The Dart: Vol 74 Issue 7 by DartNewsOnline

the St. Teresa’s Academy Kansas City, Missouri

ILLEGAL INDULGENCE

The Dart explores the frequency of alcohol consumption by STA students KCYA not renewing lease ›› pg. 4 | Students split time between divorced parents ›› pg. 12 | Juniors committed to playing soccer in college›› pg. 26

CONTENTS

the Dart

vol. 74

31 March 2015

issue 7

keeping up conversation | STA parents look on as school president Nan Bone delivers the State of the School Address in the Windmoor Chapel March 12. At the end of Bone's information session, attendees asked questions and helped further discussion. photo by GLORIA COWDIN

not a game | A student poses with a ping pong ball and red Solo cups to exhibit a common teen drinking game known as beer pong. photo illustration by HANNAH BREDAR

news 6 // State of the School Address

star spotlight

8 // Sophomore pursues competitive figure skating

reviews

10 // "The Imitation Game" is one of a kind

features

12 // Students dealing with divorce

cover story 2

18 // The price of teen drinking

movin' and groovin' | STA National Honor Society students create a tunnel for Horizon Academy students to dance through at their formal prom March 6. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

a&e 23 // English and theology teachers offer dual class

perspectives

24 // Ways to use extra school space

sports

26 // Three juniors commit to play soccer in college

community

28 // NHS members volunteer at Horizon Academy

last look

30 // STA mission trip in Guatamala

From the

Editors

In “Blame It on the Alcohol,” a Season 2 episode of FOX’s “Glee,” Glee Club star Rachel Berry then hosts a house party to rejuvenate her peers for Regionals. The alcohol stimulates a lively rendition of the ‘80s hit “Don’t You Want Me,” and punishment is not an issue. While moderator Will Schuester chastises the club, he contradicts his lectures by leaving a drunken voicemail that cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester plays over the PA. Realistically, the idea of a teenager guzzling a bottle of beer, finding musical inspiration, and then continuing her goody-two-shoes life is rare. Whether a response to family struggles, a way to please friend or a way to please oneself, alcohol provides an escape. After experiencing the exhilaration of escape, renouncing alcohol can prove challenging. Nevertheless, escape always ends in a return to reality. And, typically, reality brings issues that transcend the trivial drama following the “Glee” party. The loss of respect for a friend, or a friend’s loss of respect for you, cannot be

repaired within an hour. The intensity of a parent’s disappointment cannot be captured on-screen. The scattered recollections from a night outside oneself cannot follow a graceful script. In our cover story, we dissect the thought process accompanying a teen’s decision to drink. While legal and health-

related risks are possibilities, we hope to illuminate the emotional consequences inevitably tied to alcohol use. As always, let us know what you think! Enjoy the issue,

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Staff List

Editors-in-Chief Libby Hyde, Siobhan Miller, Emma Willibey Adviser Brad Lewis

Copy

Opinion Editor Torie Richardson Sports Editor Leigh Campbell Features Editor Mary Hilliard News Editor Anna Bauman

Projects Coordinator MaryMichael Hough Cultural Correspondent Emma Willibey Breaking Local News Editor Meredith Mulhern Graphics Illustrator Mackenzie O’Guin Page Designers Mary Hilliard, Gloria Cowdin, Anna Bauman, Bridget Jones, MaryMichael Hough, Maggie Knox, Maria Donnelly, Mackenzie O’Guin, Christina Elias, Torie Richardson, Amy O’Leary, Siobhan Miller Staff Writers Linden O’Brien-Williams, Alexandria Davis, Alexandra Frisch, Elsa Feigenbaum, Molly Bird, Helen Wheatley, Clare Kenney, Anna Hafner

Photography Web Editor Hannah Bredar Print Editor Jessie Culver Journalism Projects Editor Arinna Hoffine Staff Photographers Lauren Zastrow, Meg Thompson, Maddy Medina, Katherine Mediavilla

Web

Copy Editors Audrey Carroll, Madi Winfield Social Media Manager Katherine Green

Monthly

Question by LEIGH CAMPBELL and GLORIA COWDIN lcampbelll15@stastars.org gcowdin15@stastars.org

If you could do anything over spring break, what would you do? “I would go to China.” Junior Laura Dierks “Lay out in the sun." Senior Hayden Lee "Go skiing" Sophomore Claire Molloy “I would go parasailing.” Senior Samantha Smith “I would do mission work in Africa.” Freshman Monica Looney

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31March 2015 page design by Gloria Cowdin, cover design by Mary Hilliard

news

Editorial Policies

Ownership and Sponsorship

DartNewsOnline and the Dart are created by the student newspaper staff and are maintained and published by general operating funds of St. Teresa’s Academy, a Catholic institution sponsored 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 student 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 Brad Lewis in Donnelly room 204; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, Attn: Brad Lewis, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; by email to blewis@stteresasacademy.org or to dartpaper@gmail.com. DartNewsOnline and the Dart staff reserve the right to edit or shorten letters for publication.

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STA to discontinue KCYA property lease The Kansas City Young Audience organization will vacate the M&A building by November 2016 due to school expansion.

by ANNA BAUMAN abauman15@stastars.org

STA will not be renewing its lease with the Kansas City Young Audiences organization, currently housed on the third and fourth floors of the M&A building, beginning November 2016. After a ten-year partnership between the two organizations, KCYA will move to a new location in order to accommodate the growth of the STA community, according to STA president Nan Bone. “KCYA was interested in continuing their partnership with STA but St. Teresa's has grown and shared space for two large organizations is getting more difficult,” Bone said. “We have extended their lease for one more year to give them time to find a space that fills their needs.” According to Bone, nothing has been decided about what the space will

FAST FACTS The Dart compiled facts from KCYA's website about the history and achievements of KCYA. by GLORIA COWDIN gcowdin15@stastars.org

•

• •

Founded in 1961, KCYA is the largest non-profit arts education organization in the Kansas City area. Last school year, KCYA served 155,782 students. KCYA offers classes in singing, dancing, painting and acting, to name a few.

be used for. “Right now we are visiting with teachers to share their ideas of what they would like to see in that space,” Bone said. “The ideas are many and broad but nothing has been finalized.” According to executive director of KCYA Martin English, the organization will be sad to leave campus. “It’s been a great partnership for us,” English said. “We’re very sorry to have to leave campus.” In addition to office spaces, KCYA currently utilizes the STA dance studio, black box theater, auditorium and the Commons for after school programs and summer camps for many different areas of art, dance, theater and music. According to English, the partnership began when STA was looking to renovate its spaces and KCYA was interested in building a community school of the arts. Both went to the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation for financing. “We decided it would be much cheaper and easier to raise the funds to come in and be in a synergistic partnership in an existing space than build our own,” English said. “And STA realized it’d be great to have a community partner and something that would draw students to the campus here. So the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation gave each of our organizations contingent money, so we put the partnership together.” English said he believes the partnership has been beneficial to both organizations. “It works really well because it generates income for STA in the way of rent and it utilizes a bunch of their space that generally would go unutilized,” English said. “It works out well that everyday at 3 p.m. [STA students] go home and [KCYA] students arrive, so those spaces are getting used and they’re generating income from it.” In addition to financial benefits, Eng-

warm welcome | A sign outside the Kansas City Young Audiences office space on the third floor of the Music and Arts building welcomes visitors. photo by ANNA HAFNER

lish believes each organization draws students to the other. “We’ve had STA students participating in our programs, and we’ve brought lots of students on campus, some of whom I would assume end up going to STA,” English said. According to English, the location has been ideal for KCYA.

the NEWS FEED

“It’s a wonderful location,” English said. “We really hate to leave, it’s a beautiful campus. All of our students and parents feel safe here, it’s convenient.” According to English, KCYA is currently in the process of finding a new location, but finds it challenging because they need access to theater

space. “It’s a little bit of a challenge for us to to find another space,” English said. “But we’re looking at it as an opportunity as well, so maybe we can land in a different space and serve additional students that we don’t serve here.” H

Each issue, the Dart highlights groundbreaking events in the world, US, Missouri and KC.

by AUDREY CARROLL acarroll16@stastars.org

in the world

in the u.s.

in missouri

in kansas city

Three teenage girls from the UK were caught on a surveillance camera allegedly travelling to join ISIS in Syria Feb. 17. One girl contacted an alleged ISIS recruiter via Twitter. UK security services are currently facing accusations for not intervening sooner.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington to directly campaign against Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran March 2. Netanyahu’s speech could potentially set the nuclear deal a few steps backward.

Due to the alleged suicide of governor candidate Tom Schweich, current Missouri Governor Jay Nixon canceled his trade mission to Cuba and campaigning for Missouri governor has also been put on hold in respect of Schweich’s death.

A single engine aircraft leaving an airport near Mosby, MO, lost power and suffered a “hard landing” at the Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport. One of two passengers suffered a minor broken arm injury.

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by Anna Bauman

news

Campus ministry organizes abortion prayer vigil STA girls participated in prolife movement in front of the Center for Women's Health.

let us pray| Freshman Monica Looney, sophomore Paige Powell and Paige’s mother Jennifer Powell pray the rosary on the sidewalk in front of the Center for Women’s Health. According to Jennifer, they are hoping to change people’s “hearts and minds about abortion.” Jennifer has participated in abortion prayer services “a handful of times,” beginning during her teenage years. photo by CHRISTINA ELIAS

by MEREDITH MULHERN mmulhern16@stastarsorg

STA students held a pro-life prayer vigil outside of the Center for Women’s Health clinic in Overland Park March 7. Local organizers for Forty Days for Life, an international pro-life organization, originally approached campus ministry director Meredith Snyder about STA being involved in the service. “I reached out to the girls in campus ministry to ask if they thought that there would be interest in sending something out to the whole school about [the prayer service],” Snyder said. “They responded saying that they thought there would be a lot of people that would want to be a part of it.” According to Snyder, participating in the prayer service was a “local, lowtime investment way to get involved and participate [in pro-life efforts].” Snyder asked sophomore Allison Nagle to help organize the prayer service. “We tried to think about how to announce it respectfully and how to go about it so it wasn’t seen as a protest so people would know it was a vigil,” Nagle said. According to Nagle, four STA girls attended the service, including herself, as well as non-STA people who had signed up through Forty Days for Life. The service was from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Girls were supposed to take one-hour praying shifts, but because not as many girls signed up, some had to take two hours shifts, according to Nagle.

“I think [the service benefitted STA] in general because it opened [the topic of abortion] up,” Nagle said. “Even if the student body as a whole doesn’t have the same views, it opened it up and allowed for discussion.” However, many students were “uncomfortable” with the service, according to junior Annie Bolin. “I think the way this service was advertised made me really uncomfortable,” Bolin said. “[Students] were told that it wasn’t representing the school, but when you’re advertising it to the faculty and the student body, it makes it a school thing, even though it’s not facilitated by the school.” Bolin, along with juniors Audrey Carroll and Violet Cowdin, went to Snyder and discussed their concerns about the service with her. “I just don’t want other people to think that that small group of people going to the prayer service represents the views of the entire school,” Bolin said. “Not everybody is pro-life, not everybody is Catholic, not everybody is even Christian. I just don’t want people to think that that represents STA because I don’t want STA to have a reputation like that.” Both Snyder and Nagle understand why the service wasn’t supported by all.

"I'm realy proud of STA girls for standing up for something [they believed in],” Snyder said. “And I do think that [pro-life beliefs] represent the views of the school itself as a Catholic institution. I am very aware of the fact that there are individuals who are here that don’t agree with the church’s teachings on life and when life begins and specifically about the issue of abortion being something that’s immoral, but as a Catholic school I do think that the supporting the ending of abortion is a value of this school.” Although Bolin understands the mission of the school, she does not personally agree. “I get that we’re a Catholic school and that we’re supposed to follow Catholic values,” Bolin said. “But we’re also an all girls school. It’s my understanding that part of the mission for the school is empowering young women, and for me that means letting young women make their own choices and decisions to make a better life for themselves. I don’t think it’s right to judge and ostracize other women for what they choose and believe in regardless of your religion.” As for future efforts to increase prolife awareness at STA, Nagle is planning on beginning a pro-life club in the near future. H

Book for 150 -year anniversary discussed during annual speech Anniversary festivities will include a mayoral dedication and a book covering the history of STA.

by MADI WINFIELD mwinfield17@stastars.org

STA president Nan Bone held the annual State of the School address March 12. She discussed ideas and advancements in various stages of completion. “When you’re talking about the state of the school, you want to talk about things that are relevant to [the students and parents],” Bone said. “How healthy is the school? What are our visionary plans? How was the past year?” Attendance of the event, held in the Chapel of St. Joseph, totaled seven people. According to Bone, this is around average. One of Bone’s biggest priorities at the moment is to help make the Goppert Center handicap-accessible, but she is highly anticipating the upcoming 150th anniversary celebration. “It’ll go fast, for sure,” Bone said. “But I think it will be packed with a lot of interest and fun activities.” The festivities will take place during the 2016 calendar year; so far, the plans tentatively include a new program called Women around the World to feature alumnae “all around the world doing good things,” a new website with interactive activities relating to Academy 150, and a special dedication from the mayor. “In January… the mayor will be on campus to dedicate 2016 the Year of Young Women,” Bone said. “So what do we need to do around that? We can’t just have him declare it and then nothing really happens… That’s something we need to think about.”

a small gathering | STA parents listen as school president Nan Bone delivers the State of the School Address in the Windmoor Chapel March 12. Bone discussed plans for the school's 150 year anniversary. photo by GLORIA COWDIN

There are more activities being planned for 2016 that heavily involve the students. “A lot is going on and nothing’s final,” Bone said. In correlation with Academy 150, a new book about the history of St. Teresa’s will be published through Novella Brandhouse, a local marketing and publishing company. “The book is an attempt to take a deep into into our archives and bring them alive,” Director of Development and head of the book project Barbara Cusick said. “[This is] not only for people who have gone to St. Teresa’s but people who just like Kansas City history and might want to learn a little bit about the oldest school in Kansas City.” According to Cusick, the book will heavily feature photographs from the school’s archives in the library as well as submissions from students and

alumnae. Students will also be asked to help with research about the history of the city, state and nation for the writing portions of the book. “We hope to weave in history not just St. Teresa’s history but all of history - to put the story in context,” Cusick said. “Because when you see it in context, you really realize what the [Sisters of St. Joseph] accomplished with creating this awesome place.” Cusick hopes to have the book published before January for the beginning of Academy 150. It will be sold at various events and online. “You’re going to be able to pick up [the book] and get cozy with it, read a chapter, put it down, come back and read more,” Cusick said. “At the end of this book, everyone’s going to say, ‘What are they going to do next?’ That’s our goal.” H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by Bridget Jones

star spotlight / bits & pieces

by MOLLY BIRD, photo by SIOBHAN MILLER mbird17@stastars.org smiller15@stastars.org

Sophomore Rose Genaris has been figure-skating competitively for three years.

Rose

Genaris

How did you get involved in figure skating?

“I started skating when I was in fourth grade, which was pretty old, and I lived in Indiana, and we skated... there was, like, a small pond that was only open in winter, and I think it was smaller than Crown Center. It was really small. But once I passed all of the basic skills classes, and then they asked me to start teaching, and of course I said no because I was in fourth grade. And then, we moved to Kansas the summer before fifth grade, and then I got into their 'learn to skate' classes, and then I was approached by my current coach today, and I kinda got into everything."

What would you say to anyone considering figure skating?

Do you travel for competitions?

"I travel four or five times a year to various competitions, and the biggest one that we have is Sectionals, which was in Minnesota this year, and [Sectionals will be in] Portland next year, so we get to fly."

"They should start...it's good exercise and it’s really an artistic and interesting sport and it's never boring because you can never be perfect, which is what you strive for, and that’s the thing that I love and hate the most about it."

What is your favorite part of skating? “I do synchronized skating, and then I also do ice dance, and I kind of love them equally."

Instagrams OF THE ISSUE Each issue, the Dart highlights students’ Instagrams. This month’s theme: spring break. by AMY O'LEARY aoleary15@stastars.org

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE cookie monster | Freshman Gabrielle Pesek attempts to move an Oreo from her forehead into her mouth using only her face at the freshman retreat Feb. 27. photo by MADDY MEDINA

My life sucks // My life rocks Here, a student shares a moment that really made her cringe.

by ELSA FEIGENBAUM efeigenbaum17@stastars.org

Here, a student shares an especially exciting experience. by ELSA FEIGENBAUM efeigenbaum17@stastars.org

My life sucks

My life rocks

“I went to this dog shelter with my friend and her family. I found this one dog and he was amazing, and I loved him so much. I was holding onto him through the gate, and then [my family was] like, ‘Okay, Sophia, time to go.’ I said, ‘You are either leaving me here, or I am leaving with you, and the dog is coming with me.’ The dog did not come with me.” -Sophia Mandacina, junior

“I was staying in a beach house in Malibu. After the tide had come up on the first night, we went down to the beach in the morning, and there was this little baby sea lion that hopped out from under one of the houses. He was sitting there and he let us get pretty close. We didn’t want to get up and touch it, but a baby sea lion was there on the beach.” -Isabella Meisel, junior

That’s what

she said

Each issue, the Dart shares entertaining student tweets.

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH mhough16@stastars.org

Photo by sophomore Regan Reda @reganreda

Photo by junior Emily O'Neill @emilyoneill22

Sophomore Anna Bresette @AnnaBresette When you're starving but have no money so you stop at dean and deluca, get every sample then leave Junior Sophia Cusumano @sophiacusumano why shave your legs when it provides an extra layer of warmth Senior Emily Godfrey @godfrey_em In Mexico. Watching zoey 101. What more could a girl ask for.

Photo by senior Jacqueline Smith @jacc_smith

Next theme:

style

#dartnewsonline

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by MaryMichael Hough

HHHHH Picture this: You are assigned the task of breaking an unbreakable Nazi code by creating a machine that can interpret and compute patterns in German war telegrams. Do you think you could do it? Alan Turing, subject of the new movie "The Imitation Game", could. "The Imitation Game" follows Turing and his associates on the journey of breaking the Nazi war code and creating what was basically the first computer. This movie is incredible. Overall, The Imitation Game was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, and won one for Best Adapted Screenplay. The acting was astounding and the cinematography made it seem like you were actually in war-torn Britain. Benedict Cumberbatch deserves an ample amount of praise for his portrayal of mathematician and scientist Alan Turing. Playing a scientific genius is not foreign to Cumberbatch, for he stars in BBC’s Sherlock, however his acting took the character of Turing to the next level. The little things Cumberbatch would add to the character like the mid-sentence pauses, and his careful articulation of words were aspects that helped paint this picture of a condescending, yet socially awkward Turing. Alan Tur-

ing became this brilliant, unknowingly witty character that you just wanted to hug, since some people resented him because of the bluntness coupled with his brilliance. It came to the point where it felt like Benedict Cumberbatch wasn’t even on the screen because he completely transformed into his character. Movies centered around war can end up looking tacky or overdone if the cinematography isn’t done right, but The Imitation Game’s cinematography was exemplary (hence the Oscar nomination for production design). The color scheme of reds, oranges and browns (inspired by the decoding machine invented by Alan Turing) were carried over through the props and set, along with the costumes. The production designers were tasked with showing London in ruins during the war, and they did a great job because it looked realistic and convincing--something really important while creating a sophisticated movie like The Imitation Game. The accuracy of the setting elevated the impact of the film. The hardships of the main characters were also inspiring and influential to many audience members, even though it took place in the early 1940s. Alan Turing puts together a quiz to help recruit only the smartest people to help him break the code. One of the participants

Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley) isn’t allowed to participate at first because she is a woman, but since Turing himself is an underdog he allows Clarke to take the quiz. She finishes before all the men there. Joan Clarke then becomes Turing’s closest associate and best friend. The film included flashbacks of Turing’s life growing up and showed him getting bullied in school because he was smarter and different than his peers. Turing also discovered during school that he was gay, something he had to keep secret because it was illegal at the time. Later in his life, it was discovered that Alan Turing was gay and he was convicted for indecency. He then was forced to take hormone injections, leading to his alleged suicide. The treatment of women and the gay community in the film is like a social commentary on these issues that are still alive today. "The Imitation Game" is not only good because of its cinematography or actors, but it is just a gripping story. The life of Alan Turing and his mission to break the Nazi code is emotional and interesting. It also tells a story that was essential to beating the Germans in World War II that often goes unmentioned in history classes. I would encourage everyone to see this film. H

$12 heart disease in a box At 28 grams of fat per slice, Little Caesar's Bacon Wrapped Deep Deep Dish Pizza is as healthy as it sounds.

by ALEXANDRA FRISCH afrisch17@stastars.org

H Upon opening my box of Little Caesar's Bacon Wrapped Crust Deep Deep Dish pizza, the first thing I registered was overwhelming smell of high cholesterol. If heart disease had a smell then that smell would be the grease soaked deep dish pizza wrapped in 3 ½ feet of bacon sitting before me. With 450 calories and 23 grams of fat per slice, I could feel my arteries clogging just looking at it. Almost seconds after having picked up the first slice, I had some kind of bacon juice running down my arm. I was only halfway through the first slice when my stomach started twisting. I hadn’t felt this sick since the time I had two funnel cakes and an entire turkey leg at the Renaissance festival, before bungee jumping. With every bite I took I felt like I could taste the 830 milliliters of sodium and 40 milliliters of cholesterol jam packed into every slice. Two

pieces in and my intestines had never felt so violated. The best part is that the fun didn't end just because I’d stopped eating. The accompanying heartburn and intestinal trauma lived with me hours after the pizza had been put away. A word of advice; do not go near this pizza unless you are guaranteed direct access to a bathroom for at least six hours after eating. Never in my life have I felt so betrayed. How could pizza, of all things, leave me chained to my bathroom for hours, cursing the day I was born? I knew we had an obesity problem in America, but this takes the American love of all thing bacon wrapped too far. Whether I like or not, this ungodly desecration of pizza will forever hold a place in my heart - permanently clogging my coronary artery. H

the PRICE of a SLICE

Nutritional facts for a slice of Little Caesar's Bacon Wrapped Deep Deep Dish Pizza by LIBBY HYDE lhyde15@stastars.org

Calories

450

Calories from Fat

210

Total Fat

23g

Cholesterol

40mg

Sodium 830mg Total Carbs

41g

Dietary Fiber

Protein

20g

Lulu's offers a flavorful twist on traditional Asian cuisine by ANNA BAUMAN abauman15@stastars.org

HHHHH Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, voted Kansas City’s Favorite Thai food by the Pitch, is a flavorful and unique dining experience with authentic, fresh and delicious Thai food. Situated in the Crossroads district of Kansas City, this restaurant has a bright, casual feel with funky decor and a coy pond in the entrance. In addition to regular seating, there is a patio in the back with seating perfect

for a fair-weather day. Lulu’s offers a wide variety of popular noodle dishes. The Rainbow Peanut noodles are a flavorful dish made with rice noodles and an array of vegetables soaked in a sweet and spicy peanut

“

Local Thai restaurant provides multiple delicious noodle and rice dishes.

All of the food [at Lulu's] is flavorful and fresh. — Anna Bauman

sauce that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a guaranteed positive experience on their first trip to Lulu’s. Other options range from rice

noodles to egg noodles with varying combinations of meat, vegetables and sauces. Some popular items include Pad Thai and Drunken noodles. In addition to their famous noodle dishes, Lulu’s offers plenty of selections ranging from rice dishes, curries, soups and wraps. All of the food is very flavorful and fresh. While prices are not cheap, Lulu’s is still affordable and offers a large portion of food for the price. The lunch menu is a slightly cheaper option that still offers a great selection of options. Try Lulu’s Noodles for delicious food and a highly satisfying overall dining experience. H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by Mackenzie O'Guin

features

DEALING with DIVORCE beach babes | Senior AnnaMarie, from left, and Chrissy, sophomore Claire and Grace Fiorella take a family photo on Sanibel Island. photo courtesy of CLAIRE FIORELLA

father-daughters | Grace, senior AnnaMarie and sophomore Claire Fiorella enjoy a vacation with their father in Puerto Vallarta. photo courtesy of CLAIRE FIORELLA

by the numBERS How many girls' parents are divorced?

by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS lobrienwilliams17@stastars.org

If your parents are divorced, WHO DID YOU SPEND SPRING BREAK WITH?

58% MOM 4% DAD 27% BOTH NONE 11%

16% 12

The Dart surveyed 187 STA students about divorce.

by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS lobrienwilliams17@stastars.org

hen sophomore Claire Fiorella’s parents first divorced when she was in second grade, dividing time between her parents was more than a hassle. It meant disputes between her parents about custody, nights spent neglecting schoolwork and going to her father’s house when she wanted to stay with her mom. But more than that: Fiorella would get stuck in the middle of all of it without any say in her situation or custody. Sophomores Maura Knopke, Serena Jonas and Fiorella all have busy schedules, complete with basketball practices, play practices, schoolwork, and family time. The three girls have divorced parents, which means clearing schedules and switching locations frequently, according to the three. For Knopke, dividing up time between her parents means alternating weeks: one week at Mom’s, one week at Dad’s. For breaks, she alternates time with her parents and does her best to keep the time even. Knopke’s parents split up when she was in third grade, and though she is happy with her step family, the transition is difficult. “You expect to have a life with both parents but having them have different lives and having them remarry is hard,” Knopke said.

Fiorella’s father has also remarried, Due to her father’s remarriage, but she spends most of her time with Fiorella has spent less time than she her mother and two sisters. Her father would like with her father. Fiorella says lives in the area so she and her sisters that her parents’ divorce has been a try to make time to spend with him, huge source of stress in her life, someusually over dinner. It is difficult to have thing she believes other kids may be a close relationship with him, however, able to relate to. since they spend little time with him. “Growing up, especially, when my “We kind of see our dad as more of parents got divorced, I definitely looked a friend, since he doesn’t know all the to a lot of my friends' families being details about our lives,” Fiorella said. like ‘Why isn’t my family like this? Why Jonas’ parents divorced when she couldn’t my family have worked out? was around five years old. Jonas’ dad Why did I have to grow up with all this now lives in Boston, Mass., but they stress?’" Fiorella said. spend time together often, and her Because of the added stress and father is still conflict in “very much a Fiorella’s life, father figure… she prefers to he’s not distant spend all of Why couldn't my family or anything.” her time at her have worked out? Why Her mother lives mom’s house did I have to grow up with Jonas and and says that her two siblings it has been with all this stress? — Claire Fiorella, in Kansas City. around five sophomore Jonas’ stepfather years since she passed away a has even spent few years ago, the night at her who she considdad’s, someered “very much a part of the family.” thing she wishes she could change. For all three girls, there are difficul“He doesn’t know any of my friends, ties that come with having two sepalike its sad,” Fiorella said. “And he rate families. Knopke frequently finds doesn’t know everything about my life... herself missing out on what is happenIt’s hard for me to explain everything ing in the other family. because I feel like I’m explaining my life “Just going a whole week and not in just one dinner with him, so it’s really seeing my dad or not seeing my mom, frustrating.” I miss them,” Knopke said. “And yeah Jonas, however, has never conyou talk on the phone, but I hear about sciously felt the negative effects of her things that my dad does with my step parents’ divorce. siblings and they have so much fun and “I never really grew up with them toI just wish I could be there.” gether,” Jonas said. “I was used to them

“

STA students are forced to divide their time between two different families.

IF DIVORCED, WHO Do YOU NORMALLY SPEND MORE TIME WITH?

69%

MOM DAD 8% BOTH

IF DIVORCED, Where do your parents live?

21% OUT OF TOWN 79%

23%

IN KC

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30 50 by60Maggie 70 Knox 80 page40design

features

smilin' sisters | Madeline, from left, Shannon and sophomore Maura Knopke smile for a family picture. photo courtesy of MAURA KNOPKE

he dates] like us,” Jonas said. “If we she is more responsible in other areas don’t like them, he just won’t deal with of her life because she has divorced that, so he always makes sure we like parents. them. You know when boyfriends need “I think I’m more mature,” Knopke fathers' approval? It’s the same thing said. “I think I’m more responsible and with us, he needs our approval for it to I know I’ve been through more difficult be okay.” things that have made me stronger.” Jonas may not pack up every week Though Fiorella is more fragile now, to switch between houses, but she she has become better at rationalizing does occasionally visit her father situations through the divorce and is with her siblings. In the past, he has far more thankful for what she has. lived outside “I’ve learned Philadelphia that having diand San Diego. vorced parents, Jonas enjoys the it definitely I know I've been opportunity to stinks, but travel and live in my family is through more difficult different places, very positive,” things that have made even though it is Fiorella said, “it me stronger. difficult to plan has definitely — Maura Knopke, around. taught me to sophomore Despite brighten up the challenge, situations and Knopke also feels to think of the that there are good things positive aspects to having two families. instead of the bad things. There are She loves her stepmom “like she’s [her] always gonna be bad things, but you real mom” and her step siblings like need to just have a good, positive outthey are her real siblings as well. Not look on whatever you do.” H only does she consider herself lucky that she has such a good relationship with her step family, but she feels that

“

being separate, very separate, because they live really far away. But they’re still on very good terms.” According to Jonas, her mother has had a hard time recovering from losing her husband. However, she has made her children very much a priority in her life and is very oriented around them. All three girls have adjusted to their situations and dealt with them in different ways, because as Fiorella said, “each situation really depends on the family.” Though they have each had different experiences, they have managed to pull something positive out of situation. Jonas has realized a greater trust she has in her father through the divorce. Though he has lived across the country for multiple years, he still considers his children when making decisions about his own life, for example, the different places he moves. “He wouldn’t get a house we don’t like,” Jonas said. “He makes sure it’s something we would want to come visit.” Beyond choosing different cities and houses, Jonas’ father is conscious of how her and her siblings feel about his relationships. “He’s always made sure that [people

fun in the sun | Sophomore Maura Knopke, fifth from left, poses for a photo with her family on vacation. photo courtesy of MAURA KNOPKE

Fellowship of the STA class rings have a history rooted in sisterhood and a unique, little-known origin. by CHRISTINA ELIAS and GLORIA COWDIN photo by GLORIA COWDIN celias15@stastars.org gcowdin15@stastars.org

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 pages designed by Maggie Knox and Maria Donnelly

features

put a ring on it| STA alumna Cathy Marx shows off her original class ring in the quad March 24. Marx graduated in 1962, and hers was the last class to receive this ring style. photo by GLORIA COWDIN

As an all-girls Catholic school, STA has always upheld the ideals of sisterhood as one its most important values. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1866, the school’s emphasis on the bonds of sisterhood have grown with each graduating class. Despite each passing year that signals the end of a class’s time at STA, many alumnae carry a memento throughout their lives of the sororal bond they made here. The most widely-recognize and cherished of these keepsakes is the STA class ring. According to junior Lily Cosgrove,

the class ring will act as a reminder of time spent at STA. “The ring is symbolic of everything [your class has] gone through together,” Cosgrove said. “So it’s just something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.” Class rings have not always existed at STA. According to Terry Egelhoff, who works in the development office and graduated from STA in 1961, students received class pendants instead of rings in the early 1900s. “There weren't rings, there were medals--medallions,” Egelhoff explained. “It’s got the crest on it . . .

Fast Facts The Dart compiled statistics about class rings received junior year. by LIBBY HYDE lhyde15@stastars.org

It takes 10 days to make the rings, but STA rings take longer, due to their unique style.

ring out the old| Class of 1938 alumna Mary Betty Balh Green's class ring sits in the display case in the Windmoor Center. Green donated her ring to STA for the artifact display. photo by CHRISTINA ELIAS

[you can] go over to Goppert, on that flipboard [with all the classes], if you flip back into the 1900s, you’ll see pictures of some of the graduates and they have these medals. They didn’t have [class] rings in those days.” Egelhoff explained that after the medals, STA transitioned to rings with the familiar STA crest on them around the late 1930s. In the early 1960s, however, the STA administration decided to change the design of the ring. The new ring, given to the classes of 1961 and 1962, included a new crest and pearl inlay.The original design eventually returned with the school crest for the

161 STA has used Jostens for 56 years

rings were ordered this year including replacement rings.

class of 1963. According to junior Bella Meisel, “They used [the different] ring for a excitement about the class ring begins couple of years; that happened to be as soon as freshman year. Meisel does my year of graduation that they used not have any other relatives who have that ring,” Egelhoff said. “So for sure attended STA, and almost did not come it was ‘60 and ‘61. Anyway, after they here herself. As a result, she wasn’t used that for a couple of years they initially aware of the treasured class didn’t like it, so they went back to this ring tradition. ring. I got myself one of these [current “I found out pretty quickly [getting a rings] because I lost mine.” junior ring] was a big thing,” Meisel said. One of Egelhoff’s friends, class of “People were obsessing over them. 1962 alumna Cathy Hughes Marx, Like, saying they’re so pretty and [talkoriginally received the same ring as ing about] sisterhood and all that… I Egelhoff. She still has her class ring, got excited to get one.” in addition to her mother’s (a 1932 For some students, however, the alumna) medal and a modern ring expense of a class ring is not feasible. Egelhoff surprised her with a few years Orders for rings are placed sophomore ago as a gift. year and much of junior year is spent “I am very happy to have one [ring] planning the ceremony and dance. Last like yours,” Marx admitted. “Like the year, Cosgrove and then-sophomore students have right now. People don’t Maggie Knox decided to start a fund really recognize my other one as a St. to buy two classmates, Violet Cowdin Teresa’s ring. I am very proud to wear and Audrey Carroll, their class rings. my ring.” Cosgrove’s older sister, Emily, had The STA ring received a ring from is manufactured her classmates, was The ring is symby the company the inspiration. They bolic of everything Jostens, which is created a Facebook [your class has] responsible for group to spread the gone through todistributing class word and keep it a gether. rings, yearbooks, secret from the two — Lily Cosgrove, junior graduation girls. apparel, and “Split up between more to schools that many people, around the country. Current Jostens I felt like we could do it,” Cosgrove representative Jeff Heline has worked explained. with STA for 25 years. According to Before the end of their sophomore Heline, Jostens has made the STA class year, the class of 2016 had raised rings for over 50 years. $666.08, but the gift was kept secret from Cowdin and Carroll until this

“

loyal & proud | STA alumna Cathy Marx poses in the quad March 24. Marx showed off the pendant that her mother (class of 1932) received in place of a ring. photo by GLORIA COWDIN

winter. The morning of March 11, members of the junior class revealed the surprise to Cowdin and Carroll. They will now receive their rings with the rest of their class during their junior ring ceremony April 8. According to Cosgrove, this kind of surprise could easily become an official STA tradition, although she thinks it already happens naturally almost every year. “I think [this surprise was] kind of unique to STA because the whole ring ceremony is such a bonding experience,” Cosgrove said. “I think it’s just special because the girls understand that [it’s a bonding experience] and want everybody to be included that wants to be included.” H

“

There are 4 types of rings: photos by JESSIE CULVER and KAT MEDIAVILLA jculver15@stastars.org, kmediavilla16@stastars.org

14- or 10-karat white gold

Silver elite

14- or 10-karat yellow gold

Solaris elite

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by Maria Donnelly

cover story

underage

DRINKING

RAGE The Dart explores the reality of alcohol use at STA. With the recency of spring break and upcoming school dances, the situation is increasingly prevalent. by MAGGIE KNOX and BRIDGET JONES mknox16@stastars.org and bjones16@stastars.org

*Name has been changed to maintain source's anonymity.

tudents flooded the halls of STA, filling the school with their spring break stories. Some students talked about vacationing with family, visiting colleges, or staying at home. Others conversed about their week-long, hazy, alcohol-induced experiences. Talk of alcohol use and abuse has often been a hot topic after spring break, school dances and holidays. The magnitude of the problem on a national level has swelled in recent years. A study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that in 2003, the average age for a person to first use alcohol was 14, compared to the age of 17.5 in 1965. DEFINING THE DIFFERENCE Before one can explore the topic of teenage drinking, the difference between alcohol use and alcohol abuse must be clear. According to the University of Rochester, alcohol use is when a person drinks in moderation, ensures that the focus of the evening is something other than the alcohol itself and does not drink with the sole purpose of getting intoxicated. On the other hand, according to the NIAAA, alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period: failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities; drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery; having recurring alcohol-related legal

problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk; or continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking. WHY TEENS DRINK According to the Dart’s survey of 233 STA students of all grade levels, 159 girls said they drink or have drunk alcohol. Out of the students surveyed, 72 percent of seniors reported drinking, along with 75 percent of juniors, 76 percent of sophomores and 50 percent of freshmen. Teens drink in a variety of situations, from small get-togethers with friends to large holiday parties, according to STA junior Jessica*. However, some people would rather drink in one situation over another. “I don’t like big parties,” Jessica said. “I would rather drink with a small group of friends.” In understanding this prevalence of adolescent drinking, as well as decoding the teenage thought process behind it, STA personal counselor Amanda Johnson sees both the media and friends as a part of the equation. “[In the media, alcohol is] sexy,” Johnson said. “It’s exciting, it’s daring and it’s very much glamorized. People are always laughing and having a good time at the bar with their friends. You don't see the aftermath of the girl puking in the toilet or being sexually assaulted because she got date-rape drugged.” In terms of the social aspect of teenage drinking, Johnson thinks that there is an underlying peer pressure to do what your friends are doing. “[For teens], there is a sort of excitement about getting away with something,” Johnson said. “[Drinking] makes them feel older and less inhibited. It is easily accessible, so why not?”

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by Christina Elias

cover story STA students seem to agree with Johnson. Jessica thinks that the social setting around alcohol use is also important in keeping things relaxed. “I like drinking when it enhances what you’re doing,” Jessica said. “But I don’t like drinking for the sake of drinking.” Furthermore, teenage alcohol use becomes more common as teens mature. According to the NIAAA, about 10.4 million young people between the ages of 12 and 20 drank more than “just a few sips” of alcohol. As kids get older, they drink more. By age 15, half of teens have had at least one drink. By age 18, more than 70 percent of teens have had at least one drink. Johnson is unsure of this relation to the true statistics of teenage drinkers at STA. “I have a fairly good pulse on what's happening,” Johnson said. “But again, I

don't see every student and not always are students comfortable sharing with me if they drink.” However, girls who choose to not drink still are pressured to do so and may feel as if they will be shamed for not doing so. One of these girls is junior Aubrey*. “[Drinking] sounds kind of harmless,” Aubrey said. “It’s not like a huge deal.” RISKY BUSINESS According to Johnson, teens should consider the health and legal risks, among others, of alcohol abuse when faced with the decision to drink. When alcohol consumption becomes abusive, there are serious health risks for teens. Alcohol Dependency and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) become prevalent issues in teens once the first stage of drinking—usage—is surpassed. Problem drinking that becomes severe is given the medical diagnosis of AUD. Meanwhile, alcohol dependency, or alcoholism, is a more serious case of alcohol abuse than just alcohol abuse itself; not all alcohol abusers develop

facing the FACTS How often do you drink?

31%

of students have never tried alcohol

alcohol dependence or alcoholism, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). The NIAAA found that in 2012, an estimated 850,000 adolescents from the ages of 12 through 17 had an Alcohol Use Disorder. According to MarketingCharts, there are approximately 25 million 12 to 17 year-olds in the US. Out of this group, 70 percent (17.5 million) drink by the age of 18. Various legal risks also accompany teenage alcohol abuse. However, even alcohol use can be enough to get into substantial trouble with the law. Although prohibition is long in the nation’s past, other national drinking laws still apply to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Two charges that teenagers can (and do) face regularly are Minor in Possession (MIP) and Minor in Consumption (MIC). Teenagers can be charged with an MIP whenever they are holding alcohol or are near it without an adult over 21. MICs can be issued by police when a minor has drunk or is drinking alcohol, which can be confirmed through breath-

The Dart surveyed 233 students about their drinking habits, including over spring break. compiled by ALEXANDRA FRISCH afrisch17@stastars.org

$$$$$$$$$$ Of the 93 girls who said they drank over spring break,

percent 30% have tried alcohol once or twice 24% drink alcohol frequently 15% drink alcohol every weekend 20

$50 spent at least

on alcohol

18%

middle school

even control myself.” avoiding the problem itself is still an Jessica feels the same way, but would option for some girls through their time rather now just avoid large parties at STA. altogether. “Everyone kind of dismisses [drink“I went to [this party], and it was aw- ing],” Aubrey said. “It doesn't really affect ful because people were just wanting my choices of friends. Outside of school, to get drunk,” Jessica said. “[People] in- though, I'm not really friends with [girls vite me to parties like that all the time who drink].” and I don’t On the other go anymore side, Johnson You need to be because that’s encourages girls conscious about not fun for me. who do drink to It’s when you make sure they are [drinking] . . . When surpass your comfortable with you make the choice, personal limits the decisions they it's not only affecting that things can make for themyou. get risky and selves. — Amanda Johnson, dangerous.” “Ask yourself: guidance counselor STA junior When you think Elizabeth* about your actions, doesn't think she would enjoy going to when you lay your head down on your a popular desitnation like Alabama for pillow at night, can you feel good about spring break. the things that you've done?” Johnson “If [I were at Gulf Shores,] I’d just be said. “And that doesn’t mean you necessurrounded by drunk people,” Elizabeth sarily don’t make mistakes, that doesn’t said. “It’d be annoying.” mean you are perfect or that you’ve never done anything wrong. It just MAKE YOUR CHOICE means: do you believe in the things that Teen drinking is inevitable. However, you do and the person that you are?” H

“

alyzer tests, among others. MIPs, MICs, DUIs (Driving Under the Influence) and DWIs (Driving While Intoxicated) are all grounds for fines, license suspensions and other legal problems that not only involve the adolescent at hand, but their peers and guardians as well. “You need to be conscious about [drinking],” Johnson said. “It doesn't just affect you. If you were to go to a party and have a drink and the parents are home, they can be legally liable. If you take a drink and decide to drive, you are not only endangering yourself, but potentially a lot of others as well. When you make the choice, it’s not only affecting you; it can potentially affect a lot of other people.” Although many students at STA regularly drink alcohol, many have felt uncomfortable in situations where there were legal or health risks involved, as well as at parties with too many people, such as junior Sydney*. “If I’m with the right people, I’m like ‘this is fun’,” Sydney said. “If I’m not, then being drunk makes me feel stupid because I feel like an idiot. It’s like I can’t

the truth is HARD TO SWALLOW

48%

freshman year

The Dart asked 161 students how old they were when they first started drinking. compiled by ALEXANDRA FRISCH afrisch17@stastars.org

28%

sophomore year

junior year

senior year

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by Christina Elias

cartoon by MEREDITH MULHERN

main ed / A&E

STA should focus on practical risks of teen drinking Administration and students need to recognize the realities of underage drinking According to the national organization Students Against Destructive Decisions website, 72 percent of high school students have consumed alcohol. According to a survey conducted by the Dart, 159 out of 233 STA students, 68 percent, say that they have consumed alcohol. From these statistics, it is impossible to pretend that teen drinking is not a reality. At STA, most of the education on underage drinking has focused on the immorality of teenage alcohol usage without fully informing students of the more tangible costs of drinking. As an authoritative establishment, the STA administration has incredible influence over students. Therefore,

right on

TARGET

the school must effectively educate students on the repercussions of teen drinking. Though definitive efforts to do so are made, they perhaps aren’t effective because students have become numb to the “preachy” (though well-

[

intentioned) tactics often implemented. Most teens are fully aware that underage drinking is widely viewed as “wrong” and, from a religious standpoint, “sinful.”

What is the biggest risk of drinking alcohol? "The biggest risk for someone who drinks is not being in control or not remembering their actions."

The Dart asked students their opinion of the main editorial. compiled by LEIGH CAMPBELL lcampbell15@stastars.org

]

5 of 5 editors voted in support of this editorial

A study by the American Medical Association revealed that “underage alcohol use is associated with brain damage and neurocognitive deficits,” or that teen drinking directly increases one’s likelihood of being an alcoholic later in life. If an effort were made to educate teens on these more realistic and physically-hindering consequences of underage drinking, they would make more informed decisions regarding alcohol. Since teens have grown deaf to the hypotheticals (What if I get caught? What if my school finds out?) and the fearmongering (My parents are going to kill me), it is vital that students are educated on the real risk of drinking in a more dynamic, personal way. H

Grace Reda senior

Mary LePique sophomore

"The biggest risk is the possibility of harming another person through drinking while driving or putting yourself and other people at risk."

Emily Coble senior

"The biggest risk is getting taken advantage of."

Literature and Pilgrimage course to be offered next school year

Theology and literature come together in new course that will travel to Italy.

by HELEN WHEATLEY hwheatley17@stastars.org

Literature and Pilgrimage, STA’s new elective course offering for the 2015-16 school year offers a completely different dynamic from most high school classes. Theology teacher Michael Sanem and English teacher Kelly Fast will co-teach “The Divine Comedy”, an epic While in Italy, Literature and poem written by Dante Alighieri. The Pilgrimage students will visit course, which is offered only to juniors several sites mentioned in the and seniors, will span one semester Divine Comedy. and includes an optional trip through by HELEN WHEATLEY Italy the following summer. hwheatley17@stastars.org “The Divine Comedy” was written in the fourteenth century and is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of world literature. It combines elements of philosophy and literature as the main character travels through hell, MILAN purgatory and heaven, according to Fast, who believes the work still asks questions students should be interVERNAZZA ested in, despite its age. “The main character has conversaFLORENCE tions with people, like ‘What is art?’... ‘Is a viewer supposed to Dante's place of look at a piece of art and have birth, also exiled SIENA his spirit moved so that he gets from Rome later in closer to god, or simply be aesstory thetically pleased?’,” Fast said. ORVIETO Last year brought a huge push for collaboration between Frescoes here in ROME teachers, motivating Sanem and San Brizio chapel Fast to plan the course after Dante discusses inspired by Dante Sanem helped teach Fast’s Great faith with Books course for a few years. The St. Peter in two teachers saw this as an opParadiso portunity to create the co-taught class. Sanem and Fast agree that the poem is a great work to teach. “The works itself is awesome and interesting… it’s not boring-- he’s going to hell,” Sanem said. The two teachers will lead the trip through Italy, as both believe it’s an essential part of the course.

STA students follow

DANTE'S JOURNEY

“We imagined a class that’s not just in the classroom,” Fast said. “We are going somewhere after the fact and having students connect on a more personal and experiential level to connect with what they’ve read.” The trip is a sort of pilgrimage of its own as students travel for thirteen days through Italy, visiting Rome, Siena, Orvieto, Florence, Vernazza and Milan, according to Fast. The group will visit places the author lived and wrote, and see attractions that were influenced specifically by him, according to Fast. Sanem feels that the trip is important because the students will fully experience the culture in which the poem was written, as well as experience the pilgrimage present in the work. “The poem is all about movement and motion in that we need to get up and go somewhere and experience something outside of our comfort zone,” Sanem said. “To see it, to smell Italy in the afternoon… to eat the food, is a full body experience.” Sanem believes the class should not critique the poem, but appreciate and learn from it. Students tend to be “hyper critical” of works, Sanem has observed. Literature and Pilgrimage takes a different approach. The course will teach students an appreciation for literature and culture, but most importantly it will teach them to “look at [a work] and appreciate its value,” Sanem said. “Sometimes a flaw is a part of the work itself.” “We lose the freedom to just say, let’s read something incredible and talk about it,” Sanem said. “And that’s the course... We are not teaching to any test. We just want to read this work together as a community of learners and talk about it.” H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 pages designed by Christina Elias and Mackenzie O'Guin

perspectives

5 makeovers

for the KCYA space Beginning in November 2016, STA will gain some additional space on the third and fourth floors of M&A when KCYA moves out. Now as terrifying as it sounds, I will be in the “real world” attending college (hopefully) or waitressing at your local Winstead’s (plan B). But I don’t want to leave STA looking for ideas to fill this space (President Bone, I’ve got your back). Here’s some ideas for refurbishing the new space for every type of STA student:

by MARY HILLIARD mhilliard16@stastars.org

The caffeine addict:

Obviously a popular choice for the space would be a multiple floored coffee shop complete with espresso bar, every kind of tea possible to cure every cold or sleep deprived brain, smoothie bar and cute, insta worthy mugs. The coffee shop would be a place for intellectual conversation, studying, netflix watching (because of course the shop has wifi), or catching up with friends over a cup of coffee. Naturally, it includes a standard coffee shop chill soundtrack and every now and then features someone on an acoustic guitar wearing a fedora singing Beatles covers in the corner.

The nature child:

Allow students to enjoy nature without worrying about them being outdoors unsupervised and create a greenhouse. Replace the walls with glass panels and add some picnic tables and rows and rows of greenery and you’ve got a relaxing indoor forest. Biology classes can do some experimenting stuff up there and astronomy classes can stargaze during colder nights. With flowers and vines and other plants it would be a gorgeous place for studying. Plus, add in some hammocks and there’s the nap room too.

The artist: Two floors of space make room for all types of art. Every art class at STA could have its own area. From a rooftop painting area to a massive ceramics studio to a huge graphic design Mac lab, the possibilities are endless. A photography studio could be used by both the Teresian and Dart staffs as well as the digital photography class. And there could be room with walls designated for new murals every year so students could display their talents. Also, one of the current offices could be converted into a recording studio. At the next choir concert, parents and friends could buy a professionally produced record of STA’s beautiful choir. Students could also learn about music production. This remodel would definitely emphasize the building’s name: Music and Arts.

The fitness guru:

Update the current weight room and promote a healthy lifestyle by creating a workout facility students can go to during frees. Naturally, there would be treadmills and ellipticals, but also multiple studios for classes like Zumba and kickboxing. And of course there would be a relaxing, very zen rooftop yoga garden where girls can get in touch with their inner peace during a hectic day. For more adventurous exercisers, a rock climbing wall could be placed on the outside of the building. It’s a great cardio workout. And after a long free or activity of working out, there’s a health drink/protein shake bar that accepts bistro cards.

5 The all nighter: With a place to sleep during the day, students may actually be able to pull the all nighter required to finish all their homework. Practicing pulling an all nighter definitely falls under the “college preparatory” category STA prides itself on. Basically, this napping space includes hammocks from the ceilings, dimmed lights, and an ocean sound machine. Google headquarters uses these nap pods for their employees, which I think would be a great fit for STA students as well. This option also saves money because the school could keep the pre-existing offices and rent them out as private nap rooms. Who needs to parking spots at the auction when there are private sleeping rooms available? H

The college planning checklist by MACKENZIE O'GUIN | moguin17@stastars.org

It’s that time of year again: course registration. Often times, the stressinducing process of meeting with counselors and selecting classes begs the question, what about college? Frequently, it seems students haven’t

given the subject much thought until they’re caught in the junior/senior year college panic of nonstop testing, applying and touring. College planning is a long, difficult process, but to limit it exclusively to junior and senior year

Discover your interests

High school is a prime opportunity to test the waters in several subjects until a student finds a field she might be interested

in pursuing as a career. By utilizing freshman year especially, a student can begin considering prospective majors and

can only add unnecessary stress to an already hectic time. Readying yourself for admission early will not only leave you with a sense of preparedness, but also make college admissions the exciting, meaningful time it’s supposed to be.

career paths, which can in turn distinguish promising colleges and universities to look into.

Research and narrow down colleges

For some universities, admission requirements might entail four years of a foreign language, specific history or science classes, or preferred electives. Knowing these requirements can ensure that students make

wise, constructive decisions when picking courses. Thoroughly studying a school will also make college tours much more enjoyable and productive. Rather than feeling overwhelmed with new information, a student

Choose your electives wisely In combining specific interests with awareness of college requirements, it is pertinent that a student chooses electives that not only entertain her interests, but will be beneficial during

the college process. Rather than being minimally involved in multiple clubs, charities, or extracurriculars, a student should fully invest herself in a few pastimes she is actually passionate

can visit her college with a preconceived understanding of the school and focus on answering specific questions without trying to absorb the entirety of the college in a few hours.

about. Not only will this look exceptional on college applications, but it will also provide fantastic experience in potential careers and allow a student to enrich herself as a person.

Don't forget to enjoy high school If you’re a workaholic like me, you might risk getting burnt out on college before you even receive your acceptance letters. Preparation is important, but don’t spend so much time planning for your future that you waste high school in a constant state of college-fueled anxiety,

which ultimately defeats the purpose of early college planning. Preparing for college ahead of time should minimize your stress throughout high school, not maximize it. If it comes down to spending your Saturday going to a movie When executed properly, college preparation should be an

enjoyable process of doing what you love (your course selection, extracurriculars, etc.) for a vital cause- your education. Once you find the perfect balance of doing what you love while developing your future, I guarantee, everything from course selection to college admission will become entertaining. H

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sports Alyssa Seitzer, Grace Kitts and Abby Small have all verbally comitted to continue their soccer careers in college. by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH mhough16@stastars.org

Juniors commit to play college soccer

fast and furious | Junior Alyssa Seitzer dribbles the ball down the field in attempt to score against the Lee Summit Titans March 23. photo by LAUREN ZASTROW

get your head in the game | Junior Abby Smalls runs to the ball while defending her half of the field. Smalls is a defender who is committed to play at UMKC. photo by LAUREN ZASTROW

dribble dribble | Junior Grace Kitts warms up with a possession drill with her team March 23. photo by LAUREN ZASTROW

Junior Alyssa Seitzer verbally committed to play soccer at St. Louis University. According to Seitzer, who signed during her sophomore year, her decision was easier because she wanted to attend SLU even if she wasn’t playing soccer. “For me, I knew I wanted to major in nursing, didn't want to go far from home, and preferred a mid-size school, so that's what interested me about SLU,” Seitzer said. Seitzer believes soccer is more physical at a college level and strength and speed play a vital role. Playing at STA has allowed her to stay on top these skills when she is not playing club soccer. Seitzer was relieved and happy to make her commitment. “My brother is a freshman at SLU and loves it, so I am most looking forward to that same experience,” Seitzer said. “I am most nervous about the time commitment, getting studying and sports done.”

Junior Abby Small verbally committed to play soccer at the University of Missouri Kansas City. “As a player, I always was striving to play at a higher level so I just saw [playing in college] as the next level,” Small said. After many emails and phone calls with UMKC head coach Chris Cissel, Small visited the campus. There she met with other coaches and talked about how she would fit into their program. “Originally I was a little scared and excited [about committing],” Small said. “I was scared because I felt weird making such a monumental decision so early, but that feeling was soon replaced with excitement because I love soccer and UMKC, so the two together will be perfect.” “For college in general I'm excited for the freedom, but for soccer I'm really excited about the overall experience,” Small said.

Junior Grace Kitts verbally committed to play soccer at the University of Missouri Columbia. According to Kitts, her interest in MU began when she attended a soccer camp on campus going into her sophomore year. After keeping in touch with head coach Bryan Blitz throughout the year, Kitts was offered her scholarship during a campus visit. “I was so ecstatic, it was a bit of a dream come true,” Kitts said. “I was excited and thrilled but also determined to continue to work hard so that I can get playing time at Mizzou.” According to Kitts, playing soccer in college will be more stressful, but STA has prepared her for the transition to a higher level. “As a team, we are taught to keep possession of the ball and play fast while having high pressure, which I will have to do in college soccer,” Kitts said. H

Spring sports begin to blossom Spring sport tryouts for soccer, lacrosse and track began March 3. Throughout the week, STA girls practiced for their designated sports and were sorted into teams. STA offers multiple team spots whether it be varsity, JV or "c" team. photos by MARY HILLIARD mhilliard16@stastars.org

2. 1.

3. 4.

7. 8.

1. kick it | Senior Kennedy Bright uses hurdles to perform dynamic stretches prior to track practice. Bright is a sprinter. 2. soccer buddies | Juniors Abby Small, left, and Kate Scofield laugh as they put on their lceats before soccer tryouts March 3. Both girls made varsity.

5. hustle and heart| Freshman Mia Schloegel prepares to put on a heart monitor to wear during track practice March 11. All the distance runner wore heart monitors to keep track of their heart rates during the workouts. 6. play on | The STA varsity soccer team practices March 7 on the Kevin Gray Field.

3. LAX to the MAX | Senior Mackenzie Roach catches a pass from junior Kristina Coppinger before lacrosse practice March 11. Roach was on JV for three years and is on varsity this year.

7. lace em' up | Senior Jessie Culver ties her cleats while looking over the Kevin Gray Field March 2. Culver tried out for lacrosse and made varsity for the second year in a row.

4. stretch it out | Senior Hayden Lee stretches before track practice March 11. Lee is a long distance runner and has been on the team for four years.

8. ready, set, go! | The track team lines up for warm ups at the beginning of practice March 11. There are 75 girls on the team this year.

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new horizons

community

3. 1. Horizon Academy freshman Skylar Parrish gets ready for

q&a

prom on March 6. Parrish was diagnosed with high functioning Autism Aspberger's syndrome at the age of four. 2. Horizon Academy sixth grader Luke jokingly scares 4th grader Jane Robinson, middle, at their formal prom while friend and fourth grader Elisa laughs on March 6. 3. Horizon Academy hosts their annual prom for middle school and high school students on March 6. photos by ARINNA HOFFINE

Members of STA's National Honor Society (NHS) volunteered at Horizon Academy March 6 to help with their annual dance. According to NHS moderator Debi Hudson, STA has volunteered at this event for over eight years. by LIBBY HYDE lhyde15@stastars.org

Why volunteer? Senior Sumin Nam: I decided to get involved because I heard a lot of good things about Horizon Academy and I thought it would be fun. Junior Betsy Alderman: I really wanted to volunteer at this event because it sounded like a lot of fun. Also I heard from previous people that volunteered at this event that it was a great event to be involved in.

Advice to others?

How was it?

Nam: It's a great experience and very rewarding! Alderman: I think others should get involved in this event. I thought this was a great and fun way to get involved. The kids were so nice and sweet. Also it was so encouraging to see how much you helped at the dance. At first the kids didn't want to dance, but once you danced with them and talked with them they had lots of fun.

Nam: It turned out to be really fun because we got to dance with all the students there. Alderman: I really enjoyed this event. I thought it was a lot of fun. It was so cute to see all the kids slow dancing. I loved how the teachers and staff encouraged the kids to get involved. They gave out prizes such as best dressed, person that stayed on the dance floor the longest and prom king and queen. Even if you weren't a good dancer the kids thought you were great and you could just try new fun dance moves. H

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last look

Promposals

the perfect match | Senior Molly C. Mullen smiles with her boyfriend after he accepted her promposal March 11 in his barn. Mullen used candles to spell out the word "PROM" to ask her boyfriend Alex Vest to STA prom. photos compiled by MARIA DONNELLY

hitting the dance floor |Senior Abbey Curran shows off the postcard she gave her boyfriend, a senior at Rockhurst High School, to ask him to prom. Curran used a postcard she bought at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas over spring break to write a clever promposal. photos compiled by MARIA DONNELLY

lighting up the dance floor | Senior Molly C. Mullen lights up the word "PROM" on senior Alex Vest's barn floor. Vest attends De Soto High School and has been dating Mullen for three months. photos compiled by MARIA DONNELLY

sea you at the dance | Senior Abbey Curran exhibits what she wrote on the postcard she gave to Tim Bishop.The two have been dating for a few months. photos compiled by MARIA DONNELLY

ST. T ERES

A’S

RE’S

WHE

? LDO

s ' e r e ? h O w LD A W

Senior, Claire Reboulet, poses as Waldo during lunch at STA. See if you can find her for Dart's recreated "Where's Waldo?" photo by ARINNA HOFFINE ahoffine15@stastars.org

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In the Humans of STA Take a look at the current coverage on DartNewsOnline

Gallery: STA Spring Break in Guatemala Fifteen STA students along with theology teacher Jenny Greene and campus ministry director Meredith Snyder travelled to San Andreas, Guatemala.

photos compiled by MADDY MEDINA mmedina16@stastars.org

got your back| Junior Ceara VanBuskirk plays with Andrea, one of the children at Los Gozosos orphanage for children with disabilities in San Andres, Itzapa, Guatemala March 16.

just kick it| Junior Kate Scofield dribbles past a Guatemalan teenager during a pick up soccer game. The volunteers played with and against local teenagers.

stare down| Four year old Gabriella smiles for camera in her home March 18. Volunteers from STA built a stove for her and her family, which includes her parents, two older sisters, and grandmother.

hands up | Junior Allie Quinn plays a hand clapping game with Michael, a local Guatemalan. The STA volunteers frequently visited the community soccer court and played with local children or started a soccer game.

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 31 March 2015 page design by Mary Hilliard