The Dart: Vol 74 Issue 2

the St. Teresa’s Academy Kansas City, Missouri

THE FACES OF FEMINISM TALKING ABOUT THE "F" WORD The Dart investigates the movement behind a negative connotation.

Car accidents increase among juniors ›› pg. 4 | Local haunted houses in season ›› pg. 16 | Students host Open Mic Night ›› pg. 28

CONTENTS

the Dart

vol. 75

issue 2

20 October 2014

18

finding feminism | Junior Amber Brownlee sits in front of a view of Kansas City with misconceptions of what feminists are written on her face Sept. 28. photo by MADDY MEDINA

16

23 born to sing | Juniors Lily Cosgrove, left, and Hayley Burgess talk before a performance at the fall choir concert Oct. 7. Both girls are members of STA singers. photo by SIOBHAN MILLER

news 4 // Car accidents increase among juniors

star spotlight

8 // Sophomore wins radio contests

reviews

10 // New show explores an altered history

features

16 // Local haunted houses in season

haunted history | Edge of Hell employees enjoy some fresh air before the haunted house officially opens. The employee to the right tells how the actor in makeup was one of his first hires and has been working there for over 22 years, Oct. 3. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

cover story 18 // Misconceptions of feminism

editorial

22 // Time to talk about feminism

a&e

23 // First STA choir concert of the year

perspectives

24 // Staying in touch with long-distance siblings

sports

27 // Cross country a consistently popular sport

community

28 // Students host an Open Mic Night

last look 2

30 // Campus crossword

From the

Editors

Attending an all-girls school, it seems likely that feminism would be a topic of agreement among students. However, when interviewed by the Dart, several students said they would not consider themselves feminists.

Throughout its development, the term “feminism” has gained a negative reputation. Often perceived as a desire for female superiority, feminism holds misconceptions that shield people from its true motives.

In reality, the central goal of feminism is to realize equality among people of not only opposing genders but also sexual orientations, colors and races.

In this issue of the Dart, we address the negative connotations associated with feminism and highlight those who seek to clarify the word’s meaning. Here at STA we strive to recognize the accomplishments of women in our community. Through the Dart in particular, we aim to uphold students who have earned success in our all-female environment, whether theatri-

cally, athletically or academically. In addition to featuring student’s successes, we cover local news stories such as an increase in car accidents among students. Our local news continues beyond STA’s campus by covering Kansas City events ranging from spooky haunted houses to arts in our community; including the Plaza Art Fair and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art’s Open Mic Night.

Enjoy the issue!

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

Staff List

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

Copy

Print

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 Frish, 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 HELEN WHEATLEY and LAUREN ZASTROW hwheatley17@stastars.org lzastrow15@stastars.org

If you could witness anything, what would it be?

“I would like to witness a game in the World Cup” Taylor Staves, freshman “I would witness the birth of Christ” Clair Franey, sophomore “I would see a private concert from Beyoncé” Emily O’Neil, junior “I would witness the moment Michael Jackson first did the moonwalk” Micah Welch, senior

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Gloria Cowdin, cover design by Mary Hilliard

3

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.

Comment Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage readers to comment on all posts. However, DartNewsOnline and the Dart reserve the right to monitor and edit all comments on DartNewsOnline. Comments that disagree with the editorial policy will not be published.

Photo Use Policy

Photo illustrations are conceptual photos that combine drawing and photography.

All photos on the website are free for public use. If a reader is interested in highquality copies of photos, please email DartNewsOnline at dartpaper@gmail. com.

Corrections Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart will publish corrections as soon as possible after the error is discovered.

4

Car accident rates for juniors increase At least nine STA juniors have been in a car wreck this school year.

by MADI WINFIELD mwinfield17@stastars.org

Junior Payton Seever was driving down I-435 Sept. 16 and was looking to change lanes when she lost control of her car and collided with a pickup truck. The truck sustained no harm, but Seever’s car, already slightly damaged, faced some minor repairs.

“The front headlight was shattered and it punched a hole into the plastic, but my car wasn’t totaled,” Seever said.

This story is just one of many from this year alone. At least nine St. Teresa’s juniors have been involved in car accidents since the beginning of the school year.

Junior Sophia Prochnow’s story is a little less commonplace.

“I was pulling out of my driveway and I wasn’t really paying attention,” Prochnow said. “I ran into my house.

I hit the very edge.”

Her father came outside after hearing the noise and questioned Prochnow.

“He asked, ‘Were you texting?’ and I said, ‘I wasn’t on my phone; I was just backing up!’” Prochnow said.

Of the 226 STA students surveyed from all grades, nine percent, or 21 students, were in an accident during their junior year. One of these is junior Meredith Mulhern.

Mulhern was driving to school Sept. 12 down Wornall Road when some construction interrupted her travels.

“There was this really big truck filled with green pipes stacked like a pyramid,” Mulhern said. “I just see all the pipes start falling. I feel them hit the rear driver’s side of my car. I could’ve been killed if they would’ve hit me. I didn’t know what to do because I had only had my license

for about three weeks.”

But why do these accidents keep happening? And why specifically to juniors?

Junior Bella Meisel, who was involved in an accident last October, has an idea.

“Some people come from so far away that it’s more likely that they will get in an accident,” Meisel said. “I know a ton of people come from way up north, south… All over the place.”

Katie Donaldson, also a junior, presents an alternate theory.

“It seems like we’re really careless drivers because we’re juniors and we just got our licenses recently,” Donaldson said. “We’re still learning.”

When asked to give advice to fellow drivers, Donaldson said, “You really have to think on your feet.”

“On your seat,” Meisel corrected, laughing. H

FACTS AND FIGURES The Dart surveyed 226 students to hear their accident stories.

by CHRISTINA ELIAS celias15@stastars.org

Have you been in a car wreck?

YES 56% NO 46%

If yes, were you driving?

YES 15% NO 85%

What grade were you in?

BEFORE STA 57% JUNIOR 18% FRESHMAN 10% SOPHOMORE 8% SENIOR 7%

Rockhurst Improv Club admits STA students for first time

Rockhurst collaborates with other schools to create a more diverse Improv Club.

by ALEXANDRA FRISCH afrisch17@stastars.org

For the first time this year the Rockhurst High School Improv Club has extended its auditions to girls from other high schools, including STA. Three STA girls, Hayley Burgess, Hailey Greene and Connor Hodes, have joined the troupe.

According to Rockhurst High School senior Joseph Knopke, president of the Improv troupe, it will be good to have some girls playing the female roles.

“Doing co-ed improv brings a lot to it because Improv outside of high school will be co-ed,” Knopke said. “Girls and guys usually have different styles of doing it. I think having both genders creates more diversity.”

Director of the improv troupe Ashlea Christopher said she loved the idea of adding girls into the mix.

“I talked to both the teachers at STA and Sion and since there were no active troupes at either school, they thought it sounded like a great opportunity for the girls,” Christopher said. “What we wanted to do was to provide that opportunity and to have more community within our three schools and provide some performance opportunities for not just the men, but the girls as well.

The girls will add a nice new energy to the troupe.”

Christopher describes Improv Club as “acting on your feet without a script.”

“Improvisational comedy, which is what we do, is audience interactive, trying to create scenes that aren’t just from scratch but also that make the audience laugh and get the audience engaged,“ Christopher said.

Improv combines onstage games with topics thrown at them by the audience without knowing which topics they’ll end up having to incorporate.

“I’ve been delivered as a baby a

couple times,” Knopke said. “I have delivered babies a couple times. I have been every animal you can think of…

There’s a lot of crazy stuff, but it’s all for the sake of a good scene so it’s worth it.”

At these performances, the troupe performs routines of different games.

Often times, the audience members are allowed to choose the topics by writing them down or shouting them out.

“During a game I saw last year, [the improv troupe] had taken all the audience responses and ideas and crumpled them up and put them into balls and threw them across the stage,” new troupe member Connor Hodes said. “[Then] they’d pick them up at random in the middle of a sentence and have to incorporate that idea into a scene they were already doing.”

The troupe competes through a group called Seriously Playful three times a semester.

“There isn’t really a point system, but they’ll still compete against other schools anyway,” Christopher said.

According to Hodes the troupe does a variety of games.

“What we do is practice a series of games that we know we’re going to do and figure out who is the strongest at this game and divide it up accordingly,” Christopher said. “It really is about asking the audience for a prompt and taking it straight from them so they don’t know what they’re going to get. [The audience] really loves it and they’ve invested a lot of time and energy in making it a really vibrant troupe here at Rockhurst."

According to Knopke, one of the best parts of improv is the creative outlet.

“It’s been my favorite thing to do since freshman year,” Knopke said.

“For me, seeing people improve that start off as freshman and who are now sophomores or juniors… is one of my favorite parts.” H

Q&A: Joseph Knopke The Dart learned about Improv Club from president Joseph Knopke.

by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA kmediavilla16@stastars.org

Q: What made you want to start Improv Club?

A: I just loved it. I went to the Improv Club freshman year and I looked up to a lot of the guys in it.

Knopke Q: What’s your favorite part about being involved with the show?

A: I think, overall, improv is just my favorite thing to do. Period. I just love it. I love making people laugh and just working with my other troupe members.

Q: How do you prepare for the the improv show?

A: We always go to Taco Bell before every show. We do some warmups, we just try to make each other laugh because that's one of the big things about Improv Club, just all the troupe members try to make each other laugh and try to impress each other with how funny we are.

Q: What makes you nervous on stage? Do you get nervous?

A: I think at first I did. I remeber my first show; I was a freshman and I was just awful at improv at the time. So that was pretty nervewracking, but now I look forward to it. The worst thing is when you’re doing a scene and it’s obvious that it’s not really funny and people aren't laughing at it, but we learn how to recover from stuff like that. H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Anna Bauman

5

news

Recruitment begins early for future Stars

STA targets students as young as fifth-graders with shadow visits, summer camps.

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH mhough16@stastars.org

Every year, the admissions department begins to reach out to local fifth through eighth grade girls in an effort to attract them to St. Teresa’s. Junior Maddie Torti believes the recruitment process has started begun to start earlier in recent years.

“I know that my brother and I both started getting letters around the same time and we’re two years apart, so that was really weird to me back then,” Torti said.

According to director of admissions Roseann Hudnall, previous experiences have caused STA to recruit girls at a younger age.

“STA, like most area high schools, provides information to families in our feeder schools and to families who contact us for information,” Hudnall said.

“So we begin providing information to families once their daughter is in grade five because experience has taught us that a family wants information about STA when their daughter is about that age.”

Admissions assistant Anne Flynn agrees with Hudnall and says that many families are contacting STA asking to be sent information at a young age in order to plan for the future.

“We start so early because parents request it; they want to know,” Flynn said.

High school decisions could affect future family plans, according to Flynn. “[Parents] want to know where they should move and they are starting to base this off of what high schools are

6

cheering on the team | A group of girls in attendance for the Future Stars night cheer in the front row of the volleyball game Sept. 23. The girls wore STA headbands in support of the stars. photo by ANNA HAFNER

the best fit for their children,” Flynn said.

“Parents are very aware how important a great education will be to their children,” Hudnall said. “It is not unusual for families with children in preschool to contact me inquiring the best schools and parishes in the area.

They begin planning years in advance so that their children are well prepared for acceptance into the high school of their dreams.”

According to Hudnall, the Open House, the STA website, opportunities to visit campus like shadow days, athletic events, summer camps and brochures are all used to aid in the recruitment process.

“Knowledge is powerful,” Hudnall said. “By enlightening our prospective families about all STA has to offer, families have the information necessary to make the important decision about

high school.”

According to Hudnall, many recruiting strategies have remained the same while others have changed over time.

“Each year we work to improve upon our events of the previous year,” Hudnall said. “So much of what we do in admissions has been done for years and years. We just try to learn from the past year and do it even better in the current year.”

According to Torti, the mail and activities provided to her from STA were really influential to her deciding where to attend high school.

“I’m the only girl in my extended family in Kansas City so I totally had to start the process from the ground up,” Torti said. “I think the whole recruitment process is really beneficial to girls, and I know from experience that it actually matters.”

According to Hudnall recruitment

red hot | The student section stomps their feet to the "Red Hot" cheer at the varsity volleyball game Sept. 23. Future stars were invited to participate in cheers at the game. photo by ANNA HAFNER

welcome stars | A sign outside the Goppert center advertises free hotdogs, chips and treats for future stars and their families at the STA volleyball game Sept.

23. STA hosted a Future Stars night for fifth through eighth grade girls. photo by ANNA HAFNER

five star | Twinks gives high fives at the Future Stars night volleyball game Sept.

23. Twinks tied a plaid shirt around the top point of the star in accordance with the plaid theme. photo by ANNA HAFNER

is still necessary despite the recent growth in applicants.

“For the admissions department, recruitment really means providing information to families,” Hudnall said. “With each new group of eighth grade girls, we make sure they have the information they need. In August, we begin the school year with zero applicants and

the NEWS FEED in the world North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first public apperance since not being in attendance at a time honored traditional ceremony dedicated to his late father and grandfather. Some, such as author Han Park, suggest his long absence was due to power struggle within the ranks of his advisers.

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

by LIBBY HYDE lhyde15@stastars.org

in the u.s.

in missouri

in kansas city

New Jersey’s Sayreville High School’s football season was canceled after freshmen players admitted they had been hazed by the upperclassmen on the football team. Parents and players alike have vented frustration over the cancellation of this season for the football team.

Some reported instances of sexual abuse and assault.

Twenty-nine years after the last time the Royals competed in the World Series, Wisconsin man Jerry Kuehl returned a bunting he stole from the park in 1985. After the Kansas City Royal’s first wild-card win of the season, he decided to send the bunting back to Kauffman stadium. He also attached $250 for Royals Charities.

Johnson County ruled allowing same-sex couples to marry starting Oct. 6. This will be the first place in the Kansas City area to allow same-sex marriage. Kansas does not have a resident requirement for marriage licenses. allowing couples to come from outside of Johnson County to marry legally.

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Bridget Jones

7

star spotlight / bits & pieces

Sophomore Gabby Ayala has won seven Mix 93.3 contests in two years, earning concert tickets and meet-and-greets.

GABBY

AYALA

How do you win contests?

"I call and tweet, but mostly call. I can’t tell you my strategy - it’s a secret - but I can tell you I use six phones. Six. [I won my first contest] the summer going into freshman year. My streak was really good last year. I won five contests in two months, but right now I’m in a dry spell."

How many radio contests have you won and who have you met?

photo by JESSIE CULVER jculver15@stastars.org

What radio station do you call and why?

"I call Mix 93.3 because it is the biggest radio station in Kansas City. I feel like if you get on [the radio], everyone will hear you. I had a friend one time who said she heard me on the radio winning my Cody Simpson tickets, and I thought that was cool. So I call Mix 93.3 a lot because it’s kind of funny when people text you and say, 'Hey, I heard you on the radio.'"

"I’ve met MKTO, Cody Simpson, and Zendaya. I won tickets to Boo Bash, I met Midnight Red, I just recently met Echosmith."

What is your favorite contest you’ve won?

by MARY HILLIARD mhilliard16@stastars.org

“My favorite was MKTO… I was talking to my friend in line before we met them and, considering how loud my voice is, they could probably hear me… I was like, 'What if I asked them to kiss my cheek?', and she dared me, so when I went up there I said, “Hey, kiss my cheek.” They were really chill about it and said, 'Yeah, sure.' Then some other girl in line screamed and said, 'I want them to kiss my cheek!' and they said, 'Sorry, she's the only one because she's special.' The fact that they called me special makes it my favorite."

What do you do when you meet celebrities?

“I’ve talked to them for a while, actually. It’s a nice five minute conversation… not Cody Simpson, though - that was like 10 seconds. I ask them how their life is and I ask them random questions; [for example], I asked Zendaya to bust a move. I don’t really have a go-to question. I ask them to take selfies with me and make funny faces. And, Zendaya tweeted at me; I asked her to do that."

Why do you think you keep winning?

"My key to winning is knowing the exact moment to call. The first and second time were lucky, but then I started to realize when I should start calling, and it works."

Who is your favorite radio host?

“Steve Serrano because he is funny-looking. I also love Steve Serrano because after the first three contests I won he remembered my name, and I think he still does. I got sad because he told me one time that I can't win twice in the same week, so I stopped for two weeks and went back at it again. But Steve is my man."

8

Instagrams OF THE ISSUE Each issue, @dartnewsonline higlights students’ Instagrams.

This month’s theme: fall.

by HANNAH BREDAR hbredar15@stastars.org

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE cash it in | Substitute teacher Ed Chronister holds a dollar with the words, "Mr. C, St. Teresa's, KC MO." At a restaurant called the Griffon in Charleston, SC, each customer posts a dollar on the wall to advertise his hometown. photo courtesy of ED CHRONISTER

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

Here, a student shares an especially exciting experience.

by ALEXANDRA FRISCH afrisch17@stastars.org

by ALEXANDRA FRISCH afrisch17@stastars.org

My life sucks

My life rocks

"I went to the beach in Italy and I was there with my family.

After being at the beach, my mom and I returned to the hotel to shower. I get out and put my clothes on but I’m still soaking wet and I decide that I need to click my heels on the marble floor. I jump up and fall really hard and have to lie on the ground in complete agony until my mom comes in. That was just a really sad day for me."

-Cat DeRousse, sophomore

"My dad has done a lot of work for the [New England] Patriots football team and actually designed their stadium. I found out he was going there for a meeting on the same day as the Beyoncé and Jay-Z concert that was being held in the stadium. The owners of the team gave us two fifth row floor seat tickets! I also got to sit in on my dad’s meetings and meet the owners of the team."

-Willa Knight, senior

That’s what

she said

Each issue, @dartnewsonline shares entertaining student tweets.

by LEIGH CAMPBELL lcampbell15@stastars.org

Photo by junior MADDIE COOK @ mcook16

Photo by senior MOLLY HECK @mfheck

Freshman Mary Kate Armstrong @mkarms2 Forks are great, but llamas are better Sophomore Haille Fritz @haillefritz Saunders walks better in heels than I do Junior Maggie Hodes @swaggi3_maggi3 swimming to class >> Senior Cecilia Ismert @CCizzy God bless America and the freaking Kansas City Royals

Photo by senior NATALIE BEHNEN @nataliebehnen

Next theme:

friends

#dartnewsonline

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by MaryMichael Hough

9

reviews

I pledge allegiance to the 'Confederate States of America' Documentary reimagines the history of the Civil War

by ALEXANDRIA DAVIS adavis17@stastars.org

HHHHH When I saw the trailer for "CSA: Confederate States of America," I felt sick to my stomach with mind boggling what-ifs and slight terror of what could have been, and for good reason.

Available to watch on Netflix, "CSA: Confederate States of America" is a fake or mock documentary, also called a mockumentary, directed by Kevin Willmott. It is centered around a simple but thought provoking question: What if the Confederate Army won the Civil War? "CSA: Confederate States of America" is definitely not for someone who is sensitive to topics such as obvious black oppression, inequality and discrimination. For history buffs however, this film is one of the closest things you can see as to what would have happened if the Confederates had won. And, for everyone else? I do believe this is worth a watch; however, it’s definitely not for conversation at the dinner table, unless your family is up for it, then by all means go ahead.

The mockumentary begins with a quote from George General Shaw, “If you’re going to tell people the truth,

10

you’d better make them laugh. Otherwise, they’ll kill you.” This quote sets the tone for the program forward.

"CSA" is set up as a 2000’s British documentary broadcast about the history of America, starting around the time period before the Civil War. It shows the course of Confederate history, providing factual information as to what was planned on the Confederate agenda.

Periodically, there will be commercial breaks in which different commercials are shown as a parody to ones we would see today. Late-night infomercials contain products such as The Shackle, a mobile chain put on servants to avoid losing them, and products are geared towards taking advantage or making fun of black people or in some way, promote white supremacy. One of the commercials that personally hit home for me was for a show called Runaways, the film’s take on the show Cops. It showed police officers man-hunting and handcuffing blacks who were trying to run away and got caught.

Also, "CSA" shows some insight as to other important prospects that would have been completely different if the Confederates won. Some higher up politicians are shown having interesting relations with Adolf Hitler. Renowned individuals such as Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain and Susan B. Anthony are depict-

ed moving to Canada in an attempt to leave the slave obsessed America, as well as the nation’s growth of political reign and status over other countries.

The film itself was hard to swallow, but the repetitive display of Confederacy reign was almost drawback. The actors playing as whites in the film were purposely shown as self-absorbed with their heritage, uppity and ignorant; blacks were shown one of three ways, rebellious, obedient or neutral. "CSA" can easily be seen as offensive or racially charged material, however this does not reflect any of the personalities of the creators or actors. The mockumentary is an over-dramatized satire and is almost as ridiculous as it is provocative.

However, I do believe this is the point of "CSA." Its outlandish take on society and what would have been is what makes this particular film so provoking.

"CSA" was made to make us think, and it does an amazing job of it. Having been raised with a black father and a white mother, seeing this film made me sit down and think for a good minute as to what my life could have been like, either one of white freedom or one of black enslavement.

To anyone who decides to watch this mockumentary, I highly advise watching till the end credits. What you see might just surprise you. H

Town Topic adds flavor to Crossroads

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

HHHHH If you have never eaten at Town Topic, you have not experienced one of the best hamburger joints in all of Kansas City. Town Topic Hamburgers has been running in a tiny white train car-type diner for 75 years. The original restaurant is at 20th and Broadway downtown, but there are two other locations at 19th and Baltimore and 60th and Johnson Drive.

Open 24 hours a day, the 20th and Broadway location is full of personality as soon as you pull into the full parking lot.

The first thing you see is the iconic light up sign, then the crowd. If the line is not blocking the door, you get an immediate whiff of grilled onions, one of Town Topic’s signature hamburger toppings.

Inside, there are only 11 stools for

customers and a narrow path for the employees to glide through behind the counter. While the restaurant might be small, the servings are just the right size.

Everyone can find something they like.

Whether it be chili, tater tots, pecan pie or, of course, hamburgers, you will find something that will hook you and ensure your spot as a regular.

There are constantly people coming and going, lining up at the one cash register. I’m sure part of this is because of the affordable costs. As hamburger joints should be, the prices are reasonable, so I didn’t feel bad about also buying a chocolate shake (which I definitely recommend.)

If you’re looking for an affordable, unique and tasty meal, I would recommend giving Town Topic a try. With friendly service and some of the best burgers in town- they made Food Wine’s

list of America’s best diners this year - it would be a shame to pass it up. H

historical hamburgers|Town Topic's famous neon sign at their original location at 20th and Broadway. photo by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS

'The Maze Runner' leaves audience on edge of their seats

by BRIDGET JONES bjones16@stastars.org

HHHHH "The Maze Runner", which premiered Sept. 19, is based on the fictional young adult book by James Dashner. I was on the edge of my seat during this suspenseful and actionfilled movie.

The movie is set in a dystopian society inhabited by teenage boys.

Each month, supplies and another boy are sent up through a metal box in the ground. The Glade, as they call the land where they live, is surrounded on all sides by a maze. Each day the Runners are sent out into the maze to run through and try to find a way out, and each day they come back empty-handed. Every night the maze rotates, changing paths and ruining the progress that the runners made the

day before. If a runner gets stuck in the maze over night, they are killed by the Grievers: large mechanical, yet slug like creatures.

The plot thickens when Thomas, played by the lovely Dylan O’Brien, arrives. Thomas is the first boy with intense curiosity. He wants to know why they are stuck in the Glade and desires to become a Runner in order to find out. The next person to arrive brings something life-changing to the boys of the Glade: a girl, Teresa, played by Kaya Scodelario. Thomas and Teresa are special and throughout the movie they are the causes and solutions to many problems in the Glade.

The movie and plot really make you think. How would we as humans last in such a desolate, extreme environment?

Would we actually be able to create a society that functioned properly with-

out collapsing in on itself? Or would we kill each other in two weeks?

The ending presents a cliffhanger; I cannot wait to find out what happens in the second movie. They give you just enough information to wonder what’s next, but they leave you with so much room for imagination.

Overall, "The Maze Runner" is a great movie with an action and suspenseful plot and wonderful special effects. H

On DartNewsOnline

"Red Band Society has me seeing red"

by MADI WINFIELD mwinfield17@stastars.org

"I love Lovelife"

by MAGGIE KNOX mknox16@stastars.org

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Mackenzie O'Guin

11

features

URBAN OUTRAGE

Young adult retailer Urban Outfitters under fire for controversial sweatshirt

by MAGGIE KNOX mknox16@stastars.org

A

tough threads | Last September, Urban Outfitters issued a "vintage Kent State Sweatshirt." Many people associate this sweater with the 1970 Kent State University shooting where four unarmed students peacefully protesting the Vietnam War were killed by members of the Ohio National Guard. photo courtesy of THE HUFFINGTON POST

12

s she searched around online across different websites and stores targeted towards teens, she found herself scrolling through pages of sweaters for sale.

One at Urban Outfitters caught her eye. It was a light pinkish color and looked comfortable, but it was for sale for $129. Although it was out of her price range, she clicked on the item.

She read the words emblazoned across the front of the top.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY. She enlarged the photo of the sweatshirt to get a better look.

Wait.

What is that?

It looked to be red blood stains and splatters embellishing the area of the shirt where the heart would be.

But what she may not have known, because it was way before her time, was that there was a shooting at Kent State University in 1970.

Why would Urban Outfitters market this product to their main age demographics of teenagers and college-aged kids?

Young adult clothing retailer Urban Outfitters has recently been under fire for selling what they called a “Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt.� However, the product was taken by many to be a crude reference to a shooting on the Kent State campus May 4, 1970.

The sweatshirt was put up for sale on Sept. 14 and taken down by early morning Sept. 15.

Such quick action was taken by Urban Outfitters management because almost immediately after the product was posted online, people across the world backlashed on social media platforms, primarily Twitter.

According to Urban Outfitters’ original description of the sweatshirt, it is “washed soft and perfectly broken in” and “cut in a loose, slouchy fit.” Only one Kent State sweatshirt was put up for sale, as the company noted that they “only have one, so get it or regret it!”

Twitter users were outraged, calling the sweatshirt a perfect example of “bad taste” and “garbage” alike.

By 1:15 a.m. Sept. 15, the company had removed the single sweatshirt from their website. Later that morning, Urban Outfitters released a statement via Twitter apologizing “for any offense our Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt may have caused.”

“It was never our intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State in 1970,” Urban Outfitters said. “We deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from our website to avoid further upset.”

not-so-mellow yellow | In 2012, Urban Outfitters was flagged for selling shirts with what appeared to be a too similar look alike of the star of David that Jews were forced to wear daily in the Holocaust. photo courtesy of THE HUFFINGTON POST

Although many people perceived the red splotches and holes on the shirt to represent blood and wounds from the shooting, Urban Outfitters also denied that rumor.

“There is no blood on this shirt nor has this item been altered in any way, ”Urban Outfitters stated. “The red stains are discoloration from the origi-

“

This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts — Kent State University

“

less is not more | In 2010, the infamous “Eat Less” shirt was released in Urban Outfitters stores and online. This shirt caused such an uproar that the store was boycotted around the world. People believed that this shirt was belittling anorexia and promoting starvation to fit the “perfect” body image. photo courtesy of THE HUFFINGTON POST

nal shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray.”

In response, Kent State University issued a statement regarding the product and its connection with the school shooting. According to Kent State, they “lost four students that day while nine others were wounded and countless others were changed forever.”

The university also responded to the negative connotation implied by the blood-looking stains on the shirt. “We take great offense to a company using

wrong impressions | IEarly this year, Urban Outfitters was forced to pull their “Depression” shirts from stores. The company tried to justify the selling of the product, stating that the company that created the shirt was called Depression.

However, people thought that this was another instance of glamorizing a severe illness. photo courtesy of ABC NEWS

our pain for their publicity and profit,” Kent State said. “This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today.”

The school went even further by inviting Urban Outfitters’ leaders as well as whomever may have purchased the product “to tour our May 4 Visitors Center, which opened two years ago, to gain perspective on what happened 44 years ago and apply its meaning to the future.”

This is not the first time the popular clothing chain has been under fire for selling controversial products.

In April 2012, the retailer put a $100 yellow t-shirt up for sale. Embroidered onto the front pocket of the shirt was a six-pointed star that looked nearly identical to the star worn by Jews during the Holocaust.

Another product sold by the retailer was a grey v-neck t-shirt with the words “Eat less” emblazoned across the front.

Put up for sale in June 2010, both in stores and online, the shirt had caused enough controversy that the company removed the shirt from their website.

However, they had not removed it from the stores until seasonal clothes were finally cycled through. Huffington Post conducted a survey on whether the item was tasteless or tasteful; 65% of

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Maggie Knox

13

TWITTER REACTIONS

features

The Dart compiled public opinions on Urban Outfitters. compiled by JESSIE CULVER jculver15@stastars.org

urban exchange | The only Kansas City location of Urban Outfitters sits still during the early evening of Oct. 1. The store is located on the Country Club Plaza at 520 Nichols Rd., just minutes from STA. Since its founding in 1970, Urban Outfitters has had numerous occasions of having their products being labeled as controversial. photo by ALEXANDRIA DAVIS

surveyors answered “tasteless.”

More recently, in January 2014, a cropped shirt covered with the word “depression” was sold but nearly immediately removed from the Urban Outfitters website.

Other products that have caused controversy: “Ghettopoly,” a racist twist on classic Monopoly.

“Navajo” products, which were merely tribally-printed knick-knacks illegally using the Navajo tribe name to describe the products.

T-shirts promoting drinking and stereotyping Irish drinking culture.

Flasks, shot glasses and pint glasses shaped to resemble prescription drug containers.

But how have these products, mainly the Kent State University sweatshirt, affected STA students.

“I have seen the Kent State University item,” sophomore Maya Krygiel said. “It was the item Urban [Outfitters] had made that I was most angry about.

I thought it was very offensive and just inappropriate.”

Krygiel also stated that she has never bought anything from Urban

14

Outfitters and won’t in the future.

“After seeing those [products], I'm never shopping [at Urban Outfitters],” Krygiel said. “I won't support a place who’s selling products like those. I’m very mad, but also confused. Why would a store sell an item of clothing like [the Kent State sweatshirt]?”

STA junior Grace Girardeau also finds offense in the products, but feels she is not directly affected by them.

“I haven't seen the sweatshirt, but to me that just seems really unnecessary,” Girardeau said. “[Urban Outfitters] could [try to] justify or explain their reasoning, but there was no need to make that sweatshirt.”

According to Girardeau, the retailer and its consumers go for shock value when it comes to product sales.

“It doesn't exactly outrage me, but I can see why it would outrage someone else,” Girardeau said. “I just dismiss any tee with an offensive slogan or any dress with an unrealistic amount of fabric.”

Bishop Miege High School junior Olivia Gallo says she doesn’t shop at Urban Outfitters “because the clothes are pretty expensive.” According to Gallo,

the public’s outrage to the Kent State sweatshirt is understandable “because some people may see it as crossing the line, because it does.”

Gallo also sees future consequences for the retailer.

“The company definitely is out of line selling some of the things they do,” Gallo said. “If they don’t shape up soon, they will lose customers and even more respect.”

According to Gallo, the public’s outrage to the Kent State sweatshirt is understandable “because some people may see it as crossing the line, because it does.”

Gallo also sees future consequences for the retailer.

“The company definitely is out of line selling some of the things they do,” Gallo said. “If they don’t shape up soon, they will lose customers and even more respect.”

According to Krygiel, the casual sale of these products is “just horrible [for] those who are struck with these problems, like racism and depression.

[Now] there’s a store promoting those issues.” H

photo by ARINNA HO

FFINE

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 pages designed by Maggie Knox and Maria Donnelly

15

s m a e r c S e h t d Behin

features

rat-faced | An Edge of Hell actor poses with a live rat that he keeps in his jacket hanging from his mouth Oct. 3. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

they see me rollin' | A series of Halloween decorations line the sidewalk between the entrance of the Beast and the ticket booth Oct. 3. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

The Dart gets an inside look at famous fright attractions.

by MEREDITH MULHERN mmulhern16@stastars.org

horror film | A banner for the haunted-house chain's newest addition "Macabre Cinema" hangs over a building in downtown Kansas City. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

16

Upon walking into the infamous Kansas City haunted house, The Beast, owned

by Full Moon Productions, one would expect to feel a few certain emotions. Fear, anxiety and anxiousness are probably common feelings while walking into one of the best haunted houses in the country. However, during the day, this is not the case.

Although, still intimidating with its dark warehouse fa-

cade and eerie entryway, the second floor of The Beast gives way to a spacious, wood paneled office filled with pictures of family, a landscape painting, innocent Halloween decorations and a woman with dark hair, black glittery lipstick and black glittery eye shadow. Meet Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, owner of Full Moon Productions.

Full Moon Productions was started after Bequeaith’s mother and grandmother fell into debt with their scare business in the Ozarks. The family came up with the idea to extend their season into Halloween, thus creating Full

situation that makes them feel a little safety at the haunted house. bit vulnerable and how to provoke that “It’s a secure area, there are policeinnate fear.” men, and there are people inside and Examples of bringing out these out,” O’Boyle said. “innate fears” are the many animals “We have two house managers that that Full Moon has in their possession, are able to get through the house very such as Medusa, the largest snake in quickly,” Bequeaith said. “We have captivity in North America, the Rat Man, security cameras all the way through, a man who puts live rats in his mouth, so it’s educating them on safety.” and a live alligator.

Although auditions and safety The Rat Man, a popular and iconic education make up a large part of the aspect of The Edge of Hell, “came to preparation that goes into the haunted us,” according to Bequeaith. houses, Full Moon prepares for the “He had a family member who was Halloween season all year long, accordbitten by a rat,” Bequeaith said. “Then ing to Bequeaith. After the Halloween he was bitten, and now he’s been Rat season, Full Moon “winterizes” the Man for a very, very long time. People warehouse, which involves shutting come from all over just to see him, so down the buildings, taking care of the he’s very much an pipes so iconic character they don’t for Kansas City. freeze and The Beast is all about As for which shutting getting lost and trying to haunted house down the find your way out, while is the scariest, computers.

The Edge of Hell is very that is up to the Once evtight and claustrophobic. customer. erything is “It all declosed, the pends on your company inner fears and goes into — Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, owner phobias, so if planning of Full Moon Productions you’re afraid of season, being lost, then organizing The Beast will everything probably be the that goes scariest for you.” into the Bequeaith said. “If you’re afraid of haunted houses for the next year. things jumping in your face and large Since the haunted houses are persnakes, The Edge of Hell is going to be manent installation buildings, meaning the scariest for you, but the Chambers that the staff does not rip out features of Edgar Allan Poe is our true haunted of the houses and rebuild each year, house.” the content of the haunted houses Whether you’re looking for terrifying have increased greatly since the openHalloween fun or you want to experiing of the Edge of Hell in 1975. ence a real ghost first-hand, Full Moon “When you walk into a scene, you Production haunted houses are a Halbreak a laser beam [when you walk loween staple and have many excited by],” Bequeaith said. “[The haunted for the upcoming holiday. houses] are computer programmed According to O’Boyle, she looks for sound and reactions, bringing the forward to “having fun with my friends animatronics into action.” and not knowing what will be around All of these aspects make the prothe next corner.” cess easier, according to Bequeaith, With these haunted houses, one can but there is one obstacle. definitely expect to not expect the next “All of these things matter, except thing coming.H that everyone scares differently,” Bequeaith said. “It’s all about timing.

See more coverage on Kansas City's It’s about how to put that person in a haunted houses on DartNewsOnline

“

“

Moon Productions.

Full Moon owns four haunted houses in the Kansas City Area: The Beast, The Edge of Hell, The Chambers of Edgar Allan Poe and the Macabre Cinema.

The haunted houses draw hundreds of thousands of people each year.

According to Bequeaith, The Beast, built in 1991, is one of the most popular haunted houses on a national level because of its open format, but many citizens of Kansas City like The Edge of Hell the best.

“The Beast is all about getting lost and trying to find your way out, while The Edge of Hell is very tight and claustrophobic,” Bequeaith said. “It’s very old-school.”

Each haunted house takes an equal amount of work, according to Bequeaith. “[The haunted houses] are like children; they each have their own issues that need to be worked out,” Bequeaith said.

Each haunted house has a different theme. The Beast pioneered the openformat style for haunted houses, making the customer feel lost. The Edge of Hell takes the customer through hell and back, while The Chambers of Edgar Allan Poe, built in 2007, is based on famous author Edgar Allan Poe’s literary works. The Macabre Cinema, built in 2007, takes place in a haunted 1930’s movie theater and takes customers through multiple famous horror and thriller movies. Each house has a host of employees waiting to scare the unexpecting customer walking through.

Once the actors are hired, they participate in Company Expectations, which is a type of dress rehearsal. “[Company Expectations] is a lot of showing the actors how to get through a massive building like this,” Bequeaith said. “[We show them] where their spot is, how to get there and how to utilise the alarm system - in case they have a customer who has a health problem that needs [to be addressed.] It’s also looking at what size they are for their costume.”

Junior Leeny O’Boyle, who will be visiting The Edge of Hell for her Teresian after party, has no worries about her

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Maria Donnelly

17

cover story

the faces of

FEMINISM

18

Many public figures are beginning to speak out against misconceptions of feminism.

B

eth Blessent, Corinne Cooper, Ellie Culttur and Emmalyn McKinney were all participants in the South East Kansas (SEK) National Organization for Women (NOW) Sunflower Suffrage ride that took place in Lincoln Park in Pittsburg, Kan. They each heard of the ride through their Girl Scout troop and had learned about the women’s suffrage movement before the ride.

As 10-year-old girls, they understood the concept of suffrage, yet they were strangers to the term “feminism.” When asked if they knew what feminism is, Ellie Culttur replied, “Doesn’t it have to do with women?”

After their Girl Scout troop leader explained that feminism is the equality of men and women, the girls began telling stories of how they, even as 10-yearolds, have seen this equality violated.

Culttur remarked that as girls, they can not participate in some sports, such as football. Blessent immediately responded that it wasn’t that girls aren’t allowed to play those sports, but that it feels as though they aren’t supposed to.

But why is it that in society today, girls as young as ten accept the idea that they can’t play football with boys?

Beth Blessent responded, “Because people believe girls are supposed to be weak.”

In recent months, the media has placed the spotlight on different movements in support of and against the

feminist FEELINGS

National statistics shows that only 20 concept of feminism. Well-known public percent of Americans consider themfigures like Emma Watson have publicly selves feminists, according to a study supported the feminist movement published by the Huffington Post. Eight through efforts like the HeforShe campercent consider themselves “antipaign, but for as much positive public feminists,” and 63 percent said they are attention some celebrities may bring to the issue, others, like Shailene Woodley, neither.

So why are such a large amount of have publicly distanced themselves people uneducated about a movement from the feminist label, while simulthat won women the rights many, intaneously claiming to support gender cluding STA students, proudly exercise equality. today?

With these conflicting perspecAccording to Todd McGeorge, a tives and understandings of the term resident of Pittsburg, Kan., whose wife is and movement itself, young girls like the secretary of SEK NOW, ignorance is Blessent, Cooper, Culttur and McKinney the reason many misconceptions about are left confused by what they should the ideologies of feminism continue to believe. dominate public opinion of the moveThis confusion doesn’t stop at a certain age. Students at STA are also left ment. wondering whether or not Ignorance they support doesn't“Ignorance mean doesn’t mean stupid, it just means feminism. they don’t AccordIgnorance doesn't mean know, [espeing to a Dart stupid, it just means they cially] if you survey that don't know, [especailly if you believe what polled 100 the media tell random STA believe what the media tells you a lot of students, 60 you a lot of the time. the time--and percent said — Todd McGeorge, media has they considsuffrage ride participant been driven ered themby men up until the women’s moveselves feminists, 20 percent said they ment started,” McGeorge explained. “If did not and 20 percent said they didn’t you watch old 40s TV shows and stuff have enough information to definitively like that, there was this real man-driven say what they believe. world, and the studios were all owned Similarly, 35 percent of students and run by men. And that kind of fed polled believe that STA does a good job the misconceptions.” of educating students about feminism, Because of these misconceptions, 15 percent said STA does not do a satfeminism has become somewhat of isfactory job and 50 percent said it was a taboo topic in the U.S. The idea of somewhere in between.

“

The Dart surveyed 100 STA students about feminism. compiled by AUDREY CARROLL acarroll16@stastars.org

60% YES Do you consider yourself a feminist?

“

by CHRISTINA ELIAS and LIBBY HYDE celias15@stastars.org lhyde15@stastars.org

20% NO 20% UNSURE

Does STA do a good job of promoting female empowerment?

50% KIND OF 35% YES 15% NO

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Christina Elias

19

cover story

picture this | A photography from a local newspaper photographs the South Easy Kansas National Organization for Women's Sunflower Suffrage Ride Oct. 4. Participants rode to support awareness of feminism photos courtesy of EDEN KREIGHBAUM

SAID

The Dart found feminist quotes from public figures.

compiled by GLORIA COWDIN gcowdin15@stastars.org

“ “

in the United States, by both men and women, that an online group began a social campaign called Women Against Feminism, which allows women to declare that they don’t need or want feminism. Through pictures of themselves holding up hand-written signs, they explain why they reject feminism.

Most of the signs supporters hold up in pictures, however, express core feminist ideology. Lehr explains that sexism is so ingrained in our society that on the

— Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State

We are struggling fo a uniting word but the good news is that we have a uniting movement.

— Emma Watson, actress and UN Women's Ambassador

20

surface, gender inequality isn’t always immediately apparent.

“I feel like that’s just internalized sexism, because a lot of the times, it’s your favorite shows, your friends and your family members that are sexist,” Lehr explained. “It’s fun to want to be in on the ‘Haha, look at these ridiculous people,’ and just sort of ignore that you yourself are being hurt [by those jokes], because a lot of women I know who are against feminism are white, upper class and straight, so they

When women participate in politics it ripples out to the entire society . . . Women are the world’s most underused resource.

“

who

people might call them out on their actions, they get really defensive about that,” Lehr said. “Oftentimes people don't consciously hate; it’s more of an ingrained system, so they’ll think, ‘These people just hate men, that’s why they’re saying all these things to me in loud voices.’ And obviously, I mean, there are the stereotypes of man-hating, lesbian, hairy-pit [feminists], but I don’t think that any of those are necessarily bad.”

Misconceptions have become so widely-accepted

“

gender equality is alive and well, but people hesitate to associate themselves with what is seen as such a strong word. Labelling one’s self as a feminist puts them at risk for being associated with many of the stereotypes society associates with feminism. According to senior Betsy Lehr, member of STA club Girls for Social Awareness, many of these stereotypes exist to keep the current social system in place.

“I feel like most of [the misconceptions] come from guys, and I feel like because

1. Girl Scouts Ellie

Culttur, from left, Corinne Cooper and Beth Blessent discuss what they know about feminism.

They attended the Sunflower Suffrage Ride Oct. 4 because their parents attended.

2. Pittsburg locals gather Oct. 4 in preparation for the second Sunflower Suffrage Ride.

3. Pittsburg locals Jeremy Johnson, left, and John Bobb participate in the Sunflower Suffrage Ride Oct. 4. The South East Kansas National Organization for Women sponsored the event.

2.

3.

1.

“

of a violent system and this devaluation makes your voice seem to not matter as much.”

Todd Modl, another resident of Pittsburg, Kan., and supporter of SEK NOW, says the best way for feminists to combat negative stereotypes is to make clear their mission, first by clarifying that the goal of feminism isn’t to give women supreme control over men.

“Well they might be able to say their platform and their [ultimate] agenda is equality, [but] some men might feel threatened that

things are changing that they don’t want to change,” Modl said. “What I'm hoping happens with feminism and what [feminists] are trying to do is have an equal say.”

McGeorge, whose wife has “always been a feminist,” offers a different approach for feminists to change public opinion of feminism as a social movement.

“It all starts at home,” McGeorge explained. “I think that not being afraid to point that out to someone when you see them treating a woman in a way that’s not

I do believe in equality and that we have a way to go and it’s something that’s pushed aside and something that we have been conditioned to accept.

“

— Beyoncé, singer

“ “

probably won't experience as hard-hitting as someone who’s not as privileged in life as they are.”

These jokes contribute to the devaluation of the female gender as a whole, according to Lehr.

“I think that by taking [these jokes] in, by taking it lightly you can pretend that it’s not a serious issue,” Lehr said. “I think by joking about it, you make it sort of seem normal, like this is something that just happens and that you should accept it, but it’s really not. It’s honestly sort

right.”

According to Modl, gender equality is something everyone should support and stand up for.

“Every individual, no matter their sex, has their strengths that they need to be able to play to, you know what I mean?” Modl said.

“And everyone’s capable of learning different things.

I don’t think that gender matters that much as far as being able to learn and do things and, well, mobilize in something like this.” H

Women can't wait for equal pay.

And I won't stop fighting to address this inequality.

— President Barack Obama

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Christina Elias

21

cartoon by MEREDITH MULHERN

main ed / A&E

STA needs to educate its students on feminism It's time to talk about feminism, STA. “I wouldn’t consider myself a feminist but…” Stop right there. You go to an excellent all-girls college prep school.

Chances are if you knew what feminism was, you would automatically consider yourself a feminist. This is the problem.

For being a school that claims to produce empowered young women, STA does not focus enough on integrating feminism into their curriculum.

On the St. Teresa’s website, it states in the school’s philosophy that “contributions of women are emphasized throughout the curriculum.”

There are only three courses in the STA curriculum that mention in their description that students will spend time studying women in the class. These classes are Art History, Women in Literature and College Western Civilization II. None of these classes are required courses.

STA needs to put a stronger emphasis on women and female empowerment in all of its courses. There is a strong woman behind many events in history,

even though a lot don't receive recognition. Women are responsible for multiple scientific discoveries and theological philosophies. Giving examples of women serves as a great motivation and inspiration tool for students.

Another way to inform STA students about feminism is to have presentations or have guest speakers come and speak at all-school assemblies or class meet-

[

ings. This way, students can become familiar with female empowerment and use powerful women as role models.

School activities highlight women’s issues as an essential part of the STA education, according to the school’s website, but St. Teresa’s could be doing so much more to push this initiative forward.

How do you define feminism?

right on

TARGET

compiled by CLAIRE KENNEY ckenney16@stastars.org

Marin Brown sophomore

"A desire for same-sex equality and actually taking the time to do something about gender equality today."

"The belief that women and men should be equal."

"Feminism is the political, social and economic equality between the sexes."

The Dart asked students their opinion of the main editorial.

22

]

3 of 5 editors voted in support of this editorial

Groups like Social Justice Club and Girls for Social Awareness (GSA) that work toward promoting gender equality need more publicity throughout school. Opportunities can be created for students to get involved with these organizations.

However, just because there is not a strong influence on feminism at STA that does not mean our students are not empowered and intelligent women. We attend a school where we are fortunate enough to receive an amazing education and are given the right tools to succeed later in our lives. Students are able to thrive academically and socially in our same-sex environment, therefore creating strong, confident graduates. And although it may not say so in its course description, there are some classes that do in fact discuss women’s issues.

So just think of what could happen if all of our students were informed about feminism. STA could become an even better environment for its students to grow to be strong women. H

Eleanor Lueke junior

Darby Pederson junior

Students perform fall choir concert photos by SIOBHAN MILLER smiller15@stastars.org

STA choirs had their annual Fall Concert Oct. 7. Accompanied by varsity singers from Rockhurst, the singers performed pieces from various time periods and ethnic backgrounds before hundreds of attendees.

3.

1.

4.

2.

5.

1. Senior Monica Stanley performs at the fall choir concert held Oct. 7.

Stanley is a member of STA Singers and has been involved in choir all four years at STA. 2. Concert choir opens the show at the fall choir concert held Oct. 7. The choir consists of solely STA freshmen.

3. Acapella choir sings at the fall choir concert held Oct. 7. A large crowd gathered in the M&A Building auditorium to watch the singers perform.

4. Choir director Greg Monsma leads Acapella choir at the fall choir concert held Oct. 7. After the concert, cookies and beverages were given in the Commons.

5. Sophomore Claire McCann sings at the fall choir concert held Oct. 7.

Monsma praised the concert as a huge success. photos by SIOBHAN MILLER

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 pages designed by Christina Elias and Mackenzie O'Guin

23

perspectives

How to survive being the only child

Time for a talk: We obscure class discussions Teresian's need to change meaning

by TORIE RICHARDSON vrichardson16@stastars.org

by MEG THOMPSON mthompson16@stastars.org

For those of you who are like me, the youngest sibling in your family, you know how tough it is to be under the scrutiny of two parents with nobody else to divert their attention. Here are three strategies to stay sane under the microscope of your parents: 1. Get a pet.

I would be much more lonely if it weren’t for my puppy, Rosie. Also, there isn’t quite as much pressure being the only one home when there’s a puppy who has your parents preoccupied.

2. Encourage your parents to take on a new challenge in their lives.

Don’t get me wrong, quality time with parents is a positive thing, but sometimes less is more. Some projects might include a home remodel, a charity event (like the STA auction) or a special trip.

3. Have dinner with friends at least once a week.

Family dinner is big at my house. When all four of my siblings were home, there was never a dull moment at dinner. But one by one, they all peeled away and did something productive with their lives. Now dinner consists of my parents asking me questions like “Is your room clean?”, “Who are you texting?”, “Do you have a date to Teresian?”, “Why isn’t your homework done?” etc. Around the fifth or sixth question I can feel myself getting more stressed out and agitated. So it’s important to give yourself a break from the overwhelming amount of questions every once in a while. Treat yourself to a dinner with friends. H

24

High school discussions have altered my perspective on learning in general. In contrast to class in grade school, everything is suddenly left open to my interpretation whether in history, english or theology.

In addition, and also quite suddenly, I am expected to share my inmost thoughts with girls I may or may not even personally know.

After some thought, I’ve come up with a few ways teachers can help students ease into the process of letting (at least part of) their minds be known to (at least part of) the world.

I’ve also added some advice for students who, like me, are frightened by discussions.

Teachers: If you want me to be actively engaged in what my classmate is saying, it means I’m not thinking about what I am going to say next. Realize that articulating your thoughts on a complicated subject is much different than having a conversation with your friends.

Just say six words: “Does anyone have something to add?” This open question can yield so many positive results, and prevents a feeling of helplessness when attempting to earn participation points.

If there’s no right answer, don’t tell a student her answer is wrong. I understand that some answers are only loosely connected to the subject, but it is a bit rude to look at someone as if they are from another planet for adding her opinion. It’s up to you to establish a “safe” environment.

You don’t do that by tearing specific answers apart, while applauding others.

Students: your opinion is valid. Your classmates are trying to form an opinion about the topic; they don’t have time to judge you! In fact, they are probably just as freaked out as you are. Relax, and you will have an easier time expressing what you really want to say. H

by KATHERINE MEDIAVILLA kmediavilla16@stastars.org

“Have you gotten your dress yet?”

“I need to schedule a nail appointment” “I need to lose a few pounds before the 18th” In the midst of all the planning and preparation, people often become too fixated on looking perfect for the night and lose sight of the true importance of Teresian. While it is exciting and fun to plan your dream outfit and after party arrangements, people become too consumed with making sure their night will be perfect that they won’t cherish the time given to them when it comes.

What’s really important is the time you will be sharing with those you care about. In the end, it’s just one night. It won’t matter that you spent months in advance picking out your dress. While it is important to look nice for the evening out, too many get caught up in the superficial aspects of Teresian.

In the end, it won’t matter that you went on a juice cleanse the week before the dance to lose a measly 2 pounds. It won’t matter what dress you wore or how perfect you tried to keep your hair. In reality, your date most likely won’t care or even remember what color shoes you decided to wear, but they will remember the memories you made at Teresian together.

The event of Teresian is too precious to spend the whole night making sure you look perfect. To quote Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it.”H

Students need a room for eating and studying

by LEIGH CAMPBELL lcampbell15@stastars.org

You have a test period six. Last night you spent your whole day balancing cross country practice and work. You have not studied. You have no frees.

Your only choice is to skip lunch and go to the library to study for both activity periods.

I have encountered similar scenarios in my time at St. Teresa’s and witnessed my peers face the same dilemma almost every day. The administration needs to provide students a room in which they can study silently both activ-

ity periods while also eating their lunch.

With increasingly busy schedules, utilizing the whole hour of activity period is sometimes necessary. Whether it is a test that needs more time to prepare for, a homework assignment that is not complete or even simply trying to get ahead, all these instances are times when STA students need to utilize their hour of lunch period. In a school that stresses time management, forcing students to choose between eating lunch and focusing on schoolwork seems cruel.

In previous years at STA, it was somewhat easy to find a teacher willing to let you eat in their classroom during lunch. But according to administration, this increased the burden on STA’s maintenance workers who have to maintain our large campus. As a result, most teachers are not allowing students to eat in their classrooms.

However, if administration designated a room in which students could eat and study by themselves, maintenance would know ahead of time that food is in that particular room. In addition, students would no longer need to deprive themselves of necessary fuel for the rest of their day in order to study.

No student should ever have to choose between their health and their schoolwork. If administration does not provide a place in which students can study and eat, this burden on students is only going to increase as the end of the semester approaches. Thus, the need for this type of room is growing everyday.

So next time you are debating whether to study or go to lunch, hopefully there will be a place where students can find balance between their health and their academics. H

10 reasons I love Kansas City

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH mhough16@stastars.org

After living in Kansas City my whole life I’ve decided there is no place I would rather be. From the food to the sports, KC has everything you would want in a hometown, and I find it to be very easy to brag about.

Here are a few of my favorite things about living in Kansas City: 1. Driving up and down Ward Parkway on a Friday night blasting "C’est La Vie" by B*Witched

2. Going to the K for a great baseball game and even better hot dogs 3. Sitting at the base of Liberty Memorial and just staring at that perfect skyline 4.

Finding the perfect tree, spreading a blanket, and spending the day relaxing at Loose Park while She’s a Keeper plays softly in the background 5. Seeing a “This is Chiefs Kingdom” flag waving on every flagpole in the city 6. Settling in a spacious corner booth at Winsteads

as the chocolate Skyscraper in the middle of your table stares at you 7. Screaming your lungs out as you soar through the sky on one of the many roller coasters at Worlds of Fun 8. Being able to have big-city opportunities, but small-town charms that come together in the perfect balance 9. Getting your hands dirty enjoying a slab of ribs in a gas station also known as Oklahoma Joe’s 10. Being able to wave and make funny faces at friends as you walk across the Quad here at STA every day. H

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Torie Richardson

25

sports

STA students take up rowing

Seniors Lauren Zastrow and MaryKat Hoeser participate in the Kansas City Rowing Club.

by LEIGH CAMPBELL lcampbell15@stastars.org

The first time St. Teresa’s senior MaryKat Hoeser rowed, she had to wake up at 5 a.m. Overwhelmed by the plethora of new information about the sport and tired from her early wake up call, she was completely clueless as to what to do.

However, the moment she got out on the water, she knew it was all worth it.

“It was 6 a.m. and the sun was just rising over the dam when we rowed out of the cove, but I couldn't even see 10 feet in front of me because of how thick the morning fog was,” Hoeser recalled.

“The water was so smooth and the sunrise barely broke through the fog.”

Similar experiences have made rowing an increasingly popular sport in Kansas City, according to STA senior Lauren Zastrow. According to the NCAA, in 1981 and 1982 there were only 43 colleges that offered women’s

row your boat | Senior Lauren Zastrow is practicing rowing in a double boat. Kansas City Rowing Club has practice Mondays through Thursdays

26

rowing. Today, more than 142 colleges sponsor rowing.

Zastrow first decided to row after her mom encouraged her to try it.

“I love being outside and being in water,” Zastrow said. “I didn’t want to pursue swimming as much anymore, so I thought rowing would be good to try.”

Last summer Zastrow attended the University of California San Diego’s rowing camp. One of only ten raw beginners, Zastrow was initially very intimidated.

“In California, rowing is one of the biggest sports and so all the kids there knew how to row,” Zastrow said. “They were just like ‘why did you come from Kansas to row?’ I was in a boat with all guys and they were just really mad at me because I didn’t know what to do.

But it gets better.”

After Zastrow’s experience in San Diego she decided to pursue rowing in Kansas City through the Kansas City Rowing Club.

Similarly, Hoeser began rowing with the KCRC after hearing about it from STA alumna Paige Wendland. “[Wendland] joined KCRC a year or

team work | Shawnee Mission South High School freshman Margo Hunter, from left, Shawnee Mission East High School senior Olivia Myers, senior MaryKat Hoeser and East sophomore Ellie Braly row in the quadzilla for practice. paddle | The four girls are practicing a quad for their regatta over the weekend. A quad is when the four people rowing each have two ores. photos by MARIA DONNELLY

so before and told me all about it, telling me stories about watching the sun rise over crystal clear water,” Hoeser said. “So a year later, in the summer of 2013, I joined the team without any experience or any idea how the sport worked and immediately loved it.”

Four times a week Zastrow and Hoeser drive 45 minutes to Wyandotte Lake for practice.

“For the fall season, we usually work on distance and endurance, so once we're all in a boat we typically row 4-6 kilometers up and down Wyandotte County Lake Park,” Hoeser said. “And we will also stop and do certain drills if we are struggling with balance or togetherness.”

Despite the time commitment, both Zastrow and Hoeser agree that they love the sport. However, they are unsure if they are going to row competitively in college.

“My advice to anyone interested is to take a chance and try rowing out,” Hoeser said. “I joined the team not knowing what to expect and it turned out to be such a great sport to be a part of and I love it.” H

ready to row | Rockhurst High School junior Harry Oest, left, Zaztrow lift the boat into the lake during practice on Sept. 24.

The two students row for the Kansas City Rowing Club and practice at Wyndotte Lake. photo by MARIA DONNELLY

Cross country cumulation Fall sport cross country attracts many STA student athletes.

1.

by KATHERINE GREEN kgreen16@stastars.org

With every new school year brings a new wave of fall sport athletes. Teams often have a varying number of new freshmen trying out for a sport, a lot one and year and maybe less the next.

However, cross country at STA consistently attracts many runners each year, according to head coach Karen Moran.

“I think because we make it fun and the girls can each set their own goals, personal goals and also a team goal within the same sport,” Moran said.

“That’s something that I think is attractive to many girls. It is both team and individual.”

Moran has coached cross country at STA for the past 16 years. As well as Moran, there are five other coaches.

Assistant coaches Bobby Tonnies and Linda Stowers attend practice everyday while the other three help at meets.

To try out for the cross country team, students must complete 3 miles under the time limit of 28 minutes. If the student doesn’t reach this criteria, they have the option to keep trying until they make it. Although many students claim they dislike running, most runners tend to stay on the team all four years, such as Moran did during her high school career at St. Teresa’s.

According to Moran, the team usually has at least 50 girls per season.

“I didn’t like running at all [at first],” STA senior and cross country captain Ann Campbell said. “I think it’s just the people on the team that make it fun.”

Campbell, like many other new freshmen at the time, was encouraged by her mother to join the team. After starting the season, Campbell said she grew to enjoy not only the sport but the team as well.

“I like how it’s more of a family-type team, and how the seniors really involve the freshmen,” freshman runner Monica Looney said. “They have us do dress-up themes on Friday and they run with us.” H Read the full story on DartNewsOnline

4.

5.

2.

3.

1. Seniors Ann Campbell, from left, Hayden Lee, Ann Nulton, Gretchen Schloegel and freshmen Mia Schloegel and Natalie Kistler dress in the Friday theme at cross country practice Sept. 26. Each Friday the seniors pick a theme for the team to dress in, this particular theme being "twins."

2. Juniors Kay VanAsdale, from left, Hallie Ryan and Sarah Cigas pose for a picture in their matching outfits before cross country practice Sept. 26.

3. Head cross country coach Karen Moran snaps a photo of one of the relay teams before the annual "Twinkie Relay" at practice Oct. 3. The girls separate into relay teams and run around the quad using a Twinkie as a baton.

4. Seniors Anne Nulton and Elaine Kerr lead the team Oct. 3. On Thursdays the cross country team does sprint workouts on the track.

5. Juniors MaryMichael Hough, from left, Claire Jefferson and Mary Hilliard embrace at cross country warm-ups Sept. 26. photos by MEG THOMPSON

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Amy O'Leary

27

community

Open Mic Night attracts highschool students.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art hosts Open Mic Night 1.

3.

by TORIE RICHARDSON trichardson17@stastars.org

Sophomore Allison Nagle ascends the steps of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art leading to Open Mic Night and enters a glass-walled room where the sun would’ve beamed if it were earlier in the afternoon.

“Are you performing tonight?” a girl named Clara would have asked her if she had come before the show started: 7 p.m. However, Nagle had to rush from work to arrive before the show ended, practicing her poems along the way.

2.

She finds an teen with a clipboard and asks if she can read tonight.

“You would be next,” he says.

She suddenly loses her confidence.

She just got here. She hasn’t had time to prepare herself. Instead of taking her place in the front, Nagle finds her seat among the other students.

On Friday, September 19, the ings, Open Mic Nights are monthly.

Nelson’s Teen Advisory Group (TAG), “They weren’t planning to make it composed of 15 high schoolers, a regular thing,” Davison said. “Last held the first Open Mic Night of the year we started having Open Mic season.

Night every month because it was so “Our purpose is to engage teenpopular.” agers,” TAG Because TAG member Clara “Our purpose is to engage teenag-wants to set Davison said, “to ers, to help them see [the an “intimate” help them see art] in new, cool ways.” environment, [the art] in new, — Clara Davidson, TAG Davison said, cool ways.” member Open Mic Night According to is open to teens Davison, Open only.

Mic Night is “a According to Bishop Miege High great place to take risks,” and any School senior Amelia Romine, pertalents are welcome. formances like these help her to feel “If someone wants to come and work out a math equation, cool,” Davi- more comfortable doing what she loves. son said. “There [are] no rules, except “I really like to make people laugh,” for not being inappropriate...since we Romine said. represent the museum.”

According to Romine, everyone According to Davison, TAG meets should feel welcome to attend Open every two weeks to plan events. BeMic Night. cause of the considerable amount of Davison shares this opinion, comattention they recieved during meet-

28

“

“

menting that Open Mic Night is “an honest place for teenagers to share their experiences.”

“It’s a safe space,” Davison said, “no one’s going to judge you.”

Nagle admits she was “naturally self-conscious” before deciding to take the stage. However, her observations as she sat in the audience calmed her down.

“I just kind of watched people,” Nagle said. “Nobody was judging.

People were there to listen.”

The longer she sits, the more she wants to share her poems.

“I’m going to do it,” Nagle tells the TAG member signing up performers.

Suddenly, she’s not nervous anymore.

She’s calm and ready. She can’t wait until she hears her name. When it is called, she stands, adjusts the mic, takes a deep breath and begins.

1. Shawnee Mission East High School and

Pembroke Hill School sophomores Lana Reaves, from left, Grace Meninger and Emma Depp watch performers and doodle on their paper-covered table.

2. Alice Rowland, Allison Gliesman and Addie Sartino observe performers.

3. Bishop Miege High School senior Amelia Romine takes the stage to tell a humorous anecdote about Disneyland. photos by ARINNA HOFFINE

Going gallery

During the weekend of Sept. 19, the Plaza hosted their 83rd annual art fair, including 250,000 spectators and 240 different artists from across the country When the fair first began in 1932, there were 90 artists in an empty lot where Tiffany & Co. is now located.

The now nine block-wide event has been named 17th in the country

by ArtFairInsiders.com and draws crowds of a quarter million.

Over 200 art tents span across the fair, with artists such as jewelry maker Matthew Naftzger and mixed media artist Cheryl Gail Toh. Along with the art, a block long Kids Art Workshop by the Nelson, Capitol Federal and Experience Art KC. According to STA sophomore Emma Gustavson, she and her family go to the fair every year.

The Country Club Plaza hosted its 83rd annual art fair Sept. 19-21.

by ELSA FEIGENBAUM efeigembaum17@stastars.org

We just really love all of the art,” Gustavson said. “We always go to the whole thing, so we usually have to go multiple days."

According to STA senior Molly Mullen, to some teenagers the art fair is a forgotten past time. She hasn’t attended the fair since freshman year.

“I just remember looking at the beads,” Mullen said.

The teenagers of Kansas City have not given up on the art fair yet, according to STA junior Erin Burroughs.

Burroughs has never attended the fair, but has only heard good things.

“I have heard from all my friends that its a really cool experience going to the art fair and getting to see all those different kinds of people’s creations,” Burroughs said. “Most of them are individuals who want to share their art with the world.”

1. Redstar Studios brought pottery wheels for children to help create small bowls with the help of artists to promote the classes they offer.

2. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art had a large tent with activities including a spin and win prize wheel.

3. Friends of artist, Chris Dahlquist, watch as attendants view his photographs which he considers "metaphors for 'in-between' places in our lives."

4. Tina Leto's photography was displayed at the 83rd Annual Plaza Art Fair Sept.

19-21. The photographs are from Leto's collection "Prairie." photos by AMY O'LEARY

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Siobhan Miller

29

last look

Cross-Campus Crossword

across 5|Something STA students crave on Monday and Friday mornings. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

30

down 1| A brand of shoes that is popular among STA students during the fall and winter. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

across 7| Shadow headquarters photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

Guess the answers to the clues dealing with STA items and places.

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

fall at the academy | Leaves begin to turn on the STA campus this fall season.

To accompany the fall season, Dart has a crossword puzzle. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

DOWN: 1. A brand of shoes that is popuar among STA students during the fall and winter.

2. A stereotypical Starbucks drink for teenage girls in the fall.

4. Students wear these when it gets cold outside, but most are not really sure what the rules for them are.

6. One of the two publications at St. Teresa's 8. The name of what most STA students consider the prettiest high school campus in Kansas City.

9. "Hey, what's at ________ today?"

11. Oct. 18 dance at STA that sophomores through seniors can attend.

16. Eighth grade visitors STA students look forward to seeing in the fall.

ACROSS: 3. Certain athletic clothing brand seen all across campus 5. Something STA students crave on Monday and Friday mornings 7. Shadow Headquarters 10. You'll never wear jeans after you wear these.

12. On this day, students will be see around campus in different costumes.

down 8 | The name of what most STA students consider the prettiest high school campus in Kansas City. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

13. Gatherings where a certain group of students order food and bond during activity 1 and 2.

14. Bring a dollar, buy a __________, support FAB (according to posters' spelling) 15. Location of sixth period silent study. H

across 3| Certain athletic clothing brand seen all around campus. photo by ARINNA HOFFINE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD: ACROSS: 3. Lululemon 5. Starcups 7. Zahner Lounge 10. Leggings 12. Halloween 13. Advisory parties 14. Donut 15. Testing center DOWN: 1. Uggs 2. Pumpkin Spice Latte 4. Jackets 6. Dart 8. Windmoor 9. Bistro 11. Teresian 16. Shadows

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Katherine Green

31

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

Humans of

Gallery: Old-time fun

STA blog

Senior Lauren Zastrow photographed the annual KC Renaissance Festival Oct 12.

In this post, senior Amy O'Leary asks students: What is your best quality?

Reilly Johnson, sophomore "My personality.I am fun loving and adventure seeking."

Lily Levi, sophomore "My artistic abilities because I love art."

See the full gallery on DNO

the Dart // dartnewsonline.com // 20 October 2014 page design by Mary Hilliard

32