Vol 66 Iss 5

Volume 66 H Issue 5 H February 8, 2007

The Dart St. Teresa’s Academy

DANCE FEVER Dance team places in top 20 during first appearance at Nationals in Orlando see page 2

Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons Photo Illustration by Alison Raybould & Nicole Farley

from the front

2

Stars shine at Nationals

Hands in! HThe STA dance team joins hands for captain Allie Fiss’s pre-performance pep talk Jan 30. The team performed during halftime of the STA vs. Blue Springs varsity basketball game. The performance was the dance team’s last before traveling to the national competition in Orlando, FL on Feb 2. Photo by Mary Kate Bird 8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Dance team places in top 20 of nation, highest team achievement to date

Hin brief Packing Frenzy Two sets of blue eyelashes, matching rhinestone earrings, red lipgloss, hair ties that match each dancers’ hair, flat iron, three pairs of tights and costumes for each dance number: these items are just a few of the necessary objects dance team members packed into their jumbo suitcases for Nationals.

“We can’t risk losing our stuff,” said junior Katie Embree. The dance team was so worried about their costumes that they packed them in their matching STA carry-on duffle bags. Each piece of the costumes were packed in separate plastic zip bags for protection.

by CLAIRE McINERNEY Staff Writer

The STA dance team competed in The Universal Dance Association National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Fla. for the first time last weekend. The team took 12th place in hip-hop and 19th in jazz after advancing to semifinals.

“We have done the best of any team from STA,” said senior captain Allie Fiss. “Everyone did amazing and did their personal best. Each girl gave everything they had, and I don’t think anyone had an ounce of energy left to give.”

The team left Kansas City Friday and arrived home Tuesday evening. While in Orlando, the girls competed in the hip-hop and jazz dances. According to Fiss, waiting for their time on stage was one of the most frightening parts.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “We were the underdogs, having never experienced this before. We had to prepare emotionally, mentally and physically. We did our personal

bests and it was awesome. I told my on stage was like a dream come true. girls that I know this was better than my “There was this huge floor and the wedding day will be.” parents were all wearing the same tFor Fiss, one of the exciting parts shirts,” said Hougland. “Also, there of the competition was a dance she did were a bunch of judges and bright lights. with one member of every other compet- It was exactly what you would think.” ing team.

A Since the d r e a m competidid come Dance Team Roster tion will be true for on ESPN the danclater in the Seniors: Juniors: ers as they year, the Allie Fiss, captain Katie Embree advanced dance the Abby Fagan Kyle Hougland onto semigirls from Laura Goede Betsy Koehne finals for each team Andrea Johnson Sarah Luecke jazz. performed Alexa Scharig Maddy McGannon “After will be we didn’t the openmake the ing for the Freshmen: hip-hop event.

Lauren Christensen semifinals, “I Riley Cowing we left dislearned Emily Isom appointthe dance Rebecca Oyler ed,” said from a Hougland.

DVD the “Sunday UDA sent was a new me,” Fiss said. “It was choreographed day and a whole new chance. In the jazz with one member from each team. It competition, we were last to go. Afterwas really cool, and they taped it three wards, we quickly put on our warm-ups times and will pick the best one for and sat in the gym. I wasn’t expecting ESPN.” anything, because there would be less Junior Kyle Hougland said dancing disappointment. Then they called our

name, and it was like nothing I could have ever imagined.”

While most of the competition was positive, junior Katie Embree and fellow junior Betsy Koehne experienced the only negative part of the trip. The two girls came down with food poisoning after competition ended on Sunday.

“It was a real bummer,” said Hougland. “After it was done, [Embree] went into her mom’s room and said she didn’t feel too hot. Ten minutes later [Koehne] came in and said she was sick, too.”

Months of practices and the weekend of competition brought the team even closer together. With the assistance of a pep talk from the coaches, Embree believes the girls became one and began to understand each other. “[The coaches] had the seniors face the freshmen with the juniors off to the side, and had them explain what a huge deal [it was], and even though they still have three years, they need to give it their everything and it will be incredible,” she said. “They made us think we might not get another shot. We came to understand each other and close the age gap.”

The coaches also helped Hougland realize the possibilities for next year.

See DANCE TEAM, page 15

inside out Bull’s-eye: The final feature on the Top 10 most influential women at STA, including the most influential student.

See Pages 12&13

Front page..........................1 News...............................2 Campus News...................3 Local News........................4 World News.......................5 Opinion..........................6&7 Open Forum.......................8 Academics.........................9 Student Life......................10

Health..............................11 Bull’s-eye...............12&13 Sports........................14-16 Fine Arts...........................17 Entertainment..................18 Reviews...........................19 Features....................20&21 In the Mix...................22&23 The Last Look..................24

Features: Senior Lauryn Howard balances life with the faiths of her Baptist father and Methodist step-father, both of whom are ministers.

See Pages 20-21

Colleen Owens

Board names president 3

Standard Style: Little Shop of Horrors The Standard Style Boutique is anything but standard. I went undercover, yet again, to understand this little shop’s allure. Now I am no rube; I can appreciate an overpriced store of snobbery like anyone else, but when the snobbery comes from a handful of teens my own age, I get rightly offended.

But I gave Standard a fighting chance, and here is my story: 5:02 p.m: I pulled open the heavy glass door to make my grand entrance wearing my school uniform.

I assumed the people standing by the door would not scoff at a simple greeting.

The only problem was that once inside, I noticed there was no one standing by the door, only a girl, about 18, practically laying over the top of the checkout counter with her head glued to the phone shouting in a nauseatingly high shrill, “Tony, why do you do this to me?! Stop it! I’m working…[laugh]! ” Above the checkout counter hung a gigantic crystal chandelier, equipped with an even larger lamp shade encircled around it.

Observation #1: I would be dealing with some extravagant, odd and needless merchandise.

I took no time to examine the clothing, because what caught my attention next, was a wall of accessories that stretched from the warehouse-wannabe cement floors to the ceiling. And, how nice, underneath it all sat a quaint ivory Victorian couch double the size of a standard couch and embroidered with gold thread in a dreamy floral pattern.

I began to write my observations for the next 10 minutes, looking up only to find a huddle of hushed workers leaning over the couch to read what I was writing.

I smiled at them, and they turned away, not even a hello.

Ten minutes later, the girl on the phone, who was supposed to be working, ran up to the shoe section of the accessory wall…barefoot. I kid you not, people, she was barefoot and said, “Suzy, I have to buy these shoes!” And to this Suzy replied, “Oh Jenny, they’re just so funky!

You have to!” And later added in a cliché girl-dialogue kind of way, “God, I hate you. I would kill for your body.” Now you might think, c’mon Coco, did this seriously happen? Answer: every word.

Remember, I had my notepad ready.

Observation #2: no one had entered the store since I had been here, now about 20 minutes. As I turned around to find three other workers debating things they all planned on buying, I came to the conclusion that most people did not buy this crap…it was the workers who kept the store afloat. I could just imagine it…their poor, measly paychecks dwindling away in a haze of $400 antique dresses Richard Nixon’s wife used to wear-- on sale, of course.

That’s when I saw it, the skirt. Any store with such a reputation should boast only the best of the best, right? If a silver, space suit-colored, plastic, a-line skirt is right for you, then I guess you wouldn’t have minded paying the $198. Oh, but it was a steal, you see, marked down from $300. The numbers freaked me out, but I know not everything was priced outrageously because, the baby Converse shoes See STANDARD, page 22

President Nan Bone H Ms. Nan Bone, current principal of St. Peter’s school, stands in the back of Mr. Eric Thomas’s journalism room on Jan. 18. Bone, accompanied by Ms. Mary Anne Hoecker and Ms. Nancy Hand, took a tour of STA. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

Directors approve alumna to succeed Dr. Wilson; assumes position July 1

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

by KATE RAINEY Copy Editor

The Board of Directors chose alumna and principal of St. Peter’s Catholic School Nan Tiehen Bone to replace STA president Faith Wilson after over a year of searching.

The Board approved Bone’s contract, which she signed Jan. 31, making her Wilson’s official successor. Bone will take over the position July 1.

The search process began December 2005 when the Board selected a Presidential Search Committee, said president of the STA Board Connie Fahey in an e-mail interview.

The committee hired a search consultant, Dr. Bob Watkins, to head focus groups to glean information about what qualities in a president the school prized during the second semester of last year. These qualities included both teaching and administrative experience, knowledge of single-sex education and a Catholic background. It was also generally felt the candidate should be female, according to executive of advancement Kevin Flattery.

The search committee published an article in national magazines announcing the opening in August and again in the fall. Candidates were invited to send in resumes until Oct. 31. The committee received twenty applicants interested in the position, 11 of whom formally applied. Of these applicants, the committee selected three finalists, said Fahey.

The committee interviewed the finalists again before making their final recommendation to the Board. The committee recommended Bone because she met the prerequisites determined by the STA community.

“Everyone [was] really attracted to her because she’s very outgoing,” said Flattery.

The STA executive Committee of the Board, the Sisters of St. Joseph mem-

campus news

Sisterhood of the Plaid Skirt

Hin brief

The Big Three H Ms. Nan Bone looks up at the numerous state championship banners in the Goppert Center with Ms. Mary Anne Hoecker and Ms. Nancy Hand Jan 18. Bone, an alumna of STA, commented on the extensive aesthetic changes made to the campus buildings since her tenure as a student. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

ber board and the entire STA Board approved Bone before a contract was negotiated and signed.

Bone graduated from STA in 1969, and her family has had a long history with the school, which is advantageous because she is already familiar with the school, said Flattery. She has been principal at St. Peter’s for three years. She was also principal of Tarkio R-1 School District in Tarkio, Mo. and held several positions at Shenandoah Community High School in Shenandoah, Iowa, according to an STA press release.

“St. Teresa’s is excited about our future with Nan Tiehen Bone as our new president at a time when the school is at its strongest,” said Fahey in the press

release.

“As we transition presidents, we are grateful for Dr. Faith Wilson’s leadership.”

Flattery has mixed feelings about the transition. “[I am] happy and sad at the same time - happy [Bone] is coming, sad Faith is leaving,” he said. “[It is] always good to have new people to come in at various times. . . . That’s what keeps organizations alive and vital and hopefully here for another 140 years.”

A reception will be held to honor Wilson’s 30-year career at STA in the Commons Saturday, March 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. The entire STA community is invited to attend. H

Darfur Seniors Caitlin Clark, Caitlyn Crawford and Lauryn Howard have spent the last week organizing a fundraiser for the genocide of the Sudanese people in Darfur.

At the Cultural Awareness Assembly last week, the girls spoke to grab the attention of the STA community by previewing the horrors of the conflict in Darfur. On Tuesday, the girls placed signs on each locker at STA to help illustrate the number of lives lost in Darfur over the course of one day. Today is the dress down day for the fundraiser, where students had to pay $3 to be donated to the American Red Cross which has a liaison in Darfur.

local news

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8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Stun Guns The cities of Leawood and Overland Park decided Monday to arm their police departments with stun guns.

These plastic, toy gun-like weapons have grown in popularity with law enforcers.

After the trigger is pulled, probes shoot out and attach to the target’s skin or clothes and send electrical impulse shocks through the target’s body.

Targets experience pain and are immobilized.

Kansas City, Lenexa and other cities already use stun guns.

Priest, students aim to inform at meeting STA plays host to KC Youth Activist Coalition, discusses water issues

by KELLY NELSON Section Editor

Over 30 area teens watched as the slides from an overhead projector depicted the poverty and despair of inhabitants of third-world countries. Father Pat Tobin, a local priest and former missionary in over 30 countries, gave this presentation of photographs at this year’s third Kansas City Youth Activist Coalition meeting held in the M&A Auditorium Jan. 30. Presentations such as this are common occurrences at the monthly meetings.

KCYAC was formed by Sion graduate Emily Levitt, with the help of other area students, last year because of an interest in the topics being discussed.

This year, Sion senior Jessica Hogan continued the group for her own senior service project. “[Levitt] started it because she was interested in student activism and she wanted to bring all the schools together so we could be a more effective voice,” said Hogan. “Sion seniors have service projects that can either be like continuing something that’s already going on or making up your own, and I chose to do this because I really like it.”

Hogan explained that last year’s topics, such as fair trade products, the death penalty and child labor, were covered at meetings. This year, three meetings have been held to date, covering animal rights, torture and, most recently, water.

The last meeting was organized by STA students and held at school. Junior Hannah Girardeau, also leader of the Peace, Biodiversity and Justice group, helped to organize and plan the presentation with Hogan and members of PB&J. “We decided to hold it because we’re a large part of KCYAC,” she said. “[The objective] is to educate people about water and how we’re wasting all our fresh water. We talk about the rural countries and how water is being wasted.”

Following a brief powerpoint displaying facts about water conservation and misuse, Tobin was invited to speak to the group about the importance of understanding the dangerous lack of drinkable water and food in poor countries along with other issues, such as lack of proper shelter, clothing, education and healthcare.

“I’ve been to so many places where people are dying of unsanitary water conditions,” he said. “Basically, we’re

A prayer for poverty H Fr. Pat Tobin speaks to a crowd of area students during a KCYAC meeting Jan. 30. Tobin, a friend of Mother Teresa, showcased an array of photos detailing his work in poverty-stricken countries. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

the only ones with a cure for these problems and to know that and not do anything is sad.”

One of Tobin’s inspirations to work towards solving these issues came through all of his work and interaction with Mother Teresa. Since meeting her in 1968, he had been on over 100 retreats and trips with the Nobel Peace Prize winner. He believes missionaries such as him and Mother Teresa are called to invest their time into putting an end to these problems.

“God has given us skills, talents and abilities and we give them back to God through service,” he said. “I’ve been really blessed to help all these people and it would be a tragedy not to use the impact and power of my experiences to influence others.”

Tobin knows if people set their minds to it, they can make a difference in the world.

“To alleviate hunger and overcome the putrid condition of water is a doable thing,” he said. “With the proper funds

and effort, it can be done.”

Girardeau agreed and thinks that learning and being active about the issues in our community is our responsibility.

“I think that because we’re being educated on topics that aren’t well known, we’re kind of preparing ourselves to take over for the generation before us,” she said. “Just by knowing about these topics and trying to wrap our minds around them, we can sort of get started in fulfilling our leadership roles.” H

New Dime Store to open in Brookside Brookside family reopens local convenience store in effort to keep beloved Kansas City tradition alive

by MADDY McGANNON Staff Writer

As a child in the late 1960s, Fifi Wiedeman made annual trips to Brookside’s The Dime Store to purchase her school supplies. As a parent in the 1990s, she bought a Styrofoam ball and paint for her son’s latest craft. In November, Wiedeman bought The Dime Store.

The Dime Store closed temporarily in September after being in business for more than six decades. It served as a local convenience store, selling anything from tennis rackets to construction paper. Wiedeman decided to buy and reconstruct the store, and hopes The New Dime Store will open before Easter.

“I’ve used the store for the past 40

years,” said Wiedeman. “I was going there when I was a teenager, and I loved how familiar it was. The people who worked there were friendly and I knew who they were. That’s my hope for the new store.”

Mr. Mark Fudemberg frequented The Dime Store as often as Wiedeman. Fudemberg said customers could get anything there.

Senior Alex LaPointe worked at The Dime Store for three years, and said she knew the store inside and out.

“I just hope they keep the floors the same,” said LaPointe. “I also want the same people to come in, and I hope they will still sell good candy.”

The unique hard wood floors will be staying the same. However, the layout of the store will change, making the store

more accessible and customer-friendly.

“The Dime Store was getting bare and dirty,” said Fudemberg. “I’m hoping The New Dime Store will be cleaned up and well-stocked. I’m anxious to see the design and architecture, too.”

Wiedeman will strive to create the best new version of the store as possible.

“I’m trying to keep the same kind of store that I used all my life,” said Wiedeman. “But I hope to have really good customer service. If there are supplies that the store doesn’t have, I can hopefully get it.

Customer service will be the most important part of the store.”

Along with customer service, new merchandise will be available. LaPointe hopes The Dime Store will provide people with supplies they actually need.

“You always knew you could go to The Dime Store,” said Wiedeman. “I hope it’ll be what you need to get on a day-to-day basis. It’ll be the same store, but hopefully useful for the next 30 or 40 years.” H

te o n ide Just

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Bob Arfsten (1930-2002) - Father, Ernest, managed the Dime Store in 1944 - Bob graduated from Southwest High School in 1947 - Finished college at UMKC - Served a tour of duty with the Army - Returned to work at the Dime Store in 1954 - Took over ownership and operation in 1985 - Died suddenly on Nov. 9, 2002 at the age of 72 Source: The Kansas City Star

WorldHView compiled by

Students join protest for peace

Colleen Owens

Following Saddam Hussein’s conviction Nov. 5 of crimes against humanity, having been responsible for the killings of 148 people of Dujail, his hanging took place at 6 a.m. Dec. 30. Only a few witnesses were present at the former dictator’s execution.

President George W. Bush, upon receiving the news of Hussein’s death, praised the Iraqi people for allowing a fair trial, a trial, he admitted, that would have never taken place under Hussein’s oppressive power.

After the hanging, celebrating crowds filled the streets, from Shiite chanting to Iraqi-Americans back in the United States

In Remembrance H Pallbearers carry the casket of former President Gerald R. Ford upon his arrival at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Jan. 2 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Photo Courtesy of MCT Campus

A new light H Juniors Anna Boisseau, left, and Paris Mantz participate in a vigil and rally for peace, Jan. 11. The students and citizens assembled by the JC Nichols Fountain were prompted by Bush’s Special Address to the Nation in which he announced a plan to send more troops to Iraq. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

Presidential address provides insight on Iraq strategy, lists aims of war on terror, creates political opposition

by BREANNE SIGLER Graphics Editor

Jan. 2: Ford mourned

Former United States President, Gerald Rudolph Ford died at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 26 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The 38th President had suffered from pneumonia in January and underwent several surgeries. At 93, Ford was the oldest living ex-president.

One of Ford’s greatest distinctions from other presidencies were the means by which he gained office, for he was never officially elected President or vice president.

He stepped into the vice presidency Dec. 6, 1973 after Spiro T. Agnew resigned from office, after pleading no contest in tax evasion charges. The Watergate scandal of 1972 moved President Richard Nixon to resign, leaving Ford the presidential office and a distrustful nation.

Jan. 20: Clinton candidacy

“I’m in, and I’m in it to win,” said Democratic Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton Jan. 20, having announced her bid for presidency as reported by MSNBC. In a message from her website, the former first lady admit- Clinton ted she was ready to begin the process of campaigning and wished to “talk” to the American people about the issues concerning the United States such as health care, the Iraq War and the deficit dilemma. If elected, she would be the first woman in the Oval Office.

Other Democratic contenders include Senator Barack Obama, a hopeful candidate to become the first African American president.

Governor Bill Richardson has announced his bid as well to become the first Hispanic president. H

world news

Dec. 30: Hussein hanged

5

Spreading the word H Junior Maddie Hickey protests President Bush’s decision to send more troops to Iraq, Jan. 11.

Photo by Kathleen Pointer

by BREANNE SIGLER Graphics Editor

Protestors holding signs and clutching candles lined Broadway Boulevard and JC Nichols Parkway at the Plaza. The air was filled with the sound of the evening traffic. Some drivers honked and waved ,while others turned away or frowned.

The protestors, including about 20 STA students, gathered Jan. 11 to protest the president’s address to the nation the night before, especially the surge of 21,500 more troops to Iraq.

Junior Eleanor Dillon said the protest was a peace rally and the organizers were excited to see so many young people, present.

“They kept saying how great it was that young people were there,” said Dillon. “It gave them hope for the future.”

During the rally, the leaders spoke to encourage those in attendance to call or write senators and representatives about choosing peace over war.

Junior Elizabeth Warwick also attended the rally.

“Most people were really nice and not rude,” said Warwick. “One lady yelled out her window that I was too young to be there and that I should go home to bed.”

Dillon had a positive experience.

“It was cool that we were all there and unified and wanting peace,” said Dillon.

“It’s nice to know that a lot of people want peace and are against the war.” H

During a presidential address to the Nation Jan. 10, President George W. Bush announced his new Iraq strategy, which included the deployment of 21,500 additional troops.

According to the White House website, the President’s new Iraq strategy is rooted in six fundamental elements. The first is to let the Iraqis lead.

“Only Iraqis can end the sectarian violence and secure their people,” said Bush. “And their government has put forth an aggressive plan to do it.”

The next two elements are to protect the Iraqi population and isolate the extremists.

Dr. John Langton, a political science professor at Westminster College, disagrees with this part of the plan.

“The fundamental problem is that the Iraqi people do not believe that we have a legal or moral right to be in their country, acting as policemen, kicking in doors, searching homes, arresting people in the middle of the night, et cetera,” said Langton.

Another goal of the new Iraq strategy is to create space for political progress.

Bush said that Iraq plans to hold provincial elections later this year. Also, the Iraqi government will appoint a military commander and two deputy commanders for Baghdad.

State Senator Jeff Smith believes this idea sounds promising, but does not believe it will actually produce the desired results. The 2005 elections showed very minimal Sunni participation, and he does not see any changes that would increase their participation.

“If all religious groups in the country failed to participate then I’m not sure how elections advance the goal of peace,” said Smith.

Diversifying political and economic efforts in Iraq is another objective of the plan.

Iraq plans to pass legislation to give every citizen a share in oil revenues so all Iraqis will have a share in the economy. Also, the Iraqi government plans to spend $10 billion on reconstruction and

infrastructure programs.

Langton pointed out the flaw in the reconstruction ideas.

“Most Iraqis don’t believe that we are in Iraq to promote their development and reconstruction, but to secure access to their oil and to secure Israel’s territorial ambitions in the West Bank,” said Langton.

The last aim of the new Iraq strategy is to hand over security responsibilities to the Iraqis by November.

“To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all Iraq’s provinces by November,” said Bush.

Smith believes this might be a prelude to separating the country into three autonomous, or independent regions.

“If it is [separating the country into three regions], it may be a positive step,” said Smith. “If it is simply an increase in layers of government, it would not seem to be encouraging.”

Although Bush’s address explained many new ideas, the public focused mainly on the surge of troops.

According to Langton, public opinion polls indicate a majority of Iraqis want us to leave, and over half believe it is legitimate to kill an American. Because of this information, Langton believes it is wrong to send more troops.

“We should be reducing and redeploying our troops, making a good faith effort to create a regional diplomatic solution to the Iraqi problem, trying to separate the country into more or less autonomous zones to reduce tensions and violence,” said Langton.

After outlining his plan, Bush goes on to mention the effects that would occur if the United States failed in Iraq.

“Radical Islamic extremists would grow in strength and gain new recruits… create chaos in the region…our enemies would have a safe haven from which to plan and launch attacks on the American people,” said Bush.

Smith disagreed with this.

“Bush talks about the chaos that may ensue if his plan fails, of course, there is already chaos throughout much of the nation,” said Smith. H

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Glory for Gore Former Vice President Al Gore has been nominated for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his wide-reaching efforts to draw the world’s attention to the dangers of global warming. During his eight years acting as vice president, Gore pushed for climate measures, including the Kyoto Treaty.

The winners of the Nobel Prizes are traditionally announced in mid-October and presented on Dec. 10. Gore’s documentary on climate change, “An Inconvenient Truth” has recently been nominated for an Academy Award.

opinion

6 When life hands you

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief National Drivers Maine Legislature passed a resolution objecting to the Real ID Act of 2005 that sets a national standard for driver’s licenses and requires states to link their recordkeeping systems to national databases Jan. 26.

Following Maine’s actions, Georgia, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Vermont and Washington state reacted. They are expected to pass laws declining to participate in the federal identification network.

Several states already have similar legislation, including Missouri.

Opponents say the national IDs will lead to privacy issues including identity theft.

Make a snowman

Snow begins to flurry down at the end of mods 9-10 Jan. 31. Soon, Ms. Marion Chartier’s voice comes over the intercom, listing off the students whose parents called, giving them permission to leave before the snow makes the streets undriveable.

The following morning, students awake to see a blanket of white outside their windows. They turn on the TV and check the bottom of the screen for school cancellations, but St. Teresa’s does not appear.

Reluctantly, the students head out to their cars, turn on the defrost and begin scraping their windshields.

After clearing a small hole to see out the window, each begins the unwanted journey toward school.

Most arrive unharmed, but some find themselves in dangerous accidents after the previous night’s snowfall leaves the roads icy and unsafe. Those who arrive safely share stories of how they almost hit three cars on the way to school that morning.

Since school commenced Jan. 3, the winter weather has turned cruel.

However, school has not been cancelled as a result of poor road or weather conditions.

Yet, the decision to have school instead of a snow day has proven to be an unsafe one. In order to preserve the student body’s safety, the administration should cancel school when snowfall causes the roads to become frozen over with ice.

Of course, discretion must be used, but isn’t it better to be safe than sorry? Snow days are not a

Get to school

free day for students As the snow falls sito spend making snowlently to the ground all men; they truly protect around the Kansas City students from accidents, area, STA students and injuries or worse. teachers sit impatiently The administration in front of their televimust also consider the sion screens, waiting The main surrounding areas when to see if St. Teresa’s editorial board deciding whether or Academy will scroll of The Dart not to call a snow day. across the list of school concluded in a STA’s diversity encomclosings. Hours later, 4-1 vote that we passes students from the appearance of should not be many different neighthe Academy’s name at school during brings enthusiastic reborhoods.

Students inclement from Leawood, Blue joicing to some and weather. Our Springs, Lee’s Summit, weary sighs to others. editorial board Liberty and Parkville While students are is comprised of spend nearly an hour anxious to get out of the co-editorsin the car commuting class and spend the in-chief and to and from school. On day making snow anmanaging days when the roads gels and sledding with are icy, their commute editors. friends, rather than can double in time. Oftaking an Algebra test tentimes, they rush to and sitting through make it to school on classes, teachers must time, instead of driving worry about an icy inat a safe rate. terruption to their lesThe administration son plans. One day out must also consider the age and in- of class can throw off a teacher’s experience of teenage drivers. The schedule for the month, but mulsurrounding roads of Brookside do tiple snow days, which are more not help the situation; it seems these often the case with Kansas City neighborhood streets are the last to weather patterns, are even more be plowed in the entire state. disruptive.

While too many snow days will For example, imagine that cause school to extend into the a snow day fell on a Tuesday, summer months, safety should be and then extended to Wednesthe number one concern. And the day. There was a test scheduled best way to ensure the safety of for Thursday, and Tuesday and its students is to call snow days Wednesday were supposed to be when the weather necessitates for review days. So, will the test still one. H be given on Thursday? Or, will the

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teacher push everything back two days and still hold review days, which would then place the test on the following Monday? The hours students spend on the phone psychoanalyzing their teachers’ personalities to decide whether or not the teacher will still give the test on Thursday, are hours that could be spent studying to assure they are prepared regardless.

Excessive snow days can also lead to calendar changes, and the last day of school may be pushed back. Though students may enjoy an increase in snow days earlier in the year, by the time June rolls around and students are wearing stiff plaid skirts and scratchy sweaters in the 90-degree heat, those snow angels will be long forgotten.

Not only will the hot weather be affecting us physically, it can also alter the travel plans of many families who go on vacation around Memorial Day. While a snow day or two throughout the year is certainly necessary for safety reasons, too many additional days only create problems in the short and long term for both parents and students.

Snow days can be a relief when school begins to pile up or sleep deprivation begins to take its toll, but that is not what they are meant for. The purpose of snow days is to keep students safe. In the short run, excessive snow days can seem like a gift. In the long run, they only cause more problems. H

the dart staff Editors-in-Chief: Nicole Farley & Alison Raybould Managing Editor of News: Mary Kate Bird

Web Editor: Aly Brownlee Copy Editor: Kate Rainey

Managing Editor of Design: Colleen Owens

Graphics Editor: Breanne Sigler

Managing Editor of Visuals: Kathleen Pointer

Chief Photographer: Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

News/Features Editor: Emily Becker

Advertising Manager: Libby Conwell

Lifestyles Editor: Sarah Cooper Fine Arts & Entertainment Editor: Katie Meyers Opinion Editor: Elizabeth Nelson Sports Editor: Kelly Nelson

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Ownership and sponsorship: The Dart, a monthly newspaper, is written, designed and typeset by student members of the newspaper staff. Students enroll in the newspaper class after completing Introduction to Journalism during freshman or sophomore year. The Dart is published with funds from the St. Teresa’s Academy general operating fund and advertising revenue. St. Teresa’s Academy is a Catholic, independent college preparatory school, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Editorial Policy: In cases of potentially controversial material, the students of the editorial board will meet to resolve conflict and reach decisions. However, the administration of St. Teresa’s Academy reserves the right to restrain news and editorial content based on Catholic values and respect for the educational environment. Unsigned editorials present the opinions of The Dart staff editorial board. Signed columns reflect the opinions of the individual, and not necessarily the staff or school community.

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March for Life protests horrors of abortion Katie Meyers

I stood in a puddle of mud for two hours with freezing toes. I walked down the city streets glancing at billboard-sized images of blood and bodies that stood along the sidewalks. Women holding up signs in memory of their children lined up to tell their stories as policemen kept us from approaching the doors. I was among hundreds of thousands of protestors who filled Washington DC in one of the largest protests the capitol has ever seen.

We were not protesting the war, but the slaughter of thousands of innocent people, not in Rwanda or Darfur, but in our own nation. The victims’ only crime is that they did not quite fit in to the plans of the people who were supposed to care for them.

Thirty-four years ago, the US Supreme Court legalized abortion in this country.

With the memory of the millions of unborn children who have been killed since that day at heart, and the hope that no more innocent children have to suffer, US citizens from around the nation made their way to Washington DC Jan. 22, the anniversary of this decision, to join in the

Pelosi proves strong women rule

Lifelong regrets H Hundreds of thousands of pro-life supporters crowded outside the Supreme Court building in Washington DC on Jan. 22. This event marked the 34year anniversary of the controversial Roe vs. Wade decision that permitted abortion.

Photo by Katie meyers

us their support. We where also met by representatives from the Missouri Right to Life organization, and I don’t think anything that morning hit me as hard as when the Right to Life representative told

Claire McInerney

Staff Writer Finally, a powerful woman has taken her place in government. And no, her name is not Ms. Hilary Rodham Clinton.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi was sworn in as Speaker of the House of Representatives Jan. 4. Currently, she is third in line for the presidency, making her the most powerful woman in our nation’s history.

She is giving women yet another major step in equality, especially in the government. But she is more than a woman, she is a person.

As a 66-year-old grandmother of six, Pelosi has a caring, yet forceful air about her. She is able to take control while still being compassionate.

Pelosi has been against the war in Iraq since it began, which has proven to be a smart decision. Also, according to the House of Representatives website, Pelosi has six goals for legislation: enact 9/11

commission recommendations, increase the minimum wage, expand stem cell research, negotiate for lower prescriptions drugs, cut interest rates on student loans and end subsidies for big oil and invest in renewable energy.

Pelosi is striving for change, a necessity for our country. She is not just a woman in government, but a person who will make the difference. She has strong beliefs, which will allow her to make an impact in our government. Time quoted this grandmother as saying, “If people are ripping your face off, you have to rip their face off.” Who could, or would, disagree with a woman like that?

But there are other points about her that have been neglected. She was raised around politics because her father, Mr. Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., was the Mayor of Baltimore. She also chose to wait until she raised her children to adulthood before she involved herself in government.

Finally, there is one part of Pelosi’s personality that makes her unique. According to an article in Time on Aug. 27, Pelosi watches MTV and loves chocolate.

She is in touch with our generation which shows she wants young people to be involved in politics.

Pelosi is truly worthy of being the first woman in this position. However, she should be remembered as a strong politician who is making a difference. H

anyone under the age of 34 to stand up.

We made up a good portion of the packed conference room, and then she told us to go home and hug our parents because acSee MARCH, page 22

Outdated system of executions needs reassessment, change Kelly Nelson

Photo courtesy of MCT Direct

7

opinion

Section Editor

March for Life.

I, along with some 200 other members of the Kansas City St. Joseph Diocese, boarded a bus on Friday night and arrived in DC the following evening. The trip there was filled with getting to know you games, ridiculously long bathroom lines and educational videos on abortion that could make even the most adamantly proabortion person cry.

Our hotel was packed from floor to ceiling with marchers. And the thing that struck me the most was that at least half of them were under the age of 30.

On Sunday night, people filed into the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the Mass for Life. More than 10,000 people packed into pews, empty floor space, windows and flower boxes as dozens, if not hundreds, of priests and bishops poured down the aisle. The procession alone took nearly a half hour.

Once again, the number of young people present astounded me. Many of my peers try to disassociate themselves from the church in which they were raised.

I’m sure that this is partly rebellion, partly boredom and partly flatout disagreement. Either way, I was amazed to see thousands of teens attending this mass out of their own accord.

Jan. 22 came around, and after my roommate and I accidentally slept though morning mass, the Missouri crowd set out to walk from our hotel to the Hart Senate Office Building where we were met by Congressman Todd Akin and Congressman Kenny Holshof who gave

this method, the end result is still the same. Giving the accused a “taste of their own medicine” should not be an accepted practice in this country, let alone in the 21st century.

Not only is the act itself, inhumane and sadistic, it’s unfair and hypocritical.

After taking into account the inmates who have actually been executed, race, gender and status play a major role in who is and is not sentenced to death.

Section Editor In most cases, those who are sentenced, The life of cruel dictator and ty- are of a lower class and unable to pay rant Saddam Hussein came to an end for a decent lawyer. The majority of by hanging in his hometown in Iraq people on death row are also men acon Dec. 30. While an end to his in- cused of killing a white person. humane oppression and slaughter is a The statistics concerning the practice relief to people around the world, it are also troubling. There were 575,437 also spurred new controversy and homicides recorded nationally between questioning.

1977 and 2005. Of those, 6,943 were I watched in disgust as a cell phone put on death row and only 1,004 were video of his hanging was splashed executed. This means that only a very across the internet in what low percentage of accused seemed like moments after murderers are actually “gethis death. How can people, ting what they deserve.” so appalled by one man’s The broken capital punishinhumanity, in turn watch ment policy of this country the death of another as enin no way sends the mestertainment?

The irony sage to potential murderers astounds me. Apparently to stop what they are doothers in this country were ing, rather it can give them astonished as well, and comfort that even if they do are beginning to question manage to somehow be in whether this ancient tradithat 1.2 percent of killers tion of execution has final- Saddam Hussein that are actually sentenced ly become outdated. to death, they only have a Of all the democracies in the world 14 percent chance they will be lethally today, the US, South Korea and Japan injected. are the only remaining nations that My proposition is simple. Imagine practice capital punishment. Since instead for a moment, if you will, the hanging is a definite no-no in “civi- rest of your life in a jail cell, with no lized” countries such as our own, we option of parole, having nothing to look instead inject convicted murderers with forward to but meals and maybe a phone lethal drugs that first render the prisoner call every once in awhile if you’re lucky unconscious, then stifle their breath- enough to still have someone who will ing and finally stop their heart from speak to you. To me, a guilty life spent beating. wondering what could have been, void While there is no blood or sicken- of any freedom, aspirations or success ing snap of the guillotine involved with is the harsher punishment. H

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief National budget, The White House released its 2008 proposal for a $2.9 trillion budget Monday.

The administration is asked for an additional $100 billion for Iraq and the war on terrorism, on top of $70 billion already requested. Administration officials conceded future requests could also be higher depending on the status of the war.

open forum

8

Corrupt leaders deserve punishment Elizabeth Nelson

Political Perspective It is sad many Americans think the key to happiness is money and instant gratification. This is especially disappointing when those who illustrate these “values” are those who lead and serve us.

Former Jackson County Executive and candidate for Kansas City mayor Katheryn Shields and her husband Phillip Cardarella were indicted for conspiracy and wire fraud Jan. 4, in a case dealing with the sale of Home for sale H Ms. Katheryn Shields and Mr. Phillip Cardarella were offered $500,000 their home for more than $500,000 over the more for this Brookside home than it was worth. Their acceptance of the offer has led to asking price. Because the two were will- federal indictments of 11 people from the Kansas City area. Photo by Elizabeth Nelson ing to act illegally and both are attorneys, they clearly represent the type of people $500,000. It is a federal offense to commit Of course, they maintain their innowho think they are too smart, powerful and this crime, and Shields and Cardarella face cence, but I believe they are guilty based on important to be caught. up to 20 years in prison. the actions of Shields throughout her politi“This case represents another tragic exThe real tragedy in this case is not only cal career. For example, Shields proposed, ample of intelligent individuals…thumbing were Cardarella and Shields defrauding an and the Jackson County Legislature passed, their noses at the law in the pursuit of quick institution that actually does favors, like millions to pay for capital improvement and and easy cash,” said Mr. Bradley maintenance projects of the county Schlozman, US Attorney for the courthouse. These improvements Western District of Missouri. included a mural of herself and esterday, three years of this political The details of the case are conothers to be painted on the ceiling, terrorism culminated in the filing of fusing because many do not unand cost about $100,000. false charges against me, essentially charging derstand what is wrong with being The pair also maintains they that [we] were willing to sell our home at a offered $500,000 more for a house had no idea what they did was than it is worth. The fact is, banks wrong, and that is unbelievable. profit. [The prosecutor used] false statements take a risk when they provide a They know the law, but were out and documents [known] to be forged [and remortgage to people, and they do for themselves without caring who fused] my husband’s demands to appear before it at a low interest rate. There was hurt. the grand jury. All this was done on the eve is a chance that the owner will The Federal Court needs to of my filing for mayor, in an obvious attempt not pay their bills, so the bank set an example of these and any to impact the election.” needs collateral, in the form of politicians who commit crimes the house. like this. They will probably end Katheryn Shields When the bank comes to the fiup with probation, which is not nal stage of taking the house from enough, because it will illustrate a non-paying owner and to sell it, that power and money can get you it needs to be able to gain back the off for your crimes. While it is too money it loaned. loaning them hundreds of thousands of dol- bad their family will suffer if they receive If the bank believes it can get S1.2 mil- lars, they are prominent members of our prison time, being a prominent member of lion, as in this case, for a house that is only community meant to serve us, and they set a community is not a “get out of jail free” worth about $700,000, that bank is out the an example. card. H

Photo Poll compiled by

Breanne Sigler

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (BAS) recently moved the Doomsday Clock two minutes closer to midnight. This figurative clock was created to convey the perils of certain threats to the world, specifically nuclear threats. The clock now rests at five minutes to midnight (midnight symbolizing the end of the world) after being moved due to the dangerous effects of global warming and nuclear war.

What is your opinion of the Doomsday clock?

“Y

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Racist comments Delaware Democratic Senator Joseph Biden made controversial comments about Illinois Senator Barrack Obama and other politicians Jan. 31.

“I mean, you got the first mainstream AfricanAmerican who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” Biden told the New York Observer.

In an attempt to undo the damage, Biden called Obama to apologize and went on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” to correct his word “clean” with “new ideas” and “fresh.”

Many have argued the real controversy is if he had been a Republican, he would be called racist and his political career would be over.

Voice Off compiled by

Emily Becker

On Jan. 23, President George W. Bush gave his State of the Union address.

Part of the speech focused on the environment. He discussed our dependence on foreign oil and a need for continued research and development in alternative fuel sources.

Is Bush’s proposal of reducing gasoline consumption by 20 percent in 10 years and increasing the supply of alternative and renewable fuels by 2017 a sufficient plan for the environment?

Yes 40%

30 Seconds With H Shiho Kanai

I don’t know 25%

No 35% 100 students polled

Shiho Kanai is a senior at STA and an exchange student from Kyoto, Japan. Kanai is a participant in the American Field Service (AFS) exchange program.

How did you decide to be an exchange student?

I had been wanting to study abroad since I was 14. I met a lot of people who studied abroad, and I met people who went through AFS. They said it is a very good experience.

How are STA students similar to your classmates in Japan?

I think we are always having fun. I go to a private all-girls school in Japan, so [STA] was easy to get used to.

How are they different?

I think in class [in Japan], many of my friends have their own opinions, but they don’t really say them. My friends here are also close to each other. My Japanese friends are close, but my American friends are closer. Japa-

“Anytime we can make people aware of what’s going on in the world is a good thing. Maybe they should publicize it more. But nobody really knows when the world will end.”– Stacie O’Rear, teacher

by Sarah Cooper

nese don’t hug. In my first impression, I was so surprised. At school in the morning, girls say “Hi” and hug.

Do you think you’ve changed during your time here?

I think so. One thing, I struggled with religion. I didn’t understand Christianity, like how to [understand] people who believe in God, because Japanese are not religious people. After I went to Kairos, I think I change.

My English is much better. When I hung out with my friends for the first time, I didn’t talk at all because I didn’t understand what was going on.

What have been your most memorable new experiences?

I had never been to a dance party.

I didn’t like [Rockhurst High School’s Blue and White mixer] at all. I went to Christmas mass. It was so cool. We have Christmas in Japan, but it is not religious. I love Thanksgiving! I like the food. I cut the turkey! [Kansas City doesn’t] have trains, that is so different. Everything here is big: big houses, stores, cars. streets…

What is your favorite American food?

Chili.

What do you miss most about Japan?

My family, friends and the food. H

“It’s a good thing to have because it makes the world aware of the present threats to our world.” – Betsy McKenney, senior

“I don’t think global warming is going to affect us to the Doomsday extent.”– Chloe Waters, freshman

“The whole idea is really weird.

What they’re saying is true, but I try not to think about it.”

– Mary Clara Hutchinson, junior

Writing classes plan to view movie

by JAIME HENRY-WHITE Staff Writer

Lights will dim, popcorn will crunch, drinks will slurp, and STA seniors will hush as a movie illuminates a Cinemark theater on the Country Club Plaza this morning.

Until then, anticipation grows for three STA senior writing classes, who will go on a field trip to see the movie “Freedom Writers” as part of a curriculum activity “[The movie is] just inspirational to see how writing can change your life,” said Ms. Karen Johnson, contemporary literature teacher. “Even though the STA students are not in the same situation as the students in the movie, it’s applicable to all human beings. By finding the voice in your writing and seeing your opportunities, you can find fulfillment through expressing yourself.”

Joining Johnson on the field trip are Mr. Eric Thomas’s and Ms. Megan Filipowicz’s

te o n ide a Just

s

What is “Freedom Writers” about?

“Freedom Writers” is based on a true story of how a California teacher, Erin Gruwell, played by actress Hilary Swank, helps open life opportunities and create peace within her innercity high school English class.

Gruwell encourages her students to write in a journal every day about anything or anyone. Her students, who were separated by race and prejudices, find security from their unpredictable and frustrating life in their writing. In the end, many of the students realize the importance of attending college and the opportunities avaiable.

writing classes. Thomas suggested the idea of a field trip after having read many reviews and feeling the movie was an appropriate opportunity to bring about class discussion.

“I think there’s something a movie can do that even a book can’t,” said Thomas. “[The field trip] is an important experience and so easy for [my class] to talk about in such a short time [at school].

I’m just excited about connecting the book we’re reading to the movie we’re seeing.”

Thomas’s class is currently reading “Caucasia” by Danzy Senna, a novel that discusses similar issues of adolescent racism that “Freedom Writers” discusses.

Filipowicz and Johnson have a different reasoning for going on this field trip.

“Basically [the movie is] about a universal theme,” said Filipowicz. “Writing is a universal experience. While this film is set in an urban-city high school, its themes are similar to the themes we talk about in this writing class. Everyone can and should write.”

Johnson agrees. “[Writing] is not just something you do for school, it’s something you do for yourself,” said Johnson. “That’s what all English teachers want for their students.

We don’t want them to stop writing after college.”

Although class assignments and discussions will go along with the whole movie experience, students and teachers alike are intrigued by the subject matter and opinions the movie will bring forth.

“I’m excited to see the movie, but I’m also looking forward to seeing what [Filipowicz] will make out of it,” said senior writing student Caitlyn Crawford. “The movie will definitely yield a lot of perspective.”

The field trip was originally assigned for Jan. 30, but due to the large amount of seniors gone for Kairos the week before the assigned date, the trip was postponed. This way, the seniors would have time to catch up on schoolwork before they missed school again for the field trip.

Seeing “Freedom Writers” is not a requirement for these classes, but most students are planning on going. However, the field trip will only happen if at least 47

Reality check HThe film “Freedom Writers” is based on the experiences of Erin Gruwell and her students at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. The book is a narrative by Gruwell, and includes portions of her students’ writing. Photo courtesy of www.gruwellproject.org

permission slips are turned in on time. If expected, it allows students to see the subject this is done, then one of the teachers will matter [of literature] differently. And buy the movie tickets beforehand so that popcorn is always good.” the writing classes Some students, can leave on Feb. who are going, are 8 around 9:30, not as intrigued to see slightly into mods this movie because of y finding the 3/4, take buses to its plotline. the movie theater, “I expect [the voice in your see the movie and movie] to be a then come back by teacher-tries-towriting and seeing mods 9/10. make-an-influenceyour opportunities, “I’m taking a type movie,” said leap of faith with Crawford. “I’ve seen you can find this field trip,” this movie about eight fullfillment through said Filipowicz. times in different Nonetheless, formats.

It’s the expressing yourself.” students’ and stereotypical teacher Karen Johnson, teacher t e a c h e r s ’ coming and making expectations a big difference in the continue to build. kids’ lives.”

“I am hoping Even as the field that the discussion trip plot thickens, that we will have after the field trip will be only the students’ and teachers’ thoughts fruitful and interesting,” said Filipowicz. about the whole movie occasion will bring a “Anytime you can step out of what’s conclusion to this STA mystery. H

“B

Committee combines policies, playfulness Department heads balance business with laughter at Curriculum Council meeting regarding budgets

by EMILY BECKER Section Editor

They come bundled in coats dusted with snow after a walk across the quad. They come breathing in short bursts after a walk down three flights of stairs. They come balancing bags of assignments waiting to be graded and lunch ready to be devoured.

They come armed with color-coded spread sheets. They come prepared to discuss department budgets in Dr. Joe Grantham’s classroom during Activity Jan. 31.

The Curriculum Council, comprised of the heads of the departments and principal of academic affairs Nancy Hand, meets every other week to discuss the academic guidelines and policies for the school. such as summer reading assignments, the number of credits for graduation, the program of studies, the equipment and textbook needs of each department.

According to Hand, the council’s success draws from the unique personality and passion from each of the members. The decisions made by Curriculum Council are guided by state regulations and North Central accreditation, including the recent decision to make speech a required class

for all sophomores.

The members make themselves comfortable, hanging coats on the back of chairs, filling their desktops with papers. Head of the science department Jessie Thompson hurries in, juggling a folder stuffed with documents and a paper plate holding what remains of her lunch, a half-eaten piece of pizza. She grabs the closest seat available, next to head of the counseling department Steph Hart.

Conversations fade in and out between the members, as Hand, who leads the meetings, has yet to arrive. A few moments later, she appears in the doorway, followed by business manager Judy Merriman, signaling the meeting is about to begin.

“Did you all bring your budgets?”

Hand asks the group. “Do you have any questions?”

The reply is nervous laughter from the others in the room.

As the meeting continues, the members begin to act more like students than the teachers of 20 minutes ago. Interrupting side conversations, Grantham asks if the math department pays for printing handouts for Back to School Night.

“Well, I’m going to sneak around and

academics

Teachers, seniors apply themes of ‘Freedom Writers’ to class work, embrace multi-media teaching methods

9

steal other people’s [printer] codes,” he replies when it is confirmed the cost must be taken into consideration.

This interaction prompts a discussion of whether the cost of printing accountabilities comes out of the department budget.

“Everyone’s trying to pawn this off,” shouts head of the history department Craig Whitney from near the back of the room. Head of the English department Eric Thomas and head of the foreign language department Alice Amick add that every teacher in their departments has an advisory.

“We’re taking the load,” says Thomas and prompts Amick to pound their fists together in a sign of solidarity.

Members shuffling through papers and giggling in the back of the room are the soundtrack that accompanies the next 20 minutes of the meeting.

“We have two minutes left,” announces Thomas, resulting in jeers from the others that he “watches the clock like a hawk.”

Hand hurriedly attempts to cover the remaining topics on the agenda, but the members have already started packing up their lunch leftovers and re-bundling up for the trek back to the M&A Building. Noticing the shuffling and the frequent glances at the clock, Hand concedes that this week’s meeting of the Curriculum Council has ended. H

Get to know the

Curriculum council Who is on the Curriculum Council?

Principal of academic affairs Nancy Hand and the heads of each of the academic departments: Ms. Sara Acton Ms. Alice Amick Mr. Matthew Bertalott Ms. Ann Bode-Rodriguez Dr. Joe Grantham Ms. Steph Hart Ms. Jackie Hershewe Ms. Kathy McCarthy Ms. Laura O’Brien Ms. Shana Prentiss Ms. Jessie Thompson Mr. Eric Thomas Mr. Craig Whitney When does the Council meet?

Every two weeks during Activity What is the Council responsible for?

The academic guidelines and policies, including everything from the Program of Studies to equipment needs to the requirements for graduation

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Grad Robes At this year’s graduation ceremony, teachers will wear robes along with the graduates for the first time. The robes are black, and it is optional for teachers to wear hoods to denote a Ph.D or masters degree for an extra cost. In the past, teachers wore formal wear to the graduation ceremony. The decision for teachers to wear robes was made earlier this academic year.

Some teachers are excited about this change.

student life

10

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Penny War The Penny War fundraiser last Dec. raised around $2400.

The money was donated to St. Joseph’s Institute for the Deaf, where it was gladly accepted.

St. Joseph’s is a non-profit organization that is run entirely by donations. STA students in charge of the fundraiser chose to donate to this institution because it was about to be shut down due to lack of funding. The STA community’s contributions helped keep this institution open.

Students, fathers prep for annual dance As father-daughter dinner dance approaches, couples shop for proper attire, brush up on dance skills

by RACHEL SCHWARTZ Staff Writer

The Hiltons will be there. So will Hugh Hefner and two of his bunnies.

Sharon will be on Ozzy’s arm. And Wilma will be keeping a watchful eye on Fred.

These famous couples will all be attending this year’s annual fatherdaughter dance. The dance will be held this Sunday at the Marriott. Girls and their fathers have been preparing by thrift store-shopping and taking dance classes.

The Nulton sisters, senior Mary Beth and sophomore Sally, are both going to the dance with their dad this year.

They said their dad started getting ready months ago.

“He starts two to three months in advance,” said Mary Beth. “He starts prepping for costumes. And we go to thrift stores and stuff. It’s never just ‘go to the dance,’ its always a long process.

But I’m glad we get to do it.”

According to Sally, they dress up and get into the theme every year. “[We are] still deciding [what our costumes will be] because we have to go and look for what costumes we can find first,” said Sally. “Last year we went to Lawrence and made it a trip during the day and got costumes together.”

The Nulton family involved their family in their discussion of costumes.

Although they are not yet sure what they are going as, they are thinking about going as Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinker Bell.

Sophomore Katie Kieffer and her father are also dressing up for the dance.

She says they will probably come as Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

“I am really excited about dressing up this year, because we didn’t last year, and I am really looking forward to it,” said Katie.

Katie and her dad have been attending dance classes once a week at STA, sponsored by Kansas City Young

Audiences (KCYA). This four-week program will help prepare Katie and her dad for the dance.

“We learn basic steps and a few patterns for ballroom dances,” said Katie. “My dad really likes to dance, so I thought it’d be a fun way to have a really good memory together and learn something new in the process.”

Along with the dancing is the senior dance-off. Mary Beth and her dad are both excited for the senior danceoff. They have practiced their dance moves and, according to Mary Beth, are prepared.

“I

’ve never been so excited for a dance... I know it’ll be everything I’ve been looking forward to.”

Mary Beth Nulton, senior

“[Mary Beth and my dad] have been looking forward to this every year,” said Sally. “Last year they were watching the seniors and their dads dancing and looking, and they are really excited.”

Mary Beth believes she and her dad have a pretty good chance of winning.

“I think if my dad uses the moves he’s been using the past three years, we could win,” said Mary Beth. “He’s not afraid to get on the floor or shake his body. If he’s as vibrant as he normally is, I think we will win. I think he can charm the judges.”

STA girls, as well as their dads, look forward to the father-daughter dance each year.

Perfect form H Sophomore Casey O’Malley, left, and her dad, Terence O’Malley, practice the box step in the M&A Building’s dance studio Jan. 23. Casey and Terence took the four father-daughter dance classes offered by KCYA and learned ballroom dances from instructor Jeremiah Bagunu in preparation for the STA father-daughter dance Feb. 11.

Photo by Jaime Henry-White

“I like experiencing something like this with my dad and seeing him having lots of fun with my friends, too,” said Sally. “It’s fun to see really young girls having so much fun with their dads.

Really, you don’t normally see girls our age having that much fun with their dads and hanging out with them; but, I’m excited. I’m planning on being one of the first families on and last families off

just like we were last year.”

Mary Beth said she is especially excited for the dance.

“I am pumped,” said Mary Beth. “I have never been so excited for a dance.

I’m sure I’ll be more excited for prom, but I’ve been looking forward to this since freshman year and I know it’ll be everything I’ve been looking forward to.” H

STA intercom mantra: Can you hear me now?

Sarah Smith

Staff Writer With more toggles and buttons than the cockpit of a commercial airplane, the STA intercom system has been situated in its charming beige room basking in the glow of fluorescent lights for over 40 years. Some call it obsolete and scoff at the masking tape dangling from the levers.

Others bemoan its occasional scratched LP sound quality, blaming it for missed college application deadlines. But, thanks to a dedicated announcement staff and a rush delivery from Russia, when that 10:45 bell rings from now on, not even the grumbling of lunch-eager stomachs should be able to drown out the new and improved sound of afternoon announcements – remastered.

Mr. Mike Farmer, facilities manager, can be seen bustling all over the school, but what most people don’t know is that he has connections in the Russian-glass-tube industry as well.

The STA intercom is a Stromberg Carlson system circa 1960. It runs on the tech-

nology of vacuum tubes, something our iPod-savvy generation doesn’t know much about.

“There aren’t a lot of vacuum tube manufacturers around anymore,” Farmer said. “We had to go through a company in St. Louis who ordered a Sovtek brand tube from Russia. A lot of musical groups still use equipment with tubes though. It’s a much higher fidelity, which creates a lot better sound quality.”

Which may be why we’ve kept the system around for so long. Hesitant to make any promises, business manager Judy Merriman said they are looking into different kinds of technology to replace the system with newer digital equipment. According to Farmer, a PA system of the caliber we need would cost between $60,000 and $100,000.

It would include digital phones in every classroom. The school is currently working with companies to design a system, but it may take several months.

Since the beginning of the year, students have noticed a change in the announcements.

“I felt sorry for the freshmen at first, because they didn’t know what the announcements were actually supposed to sound like they were so scratchy,” said Lily Hough, a junior in Ms. Bode’s advisory. “When I was a freshman, I remember it being very clear.”

While still working out the final kinks with the volume level, Ms. Marion Chartier and her fellow daily announcers feel con-

Loud and clear? H Junior Hannah Girardeau makes an announcement about recycling on the STA campus Tuesday. The speaker system’s sound quality has begun to decline in recent months. Photo by Breanne Sigler

fident the repaired intercom system should hold strong until a new one is installed. As students line up for their 30 seconds of daily fame over the PA, they can be sure that they

will be heard loud and clear.

“I like to think that people are at least getting a smile out of whatever it is we announce,” said Chartier. H

Lack of full-time nurse causes concern

Ms. Betsy Hansbrough is a theology teacher at STA and is also a registered nurse. She is occasionally called upon in emergency situations and sometimes gives medical advice to students.

Do you feel a full-time nurse is needed at STA? I don’t the school is big enough for a full-time nurse to be needed. There’s a lot that could be done, but at this point I don’t think it’s needed.

What are some cases when you’ve been involved?

One really bad allergic reaction was a very scary case I was involved in. I think we’ve had about three or four 911 calls since I’ve been here.

Last year, a girl fell down the stairs; I think that was the most serious case. But I do what I think anyone would do, a nurse or not. I call the girl’s parents and tell them to call their doctor.

You just do what has to be done.

What is your background?

I was a social worker, then a nurse for 21 years. I worked in the ICU and in a cardiologist’s practice. I got a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies in 1993. I came to STA in 2003.

Are you required to help in emergencies? Is it expected of you?

I’m not required but sometimes I am asked. We have two defibrillators in the school and I keep up on those. I’d actually like to teach a class to students and teachers so they know how to use a defibrillator.

Sick room provides temporary relief for ill students, serves as administrative alternative to school nurse

by ELIZABETH NELSON Section Editor

An estimated 56,000 nurses work full time in schools, according to 2004 Census reports. With millions of students nationwide, some feel this number is leading to unhealthy students and death.

STA has over 500 students, but no fulltime nurse. Some feel the situation is fine while others believe a nurse is needed.

Junior Katherine Kuhn is one student who feels a nurse would benefit students and faculty.

“We have all of these girls who are sick, plus there are girls who get hurt,” said

Kuhn. “Sometimes they have to pull Ms. [Betsy] Hansbrough out of a class to help.

I’ve been in classes where we would literally sit there for 15 minutes reading while she was helping someone.”

Principal of student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker said Hansbrough is a campus minister and teacher, not a full-time nurse.

“Sometimes [Hansbrough] is asked by students what her opinion is [on their situation] and sometimes she is called if needed,” said Hoecker. “She has years of nursing experience.”

According to the Florida State Department of Health, school nurses “eliminate the need to delegate certain health tasks to school

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief staff, and help ensure teachers are free to devote their time to educate students.”

Several years ago, a senior in California, Albert Lee, collapsed during badminton practice at a school where there was no nurse. He died of cardiac arrest.

Cases like this are not too common, but they do happen, and experts believe students are being put in danger.

“Schools without nurses are putting children in harm’s way,” said childcare author Mr. William Sears.

Still, the problem remains the lack of money for most schools, including STA. “The school has thought about [hiring a full-time nurse] but we have not done anything to date,” said Hoecker. “It’s mainly a budget issue and we also do not feel a fulltime nurse would be utilized that much.”

One aspect of STA that in some ways

alleviates the need for a nurse is the sick room. Located on the auditorium circle of the first floor in the M&A Building, the sick room is a place where students can go, with permission, to rest for a short time.

“The sick room was never intended for serious illness or to be used as a ‘nap room,’” said Hoecker. “It is intended for temporary rest. The two common examples are for really bad cramps and headache. The girl will say, ‘If I could just lie down, I think I can make it through the rest of the day.’”

Without a nurse to decide whether a student is actually sick or hoping to avoid a test, some students abuse the sick room. It is the call of M&A receptionist Julia Berardi to send a student home, to the sick room or back to class. Over the past two weeks, Berardi has been sick, which suggests some of the girls must not have been faking. H

health updates In an effort to keep readers informed and updated, the following briefs are new developments of stories you read about in The Dart earlier this year. If you missed the story last time, you can read up on human papilloma virus (HPV) in Issue 1 (Health, page 11), learn about the dangers of trans fats in Issue 2 (Bull’sEye, pages 12-13) and eating disorders in Issue 1 (From the Front, page 2).

by NICOLE FARLEY Co-Editor-in-Chief

Legislature proposes mandatory HPV vaccination Kansas legislature has proposed House Bill 2227, a measure that would require all female students entering sixth grade to receive an immunization against human papilloma virus (HPV). However, many families are unable to afford the vaccination, which, according to CNN, costs $360 for the three doses, and is not covered by most insurance companies. Doctors’ offices are also having difficulty providing the vaccine, which could tie up about $50,000 in costs to store and dispense the immunization.

health

Q & A with Betsy Hansbrough

11

Binge eating more prevalent than anorexia, bulimia According to a study by researchers at Harvard University Medical School and McLean Psychiatric Hospital, America’s most common eating disorder is frequent binge eating. According to CNN, the survey found that 3.5 percent of women and 2 percent of men experience binge eating, compared with less than 1 percent of women and 0.3 percent of men who have anorexia. The survey found that 1.5 percent of women and 0.5 percent of men have bulimia. Researchers defined binge eating as “bouts of uncontrolled eating, well past the point of being full, that occur at least twice a week.”

Starbucks chain bans use of trans fats in pastries Starbucks officially banned the use of trans fats in their pastries in January.

According to Consumer Affairs, the ban only affected about half of the US stores, however, the chain’s other stores will join with the ban later this year. Due to pressure from health activists and increased media coverage, many chain restaurants have been working to lower the trans fat contents in their food by switching to non-hydrogenated oils. Trans fats are vegetable oils that are often used by large companies because they provide texture to food, and are cheaper than alternative oil forms. H

Blood drive The annual blood drive will occur tomorrow in the M&A Conference Room. The blood drive is sponsored by Community Service Club and lasts from 8:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.

This year’s blood drive differs from last year, because students who are 16 can donate with parental consent.

Students who plan on donating must bring photo identification and are advised to eat and drink well beforehand.

All donations will benefit local hospitals.

bull’s-eye

12

bull’s-eye

13

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

2

The Top 5 Most Influential Women Rez’s Resolutions

Theology teacher holds memorable class discussions

“F

“I

wear my heart on my sleeve.”

Robin Good, theology teacher

Dr. Faith Wilson

Years at STA: 30 Positions: School President, member of the Board of Directors, PASTA Why Dr. Wilson is influential: I think Dr. Wilson is influential because of her many talents and skills she has honed during her career as a wife, mother, educator and administrator.” ~Ms. Mary Kay Lenihan, assistant to Dr. Wilson

Years at STA: 19 Positions: Theology teacher, completing her dissertation to earn her Ph.D at UMKC Why Ms. Rez is influential: She inspires us to think about religion from a different perspective. ~junior Hannah Girardeau

Anita Reznicek, theology teacher

Photos by Kathleen Pointer Stories by Alison Raybould

President hopes for continued excellence at STA

Ms. Anita Reznicek

or my students I work to inspire them to be the best scholar and the best woman.”

Ms. Anita Reznicek begins her World Faiths class by describing the ancient Indian tradition of Sati, or self-immolation practiced by widowed women in the Hindu religion. She tells her 20 curious students how women in India were expected to burn themselves on their husbands’ funeral pyre (fire). Instead of responding, “That’s stupid,” her students all exclaim, “How interesting!” Rez smirks, knowing that she has taught them well.

“We have all come into learning with old biases and from our own perspectives,” Rez later said. “We have a tendency to judge things we don’t know. I want to lift the weight of those biases. I don’t want my students saying, ‘That’s stupid!’ because then they are passing a pre-judgment.”

1Wilson’s Wish “I

“It’s everybody’s hope that when you leave, you are leaving the place in better condition than when you came, and that is my hope, too,” said President Dr. Faith Wilson.

Wilson has been “dedicated to the students and the school” for 30 years and has “truly matured.”

“When I came here, I was having babies,” she said. “Now, I have a granddaughter in the freshman class. Talk about the circle of life.”

She announced her retirement nearly two years ago and will step down after this year.

“I know that it is time,” she said. “The school is in great shape, and it’s ready for new leadership. And I’m ready for new challenges.

But at the same time, it is wrenching to leave something that has been so much a part of who I am … it’s harder than I thought it would be.”

In spite of her retirement, many look to Wilson as the most influential woman at STA, because of her concern for the improvement of the school.

“In my time as President, I wanted STA to remain a vibrant, value-centered school for young women,” said Wilson. “I wanted to ensure that

However, Rez never wants her students to be afraid of stating their opinions in class. “[My biggest accomplishment at STA is] helping my students learn to hear their own voice and to have the courage to speak it out loud,” she said.

She believes that the best way to get her students involved is to lead by example.

“For my students, I work to inspire them to be the best scholar and the best woman,” she said.

“And I try to be worthy of being thought of as an inspirational example … I try to be engaging, fascinating even, funny and approachable.”

Rez calls it a “privilege” to be a teacher, but See REZNICEK, page 23

3

Good’s Grace

All of Ms. Robin Good’s classes begin the same. She turns off the lights, asks for a volunteer to begin prayer and lights a scented candle.

“I would like to pray for Nathan and Sarah, that they may be strong and patient, and for baby Ally that she may enter this world safely,” Good softly said at the start of her Christian Lifestyles class one day last spring.

“I care a lot about the spiritual health of my students,” she said. “And that’s why we start every class with prayer. It’s just a moment for them to feel comfortable, to confide, to share…Prayer allows us to be there for each other.”

STA’s attitude toward a prayer-filled life has “reenergized” Good’s faith, and she turns to prayer when her schedule gets too hectic. But that is not her only secret in managing Kairos, campus ministry, service projects, teaching, three sons, two daughters-in-law, one high school sweetheart and a six-month-old granddaughter.

“Juggle, juggle, juggle,” she said. “I try to keep all the pieces of my life together, and I am constantly jumping from one task to the next, but I also try to be present in that moment, to be present for the people in my world, the teachers, kids, parents, my family and to not get lost in the task.

Theology teacher maintains balance

4

I simply try to be present.”

And when a student, teacher or family member turns to her for advice, she speaks straight from her heart.

“I wear my heart on my sleeve,” Good said.

“But I also know that I don’t have all the answers.

I don’t, and I am willing to admit that.”

In fact, Good was “blown away” to discover that she had been voted the third most influential woman at STA. During the past seven years at STA, Good, Ms. Mimi Harman and Ms. Betsy Hansbrough have reformatted Kairos to fit the allgirls environment and moved the phase two service hours deadline to Sept. 1.

However, Good isn’t always one for change.

See GOOD, page 23

Ms. Robin Good

Years at STA: 7 Positions: Campus Ministry team, Kairos coordinator, Service Project coordinator Why Ms. Good is influential: She provides a good example for the student body to live by. ~senior Sarah Gramlich

Coco’s Craziness

’m ready for new challenges.

But at the same time, it is wrenching to leave something that has been so muchearning apart of who shouldn’t I am...”be like pulling

we lived out the mission of the CSJs. I know in my retirement, I will pray daily for the school’s continuing prosperity and that the women who graduate will make a difference.”

Wilson has overseen many improvements to the face of the school. She helped change STA from a comprehensive high school to a college-preparatory academy. She advocated the increased pursuit of math and sciences and introduced the morning math class for eighth-graders. With Mr. Kevin Flattery, she raised $14 million for the capital campaign. Currently, they are setting the school’s strategic plan, which will set the course of action for the next five years. However, Wilson excuses these changes as the result of “collaborative work.”

“I think I have a talent for surrounding myself with people who are smarter than I am in particular areas,” she said.

“In other words, I could name everything that people might say I accomplished, and I could tell you who truly accomplished that goal. The achievements of St. Teresa’s are not because of me but because of a collaboration within our amazing staff.”

Wilson found community at STA and gave of herself to that community for three decades. She will be both happy and sad to leave the STA family, but she appreciates everything STA has given her.

“I have come to realize how absolutely fortunate I am to have found work—a vocation,

Coco Owens

Years at STA: 4 Positions: senior class president, JSA president, Managing Editor of The Dart Why Coco is influential: There is only one student who is rowdy enough to make a difference, rational enough to make others smarter, cunning enough to convince and virtuous enough to be loved by all who know her. ~senior Mary Beth Nulton

“L

Faith Wilson, school teeth.”

President Mark Fudemberg, English teacher

really—in a place that is so compatible with all my beliefs,” she said. “I have had a lot of jobs here, and I have loved every one of them, not

Hoecker’s Heart A student knocks nervously onto Ms. Mary Anne Hoecker’s office door and pushes the wooden frame back with a creak. Hoecker greets the student with a warm smile and invites her to take a seat. The student sees the laughing Buddha statue in the windowsill and accepts the invitation. She finds a comfortable spot on the forest green carpet and grabs a firm pillow to embrace. Hoecker gently shuts the door, signaling the start of their private conversation.

“I love sitting one-on-one with a student on the edge,” said Hoecker, principal of student affairs.

“By that I mean, when she is upset, stressed, emotionally depleted or emotionally exploding, my favorite thing is to support her in that moment. I hope that she can walk out of our meeting with a renewed hope.”

Hoecker believes that she was voted the fourth most influential woman (tied with Ms. Nancy Hand) because of the intimate nature of her oneon-one discussions with students.

“I just feel more open to the possibility of helping someone grow when we are in a less intimidating atmosphere,” she said.

Hoecker has learned from her interactions with the students.

Peers vote senior most influential student

necessarily because I loved the job but because it was in service of driven young minds.”

Student principal overcomes disciplinarian stereotype

4

Hand’s Humility

See HOECKER, page 23

Years at STA: 25 Positions: Principal of student affairs, previously taught theology, consults with Fine Arts Booster, oversees financial aid.

Why Ms. Hoecker is influential: She is smart and caring with a wonderful sense of humor (necessary in administration). Mary Anne leads with head and heart, giving 100 percent plus. ~Ms. Nancy Hand, academic principal

“M

ary Anne, Faith and I have to operate like a well-oiled machine.”

Nancy Hand, principal of academic affairs

Coco Owens, senior class president

I am trying to make that happen. But I was never given the golden key of power. I just try to be involved and act on behalf of the seniors to create a memorable final year at the Academy.”

Satisfied in her answer, she collapses in her desk in Ms. Megan Filipowicz’s room, exclaiming, “That’s the last of it; I’m done.”

Coco begins mumbling under her breath “why me?” and lists off a score of students who she finds more deserving of the recognition as the most influential student at STA. “I was sitting in the cultural awareness assembly today, and I was just thinking about my JSA proposal…I was sitting there worried about how I was going to get it passed, when [senior] Caitlin Clark got up on stage and started talking about the genocide in Darfur. And I realized, point blank, there are a lot more girls at STA who influence me more than I could every possibly influence them…too many to count really.”

Then, the interview takes a stroll down memory lane, as Coco gushes about her first memories at STA. “The conclusion that I kept coming back to See OWENS, page 23

Academic principal sticks to her guns in carrying out school policy Ms. Nancy Hand

“I’ve learned that there’s always a deeper meaning that can come out of conflict,” she said. “I try to teach students to stick with a problem until it resolves.”

Sometimes, the problems that Hoecker must deal with involve SBRs, uniform violations and expulsion.

“I hate when people introduce me as the disciplinarian,” said Hoecker. “Yes, part of my job is processing behavior reports and

Ms. Mary Anne Hoecker

You might know her as the senior class president, who has planned a senior breakfast, family lunch, yard day, lock-in and endless class meetings. Or maybe you know her as the girl walking around, demanding from random students their “marginal notes” on her newest proposal for Junior States of America. She might just be a smiling face in The Dart. Or maybe you have just seen her squinting at the chalkboard from the front row of her Calculus class. Nevertheless, in your time at the Academy, you’ve likely come to know who senior Coco Owens is. And now you’re wondering why she is so influential.

“I can’t answer that,” she laughs nervously to her friend. “I can’t do this.”

She smiles—rather, stares—at me and regains her composure. The serious Coco has appeared.

“I would say that people voted me as influential because…”

She hesitates in her thought, and something of a smirk forms across her face. “Well, maybe, there’s a chance that people maybe think maybe that I might be influential,” she wavers in her answer. “Seriously, now, seriously, I really want our senior class to have a good year. Period, and

“W

ho I am now is because of STA.”

Years at STA: 35 Positions: Principal of Academic Affairs Why Ms. Hand is influential: Because of her tireless work in the area of student academics. ~Ms. Mary Anne Hoecker, student principal

Principal of academic affairs Nancy Hand speaks in front of the senior class about the results from North Central during class meetings Jan. 19.

Her face is stern as she explains why retesting is necessary, but in spite of her poised demeanor, Hand prefers to be out of the spotlight.

“I have always liked to be behind the scenes; I just prefer that role,” she said.

Hand shies away from calling herself powerful, instead focusing on the “collaborative approach” she takes as one of STA’s leaders.

“We’re such a community,” she said. “That’s where my thought process really comes out of. I believe that together we are powerful.”

In fact, Hand emphasizes how the collaboration among herself, Ms. Mary Anne Hoecker and Dr. Faith Wilson has changed STA. Each week, the trio meets to discuss important decisions facing the school.

“Mary Anne, Faith and I have to operate like a well-oiled machine,” she said.

However, Hand also maintains personal accountability for her responsibilities as academic principal.

“Once a decision is made that everyone has See HAND, page 23

sports

14

RAIDER WRECKAGE Stars narrowly defeat Pembroke at home, claim rebounding as reason

by LINNY KAUFMAN Staff Writer

With 29 seconds on the clock and STA up by two, sophomore Abby Duethman positioned herself to box out under Pembroke’s basket. She watched her opponent’s shot bounce off the backboard in her direction. She jumped, came down with the rebound and was immediately fouled.

Duethman checked the scoreboard as she jogged to the free throw line; STA led Pembroke Hill by two points with 26 seconds remaining. The Pembroke fans began to chant loudly as Duethman concentrated on the basket. She sank both free throws, securing the win and an explosion of cheers erupted on the STA sideline.

The 38-34 win over the Raiders on Feb. 1 was STA’s first win of their last four games. Duethman, with 17 Home Game, Feb. 1 of the team’s 38 STA…38 points, played St. Joseph Benton…34 a key role in High Scorer: the win over Abby Duethman…17 the state-ranked 3-Pointers: team. With a Paige Kuhlmann…1 record of 8-12, Alexandra Kurth…1 the team did everything they needed to do, according to basketball coach Rich Wilson.

“I knew [Duethman] was going to make her free throws,” said Wilson. “I said to the ref, ‘When she makes the second free throw, I want a time out.’”

Duethman, however, said she was not quite as confident as Wilson was.

“I was a little hesitant,” said Duethman. “I hadn’t really been making my free throws lately, but I was like ‘OK, I have to make these.’ When I heard the Pembroke fans yelling, I tried to focus on

game line

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Historic return The Chicago Bears made history at the Super Bowl last Sunday in the first few seconds of the game.

The Bears’ rookie Devin Hester returned the Indianapolis Colts’ kickoff for a 92-yard touchdown return.

However, this record feat was not able to aid the Bears in their 29-17 defeat during the rainy game played at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.

This game also marked the first superbowl in which both head coaches were African American. Colts coach Troy Dungy was happy about the accomplishment.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I’m very proud to represent African American coaches.”

All tied up H Pembroke player Kristina Mingos, left, blocks senior Alexandra Kurth with the help of teammate Betsy Brandt at the varsity basketball game, Feb. 1. The home game ended in a STA win of 38-34. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

the basket. I just tried to black them out.

I mean, I didn’t even know what they were saying.”

Sophomore Leah Barthol said that before the game, they had a chat in their team room. She said Wilson told them what to look for in Pembroke, and

what he wanted them to focus on in the game.

“Before the game he told us how to guard [Pembroke junior Elyseia Dunn] and that helped a lot,” said Barthol. “He also told us to rebound, and I think we did that really well.”

With a total of 17 defensive and eight offensive team rebounds, Wilson agreed that rebounding was the key to the team’s success.

“We got some breaks and made some See BASKETBALL, page 22

Sisters share lifelong love of gymnastics Anna, Julia Gigliotti miss former pastime, look forward to sharing their hobby with others in the future

by NICOLE GRAVINO Staff Writer

When freshman Anna Gigliotti and junior Julia Gigliotti were toddlers, they were constantly climbing up on everything. It got to a point when their mom decided to enroll them both in a combination class of ballet, tumbling, and jazz.

“My mom got to a point where she said, ‘this has got to stop,’ and so she enrolled me in a combination class of ballet, tumbling and jazz,” said Anna. “I was always more into the tum- Julia bling.”

Anna and Julia began taking gymnastics classes when they were three years old. When Anna was six years old, she moved up to level four by mastering specified skills, which meant she would begin competing Anna with her team.

“The good part was sometimes I would get pulled out of class to go to competitions,” said Anna.

“Sometimes, we would go out of town, and I would miss an entire day of school to drive out to the competition.”

Her mom stressed the importance of keeping up with school work though she often missed school for gymnastics “She would compliment me when my report cards were really good,” said Anna.

“When a grade slipped, she would threaten to take me out of gymnastics. She always made sure that my school work was being taken care of.”

Balancing school and gymnastics eventually was not a problem for both Julia and Anna, but it left little time for a social life.

“When I was competing, I put in a lot more hours, a lot more work,” said Anna.

“I took classes five days a week for three hours each day and four hours on Wednesdays, it was all work.”

The spring of her eighth grade year, Anna decided to quit competing with her team. A lot of the girls she had been friends with when she began taking classes at the age of three went to Kansas schools where gymnastics is a school sport. When her friends left she decided to leave as well.

Although she misses gymnastics, quitting opened up her schedule and allowed her to slow down.

“I miss it,” said Anna. “I don’t think I

could go without it because it is just so much fun. The first thing I remember thinking was, ‘I can relax. I can sit down.’”

Anna and her sister still take a class on Saturdays to keep themselves active and to make sure they can still do some of the tricks they had once perfected.

“I want to coach for the rest of my life and open my own gym,” said Julia. “Gymnastics is a sport you can never really quit. It’s just something that is inside of you.”

Anna and Julia were always in the same level through their years of gymnastics, and they have grown to be inseparable.

“Sometimes, it’s really fun to be with Julia,” said Anna. “Sometimes, sisterly love can only go so far.

It was awkward when we were in a fight because we had the same practice at the same time for three hours.

When we were in a fight, most of the time it ended at the gym. We were with friends and having fun, so most of the time we got over it.” H

“I

want to coach for the rest of my life and open my own gym.

Gymnastics is a sport you can never really quit. It’s just something that is inside of you.”

Julia Gigliotti, junior

In full swingH Freshman Anna Gigliotti works on the uneven bars at Patty Bellar’s Studio on Jan. 24.

Gigliotti currently teaches children gymnastics at the same place she has frequented for almost 10 years. Photo by Maddy McGannon

Freshman scores in Nationals 15

by SARAH COOPER Section Editor

The Louisiana Superdome’s giant screen projected the smile of freshman Caroline Farchmin between the third and fourth quarters of the National Football Conference championship game Jan. 13. Her name boomed throughout the stadium as it was announced that she was a champion. Earlier that day, Farchmin had won the national Punt, Pass and Kick competition in the 1415 year old girls division.

“I just stood there and waved,” said Farchmin. “It was kind of weird. When I won, everyone was telling me it was a big deal, but I don’t really see it that way.”

The National Football League sponsors the competition, which is open to boys and girls ages 8-15. Participants punt, pass and kick a football as far and straight as they can.

Farchmin qualified for the national championship after winning her grade school, local and regional competitions. This was her seventh time in the competition, and she was reluctant to participate. Farchmin’s winning statistics included a pass of 83 yards, a punt of 95 and a kick of 90.

“I wanted to [participate] before, but this year I didn’t want to do it, I guess since I’m going to a different school,” said Farchmin.

“My [physical education] teacher [from St. Ann’s] asked me to do it last year, and I said yes. My attitude changed this year. [Everyone] was persuading me and sort of making me do it. I like watching [football], but playing it isn’t really my thing.”

Farchmin also tried to keep her participation a secret.

“I was planning on not telling anybody [I was going to New Orleans],” said Farchmin. “People [at St. Teresa’s] don’t really know what Punt, Pass, and Kick is. Punt, Pass and Kick is a football thing. A lot of people take it really seriously, and I don’t.

It’s also kind of a guy thing, and I’m a girl.

I was planning on just telling my friends I was going out of town for personal reasons.”

Freshman Becca Sommerhauser learned of Farchmin’s success from McCaffrey, and

sports features

STA student pursues out-of-school hobbies in contest, wins NFL’s Punt, Pass, Kick National Championship

Tackling the Competition 100 Farchmin won her school and local Punt, 90 Pass and Kick 80 contest, making 70 her eligible for the sectional 60 competition.

50 She qualified 30 for nationals after placing 40 in the top four 20 in a contest before a Chief’s 10 game.

95

83

90

t s Pun Pas Kick

then spread the news. “[Caroline] is very modest and doesn’t like to draw attention to herself,” said Sommerhauser. “She’s good at a lot of things, like tennis, but she is very quiet.”

Farchmin said she received a lot of attention after winning, and was featured in three articles in The Kansas City Star and in a local news report.

“I didn’t think that it would happen, like that anyone would interview me,” said Farchmin. “I was shocked, I guess you could say. My friends were kind of excited.

I went to [St. Ann’s] and all of my teachers were really proud of me.”

Sommerhauser was enthusiastic about Farchmin’s publicity.

“I was at a friend’s house and we watched her on the news,” said Sommerhauser. “It was really cool to see her…I was really proud. She didn’t even want people at school to know [about her competition], let alone a national broadcast.”

Farchmin’s father Roy Farchmin remem-

Touchdown! H Freshman Caroline Farchmin holds her trophy from the NFL’s Punt Pass and Kick competition last Sunday in front of her house. Farchmin won the 14-15 year-old girls division on Jan. 13 in the Louisiana Superdome. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

bered hearing that Caroline had won.

“We were just excited, ecstatic and surprised,” said Roy. “I’m sure she was

nervous, but she handled that very well.

She’s a neat person. We really love Caroline.” H

DANCE TEAM: Stars make debut at competition in Orlando Continued from page 2 She watched the jazz finals with her coach and thought the Stars could be as good next year. Compared to the teams that have been at Nationals previously, she believes the Stars have the ability to compete and win.

STA ended up being one of the three teams from Kansas City to go to Nationals. Along with the Stars, Raymore-Peculiar High School and Notre Dame de Sion’s dance teams attended the competition. Sion came away from the competition similarly to the STA dance team; they went to semifinals for their pom routine, but did not advance in their kick routine. Sion also won a spirit award during this year’s competition.

“We say we hate Sion as a team,” said Embree. “But we have danced with each girl, and at competitions, we have fun and hang out. Usually after competitions we end up going out to eat with them.”

After the competition was over and the team returned to school, they were given four days to rest and catch up on homework. The team will then begin competing again to prepare for the State competition in St. Louis on Feb.. 2225.

“We can’t just leave this and not practice,” said Hougland. “We have to keep working if we want to do well at State.” H

Movin’ on up H The dance team performs their pom routine at their Nationals showcase on Jan. 19 in the Goppert Center. The team performed a jazz and hip-hop routine at Nationals on Feb. 3 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Libby Conwell

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Player awards Junior Molly Campbell was recently named a part of the NSCAA/Adidas Girls Youth AllAmerica team, an honor given to only 84 players in the country.

In addition, she was selected as a 2006 NSCAA/ Adidas High School AllAmerica team.

Junior Danielle Martens was also named to 2006 High School Girls All-America roster.

Head coach Scott Siegel was given the honor of Parochial High School Regional Coach of the Year.

sports shorts

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8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Saving lives The Olathe YMCA will offer lifeguarding classes for anyone ages 15 and older Feb. 23-25.

There are both $150 and $200 classes depending on how many hours of training one attends.

The classes are given through the American Red Cross and provide certification as a Professional Rescuer along with First Aid/ CPR training.

Penguins ruffle feathers in hockey world Pittsburgh NHL franchise searches for new home, Kansas City’s new arena becomes likely candidate

by KATE RAINEY Copy Editor

By the end of this hockey season, the Pittsburgh Penguins may call Kansas City’s Sprint Center Arena home.

The team, which has played in the 45-year-old Mellon Arena since moving to Pittsburgh more than seven years ago, threatens to relocate unless a new arena is built. Representatives of the team continue to negotiate with the city of Pittsburgh, but according to Mr. Ken Price of Fox 4 News, the negotiations appear stagnant.

According to president of the Kansas City Sports Commission Kevin Gray, Kansas City offered the team free rent and revenue splits, which would basically make them part owners of the arena.

Penguins owner Mario Lemieux plans to announce his decision to relocate or stay in Pittsburgh this week, according to The Kansas City Star’s news services.

“Our hope is that the Penguins stay in Pittsburgh, but it’s got to become a reality with some hard decisions made locally relative to the new building,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman at a press conference. “There’s no doubt this team needs a new building.”

Kansas City will “ultimately end up with a team,” said Gray, whether the Penguins accept or not. According to Star sports reporter Randy Covitz, having an NHL team would be beneficial to Kansas City.

“Having an NHL or NBA club as an anchor tenant will validate the investment the city made in the Sprint Center and be

a boon not only for the development of downtown and help Kansas City maintain its status as a major-league sports town,” said Covitz in an e-mail interview. “The presence of a team like the Penguins will give KC great visibility and have an impact on the community that will run in the millions of dollars a year.”

Gray mentioned center Sidney Crosby as an incentive to obtain the Penguins.

Former Penguin player Luc Robitalille described Crosby as the next Wayne Gretzky, who is considered the greatest hockey player of all time.

“For people who know basketball, he’s our LeBron James,” said Robitalille.

“There’s no doubt that everybody’s banking on him around the league.”

Many Pittsburgh citizens are rallying to keep their team. Two fans, Nic and Charlie, created helpthepens.com, a website dedicated to showing support and selling T-shirts to raise money toward a better arena.

“Both of us agree that we’d rather see the Penguins dissolve completely than move to a faraway city, especially one that’s trying to woo our team away,” said Charlie and Nic in an e-mail interview.

“If someone you knew was hitting on your girlfriend/boyfriend right in front of your face, you might call them some pretty bad stuff…you might even get physical. How is hitting on our hockey team any different? To the people of Kansas City:…back off before we throw down some fisticuffs (that’s hockey for fighting).”

So far, the site has earned $2,992.05, with a goal of earning one million.

Some worry Kansas City citizens will

Pending penguins H A preview of the coming Sprint Center arena stands in front of the current construction site downtown as of last Sunday. With 18,500 seats, the $276 million arena will open in October of this year. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

not appreciate the team, especially considering the last NHL team in Kansas City, the Scouts, left in 1976 because they lacked a strong fan base. Covitz disagrees.

“There are plenty of transplants from the Northeast and Chicago and St. Louis who know the game,” he said. “And [hockey is] really not all that complicated, especially if you compare it to all the rules football has. It’s like basketball or soccer.

Put the puck in the net.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dave Molinari believes the Penguins will be success-

The good, the bad and the uncoordinated Fictional girl represents participants that find fulfillment sans athleticism Nicole Gravino

Staff Writer A girl wearing a pair of soffe shorts and a bright t-shirt, clutching a pink nalgene in her hands approaches the group of freshman girls congregating on the soccer field at STA. She is sporting borrowed soccer cleats and wearing shin guards obviously a couple sizes too small. She has not played soccer since her grade school days, when the fields were a fraction of the size and the only part she remembers was eating oranges at halftime and rushing to the cooler for a soda after the game. Yet, here she is about to try out for the team at STA. Does she know the STA soccer team has won and will continue to win state? Probably. Is she prepared for this tryout? Not at all. Is she going to go through with it?

Absolutely.

Let’s call this girl “Stacy.” She represents many of the girls involved in athletics here at STA. As uncoordinated as Stacy may be, she will show up every day of tryouts no matter how exhausted and nervous she is. She may make mistakes and embarrass herself, but that won’t stop her from trying.

She trips over her own feet as she marches down the hill to the field. While running a short warm-up around the soccer field, she finds herself and the three girls

behind her sprawled on the ground in a tangled mess. Who else saw that slight dip in the ground?

Panting and with a slight cramp in her side, she stands listening to the coach explain the next drill. You want me to pass the ball to who, and then run where?

It is all right, Stacy knows she is clumsy and has limited hand-eye coordination. She has learned not to base her achievements in sports upon being among the 10 best players in the school.

She ran on the cross-country team in the fall, although she never competed in any of the meets.

Even so, being on the cross-country team helped Stacy make many friends she may have never met through her classes. She also met upperclassmen who were willing to help her out by giving advice, making them seem less intimidating.

Our teams are not just teams, they are extended families. Most importantly, they embrace athletes like Stacy, who do not try out because they plan on getting a full ride somewhere, but try out because they know they will enjoy the time spent with their peers. It isn’t about being competitive 100 percent of the time.

Stacy watches the line of girls slowly dwindle and before she knows it, she is up next. She starts dribbling the ball pretty

ful anywhere they relocate.

“What matters most is that Kansas City can offer the Penguins a state-of-theart arena with plenty of guaranteed revenue streams,” wrote Molinari. “In light of that, it really doesn’t matter whether sports fans in that region would embrace the NHL. The suspicion, though, is that, with the Penguins’ nucleus of ridiculously talented and entertaining young players, this franchise could be transplanted to Bolivia and still attract standing-room crowds most of the time.” H

HScoreboardH Varsity Basketball (8-12) Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 20 Jan. 30 Feb. 1

St. Joseph Layfayette Pleasant Hill Helias Notre Dame de Sion Basehor Linwood * Holton * Park Hill * Blue Springs Pembroke Hill

W (58-31) W (68-42) L (45-48) L (32-41) W (54-36) L (45-51) L (51-56) L (46-62) W (38-34)

* Denotes Basehor-Linwood Tournament

JV Basketball (5-13) Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 25 Jan. 30 Feb. 1

St. Joseph Layfayette Pleasant Hill Notre Dame de Sion Bishop Miege St. James Academy Blue Springs Pembroke Hill

L (40-44) W (49-27) L (23-62) L (20-63) W (40-30) L (24-48) L (29-30)

Freshman Basketball “A” (8-10)

Cartoon by Anne Tampke

well until that dip in the ground shows up again. the ball is suddenly ten feet in front of her, and that cramp in her side just won’t quit. She fails to make it through the first phase of the drill and chases down the drifting soccer ball to pick it up and carry it back with her to the line.

A few missed passes, whiffs and bruises later, she is finally able to leave, but before she can get off the field, the coach reminds her to come back the same time, same place tomorrow and first cuts will be posted on Wednesday. She doesn’t expect to make the team, but you can bet she will show up to tryouts until the list is posted. H

Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 16 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 1 Feb. 2

Pleasant Hill Lawrence South Notre Dame de Sion St. Thomas Aquinas Lawrence South Lawrence West Shawnee Misson East Archbishop O’Hara St. Thomas Aquinas Lee’s Summit West * Belton * Liberty South Valley *

W (42-39) L (26-38) W (39-17) L (20-37) L (31-57) W (49-42) L (19-24) L (36-37) L (27-37) L (36-40) W (33-9) W (46-38)

* Denotes Lee’s Summit West Tournament

Freshman Basketball “B” (3-8) Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 23 Jan. 27

Notre Dame de Sion St. Thomas Aquinas Pleasant Hill Shawnee Mission East Bishop Ward St. Thomas Aquinas

Swimming Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Jan. 19 Jan. 24 Jan. 26

Park Hill (Var/JV) Blue Springs (JV) Greater KC Invite (Var) Park Hill Quad (Var) Independent League

L (22-34) W (32-13) L (29-45) L (23-36) L (17-31) L (31-33)

12th, 11th Unavailable Unavailable 2nd Unavailable

Freshman finds her role in STA theater

fine arts

New to acting world, student tells joys of being in her first play ALLISON POINTER Staff Writer

Sand colored Ugg Boots make their way down the shady, carpeted stairway, as a petite girl with chocolate hair thrown loosely in a ponytail and square-rimmed glasses shuffles down into the dipped crater of the STA auditorium. She lugs her black backpack off her shoulders and immediately starts a conversation with another girl in a STA plaid skirt, while heading over to the crowd of fellow students, digging into their daily snacks.

She’s new. Not only as a ninth grader, but also into this whole new world she never knew before…the theater.

“My friend Kelly [Fitzpatrick] made me try out for it,” says freshman Jessica Luber. “She planned on trying out and she said that I should do it with her because it would be fun.”

Little did Luber know it would be the experience for her. She attended Belinder Elementary School until reaching middle school, where Luber first attended Indian Hills Middle School and then finished her grade school learning at St. Ann’s Catholic School. In February of last year, she came to STA registration with her parents and signed up for an elective that she was not familiar with.

“Drama sort of sounded like fun,” she said. “And I am no good at drawing.”

Luber is among the four freshmen who made it in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged,” as well as one other, who is an understudy for many of the actors. All have had some experience with theater, besides Luber.

“I did a couple after-school things in grade school and then our 8th grade play,” said Fitzpatrick. “I was always interested [in theater] and then this year when I heard there were auditions, I decided to go for it. When I didn’t make

Quiet in front H Freshmen Kelly Fitzpatrick, left, and Jessica Luber sit at the “Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged” play practice Wed., Jan. 31. After being told to be quiet, Luber and Fitzpatick giggle and hush each other. Photo by Allison Pointer

‘Suessical’ though, I thought I would try again.”

She also admitted that she did, in fact, push Luber to go for the play.

“We are good friends; I thought it would be fun for her,” she said. “She isn’t in any sports, so it was also a good way for her to get involved.”

However, both Luber and Fitzpatrick confess Jessica doesn’t show her talent and interest in drama class.

“She’s a lot more outgoing than she gives herself credit for,” said Fitzpatrick. “In the play, her character Ophelia goes crazy. In Drama, she’s quiet, but once she gets on stage, she lets it all out.”

Along with playing Ophelia, Luber also has the role of being a narrator for

some of the play, acting alongside many older girls.

“I would say that my favorite part of the play is that I’m meeting a lot of upperclassmen and that I am doing an extra curricular activity,” Luber said.

This chance of participating in the drama department has opened up new doors for Luber, who says she would love to continue with acting.

“She does really well,” said Fitzpatrick. “I was a bit surprised that she hasn’t been in any shows before. I think she’s really good. We are already talking about trying out for the senior productions.”

“Shakespeare” will be playing at STA Feb. 22, 23 and 24. H

The complete cast of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged” Charlotte Adams Kate Bohnert Anna Boisseau Kathleen Bryant Katie Burns-Yocum Eva Copeland Eleanor Dillon Kelly Fitzpatrick Emily LaGrand Jessica Luber Allie Lueke Paris Mantz Anne Tampke

First Fridays displays sophomore’s artwork Student pictures herself in art, piece displayed in Crossroads gallery

by CARLIE CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Sophomore Mollie Caffey walked into the Crossroads Gallery, and amidst the coffee-drinkers, minglers and browsers, saw something the average high school student doesn’t see: her artwork on display alongside the pieces of accomplished professional artists on Jan. 6.

“It was a little intimidating,” Caffey said. “Mine was put in this section with all these really good drawings and I felt like mine was a little bit amateur, but that was the Art Institute [gallery], so there were more younger people.”

Caffey’s art was displayed at First Fridays through a textiles class she took at the Kansas City Art Institute over the summer. She was nominated to have her art displayed by her teacher at KCAI. First Fridays is an event held on the first Friday of every month when art galleries in the Crossroads District stay open late for special displays.

“I assumed that they were going to show work that they did over the summer, but that wasn’t true, they wanted something she had just done currently,” said STA art teacher Theresa Wallerstedt.

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Matthew, Caffey’s little brother stood in front of her picture and told people it was his sister’s as they walked by, according to sophomore Mary Jantsch, Caffey’s friend who attended the event with the Caffeys.

“It was kind of like a maze,” said Jantsch. “There were corners and pictures everywhere.”

Jantsch said Mollie was very excited about having her art displayed. Caffey and Jantsch had never been downtown to First Fridays, but they both enjoyed it.

“We went to a couple of other galleries,” Caffey said. “They were more professional ones and that was really impressive. There were lots of people mingling and doing their artsy thing.”

Caffey was pleasantly surprised by the casual, fun atmosphere downtown.

“It was a lot more night-life than I thought it would be,” she said. “I really like it down there.”

The drawing Caffey submitted to the show was a blind contour drawing. In that type of drawing, the artist draws something with one continuous line and without looking at their paper.

“It was a picture of myself, which was kind of weird,” Caffey said. “I was looking in a mirror and I couldn’t look at the paper and I had to draw myself.” Caffey drew the portrait earlier this year in Advanced Drawing.

Caffey took Drawing I last year and is currently enrolled in a painting course at

Art is blind H Mollie Caffey stands in front of her “blind contour” self-portrait Jan. 30 during activity in the art room. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

the Art Institute. Though she was covered in paint by the end of her first class, she is enjoying the experience.

“What they’re doing is pretty diffi-

cult stuff,” said Wallerstedt. “I tell [my students] all the time that you have to be brave and you have to be smart to make art.” H

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief The Giver The Coterie Theatre, Level 1 Crown Center shops, is performing “The Giver” by Lois Lowry as part of their preteen/ young adult series. Eric Coble adapted Lowry’s Newberry Award winning book into play form.

The show will run until Feb. 25, times vary.

Order tickets online at www. coterietheatre.org or call the box office at (816) 474-6552.

Westport Flea Market cooks up food, fun, cash prize on Wednesdays

by ALY BROWNLEE Web Editor

Junior Emma Wenig frowned in concentration and bent over the table. While other teams whispered or glanced up at the TV screen in the corner, Wenig and her team quickly scribbled an answer, then hid it underneath a menu.

After a moment, she raised her team’s board above her head, and watched as other teams did the same. Wenig’s eyes darted around the room, and then she lowered the board reluctantly. The number of points next to the name “Shrieking Eels” stayed at six—close to last place.

The Shrieking Eels are just one team that participated in the Westport Flea Market’s trivia night Jan. 24. The Flea Market, on Westport Road, hosts trivia nights every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m.

“The atmosphere was really cool, and everything was very organized,” said Wenig.

“I loved how the other teams just got so into it. It’s a fun thing to do with your friends.”

For a $5 entry fee, teams enjoy trivia in various categories, ranging from country flags to NFL history. At the end of the game, the winning three teams divide the entry fees as prize money. The fourth place team receives a consolation prize.

“Trivia night has become so popular that we’re going to add another one on ThursTest your own knowledge with questions from the trivia night.

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Entertain-fit A new trend in sporting equipment is machines like treadmills and elliptical trainers that provide entertainment for the user such as iPod ports, games and built-in TVs.

VH1 show loses touch with reality Kate Rainey

1. Which of the following food icons was not based on a real person?

A. Betty Crocker B. Sara Lee C. Aunt Jemima D. Uncle Ben

Videophile

Under cover H Junior Emma Wenig, left, writes down her team’s answer as junior Kate Rainey tries to protect it from prying eyes at the Westport Flea Market’s Trivia Night.

Trivia Nights are held every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Photo by Aly Brownlee

day,” said Julie Anna, a waitress at the Flea Market. “Business definitely goes up on Wednesdays, and we get a lot of the same people coming back to play. It takes a lot of time to prepare, but it’s fun and challenging. ” The trivia game consists of 10 categories, with five questions in each category.

Questions range in difficulty, with the first being the easiest, and the last being the hardest. Teams earn one point for answering the first question right, two points for the second question, and so on with the last question in 2. Which actor (now on “Grey’s Anatomy”) had his first role on “Saved by the Bell” in 1991? He was listed as “Guy who wants to date Kelly and plays volleyball against them.”

3. Name the model guitar that was introduced by Gibson in 1958, shaped like an alphabet letter.

each category worth five points.

Amy Becker, an STA alumna, said when teams did not know an answer, they would make one up. Teams are allowed to converse among themselves, but never to ask another team for help or use any outside sources.

“Team answers are read aloud, and everyone laughs at the funny ones,” said Becker. “It’s fun to test your knowledge against someone else’s, and the cash prizes are really awesome. It’s great to win, but much more entertaining to play.” H 4. What is the IATA (International Air Transport Association) abbreviation for the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport?

5. Which Caribbean island has been devastated by volcanic eruptions that occurred between 1995 and 1997. The population currently lives in the “safe zone” in the north of the island?

1. Betty Crocker 2. Eric Dane (a.k.a. Mark Sloan) 3. Flying V 4. ICT 5. Montserrat

entertainment

18 Survey says:

Trivia Night equals smart fun

Revitalizing opera, Met broadcasts live shows ‘Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD’ is the latest scheme to revive art form

by SARAH SMITH Staff Writer

The managers of the Metropolitan Opera have devised a plan to revive appreciation for the aging art form. With falling ticket sales and the threat of technological advances, movie theatres across the country will air live broadcasts of the new series, “The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD.” “This is all a big experiment, but one that is essential,” Mr. Peter Gelb, General Manager of the Met, told the Associated Press. “The whole approach to running a grand opera house cannot be curatorial.

It’s about treating great operas as if they’ve been written yesterday.”

Gelb has received criticism for straying from the traditional repertoire, and skeptics say the live broadcasts will discourage people from traveling to New York for the real thing. His goal however, is to rid opera of some of it elitist connotations and make it a modern art form.

The Metropolitan Opera had its debut performance in 1883 and since then has continued to grow to a world renowned company. More than a decade later, with a passion and élan matched by few in the opera industry, the Met persists, with a staff of over 1,500 people, to produce top-ofthe-line opera performances.

“Anything we can do to both artistically revive it with new productions that are appealing to a new audience [and] electronically transmit it, taking advantage of new

technologies, we’re seizing all these opportunities,” Gelb told the AP. Following the Sept. 11 attacks, the Met noticed a drop in ticket sales. Shows that used to bring in full houses have dropped to between 70 and 80 percent paid seats this season. While Gelb is pleased with the prospect of bringing in new revenue, his main focus is still the artistic quality of the productions.

Performers in the opera are represented by unions which have agreed to new contracts to share revenue from HD, satellite and DVD sales, making this possible.

“It’s a convergence of coming of age and a more practical approach from the unions,” Gelb said to the AP. “Because of these new union agreements, we’re doing things that no opera company has ever done.”

Thanks to many camera angles and upclose footage, Gelb assured these broadcasts won’t be like what people may be familiar with from TV. “We’ll be knocking on dressing room doors, interviewing artists, interviewing stage hands, showing the scenery move, really kind of giving the backstage tour of the Met,” he told the AP. According to Ms. Tiffany Foulger, marketing and communications coordinator for Cinemark Theatres, the broadcasts have proven to be successful. Some shows have been sold out weeks in advance and they’ve had to free up additional theatres to compensate for the demand.

Kansas City has three theatres that are equipped with the satellites required for the broadcasts. The Cinemark 20 in Merriam, Regal Kansas City Stadium 18, and AMC Studio 30 in Olathe will all be showing the

productions. The next broadcast will be of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” Feb. 24.

Tickets for these shows are $18 for adults and $15 for children.

Other initiatives from the opera include live-streaming broadcasts over the internet and satellite radio as well as over 500 archived performances available to download.

“What I dream about is perfect productions,” Gelb told the AP. “You should break down the barriers but not dumb down the artistic integrity, because that would be pyrrhic victory. I’m running an opera house that is committed to producing the best opera in the world.” H

te o n ide Just

a

s

The Metropolitan Opera is broadcasting live performances to Cinemark Merriam (5500 Antioch) on these dates: HFeb. 13: Vincenzo Bellini’s I Puritani HFeb. 24: Peter Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin HMarch 24: Gioachino Rossini’s Il Babiere di Siviglia HApril 28: Giacomo Puccini’s Il Trittico Running time for each performance is 3 to 4 hours. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for children.

VH1 has a host of abominable reality shows. I thought the people on “The Surreal Life” and “The Flavor of Love” were scraped from the bottom of the barrel. But these shows are golden compared to the dregs of society on “I Love New York.”

The show which airs Mondays at 8 p.m., has a simple premise. New York, a contestant on the first two seasons of “Flavor of Love” who lost both seasons after making it to the final two, continues to search for true love on TV. Twenty men vie for her love.

The people on this show act like pigs.

Loud, obnoxious, foul – and that’s just the hostess, New York. Her mother is more of the same. The men are meatheads, constantly flexing their muscles and asserting their masculinity.

New York subjects the men to obscene and embarrassing challenges, like a mangeant (beauty pageant for men), in which they don swimsuits and gyrate on a stage in front of New York, her mom and her assistant, Chamo. (Chamo is an effeminate homosexual Latino, who wears gaudy clothing and speaks with a thick accent and lisp).

“New York” presents the same lowlifes as Jerry Springer. New York is not only obnoxious, she is also lewd. She wears tight clothing, her breasts constantly burst out of her top and her makeup is clownish. She looks like a prostitute.

This show entertains much in the same vein as the Romans throwing the Christians to the lions. We sit at home and gawk as the men act like monkeys and New York acts like a blowup doll. We thank God we don’t act like that or know anyone who does. It is humiliating.

While I doubt people will consider this show a step-by-step guide to courting and marrying, something may rub off on young viewers, consciously or subconsciously. It seems impossible someone could do more than scoff at this smut, but there are aspects of this show that reflect the idea of what love and dating are.

In the mangeant episode, Mr. Mangeant wins a date with New York. The date begins with Mr. Mangeant helping New York put on her swimsuit. She comments later that he was a gentleman because his eyes wandered, but he kept his hands to himself.

This is so backward. New York claims she wants to find love, yet she narrows the men down based on how sexy they are and how “into her” they seem. She is choosing these men based on lust, not love.

New York kicked one man off the show because he “didn’t show love for New York,” by kissing her on the cheek (to which she laughed hysterically), and only smiling at her when she walked into the room, instead of running to her and dancing on tiptoes to get her attention. She considered this disrespectful. This man’s modesty screams respect and a desire to cultivate love for New York, rather than dash to get into her pants.

Too many people prize sex as the most important aspect of a relationship. They let their animal brain control their human brain.

Rather than cultivate a relationship with an individual, they hop in bed and leave it at that.

This show reflects the ideas of our society, albeit taken to an extreme. Hopefully, this disgusting show will force young people to look at their own actions, and try not to act like New York and her men. H

J.T. delivers the bite in ‘Alpha Dog’ 19

by MARY KATE BIRD Managing Editor

Rating: H H H 1/2

Its 10 o’clock… do you know where your children are?

“Alpha Dog” generates the kind of feeling inside viewers that make them wonder about where their kids are, what they are doing and, most importantly, who they are hanging out with. The focus around overprivileged, drugged-out white kids is played up by the faux gangster-rap videos playing across 62 inch flat screens and marijuana growing in the backyard of a parent.

Most viewers, however, aren’t there to see kids smoking marijuana, girls exploiting themselves, or boys (and I stress the word boys) waving guns in the air. They are there to see Justin Timberlake in his biggest onscreen debut yet. If you could get over the flagrant disregard for humanity and the law, then “Alpha Dog” and Timberlake create a movie worth the outrageous $8.50.

Based on the true story of

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Southern Californian drug dealer Jesse James Hollywood, “Alpha Dog” depicts the events surrounding the abduction of a gang rival’s younger brother. Universal Pictures originally scheduled the movie for 2005 after making a Sundance debut, but bumped “Alpha Dog” because it was considered a “potential damage to a trial.”

At age 20, Hollywood joined up with buddies in 2000 to kidnap and murder the 15year-old brother of Ben Markowitz, who was in debt to Hollywood for drugs. The four accomplices were all convicted shortly thereafter, but Hollywood became the youngest person to ever make the FBI’s most-wanted list by disappearing with the help of his girlfriend and a long-lost pal.

Johnny Truelove, based on the character of Jesse James Hollywood, (played by Emile Hirsch), the leader of a San Gabriel Valley gang including Frankie, Elvis (Shawn Hatosy) and Tiko (Fernando Vargas). The group spends most of its time throughout the movie doing drugs, selling drugs, cursing women or getting drunk into a stupor. Once they kidnap Zack, however, it becomes a different movie.

Frankie, by order of Johnny, becomes Zack’s best friend and convincingly produces what turns out to be the most heartbreaking pinnacle of the film, as Timberlake succeeds in making viewers feel just as dirty as the weed he plucks out of his backyard.

With numerous homophobic rants, drinking escapades and tirades against women, Timberlake manages to shake the boy-band, squeaky clean image viewers might expect in order to depict a character that deserves his own movie.

The movie continues to twist and turn. It will leave viewers feeling uncomfortable, but unable to turn their gaze away. H

Indie rock group releases album, morphs new vibe Shins’ new album may surprise former listeners

by ANNE TAMPKE Staff Writer

The Shins’ newly released album “Wincing the Night Away” surprises old fans with its unique nautical theme and poetic style. Some previous Shins listeners clapped along to songs such as “Kissing the Lipless” from the Shins’ 2003 album Chutes Too Narrow. Others who were introduced through the 2004 movie Garden State soundtrack should expect a contrast with its new album full of melodic tunes.

The slow, deep feel of the first song

of “Wincing,” “Sleeping Lessons” helps you dive into the Shins’ aquatic nightlife. The soft thumping of the xylophone interestingly accompanies the tunneled lyrics.

Other tracks with a similar vibe include “Phantom Limb” and “Sea Legs” which even becomes a little bubbly.

The most similar to the Shins’ Chutes is the song “Australia” a faster, lighter track with plenty of “ohs” and “la la’s”. The song’s catchy drumbeat and lively sound made it one of the only songs that I could really tap my toes to

and boogie with. of “Australia” the Wincing become a awhile with their

With the exception rest of the songs on bit monotonous after similar sounds and stories.

I found The Shins the lyrics “Wincing the Night were hard to decipher w h i l e Away" listening to all of Rating: H H H H the songs because of the lead singer and song writer Russell Mercer’s voice blended into the music quite strangely, almost too well. When I looked up the lyrics online, I received quite a vocabulary lesson finding more

Oscar Poll The nominees for best actress are: Penelope Cruz (Volver), Dame Judi Dench (Notes on a Scandal), Helen Mirren (The Queen), Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada) and Kate Winslet (Little Children).

Who do you think will win and why?

“I liked Penelope Cruz she’s a great actress and she played the role really well. And I am very proud of her.”

-Sophomore Ellie Mullane

“I think Helen Mirren or Meryl Streep will win because they are both old and usually old people win. Both of the movies were really popular too.”

-Junior Katherine Poppe

than five times in a song when I didn’t know what a word even was. Using phrases in lyrics such as “poly morphing opinions” make the songs less accessible to the average listener. I can see most of the album not being played on the radio because of its cryptic lyrics. “Red Rabbits” bizarre allusion to sprites fighting for their own rights left plenty of room for interpretation.

Although unconventional, The Shins show true creativity through their nostalgic instrumentation and miscellaneous sound effects. “Wincing the Night Away” is truly an escape from the norms of the real world. I would recommend popping it into your CD player on a rainy day letting the rhythm float you away into their mysterious black lagoon. H

Compiled by Rachel Schwartz

“Helen Mirren will win because she made the queen more real. It shows the real side and truth instead of what people want to see.”

-Senior Kelli Hansen

“Penelope Cruz will win because she has a cool voice and is a fantastic actress.”

-Freshman Lexi Vaughan

reviews

Former teen heartthrob turned actor joins talented cast to portray Jesse James Hollywood’s kidnapping story

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Harry Potter!

Feb. 1, J.K. Rowling announced the release of the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is to be released at 12:01 am July 21 in English speaking countries around the world.

by COLLEEN OWENS Managing Editor of Design

The story of a girl who found a way to coexist religiously between her father’s Baptist religion and her stepfather’s Methodist roots

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief

Religion by the Numbers

500,000: Practicing scientologists in the world

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features

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Doubly

2.1 billion: Practicing Christians worldwide

1.1 billion: People in the world who don’t believe in a god

14 million: Practicing Jews worldwide

800,000: Members of the unitarian-universalist church worldwide

From the pulpit H Senior Lauryn Howard reads announcements Feb. 4 at the Swope Park United Methodist Church where her stepfather, Mr. David Gilmore, is minister.

Howard participated in the church choir and assisted in other aspects of the service.

Photo by Kathleen Pointer

ly, so what I do is actually fun.”

Today, Lauryn has grown comfortable “I am a fisherman,” bellows Methodist in her quirky routine as the daughter of pastor David Gilmore, at the Sunday 11 two preachers. am service at Swope Park United Meth“When I walk into [either] church to sit odist Church. The congregation reacts in the front row, I can feel the eyes of the with passionate “Amen’s” and “you-tell- members, all wondering what took me so it’s” while he pumps his fist in the air long to finally get to church,” said a joking and wipes his perspirating forehead with Lauryn. “I am probably the worst preacha clean cloth. The choir of clapping and er’s kid walking. But that’s okay.” dancing raises their voices to the piano Adrian is grateful for one woman in and drum notes pulsing throughout the in- particular who helped the family to reach timate church setting of stained glass. their dual church resolution.

This scene is just another second Sun“It has become more like a blended day of the month for senior Lauryn How- family, orchestrated by Lauryn’s grandrard. mother [on her mother’s side],” said Like many families in the United Adrian. “She made sure everything ran States, STA senior Howard’s parents are smoothly. She kept the peace, because it’s divorced. Her stepfather, David, and difficult to share your daughter.”

Lauryn’s mother, Kimiko, lived in the Laughing at the thought of parent risouth when she was little. Her father, valries, Lauryn knows she is surrounded Adrian Howard, lived in Washington. by support and love at each church and at The living arrangement meant that Lauryn each home. would attend Methodist services with her “I genuinely like her father and I know mother and stepfather. Like most children that he genuinely loves his daughter,” raised in a religious background, Lauryn said David. “We both want the best for followed the faith of the adults around her. her, and so we realized we would have to But upon hearing the news that David’s fa- get along. Now it is to the point we joke ther, an associate pastor, was ill, he made around and call ourselves co-parents.” the decision to move to Kansas City with Lauryn’s family has built an extensive his wife and stepdaughter to take up his family tree of pastors. Her father and father’s reigns at the Swope Park United stepfather both speak of their role in the Methodist Church as the new co-pastor. church, as though it were fate by God. Around this time, Lauryn’s father, Adrian’s personal motto states that there is Adrian, was moving to Kansas City from no life greater than a life of service while Washington, and as a Baptist pastor of David believes God spoke to him to beabout 15 years, he wished Lauryn would come a pastor. With firm roots of two respend time with him at his Baptist church, ligious devotions, Lauryn often jokes that New Rising Star Missionary Church. if she had a little brother, he would be the Lauryn, who was in sixth grade at the rebel to break the line of preachers. time, understood that religion was imporAs a preacher’s kid, Lauryn is faced tant to both father figures in her life and with pressure and judgement, but feels it wanted to appreciate both the Methodist is all a part of the title. and Baptist religions.

“There is a certain code of conduct,” “[My parents] let me go back and forth said Lauryn. “It is unwritten, but it is [between the two a code of conduct churches],” said every preacher’s Lauryn.

“One child has on [him or month I would go her]. First of all, ’m probably the here, and the next you must be very month I would go religious, you must worst preacher’s there and that beget good grades came really hard and above all else kid walking.” on everybody.” there must be nothLauryn Howard, senior Finally, Lauing wrong with you. ryn’s Sunday desOf course there tination became a are some [church] weekly trade-off. members that acThe first and third Sundays of the month, tually understand teenagers, that we’re she attended the Methodist church to see going to make mistakes. But there are her stepfather preach, while the second always those who think you are just the and fourth Sundays were spent at the Bap- cat’s meow, you’re perfect and a lot of tist church to see her father preach. the times this is hard. At the same time, “I don’t have [to go through] the same you get to the point where if they don’t old thing every Sunday,” said Lauryn. want to know who you really are, then “Things can get monotonous really quick- they really don’t care about you.”

“I

Lauryn’s Beliefs

“S

21

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In general, Lauryn feels she is liberal in her religious beliefs. She feels the Methodist Church is more modern, while the Baptist church is more traditional, sometimes feeling confined in its traditional two-hour service. Lauryn appreciates the Methodist Church’s attempt to blend the old and the new, including an effort to The Baptist Beliefs The Methodist Beliefs include the teenagers Baptists emphasize the authority of the scriptures and of the parish to create The mission of the Methodist Church is to be witness believe in separation of church and state. They rec- a stronger sense of to the God of Grace in four dimensions: proclaognize the sacraments of church and state, but do not community. She mation, evangelism, incorporation and servitude. baptize infants, believing one must publicly profess thinks the position of Methodists believe good works are a sign of a justitheir faith to be baptized. In Baptist churches, there the Methodist Church fied person and that God gives unmerited favor to all are only two offices, pastor and deacon. people, although this merit may be resisted. is that it is recommended to go to church every Sunday, but this will not Another aspect of the code is regular may lead the worship or have hip-hop church appearances and participation. praise dancing. It lets the kids know ensure that you are At the United Methodist Church, Lau- they can come and be themselves and alsaved. In contrast, ryn arrives in the long and narrow sanc- low those with gray in their face to get Lauryn thinks it is tuary every other Sunday at 10 a.m. to to know their youth better.” the Baptist Church’s practice choir songs, her favorite song, Lauryn admits she tends to be extra position that if you “Total Praise,” is always on the list. Al- involved with the Methodist church, though the wall colors are a dark brown, sometimes attending Bible study on Mongo to church every sitting in the designated choir space is a days if her school load allows her, and Sunday and are bapbright orange piano, capable of energiz- attending choir practice every Thursday. tized, you will be ing the spirits of each church attendee.

Lauryn laughs that maybe she spends too saved. In this aspect, At 10:30 a.m., it is time to don the much time at church, sometimes even atshe feels that she colorful choir robes. Lauryn, if selected tracting some unwanted attention. to be the worship leader, which is like “There is even one kid who has a does not necessarily a church master of ceremonies, must crush one me, for the last three years need to go to church dress impeccably now” said Lauryn. every Sunday to be and stand on the “His name is Sonspiritually fulfilled. pulpit to prepare ny, and he’s adorthe crowd for able but it’s not he seems to the day’s events going to work…he until the service attends church evgenuinely enjoy begins. This can ery Sunday, unless the whole experience include singing, he’s sick.” talking to the But to David, he she gets on Sunday.” people about the is proud and pleased Mr. David Gilmore, day’s events and to see his stepLauryn’s stepfather corralling the daughter take such a children.

The lead in his spiritual responsibilities world. seem endless, “That is the one but it is a job Lauryn is proud to per- thing I don’t worry about,” said David. form.

“She seems to genuinely enjoy the whole “I like the United Methodist Church experience she gets on Sunday. She is better because there’s more people, kind of unique in that way.” there’s a lot more youth,” said LauAt her father’s Baptist church, Lauryn. “We do a lot more, we are more ryn sometimes feels confined in its trainvolved in the community. My step- ditional setting, a two-hour service, but dad is a very good speaker because he still enjoys listening to her father preach, speaks more to everybody instead of the even though she admits, his sermons are adults.” often aimed for older audiences. UsuThis is where the Methodist and Bap- ally arriving at 11 a.m., Lauryn might tist faiths separate in Lauryn’s eyes. have trouble trying to stay awake though “Methodists are more modern while the service, but there is always eating afBaptists are more traditional,” she said. terwards that seems to spice up the day’s “At the Methodist church, they say it’s events. Whether enjoying a community good to go to church every Sunday but meal in the basement of the church, sitthat it does not ensure you will be saved. ting down to a restaurant on the CounThe Baptist church says that if you go to try Club Plaza or inviting everyone to church every Sunday, you are saved; you the nearby Hometown Buffet, Lauryn’s are fine; you are baptized. I don’t neces- Baptist Sundays are spent full of flavor. sarily [want to] go to church every Sunday Adrian understands his daughter is to get what I need [spiritually]. It’s im- still developing in her beliefs and is portant if you want to be traditional, but proud she has grown up into the faithI am a very liberal person when it comes filled woman she is today.

Looking over his shoulder H Mr. David Gilmore, presider of the Swope to religion.”

“Lauryn is still kind of naive and Park United Methodist Church, is joined by his stepdaughter, senior Lauryn To Lauryn, however, dress code is a goofy, but we all get along,” said AdriHoward, for the procession of the gifts, Feb. 4. Photo by Kathleen Pointer whole different game. an. “She has got a great support group “[Although] I am expected to dress with her forever.” appropriately, jeans often times won’t This initial unique family dilemma cut it, but I wear them sometimes just to that could have ended messily instead spite some of the members,” she said. blossomed into an opportunity for a David appreciates the United Method- young girl to mature in an environment ist’s attempts to blend the old and the new, of religious devotion and open-mindeda reason he knows Lauryn is attracted to ness. the Methodist faith.

“We tell her all the time,” said Da“We try to incorporate our children vid. “She is blessed; she’s doubly and our teenagers,” said David. “They blessed.” H

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief US Breakdown Christianity is the number one practiced religion in the United States. The top five most practiced Christian sects are: Protestant Catholic Mormon Orthodox NonDenominational

Warning Signs of Potential Abuse

Diocesan training H Senior Caitlyn Crawford reflects on the horrors of sexual abuse while watching the service training video “Protecting God’s Children.” The program was followed by several activities where students discussed the causes and effects of sexual abuse toward children in their communities. Photo by Anne Tampke

MARCH: Washington rally protests Supreme Court decision of 34 years 8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Math Team The math team met Tuesday for the fourth round of the Missouri Math League Team Competition. After the three rounds, the math team is tied with Lee’s Summit West and ranked one point ahead of Pembroke. Next Wednesday, the team will compete in the third round of the Catholic School Individual Tests.

The math team has been invited to Great Plains Math League, hosted

by Pembroke, March 3. It is the last chance for the team to qualify for the state competition. They will also celebrate Pi Day March 14 and look forward to the KCATM competition March 31.

Continued from page 7 cording to the law, none of us had to be born, and many like us weren’t.

In the past 34 years, more than 49 million unborn children have been aborted - that is more than the populations of Washington State, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho and Montana combined.

After leaving the Senate Building, we headed over to the National Mall for the rally before the march. Walking down the streets in our matching “Choose Life” hats, various other pieces of themed clothing and signs saying everything from “Face it: abortion kills,” and “Pro Life” to “A nation that kills it’s own children is a nation without hope,” and “women deserve a better choice,” we began to hear music, and the next thing I knew, we were right in the middle of thousands upon thousands of people, the majority being high school and college students.

Abortion, today, is disapproved of by the majority of young people; a higher percentage of high school and college students consider themselves pro-life than adults over

the age of 30.

The rally began and Ms. Nelly Gray, the founder and president of March for Life, addressed the crowd, which packed the mall and the surrounding streets for three full city blocks. It was the largest crowd she had seen, and the last estimate was in 2003 when they believe there were around 250,000 people. Nelly was followed by President Bush calling in and about ten other congressmen and women, rabbis, preachers and priests who addressed the pro-life audience.

Dozens of women lined the stage behind the podium holding signs saying, “I regret my abortion” and men held signs saying, “I regret my lost fatherhood.” These signbearing people rotated throughout the hour and a half rally. By the end, probably 200 people had crossed the stage.

An African American preacher from Maryland took the stage, his congregation standing behind him with signs saying “Abortion is the #1 killer of African Americans.” According to this man, 4.8 million African Americans died of strokes, heart attacks, AIDs, cancer, etc. in the last 30 years. In the same 30-year period, 15

million, nearly four times as many, African Americans were killed through abortion.

I stood near the stage, and as I looked behind me I saw an unending sea of people, many of them my age. Most of us were Catholic, but there were many Protestants, Jews, agnostics and probably others as well. Never before have I seen groups of young men applauding the promotion of abstinence among young people, but they got it. Life is precious and it is our duty, as citizens of the world, to fight for it and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

There were small groups praying the rosary, kids were shouting back and fourth “We love babies, yes we do, we love babies how ‘bout you?” There was a high school marching band playing Mexican hymns and posters of aborted children lined the streets.

When I reached the Supreme Court steps, the two 24-hour bus rides and my freezing wet feet didn’t seem like that big of a deal as I saw women holding their “I regret my abortion” posters and crying as members of the crowd went up to hug them. H

BASKETBALL: Victory over Pembroke ends four-game losing streak for varsity Stars Continued from page 14 shots,” said Wilson. “The biggest thing, though, is that we rebounded very well.

Team defense also helped make the difference.”

Junior Megan Konz said that Pembroke has three main players who score most of their points; Dunn, junior Kristina Mingos, and senior Stephanie Mingos and Wilson told the team they needed to stop those players to be successful. Dunn, Pembroke’s top scorer with 14 points, battled with Duethman all night for rebounds and baskets.

“Pembroke doesn’t go as deep into the bench as we do,” said Konz. “We knew

[Dunn] would be their main threat so we focused on stopping her. She’s tall and strong in the post, but she can still shoot outside shots. We had to stop her if we wanted to win.”

Duethman outscored Dunn by three points. Also instrumental for STA were sophomore Paige Kuhlmann who finished the game with seven points, seniors Leia Darden and Alexandra Kurth with five each, and Konz with four.

“I think what made the difference in the game was our determination to win,” said Konz. “We hustled and made sure they didn’t get too many second chances. Everyone was happy to finally get a win after a

long losing streak…finally.”

Duethman agreed that the team wanted the win more than Pembroke. She said she knows they have the potential to be better than they have been playing and just needed a confidence boost.

“Because of how the whole season has been going, we really wanted to win this game,” said Duethman. “Towards the end of the game, every time there would be a timeout, we would just be like ‘We want this more.’ Even though we’ve been in a rut, we fought hard tonight. Now we have confidence; we know we can actually win against a really good team if we just put the effort in.” H

1. Adults who seem more excited to be with kids than with adults 2. Adults who want to be alone with kids 3. Thinks rules don’t apply to them 4. Gives gifts 5. Tells dirty jokes 6. Allows kids to break rules set by parents 7. Touches excessively; wants to wrestle/tickle

STANDARD: anything but standard Continued from page 3 were only $21.

There were now eight people total in the store, including me, the only customer, with no greeting yet. (I was wearing Birkenstocks, so I counted that as one of the eight, 2/8 were wearing Birks, 5/8 were wearing Uggs and that left 1/8 still barefoot.)

It had been 30 minutes now since I had first entered the “boutique,” or we can really call it a mega store; there was no difference here. I noticed a wall of jeans in the far back, almost hidden. Six rows and six columns of about 30 jeans per shelf, so doing the math, that comes to about 1,080 pairs of jeans in a rainbow of faded to dark colors. It was beautiful, but get this…I was not allowed to touch it. No, the store had a policy; they got them down for you.

Well, what ever happened to just “throwing on your old pair of jeans?!” But of course, the precious materials had to be transported through professional hands, and maybe they even offered the service of putting the jeans on you, too. Maybe all you really had to do was swivel your butt around in the mirror to see if they fit right.

I didn’t ask though, because the workers had involved themselves in some heated discussion at the checkout counter.

Jenny was discussing her boyfriend in LA and poor Suzy, still jealous, quivered, “Could you please change the subject?”

All too funny, but I figured I had better leave now. My 40 minutes were up, and I still had not been greeted.

Feeling unwanted, I waltzed to the front of the room with my head held as high as when I entered, but just as I was about to leave, with my dignity still intact, I managed to trip like a bumbling fool, of course. But only because I was startled by three of the workers hollering up to me in unison, “GOODBYE! THANKS FOR SHOPPING AT STANDARD!” A fitting end to a not-too-fitting clothing store. H

GOOD: Teacher guides with faith

REZNICEK: Teacher broadens horizons

Continued from page 12 “I’m about legacy,” she said, while clutching the gold cross—a gift from her dad to her mom and the something borrowed at her own wedding—wrapped around her neck.

On her hand glimmers stones from the many rings she wears: her dad’s wedding band, her mother’s engagement ring, and two sparkling jewels from her grandmother.

All these rings she might one day pass on to her granddaughter, Alyssa Claire.

Her prayers about baby Ally have changed now. She no longer worries about a problematic birth; instead, she takes on the role of gushing Grandma GG. Amen. H

HAND: Principal upholds high standards Continued from page 13 embraced, what is important to me is that I enforce it and not make exceptions, that I take ownership of the decision,” she said.

Hand expects herself to be a “role model” to the students.

“I think that a person of influence has to have integrity and be a person of justice,” she said. “You’ve got to have a caring heart, and there’s no denying you have to love what you do.”

She also sees herself as “mentor” to the teachers.

“When teachers come to me with valid reasons for change, I have to be the momentum to see that that gets done,” she said.

“But I also have a different responsibility; I’m in charge of the healthy academic lives of students.”

Hand said that the “human interaction” has kept her at STA for 35 years.

“My time here has taught me about patience and the value of friendship, to never make quick decisions and to do my homework,” she said.

Even though she sometimes must deliver tough news like the decision to retest the seniors, Hand said STA has made her proud.

“I feel very proud to have been part of such a wonderful administrative team,” she said. “STA has such a strong curriculum and such a strong faculty. I am just proud to be a part of this school.” H

HOECKER: Principal consoles students Continued from page 13 and enforcing school policy. The expelling, SBRs, that’s the tough part of my job.

But there’s so much more to what I do.”

In fact, Hoecker meets with, students, Mr. Mike Farmer, the uniform company, the fine arts boosters and JoJo’s. She also meets with Dr. Faith Wilson and Hand to discuss administration concerns. But she does not see her job as overwhelmed by meetings; instead she views the interactions as “experiences.” “[My time here] has taught me the continued value of women in this world today,” she said. “It has taught me that love never ends, sisterhood is powerful, we are all interconnected…And it has taught me that I am a part of someone’s learning a life lesson.”

As the door opens, the student leaves Hoecker’s office with a smile. Hoecker, too, smiles, as she reflects on the progress of their discussion. H

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in the mix

1. Know the warning signs 2. Control access to children 3. Monitor programs with kids 4. Be aware 5. Communicate concerns

in the mix

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Five Steps to Prevent Abuse

a solemn moment

Continued from page 12 Rez calls it a “privilege” to be a teacher, but she also realizes that certain responsibilities come with the territory.

“I feel a huge responsibility to make the world a better place by my presence in it,” she said. “My parents taught me very early that being in the family of humans means you have a duty to contribute. I have a particular responsibility to my students—to try to influence them for the good, to instill in them some solid information and to open them up to new ideas.”

Rez believes that she was voted the second most influential woman at STA be-

cause students perceive her as “credible, caring, a little pushy and holding them to a high standard.” She has been teaching at STA longer than any of her students have been alive—19 years, and since 1992, she has taught almost every student who has graduated.

“If I have done a good job, that means the discussions we have had in class are circulating around in well over 1,600 minds,” she said.

But Rez is not always teaching; most of the time she is learning. In fact, she is now completing her dissertation to her Ph.D at University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“From my students, I have learned that

everyone has something to contribute to our discussions, our community and our world,” she said. “I try to take the time to learn something from each of my students.”

She hopes that her students don’t walk away from her class with the “how interesting” comment sealed in their heads as the right thing to say; rather, she would prefer that they have a renewed curiosity and that they realize “they are capable thinkers, [who] deserve to be heard.”

“I have taught on the college level at Benedictine, Avila and UMKC,” she said.

“But I have had no better students than the sincere, eager and young women here at STA.” H

OWENS: Student deflects, attracts spotlight Continued from page 13 in each of those memories was how much I’ve changed,” she reminisces. “Who I am now is because of STA. This school has given me so much, and one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned has been to be confident in myself. I know it’s cheesy,” she giggles. “But really, it’s the truth.”

Now that she has offered praise to her peers, Coco finally returns to my original question, the definition of influential.

“Influential means change,” she says, grasping for the words. “It’s someone who not only wants to make change, but does her best to act on that ambition. If I sat on my butt all day, and didn’t fulfill my responsibilities as class president or president of JSA, I would be a sorry individual. I have been given so many opportunities in some of these positions; I have duty to act on them.”

She starts chatting about her “typical day” and proclaims that it is just “not that interesting.” She gets as far as being woken up in the morning by her mom and suddenly she is animatedly describing what a “sweetheart” her mother is. Somehow, Coco transitions from her tangent about her mom to a completely different tangent about her planner.

“My planner is…key,” she explains.

“I have all my day’s homework listed on one side, and in a second column, I have written down everything I have to do: for prom, JSA, or just planning a friend’s birthday…After all items have been checked off—oh, this is embarrass-

ing—I can go to sleep. If not, I don’t go to sleep. I’m responsible enough to get all of them done and still have time for myself.”

For a few moments, we just sit there laughing at her attempts to steal my empty bag of Cheetos, until finally, our interview turns sentimental.

“Here’s my moment,” she said.

“When I can make people around me laugh, I just feel so good about myself.

I think that’s an instinct of humans to respond as the best feeling, and I truly believe it is.”

Coco, in spite of her outward confi-

dence, still has inward thoughts of selfdoubt. “Sometimes, I get embarrassed if I’m too direct or too bold,” she said.

“I can get really self-conscious. I want to make sure that I am capable, that I present myself in a capable, competent manner. But really, I have the doubtful moments just as much as I have the good ones.”

With that final reflection, students begin seating themselves in the desks around us, ready for 9/10 Writing. Coco stops revealing her innermost thoughts, exits the classroom doorway and joins a sea of indistinguishable plaid. H

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Field trips Ms. Pat Dunlay’s College Composition and Shakespeare classes visited the Kansas City Reperatory Theater last Thursday. After the play, the students stayed for a Q&A and open discussion with the actors.

That same day, the soccer and volleyball teams and golf state champion Mary Kate Bird were honored at the Win For KC Luncheon.

last look

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Bringing the world to STA Cultural Awareness assembly unites students once again Who doesn’t love salsa? H Lauren Bly and dance partner Toyance Colman perform their salsa routine. Photo

CULTURAL AWARENESS ASSEMBLY ITINERARY January 31, 2007

LIFT EVERY VOICE CHOIR Lift Every Voice and Sing

8 february 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Upcoming International Holidays: Feb. 11 National Foundation Day in Japan Feb. 12 The Day Following National Foundation Day in Japan Feb. 18 Lunar New Year’s Holiday in South Korea

LAUREN BLY AND TOYANCE COLMAN Salsa CARLIE AND ANNA CAMPBELL AND CAITY WALLINGFORD Scottish Highland Dance RONI KATZ Israel Presentation

THE POLARS – ANN BODE, RENEE BLAKE, LEIA DARDEN, JENNIFER FINLEY, MALLORY FINN, KATE LATERZA, AMELIA MCGANNON, AND EMILY TUMMONS Tinikling AMANDA MORRALL Poetry MOLLIE POINTER AND CAITLIN O’ROURKE Irish Dance

KATHERINE WILLIAMS AND OGHOSA IYAMU Poetry

LAUREN BLY, MALLORY MCDONALD, AND KIT LANDWEHR Chinese Song

AMANDA BACKER Grandmother Narrative

RACHEL JANOSE, CAITLIN CLARK, LAURYN HOWARD, CIERA TREJO, OGHOSA IYAMU Dance – Polka and Cola

SHIHO KANAI Japanese Clothing LAURYN HOWARD, CAITLIN CLARK, AND CAITYLN CRAWFORD Darfur Presentation

CHRIS “CHUD” HUDSON Love in Vain MIKA CASEY AND JUAN CARLOS Nicolas and Co Co – Vera Cruz Dance

Feb. 19 President’s Day in the U.S. Feb. 20 Lunar New Year’s Holiday in Macau, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan March 3 Girl’s Day in Japan March 6 Lantern Day in Bejing March 17 St. Patrick’s Day

More than meets the eye H (From left) Chris “Chud’ Hudson plays a folk piece on his guitar. Sophomore Carlie Campbell performs the Scottish Highland dance. Senior Shiho Kanai ties formal Japanese clothing around senior Jessica Weston. Freshman Mollie Pointer performs her Irish dance in a handmade gown. Photos by Kathleen Pointer and Libby Conwell

by

Libby Conwell