Dart News Volume 81, Issue 1 Sept. 24, 2021 by DartNewsOnline

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dart

ST. TERESA’S ACADEMY KANSAS CITY, MO VOLUME 81 ISSUE 1

STA Through the

Decades

the DART|September 24, 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Dear reader,

elcome to a new school year! The Dart staff is so incredibly excited to provide you with news coverage of the STA and Kansas City community. The first exciting issue of the 2021-2022 school year involves Crumbl cookies, Alumnae from the 1950’s and 1960’s, puppies from Wayside Waifs, the first girls to earn their Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts and much, much more. The latest Marvel movie,

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” was action packed and a great addition to the Marvel universe, according to Miriam Parsa’s review on page 11. Check it out to learn more about one of the hottest new movies of the year. Are you one of about 130 freshmen eating lunch at 10:05 a.m.? Freshmen and other readers alike can check out Lina Kilgore’s story about the new lunch schedule on pages 12-13, along with some action photos

by Charlotte Malone. Put down your Starbucks or energy drink and turn to pages 14-15 to read Mara Callahan’s story about the effects of caffeine on teenagers. Although the high school experience has been altered by the pandemic, STA students still share a connection to the thousands of alumnae who have passed through the doors of M&A and Donnelly. Annie McShane and Caroline Hinkebein explored STA through

the decades and spoke to graduates from five decades on pages 16-19. Stressing about Teresian or another Homecoming dance? Check out pages 28-29 to see students’ hairstyles, dresses and heels, compiled by Anna Stout. Don’t forget to look at DartNewsOnline for galleries from the Club Fair and Gold Out volleyball game. Happy reading! B

the DART|designed by Katie Massman

TABLE OF CONTENTS

04 05 06 08 10 11 12 14 16 21 22 24 26 27 28 30

News Feature: Restaurant’s Staffing Epidemic News Feature: Parking Lot Peril Star Spotlight: Liesel Anderson Bits & Pieces Review: Booktok Review: Crumbl Cookie Craze & ChangChi Feature: Lunch or Brunch? Feature: Over-caffeinated Centerspread: STA Through the Decades Feature: Girls in Scouts for America Perspectives: Emma Chamberlain & New Orleans Sports: Cross Country’s Modesty Policy & Twinks Community: Senior Service Humans of STA: Audrey Erdman, Grace Stordhaul, Audrey Flavin Last Look: Teresian Look Book Wayside Waifs Photo Essay Cover photos courtesy of Paula Holmsquist and DNO | Cover design by Charlotte Malone

the DART|September 24, 2021

4| short STAFFED

Junior Riley Robyn takes phone calls, schedules reservations and seats customers Sept. 12. It may seem easy, but Robyn has to take up extra hours when they are busy due to the understaffed conditions. photo by Kyra Fieger.

NEWS FEATURE

High School students express how stressful the service industry has been recently due to understaffing issues. Photos and Story by Kyra Fieger | Lifestyles Editor

“

ith the pandemic giving us less business sometimes and more on other days, it's hard to work on a fluctuating schedule,” junior Poppy Difranco said. “Also having people be afraid to go back to work or even not wanting to because they liked staying home is creating such a demand in the working world.” Poppy Difranco and fellow junior, Riley Robyn, both work at Plate, a restaurant on 63rd St. Riley agrees that COVID-19 has had major impacts on the restaurant industry. “I think the main issue for a lot of people is safety,” Robyn said. “The worry for their health along with low pay and hard labor could make anyone not want to go back to waiting tables. I think that COVID-19 has affected many workplaces, including Plate, because of restrictions like opening for customers and getting the word out that we need more employees.” As complaints pile up from the staff, as well as customers, the demand for workers increases. Restaurants are down 27 percent compared to the pre-pandemic norm . Being short staffed equates to more hours for the ones who are working and more waiting time for customers.

“Due to being understaffed we don’t get to pick which days we work which can be inconvenient,” Robyn said. “I usually just arrange my plans depending on the hours I’m at Plate. It’s more out of respect and offering service to the restaurant that we take extra hours. But Plate pays all their employees well and are extremely kind, making sure everyone's happy.” Not all workers in the restaurant industry have been as lucky though. Junior Kate Bowersox works at Grimaldi’s and stresses how burned out she can get from being understaffed. “It’s hard because if you’re on the outside looking in you don’t realize the struggles we can be having,” Bowersox said. “As a high schooler it can be tough to balance school work with my job and being short-staffed doesn’t help. I think part of it is that a lot of my coworkers went to college so they quit and now there isn’t anyone applying due to the pandemic.” According to “Education Gov.,” 30 percent of high schoolers working in the restaurant industry have been dealing with losing coworkers who are off to college.

Along with this, student workers have to balance out their workload with their school obligations. “It gets kind of frustrating since we are so understaffed and there is such a high job demand,” Difranco said. “We will even have to close off tables sometimes since our wait staff is already being overworked. This just makes us lose business. I normally can balance my school and work out pretty well, but some days it can stress me out to the max.” Even as people are trying to shift back to their normalities, COVID-19 is still influencing the decision to go back to work. “I think that if our local restaurants close it’s going to be from employment not because of COVID-19 precautions,” Bowersox said. “Staffing is honestly so tough right now that we just need things to calm down and see where everything falls.” B

Goodbye Rockhurst, hello St. Teresa’s This year, St. Teresa’s has welcomed a multitude of new teachers to the adored staff. Featured are four new teachers who hail from Rockhurst High School. Photos and Story by Lily Sage | Opinions Editor Graphics by Taylor Hayes

Ani Haroian Classes at STA: I teach four sections of Spanish IV and one section of Spanish IV. What STA students should know about you: I’m not a native speaker of Spanish and I had to learn Spanish just like you’re learning in your language class, and so it can be done. I love to travel; I’ve studied in several different countries — that’s very special and important to me.

STA would also like to welcome new teachers: Sarah Holmes Katie Dolan Sarah Henson Andrew Clark Dianne Hirner Kiera Hardy Adrianna Limon Elizabeth Bruemmer Nic Shump Yasmin Saban

Matt Hicks Classes at STA: I teach English I and World Literature. What STA students should know about you: I want them to know that I care. I think if you start with a foundation of love and care of what the mission of the school is all about, you can do transformative things.

the DART|designed by Taylor Hayes

Parking lot From searching for a spot to trying to pull out, the STA parking lot is a chaotic place to be. Story by Anna Massman | Outreach Editor Graphics by Taylor Hayes

chool is back in session at STA, and along with the new school year comes new parent and teenage drivers in the parking lot. According to some students, leaving school seems much more chaotic this year, compared to years previous. Students believe this could be caused by new parent, sibling and student drivers who aren’t familiar with the system. The parking lot, located at the front of the campus, is divided into the junior lot and the senior lot. Separated by the main circle-drive, there are a few subtle, yet noticeable differences between them. Overall, the senior lot is more convenient than the junior to get out of. Junior Madeleine Fellows mentioned the main advantages she’s noticed for the senior lot compared to their own. “It’s a lot nicer because there’s pullin spots, so you can be front facing and it’s a lot easier to get out,” Fellows said. “[Seniors] are also the closest lot to be able to leave, versus [juniors], we’re behind the parent line and the senior lot.” However much more convenient the senior lot is, having any space to call one’s own has a special importance for high school students. For years, parking in the lot has been a rite of passage that marks STA students as upperclasswomen.

Instead of searching for spots on side streets or being dropped off, students are able to take their pick of any (available) spot in the lot. Yet for the large group of students who live further away, the problem of searching for an open spot has led them to leave for school even earlier in the morning. Junior Claire Rupp lives in North Kansas City, about 30 minutes away, and spoke about her early departure for school every morning. “I have to go pick up one of my neighbors, Caroline, and then a sophomore, Elena, and she lives past my house,” Rupp said. “So I leave at around 7:15 every morning.” Although STA has moved back the start time from 7:35 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., this change doesn’t help with the disorderliness of the parking lot during the back end of the day. Many students have reported being stuck in a spot for anywhere from 10-15 minutes. This can delay drivers from getting to after-school activities, such as jobs, sports or starting homework. Most juniors, such as Fellows, now drive themselves to school, but Fellows remembers learning the ways of the lot through her older sister. “I feel like it’s carpool etiquette, you stop, let a car in, stop, let a car in,” Fellows said. “That’s how my sister taught me, but I feel like a lot of people after school want to get home, and they forget about it.”

Many students have also mentioned that parents or siblings who are new to the pick-up system tend to aggravate the problem by preventing students from pulling out. Senior Madi Reece has seen a lot of this from her spot in the lot, while trying to drive to golf. “There’ll be moms coming down the rows of our parking lot area, and they pick up their kids, and they’ll just sit there and they’ll block you from being able to pull out,” Reece said. Students have suggested sending out an informative video or email to parents in order to help solve the problem. New parents could learn more about the proper pick-up procedures, or other locations they could pick up from. Overall, Fellows think the most important thing for everyone to remember in the lot is to be mindful of the fact that everyone feels the same way. “We all want to get home. I know some people feel like they want to get home more so than others, but we all want to leave school, start homework, rest or do whatever activity we have.” B

Nicole Smith

Jorge Taracido

Classes at STA: I am teaching personal finance face to face and online, entrepreneurship and next semester I’ll also add digital marketing.

Classes at STA: I teach [College] Spanish IV, [Spanish Practicum] and Spanish V.

What STA students should know about you: I love traveling. I love live music concerts. My students already know that I nicknamed myself Mrs. Frizzle — I am all over the place. I love my boys — my three sons mean the world to me.

What STA students should know about you: That I kind of expect a lot from them. I also want them to know that I am a supporter of the sports, big time, because I was [a] cross country coach at Rockhurst for 33 years.

the DART|September 24, 2021

STAR SPOTLIGHT

Remembering Liesel Anderson As the STA community mourns the loss of Liesel Anderson (class of 2024), her best friend, Anne Rinella, remembers the way Anderson carried herself with confidence and her ability to make anyone feel loved. Story by Tierney Flavin | Snapchat and Twitter Editor Art by Liesel Anderson Photos Courtesy of family and friends of Liesel Anderson

the DART designed by Tierney Flavin

“

don’t think Liesel’s memory will ever die,” Sophomore Anne Rinella said. “I think that her spirit lives on in all of her friends, in every person she met, all of her family members. I don’t think anyone will ever stop talking about her, sharing jokes that she made or funny memories. She touched so many people that she will never be forgotten. People are going to continue to be inspired by her forever.” Liesel Anderson was an STA student who passed away over the summer after battling cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of love, acceptance and creativity. Rinella, her best friend, said that even at the beginning of her freshman year Anderson didn’t act scared - she made everyone else feel welcomed. She made STA a place of comfort and acceptance. Anderson loved STA. She was bound for Bishop Miege, but ended up here after sitting down and giving her parents every reason she wanted to come. “[She] just [felt] like she could be herself,” Rinella said. “And obviously female empowerment was a big part. And the cat.” Being authentic was Anderson’s signature. She was known for it and it has stuck with people. “Liesel was super eclectic,” Rinella said. “She was super into bright, vibrant colors. She really mixed decades. Like one day she would be flower power 70’s, the next day she would have an 80’s alternative all black goth outfit and then the next day she would be a pretty tea party princess in a cute little dress. Her style was so diverse, but at the same time it was just 100 percent her.” Anderson was very expressive through art as well as her fashion. Her closet doors were always decorated in her style. Rinella described everything she did as a scavenger hunt - you have to look at it intently to find everything she used and created. “She decked out frames with beads and glitter and stuff,” Rinella said. “Everything she owned, even her LED light [remote] was just decked out in ‘Liesel style.’ She spray painted her Air Force 1’s with green spray paint, she strung beads through the laces.” Anderson’s friends are inspired not only by her style, but by her willingness to be

herself. Friendship was the most important thing in Anderson’s life. She absolutely loved loving. Fostering an environment full of love for everyone - especially her friends. “Liesel just had a way about her,” Rinella said. “She had a way of making people feel seen. Not a day went by that Liesel didn’t tell me she loved me or express her gratitude for our friendship. She constantly made me feel appreciated, valued and loved. We can all learn from her beautiful thoughtfulness and willingness to give love to everyone she encountered.” With Rinella, it was special. They met at a Bishop Miege HSPT preparatory class each destined to go there. They expected to see each other on the first day of school. They were both shocked to see each other not in the halls of Bishop Miege but in the STA quad. From then on they were fast friends. “[It was] like she was part of me already when we met,” Rinella said. “We just completed each other and I learned so much through our friendship. I think we were just super drawn to each other. I think Liesel was drawn to me because she has a very strong intuition, but I think she knew that she could tell me anything and I would listen to her. I was there for her through her treatments and she was there for me through everything. It’s just that when you have a shortened time with someone, you just feel like you need to be authentic 100 percent of the time.” Anderson’s love for her friends is what has really stuck with them — what really made them feel connected to her and has allowed them to continue to feel connected to her. They also are inspired by her strength. “Liesel had every single right to curl up in a ball and be mad at the world,” Rinella said. “She got dealt the worst hand. But she did not do that. She cried about it and then decided, ‘I’m going to live my life to the fullest and be with the people I want to be with.’ That’s super inspiring; everyone should live their lives to the fullest.” At Liesel’s memorial service, green bracelets were handed out. They were designed by her cousins and everything on these bracelets is intentional and meaningful. Green

was Anderson’s favorite color, while the text was purple — her second favorite. The text reads “Liesel” on one side and “I love you to the moon and back” on the other. The latter is what Anderson and her mother used to say to each other. The flowers on either side of her name are Edelweiss flowers. Anderson was named after “The Sound of Music” so the “Edelweiss” song had a special place in her life. The bracelets can be seen all over: in many schools, grades and neighborhoods. They are physical markers of Anderson’s reach and of all of the people that will be continuing her legacy. Her power to befriend, love and inspire everyone around her is unmatched. Her bright, shining personality is missed. The STA community strives to remember and honor her everyday, and Rinella knows how. “Be yourself.” Rinella says. “Own who you are and be kind. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. Love your friends. Live boldly, whatever that means for you.” B

the DART|September 24, 2021

BITS & PIECES

MY LIFE

ROCKS!

MY LIFE

SUCKS! “I have really bad allergies and it makes it really difficult to be at school.” - Sophomore Becca Welsh

“I got to eat lunch every day with my friends and spend time with my nanny kids.” - Senior Karis Henry

photo courtesy of Karis Henry

New Teachers at STA r g u o o y t o s ’ l t o CROSSWORD a f l a o l s a h New Teachers at STA! f i h o r n W fo ? 1

Sweatshirt & Sweatpants

75%

*out of 12 responses

To participate in next issue’s poll, go to dartnewsonline.com to cast your vote. Graphic by Lauren Brackney | Design Editor

Sweater & Jeans

25%

the DART|designed by Lauren Brackney

A&E

DART STAFF music picks “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie

the Reading Nook

Have you ever wondered what the STA staff is reading? Every issue, the Dart interviews a member of the English department to see what books they recommend.

“This album is filled with some of my favorite songs ever like Rebel Rebel, Moonage Daydream and Starman.” Sydney Waldron | Editor-in-Chief

“Fine Line” by Harry Styles “Earlier this month I got to go to the Harry Styles concert, so this album has been on repeat for months now!” Becca Speier | Editor-in-Chief

“Wasteland, Baby!” by Hozier “Hozier is the perfect music to listen to for literally any occasion. Want to dance? Hozier. Need to study? Hozier.” Taylor Hayes | Writer

Across: 1. A male teacher who has a tie collection 3. A new Spanish teacher who has taught at Rockhurst and lived in Cuba 5. A female teacher who has taught at STA before Down: 1. A new math teacher who has lived in Hawaii 2. A new member of the campus ministry team 4. A new teacher who teaches Latin Find the answers to this issue’s crossword by scanning the QR code or go to dartnewsonline.com.

Story by Anna Stout | Writer Graphic by Lauren Brackney | Design Editor his issue’s book is a choice from freshman English teacher Katie Weber. The chosen book is named “A Man Called Ove.” The book focuses on Ove, a short tempered, older man and his journey to change. “You follow this man named Ove, he is this old kind of frightening man. And a family moves in across the street from him to get him out of his shell,” Weber said. “His wife had recently passed away, and it kind of encouraged him to live again. He makes friendships with people, he changes people’s lives and it’s just very beautiful.” “A Man called Ove” has changed Weber’s FREDERIK BACKMAN perception of life. Even though she read the book four years ago, it has stuck with Weber and she continues to think about it today. It has remained her favorite book because of the values it has instilled in her. “I think it made me more sympathetic to people because you really don’t know what anyone is going through.” Weber said. “It also made me more empathetic for sure and it made me want to make a difference in people’s lives, like he, the main character Ove, made a difference in other people’s lives.” B

A MAN CALLED

OVE

Mark your calendar! sept.

Teresian Dance! 7:00 p.m.

sept.

24-26

sept.

27 oct.

08 oct.

No School!

sept.

16-26 End of First Quarter!

STA Super Reunion!

oct.

Plaza Art Fair Sept. 24-26

KC Underground Film Festival

First Fridays in the Crossroads

the DART|September 24, 2021

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REVIEWS

BookTok made me read it

BookTok is a community within the app TikTok where creators share book recommendations, follow trends and share conversations pertaining to all things book related. Story, photos and graphics by Lauren Brackney | Design Editor

arnes and Noble’s website describes BookTok as “a hashtag used by creators who feature book recommendations, reviews, and memes” (Barnes and Noble). I deleted TikTok back in March of 2020 but redownloaded the app over the summer. BookTok has grown a considerable amount since I first joined and now there is an entire community within the app. After seeing creators rave about the same few books over and over again, I knew I would have to check some of them out for myself. Would they be worth the hype, or would they be complete misses? The first notable BookTok novel I had ever read was “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart. I originally was bored when I first started reading it but it picked up about halfway through and I was hooked. The prose is simple but the writing style was unique to me which made it easy to read. I literally loved Gat by the end of the novel and was inspired to read with a pen because of him. I don’t think that this book was anything too extraordinary or never been done before but it was definitely a fun summer read. This next book I saw all over BookTok for

months and had heard so much about it from users that I follow and several of my friends was “The Song of Achilles.” “Diary of an Oxygen Thief” was my least favorite read out of the bunch. I would definitely advise looking up trigger warnings before if you insist on reading this 151 page bore. I did not like the main character at all; he is toxic, manipulative and misogynistic. The writing style actually wasn’t too terrible and it was a quick read. I did, however, physically cringe and roll my eyes at some parts that were especially obnoxious. For only being 151 pages, it felt really drawn out and anticlimactic, making it the biggest miss I have found thus far on BookTok. Out of the books I have read that were recommended on BookTok, I liked two out of the three. Since there are so many other features available on BookTok that you can explore, it raised my overall rating to 4/5 stars. Many of the creators I have found use the app to discuss books and not just recommend them, which was my favorite feature overall. One of the creators I found uses the Live mode to read along with followers, especially

complicated or classic texts, which allows timely discussions. Other creators have made book clubs with their followers or will use trends to give recognition to their favorite authors or fellow BookTok themed accounts. Another tool I discovered through using the app is booktriggerwarnings.com. Since creators range in ages and maturity levels and many of the books recommended often contain sensitive themes, the tool explains what sensitive topics a book will cover. If you do decide to trust BookTok, I advise you to check the trigger warnings before reading. A lot of creators include these warnings in captions which I find very considerate and helpful. The community aspect of BookTok has grown so much in the past few months that I have been using the app. I love how I actually get to hear the opinions of creators on topics and see a variety of perspectives and thoughts by reading comments or joining Lives. It is refreshing considering most of TikTok is centered on short lived trends and you hear the same audios and videos repeatedly. BookTok is here to stay! B

The #BookTok display table is located on the second floor of the Country Club Plaza Barnes and Noble Sept. 6. Display tables help aid readers find new books to read based on a common theme like BookTok.

the DART|designed by Megan Turley

|11 How the Cookie Crumbls Crumbl Cookies has become a viral sensation over the past few months; so many people go each week to try all the different flavors. Keep reading to discover why I think you should definitely check this place out. Story and photos by Lily Sage | Opinions Editor

just want to preface this article by saying that I believe myself to be a baked goods connoisseur. I love all types of desserts and snacks, but I especially love cookies. If you’re on the same side of TikTok as me, then you have seen maybe over 1,000 videos talking about a newer brand of cookies called Crumbl Cookies. If you’ve been debating whether or not you should try Crumbl, I would definitely recommend you go. Even if it’s just for the experience, it is so worth it. Many people say these cookies are overrated, but I disagree. Sure, Crumbl doesn’t always have a great week of flavors, but they make up for it with the overall atmosphere of the brand as well as during the good weeks. My most recent trip was on Aug. 30, which was definitely a good week. The menu that week consisted of Cookie Dough, Oatwmeal, Galaxy Brownie and Caramel Pumpkin cookies. Seriously, look at that line up! The one I was most excited

about trying was the Cookie Dough because I thought that was such an interesting idea for a cookie. So, let’s start there! I would give the Cookie Dough Cookie a 9/10. It’s a brown sugar cookie, with an ice cream-inspired cookie dough buttercream containing chunks of cookie dough pieces on top. The texture was soft and chewy, and the frosting was something you could pull out of my dreams. My reasoning behind deducting a point was because there wasn’t much of this “cookie dough” flavor; it mainly tasted like a cake batter cookie, which is still fine by me, but they should have found a better way to incorporate the cookie dough flavor. Uh oh, that’s all the time I have for now, but if you want to keep reading about these amazing cookies, visit Dart News Online for the full review! B read the entire story at dartnewsonline.com

The cookies from Crumbl come in this well-known pink box Aug. 30. Due to the cookies’ popularity on social media, people have labeled the box iconic.

A Superhero Marvel Needs Right Now

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings opened me to a world of new possibilities when it comes to Marvel movies, one of my favorite things. Story by Miriam Parsa | Instagram Editor Graphic by Megan Turley | Facebook Editor Marvel Movie Release Timeline he hype surrounding “Black sympathize with the villain while where the camera trails a certain

Widow” when it was released in July was something I had only experienced once before as a Marvel fan: when “Avengers: Endgame” came out and we were all waiting to see if our favorite characters were truly dead. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” had the intimidating job of following that highly anticipated and regarded film, but it does an absolutely fantastic job. In a culmination of perfectly developed choreography, cinematography and storytelling, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is an exemplary way to introduce a new character into an already developed universe. One of my favorite aspects of this film is the way the audience can

simultaneously acknowledging that they are in the wrong. While watching, I flipped back and forth between whether I hated him or not and after my second watch, I decided it can be both. I can recognize that what he is doing is bad and a threat to thousands of lives, while also sympathizing with what he has had to go through and recognizing that he has the ability to become a good person: the perfect way to build a three-dimensional villain! The fight scenes in this film are unparalleled to anything done in Marvel before. There’s not only a completely new style of choreography, but the cinematography is also brilliant. There is an excess of follow shots,

character for 30 or so seconds at a time and then their paths diverge and it switches to another character. These two new elements held my attention in a way that Marvel has never been able to do before, and I would love to see them in the movies coming up. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was a wonderfully impactful way to show the audience what type of characters will enter Marvel in the next few years and a new world of mythology into Marvel. I pray that the rest of phase four continues on this path and I am so so excited to see what is to come!B

Premiered May 2, 2008

Premiered July 19, 2011 Premiered Aug 1, 2014 Premiered June 29, 2015 Premiered Jan 29 2018

Premiered Sept 3, 2021

the DART|September 24, 2021

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FEATURE

Lunch or Brunch? New schedule fits four different 40-minute lunch periods starting as early as 10:05 a.m.

Story by Lina Kilgore | Writer

Photos by Charlotte Malone | Photo Editor

and I just didn’t like the idea of having a 10 hen freshman Megan Adriano However, Adriano was not alone in a.m. lunch,” Adriano said. received her first-semester noticing the effects the early lunch had As the school year began, Adriano schedule in August, she thought on her. When Freshman Lucy Filing heard immediately noticed some changes to her about the new lunch time, she was filled administration was pulling her leg — day as a result of the early lunch time. lunch couldn’t be her third period. With with surprise and observed the influence “I noticed that my day feels really long her days jam-packed with classes and the earlier lunch had on her school day cross country, she imagined lunch to be a and that I feel tired after lunch. That just and athletics. makes it feel like I have so much longer calming break in the middle of her day — “I get super hungry and I don’t have a break that would consist of talking with to go,” Adriano said. “I for sure feel enough energy by the end of the day, her friends and catching up on homework. exhausted in my first class after lunch which is kind of why the volleyball team Instead it seemed that this break would because I have math, so it’s like ‘I’m started to bring in our own snacks,” Filing be overtaken by the stress of trying to always so tired I can’t do this.’” said. “We got protein bars and that really wake up. However, almost a month into helped. But before we [started bringing in the school year, Adriano has found ways snacks] I for sure felt like I did not have to adjust to the new schedule. From enough energy to make it through bringing snacks to not eating practice.” breakfast, Adriano has adapted No matter how many 73 freshmen answered a survey regarding their perfect time to eat lunch. to having lunch at 10:05 a.m. adjustments these freshmen Alternative Coverage by Annie McShane | Copy Editor every day, or at least has make, it is still apparent learned to deal with it. that snacks and a smaller When Adriano first heard breakfast can’t solve about the new lunch time, everything. she was immediately upset “When you’re hungry, it’s with the early lunch period kind of hard to focus. And and worried it would disrupt so that’s been a little bit of her daily schedule. Adriano a disadvantage,” Filing says. was unconvinced this earlier “I get really hungry during lunch would provide her with seventh period but I still have the nutrition and energy she two more classes to get through.” needed to get her through her day. When formulating the new “Initially, I was kind of annoyed schedule containing four different because I run cross country so I thought lunch periods, principal for student affairs ‘well I’m going to be starving at practice,’ Elizabeth Baker knew that although the Freshman Lunch: 10:05 AM- 10:45 AM

Sophomore Lunch: 10:50 AM - 11:30 AM

Junior Lunch: 11:35 AM - 12:15 PM

the DART|designed by Sophia Rall

Juniors grab their lunch from the self-serve cafeteria setup. The new lunch program debuts a variety of grab-and-go items.

Senior Lunch: 12:20 PM - 1:00 PM

Sophomore Reagan Becker stares at the time on her phone while eating her lunch. Many students study or play on their phones in the cafeteria.

freshmen. It made a lot of sense. I also did consult the senior class leaders about which shift they would want to have first. And they all concurred that the last shift would be the best shift because then they only have three classes afterwards.”

“

I get super hungry and I don’t have enough energy by the end of the day. Freshman Lucy Filling

“

schedule had lots of benefits, it also had necessary compromises. Baker acknowledged that last year COVID-19 imposed a huge strain on the routine of STA. Considering the lasting effects COVID-19 still has on the school day and the need to return to something resembling normalcy, Baker found the new schedule to strike a perfect balance. “We knew that we wanted to try to do a little bit of mitigation in the cafeteria because we knew that masks were going to be down.” Baker said. “Really the only solution for that was to have one class at a time. So we knew we’d have to have four lunch shifts.” After finding a schedule that combines both the needs for normalcy and safety, Baker found the next issue that needed to be addressed was which grade ate when. “I know from elementary schools that elementary students start their lunches very early,” Baker said. “So who’s the first one coming from an elementary school:

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After settling on the decision of freshman eating first at 10:05 a.m., Baker knew that there would be some shocked reactions. She also acknowledged that there were a variety of solutions to help solve the main problem of freshmen being hungry throughout the day. “We came up with the regular schedule lunch shift, knowing that lunches are early

for freshmen and late for seniors,” Baker said. “So, the compromises are there. We also knew we had vending machines and grab and go if somebody was desperate.” Students have started to utilize these measures, and as a result have become accustomed to the new lunch time, and maybe even have started to enjoy it. “I’ve adapted pretty quickly, and it’s not as bad as it seems,” Adriano said. “I think it actually helps a little bit just because if I eat something that might have upset my stomach, it’ll have time to settle before cross country.” No matter how early the shift is, Adriano has found lunch to still be a calm place to catch up on homework, talk to her friends, or simply just relax. “Lunch is a great break for me,” Adriano said. “It’s fun for me to get to talk to my friends because, yeah, a lot of my friends that I sit with I don’t have classes with. So lunch is a time for us, where we can just hang out and have fun.” B read the entire story at dartnewsonline.com

September 24, 2021

FEATURE

With the start of a new school year, many STA students face the difficult task of keeping up with their ever-changing schedules. The solution many students have turned to keep focused is caffeine in the form of coffee and energy drinks, but are these beverages actually keeping them awake?

Story and Alternative Coverage by Mara Callahan l Lifestyles Editor

ophomore Gabi Vovk has a hard time concentrating in her second-period English class. Her hands are shaky, and her mind is spinning. If Vovk’s brain is a house, someone is pounding on the front door. After a few attempts at participating in her class discussion about “Exit West,” she realizes what has been fogging up her thoughts — her morning cup of coﬀee. According to Medical News Today, adolescents are the fastest-growing population of caﬀeine users. The average teen drinks up to 400 milligrams a day, which equates to approximately four times the recommended daily amount. Biology teacher Renee Blake

Photos by Katie Massman l Sports Editor

took up drinking Bang last year in response to her packed schedule filled with late nights. “I’ve made the mistake of having coffee in the morning and a Bang in the evening,” Blake said. “I was still tired in the afternoon and had forgotten I drank coffee. I started having jitters once I felt it kicking in. I had to stop and ask myself, ‘What did I just do?’ I did not feel well. It made me dizzy and it was all just way too much.” The disturbing effects of being overcaffeinated led Blake to pick up on the excessive amount of caffeine she sees around STA. She began to question how it affects the development of the teenage brain. “It’s a stimulant,” Blake said. “It’s releasing hormones that give pleasure, and so when you come off of that caffeine, you have this roller coaster of moods. All of that on top of the crazy hormones teens already go through is a lot. I’ve had experiences where I drink a Bang in the morning to get me going, and then I take one pre-workout later in the day, and I can’t get to sleep. It causes insomnia. If teens aren’t getting the rest they need, their brain cannot make those connections to process during deep sleep. It definitely has a negative effect.” Senior Caroline Brincks doesn’t consider herself an avid coffee drinker but typically enjoys a daily cup in the morning. Brincks can attest to insomnia caused by caffeine and has resorted to cutting out caffeine in the afternoons after seeing a spike in her anxiety levels.

“I start getting this anxiety in my stomach,” Brincks said. “My sleep suffers a lot [due to too much caffeine]. I worry about my peers falling into a cycle of being tired, drinking lots of caffeine, then not being able to fall asleep. I feel like it’s just so normalized to use caffeine.” The normalization of drinking caffeine to stay awake or focused is one of Vovk’s greatest concerns with teenage over-caffeination. Vovk didn’t get into drinking coffee until she was hit with the pumpkin spice craze, which is why she believes the “trendiness” of drinking coffee is worrisome. “It’s a very double-edged sword,” Vovk said. “I feel like [coffee] has become too much of a normal thing. It’s become a little too popularized. Before social media and everything, coffee was the ‘working man’s drink.’ When it becomes popular and cute to drink something, that’s when it becomes dangerous. Celsius was never heard of before, and with our generation and trends and how quickly they come and go, it can get really dangerous.” Vovk enjoys the taste of coffee but doesn’t always respond well to the levels of caffeine in the drink. Her primary supply of caffeine comes from Diet Coke because she believes it has a more mild effect on her body. “I get headaches sometimes and I’ll feel tired [after drinking coffee],” Vovk said. “I won’t feel ‘sleepy tired’—I’ll feel exhausted in the sense that ‘I can’t do this right now,’ I can’t think about

it, I can’t even try to think about the periodic elements right now. It’s not terrible, but it’s not ideal. Caffeine is just everywhere. It’s not just in these amped-up energy drinks or coffee, but you find a surprising amount of it in things like Sunkist and chocolate. My mom doesn’t eat chocolate anymore because it gives her migraines, which is something I’m definitely afraid of with caffeine.” Senior cross country runner Lilly Hupke has a different take on the recent caffeine craze. Hupke has experienced the rigor of school combined with the stress of practices and believes energy drinks such as Celsius help get her through the day. “When our cross country practice time got switched to the morning, I started [drinking Celsius] after cross country every day,” Hupke said. “I don’t have it before I run, but my teammates do. They think it has a positive effect, making them be able to go farther without getting as tired. I only drink energy drinks after morning practices. I’m usually pretty dead by first period, so I’ll drink a Celsius to help me focus and pay more attention in class.” According to Vovks, calling caffeine ‘bad’ is a complex statement. In Hupke’s case, a can of Celsius has a positive effect on her performance in class — helping her concentrate and stay awake after a tiring morning of practice — while Brincks believes too much coffee leads her to become anxious or jittery. The bottom line? It

comes down to moderation. “It’s such a complex case, it’s hard to make just one statement,” Vovk said. “You can’t just say ‘caﬀeine is bad’ because things like black coﬀee have all these antioxidants and there are all these healthy alternative kinds of milk you can put in it. It’s very back and forth.”

sporting events and cheering on our teams. This is similar to Mudd’s experience. “I remember the stadiums would be packed, especially if we were playing Sion,” Mudd said. But school spirit is more than just the sports themselves. “It [school spirit] gave me life, it gave me energy, and not just at the sporting events, tying it back to the culture of St. Teresa’s. It was just very energetic, very lively,” Flores said.

STA: Sisters, Together, Always Although St. Teresa’s Academy has evolved and grown over the years, its cornerstones have held true. STA continues to empower students decade after decade while instilling the importance of continuing the legacy and valuing age old traditions.

“People had a

Story by Caroline Hinkbein | Sports Editor and Annie McShane | Copy Editor Photos courtesy of Paula Holmquist

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My teachers were really great at building confidence with us; I participated in a lot of my classes because I felt I had the opportunity to Elena Flores

“My teachers were really great at building confidence within us; I participated a lot in my classes because I felt I had the opportunity to,” Flores said. Class of 2017 graduate Ellie Grever also appreciated her teachers at STA. “The teachers treated you like equals as well, which is a lot different than grade school, and it’s kind of the first time you feel like that,” Grever said. However, the progression of material taught at STA changed even throughout only 20 or so years. According to class of 1955 graduate Mary Ellen Devine, in the 50s for example, the focus was more on core values.

“They (nuns) wanted to keep us close to God,” Devine said. “They weren’t necessarily highly educated but they taught us to be loyal to each other, to be respectful to our parents, to other people and to live every day of our lives as Catholic girls.” 20 years later, during the free-spirited 70s, contemporary classes were beginning to pop up between the school’s staple curriculum offerings. “You took shorthand, you could take four years of typing, and yet they had these really pretty revolutionary classes on pro-women at the same time, so it was a time of change,” Holmquist said. The buildings themselves changed as well. In the 50s there were only two buildings, what today is M&A was the high school building, and what today is Donnelly was the college of St. Teresa. The Windmoor and Goppert buildings did not exist at all. School sports at STA, along with school spirit, have evolved as well throughout the years. Recent alumnae report a sports-positive culture, but this wasn’t always the case at STA. In the 50s, gym class was a dreaded necessity. “Our gym teacher was Pauline Reardon, and she either liked

you or not and if you were a jock she liked you and if you didn’t, tough,” Devine said. Four years of gym class along with specific gym uniforms were required. “We had to have these bubble white suits, and we had to have our name on them, and that’s what we wore for P.E.; they were hideous, but they were funny, and we still talk about it to this day,” Gadwood said. “They sat in our lockers for the whole year so even though they were white they looked grey,” Devine said.

“People had a

special school spirit that they carried aound in diffrent ways Mary Ellen Devine

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off of you from day one.” The faculty and staff at STA played a major role in shaping class of 2014 graduate Elena Flores’s high school experience.

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”always say it with pride that I have gone to St. Teresa’s Academy,” Katie Gadwood, class of 1981 said. St. Teresa’s Academy is a high school with a profound history which is best told through the experiences of its alumnae. Alumnae, whether graduating 50 years or 20 years ago, agree that the college campus feel was something that elevated STA from other high schools. When class of 1977 graduate Julie Holmquist revisits her old STA memories, she fondly remembers the school’s unconventional teaching style. “The structure of the classrooms was bringing you to this notion of campus feel,” Holmquist said. A common theme shared among the different decades of alumnae was acceptance and empowerment as a woman in the classroom. Class of 2000 graduate Caroline Mudd believes that STA helped her develop her confidence. “I never felt like if you said the wrong thing in class it was ever a big deal; no embarrassment at all, which is really important,” Mudd said. “With an all-girls environment, you can be so genuine right from the start. That sort of pressure is

Today’s students along with recently graduated alumnae report that sports and school spirit are a huge part of the STA experience. “School spirit was crazy, it was competitive, it was contagious,” Flores said. Many STA students today enjoy going to various school

special school spirit that they carried aound in diffrent ways Elena Flores

“People had a special school spirit that they carried around with them and that manifested in different ways.” Alumnae advice is to try a sport if you can. “The advice that everybody gave when you first came in was ‘try to do a sport,’ and I never did, and I really wish I had; that would be my advice, give it a shot,” Mudd said. One of STA’s longest standing traditions is that of the class ring. Every STA student has the chance to receive a STA class ring, and for many alumnae, this ring, along with its tradition, holds a deep significance. “[The class ring tradition] was a symbol of our accomplishments, that we had worked hard in school and we had worked hard with our friendships,” Gadwood said. For Flores, her class ring still comes with her everywhere and has allowed her to make new connections to STA even years after she graduated. “I find that throughout college and post-grad life it is a talking point; people point it

out and ask me about it so I feel like wearing my ring constantly reminds me of St. Teresa’s,” Flores said. “I specifically love that tradition of the ring and I’m reminded about it every other week because it comes up in conversation in some form or fashion.” This tradition is special to many alumnae, even those who no longer have their ring, such as Devine. “I don’t even really know what happened to it and I’m very sentimental so the fact that I don’t have it is sad,” Devine said. There are even some STA traditions that, according to Devine, were well loved but have now been forgotten with the passage of time. Where the Windmoor building now stands is the sight of the beloved tradition of the state of the blessed mother. In May students would have May crown; they would all parade around the quad and then they would crown the blessed mother.

will live on forever and a day’,” Devine said. Teresian and other school dances are a typical part of high school life and STA culture. Because of the cancellation of last year’s Teresian due to COVID-19 restrictions, for many current STA students, this year’s Teresian tomorrow night will be their first. Dances at STA have always been special but they have also changed throughout the decades. In the 50s, Teresian was held in what is now the auditorium in M&A and nuns who worked at STA would heavily chaperone the dance. “The nuns would all be lined up all around the top part (of the auditorium), and they would critique the clothes we had on to make sure they were modest,” Devine said. Devine says she and her STA sisters managed to have fun despite the nuns’ watchful glare. “We danced all the time — that was a great thing about our generation; we had great music

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Elena Flores

and we danced,” Devine said. 60 years later in 2014, there were no longer nuns supervising the dance but the school spirit remained. “The school spirit people had, they brought it to the dances, they brought it to Teresian, and they would also bring it to other schools dances as well,” Flores said. “If you were at another school’s dance you could always count on the STA girls who were all dancing, they were singing, they were dancing like nobody was watching.” The forbidden “haunted” fourth

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[The class ring tradition] was a symbol of our accomplishments, that we had worked hard in school and was had worked hard with our friendships Katie Gadwood

“It was just beautiful and it was a lovely ceremony so when they built that building (Windmoor), those of us that knew that tradition, even though they kept the grotto of the blessed mother, it was not what it was in our time,” Devine said. “There was a song we sang, I doubt you still sing it, ‘the friendships we made at STA

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If you were at another school’s dances you could always count on the STA girls who were all dancing and singing like no one was watching

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CENTERSPREAD

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the DART|September 24, 2021

Graduates from the class of ‘90 pose with their rings during the ring ceremony. For generations, the ring has symbolized the bonds of sisterhood. photo courtesy of Paula Holmquist.

the DART|September 24, 2021

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CENTERSPREAD

STA Through the Years A timeline of STA students throughout the 1940s and 1960s. Photos courtesy of Paula Holmquist

1948 1940

1948 1950

1959

1960

1948

1960

1962

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floor of M&A is often joked about among current students because of its history of housing the nuns, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who taught in STA’s halls until 2016. But what was going to school with these nuns really like? For Devine, the nuns were tough. “They ruled with an iron thumb; by God, you didn’t cross those nuns,” Devine said. “I don’t think they’re too many of us that didn’t get caught by a nun whose class was beyond boring and we’re writing notes to each other in class and the nun will be talking, going behind us and getting the note out and reading it to the whole class.” Despite the nuns’ strict practices, class of 1962 graduate Cathy Marx says they were well liked. “I was very fond of all the nuns, and all of our teachers were nuns except three,” Marx said. “At the same time though, the nuns taught STA students valuable lessons in morals that they took with them throughout the rest of their lives. “[The nuns] used to tell us, if you were half the women your mothers were, and that we always esteemed to something,” Devine said.

By the 70s, the role the nuns played was shifting. “As women are evolving and the position women are in are evolving, nuns were doing the same thing,” Holmquist said. “To have a class when you’re in high school that’s called women in studies and it’s taught by liberal nuns, you’re supposed to take a

“

To have a class when you’re in high school that’s called women in studies and it’s taught by liberal nuns, you’re supposed to take a liberal perspective of it. Which is really pretty revolutionary for conservative women.

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Julie Holmquist

liberal perspective of it. Which is really pretty revolutionary for conservative women. You went to a conservative grade school, and suddenly you get these nuns that are evolving as you are.” The sisterhood of STA is very important for this generation of students. As STA president Siabhan May-Washington said in her president’s welcome, we all share in the “sisterhood of the Academy.” All alumnae

agreed that sisterhood is an integral and distinctive part of the STA experience. “The powerfulness of women was always prevalent; I was always seeing it and I was always inspired by it,” Flores said. Inclusivity as well as feeling a part of one big group of sisters made up of STA classmates was one factor. “I felt as though everybody said, come in our group, hang out with us, this’ll be fun, go with us to this dance; I just really felt as though everybody was very inclusive,” Holmquist said.

Mudd agreed, adding that she still runs into her fellow classmates often. “Even with girls that weren’t in your core group of friends, there’s always that connection, and whenever I see them it’s like no time has passed,” Mudd said. School reunions help keep this connection strong by allowing alumnae to come together once again. STA’s very first Black student, class of 1955 graduate Rita Hall Cloud, will be in town

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for her 65th reunion October 9th. She will also be honored as the first Black alumna on Thursday, October 7th. Connection through shared faith also played a role. “Throughout high school I loved the idea that my classmates, that the women next to me were my sisters; the idea of being a sister in Christ,” Flores said. “Sisterhood means a lot; it means community, it means relationship, it means purpose, it means family.” B

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MAIN ED

Does being part of the sta sisterhood result in FOMO? Story by Kathryn Hart | Web Editor

ogether, together, together everyone Together, together, come on, let’s have some fun.” These are the beginning lyrics to We’re all in This Together from High School Musical, which is a well-known movie series that has left many students with unattainable expectations for the high school years. The first "High School Musical," released in 2006 on Disney Channel, received 8 million views. Disney went on to create two more High School Musical hit movies, Barbies, concerts, books, plays, shows and inspired clothing. Most STA students have been affected by the themes found in these movies in some way or another. Because of the presumptions expectations placed on high school students in movies and shows like these, many students experience FOMO — fear of missing out. This is may be especially true at a nontraditional, all-girls, Catholic institution, like STA. Despite the stellar education and dynamic learning environment provided for young women, many current students may feel as though they are missing out on the

*13 out of 21 Staffers agree

traditional high school experience. From no dances as a freshman to the absence of homecoming court as seniors, students are often led to wonder “what if?” What if I went to a public, co-ed school? Would I have met Taylor Swift’s projections? Would there be senior boys winking at me and saying “you know I haven’t seen you around before?” Would I have gone on my “very first date” at 15 with an upperclassman football player whom I met at school? Many at STA are left to wonder what it would be like to have walked through the doors of a more traditional school as Taylor Swift’s song "Fifteen" paints a different picture than the one experienced at St. Teresa’s. Another void is also created as students miss the chance to cheer on fellow classmates in the stands at football games. Friday night football games are major traditions for most high schools across the country. Here at STA we have no football team, no cheerleaders, no band and — most obvious — no boys. These differences aren’t necessarily negative, yet they do create a divide between STA and other high schools

in the Kansas City area. Because of the lack of football, many STA students turn to our own sports teams as a way of supporting school spirit. Going to these events provides an outlet for socializing and brings the community together. The student section at volleyball games is full of silly costumes, loud voices, excitement, and most importantly girls who are full of school pride. Although there is no Friday night football, students never miss an opportunity to support their Stars. STA has proven that football is not a defining aspect of school spirit; it is the students and the pride that they show. Although St. Teresa’s is unique in the traditional aspect, the tight bond formed here between the girls attracts students for decades. STA fosters confidence, spirit, support for each other and most importantly sisterhood. This thriving sisterhood, which many STA students get the chance to experience, outweighs the risk of FOMO many may feel from other events. B

right on target

JUNIOR Izzy bessenbacher

“I think it can sometimes provide fomo because in a public school setting they can have a closer connection with guys, not that that really matters. When you’re at STA its only girls, which is really great because its fun to be able to not really care about what you look like, or how you act at school. You can really be yourself. But also at an all girls school there can be a lot of groups or cliques which sometimes can lead to people getting left out. But overall I love the all girls environment, even if I get fomo sometimes.”

sophomore

the DART|September 24, 2021

Ellie Welsh

“It definitely, with dances and stuff, would be easier if boys went here. You have to reach out of your comfort zone to get to know boys, but at the same time, there’s no boy drama. There’s also positives where you don’t have to care about what you look like whenever you go to school. There’s no pressure for stuff like that. We can also concentrate without any distractions, like in grade school when the boys would always distract the teachers.”

Troop 708 the DART|designed by Lauren Ford and Annie Mcshane

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FEATURE

The Boy Scouts of America's landmark decision to allow girls to participate inspired STA students to join their ranks.

Story by Sydney Waldron | Editor-in-Chief Photos by Megan Turley | Facebook Editor

he Boy Scouts of America, or BSA, announced in October 2017 that they would be opening up to girls for the first time in organization’s 107 year history. Girls would be able to get the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Junior Dianna Lawhead joined Scouts the day that it opened for girls in Feb. 2017. For her, joining Scouts of America was a way to explore her love of nature. “I feel like I have just grown up in the outdoors,” Lawhead said. “I grew up in the

mountains of Colorado and I felt like I was just always doing something outside.” Lawhead loves the Scouts because it allows her to spend extra time outside with a focus on environmental Leaders of boy scout troop 708. They gathered in front conservation of the boy scout memorial in Kansas City, Missouri to “The conversation commemorate the creation of their troop. photo courtesy of efforts are infused Dianna Lawhead. throughout the entire ”You are stuck in your room and there is scouts experience,” Lawhead said. “You are nothing you can do, so I tried to do my part always picking up after camp and making sure to make it a little bit better.“ you leave nothing behind.” Boy Scouts of America has taught senior Conservation and environmentalism is an Maddison Faul important lessons about imperative part of Boy Scouts of America. The being prepared. Scouts outdoor code is printed in every boy “My family used to camp when we were scouts handbook, reminding scouts of how younger, and to be honest I liked it ok but Below are 13 badges out of the 135 badges important it is to protect nature, which is: overall, it wasn’t my favorite thing ever,” “The Outdoor Code there are to earn as a scout. One of the Faul said. “My dad was just really adamant As an American, I will do my best to— about how important it was to be prepared requirments to become an Eagle Scout is Be clean in my outdoor manners. and how many life lessons you could learn.” to earn 21 merit badges. Be careful with fire. The Scout’s official slogan of “be Alternative Coverage by Kaylee Lary | Photo Editor Be considerate in the outdoors. prepared” has influenced Faul’s outlook, Be conservation-minded.” and these lessons are one of the most Another aspect of BSA that encouraged important things that she has gotten out of Lawhead to join was the organization’s Boy Scouts. tradition and reputation. “The most useful thing I have learned is y af t “I love the community, just the sense of eS what to have on you at all times to survive,” Fir g hin being a part of a larger whole,” Lawhead Fis Faul said. said. “The Scouts have been together Overall, Faul enjoys the Boy Scouts Ar t for over a hundred years and there is experience, though she admits there are s es Ch a really strong sense of community parts of scouts that she does not enjoy. and tradition that I really appreciate “The worst part [of campouts] is the g gy vin a o l being a part of” s o bugs,” Faul said. “The worst is when you e ne Lif Ge Inspired by the deep sense of are trying to fall asleep but can't because of community, Lawhead decided all the bugs in your tent.” ip can nsh or ld er i ss e to focus her Eagle Scout project z m i Faul shared Lawhead’s belief that the A isne Ci t h e W t Bu in on helping enhance her own local community and people in Boy Scouts is community by making over a what makes the experience so great. p shi Ai d en t s hundred masks for seniors at a local m r s "My favorite part is the girls,” Faul le Fi Sa nursing home. said. “In Scouts you get a really wide “I had just read about the effects range of people. You can meet so many ty ing afe i nt cS Pa COVID-19 had on senior living, especially ffi different people from so many different Tra the isolation aspect of it, ‘’ Lawhead said. backgrounds.” B

Merit Badges

l nt a me iron ce Env Scien

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PERSPECTIVES

under the (influencer’s) influence

I was browsing Whole Foods, my AirPods playing “Anything Goes” when it dawned on me that I had been influenced — by an influencer. Story by Tierney Flavin | Social Media Team Graphics by Miriam Parsa | Social Media Team

s I wandered around the foreign foods aisle, I picked up some tofu and carefully placed it in my basket, then continued down the aisle in search of some quinoa. In my AirPods, I heard Emma Chamberlain openly discussing her experiences with anxiety. This was comforting to me as I asked the Whole Foods worker where I could find the quinoa; she told me it was right below where I was looking and I was embarrassed. Nevertheless, I picked up my quinoa and laughed it off because that’s what Emma would do. On Instagram, Emma rolls in with 13.4 million followers, myself included. I love her Instagram. It’s chock full of all of my favorite things: cats, fashion, makeup and bright colors. I use her

page to find inspiration for my wardrobe or ideas for my own posts. I’m always seeing pictures from her Instagram stories on my Pinterest feed and am most likely pinning them all into one board or another. Sometimes my boards can look like an Emma Chamberlain shrine but it’s honestly just because she has the best, most accessible pictures. Since I’ve been watching Emma Chamberlain on YouTube since I was 12, watching her videos every week has become routine. I’ve definitely noticed the effects of this time spent on her channel. I’ve even attempted to start cooking, hence the tofu and quinoa. I also often find myself spending my quality time alone going for walks, listening to “Anything Goes,” Emma’s podcast. The candid nature of her podcast fosters a deeper connection between her and the audience and builds on that closeness that she has with her followers. Most, if not all, of my friends follow Emma Chamberlain as well. We’ve recently been discussing

likes: 623 dislikes: 13

whether we like her new (more cinematic) style of vlogs or not. Personally, I miss the old videos. I felt a deeper connection to them than I do to the new b-roll, or aesthetic, centered videos. Her older videos had a lot of her talking directly to her audience and they just felt very personal. On the other hand, some of my friends like the new videos better because they are relaxing and seem to fit Chamberlain’s style. I continue to come back to her on every platform because of that sense of comfort that she brings. I feel almost as if we’ve grown up together. I find myself asking, not to be cheesy, “What would Emma do?” just because she is constantly offering up advice for her audience, especially on her podcast. I think a lot of people view influencers in a negative light. They are seen as figureheads for large social media platforms. Some people believe they have too much power over my generation. This can be true, don’t get me wrong, but in Emma’s case it feels different. She began creating content wanting to better herself, looking for someone to see and hear her. Her influence feels genuine: like she isn’t just striving for fame or money. My absolute favorite part about her is her willingness to be unique and how she is able to project that onto her viewers. Through her I’ve been able to grow further into myself — even if that version of myself sometimes looks to emanate Emma Chamberlain. B

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let the good times roll

Countless trips to New Orleans, Louisiana, have introduced me to new food, architecture, cultures and an absolutely incredible city, Story by Sophia Rall | Editor-in-Chief

he City that Never Sleeps." "The Windy City."" The City of Angels." These nicknames call to mind the largest cities in the US: New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. But have you heard of "The Big Easy" or "The Crescent City?" These nicknames belong to my absolute favorite city in the USA: New Orleans, Louisiana. I first visited New Orleans in the spring of 2014. My older sister was a senior in high school and was planning on attending Tulane University in the fall but had not seen the campus yet. My family piled into the SUV and drove to New Orleans on our way to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for my sister’s senior spring break. Although we were only in New Orleans for a day and a half, the city left an indelible mark on me. The very first thing I remember is the smell: a salty, fishy, slightly revolting stench of a city about six feet below sea level. Once I got past the smell, I absolutely loved the city. On this first trip, my family absorbed all the touristy sights and tastes of New Orleans. We attended a concert in Preservation Hall, where jazz musicians and about 30 audience members piled into a tiny room. The musicians played the most wild-sounding jazz I have ever heard, a sound that perfectly symbolizes New Orleans in my mind — unpredictable, spirited and unique. I also tried crawfish etouffee, gumbo and fried alligator for the first time. I have stopped eating

meat since, but there are so many options for non-meat eaters — pita and hummus from Tal’s, arepas and elote corn from Maïs Arepas, veggie pho from Mint Vietnamese, etc. Thank goodness Cafe Du Monde’s beignets don’t contain meat! During my sister’s four years at Tulane, my family visited several times. On one trip — without my mom — my dad led us down Bourbon Street, and although the street may stand as a symbol for the party culture of the city, I was rather unimpressed. One of my older brothers also decided to attend Tulane and entered the school as a freshman when my sister was a senior, buying my family a few more years and a few more excuses to visit the city. Just as I have changed since my first visit, my favorite parts of the city have also evolved. Eight years ago, my favorite thing would have been beignets and hot chocolate from Cafe du Monde. Now, my preferred aspect of New Orleans is the variety of architecture, food and culture found within a city only

slightly larger than Kansas City. Each historical district in New Orleans has a distinct feel. The French Quarter is the most touristy, with the St. Louis Cathedral and Cafe Du Monde. The Garden District is absolutely beautiful, with sprawling Late Victorian-era mansions and above-ground graveyards (tombs and mausoleums built above ground level since the city is prone to flooding). The Garden District also houses the infamous home from “American Horror Story: Coven’’ — the absolute best season of the show. The Bywater area has a “hippy” vibe with galleries and a reclaimed industrial feel, while City Park contains the Botanical Gardens and New Orleans Museum of Art. Even beyond the distinct neighborhoods of New Orleans, each street has a different “feel.” Tchoupitoulas Street (try to say that 5 times fast) winds throughout the city, following the path of the river. Magazine Street is the place for shopaholics, with stores like Lululemon and Kendra Scott but also smaller, local boutiques.

My brother graduated from Tulane in May 2021, marking an end to a Rall family member living in the city. My family’s last trip to New Orleans was marked with a big graduation party, several great meals, one last stroll on Tulane’s campus — and also a feeling of sadness. With the devastation of Hurricane Ida, the city has been on my mind and in my heart. At approximately six feet below sea level, New Orleans’ very existence is threatened by flooding of the Mighty Mississippi River and other natural disasters. With this, I would encourage you to visit the most historic city in the US soon, and, when you do, be sure to “Laissez le bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll). B

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the DART|September 24, 2021

SPORTS

The Twinks mascot is famous at STA; however, the history and importance of the Twinks mascot hasn’t been discussed until now. Story and Photos by Ellie Buttell | Opinion Editor

he goofy smile of the Twinks mascot can be seen at any big school or sporting event for St. Teresa’s. Students and alumni of STA know and love their mascot, Twinks. But before the beloved Twinks mascot came to life, each grade had a separate animal as their grade-specific mascot. Class of 1989 graduate Megan Schaefer remembers these specific grade mascots. “Every grade had an individual mascot that they would use for school spirit,” Schaefer said. Schaefer has been working at STA since 1994 and is currently the director of marketing and development. She’s also been an advisor and art teacher. Schaefer doesn’t recall having the individual mascot Twinks in her years at St. Teresa’s. “It [the individual mascots] was a much bigger deal in the 70s and 80s,” Schaefer said. “They had

a lot of competitions and a lot of pride around their mascot for their particular class.” In 1995 the Twinks mascot was introduced at a school assembly. From then on, Twinks has represented St. Teresa’s Academy for decades. After Twinks was introduced, the STA community embraced the star and incorporated it into sports games and other school events. Students involved with spirit clubs have the opportunity to perform as the mascot. Junior Maggie Reintjes has been the Twinks mascot on two different occasions. “I have been it during the STA club fair to encourage students to come to spirit club and also at the first volleyball game against Aquinas.” Reintjes said. She recalls her experience inside the mascot being exciting; however, it had some downsides. “It started to get hot within

total goofballs and wearing a about four minutes,” Reinjtes costume.” said. “I think I made the mistake of talking and yelling too much.” Twinks has had a huge impact on St. Teresa’s since it came to be Even with the heat, Reinjtes twenty six years ago. Its impact enjoyed her time as the mascot, has not only been left on the and emphasized its impact on school itself, but the girls who students throughout the games. “You can see the huge smile have attended STA. “It encourages girls to on the Twinks mascot and when be confident, not being so people see that they want to concerned with what people bring total energy,” Reinjes said. “When you see other people with think about them or making a a lot of energy then you feed off fool of themselves,” Schaefer of it. It brings spirit to students said. “I think it encourages who aren’t feeling necessarily empowerment.” B spirited about the school.” Schafer believes Twinks differentiates from other school read the entire story at mascots due its “goofy” persona. dartnewsonline.com “I think they [STA girls] like to have fun and be super goofy,” Scafer said. “They aren’t scared Twinks and senior Sophia Beshoner pose in front of the crowd directly to make a fool of themselves before the STA vs Sion volleyball or have fun. They love being game Sept. 7. The crowd dresses in blue to follow the Smurf theme.

Athlete of the issue:

Lydia Solis

Sophomore Lydia Solis is the pitcher for both the JV and varsity softball team this year, despite having no prior experience playing this position. Solis has played softball for 10 years and her typical position is first base. But when the STA softball team had no pitcher for this year, she stepped up to the plate. To prepare for this position she’s been going to pitching

lessons once a week, listening to her coach’s advice and figuring out what she needs personally to be prepared for games. Solis felt good after the softball team’s first 5 games the weekend of August 28 and 29. “The first two were pretty hard, we played some good schools and then Saturday we won two of our three games and that was nice, they were good,” Solis said. “It’s kind of intimidating but I just know my team has my back.” B

the DART|designed by Caroline Hinkebein

|25

MODESTY POLICY UNDER HEAT STA’s uniform policy includes a dress code for athletes requiring midriffs be fully covered by a tank top or shirt. However, the August heat waves have caused runners to question the protocol. Story by Sophia Rall | Editor-In-Chief Photo illustration by Becca Speier

classroom rules. “For as long as I’ve been at STA and am assuming before I came on board, there has been a school uniform policy,” Abney said. “As athletics are an extension of the classroom, the athletic department and teams must also abide by the policies put in place by school administration. Nevertheless, the rule applies to all athletic teams within the department, not specifically the cross country and track and field student-athletes.” The rule in the handbook itself states “At St. Teresa’s Academy, our dress code is reflective of Catholic values. One of our core values is the belief that true growth comes from care of the whole person in mind, heart, body and spirit. During the school day our young women wear uniforms to keep the focus of their minds on learning and to create unity with each other. After school, our athletes have diverse choices in their athletic apparel; however, these choices must be commensurate with and reflective of our school’s Catholic values. Therefore, at practices, athletic events, and schoolsponsored trips, each student-athlete and

Varsity tennis beat Sion 9-0 Sept. 15. Varsity Softball beat Sion 6-4 Sept. 15.

JV & varsity tennis v.s. SME @3pm at the Plaza Tennis Center

september

Softball

Golf placed third overall in the annual Sedalia tournament Sept. 20.

tennis

Sports Highlights Don’t miss out: september what you missed:

manager should wear a t-shirt or tank top that covers the midriff area completely. Any student-athlete or manager in violation will be subject to student behavior referrals.” The policy is stated within each team’s guidelines, which are distributed at the beginning of the season. However, Senior and Captain London Porter explained that the reasoning behind the policy is ambiguous to many runners. “It wasn’t made clear to us if it’s because the coaches were uncomfortable or if it was about Catholic values, which I think they need to clarify,” Porter said. “If it was because of Catholic values, I just feel like that doesn’t really match up.” Abney reiterated that the policy’s main purpose is to create a safe environment. “It goes without saying we want our student-athletes, managers and coaches to have as safe environments as possible to practice and compete,” Abney said. “If the school dress code policy is aimed at protecting our students and/or providing safe environments, then our department is on board with that guidance.” B

Varsity v.s. Summit Chritian Academy @4:30pm at STA

VOLLEYBALL

he dog days of summer are finally over and for STA cross country runners in particular, that comes as a big relief. As temperatures reached and exceeded 100 degrees in mid-August, practices were moved to the morning but athletes still couldn’t outrun the stifling heat. Runners might have been tempted to take off their shirts and run in their sports bras; however, STA dress code and modesty policies prohibit such behavior. Senior and Captain Sydney Swan particularly viewed the policy as a safety hazard in that instance. “I think it’s unsafe, especially with the heat that we run in right now,” Swan said. “Taking your shirt off allows you to cool off so much better.” With the heat, Senior and Captain Claire Fanning had to be especially mindful of clothing choices. “It seems like I have to put more thought into what I have to wear because I can’t take my shirt off,” Fanning said. “So, I have to prepare for the heat more.” However, Athletic Director Tyler Abney considers the policy an extension of

october

Varsity Triangular v.s. Multiple Schools @5pm at Blue Valley West High School

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the DART|September 24, 2021

COMMUNITY

Back in Action:

Return of the Service Projects Junior/senior service projects are a key program in getting suniors/seniors involved with community service, and forming connections with programs throughout the area. For the past two years the system has been suffering some setbacks due to COVID-19 but this year the program should be back in place.

Story By Lauren Ford | Graphics designer

Graphics by Kaylee Lary | Photo Editor and Sydney Waldron | Editor-in-Chief

or decades at STA, service projects begin junior year and carry onto senior year, and the journey ends with a student It wasn’t that there fulfilling 90 hours of service and establishing a weren’t things that relationship with an agency of their choosing. needed to be done in the The COVID-19 pandemic presented many community, it was just challenges to the program but this year may be the first for students to experience a mostly that we didn’t have enough for an entire junior normal service week in almost two years. Traditionally, during junior year, students class. choose an agency in the community and Andrea Arredondo, director of dedicate 30 hours in one week to the service ministry and service of their choice. This continues with 30 more hours in the summer, and another 30 more an unsafe environment for community senior year during service week. However, two service and shut down the majority of service years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic created opportunities. This left quite a different experience for the classes of 2020 and 2021. During that time, STA’s service program had to shift gears in response to the pandemic. “I had our rising seniors do 15 hours, anywhere,” director of ministry and service Andrea Arredondo said. “...It wasn’t that there weren’t things that needed to be done in the community, it was just that we didn’t have enough for an entire junior class.” Under normal circumstances, the service program offers a wide array of agencies where students can volunteer. “We have about 50 different agencies that we work with that students can go to,” Arredondo said.

“

The agencies offer a massive variety of service opportunities, from more well known agencies such as Harvesters, to unique places like Happy Bottoms or Wayside Waifs. “I did my hours with Happy Bottoms,” senior Grace Ragusa said. “ [I] wrap diapers for people and hand out diapers to people who can’t afford them. I still like to do it and my advisor actually plans to go volunteer with them during Thanksgiving.” Consistent volunteering at a particular agency is beneficial due to the relationships that can form. With STA students spending 90 total hours at an agency, the student fully gets to know the program and therefore this connection can carry on past the junior and senior service weeks, whether it’s occasional volunteering or even a role with the agency that goes above being a volunteer. “What was really cool about that program was that a student would get to know an agency, and all of the intricacies and different aspects of it over the course of her junior and senior year,” Arredondo said. This lack of service opportunities has impacted the service program, but as the 20212022 school year unfolds, campus ministry is expecting at least 30 agencies will be able to work with St. Teresa’s Academy, and a full week of service will be in place for both juniors and seniors. b

“

the DART|designed by Becca Speier

|27 S N A OF M S U TA H A HUMANS OF STA

Students from the STA student body all have an underlying story that makes them unique. This cycle the Dart is covering sophomore Grace Stordhal’s jewelry business, senior Audrey Erdman’s new music and senior Audrey

Story & Photos by Becca Speier | Editor-in-Cheif

Sophomore Grace Stordahl got her inspiration for her business from TikTok Sept. 9. Stordahl is hoping to save money for a car from her sales.

GRACE STORDAHL

What inspired you to start this business, and about how many sales have you had?

Senior Audrey Flavin sits in her 2004 convertible Volkswagen Beetle Sept. 7. Flavin has had her car since the summer of 2020, and it has been an integral part of her life.

“I started watching necklace making on TikTok, and it seemed fun so I decided to order beads and see if I could sell them. So far I have around 15 sales, which was slow at first, but now with students here ordering, it is starting to spread that I have a business. It has even reached Notre Dame de Sion, which I would say is successful. I get excited every time someone orders.” B

AUDREY FLAVIN

Do you think your blue slug bug is an essential part of you, and why?

“I think my car is an essential part of me! I feel like I have incorporated my car into my personality, and I also have decorated my car with stickers to fit my personality.” B

Senior Audrey Erdman wrote and produced her single called “Poison” Sept. 6. Erdman plans to produce more songs in the future to pursue her music career. photo courtesy of Audrey Erdman

AUDREY ERDMAN

What inspired you to produce this song and why?

“Honestly, my inspiration came from my friends. I showed them the song I had written, and they were speechless. They told me if I didn’t produce this song, they would be so mad. My friend Olivia was the one to call the studio because I was too nervous! I have always written music, starting at like seven years old. It’s been a dream of mine to produce my own music, but I never felt that it could be possible. I have a song book filled with probably 50 songs through the past 10 years. They have definitely gotten better as I’ve aged!” B

the DART|September 24, 2021

28|

LAST LOOK

Teresian Look Book

Teresian is tomorrow night and students are ecstatic. Everyone is looking for dresses, shoes and more. To help you prep, we have created a Teresian lookbook. Story, photos and graphics by Anna Stout | Writer w

tall

How are your heels?

* out of 148 people

21.6%

said four inches

49.3% said three inches

Heads up!

For the first time in STA history, Teresian will be outside, so make sure to dress for the weather.

There will be no heels allowed on the field, so remember to take them off.

10.9%

said Other

18.9% said two inches

Teresian will be from 7-9 p.m., and the yearbook staff has a great playlist lined up!

* out of 160 people

How are you wearing your hair?

the DART|designed by Anna Stout

57%

said updo

Four-inch black Steve Edelman block heels.

33%

said curled

Lace is comming back, and not in a 1950’s way. This dress puts a new, modern spin on the classic fabric, lace. photo courtesy of Madie Roney

Shoe suggestions

A sleek black dress is a simple but classy look. This dress is a stapel for the Teresian lookbook. photo courtesy of Gianna Giocondo

|29 said straight

A bold color choice, like pink, may be the pick for you if you want to stand out during Teresian. This dress is the perfect way to do so. photo courtesy of Veronica Wilson

Two-inch Steve Madden block heels.

Green strappy Urban Outfitters block heels.

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the DART|September 24, 2021

PHOTO ESSAY

Whiskers and Wags Wayside Waifs, Kansas City’s largest no-kill shelter, has had an influx of dogs since COVID-19. Before adoption, dogs have an active day-to-day schedule. Photos by Anna Massman | Outreach Editor

Cher tugs on a rope toy with a volunteer during a play time Sept. 3. Puppies at the shelter aren’t allowed to be taken on walks until they’re 6 months old.

Hugo, a one-year old Labrador Retriever/Anatolian Shepherd mix, poses for a picture with a volunteer Sept. 3. Wayside Waifs relies on volunteers to make sure the dogs get three walks a day.

Cher, a three-month old mixed breed, is carried back to her kennel after a play session Sept 3. The volunteers socialize with and prepare animals at the shelter for family life.

Hugo watches and waits for volunteer Kerri Massman to give him a treat Sept. 3. The shelter utilizes treats to teach dogs behavioral skills and prepare them for adoption.

the DART|designed by Anna Massman

The 2021-2022

DART STAFF

Advisor | Dianne Hirner

|31

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

COPY

WEB

Design Editors

Feature Editor

Web Editor

Lauren Brackney, Lauren Ford

Mara Callahan

Kathryn Hart

Photo Editors

Opinion Editors

Multimedia Editor

Kaylee Lary, Charlotte Malone

Lily Sage, Ellie Buttell

Katie Massman

Staff Writers

Lifestyles Editor

Outreach Editor

Anna Stout, Lina Kilgore, Taylor Hayes

Kyra Fieger

Anna Massman

Copy Editor

Sports Editors

Social Media Team

Caroline Hinkebein

Miriam Parsa, Tierney Flavin, Megan Turley

Annie McShane

editorial policies

Ownership and Sponsorship DartNewsOnline and the Dart are created by the student newpaper staff and are maintained and published by general operating funds of St. Teresa’s Academy, a Catholic institution frounded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish opinions that contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic church, whether on a diocesan or world-wide level. Editorial Policy The Staff of DartNewsOnline and the Dart are subject to prior review by the St. Teresa’s Academy administrative team in circumstances that concern Catholic doctrine, student safety or illegal behavior. DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish reviews of sudent work or performances. Personal columns reflect the opinions of the writer, not necessarily the staff or school. Letters & Reader Interaction Policy DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage the community to post comments on the website. Letters to the editors can be sent in the following ways: in person to Dianne Hirner in Goppert room G106; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, Attn: Dianne Hirner, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; by email to dhirner@sttersasacademy.org or to dartpaper@gmail.com. DartNewsOnline and the Dart reserve the right to edit or shorten letters for publication. Comment Policy DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage readers to comment on all posts. However, DartNewsOnline and the Dart reserve the right to monitor and edit all comments on DartNewsOnline. Comments that disagree with the editorial policy will not be published. Photo Use Policy Photo illustrations are conceptual photos that combine drawing and photography. All photos on the website are free for public use. If a reader is interested in high-quality copies of photos, please email DartNewsOnline at dartpaper@gmail.com. Corrections policy DartNewsOnline and the Dart will publish corrections as soon as possible after the error is discovered.

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IT’S ON THE DNO

the DART|September 24, 2021

on the

DNO

Kansas City Irish Fest Story by Kiera Fieger

Give! Yourself! A! Break! Column by Katie Massman

STA vs Notre Dame de Sion volleyball game Gallery by Lina Kilgore

Club Fair Gallery by Kaylee Lary and Charlotte Malone

For updates and more, follow the Dart on social media! @dartnewsonline @dart_sports

@dartnewsonline @dart_sports

/dartnewsonline

@dartnewsonline

@dartpaper

/dartnewsonline

blog corner Girl Talk: Alternative Music Blog by Sydney Waldron | Editor-in-Chief

Coffee Corner

Blog by Sophia Rall | Editor-in-Chief

and MORE coming soon to dartnewsonline!