing is connection,” Gajewski said. “And ironically, social media is meant to connect people… People can’t survive without some kind of that interpersonal connection…You can’t hug your computer and get the same feedback.”

Gajewski also advised that users need to be careful when consuming information from TikTok.

“I do think oversight is necessary,” Gajewski said. “I do think we should be asking questions. Who was developing this? Who is seeing this? Who has access to this content? Who is posting information and is that information accurate? Is it misleading? Is it purposefully misleading or is it meant to be ironic? I do think that anybody who uses a social media app should go into it with those questions in mind.”

This article contains information from the following sources: CBS News, CNBC, CNN Business, NBC News, NPR, The New York Times, and USA Today.B

To Açai or Not To Açai?

As a

self-proclaimed acai

bowl connoisseur, I reviewed and rated the top places to get a refreshing acai bowl for the summer.

Story by Molly Sonnenberg | Staff Writer

Nektar: 9/10

Anyone who knows me knows that Nektar is my go-to spot. Known for their wide variety of smoothies, juices and bowls, Nektar is one of the most popular spots. My signature order is the dragon fruit bowl and occasionally the protein bites. The dragon fruit bowl explodes with flavor and sweetness. The pineapple pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the agave on top, and the added crunch of the coconut and granola is exquisite. The many textures and flavors that make every bite worthy AND the aesthetic execution bring this to an almost perfect rating. However, I had to deduct one point due to the cost and the mediocre service. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a quick refresher in your day, I highly recommend Nektar.

Nautical

Bowls: 3/10

Nautical Bowls, where do I start with you? After extensive research on this place (stalking their Instagram), I had high hopes; the bowls were gorgeous and had good reviews. Thus I embarked on the lengthy 30-minute drive to Nautical Bowls in Overland Park. While entering, I was greeted with a very friendly and helpful staff and a clean and well-kept interior. Different bases, toppings, sizes, and combinations make up Nautical Bowls’ menu. I ordered the Sunrise Bowl in the smallest size, and dove right in. Little did I know how depressingly unsatisfied I would be five minutes later. At first, I kept an open mind because the toppings were fresh: minimal, but fresh. However, the more I consumed, the more my gag reflex screamed at me. The consistency was more frozen and sherbert-like than thick and smooth, and the flavor was wildly artificial. Overall, the waste of gas, time and money is not worth the road trip to Nautical Bowls, giving it a rank of 3/10

Ruby Jean’s Juicery: 7/10

If you are looking for a classic acai bowl, Ruby Jean is your girl. Conveniently located in Whole Foods, Ruby Jean’s delivers a classic acai berry blend with berry, granola, coconut and agave toppings. The smoothie base itself was nothing crazy or extraordinary, just the average blend you can find anywhere. However, the toppings were fresh and the granola and coconut flakes added a nice crunch. The agave added extra sweetness, which is always a bonus for me. While I wish they offered more flavors, the bowl is perfect for the berry and all-around acai lover.

Pura Vida: 9/10

This one is for you, Northland readers. After being incredibly disappointed by the opposite direction, I decided it was only fair to travel north. Luckily for me, Pura Vida had everything I was missing from Nautical Bowls. The inside was beautifully decorated and clean, and their bowls/silverware were eco-friendly. Not only were the toppings fresh and delicious, but the smoothie base was delectable as well. With a good consistency, refreshing acai flavor and a fair topping-to-smoothie ratio, there is little to complain about the bowls at this place. As someone who has tried acai bowls from around the globe, Pura Vida makes you forget that you are in the middle of nowhere and not on a beach. While I wish it was closer to my house, Pura Vida made my day and was worth the trip. B

Swimming into Summer

With my mind filled with thoughts of warm days by the pool, I set out on a hunt for the cutest swimsuits for this summer.

Story by Cassie Hallier | Staff Writer

With summer only a week away, it is impossible to scroll on social media without bright colors and upbeat audios flooding your senses.

Many new trends have begun circulating in anticipation of the season, one of the most popular being bikini boxes. A bikini box is a wooden crate that can be painted in bright colors and filled with swimsuits. I tackled this trend with my friend, and as soon as the paint was dry, my mind began racing: ‘What should I fill it with?’

I instantly thought of my favorite swimsuit. It was a somewhat recent purchase, a splurge before a Presidents Day weekend getaway: a OneOne swimsuit.

OneOne is a swimwear brand that’s been trending for a couple years. I’ve always been obsessed with the brand, but the cute swimwear comes with a price tag that made me hesitant to click check-out. However, I am so glad I finally did!

Tops and bottoms are sold separately, which lets the buyer mix and match. This was one of my favorite parts! The most popular styles are the “kameron top” and “jesse bottom” which are the two I got. Every style comes in multiple bright color combinations which are perfect for summer.

My only complaint about this swimsuit is that the straps are pretty thick, so if you are tanning, the tan lines that show up will be difficult to ignore. Overall, I give this swimsuit an 8/10.

The next suit that popped into my mind was an old favorite. I spent much of the summer after eighth grade combing the aisles of Target for the perfect summer suit. When my eyes landed on a pink-floral top, I fell in love.

This was far from my first Target swimsuit, as they were my go-to all through middle school. Target is always the most reliable swimsuit shop. The multiple colors and styles ensure there is something for everyone, and the suits are far from overpriced.

Bikinis tend to run at about $30, $15 for the top and $15 for the bottom, and a one-piece typically costs around $20.

Target swimsuits have also proved reliable for pretty much every summer activity. Whether it is a morning boat ride, and afternoon tanning session, or a night out tubing, these swimsuits haven’t failed me yet! Overall, I give Target swimsuits a 9/10.

After tossing these two swimsuits into my new bikini box, I decided it still looked pretty empty, so I set about scanning all my favorite sites for a new one.

My eyes lit up as the Aerie site loaded, with a plethora of cute swimsuits already popping up. I landed on a brown strapless one that I knew would be perfect for summer, hit check-out with no hesitation, and anxiously awaited its arrival.

Less than a week later, the package showed up on my doorstep. The shipping time was super quick, which definitely was a perk in my book.

The swimsuit was also affordable. Aerie swimsuits normally run about $30 for the top and $30 for the bottom, but I got mine for 50% off.

I put the swimsuit to the test on my spring break trip and concluded that while it was cute and comfortable, it was not something I would want to pay full price for. It was perfect for tanning, but because it was strapless when I wore it in the pool or on the boat, I constantly had to pull it up.

Aerie swimsuits also do not run true to size, so be sure to look at the size chart before you order. Aerie gets a 6/10 from me.

In conclusion, my favorite place to shop for summer swimsuits is the tried and true Target, followed closely by OneOne, with Aerie bringing up the rear.

Have fun filling your bikini boxes and get ready to dive into a happy summer! B

Dances

JSeniors shared some of their favorite memories from their four years at STA. Story by Katelyn Buckley | Opinions Editor and Annie McShane | Editor-in-Chief

“I think my favorite memory was during interim week this year when it started snowing. We all went out in the quad to take pictures, dance and admire St. Teresa's Academy in its snow-globe state. In that moment all the feelings of gratefulness, joy and love I feel towards STA after my four years here were perfectly encapsulated in that blissful moment.”

“My favorite memory is sophomore year chemistry in Mrs. Albritton’s class when Olivia and I were taking a video on her computer and all of a sudden Olivia takes the biggest fall off of her chair and eats it!”

“My favorite memory has been getting ready for junior ring with my friends and eating at Bella Napoli before the dance but having to change dresses right before the dance because I ate too many baskets of bread.”

TheDart

“My favorite memory is being on The Dart”

“One of my favorite memories was Mole Day sophomore year when Parker Growney got vacuum packed into a trash bag by the chemistry teachers.”

“One of my favorite memories is when Mrs. Harman tricked everyone and learned the dance routine for one of the pep rallies.”

“Walking to the local abandoned school next to STA for Taber's class. It was so nice outside and we played on the playground before talking about our current book assignment.”

“One of my favorite memories from STA was when some of my friends would interrupt my junior year Mrs. Grogan class to make jokes at me and my friends from in the hall.”

“Meeting new people through sports and theater!”

“Being in ‘Puffs’ sophomore year.”

“Pranking Ms. Lipari on April Fool's Day freshman year when Sara fake passed out.”

“My favorite memory is flying a plane with Charlotte for STEM job shadowing!”

“My favorite memory from STA is getting ready for dances with my friends.”

“My favorite STA memory is seeing Charli at the Star Shop and her ignoring me every time!”

“Class day.”

“The

SeniorIssueSpecial of The Dart

“Making a TikTok with Mrs. Fisher.”

“Senior tailgate at the end of junior year.”

“Being in the play and musical during senior year!” The Color Throw

“CSJ leadership camp!” Yard Days

FBLA movie nights on the field.”

“My favorite memory at STA was on the choir trip to Italy in 2022; it was the last day, and we all sang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on the way back to the hotel. It was such a divine moment to sing with such intelligent and funny women with the help of Mr. Perry.”

“Caroling before Christmas break for everyone walking into buildings!”

SingingLean on me after

“choir concerts”

“Going to state every year with my double quartet for choir at Mizzou.”

Sion Games

pep rallies

Pep Rallies Spirit Week

“Playing intramural sports with my friends!”

“Summer basketball camps” “Intramural Volleyball”

“My favorite memory is the state cross country meet my senior year. I remember crossing the finish line and all I felt was joy and happiness for my time on the team. As I walked out of the finish line tent, I remember finding Lillie Grever and giving her a hug. Then Ellie Welsh came up to us and we were all just hugging and crying with each other. It was bittersweet.”

“Going to state swim my sophomore year with my whole class.”

“Going to nationals for the first-time junior year with the dance team.”

“Beating Pembrooke in the semi-final game during junior year lacrosse.”

“I have so many favorite memories, but a recent one that sticks out to me was the auction night. I got to work the sound booth with the production company and they gave me a headset, and it was just a really cool moment where I got to be involved in something I was interested in! The night was long but it was so worth it.”

“Everyday with my period 8 APUSH table last year!”

“My

table.”

“APUSH class.” “Spending time with my period 8 APUSH table everyday.”

stats

“My junior year math class with Lily and Lila.”

“AP Gov with Mia the dog.”

Third Floor Donnelly Thanksgiving Party

The DART | designed by Annie McShane

Senior Sleepover

Meeting New Friends

“My advisory gingerbread house competition.”

“My favorite memory is going on the Greece Trip over the summer!”

“My favorite memory was all the activities we did in advisory like the gingerbread building, putting stuff on the doors and celebrating birthdays.”

“Sophomore and junior year sitting in Mr. Clark’s room for lunch.”

“My favorite memory has been advisory parties!”

“My Greece excursion with Abby Morris and Dr. MayWashington.”

“Activity time in Mr. Clark's classroom with my friends.”

“Having lunch/ activity with Mrs. Kilgore everyday.”

“My favorite memory is senior spring break and being with my friends.”

“My favorite STA memory was going to Tijuana, Mexico on a service trip my junior year.”

Spending Activity with Friends

“Montag Easter egg hunt.”

“My advisory secret Santas.”

Academy Woman Named at Annual Awards Ceremony

Olivia Oades

Lauren Sweeny

Lauren Sweeny is a proud member of the STA Dance team, Spirit Club, FBLA and Sources of Strength. She volunteered as both a Kairos and freshman retreat leader this past year, and enjoys spending her time listening to music, creating Pinterest boards, shopping and staying involved at STA.

Not only will she miss her unique high school experience, but also the endless opportunities STA provided, such as her service trip to Tijuana during interim week of her junior year. No matter what she wanted to take part in at STA, Sweeny says, she felt met with friendly faces and support.

“You couldn’t really get it anywhere else,” Sweeny said. B

Olivia Oades is a strong participant in Sources of Strength, Campus Ministry, Model UN, Team Up for Saint Jude, GIVE Club and is an enthusiastic secretary of STA’s Spirit Club. She also spent her senior year leading a Kairos retreat and enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family and friends.

Her favorite STA memory includes when the entire school sang “Lean on Me,” following the Spirit Club pep rally. She encourages every student to embrace how fulfilling of an experience STA can become.

“There are opportunities for everyone to shine bright, and there are people here you can always lean on,” Oades said. B

STA presents the Academy Woman award to one senior who “exemplifies the finest personal qualities and characteristics of a STA student,” according to the STA website.

Alice Coates

Senior Special Issue of The Dart

Alice Coates spends her time at STA helping others in acts of service, whether it be fixing a broken pen at the Help Desk or teaching a new skill in the Makerspace. Outside of school, she roller skates at a local park and listens to music.

She will miss the safe, welcoming community STA created for her, as well as the mentors she gained along the way. Coates will always remember helping at the auction this past year, and spending time in her safe space, STA. She wishes for all STA students to know the value in being true to yourself.

“I’ve become the most happy out of this school because I’ve realized that I can be myself,” Coates said. B

Oades was awarded Academy Woman at the Awards Ceremony April 30. She gave a brief speech this afternoon at the Class Day celebration.

Oades smiles with her family after receiving the Academy Woman award April 30. photo courtesy of Lucy Filing

Story by Ellie McManamy | Social Media Editor

Senior of The Dart The Class of 2024’s

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Kelly Riffle Valedictorian

What was your favorite class?

“My favorite class was AP Statistics with Ms. Sirridge.”

What advice would you give students trying to achieve consistent academic excellence?

“To not stress out about assignments too much and to set boundaries for yourself. For example, I don’t do homework past 9 p.m., I just make sure that I have my most important things done if I am unable to complete it all.”

What were your biggest motivators?

“For my motivators, I would say just doing well. It used to be getting good grades so that I could get good scholarships to colleges, but now I think it has shifted to a general sense of wanting to do well.”

What was your base support system or what teacher made the biggest impact?

“Ms. Sarah Ralph.”

What class, moment, teacher or thing shaped you the most into the person you leave STA as?

“I would say my sister. She has always been super smart, and she has always worked really hard while knowing exactly how to set those boundaries for herself, so I have sort of modeled her behavior.”

Do you know yet how you will continue to pursue your academic excellence?

“I will be attending Loyola University Chicago.”

Anna Rizzo Salutatorian

What was your favorite class?

“My favorite class was Anatomy I and II with Mrs. Holmes.” What advice would you give students trying to achieve consistent academic excellence?

“Don’t spend too much time studying because if you stress out over it, you’ll lose your happiness and you’ll be too stressed out to get good grades.”

What were your biggest motivators?

“My biggest motivators have been my teachers, my friends at STA and my parents.”

What was your base support system or what teacher made the biggest impact?

“Mrs. Holmes has made the biggest impact on me because she allowed me to explore my interest in my interim week class.”

What class, moment, teacher or thing shaped you the most into the person you leave STA as?

“Something that shaped me the most was learning everything about medicine from my Anatomy I and II class with Mrs. Holmes and then applying that in a leadership role in my interim week class because it allowed me to be more knowledgeable on the topic as well as grow as a leader by teaching younger students.”

Do you know yet how you will continue to pursue your academic excellence?

“I will be attending college, but I do not know where yet. I want to go pre med.” B

Story by Lina Kilgore | Sports Editor and Sarah Schwaller | Opinion Editor

Mother Evelyn O’Neill Award

Story by Anna Massman | Features Editor

As STA is an institution dedicated to helping the dear neighbor, service has always been an essential part of the community. The dozens of clubs and extracurricular opportunities encourage students to both follow their interests and discover what the community needs when deciding how to give back. The school also offers service trips from freshman through senior year, allowing students to see the impact they can have on communities outside of Kansas City. The service requirements for graduation, which have varied in the past few years due to COVID limitations, ensure every STA student leaves here with the passion and ability to love and serve others. Here, the Mother Evelyn O’Neill nominees talk about why it is important to give back to the community.

Clara Dwyer

Class of 2024

Dwyer spends most of her time volunteering with local food pantries, especially Mimi’s Pantry and Mimi’s Pantry 4 Kids, as she cares most about food insecurity within homes of families with young children. At the commencement of her service record, she often volunteered with friends, but as she got older, she became more passionate about serving others and volunteered more on her own. Next year, she will study Chemistry and Planetary Sciences, in hopes to research deep space and then share her findings with others in the field by traveling all over the world.

Tierney Flavin

Class of 2024

Flavin often volunteers with the Teen Council at the Kansas City Public Library and with Ten Thousand Villages Overland Park. She cares most about refugee resettlement. Her mom and grandmother have always brought her along to volunteer, which is how she became interested in service. Next year, she will be majoring in either government or sociology, with her dream career of political journalism.

Amara Keeler

Class of 2024

Keeler mainly volunteers with various Girl Scout events and activities, but also at St. Peter’s, where she coaches their volleyball teams, or helps out with food drives. She wants to help create equal opportunities for all individuals, especially through advocating for affordable and accessible healthcare. Girl Scouts and her parents fostered a love for service in her from an early age, and she grew up in an environment where volunteering was enjoyable and fun while giving back to the community. Keeler- will be majoring in biology in the fall, and hopes to be a physician’s assistant in the field of medical genetics.

Millie Lee Class of 2024

Lee works with Jacob’s Well and Camp Encourage often, and those experiences have led her to the belief that every single person deserves to be treated equally and viewed equally in our world; “everyone is a human being and everyone deserves to be treated that way, no matter of gender, race, sexuality, level of ability, etc.” For Lee’s whole life, the schools she’s attended and her mom have influenced her focus on service and just helping others in general. In the fall, Lee will be majoring in vocal performance and sociology, then plans to pursue music, acting, or music therapy.

Nora Roddy Class of 2025

Roddy volunteers most often with WIN for KC, a foundation dedicated to promoting women’s sports. She cares most about everyone having access to a great education. From a young age, Roddy has been volunteering with her family, specifically at Metro Lutheran Ministry. She does not yet know what she will be studying or what career path she intends to pursue, as she is in her junior year.

Chelley Young Class of 2024

Young has spent time volunteering with Total Man Incorporated, and Giving Hope and Help. She is very passionate about healthcare disparities, especially amongst minority women. Young loves helping people, which makes service not feel like being in servitude to someone or for something but she looks at it as more of a hobby that she pours her heart into. She will be majoring in Public Health with a minor in Spanish, and her dream career changes everyday based on the many experiences she has. B

SeniorSpecial Issue of The Dart

Sporty Seniors

As the school says farewell to its seniors, The Dart recognizes all the sporty seniors who are committed to play a sport in college.

Brooklyn Acuff Sydney Chmel

Why did you decide to continue playing tennis in college?

Playing in college has always been the ultimate goal of my training but additionally it has always been my deep aspiration to compete for my future school and for a team.

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one?

For me, it ended up being between Doane University and Jewell. In the end, proximity and familiarity is what made me decide on Jewell. I love that my parents, who enjoy coming and supporting me at my matches, get to continue that and travel to see most all my matches if they choose to.

Why did you decide to continue to pursue being an equestrian in college?

I decided to continue my athletic career at the collegiate level because I wanted to experience being on a team. Riding has always been an individual sport, so college gives me the opportunity to experience it in a new way.

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one?

I picked SDSU over other offers because I connected with the coach and liked the distance it was from home.

Piper Newton Margot Randall

Why did you decide to continue playing volleyball in college?

I decided to continue playing in college because I’ve played for so long and I love it, so I just couldn’t give it up. And being a college athlete helps me with my discipline and helps me have a built-in group of friends when I go.

Story by Olivia Cooper | Web/ Lifestyle Editor

Photos by Jasmine Cervantes | Photo Editor

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one?

I had other options but I chose Morgan State because I felt the most at home there. The coaches seemed like they really care for their players and I wanted a nurturing environment. Also, the student life there is so much fun and they are expanding their school.

Why did you decide to continue playing volleyball in college?

I decided to continue to play volleyball because for me it was still fun. I still get excited for games and love to compete with my teammates and get a workout from it too!

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one?

I was deciding between a few other schools but what set Villanova a part was my whole family lives in the area and I was born and raised in Philadelphia so it has always felt like home to me. I also loved the coaches and the feel of campus and team chemistry. I felt like it wasn’t too high pressure and Villanova really emphasized how important a balance of school and social life along with sport is.

Grace Doornbos Gracie Jacobs Lina Kilgore

Why did you decide to continue playing lacrosse in college?

I chose to keep playing lacrosse in college because of my love for the sport and when I was younger I told myself that I would continue to play at the next level if I had the chance to.

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one?

I picked Rock because from day one Molly (the coach) made me feel how much Rockhurst wanted me and I connected to the team these past two years during visits, overnight stays practicing with the team and just watching the connection the girls have on and off the field.

Why did you decide to continue running in college?

I decided to continue running in college because I didn’t want to be done. Almost every single season, I’ve seen dramatic improvements, so I want to keep pushing my limits and see just how good I can become.

What has been your favorite thing about playing sports at STA?

My favorite thing has been the people that I have gotten to know along the way. I’ve met so many amazing people and have made lots of friends throughout the years of racing for STA.

Why did you decide to continue playing soccer in college?

I decided to continue playing soccer in college because it has become such an integral part of my life that has granted me some amazing opportunities and allowed me to form incredible connections. I was simply not ready to give up something so important to me.

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one?

I chose Rhodes because I loved it for so much more than just the soccer program. I loved the campus, the student life and the classes. I just knew it was the best place for me.

Madison Roney MaryGrace Seymour Hailey Scheuer

Why did you decide to continue playing volleyball in college?

I decided to continue playing volleyball because I love the competitiveness and also the team aspect of the sport, and playing volleyball will keep me in shape in college!

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one?

I picked William Jewell because I committed with a couple other girls that I am close with and have a chance to play a lot my freshman year. What will you miss most about playing for STA? I will miss all of my teammates and the pregame music sessions in the locker room.

Why did you decide to continue playing tennis in college?

I started playing tennis when I was three years old, so tennis has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. When the opportunity came to play tennis in college, I was excited to continue because it’s something so familiar in my life and something that I love.

If you were choosing from multiple schools, why did you pick this one? When I went to meet with the coaches and the team, it was a very positive and fun environment. When I met the team, I could see myself getting along with them really well, and I could tell it was going to be a fun but also challenging experience, which is what I was looking for.

Why did you decide to continue playing soccer in college?

After going through a long and painful injury, I thought I would not continue playing soccer; however, my coach and teammates helped me realize I still loved the game and wanted to keep playing. Additionally, playing a sport creates a balance so my college experience isn’t just school but also creating friendships in the sport I love. What will you miss most about playing for STA? I will miss playing with my teammates I have grown with throughout the seasons and years, especially this year. I will miss being a leader on the team!

Much Ado About Farewells

I took my habitual trips to 7/11 and Taco Bell for granted. High school goes by fast; don’t make the same mistakes as me.

Story by Tierney Flavin | Editor-In-Chief

It was a typical Thursday evening in my house. Winter break had just ended and my mom and I were headed to Jalapenos to celebrate the completion of my final college application. All was well until we turned off of Oak onto 63rd street. My beloved 7/11 was boarded up.

Ever since my freshman year, I had gone into that 7/11 almost every morning before school. Those who know me know my caffeine habits well. A coffee or an energy drink is a must in my morning routine. Ted, the owner of that 7/11, slowly became my rock. His morning mantra of “Have a great day at school!” reverberated in my mind through even the toughest of days.

That two-minute pit-stop became essential to my morning routine. A routine is essential to my day-to-day functioning. This was harshly interrupted at the sight of the wooden panes covering the doors of 7/11.

I scrolled through Next Door and my mother’s neighborhood Facebook group for answers. Ted had retired and sold his franchise. There was no notice as to when the store would reopen under new ownership. My world was shattered.

Shortly thereafter, I was taking one of my familiar after-work trips to Taco Bell. My order over the past year has been two Spicy Potato Soft Tacos and a Fiesta Veggie Burrito. I never even had to tell my friends what I wanted; they knew. (There’s probably Fire Sauce in my veins at this point.) After a frustratingly long night at the restaurant, I rolled down my window to pay. I was greeted by the cashier who notified me that in 10 days time, my beloved Fiesta Veggie Burrito would be removed from the menu. The look on my face spoke a million words as she gave me a sympathetic look. She gave a genuine apology as I held back tears.

So much had been changing in my life. I had just finished college applications and the future seemed all-too present. Now, the two most reliable parts of my routines had been ripped away from me. Mourning 7/11 and the Fiesta Veggie Burrito became emblematic of mourning my childhood.

I watched four years worth of seniors posting about their lasts. Last Teresian, last fashion show, last day of classes; it all seemed so far away. I never savored these moments, blissfully ignorant of the value of every one of them. When I bit into my last Fiesta Veggie Burrito, something clicked. It all became real to me.

The following months, I made sure to embrace every day at school, at work and with my friends. And now as I write my last Dart column, I look back to the firsts that brought me here. From my first 7/11 coffee stop, which led to years of caffeine reliance and late-night homework sessions, to the first time I talked to Liza in our freshman year third-period free and the first Intro to Journalism class which would lead me to a life of journalism. These moments were fleeting, but they have made for a wonderful and memorable four years. This morning, I stopped at 7/11. The new owner has gotten me on their rewards program and the employees from Ted’s era have continued the tradition of wishing me a great day at school. Yesterday, I had Taco Bell for dinner and tried the new Grilled Cheese Burrito (it doesn’t compare to

its predecessor). In three weeks, I’ll graduate STA with memories, friendships and a caffeine dependence that will last a lifetime. Change comes whether we know it or not, but everything works out the way it is supposed to. B

4 Things in Years

The past four years at STA have been nothing short of a learning experience. Here are my four biggest takeaways.

Story by Ellie McManamy | Social Media Editor

For quite some time now, I’ve understood what it feels like to experience the inevitable “senioritis.”

Nearly every senior I’ve spoken to feels overwhelmed with responsibilities and lacking drive as their high school experience comes to a close. But what goes unspoken, I think, is that this so-called “senioritis” holds more than just a loss of motivation; it brings a sea of emotions, reflection and a newfound appreciation for the distinctive experience we shared at STA.

Sure, I may have felt frustrated with the workload, dreading my upcoming exams and wishing summer could begin. However, underneath the frustration has been a sadness about saying goodbye to the most formative four years of my life.

As graduation looms just 48 hours away, I can’t help but reflect on the little moments I will miss at STA. Meeting friends at senior seating or simply walking in the quad between classes shifted from parts of a routine to integral moments of my school days. I began to cherish every Help Desk trip, every pre-choir hug and every laugh shared in Dart. Looking back, it is in those moments on campus that I have felt some of the most love and gratitude.

That’s not to say these past four years didn’t bring obstacles, though. With each year, I gained a better sense of self and intuition for what works for me. For all of you girls still attending STA -- whether you have one year left, or another three -- I hope you can gather as much from these important lessons as I did.

So, with that, here are four lessons from each of my four years at Saint Teresa’s Academy.

Freshman Year: Do What Makes You Truly Happy.

First off: freshman year. A year full of new things -- an entirely new environment, new friends and an enormous amount of change. I remember being thrown with the classic: “Become involved with as much as you can!” And I did. It was worth it -- but for different reasons than one may think. From joining certain extracurriculars, I learned that if I was not enjoying the experience, it wasn’t worth my time. Certain commitments I made caused more anxiety than they did fulfillment. The second I targeted my energy towards what served me strictly happiness, I discovered new passions and interests that I may not have gotten the chance to explore otherwise.

Sophomore Year: Your Most Important Relationship Is The One You Have With Yourself.

My sophomore year was without a doubt the most challenging, and I think this goes for many high school girls. I felt overwhelmed with school work and friend issues, and the worst part was that time moved so slow. In spending so much energy just to stay afloat, I eventually realized it was necessary to instead devote attention to myself. In no world is working on yourself selfish, and in no world do you have to spend all your time on school work, or mending relationships with friends. Your relationship with yourself comes first, and always should.

Junior Year: Your Mistakes Are Not A Reflection of You.

Junior year was definitely a peak -- not only because I was finally settled in, but also because working on myself helped to strengthen my relationships with everyone around me. Despite this, junior year was still very academically challenging. I felt submerged in school work, but held unattainable goals for my amount of commitments. I learned that, at some point, I had to draw the line between selfdiscipline and self-criticism. Attaining perfection was, and will always be, impossible -- especially during junior year. I learned my limits, and began to see past my mistakes. Celebrating my dedication became my way of reminding myself that the hard work I put in would always be worth more than the outcome.

Senior Year: Trust the Process.

Finally -- senior year -- the year impatiently awaited, but also dreaded. It was daunting to consider that in just a year, I’d be in the same situation as my freshman-year self: walking onto new grounds, met with countless new faces. From reflecting back on this year, I wish I could have told myself and every other senior to trust the process. I spent so much of my time worrying about the future that I missed opportunities to appreciate what stood right in front of me. That’s not to say I regret my time spent on applications, or dedication to my goals. But the time I spent ruminating, even after I completed all applications, was unnecessary. I know now that life has a beautiful way of working things out on its own, and what is meant to be, will be.

If your high school experience is ending like mine, take the time to thank your past selves. Thank your freshman-year self, awkwardly standing on a red dot, making small talk with the girl six feet away (seniors…if you know, you know), your sophomore-year self, dedicated to learning geometry, or your junior-year self, anxiously awaiting an in-class essay. Despite every struggle, you’re leaving stronger, smarter and more self-assured than ever before.

Likewise, if you’re in the trenches of your journey, wondering how on earth you’ll get through another year or three (believe me, I’ve been there), then just remind yourself of what lies in store. The future may feel scary, but know that you’re guaranteed a positive outcome and lifelong friendships. Have hope for yourself, even if it feels foreign. After all, you’re at St. Teresa’s Academy. B

Lessons from STA

I’ve learned countless lessons from STA, both inside the classroom and out. Here are a few that I’m especially grateful for.

Story by Anna Massman | Features Editor

This season has allowed me to reflect on the lessons STA has taught me over the course of my time here, and what makes this school so special to so many people. An education from STA surpasses a typical high school experience, and these are just a few reasons why.

STA has taught me how to talk to people. Now, it’s not like I had crippling social anxiety or anything before I came here, it’s just that being surrounded by such funny, authentic, interesting, and intelligent people every day has allowed me to understand how beautiful it is to get to know other people better. It’s not scary anymore to express my opinions in class, or start a conversation with girls I’m not completely familiar with, because every time I do, I’m rewarded with either new perspectives and ideas or beautifully absurd discussions that I can’t imagine having anywhere else. Which brings me to my next point:

STA has taught me how to think. Not just how to memorize overwhelming calculus proofs, or scientific formulas (although these are, unfortunately, part of the bargain when you decide to receive a world-class education). It’s more than the linear, logical abilities I’ve gained here. It’s deeper than that. It’s more of a newfound understanding of how to interact with the world and the people in it. I’ve learned how to be open to others’ viewpoints and backgrounds without sacrificing my own unique opinions. I understand how to pursue truth and authenticity in my interactions with others, and the critical importance of surpassing my presumptions about people. This is a large part of the last piece of my STA education that I’ll touch on:

STA has taught me how to care. Not about my appearance at 8:00 am every day– which, in retrospect, should probably have received more attention– but about the things that truly matter and feel meaningful to me. The empowerment of my teachers and the incredible administration and staff is overwhelming. When an STA student decides to solve a problem they see in the world, they’re never alone. Changing campus operations to be more sustainable, starting a club to help the less-fortunate and creating hands-on projects to practice tackling global issues are not just possible, but commonplace at STA. It’s special to be a part of such a supportive community, and it’s prepared me to continue pursuing my passions in the future phases of my life.

What I think is interesting about my time here is that it’s difficult for me, and many of my classmates, to pinpoint specific “favorite” memories from the past four years. Of course they exist, but it’s impossible for them to capture the silent growth that’s happened

to everyone with a diploma from St. Teresa’s Academy. It’s indescribable but amazing. To all of you future graduates, try to embrace these lessons, and you might just love the person you’re becoming. B

Senior of

The

Dart

Ana Klein

Item: mini crockpot

Lesson: “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.”

Emma Novosel

Item: Pajama pants with her dog Rosie’s face on them

Lesson: “Be outgoing.”

Jane Pointer

Item: Pictures of me and my friends

Lesson: “Be in the present moment at all times.”

What I’m

to

Liza Newman

Item: Shower shoes

College

STA seniors list physically and bringing to

Story by Dianne Haake | Lifestyles Editor

Lesson: “Always be open to meeting new people and talk to everyone.”

Layla Gates

Item: Stanley Cup and other reusable water bottles

Lesson: “Be nice to everyone and stay on top of your school work.”

Rosie Curran

Item: Stuffed animal cat Chester

Lesson: “Be as involved with the school as you can; it’ll help you grow lifelong friendships.”

Lucia Thomas

Item: Plant from AP Bio in pot made in ceramics class

Lesson: “Love the dear neighbor without distinction.”

Brenna White

Item: Stuffed Olaf

Lesson: “The work ethic that STA taught me.”

Bringing College

list what they’re and mentally to college. Editor and Tierney Flavin | Editor-in-Chief

Lucy Alcock

Item: Microwave

Lesson: “Talk to everyone.”

Where to buy: Amazon TargetDormCo.

What to buy: Minimalthrowpillows Twopillowsforsleep

Pillows

The Dart’s The Dart’s

Dorm tip!

Try to get as much storage as possible! You can do so by utilizing the space under your bed and filling it with drawers, or by maximizing your closet storage by using shoe organizer!

Guide

The Dart has compiled a carefully curated list of dorm room essentials for the graduating seniors. We hope that you enjoy!

Desk Essentials

Where

Where to buy: Society

Dear Reader,

We want to begin by thanking you for reading. Whether this is the first issue that you’re enjoying or your last issue being handed to you as a senior at Class Day, your readership means the world to us. We wouldn’t have a paper without you. We have spent three years on staff, covering topics from KC’s best Pumpkin Spice Latte to the importance of Sisterhood. This year as your Editors-in-Chief, we have had the pleasure of working alongside our wonderful staff and watching them blossom.

To our fellow senior staffers, Katelyn, Dianne, Ellie, Anna Stout, Anna Massman, Lina, Olivia, Jasmine and Sarah, this paper would not be what it is without you. Your contributions have made The Dart so unique and wonderful. We couldn’t imagine sharing three years’ worth of Pub Nights learning about the world of student journalism with anyone else. As we head off to 10 different schools next year, we are positive that each of you is about to take the world by storm.

To the juniors, Isa and Maya and our up-and-coming EICs, Molly, Chloe and Rebecca, we are honored to pass the baton to you. You are an amazing group of very talented writers, photographers and designers. The versatility of your skill sets have already and will continue to create engaging coverage next year. Enjoy your time as the leaders of The Dart, and continue to lead new generations of student journalists.

And to the sophomores, Stella, Cassie, Jo, Lauren and Wynnie, it has been a privilege to watch you grow this year. We are so grateful for your willingness to learn and take on big projects. You have contributed so much to this paper in one short year and we know that you will only continue to work hard.

Our time on The Dart has been indescribably valuable. We have grown so much through each and every cycle, making memories along the way. A final thank you goes to Mrs. Hirner, who has shown us the ropes and guided us through InDesign issues and the use of compound modifiers. Not only has Mrs. Hirner been the most amazing teacher, but one of the best people in our lives. None of this would be possible without her diligence both in and outside of class.

It has been an absolute pleasure. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading.

Love, Annie and Tierney