There is an increase of teenagers returning to childhood toys as a sense of comfort. Read more on pages 14-17.
c o m f o r t s
In This Issue
4-5 Photo Essay: Green Out Game
6-7 News: Development in KC and Medication Shortages
8-9 Star Spotlight: Maja Bird
10-11 Features: Serotonin Menus and St. Patrick’s Day
12-13 Reviews: Curly Hair Products and Podcasts
14-16 Centerspread: Childhood Toys and Teenagers
17 Editorial: Right on Target
18 Sports: Flag Football
19 Feature: Women’s Symposium
20-21 Columns: No Beach, No Mountains and Healthy Fruits
22-23 Last Look: Lookbook of Dances
Scenes from “Deadline”
The Shooting Stars Theater staged “Deadline,” a comic murder mystery from February 26th to March 1st.
Photos by Kennedi Fritz
Sophomore Adele Benben makes an entrance.
Junior Audrey Parker observes the scenery.
Mystery and death seems to plague the stage and junior Audrey Parker is at the center of it all.
Senior Nora Kramer knocks them dead.
Dear Reader,
Top o’ the mornin’ to you, fellow readers: it’s your lucky day because this new issue of The Dart is sure to sham-rock your world! You can’t pinch the people who went to the Green-Out game, and Molly’s photo essay on pages 4 and 5 will prove it!
Kennedi, Stella and Jo will make sure you stay informed on your side of the rainbow with stories covering developments in KC and medication shortages on pages 6 and 7.
Irish we knew someone who could create a prom dress: oh wait, Savannah’s story on page 8 and 9 gives us someone who can!
Feeling down on your luck? Check out Becca and Lauren’s story about serotonin menus on page 10, and on page 11, our fellow leprechaun Chloe breaks down how to celebrate the best holiday of the year!
Searching for gold for the best hair product? Look no further, because on page 12, Lily has all the deets. Streaming straight from the end of the rainbow, tune into page 13 for the best podcast recommendations. We hope your pot of gold is filled with Jellycats, Squishmallows and Legos, but why do we love them? Isa and Julia tell us on pages 14, 15 and 16, and Anna shares the staffers’ opinions on page 17. Going for gold in the endzone? Learn about STA’s shiniest new sport on page 18 with Maya. Don’t you a-green that Women’s Symposium is the best event of the season? Wynnie tells all on page 19. No more Lucky Charms for us, because on page 20, Anna shows how fruits can help us leprechauns. Turns out KC is a hidden four-leaf clover, according to Wynnie’s column on page 21.
Well, we’ve reached the end of the rainbow for this issue. Keep calm and leprechaun!
On Thursday, February 20th, future and present STA students packed the stands to cheer on the basketball Stars as they played Notre Dame de Sion. Dressed in their best green, students also supported Liesel Anderson’s garden.
The DART | Photo Essay | photos and design by
a. The student section cheers on their basketball Stars in the game against Sion, with STA pulling out with a win.
b. Basketball coach Keira Hardy motivates her players from the sidelines.
c. Liesel Anderson’s cousins, juniors Maggie and Reese Hartman, and junior Bri Adams pull winners for the giveaway.
d. Sophomore Mabel Bland blocks out during a free throw.
e. The STA dance team kicks in a line during their half time performance.
f. Sophomore Jazlyn Rhodes shoots a free throw post-foul.
Molly Sonnenberg
Medication Shortages
By: Jo Marshall Social Media Editor
Nationwide medication shortages are impacting patients all all over America, including Kansas City.
Across the nation, healthcare providers and their patients are feeling the impact of growing medication shortages, as once-available treatments become more difficult or almost impossible to find. From essential hospital supplies like IV fluids to treatments as debated as Ozempic, many patients are finding themselves unable to access the care they rely on.
These are not the only medications in short supply, according to Dr. Chloe Aspleaf, the Inpatient Pharmacy Operations Manager at University Health KC. Medications like Methylprednisolone, used to treat lifethreatening inflammation and swelling, Lorazepam, an important anti-seizure medication, Hydromorphone, for serious pain and Adderall for ADHD are among some of the most vital currently in a nationwide shortage.
As the primary handler of drug shortages at University Health KC, Aspleaf recognizes the growing urgency of the situation.
"Shortages can impact patient care greatly," Aspleaf said. "We are often trying to make a plan without a lot of information, because we don’t know how long the medication will be unavailable. It is a complicated problem to try and solve for so many drugs."
As these pressing shortages continue to worsen, pharmacies are increasingly forced to make medication substitutions to ensure patients receive proper treatment.
"If we do not have any supply of a medication, then we have to find alternative medications that can treat the patient," Aspleaf said. "These are medications that are often in the same 'class' of drug that can treat the same condition, but are not on shortage. For example, we can utilize Midazolam in place of Lorazepam or utilize Morphine in place of Hydromorphone."
While drug shortages have been an ongoing issue, many patients are unaware of the underlying causes.
"We don’t always know the 'why'," Aspleaf said. "The most common reasons are manufacturing and quality problems, production delays and shortage of raw materials. On top of this, there are factors that nobody can predict, like hoarding, stockpiling and natural disasters."
One such disaster was a major cause of the shortage of IV fluids. A storm surge caused by what remained of Hurricane Helene flooded a major IV fluid plant in North Carolina, operated by Baxter. The shortage of IV fluids is particularly critical. Prior to the shortage, hospitals would replace IV fluids before they ran dry, but now they must make every drop count—potentially increasing the risk of infection.
As the nation faces an ongoing medication shortage, healthcare providers are doing their best to manage the crisis and minimize the impact on patients. However, as the causes of these shortages remain unpredictable, the struggle is far from over. Experts like Aspleaf stress the importance of continued vigilance and adaptability in the face of such challenges, and the need for a collective effort to address the root causes.
"Shortages are major issue, and they impact patients across the country," Aspleaf said. "Could you imagine not being able to get chemotherapy for a loved one because of a drug shortage? That is why it is such an important issue, and it can be really frustrating for many patients and their families. Pharmacies across the country are performing miracles in managing these drug shortages and minimizing the patient impact every day." B
The greater Kansas City area has several major projects that are currently in the works.
From the new and improved street car to construction sites and renovation, Kansas City is finding new ways to connect residents and reshape their lifestyles.
The streetcar extension, one of Kansas City's most-anticipated developments, has been set to open this year, with developers coining the phrase, "ready to ride by 2025." Originally running on Main Street from City Market to Union Station, the Main Street route will be extended to UMKC.
The track is 100 percent finished, and the overall construction process is 98 percent complete. To many Kansas Citians, this may come as a huge relief because of the current Main Street traffic and confusing cones directing it. The project's cost also was another controversy in the community, totaling $351 million. Nonetheless, the streetcar provides transport and connection to anyone wanting to enjoy the city.
The UMKC streetcar may draw even more passengers because of a new development: the Epperson house. This elegant mansion on 52nd and Cherry is set to be a luxury hotel, plans which were proposed all the way back in 2021.
From being a haunted conservatory for UMKC musicians to being the home of insurance tycoon Uriah Epperson, this building has lived many lives. While preserving the house's historic wood and stone work, the hotel will include a spa, café, restaurant and event space.
For people who are more inclined to the west side of the city, there are many developments underway in Kansas, as well.
In Prairie Village, a new Henhouse is finally arriving on 71st and Mission, where the colossal Macy's once stood; construction officially started on January 12.
In Kansas City, Kansas, the world's first entertainment bridge over a river is opening, dubbed the Rock Island Bridge. This project is not just renewing the infrastructure of a bridge over the Kansas (Kaw) River; it will
EVELOPMENTS INKC
DStorybyStella Baskaand
house restaurants, event spaces and public facilities.
Originally a railroad bridge in the stockyards of Kansas City, the bridge's makeover is in the perfect area for foot traffic, being right by Hy-Vee Arena and offering river activity amenities. In terms of money, because this project is so big, private sponsors, corporations and government partners have teamed up to make sure the project is done by this year.
Along with hiking near the Kansas River by the Rock Island Bridge, another way to get fresh air is the Greenline KC Project. This proposal is a 10-mile loop of trails around the urban areas of Kansas City. The pathway will start at Kaw Point and go through areas like Union Station and the East Bottoms. Modeled from projects like the Highline New York and the Underline Miami, Greenline KC intends to promote cross-cultural connection and inter-city appreciation.
In addition, the KC Jazz District is actively preparing for expansion as construction is expected to start later this year. The first phase of this project is upgrading to a 470-space parking garage. The garage will offer visitor parking for the cultural hub and tie into public transit networks. This upcoming step is one of many broader projects to expand the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Jazz District. New retail, housing and entertainment is also expected in the 18th and Vine district. Ultimately, these updates will provide a new sense of security, walkability and accessibility to the historic neighborhood.
The Power and Light District is also seeking new developments through new eateries, expanded seating areas and improved lighting and heating. Restaurants like Homegrown and Modern Market are supposed to open later this year.
An alternative event space to Power and Light downtown will be the Barry Allis Plaza, a redevelopment project that will replace the existing Auditorium Parking Garage as a public park. The project will be a space for dogs, children and adults, establishing community in the heart of the city. B
MAJA BIRD
Maja Bird, pictured here in a dress she designed for a fashion show at the Nelson Atkins Muesum of Art, has planned to make a personalized prom dress since she was a freshman. Stay tuned to hear her plans and visions.
Story
Savannah Taylor | Staff Writer
by
Photos courtesy of Maja Bird
Q: What inspired you to make your prom dress yourself?
A: “I have planned to make my prom dress since I started to sew in my freshman year. I wanted a dress I felt the most confident in, and something that felt the most like me. “
Q: How long have you been sewing/making your own clothes?
A: “I have been sewing since I was about 7, but I started sewing consistently in my sophomore year.”
Q: Who taught you to sew? Is it someone special to you?
A: “My grandmother bought me my first sewing machine; she has her own sewing business called Excess Baggage. She taught me the basics and I am self-taught otherwise. “
Q: Do you plan on pursuing a career with your talent?
A: “I hope to! It would be a dream come true to design as a career. Lauren Whiteside (senior at STA and my best friend) is planning on pursuing Fashion Business while I pursue Fashion Design, and we are hoping to start something in the field together.”
Q: How many versions of the prom dress did you sketch?
A: “I sketched three different options. My goal is to have my dress fully sourced from thrifted materials, so I had to sketch based on my limited resources.”
Q: Was your dress inspired by another dress or completely your idea?
A: “It was inspired by the dress Lily James wore in live-action Cinderella. That was my favorite movie growing up and I always dreamt of wearing a dress like hers, I did take lots of creative liberties to make it feel more personal to myself, but that was my original vision!”
McGannon
Q : Do you know what accessories you are going to add yet? If so, what are they? Why did you choose them specifically?
A: “I know I want to wear white gloves and heels, and gold/pearl jewelry. I think this will make the entire look come together, creating a regal sort of look. I wanted to keep my purchases limited for this look, so I thrifted the white heels and I already had the perfect white gloves. I also already owned lots of pearls and gold.” b
Bird poses in an original creation.
Bird smiles with friends after a fashion show at the Nelson Atkins Muesum of Art..
Bird poses at the Nelson Atkins Muesum of Art in an original look.
Mindful Happiness?
The recent TikTok trend of "serotonin menus" teaches users how to utilize mood-boosting activities throughout their day.
Story by Rebecca McGannon | Editor-in-Chief and Lauren Rando | Design Editor
Have you found yourself doom scrolling again? Looking for your next dopamine hit? Having a bad day and looking for some light?
One social media trend that has attempted to tackle the times when you feel down or blue and take control of your happiness hormones is called "serotonin menus." From a fun daily beverage to enhancing your workout routine, these "menus" have all three courses, appetizers to desserts. A classic serotonin menu would include a few appetizers, smaller and quicker additions to life that boost serotonin; entrees, longer activities that increase feelings of happiness; and finally, dessert, more indulgent and special things that make you feel good.
Serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain to throughout your body. Serotonin is created from the amino acid tryptophan in the brain and intestines. The hormone is stored in vesicles within neurons and released into the synaptic cleft, or the space between the neurons, when triggered by an electrical signal. The chemical affects the mood, which can make you more focused and emotionally stable. Serotonin also plays a role with nausea and many anti-nausea and vomiting drugs target serotonin receptors. The chemical also aids digestion by speeding it up and increasing the quality of sleep because serotonin is necessary to make melatonin. Increasing serotonin levels can be done by eating foods higher in tryptophan like salmon, eggs, cheese, turkey, tofu, pineapples, nuts and seeds. Getting more sunlight and exercise also increases tryptophan levels.
One example of a fun appetizer for a serotonin menu might be to sit in the sunlight for five to 10 minutes. How will this boost serotonin? The sunlight activates special receptors in the retina, which send signals to the rap, the nuclei, which are responsible for serotonin production and release. In addition, soaking up some sun helps regulate the circadian rhythm, the daily natural oscillation cycle, which can lead to better mood and sleep. Sunlight also aids the body's production of vitamin D, indirectly supporting increased serotonin.
STA seniors Emma Campbell and Anna Christianson share their go-to mood boosters.
"I like to hang out with my friends or sometimes go get a sweet treat," Campbell said. "I also love going for walks and doing my skincare routine before bed."
"Listening to my favorite songs and albums always makes me feel better," Christianson said. "Sunny days and warm weather with a sweet treat are also another go-to of mine."
Serotonin is an important hormone to sustain in order to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. So, next time your mood is all gloomy, be prepped and ready with a serotonin menu. B
The Dart's Serotonin Menu:
P P E T I Z E R S E N T R E S D E S S E R T S
GO SIT IN THE SUN LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE SONG/ PODCAST SPEND SOME TIME JOURNALING CALL A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE TAKE AN "EVERYTHING" SHOWER TRY BAKING DO SOME ONLINE SHOPPING GO GET A SWEET TREAT
ENJOY A FUN DRINK
Rando
Leaping Leprechauns, St. Paddy's Day is here!
The Dart gives you the St. Patrick's Day scoop, from the saint himself to Brookside parades. Story by Chloe Denk | Editor-in-Chief
Today, St. Patrick's Day is characterized by crowds swathed in green and leprechauns jigging through rainbows over shamrock-covered fields. We forget that the origins of the holiday actually go back to a young man in Ireland in the fifth century.
Before he was the patron saint of Ireland, Maewyn Succat, born in Roman Britain, was brought to Ireland as a slave when he was 16 years old. After six years as a herdsman, he dreamt that a ship was ready to aid him in his escape. Succat returned to Britain, but had another interesting dream: this one telling him to return to Ireland. Around 432 C.E., he obeyed the calling, and went to Ireland to convert the Irish to the Christian faith. After becoming a priest, he changed his name to Patricius, from the Latin "father figure."
Legends abound about Patrick's time in Ireland, including the well-known tale of the shamrock. As the story goes, the now-saint used the three leaves of the shamrock to represent the three parts of the Holy Trinity.
Other legends claim Patrick drove all snakes of Ireland into the sea and rose 33 people from the dead. Some assert that his prayers brought a herd of pigs to hungry sailors. Regardless of the veracity of said legends, the Irish revere St. Patrick as the bringer of Christianity to Ireland, and his legacy is celebrated each 17th of March.
The date is the anniversary of St. Patrick's death, which was believed to be in 461 C.E. The holiday itself has been celebrated since the 9th or 10th century, but celebrating on the 17th began in 1631, when the Roman Catholic Church established it to be St. Patrick's Feast Day.
In Ireland, classic celebrations include attending church in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon. Traditionally, Lenten prohibitions against meat are waived, and Irish bacon and cabbage are eaten.
Celebrations didn't stop at the Irish border. St. Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in the United States, Canada and Australia. The earliest celebrations in the U.S. reportedly took place in 1600, in St. Augustine, Florida. Later, with the influx of Catholic Irish immigrants into America, the holiday became increasingly secular, and is now celebrated by millions of people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
March 17th in the U.S. is accompanied by festive food items such as soda bread, corned beef, and champ. In addition, all manner of green food is served, including green beer (ironic since the color associated with St. Patrick was traditionally blue). The green craze doesn't stop there: Americans wear green on the holiday, lest they be pinched by their friends and family. The city of Chicago even dies the Chicago River green with 40 pounds of vegetable dye. The original reason for the tradition is somewhat less whimsical: Chicago first dyed its river in 1962 in order to trace sewage discharges.
Other U.S. cities hold major celebrations as well. The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade was first held in 1762, making it the world's oldest civilian parade. It boasts over 150,000 participants annually. Boston's parade dates back to 1737, and Savannah's to 1813.
Many American parades feature marching bands, step dancers, and, of course, bagpipes, which incidentally actually first became popular in Scottish and British armies, not Irish ones. Other aspects are more fictional, like leprechauns. The creatures were originally called "lobaircin," meaning "smallbodied fellow." In Celtic folklore, they are cranky beings who use trickery to protect their treasure and mend the shoes of other fairies.
Senior Cate Turner's St. Patrick Day celebration may not prominently feature little men clad in green top-hats, but it does include a red double decker bus. For years, her family drove in the Brookside St. Patrick's Day Warm-Up Parade.
"My grandpa would drive a red double decker bus, and my whole family would hop on and ride," Turner said. "We would ride down to the Brookside parade, and we would pass out beads. Literally anybody could hop on and get out whenever they wanted. We would pass out candy."
A London-style double decker bus may seem like a strange vehicle to keep on hand, but Turner's grandfather has had it for about 50 years. The family keeps it downtown, and transporting the bus to the parade is another cherished tradition.
"Where the bus is parked is [what] we call the shop," Turner said. "My whole family goes down. We all wear a bunch of green."
The bus, which reportedly only reaches top speeds of five miles an hour, takes about an hour to transport from downtown to the Brookside shops. Turner claims her family's passion for the holiday lies in her ancestry.
"My whole family is Irish Catholic [and] there are a lot of Catholic traditions with St. Patrick's Day," Turner said.
One of her favorite aspects of St. Patrick's Day is the classic color: green.
"I just love wearing green," Turner said. "I love the decorations and the beads…We usually do green glitter."
While the bus hasn't seen the energetic Brookside crowds in several years, its long-awaited return is scheduled for this March.
"We don't really go on the bus anymore, but I think we are this year," Turner said. "I just love being with my whole family and making everybody know that the bus is coming."
Whether you go to see the Turner's famous bus or just throw on some green beads this holiday, there are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day: a holiday that began with a humble British boy (although the Irish might contest that) and now includes people from all backgrounds and religions. Happy St. Paddy's Day!
This story includes information from the following sources: "Britannica," History. com, and "Time."
Hair Products
As a curly girl, I’ve been looking for the right products so I can be fully confident in my hair. With a little bit of digging, I found three routines that were all the rage on “Curlytok,” but will these products live up to my standards?
Story by Lily Remer | Staff Writer
Cantu AAABB
Going into Cantu, I was really excited because it wasn’t super pricey, and the product alone was very thick and smelled like fresh coconut, which I loved. When doing my hair, I recognized how this product is definitely made for lower porosity hair, so I understood that I shouldn’t use a lot of the product, and that it may not work as well on my hair as it would on tighter curls. I wasn’t wowed by the product mainly because I don’t think it was made for my hair, but I do think it defined my hair really well, so I am not opposed to it.
Not Your Mother’s AAAAA
Not Your Mother’s has been the star of “Curlytok,” advertised as an alternative to expensive hair products; each of the Mother’s products range from eight to 10 dollars. I love how thick the curl cream is and how fluffy the mousse is; the gel is thinner but very strong holding and creates a good cast. Not Your Mother’s was my very first curly hair purchase and I have always been super happy with my results. The product alone has really helped my hair’s health and my curls get more and more defined. I would strongly suggest Not Your Mother’s for all hair types, as they offer a wide variety of products. This is definitely my favorite product I’ve used so far.
Marc Anthony AAABB
Growing up, I only really had a light wave to my hair but that was nothing compared to my hair now, which is a big mixture of wave and curl. It’s been especially hard to find a good hair product because of that reason, and because my curls aren’t completely defined. When trying Marc Anthony’s product, I first recognized how heavy the mousse was and how light the curl cream was. I personally prefer when I have a heavier curl cream just because it moisturizes my hair more intensely. Marc Anthony’s product had a strong lemon scent (which sort of gave me a headache), and going in I had really low expectations. However, disregarding the smell, I was impressed with the results; though it wasn’t my favorite, I do think Marc Anthony complimented my hair and left it looking good.
Overall, I do think the products I used are great and made my hair look presentable; we are still on our journey to find the perfect product, but if you have curly or wavy hair, I strongly suggest Not your Mother’s products. B
The Podcast Chronicles
Exploring the different types of podcasts: from comedy and true crime to loving affirmations.
Story by Marcella Buckley | Staff Writer
Podcasts have become extremely popular, and it seems like every influencer is either hosting one or being a guest nowadays. But which ones are the best and are they even worth your time? I listened to four podcasts-- some more popular, some you may not have heard of. I listened to all of these on Spotify, although if you don’t have that app, then then you can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts.
True Crime: Crime Junkie
“Crime Junkie” is a true crime podcast that goes over many topics: murders, missing people, people who are wanted and much more. “Crime Junkie” is hosted by Ashley Flowers; she makes it very clear that when she is diving into true crime, she is not only learning more about the case but also about giving a voice to the victims and understanding their lives behind what you may see on the news. This episode is talking about Helen Betty Osborne and diving into the details of what exactly happened, who killed her and why would it remain a secret for so many years? I truly recommend this podcast if you want to understand and learn more about true crime. I would recommend listening to this podcast while taking notes. Personally I went on a walk and did some chores while listening; therefore, I could give it my main attention.
Self Care: Affirmation Pod
“Affirmation Pod” is a podcast that offers weekly affirmations about confidence, motivation and finding contentment. “Affirmation Pod” is hosted by Josie Ong and she makes her episodes very easy and short to listen to. Even if you are in a hurry, give her 10-15 minutes of your time and listen to her weekly affirmations. Without a doubt I recommend listening to this podcast; it is very short and extremely easy to listen to. I would recommend giving yourself 10 minutes and just enjoy.
Comedy: SmartLess
“SmartLess” is a comedy podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett. The trio brings in a special guest every week and interviews them. I looked up one of their most popular episodes and “Will Ferrell” showed up, so I thought that would be a great one to listen to! This episode goes over many topics about Ferrell from his childhood to his SNL career, and the combination of these men were incredible funny. I caught myself laughing multiple times. I really do recommend listing to this podcast; the hosts are very funny and caught my attention right away. For me, this was a podcast where I felt like I didn’t have to do any kind of activity; I could just sit, listen and relax.
Other: New Heights
“New Heights With Jason & Travis Kelce” is a podcast hosted by. . .you guessed it: Jason and Travis Kelce. On the podcast, they talk about American football, culture and society. On the episode I listened to, they had a very special guest: Adam Sandler. The three covered many topics, including Sandler’s comedy/movie career and how that started off, his favorite memories of his career and his family life. This podcast was a nice distraction and was pretty entertaining and funny with all of their different personalities; of course, Sandler knows how to make everything funny. I recommend listening to this podcast, especially if you are cleaning, driving or coloring like I did! B
In recent years, a growing number of teenagers have been rediscovering the joy of childhood toys, embracing everything from stuffed animals to Lego sets
even has a social media presence with over 2.8 million followers across all platforms. Jellycats come in all shapes and sizes and for any interests--there are foods, animals, objects, plants and more. People are able to find comfort through these plushies by “treating themselves” to a cute stuffed friend that aligns with their interests.
On a larger scale, stuffed animals as a whole have been studied for kids’ strong attachment to them. The world can be unpredictable, especially for children. Stuffed animals provide a sense of security, a constant in their lives. These plush toys become a consistent friend, always present to give comfort. For many adults, this security has carried over as they have grown up.
The mere feeling of cradling something soft and relaxing can soothe teenagers, as well as ebb anxiety and fear.
Janssen acknowledges that carrying a stuffed animal brings the same feelings as petting a cat or dog.
“I had a surgery when I was younger to get my adenoids removed and I liked to bring my stuffed animal with me,” Janssen said. “I still like the sense of comfort that it continues to bring me.”
It is a very common practice for hospitals to give children and adults stuffed animals as a way to comfort them and can help the healthcare workers connect with kids. According to the website Random Acts, “For children and adults in hospitals, stuffed animals
I had a surgery when I was younger to get my adenoids removed, and I liked to bring my stuffed animal with me. I still like the sense of comfort it brings me.
- Ella Jansen
are often a multi-purpose coping tool for medical-related fears. Research shows that stuffed animals serve as a distraction from fears, as well as being a familiar face in an unfamiliar setting.”
Giving children in the hospital toys allows them to use their imaginations, too. They get to play like they do outside of the hospital.
D O O H D L I H C
Childhood toys and collectibles have risen in popularity among teenagers and adults recently. The Dart explores these childhood comforts and what makes them so appealing.
Story by Isa Glover | Sports/News Editor and Julia Schwaller | Staff Writer
and collectible dolls. This trend, once possibly seen by some people as immature, is now more widely recognized as a means of comfort, stress relief and self-expression.
Senior Ella Janssen recognizes society’s shift in its views of childhood toys and the roles they play in our lives.
“It has become more socially acceptable to have comfort objects,” Janssen said. “They [comfort objects] bring peace of mind when you have them close and easy to access.”
Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals, specifically Jellycats, have become all the rage. According to Fortune, “Consumer interest in Jellycat has skyrocketed by 171% over the past year.”
Gen Z is responsible for this boom in sales, sharing their favorites and which ones they like the best all over social media. Jellycat
“Similar to petting a dog or a cat, having something cute that you can hold like a stuffed animal, brings a sense of calmness and many people like that,” Janssen said.
Junior Rebecca Hiles notes her love for Jellycats.
“I had a Jellycat exchange with my friends,” Hiles said. “It’s a nice reminder of friendship and a fun event to do with your friends.”
Aside from Jellycats, many students have stuffed animals from their childhoods.
Janssen’s childhood stuffed animal serves as a memory from her past.
A smiling Jellycat éclair. Photo courtesy of Jellycat.
Legos
Not all toys that provide comfort are stuffed animals. Legos never stopped being popular, but more “adult” sets have helped Lego reach new heights, especially after COVID. According to Reuters, in 2021, “Lego doubled its earnings in the first six months of the year as customers flocked to its reopened stores to buy Star Wars building sets, model Colosseums and flower bouquets made from its colorful plastic bricks.”
Flower bouquets and architecture sets appeal to adults, allowing for a fun decoration that they don’t have to take care of in their busy lives.
Lego even offers sets that go with certain seasons, like poinsettias for Christmas and roses for a special someone during Valentine’s Day.
Because Legos are so durable, they make great collectibles for both kids and adults. Legos can even be passed on if kept, making a child’s connection to them stronger through their parents.
Lego has an avid fanbase with millions of followers on social media. The hashtag #lego has over 25 million posts on Instagram alone.
spatial awareness and critical thinking skills as they experiment and build with different combinations of bricks. This also helps improve memory, focus and attention span as they plan and build different structures.”
Sophomore Taryn Carney expressed her love for floral Legos.
“Legos are super fun,” Carney said. “I especially like the flowers and how they’re starting to make more stuff that will fit into
This community is active and shares their original creations with others.
As an added Lego bonus, according to The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, “Children develop problem-solving, S T R F O M O C
Legos are super fun. I especially like the flowers and how they’re starting to make more stuff that will fit into people’s rooms as decorations.
- Taryn Carney “
people’s rooms as decorations.”
Janssen shared some of her favorite Lego plants.
“I personally have a few sets of the Lego flowers like the bonsai tree,” Janssen said. “And I had a whole mini plant set that I got last year.”
Hiles explained why she thinks Legos are so appealing.
“Legos are a great way to relax and do something that is not school based, but also uses your mind to figure things out.”
A Lego lotus flower set sits on display.
A romantic Lego rose duo is on view.
Collectibles
The world is no stranger to collectibles. From Pokémon cards to Beanie Babies, collectibles have been around for a long time. Recently, Sonny Angel, a collectible minifigure who wears all kinds of different hats, has become popular.
Sonny Angels come in surprise boxes, meaning the buyer doesn’t know what they’ll
get until they open it. When the buyer gets the Sonny Angel they want, they can get excited, and experience an almost childlike sense of joy. They then must buy more to get that feeling again, keeping them coming back. Other companies have been doing this for years, like Mini Brands and the classic Pokémon cards.
Sonny Angels make for cute decorations. Influencers post all over their feeds about their array of Sonny Angel displays.
Carney’s childhood collectibles gave her fond memories to look back on.
“I love the memories I have with my toys and how much fun I had with them,” Carney said. “I played with princess figurines and it was so fun.”
Freshman Ellie Brennan recalled her favorite collectibles as a kid.
“When I was younger, I collected Shopkins for a really long time,” Brennan said. “My cousins and I would always play with them and trade them whenever we saw each other.”
With the continuing rise of social media, it can be difficult to find other things to do besides scroll. Childhood toys can help to protect physical, emotional and mental health issues resulting from social media, and lead to a decrease in internet use.
Ironically, however, Janssen notices that the increase in teenagers having childhood toys may be a result of social media.
“Social media makes
it hard for people to find other things to do because it gives you that immediate sense of dopamine that other things don’t necessary give you,” Janssen said. “Being able to build with your hands, especially Legos, helps spark more creativity in people.”
Similarly, social media also makes it easier to see the trends, including the trend of childhood toys resurfacing.
Hiles notes that social media also plays a role
When I was younger, I collected Shopkins for a really long time. My cousins and I would always play with them and trade with each other whenever we saw each other.
- Ellie Brennan
in the increasing sales of childhood toys.
“I think Jellycats received an increase of interest with a lot of people because they are honestly very cute and became a trend on social media,” Hiles said. “I’ve noticed with the Sonny Angels and other collectibles, people try and go buy the newest ones.”
A collection of Sonny Angels stands on a display shelf. Photo courtesy of Delia Curtis.
Right On Tar ge t
Editorial by Anna Salinardi | Staff Writer
The Dart staff debates if stress and mental health are associated with the increase in teens purchasing childhood toys.
Think of Legos or a Jellycat: these things seem like childish toys but for some reason, teenagers get drawn in and buy them for themselves. Could the reason for this be because in today’s busy and stressful world, these toys represent an aspect of comfort and relief from all the responsibilities of being a teenager? The Dart staff discussed their thoughts on whether or not stress is a factor in the rise of toys purchased by teens.
Overall, the answer was yes among the staffers, but there were still mixed views on the matter. Some saw the toys as signs of nostalgia and teenagers craving aspects of childhood they may be missing or have missed out on.
Others believe that the stress of being a teenager and preparing to go off to college and into
adulthood is very straining and these toys are a constant in their lives--something they can fall back on in times of need.
However, Toys aren’t the only things teens seem to be very drawn to; fidgets like stress balls, slimes and NeeDohs have been specifically targeted for managing stress. These items are similar to Legos and Jellycats in that all can help teens cope with the stressors and pressures they face.
Another aspect that The Dart staff discussed were the marketing techniques used to advertise these products, which frequently focus on more mature interests. For example, the Jellycat website features different types of plushies for a wide variety of personalities. Whether you are a food lover, animal lover or plant lover, there is something for everyone. This applies to Legos as well: they are being marketed as a project for teens and adults to participate in, as opposed to strictly a childish thing for kids to build. Furthermore, a sense of belonging and community is generated through the many groups created on social media platforms
targeting consumers of these products.
In that vein, an argument was made that these toys aren’t really related to stress in any way, and the appeal is just plain consumerism. Especially in our era of social media, people buying things that are trending could be the motivation. If you show interest in Jellycats or Legos, the algorithm on a device will constantly keep these products front and center, further encouraging future purchases.
Sales of Jellycats rose 41 percent in the U.S. last year, compared to a two-percent growth of other stuffed animals. Globally, $57 million worth of Jellycats were purchased last year. In 2023, Legos sales reached an all-time high of $9.8 billion. Obviously, these products have a massive appeal to today’s young consumer and the trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
lag ootball
Comes to STA
Last week, many girls tried out for the inaugural season of a new sport.
Story by Maya Tule | Photography Editor
The Kansas City Chiefs have been putting up an effort to promote and expand youth football in America, and they are starting strong in Kansas City. They have been pushing towards this goal for some time now; the Chiefs Flag Program is an emerging effort that connects parents and students to the best flag football programs around. The Chiefs hope to expand this program and have it be a safe, fun way for kids to learn fundamentals of football and wellness.
The incorporation of flag football youth programs was a big turning point for the NFL. As parents became more and more concerned about the risks of tackle football, especially the long-term effects of concussions and injuries, flag football became more popular. One of the first organized leagues was formed in Baltimore, Maryland,
in 1956, which became an allmen’s league. The sport grew tremendously and was eventually made a professional sport in 1994, with the first game being played between Princeton and Rutgers.
Although the passion for the sport was great, women were not allowed to play until 1974, when the United States Flag Football Association (USFFA) sanctioned an all-women’s tournament in Akron and Cleveland, Ohio. As women became dominant in the sport, the NorthEast Women’s Football League (NEWFL) was formed and is the oldest and largest league of women flag football players today.
The International Women’s Flag Football Association (IWFFA) has been very active in spreading the love and passion of football throughout multiple countries. This spring, STA has adopted a program and incorporated our
very own flag football team here. With over 60 students interested, the first season will consist of a JV and varsity team coached by Isabel Burnett, Nate Riley and Kiera Hardy. Hardy shares some hopes for the program’s first year.
“I want to teach the game of football, especially flags,” Hardy said. “Specifically, I want the kids to have a lot of fun. I want it to be something that they can look forward to coming to and doing. I think that interest will build into a lot of competitiveness and ultimately build on that. This first season I want us to just have a lot of fun and enjoy it and see what it potentially will be here at STA.”
Hardy has her own experience with the game as well.
“This will be my first year coaching flag football,” Hardy said. “I have played for about three or four seasons on a co-ed team and I played in the league in Kansas and then just recently at KC Crew.”
The inclusion of this sport brings more opportunity to STA students and has the potential to become a growing team here.
“I want it [flag football] to continue at STA,” Hardy said. “I think it’s a great sport, and having female athletes participate in a sport that they haven’t been able to, I think it’s groundbreaking. I think and hope that they run with it here at STA and I think we’re going to do a lot of great things. I just want, in the end game, for them to have the opportunity to play any sports that they can.”
W men’s Symp sium
Last week, STA held the annual Women’s Symposium, focusing on global themes and diffrent topics.
Story by Wynnie Sprague | Opinions Editor
The Women’s Symposium, a conference-style event on the STA campus, was held on March 7th. Various speakers presented on different topics, sharing their experiences and insights. This year’s symposium theme was “One World, Many Voices: Women Shaping a Global Future.”
Students got to choose between 29 sessions to attend, ranging on topics from “Don’t Hack Your Neighbor - Women in Cybersecurity” to “Humanitarian Leadership in Action.”
The event featured more than 30 presenters, with nine of them being alumnae. The keynote speaker was Kim Warren, who, according to the St. Teresa’s Academy’s website, “graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy in 1990, and graduated from Yale University four years later. After some time in the Slovak Republic as an English teacher in the United States Peace Corps and as an AmeriCorps supervisor in the Greater Kansas City area, she pursued master’s and doctorate degrees in history from Stanford University.”
Warren is an author and editor of several books and articles, ranging on many different topics. One panel all grades were
required to attend was the Young Alumnae panel, where graduates from STA discussed their experiences as working professionals. At the end of the day, students were asked to complete a form, reflecting on what they had learned from the sessions they attended.
The Women’s Symposium was coordinated by Kelly Finn, director of innovation and advanced interdisciplinary education; student representatives on this year’s committee included Piper Brandmeyer Gabriella Campbell, Carly Cooper, Myra Hicks and Claudia Wilson. B
Mock Schedule of a Student’s Day:
8:15
Juana Summers welcome and keynote speaker introduction by Siabhan May-Washington, STA president
8:50
9:35
Key note speaker: Kim Warren
Session 1: "Advocating for Global Women's Health from Home" by Lucy Smith
10:20
Session 2: "Driving Change in a Divided World" by Claire Harrison
11:05
Lunch
12:20
Session 3: "Passion and Purpose: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow" by Christina Chandler 1:05
Session 4: "The Future of Trade is Female: Empowering Young Women to Bridge the Gap" by Melissa Miller OR Young Alum Panel for Freshman/ Sophomores
1:50
Session 5: "Women and Mental Health: How to Prioritize Yourself to Help Others" by Katie Montgomery OR Young Alum Panel for Juniors/Seniors 2:35
Advisory Reflection
Graphic by Eva Farmer and Grace O’Dea
Jump into spring and learn about all the health benefits of fruit.
Story by Anna Salinardi | Staff Writer
No Mou tai s. N Beach. Problem? No
packed with antioxidants, which have been linked to preventing heart disease and reducing inflammation. In addition, those antioxidants are what give the strawberries their beautiful red coloring. Like oranges, strawberries are rich in vitamin C, providing more than the daily amount recommended.
If you are looking for fresh and healthy foods to add to your everyday meals, fruit is one of your best choices. In particular, apples, strawberries and oranges are great options. These fruits are easily accessible worldwide and are full of positive health benefits and essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Let’s start off with apples: this organic and red fruit is full of amazing benefits.
Let’s start off with apples: this organic and red fruit is full of amazing benefits. They contain a great source of fiber, called pectin, which helps with digestion and gut health. Because of this pectin, apples cause you to feel full after you eat them, which prevents overeating. The fiber also aids in helping lower cholesterol, which then contributes to heart health.
Vibrant and luscious, strawberries aren’t only pretty to look at but are
Vibrant and luscious, strawberries aren’t only pretty to look at but are packed with antioxidants, which have been linked to preventing heart disease and reducing inflammation.
Lastly, oranges. This citrusy and acidic fruit is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for your body’s immune system. Oranges are one of the highest sources of immune-boosting nutrients which help fight sickness, colds, infections and other illnesses. If you eat oranges regularly, they can help lower your blood pressure because of the potassium they contain.
These fruits are at their peak in the springtime, and incorporating any fruit into your diet has profound impacts on your overall well-being. There are over 2,000 different types of fruit, so whether you’re
Oranges are one of the highest sources of immune-boosting nutrients that help fight sickness, colds, infections and other illnesses.
looking for a crunch from an apple, a soft and sweet strawberry or a juicy orange, there is a fruit for everyone. B
What do Kansas Citians do when our town is known for having “nothing” to do?
Story by Wynnie Sprague | Opinions Editor
With Kansas City having no notable bodies of water, or anything to ski down, snowboard or hike up, what do we do?
The first thing that I believe takes up our time is following and cheering for a sports team; between the Chiefs, the Royals, Sporting KC, KC Current, KU and Mizzou, Kansas Citians have numerous sports teams to obsess about. While the rest of the country follows teams and cheers for them, Kansas Citians do so on a deeper level.
In addition to professional teams, on Friday nights during the fall there are many students at Rockhurst football games -mostly for social purposes.
Along with cheering on sports teams, people also spend their money on concert tickets. Whether it’s Kenny Chesney on Fourth of July weekend to a one-man band at Starlight Theater, people are always going to concerts, even if they aren’t the biggest fan of the person performing.
Because we don’t have any mountains to ski down or hike, many people get their physical activities in by joining workout studios like Power Life and Fusion. Also, since we don’t have a beach to go to, it’s common
to see people tanning on a towel on their driveways in the summer. My friends and I rotate which day we go to certain pools to give us something new to do every day.
In addition to tanning in summertime, pickleball has taken over summer nights. Pickleball courts all around KC are packed with people of all ages playing pickleball and listening to music on their speakers.
There are many places to visit in Kansas City, from Union Station and the Nelson-
most popular. I think everyone needs to experience the stress of ordering at Gates if you don’t know what you want. For being in the middle of the country, the Mexican food here is amazing. From Tiki Taco, Rudy’s Tenampa Taqueria, Taco Cacao and Los Tules, you will never be disappointed if you’re craving Mexican.
Hemma Hemma, Billie’s Grocery, Earl’s Premier and The Mixx are restaurants with a large variety of food genres on the menu and are good for lunch or dinner.
Homegrown, McClains, Mildred’s and Rise are some of the best places to go sit down for breakfast-- if you can get in on a Sunday morning.
So, if you feel like you have nothing to do, you can always turn on the TV to watch any KC sports team, try a new restaurant, tan outside, play pickleball or visit a museum you might not have thought to go to. B
Atkins Museum of Art to farmers markets and various walking trails. I know these things sound “boring” because they are in the middle of the Midwest, in the state Missouri, but they are actually activities that make you feel like you are out of town.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial was built in KC because we are in the heart of the country. People from all over the country come to visit it to remember and educate themselves on WWI. The Liberty Memorial Tower is over 217-feet high and once you ride up to the top, you will see some of the best views of KC, including Union Station.
Lastly, I can’t talk about what to do in KC if I don’t talk about the food scene. We are known for barbeque: Gates, Joe’s and Q39 are a few of the
Superf ds Na ure’s Sweetest
l kb ook
junior ring and senior prom
As Junior Ring and Prom quickly approach, The Dart provides inspiration for all your last-minute dance needs.
Story by Cassie Hallier | Design Editor
The DART | Last Look | designed by Cassie Hallier
DART STAFF
Advisor
Dianne Hirner
Editors-In-Chief
Chloe Denk
Molly Sonnenberg
Rebecca McGannon
Features Editor
Stella Baska
Design Editors
Cassie Hallier
Lauren Rando
Opinions Editor
Wynnie Sprague
Photography Editor
Maya Tule
Sports/News
Editor
Isa Glover
Social Media Editor
Jo Marshall
Staff Writers
Anna Salinardi
Julia Schwaller
Kennedi Fritz
Lily Remer
Marcella Buckley
Savannah Taylor
COVER DESIGN BY
Stella
Baska | Features Editor
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