Vol 66 Iss 6

Volume 66 ★ Issue 6 ★ March 15, 2007

The Dart St. Teresa’s Academy

You know the face.

You know the name.

Now, it’s time to…

meet Nan Bone

see page 2 PHOTO BY MIKHALA LANTZ-SIMMONS

from the front

2 Alumna assumes presidency

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Nan Bone Graduated from STA: 1969 College: Northwest Missouri State University Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, currently working on an education specialist degree from UMKC Career: principal of St. Peter’s Catholic School for three years; taught in Iowa for 25 years; taught first, third and 12th grade; principal of Tarkio R-1 School District in Tarkio, Iowa Plans for STA: distribute a survey to learn what STA believes should stay the same and what can be improved; get reacquainted with the school

Ms. Nan Bone, eager to return to alma mater, experiences anxiety, excitement over career change

by KATE RAINEY Copy Editor

A burst of sunshine. Effervescent. Approachable.

These are just a few descriptions of STA’s next president Nan Tiehen Bone. “[STA] girls are so lucky to get her,” said Ms. Kristin Griffin, seventh grade English teacher at St. Peter’s Catholic School. “[I] can’t use enough good adjectives to describe her.”

Bone and her family have had a long history with STA. Bone graduated from STA in 1969. Her mother, five sisters and many of her nieces are also alumnae of STA. After graduating from STA, Bone attended Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree and master of education.

She also met her husband, Bill. The two of them moved to Iowa, her husband’s home state, where she lived for 25 years.

Bone has been a teacher for 25 years and a principal for six. According to Bone, the opposite is usually true. Typically, people teach for a short time and serve as principal most of their careers.

“I love teaching, in fact, most of my career, I’ve been a teacher,” said Bone. “It came natural to me.”

Bone returned to Kansas City to become principal of St. Peter’s. In the three years she has served as principal, St. Peter’s has been a pleasure to work in, according to Griffin. “[There’s an] optimistic feeling that pervades our building and I attribute that to her,” Griffin said.

“She’s a wonder … She’s very intelligent, knows what she’s talking about … [and] wants what’s best for her students. She also always looks fabulous.”

Bone wanted to be the first person to inform the St. Peter’s faculty she was leaving for STA, according to Griffin. After Christmas break, Bone called all the teachers into the library, where she explained her plans.

“She was so concerned for us that we might have heard rumors,” said Griffin.

Griffin said the teachers were “deeply, deeply saddened” when Bone told them, and there were a lot of tears at the meeting.

Griffin compared her feelings about Bone’s move to STA to a mother watching her child go to college.

Griffin is proud to see Bone do well and hopes she has great success, but is sad to see her go.

“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “We all wish her well and look forward to hearing the excellence [she brings to STA].”

Bone is excited to return to her alma mater and believes her alumna status will help her as president.

“I’ve experienced what [current STA] girls are experiencing,” Bone said. “That’s so important … I love STA. I’m the person I am because of St. Teresa’s. Being in those halls again is just a really cool feeling.”

Although she is excited, Bone feels a little nervous.

“I worry about the little things,” she said. “I think any time you take on anything that’s new, you worry about the unknown. Mostly with me, I’m excited.”

Bone’s first goal as president is to get reacquainted with the school. Bone plans to send out a survey to the STA community to assess what needs to change and what can remain. “[For] any new administrator, their job is to get to know the students, staff and community,” she said. “I really want to get to know all of [students].”

According to President of the STA Board Connie

President Nan Bone H Ms. Nan Bone, left, leans over with help for St. Peter’s student Julia Knight last Friday in an eighth-grade classroom. “I’m excited for my switch to St. Teresa’s,” said Bone. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

Fahey, the Board chose Bone for a variety of reasons, including her innovative ideas, communication and leadership skills and experience.

“Nan was chosen to be president because of her educational background and experience, and her genuine concern and interest in assuring our young women receive the best education possible,” said Fahey in an email interview. “Nan’s alumna status and her love for the school and passion for what we believe is important, i.e. women as leaders and women of strength and faith,

also contributed to our decision.”

Griffin also praised Bone’s leadership skills, describing her as “one of the most positive, optimistic leaders” she’s ever seen. Her door is always open and she listens to what others have to say.

“It’s amazing how she has high standards and expectations [and] has a knack for getting people to reach [their] full potential,” Griffin said. “She’s been a wonderful mentor. Take every chance you can get to get to know her. She’s a great role model for [STA] girls.” H

inside out Academics: Sr. Harriet teaches organic chemistry, a class without credit or grades, to seniors during free mods Tuesdays.

Front page..........................1 News...............................2 Campus News...................3 Local News........................4 World News.......................5 Opinion..........................6&7 Open Forum.......................8 Academics.........................9 See Page 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: Junior Berta Navarro learns to balance parents’ Mexican customs with American values while adjusting to life at STA. See Pages 20-21

Colleen Owens

Nun battles death penalty 3

Faith in Action resonates with STA senior Usually, my columns are more comedic. I am hoping my readership will not desert me now that I have something more serious to write about.

It occurred to me the Thursday Sr. Helen Prejean visited campus. I was to interview her after the Faith in Action talk, but my nerves were rattling and my head was whirring.

I had spent the past few days reading her book, Dead Man Walking, as well as watching Tim Robbin’s motion picture interpretation of her book. At nights before I went to sleep, I listened to the movie’s soundtrack. I wanted to know her entirely before I was given the privilege of meeting her because, this woman was famous, and if Peter Jennings had interviewed her in the past, I had better get my facts straight. If I had to take a test on this nun, I would ace it.

For the next hour, I relaxed while listening to this woman. She was assured yet humble, sharp yet personal, dynamic yet personable. Reading her book, I had not picked up on a major theme of who this woman was and it just seemed to smack me in the face right then and there while I was listening to her.

She spoke of action. That was what her life had been about the call to action to make right what she believed was wrong. As complex as we all believe life to be, this woman had simplified it for me: it is all about action.

It made sense to me, and it was something that resonated in me because I try to be a girl who gets things done. But she took it to another level. Her whole life was about trying to break down a wall made of steel. The death penalty is a hard egg to crack, but the road of difficulties she has faced for it has not cracked her. She is an example of what every woman should be, and I think it is incredibly hopeful to think that just a small action can inspire a whole wave of encouragement for others to act as well.

After her talk, I waited patiently in line to ask her my questions. Her friend, a nun who is also very acclaimed as the National Coordinator of Dead Man Walking, sensed my nervousness and pushed me forward to the head of the line.

I spoke shaky words, but pressed forward with the best question I could muster for this woman who inspired me to all ends.

“What is your advice to a youth who is able to recognize injustice in society?”

The funny thing is, I already knew what she would say, but she answered my question far more eloquently than I could have ever imagined. She spoke on the importance of action, of course.

This woman got it; she understood the key to living a life worth living, and I, for one, want to follow step.

If you have always wanted to be an au pair, by God, what is holding you back? If you have always wanted to live in Annapolis, Md., what is keeping you in Kansas City? If you want to write a letter to The Dart telling its editors how excellent the quality of writing is, what is keeping your hand from a pen? It may not be my most eloquent way of conveying Sr. Helen’s message of action, but it is something I’ve always wanted to say. H

Puttin’ up a fight H Sr. Helen Prejean, New York Times bestselling author, speaks at the Faith in Action series March 1. Prejean, a close friend of theology teacher Ms. Anita Reznicek, was in Kansas City to speak at Avila University. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, speaks about importance of activism, compassion

by COLLEEN OWENS Managing Editor of Design

STA welcomed a nationally acclaimed activist who works against capital punishment to a buzzing auditorium of students, teachers, parents and press for this year’s final Faith in Action assembly March 1.

Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, Sister of St. Joseph of Medaille has involved herself in the fight against capital punishment ever since she was asked in 1982 to write a letter to an inmate on Death Row. The inmate was Patrick Sonnier, and he was sentenced to death for first-degree murder. He wanted Prejean to accompany him to the death chamber as his spiritual advisor. She agreed.

“I watched a man be killed in front of my eyes,” said Prejean to a silent auditorium.

“There is no dignity in this death.”

After she witnessed what she called “cold, calculated murder by the state,” she decided she could not passively sit back and watch what happened to Sonnier happen to another person. She agreed to be the spiritual advisor to other Death Row inmates and help them file for appeals on their cases.

To each inmate, she always said the same phrase: “Remember, you are a child of God.” After years of fighting against the death penalty and advising many Death Row inmates, Prejean decided to write a book chronicling her first experiences witnessing this form of punishment in the United States.

She entitled her book, Dead Man Walking, and it was published in 1993. In 1995, Tim Robbins directed the film “Dead Man Walking,” starring Susan Sarandon as Prejean and Sean Penn as the inmate. The movie earned several Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and garnered Sarandon the Best Actress Award.

After the movie’s success, Prejean wanted to use the publicity to further her cause.

She traveled all over the world, preaching her story and embedding her presentations with facts and statistics about the death penalty.

She wanted to enlighten those who have not seen what she has seen: a dead man, walk-

ing. Due to these efforts, she stands nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Theology teacher Anita Reznicek, longtime friend of Prejean, was asked by Avila University to invite her to come to Kansas City. They wanted her to speak on campus as well as attend “Dead Man Walking: The Play,” based on Prejean’s Pulitzer-nominated book and presented by the Avila University Theater Department. In what Reznicek called seizing the opportunity, she knew she had to ask Prejean.

“I always want people to meet my STA community,” said Reznicek. “I am proud of my students and love sharing other people I know with those I work with.”

Prejean agreed to attend both the Avila play and the Faith in Action assembly. After the STA visit, she attended that night’s performance of “Dead Man Walking: The Play.” Tim Robbins had originally allowed only Jesuit colleges to produce the play, but according to Sr. Maureen Fenlon, National Dead Man Walking Coordinator, Robbins became impressed by the college spirit to discuss controversial issues when he participated in a college-wide tour with Bruce Springsteen and therefore, opened “Dead Man Walking” up to any college who wanted to show it.

“T

he profound moral question is not, ‘Do they deserve to die?’ but ‘Do we deserve to kill them?’”

Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ

“[He realized] it was the young people of the country who would change the source of policy,” said Fenlon.

Reznicek began the assembly by reminding the audience of Prejean’s story and speaking of her “intelligence, compassion and Southern gentility.”

For the next half hour, Prejean spoke of

what faith in action means to her: not simply talking about the change we want in the world, but acting in a way that brings these changes.

“We have to change the system,” Prejean said.

In Dead Man Walking, she wrote of how she used to feel uncomfortable involving herself in controversial issues, stating, “we were nuns, not social workers, not political,” but this attitude changed when she started to understand Jesus’ message meant taking a stand.

“Before, I had [prayed to] God to right the wrongs and comfort the suffering,” she wrote. “Now, I know – really know – that God entrusts those tasks to us.”

She reasoned that capital punishment was based on the idea that an “eye-for-aneye” was healing for the victim’s families.

Prejean had been the spiritual advisor to Mr. Robert Lee Willie in Dead Man Walking, a man who had killed Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc’s only son, David LeBlanc. But when she befriended LeBlanc during the months prior to and after Willie’s execution, she soon understood execution through vengeance was not the healthiest response for the victims. She spoke of how LeBlanc in the end was not pacified by the state’s punishment of death for Willie.

“He said, ‘I’m not gonna let [Willie’s] hateful act change me into a hateful man,’” said Prejean. “He said, ‘I’m not gonna let hate overcome me.’ The death penalty does not help us heal as a society.”

She reminded the audience Missouri has conducted 63 executions, all of which she said had been hidden from the peoples’ eyes.

“I applaud STA for what you do,” spoke Prejean. “I can hear the attentiveness of this room. I hope my words embolden you.”

After a finishing silence, the M&A auditorium stood to applaud as Prejean waited beside the podium ready to speak to anyone after her talk. Soon there was a line of girls eagerly wanting to meet her, even though the bell had rung for students to file back into the hallways for their 9/10 classes.

Prejean wished to tell the young audience that when faced with a social injustice, “do one act and that one act gives you courage and it flows through you so that you are able to do another act.” H

campus news

Sisterhood of the Plaid Skirt

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Sleep in a box NHS’ yearly Homeless for a Night fundraiser starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the STA quad.

Participants should meet in the gym to check in, review rules, split into boxmaking groups and eat dinner.

Students are asked to bring canned goods and other nonperishable items to donate to the St. Peter’s and St. Elizabeth parishes food pantries. Collection boxes are located in the front halls of both the M&A and Donnelly Buildings. The goal for NHS is to learn about the hardships facing those in the community who are less fortunate than STA.

local news

4 Candidates agree on city change

Bringin’ the Funk H A group of Mark Funkhouser supporters gather to film a campaign commercial. Funkhouser, along with Alvin Brooks, advanced out of the primary elections held Feb. 27. There were eleven candidates that ran in the primary including Kathryn Shields and Brookside resident, Albert Reiderer. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief They’re back!

The cast of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” returned to Kansas City this week to start the reconstruction of a Northland family. The Jesus and Michelle Jacobo family has four children of their own and are also caring for five nieces and nephews after Michelle’s sister lost custody of her five children.

Michelle’s father, Grandpa Ray, also lives in the house to help raise the children, ranging from ages 6 months to 18 years. All 12 of the family members live in a 912-square-foot home, where the couple sleeps in an unheated garage, three boys live in a basement hallway and Grandpa Ray sleeps on the hardwood floor.

Funkhouser, Brooks advance past primary elections, promise clean campaign, positive city differences

by KELLY NELSON Section Editor

Dr. Mark Funkhouser patiently waited at the Westport Flea Market surrounded by friends, family and other supporters Feb. 27.

While he awaited the results of the Kansas City mayoral primaries at the coffee house where he has played chess at every Tuesday night for years, Mr. Alvin Brooks’s 300 supporters did the same at the Father and Son Building downtown after a speaking engagement with visiting Baptist ministers.

At approximately 8:45 p.m., each of the groups simultaneously erupted in cheers after Funkhouser and Brooks were announced as candidates for mayor. Immediately, their thoughts turned to the month of campaigning ahead of them and what they must do to secure the position of mayor.

Both Funkhouser and Brooks have spent years in city government and think they have the experience to run the city. Funkhouser served as former city auditor, while Brooks currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem, or substitute for Mayor Kay Barnes when she is absent from office. Ms. Gloria Squitiro, Funkhouser’s wife and campaign manager, believes both men are qualified for the job.

“They’re both excellent humanitarians,” said Squitiro. “They both want to do good for the city, and they both care for the city.”

However, she felt Funkhouser’s experiences of auditing city hall and polling the people of Kansas City make him the best candidate for the job.

“He’s been in government for the past thirty years, and he pretty much knows the system,” she said. “He’s also a social worker, and he knows people, what their needs are, and he’s been polling them for years and he can get the things done that the people want.”

Ms. Shani Tate Ross, public relations spokesperson for Brooks’ campaign and STA alumna, believes her candidate is the

right choice for mayor.

“Mr. Brooks is more qualified for a variety of reasons,” she said. “Mr. Brooks is the only candidate that has actually served in the office of mayor in [Mayor Kay Barnes’] absence. He’s an activist on all corners of the city and has many endorsements from area media and businesses.”

Both Funkhouser and Brooks have specific platforms to address if elected.

“The first thing [Funkhouser] wants to improve is citizen satisfaction levels,” said Squitiro. “He surveyed the citizens as city auditor, and they aren’t satisfied with the value they’re receiving for their tax dollars.”

Recently, The Star asked Funkhouser during a question-and-answer session what platforms he would be running on.

“The same theme, the same ideas that we ran on in the primary — clean, safe neighborhoods in a city that works for regular folks, and be smart with the money, know your customers and we need an excellent transit system sometime soon,” he said.

Likewise, Brooks also plans to better serve the needs of the community.

“His plan is to rejuvenate activity downtown with the development going on there,” said Ross. “He plans to expand on that economic wealth and bring it to the neighborhoods. He’s determined to take it to the neighborhoods and branch out so Kansas City can be the healthy city of the region.”

One obstacle the Funkhouser team has had to move past is the lack of support from Barnes. According to Squitiro, however, in the end it will not affect the outcome of the race. “[Barnes has] never been a supporter or fan of Funkhouser, but we don’t expect it to affect us at all,” she said. “The citizens aren’t satisfied with the current government.

The question is, do they want the status quo for our city with Brooks, or change with Funkhouser?”

Brooks has had to endure questions concerning his age and whether a 74-yearold is competently able to fill the office of

Mark

Alvin

Funkhouser Brooks

Personal:

56 years old Married with two children

Political Experience: City Auditor of Kansas City Tennesee State Auditor Social worker

Platforms Getting city finances in order Repairing city infrastructures Improving public safety Restructuring City Hall

Endorsements Kansas City Star Sierra Club Wednesday Sun

Personal:

74 years old Married with six children (one is deceased)

Political Experience: Mayor Pro Tem (currently) City Councilman (1999-present), Assistant City Manager KCMO Police Officer

Platforms Fighting crime/causes Maintaining public infrastructure Developing light rail system Better economic marketing of KC

Endorsements The Citizen’s Association Forward Kansas City The Women’s Political Caucus

Website:

Website:

www.markfunkhouser.com

http://www.brooks4kc.com

Graphic by Breanne Sigler

mayor. According to Ross, his age serves to his advantage.

“He would joke with you and say you can’t really hold the fact that someone else isn’t as old as him against them,” she said.

“His resumé is impressive, he understands the challenges that face our city and he’s prepared to move our city forward. With age comes wisdom and experience.”

Both parties are happy to have the chance to make a positive difference in the community.

“All along in this race, it’s been clear that we would be given this chance to do a

lot of good for a lot of people,” said Squitiro. “It’s a humbling thing and spiritual thing, and if we’re chosen to do this work, we’re going to do it with as much grace and effort as we can.”

Brooks also recently addressed his commitment to the city in a question-and-answer session with The Star.

“I want to go down as the people’s mayor, one who had a lot of human compassion and concern for all of the people of Kansas City, and one who’s willing to do whatever is necessary that’s legal and ethical to get the job done,” he said. H

WorldHView by

Elizabeth Nelson & Emily Becker

Iran stated last Sunday that it backs efforts in Iraq to overcome and eliminate violence. Iranian officials sat down with representatives from the United States, as a “good step” toward helping Iraq move forward.

“We support any efforts that will bring Iraq out of its current problems and help Iraqi security,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini.

Iran, accused of creating and supporting violence, denies these charges.

March 7: Asking for peace

Jordan’s King Abdullah II spoke to a joint meeting of Congress March 7 to urge the United States to lead the drive for peace in the Middle East, especially between Abdullah Israel and the Palestinians.

Abdulla said history has shown that no progress in Middle Eastern peace making is possible without American leadership and that restoration of Palestine must begin now. He spoke for about a half hour in flawless English.

March 7: Plane crash

A plane crashed in Jakarta, Indonesia March 7, killing at least 22 people and wounding many others. As it was coming in to land, the plane hit the ground with great force and slid from the runway into a rice field. An explosion occurred, and the plane was filled with smoke and fire.

The cause of the crash is unknown, but there is speculation it was caused by a high-speed landing and defective landing gear. At least nine foreigners, including several Australian journalists and officials, died in the incident.

March 12: OC forest fire

Award recipients exhibit values of historical figure, Women’s History Month

by MADDY McGANNON Staff Writer

In celebration of National Women’s History Month, an education representative and a Health Care director received the highest honor STA awards for service in front of a crowd of 500. The school recognized these two women for outstanding excellence not only in their lives, but also in the lives of others.

National Women’s History Month recognizes the accomplishments of women both in the past and present. STA celebrates the successes of women in the local community each year through remembering the life of Mother Evelyn O’Neill.

Dr. Mary Davidson Cohen and Ms. Sheri Wood received the Mother Evelyn O’Neill Award on March 8. The award honors two local women who personify the core values of STA: assisting the poor, justice in the world, community stewardship and excellence in education.

Cohen is the US Secretary of Education’s regional representative from Region VII, including Iowa, Kan., Mo. and Neb. To Ms. Angela Bennett, who introduced Cohen, she is an inspirational figure who demonstrates extreme leadership qualities.

“I didn’t have very many options when I was growing up,” said Cohen. “I could either be a nurse, a teacher or a librarian.

But I’ve made something of my life.”

Cohen has numerous accomplishments in areas of education, as she encourages everyone to take advantage of the opportunities given to them. According to Cohen, your life will be what you make of it.

“I always say the key to helping others is to teach them how to fish,” said Cohen.

“Not to fish for them.”

Cohen encouraged STA students and people everywhere to dwell in opportunity and believe in yourself. She stated that

A forest fire in Orange County, Calif. is to blame for the destruction of two homes in a threesquare-mile area Monday.

The confirmed cause of the fire was arson. An unknown person intentionally lit a stolen car on fire, but the motive is not clear.

The cool morning temperatures helped firefighters contain the fire, a relief from Sunday’s near 100degree high. The wind and dry brush added to the situation.

The fire marked the second wildfire in Orange County this year. H

those who have excelled and persevered can show you the path. She strived to show students that path.

“The excitement of life lays ahead of [STA students],” said Cohen. “Most of all, enjoy the ride. I do every day.”

Wood received the award for Assisting the Poor due to her outstanding work for the Kansas City Free Health Clinic.

The healthcare clinic provides for those who are unable to afford proper care.

Patients receive general medicine, dental, behavioral health and comprehensive HIV services. Wood says she works with phenomenal people and loves her job.

“A lot of times I miss getting to interact with patients,” said Wood. “My job is something that makes me so happy. It makes me want to get up each morning.”

Wood’s parents were divorced growing up, and she was the only girl in her school whose parents were separated. She was

physically hurt at age 13 and could not participate in swimming and tennis anymore.

This is when she found her inspiration, a person she believes changed her life.

“My next door neighbors were the Rosemands,” said Wood. “Ms. Rosemand gave me a look at the world I could have never seen. She truly changed the path of my life.”

Both recipients believe that the more educated a person is, the more they can help others. Through the recognition of these two women, STA students learned about the lives of inspirational females.

By celebrating National Women’s History Month, students see how they can pave the way for the future. “[Everyone] can learn something from women who have made something of their lives,” said Cohen. “And if you can learn something by standing on my shoulders, then I have succeeded.” H

Harvard elects first female president College hopes for positive changes with new leader following controversy over incumbent’s comments

by NICOLE GRAVINO Staff Writer

Up in flames H A firefighter takes a photo of a wildfire in Anaheim Hills near Orange, Calif. A fastmoving brush fire scorched 500 acres of parched hillside and crept into backyards Sunday, forcing authorities to evacuate more than 200 homes, Orange County fire officials said.

Photo Courtesy of MCT Direct

Award winners H Ms. Sheri Wood, front left, and Dr. Mary Davidson Cohen, the two recipients of the 2007 Mother Evelyn O’Neill award, participate in a question-and-answer session after the ceremony, March 8. Wood received the award for assisting the poor and Cohen received it for excellence in education. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

Harvard University named Drew Gilpin Faust the first woman president of the school Feb. 11. The seven-member Harvard Corporation chose her to follow Lawrence Summers as Harvard’s 28th president. Professors at Harvard, as well as Summers, hope Faust will be able to quiet the uproar caused

by Summers’s comments on gender differences in top science jobs.

Summers put forward hypotheses on women and science, which stated that women succeeded less often in math and science than men because of natural differences at a Jan. 14, 2005 conference.

“Lawrence Summers, the former Treasury Faust Secretary, whose confrontational style and controversial comments about women’s innate abilities eventually led to a faculty vote of no confidence and his resignation,” said Tovia Smith on NPR Feb. 10. “After Summers outraged many with his comments about women, it was Faust who he named to try to mend fences and to find ways to promote women at Harvard.”

In contrast to Summers, Faust has openly discussed her strong feminist values in her

memoir titled “Shapers of Southern History: Autobiographical Reflections.”

“Harvard has something of a habit of picking presidents who are the polar opposite of their predecessors,” said Smith.

“I

t’s sometimes, over the 20 years I’ve been here, felt like a man’s club.”

Mary Waters, professor

Of the 32 tenured job offers at Harvard last year, four positions went to women.

Summers had promised to address the issue of the uneven ratio of men to women, but some of Harvard’s faculty did not expect him to go through with this promise.

“It’s sometimes, over the 20 years I’ve been here, felt like a man’s club,” said Mary Waters, a sociology professor at Harvard, during an NPR interview. “To have a woman to be the head of [Harvard] is really very, very exciting.”

Faust previously served as dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study with

her tenure beginning in 2001. Her main challenge at the former women’s college was keeping the interest of big donor alums after the school merged with Harvard.

“Drew had the vision to take what had become an empty shell and make something intellectually vital out of [Radcliffe],” said Bruce Mann, Harvard law professor, during an NPR interview.

Faust has moved from being the head of the Radcliffe Institute where there are 87 employees and a $17 million budget to being president of Harvard, where there are about 24,000 employees and a budget of $3 billion. Faculty members are concerned as to whether she will be able to make the transition.

“The Harvard faculty is not an easy bunch of people with whom to live,” said the Rev. Peter J. Gomes during an NPR interview with Smith. “This is not a faculty you can run; nobody runs it. You can try, but you will not succeed.”

Faust received attention because she is the first woman appointed president of Harvard in the school’s 371-year history, but she is not the only woman to be president of an Ivy League school. Three of the eight Ivy League schools had female presidents prior to Faust’s election-University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University and Brown University.

“I hope that my own appointment can be one symbol of an opening of opportunities that would have been inconceivable even a generation ago,” said Faust.

“I’m not the woman president of Harvard; I’m the president of Harvard.” H

world news

March 4: Iran statement

STA celebrates women 5

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Forbidden coffee A member of China’s parliament has demanded an immediate closure of a Starbucks coffee shop set up inside Beijing’s Forbidden City, the former home of the Chinese emperor. The beverage store has been in the Forbidden City since 2000 and recently removed its logo after a television host started an internet campaign against it. The Palace Museum promised to make a deal with Starbucks by the end of June.

opinion

6 Course requirements spark debate

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Climate Change England proposed legislation to limit greenhouse gases on Tuesday, the first country to do so.

This act marked the campaign to create a new global warming pact.

This Climate Change Bill hopes to cut carbon dioxide emissions by a minimum of 60 percent by 2050.

“This Bill is an international landmark,” said Mr. David Milband, Environment Minister of England.

The current graduation requirements at STA state all students must obtain 24 credits, which include four English credits, three science credits, three social studies credits, three mathematics credits, two foreign language credits, two theology credits (to be taken over four years), one physical education credit, one fine arts credit, one computer science credit and an additional four elective credits.

Excessive requirements prevent students from pursuing interests In a school full of hard-working and intelligent young women who regularly show an aptitude for a particular subject area early in their high school careers, required credits for graduation often hold students back from fully pursuing their interests.

Students should not be required to take classes in other subject areas that will be useless to them later in life.

The upper-level classes within each department at STA that fit third and fourth credits are better suited for students already interested in those fields.

For example, a student interested in language arts or foreign language may have to take classes like trigonometry and chemistry in order to fulfill the math and science requirements, despite the fact that the student will find little practical use for these subjects once she enters into “the real world.” In this case, the extra classes only take time out of the student’s schedule that she could be spending in more classes she was interested in.

Additionally, many students struggle in these advanced classes, and the student uninterested in math and science may find that her GPA is negatively affected by her math grade, which could then prevent her from getting into an Advanced Placement English class, such as AP Literature or College Composition. Similarly, the student whose second home is in the chemistry lab may find herself unable to be placed in AP Physics because of a poor grade in Spanish.

Even departments that only require one credit for graduation, such as physical education and fine arts, can be a waste of time for students. Many of these departments offer classes that are only worth a half credit, so stu-

Research shows those who study fine arts do better academically

Algebra II followed by Honors dents must take at least two classes to fulfill the credit. As a result, se- Chemistry. World Literature followed niors often have to drop activities by Spanish II. Morality followed by and advanced classes in subjects they World History. By many, this would are interested in, to fit classes such be considered a boring, logic-filled as Sports & Fitness or Ceramics into class schedule. At STA, it would be a class schedule without a fine arts their schedule.

While it is beneficial to students credit.

STA requires one credit in fine to have a well-rounded education, arts in order to graduate, the current standards are exceslike many other sive for many students who have chosen a field of study for themselves. However, it is also important to note STA’s graduation requirements are meant to prepare students for colleges who require that incoming students have completed a The main editorial board set number of credits. This presents a question as to of The Dart concluded in who, exactly, is detera 3-2 vote that students mining the curriculum in should be able to choose schools in our country – local communities and all classes. Our editorial high schools, or distant board is comprised of administrators at nationwide colleges? the co-editors-in-chief Clearly, it is time for and managing editors. schools a list of requirements around that can so easily hold t h e a student back from country. reaching her maxiThis is a mum potential to be regood idea examined. It may be a solution because such as requiring only introductory students courses in each department, or it may be a method that teaches from a more should be encouraged to take as diverse practical approach, so that students a course load as possible, rather than will be sure to find something from focused on vocational training.

Studies have shown over the last ten each class they take that they will be able to apply to their lives in the years that the brain utilizes two sides: future. Schools cannot continue to the left and the right. The left side uses subject their students to unnecessary logic, the kind of thinking that goes workloads in some areas, while pre- on in math classrooms and other core venting them from achieving greater classes. The right side of the brain uses creativity, thinking that goes on things in other areas. H

in art studios, choir rooms or stages.

Imagine never using one side of your brain for four years.

STA should and does require one full fine arts credit for every student in order to make them well-rounded, enriched young adults.

A new study by the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education shows students and schools with strong fine arts programs do better academically than those that do not. According to the study, schools that were rated “exemplary” had 61 percent of students enrolled in fine arts programs, 54 percent in “recognized” schools, 51 percent in “acceptable” schools and at “low-performing” schools only 44 percent.

The arts not only help cultivate students’s creative minds, but also teach them to be more tolerant and to develop individuality, as well as self-confidence. The arts help to deter students from behavioral issues and increase their academic performance among those other students. They also help students develop a sense of task performance and goal-setting – skills that are needed in a high school classroom at STA and in the boardroom at a Fortune 500 company.

STA needs to continue to require a fine arts credit for graduation, for students to manage both halves of their brains. It is imperative for the survival of our culture. H

Like what you’re reading?

Have something to say? Respond to our main editorials or other opinions you see in The Dart. It is as simple as sending a letter to Mr. Eric Thomas in M205 or dropping an e-mail to dart_letters@yahoo.com.

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

Writers & Photographers: Carlie Campbell Nicole Gravino Jaime Henry-White Linny Kaufman Maddy McGannon Claire McInerney Allison Pointer Caroline Quinn Rachel Schwartz Sarah Smith Anne Tampke

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.

Letters Policy: The Dart encourages letters to the editor about topics covered by the paper or other issues. Letters can be sent to the staff in the following ways: In person to Mr. Eric Thomas in Music & Arts 205; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, Attn: Eric Thomas, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; or by e-mail to ethomas@stteresasacademy.org or to dart_letters@yahoo.com. Letters should be limited to 300 words.

The Dart staff reserves the right to edit or shorten letters for publication.

Photo Illustrations: Photo illustrations are conceptual photos that combine the limitless possibility of the drawing with the realism of the photograph.

Mitt Romney: The art of flip-flopping MaNaGiNG EDitor oF NEWs

Flip-flopper? H Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney speaks at the Republican National Convention Sept. 1, 2004. Romney has announced plans to run for president in 2008. photo courtesy of mct direct

Alcohol tests protect students alY broWNlEE

slosh down later at a party.

My freshman year, I observed a girl passing out from the amount of alcohol she had taken in at a friend’s house. When too much alcohol is consumed, one’s blood pressure can skyrocket, and organs such as the liver, the heart and the brain, can be damaged by alcohol poisoning. Alcohol use is the second leading cause of dementia, and can lead to a literal shrinking of the brain.

Using a breathalyzer at a school dance WEb EDitor could catch an intoxicated student, and stop The music calls from inside the gym, and that student before hurting others or themyou and your friends are ready to go. You selves. It is a well-known fact that alcohol stand in line, impatiently waiting to pay for impairs judgment, and teenagers are more your tickets, when susceptible to a police officer taps making decisions your shoulder and they normally holds out a small wouldn’t.

A breathalyzer at a machine. “Blow,” breathalyzer at a dance could be the he says, pointing to dance could be the tube, and you the difference bedifference between a car suddenly remember tween a car crash the two beers you resulting in death, crash resulting in death, or had before coming. or a night in the a night in the hospital with For schools in hospital with a the Kansas City pumped stomach. a pumped stomach.” area, there has been It is worth a mere debate as to whethfive seconds of a er or not students student’s time to should take a blood alcohol content reading blow in a machine, if it prevents someone (BAC) before entering a dance. from ending up dead.

Instituting breathalyzers would protect Instead of driving home, you are corstudents, and keep students from drinking. nered. Your alcohol level is way over the Many would argue that this is an extreme limit, even though it was only a couple of measure, an invasion of privacy. But as the drinks. The officer takes you down to the old saying goes, “desperate times call for station, and calls your family. You know desperate measures” and it holds true for the you’re in for a good grounding. “It’s for use of breathalyzers. In my experience, I your own good,” the officer tells you. “That have observed more than a few girls show breathalyzer saved you from being a murup to a party drunk or carrying booze to derer.” H

“A

Aren’t you sick of flip-floppers? You know, the candidate whose opinion you read in the paper is different from the posts he leaves on his blog or the interview you see on television.

Look at anyone from John Kerry, who is the easiest to pin as a flip-flopper, to John Edwards, who embraces his inability to stick with one position, to Hilary Clinton - but don’t ask her because she hasn’t made up her mind about it. Locally, mayoral hopeful Mark Funkhouser publicly acknowledged his differing opinions of past.

With the 2008 presidential election nearing, it seems to be about time we start hearing the ball drop.

Former governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts seems to be the latest candidate, and flip-flopper, running for the presidency of the United States. After watching him talk with Matt Lauer on “The Today Show” last week, my mind began to wander to an earlier Wall Street Journal article I had read a month beforehand. I realized the statements Romney was making when talking with Lauer were almost 180 degrees different than the statements I had read previously.

The hard details on Romney: former governor of Massachusetts, Republican, Mormon and newest member of the National Rifle Association.

Romney has gone from being, what some would call, a liberal conservative to being further right than Kansas’s own Sam Brownback. The common idea here is that Romney has made it to the presidential primary race as a right-wing, conservative

Republican – almost far enough to consider himself an enterpriser (gasp!). But when did he become a conservative Republican?

When Romney first ran for the governorship of Massachusetts, he was pro-choice.

Last week on “The Today Show” he said, “every person deserves a right to life.” His platform on abortion rights used to be that one of his family members died of an illegal abortion, but now his explanation for his differing viewpoints is that he was just “wrong” in the past.

On top of the abortion issue was his stance on embryonic stem cell research. Romney’s wife suffers from multiple sclerosis and he initially hoped stem cell research would help find a cure for her disease. However, after an apparently in-depth conversation with a stem cell researcher, Romney has completely changed his mind about its uses and now claims stem cell research to be an “exploitation” of unborn life.

So he must be in support of gay rights because it is his state that allows civil unions, right? Wrong. Romney of 10 years ago would have told you it is important for gays and lesbians to have full leadership and equality in every society. He even protested to have the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy repealed in the military. Now, in order to appeal to more conservative Republicans, he has changed his stance on gay rights to say gays should stay in the closet.

Talk about selling out.

Take a hard lesson Mitt Romney: learn to respect yourself and your opinions, otherwise you will end up with the reputation Kerry has been branded with.

As voters, we expect a certain amount of party politics – but you’ve gone too far.

Everyone changes his or her mind at some point about something, but what kind of image do you portray when you have changed your mind about three of the most important issues Americans have on their minds in 2007? How can we vote someone into becoming our Commander-in-Chief until that person understands his own political positions? For cripes’ sakes Mitt, don’t drop the ball. H

Laptops provide better option than textbooks libbY coNWEll

aDvErtisiNG MaNaGEr My hand throbs as I furiously scribble down the fourth page of notes from a teacher’s lecture. My handwriting is barely legible, my notes unorganized.

My backpack is overflowing with crumpled papers ranging from physics to last semester’s writing notes and college essays.

My question: why am I still using a pen and notebook?

Laptops have made their way into high schools and colleges all over the country.

Many colleges such as the University of Denver, state colleges in Massachusetts and Texas, and the University of Missouri journalism program requires students to have laptops and use them in the classroom.

STA, a college-prep institution does not provide or ask students to have laptops. However, STA has Smartboards, teacher websites accessible at home and virtual textbooks.

If each student had a laptop, teachers

could use creative and hands-on teaching methods such as science, art and math programs, online testing and putting assignments on computers, not paper.

The responsibility of having a laptop would also help prepare students for having one in college.

The concern of students not using laptops for school-related activities may be questioned. The school would not be able to censor the websites students visit, and students may be tempted to check their facebook or e-mail during school hours. I say, “so what?” they do that on the school computers all the time anyway. Is it not better to learn how to focus with these laptops in high school rather than wait until the complicated and busy time of college life? Laptops would help prepare students for college, just as unstructured mods help to teach time management and responsibility.

Money may also spark a concern. However, there are Compaq notebooks available for $417 and Mac gives discounts to students. Plus, the average hardback textbook at STA can be anywhere from $60 to $110 times a class of 60 students. With online text-books, that would save over $3600 a class.

Plus, think of how many trees would be saved without handouts and tests.

Less paper, improved learning, fewer hand cramps and blisters. I want to trade in my notebook for a laptop as soon as possible. H

opinion

MarY-KatE birD

7

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Mexico Meeting Mexican President Felipe Calderón spoke with President George W. Bush on Tuesday.

Calderón criticized the planned border fence and said not enough was being done to stop drug trafficking. He also said reducing drug production in Mexico would not be possible if Americans continued to support it.

Calderón hopes to “direct the [American and Mexican] relationship toward a path of mutual prosperity.”

open forum

8

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Attorney Firings Some Democrats are calling for US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to resign after his alleged involvement in the firing of eight US attorneys.

It is suggested that the Justice Department fired these attorneys unjustly, and that consultations with advisers of President George W. Bush played a role in the decisions because of political reasons.

Presidential candidate deserves chance

Photo Poll compiled by

Claire McInerney

Illinois Senator Barack Obama said, “We now have spent $400 billion [fighting in Iraq] and have seen over 3,000 lives of the bravest young Americans wasted.”

Do you agree with what Obama said and was the word “wasted” appropriate?

America’s Mayor H Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks at the Republican National Convention Aug. 30, 2004. Giuliani is known for his positive, uplifting personality. Photo courtesy of MCT Direct

Elizabeth Nelson

Political Perspective When most people hear the name Rudy Giuliani, images of Sept. 11 and his role in creating unity and hope among many Americans are conjured. Now in 2007, his name is appearing frequently again, as he announced earlier this year that he plans to run for President in 2008.

Giuliani, a Republican, was Mayor of New York from 1994 to 2001. In his first term, Giuliani teamed up with New York City Police Department Commissioner Bill Bratton to crack down on crime. Minor offenses, such as property damage (especially graffiti), turnstile jumping and panhandlers were aggressively prosecuted with harsh consequences. The idea was to send a message that the city would be “cleaned up” and any crime, no matter how minimal, would not be tolerated.

Along with these actions, Giuliani also assisted the New York City Police Depart-

ment in pursuing organizations linked to the mafia. In breaking up the Gambino family’s crime ring, he was able to save the city and its businesses over $600 million in solid waste removal, which the family controlled. Overall, his actions led to New York City becoming the safest “big” city in the country.

Before being elected Mayor, Giuliani was the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York in which time he also aggressively prosecuted criminals.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, Giuliani was deemed “America’s mayor” for the way he spread a message of hope and love. The country was united and all efforts were made to make the horrible situation better. The fact is, Giuliani has real leadership experience, unlike Senator Hilary Clinton who only was elected to the Senate because of her fame from being a former first lady and Senator Barack Obama, who has only been a Senator for a short time, and may have “big ideas” for what he wants changed, but has no real experience in leading a unified effort.

Beyond just being a great leader, though, Giuliani will appeal to more Americans (not just Repubicans) because of his moral beliefs. Giuliani is pro-choice and pro-gay rights. He believes in the law and following the Constitution. Some Republicans will be hesitant to vote for him because of these beliefs, but the fact is, a

30 Seconds With H Ms. Robin Good

by Maddy McGannon

“We are proud of the commitment of our students to their service agencies and feel that they gain as much as they give to the experience. Whether they serve infants or the elderly or someone in between, STA students are responding to the call to serve.”

-STA’s philosophy on service, according to STA website What is the purpose of the Junior/ Senior Service Program?

A part of our students’ education is in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Their mission [included] taking care of our dear neighbor. We send our students into the community to get first hand what is involved in the needs of others. It is as valuable as classroom experience.

How do you think students were affected by Service Week?

They are affected tremendously.

It opens their eyes to [the world’s] needs and have a chance to make their own contribution and learn something about themselves.

How do you feel this year’s Service Week compares to those in the past?

As far as I know, and it is kind of early, but from feedback, I feel that it has been a meaningful and worthwhile experience. H

president really cannot change the major laws, whether or not they agree or disagree with them.

Obama and Clinton are seen on the news and are extremely popular among young and minority voters. The fact remains, however, a leader is needed for his or her ability, not just because their views contrast those of President George W. Bush. The right decisions need to be made for our country based on what should happen, not on party loyalty. Sitting around debating a problem will not fix it, and Giuliani is not the type of person to do that. He will take action when it needs to be taken, and bring about the real change that our country needs, not just the breath of fresh air from Bush that many people desire.

Sure, Giuliani has his faults. He has been married three times, and allegedly had affairs during the first two. Some say he is stubborn. The problem is all candidates, no matter how perfect they may appear, have skeletons in their closets (including Obama and Clinton).

More people need to start looking at the credibility of candidates. How are they experienced and what have they accomplished? What actions show they are qualified to run this country? If people do this, instead of just voting for a party, a good leader will take office, and his name will be Rudy Giuliani. H

Voice Off compiled by

Sarah Cooper

With all of the talk of elections lately, politics have entered the STA community.

“I think it was appropriate for him to say and I didn’t feel he needed to apologize.

Personally, I didn’t take it the wrong way, but if my son were one of the lives lost, I would feel somewhat differently.”

– Craig Whitney, teacher

“I don’t think he meant the young lives were wasted, because they believed in the cause they were fighting for.

It was a little insensitive, but I understand where he is coming from.”

– Michelle McGill, senior

“I understand his position and I see his point. It [was okay to say] because he’s not saying the people are unimportant, but that they were lost for a wasted cause.”

– Tara O’Flaherty, junior

What political party do you generally affiliate with?

Undecided, 29% Democrat, 39% Other, 8% Republican, 30% 100 students polled

“I agree with what he is saying.

They aren’t fighting for a cause that is worth it. Their lives are being wasted for nothing.”

– Micah Wilkins, freshman

STA offers advanced science class

by CLAIRE McINERNEY Staff Writer

For the 2007-2008 school year, the administration added Advance Placement (AP) Biology for seniors hoping to gain college credit.

Thirty-one students registered for the class March 6, which will be taught by Mr. Michael Schroer.

According to the College Board, AP Biology focuses on three main parts: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution and organisms and populations. Throughout the year, the students will be required to participate in many labs, 12 of which are outlined in the course description.

The College Board also says the main objective of the course is to allow students to gain an appreciation for science as a whole and develop a conceptual framework for modern biology. It hopes to provide students with the ability to see science as a process rather than facts.

A lack of higher-level science classes prompted STA to include this course in the In the lab H Sophomores Marisa Raimo, left, and Elizabeth Meyers began the stem cell lab for Ms. Renee Blake’s accelerated biology program of studies. It is recommended for class last Thursday. After students complete biology and chemistry, Mr. Michael Schroer willl offer them AP Biology as an option for any student who wishes to go into a life seniors, beginning next year. Photo by Claire McInerney science area in college, such as medicine.

Since this is a college class, only seniors In choosing classes, many juniors took campus for college chemistry,” Hymer are eligible to take it. their college plans into mind. said. “[AP Biology] might not be necessary “At most schools, only seniors can take “I hope to substitute this for my entry for my major. Chemistry and physics are AP classes,” said Schroer. “AP courses fit level science class,” said junior Julia useful for everyone planning on studying All US students in the course can take into the senior level easier. We used to have Giglotti, who hopes to take this class next science in college.” the AP Biology exam May 12, 2008, college biology fall.

“Also, it’s After the one-year course, students in hopes of scoring well enough to at Rockhurst weighted, and my wishing to pay a small fee can take the AP meet varying college requirements for [University], but only other option test. Students are then able to send their credit. because of the time is [honors general scores to the college of their choice in t’s going to be a factor, it will be physics].” hopes of receiving college credit. cost of the AP exam step up, so most easier to have it on Giglotti does not “I’ve never taken an AP class before, campus.” plan on continuing so I’m really nervous about the test,” said people will be able to According to studying science Giglotti. “I’m not a good test-taker; I get hours of testing Schroer, a class of in college, but nervous and blank. Standardized tests are adjust.” around 30 students junior Amy Hymer bad for me.” multiple choice Amy Hymer, junior would be ideal, does.

Hymer Despite the nerves surrounding the test, so as to allow for hopes to graduate Hymer feels prepared for the class. questions two classes. To from STA and “This will be more advanced than the be admitted into attend University biology we all took here,” said Hymer. essay questions the class, students must have at least a 3.6 of Missouri-Rolla. She plans to take two “Coming from the academic background GPA, a B in accelerated biology or a B+ in college-level science classes next year. most of us have under our belt, it shouldn’t range of scores general biology and a B in honors chemistry “We don’t have AP Physics or AP be too hard. It’s going to be a step up, so or a B+ in regular chemistry.

Chemistry, so I’m planning on going off- most people will be able to adjust.” H

academics

AP Biology added to curriculum, students hope for college credit

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AP Biology

by the numbers

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$83

3 100 4 1-5

Organic chemistry classes attract seniors Six students study under former chemistry teacher, prepare for college science without credit, grades

by KATIE MEYERS Section Editor

To graduate from St. Teresa’s Academy, every student is required to have three science credits. Some choose to take four, while others opt to spend their senior-year frees studying science not for a class, a grade or even a school credit, but because they want to.

Organic chemistry is a required class for science or pre-med majors in most colleges.

Since retiring from the classroom in 2000, Sr. Harriet Koutsoumpas has spent six semesters tutoring seniors in what is considered one of the hardest science courses.

“I used to teach a regular class in [organic chemistry],” she said. “[Ms. Kjersten Metzler, former STA chemistry teacher] stopped teaching it, I think, when she started AP Chemistry.”

The AP Chemistry class has not been offered since 2005; Sr. Harriet suspects the lack of a secondary chemistry course may have led more students to her informal classes.

“I really enjoyed chemistry with Metzler, and I’m thinking about going into chemistry,” said senior Amanda Wilson. “I thought that it might help make next year

easier.”

In the past, Sr. Harriet has only had two or three students study with her. This year, she has six.

“I wanted to be exposed to organic before I was at [Kansas University],” said senior Laura Welch. “I figured that [Sr. Harriet] would give me the basics and another perspective on the subject before I have a professor that I don’t know.”

Sr. Harriet meets with the seniors in groups of three in the English Resource Center every Tuesday during either mods 9/10 or 13/14.

“I think that it’s a good way to learn - small, informal and no pressure for the grade,” said senior Katrina Abella.

In their meetings, Sr. Harriet teaches basic concepts and sends them home with worksheets to finish. They take quizzes, but Sr. Harriet says they are allowed to use anything that’s not breathing as a resource.

“The classes are mostly discussionbased,” said Wilson. “I love Sr. Harriet, and I think that she is a really good teacher.

She encourages questions, and she likes to relate topics back to the real world.”

Sr. Harriet said she has had several sophomores ask about studying with her during their junior year, but she wants the class to

Grasping chemistry H Sr. Harriet Koutsoumpas introduces the topic of carbon-based alcohols in an informal organic chemistry class Tuesday in the ERC. Her students attend the class voluntarily; they receive no credit. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

remain seniors only.

“I love teaching, and I miss the classroom,’” she said. “I have such a reputation as a bear in the library, and [in organic chemistry], I get to put on my human face.”

Abella, Welch and Wilson all agree organic chemistry is no longer as scary as they thought it would be.

“It actually really helped me on a UMKC

science test,” said Abella who hopes to be accepted into the UMKC six-year medical program.

The students also enjoy the relaxed nature of the meetings.

“Sometimes I’ll joke with them and say ‘You skipped class yesterday,’” said Sr. Harriet. “But I think they enjoy it, because there is no pressure.” H

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Roarin’ 20s The junior class will be presenting their American Studies projects in The Commons April 2. Students will be able to view the projects during frees in the morning.

The students began work in early February on topics that relate to the 1920s. The groups will present their projects in different formats to assigned graders Mr. Craig Whitney, Mr. Mark Fudemburg, Ms. Katie Dolan, Mr. Jack Garvin and Ms. Megan Filipowicz.

student life

Uncovering myths of coffee crowd 10

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Mother-daughter The annual mother-daughter luncheon and fashion show is April 15 at the Marriot Count Basie Ballroom.

The current senior class has been preparing for the show since February and is looking forward to continuing the STA tradition.

Mothers and daughters will eat a meal together before the fashion show, which will feature seniors wearing clothing donated from local stores for the event.

SARAH SMITH

STAFF WRITER Strutting into Muddy’s Coffeehouse on an unusually warm February evening, you hear the eclectic folk rock pour out the open doors and drift to the tables of smokers in front. You’ve shed the popped polo and tartan plaid in exchange for some sweats and hope to blend in to the studious crowd of UMKC students with chai tea and chessboards.

A hum of conversation on everything from colonizing Sri Lanka to the upcoming mayoral election clamors off the ceiling fans wobbling precariously from their bases. There are guacamole-colored walls adorned with an ever-changing exhibit of local art and the neon brown, blue and yellow sign flickering in the window mixes with the screens of dozens of laptop screens casting an electric glow over the room.

But you quickly lose some of the confidence in your stride as first-balletrecital-butterflies swell in your stomach.

Why is everyone staring? Is your perfected “messy bun” not quite right? A big zit on your chin? Or, maybe they don’t like the band name on the shirt you so carefully chose for your debut entrance? Your eyes dart around for the closest exit as you flash a sheepish smile and feel your cheeks rouging to a deep crimson.

Muddy’s has been dubbed STA’s “east campus” by some. There are obvious reasons why generations of Academy Women have so devoutly patronized the coffeeshop. It is quality coffee within walking distance from school, has an assortment of cute baristas and it is not uncommon to find your favorite teacher there as well. Despite the seemingly innocent and welcoming reputation, there seems to be a darker side to this institution of self-proclaimed “good coffee,” at least in the minds of the typical high school girl.

In the spirit of “Mean Girls,” a clash has risen. There are the Muddy’s regulars who have been branded pseudo-in-

Coffee talk H Seniors Shiho Kanai, from left, Melissa Rhodes and Meredith Snyder sit at Muddy’s Coffeehouse Saturday. They are some of the many STA students who frequent the coffeeshop. Photo by allison Pointer

tellectual coffee snobs, against everyone at birth, and only looked disappointed beelse, weak and intimidated by the sophis- cause you weren’t the one. Maybe the man ticated opposition. I don’t know where that you thought shot laser beams at you the idea that if you don’t walk, talk and with his eyes just lost his job and is havbreathe Muddy’s, ing a terrible day. you aren’t worthy While you may feel of stepping foot in people are quick to the door originatjudge you, don’t be hile you may ed. The stigma has so quick to judge in continued to grow return. It’s hard to feel people and the legacy of tell what’s really on are quick to judge social hierarchy someone’s mind. has been hitherto To a group of you, don’t be so passed through the people who apintellectual pool of pears (at least from quick to judge in STA. the surface) to return.”

But honestly, lapride themselves dies, get some selfin non-conformity confidence or quit - with facial pierccomplaining about ings and muralit. Maybe people looked at you because sized tattoos - it seems ironic they would they thought you had a nice complexion. strive to create an elitist “in-crowd” Maybe someone is waiting on the edge of clique. Leave it to the drama of an alltheir seat to be reunited with their long-lost girl’s school to dictate who is allowed to twin sister from whom they were separated get coffee after school. We have to re-

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member that if the goal is to blend in with the college students, we have to check the pettiness at the door.

One regular described the environment as “totally chill,” and wants to reinforce that people “really shouldn’t be afraid to go there.” I’m not sure why they should be either; it is just a coffeehouse after all. The reality is, no one would go to Muddy’s if it wasn’t a hospitable environment. Like a poem on the wall by local poet Alan says, “Perhaps yet in, their own little way, may teach you some small thing about me.” So let’s bridge the gap.

Whether you feel “in” or “out,” the next time you go to Muddy’s, take a second to learn some small thing about the person sitting next to you. If nothing else, you can reaffirm that every place has its are grumpy elitists. But the odds are that that won’t be true, and maybe before you graduate, you can have enough guts to consider yourself part of the “incrowd,” too. H

Peer Helpers plan stress-reduction activities Survey provides insight into topics important to STA; organization hopes to expand presence on campus

by ELIZABETH NELSON Section Editor

A needs survey created by Peer Helpers revealed coping with stress was the most important issue facing the STA community, and the student organization plans to address it over the next 12 months.

“We’ve never done a needs survey before, but it’s something we’ve planned on doing for a while,” said personal counselor Karen Sinco. “The purpose was to determine what issues are important, and to work on these issues.”

The survey listed six areas affecting teenagers including eating disorders, health relationships, teens and alcohol, self-esteem, pressure to have sex and coping with stress. Students and faculty were asked to rank these in order of importance. In the end, coping with stress received 131 votes as most important, followed by eating disorders,

receiving 66 votes. Over 500 surveys were sent out, and about 340 were returned.

Peer Helpers consists of several committees, including an activities committee. They plan to create one school-wide activity, one advisory activity and at least one voluntary program during activity periods, all dealing with stress relief and coping mechanisms. Ideas so far include yoga instruction, stress-reduction techniques, speakers and articles.

Current vice president and next year’s president, junior Maddie Hickey, has high hopes for the organization and its goals.

“I know the organization can have a greater presence in the STA community,” said Hickey. “In our meetings, we’ve had a ton of great ideas that could really turn into something; we just have trouble with the follow-through.”

Hickey hopes the needs survey will lead to this change.

Did you know...

Peer Helpers hosted a luncheon for STA’s maintenance workers to thank them for the work they do, especially during inclement weather.

Peer Helpers offers peer mediation to any student(s) who would like someone to listen to their problems.

Peer Helpers maintains a buddy system for transfer students to help every girl feel welcome at STA. GraPhiC by elizabeth nelson

“The survey was the first step in [this process] because now we know what the student body wants us to do,” said Hickey. “Next year, working with new students and providing grief support will be [two goals].”

Sinco agrees, citing this year’s new committee, the hospitality committee, as a reason. The purpose of the hospitality committee is to send out get-well cards,

befriend new and transfer students and thank teachers and faculty for their work. As Peer Helpers grows, Sinco and others expect change to occur in the school and the organization.

“Basically, I don’t want people to think our club is a joke anymore,” said Hickey. “I know we can make a difference; we just need a more serious presence in the school.” H

Lack of rest limits memory function

by ANNE TAMPKE Staff Writer

A study from Princeton University revealed that inadequate rest can not only make people groggy, but can also affect brain productivity. According to the theory, students who get under the recommended 8 ½-9 hours of sleep each night deprive their bodies of new cell growth in particular parts of the brain.

The scientists compared a group of animals who were deprived of sleep for 72 hours to those who were not, and found that a stress hormone is released into the hippocampus region of the brain, which primarily affects memories. The animals’ sleep patterns were restored to normal in a week, but the nerve cell production was not fully functioning until two weeks after the experiment. Since humans are normally not awake for 72 hours at a time, scientists wonder if partial sleep deprivation has a milder, but similar effect.

According to sleep scholar Mary Carskadon of Brown Medical School, 45 percent of teens aren’t getting the adequate amount of eight hours of sleep or more.

Only 20 percent of teens ages 12-19 get the recommended amount of sleep each night. A national poll of twelfth graders reported an average of 6.9 hours of sleep per night.

Junior Maria Koppen struggles to work in six to seven hours of sleep.

“I don’t think the suggested amount of time is realistic for most teenagers,” said Koppen. “Most people don’t get the correct amount of sleep because they have to do homework.”

Other causes of teen sleep deficiency can be linked to the technology of cell phones, computers, television and the excessive consumption of caffeine-loaded energy drinks and coffee beverages.

Junior Claire McFarland, who gets an average of six hours of sleep each night, feels that her capacity to comprehend in-

Beauty sleep H Senior Rebecca Ridge rests during a free in history teacher Craig Whitney’s room Monday. According to recent studies, sleep deprivation impedes the section of the brain that controls memory. Photo by Anne Tampke

formation in class is compromised with the amount of rest she gets.

“Sometimes [in class] I just blank out and stop thinking,” said McFarland. “I wish I could give my full attention, but sometimes it’s too hard to fight my heavy eyelids.”

McFarland’s experiences of “blanking out” could relate to the brain cell loss caused by insufficient rest. Koppen thinks the theory may be true, but feels her willingness to learn is affecting her more than her brain’s actual ability.

“I still understand and learn in math,

but I just don’t want to put that information in my brain when I’m tired,” said Koppen. “I don’t try as hard or participate in class as much when my mind and body are exhausted.”

History teacher Craig Whitney observes and compares the students in his mods 1/2 class with the ones he teaches later in the day.

“They are not nearly as alert as I am,” said Whitney. “There is not as much dialogue in 1/2 as a general rule. The students in 5/6 or 11/12 are much more with it.”

While Whitney thinks Princeton’s cell loss theory could be true, he does not see the regularity of its effects in his class.

“I don’t notice when there is a test in terms of scores,” said Whitney. “Between the 1/2 class and the 5/6 and 15/16 classes there is no difference, so there might not be quite as much of an issue with the brain cell thing.”

Whether brain cells are in peril or unaffected by a lack of sleep, many feel students could benefit from rearranging their schedules to get eight hours of rest each night. H

Students’ behavior reveals phobia of germs Fears of becoming sick cause ‘germaphobics’ to take additional precautions to avoid germs, bacteria

by JAIME HENRY-WHITE Staff Writer

Germs: they’re everywhere. Whether you’re searching in bathrooms, kitchens or restaurants, germs are guaranteed to be found all over. You will find them on the STA desks and on the computers. But as for the people who really take notice of these germs, “germaphobics,” as they are most commonly called, STA has only a small group of them. “[The thought of germs] kind of just takes over my mind,” said senior Brynne Lee. “If I’m eating a sandwich and my hands are on my food, I can’t really enjoy the sandwich because, if I haven’t washed my hands recently or in the past, all I can think about is how dirty my hands are. It eats away at me.”

Every Wednesday during mods 7/8, Lee sanitizes the computers, desks and doorknobs of publications advisor Eric Thomas’s room with anti-bacterial wipes.

“I’m keeping the flu virus out of the journalism room,” said Lee, who is the coeditor-in-chief of the Teresian yearbook.

“Sometimes I feel kind of dumb. But, I think it’s necessary. You can’t afford to get sick in high school, so I do everything to prevent it.”

Phobias, which include social phobias, specific phobia and agoraphobia, afflict as many as 12 percent of all Americans,

11

health

Insufficient sleep could jeopardize students’ academic performance

according to Mental Health America.

According to “Stedman’s Medical Dictionary,” Mesophobia (better known as germaphobia) is having an abnormal fear about dirt and contamination.

“I carry Purel with me everywhere I go: in my car, my purse, the [cross country] med kit, and in my backpack,” said Ms. Karen Moran Redlich, STA Spanish teacher and head cross country coach. “I wash my hands a lot. I clean my house a lot.”

Moran Redlich took up some habits from her mother. She makes sure dishes go into the dishwasher clean, and often sanitizes her classrooms desks with anti-bacterial wipes, especially after her class fiestas. Moran Redlich washes her hands many times a day, and usually washes her hair twice a day, once in the morning and sometimes again after she finishes cross country practice.

“I’ve always been like [this] to some degree, but the anti-bacterial stuff did not start until Purel was invented when I was in high school,” said Moran Redlich. “I’ve seen too many of those articles about germs on the news.”

Sophomore Maura Lammers, who goes everyday before lunch with fellow sophomore Meghan Penland to wash their hands, also has taken up germaphobic habits because of news articles.

“I’d say that my cautiousness just comes from knowledge about where [germs] are, and where they come from,” said Lammers.

“I think knowing these things can turn anyone into a germaphobe.”

Lee agrees with Lammers.

“In a way, it’s kind of creepy to be a germaphobe,” said Lee. “But, the more you think about [germs and where they are] the grosser it is. If you think about where your hands have been, the grosser it is.”

Junior Kellyn Smith also tries to be careful about germs. She won’t eat certain foods that appear spoiled or let people drink out of her water bottle, unless they are just finishing a cross country race.

“For me, it really just comes down to if I can avoid being sick,” said Smith. “I think sometimes people just misunderstand and place too much emphasis on things. I do think people misconstrue [my habits].

Overall, I just try to stay healthy and eat good food.”

Fears of grimy computer keyboards, contaminated door knobs, public restrooms, sharing water bottles with others and catching a cold or illness are some of the main worries for some of the germaphobes at STA. “I’m perfectly fine with my habits,” said Lee. “Other people might see them as strange, but it’s my habits and my hands that are gross. I’m used to it, and I’ve become accustomed to my ways.”

Beside her precautions, Lee will share drinks and food with her family as long as she knows they are not infected or sick.

“But if I’m holding a bag of chips, and they reach their hands into the bag, I’m going to be like, ‘Um, did you wash your hands?’” said Lee.

Scrub a dub H Freshman Riley Cowing washes her hands in the Goppert Center bathroom on March 7. Cowing’s family puts a big emphasis on cleanliness, but Cowing does not claim to be a germaphobe. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

If an individual wishes to seek treatment for their specific phobia or phobias, professionals at community mental health centers offer behavior therapy and cognitivebehavioral therapy. These physicians work with the phobic individual to help change the person’s diagnosed thinking habits to stop their phobia symptoms. H

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Smell the roses According to ABC News, German researchers have found that the scent of roses, if inhaled during sleep, may reinforce brain-learning pathways and increase memory capacity.

Volunteers slept under an MRI as scientists watch the hippocampus, the region of the brain associated with learning new ideas, become more active when the odor was introduced.

bull’s-eye

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bull’s-eye

13

15 march 2007 ★ The Dart ★ St. Teresa’s Academy

Emba rassin Storie g s

Brassiere the

Support System

I was at an away tournament for soccer with my soccer team one summer. I was really tired and sore, so in between games I took a nap. I decided to take off my sports bra because it was really tight.

I lost track of time while I was sleeping, and my friends didn’t wake me until right before our next game started. I ran out on the field, forgetting that I didn’t have a bra on. Once we started playing, I immediately realized my mistake. I had to play the whole first half without a bra. My team thought it was hilarious, but I was mortified! ~Kerry Cummings, freshman

aring as we nd I w ing, my a r e summ walk nded d-Ha ds during the . As we were d to sneak off e R t n h t . e Caugut with my frie ed in the fron ticed, so I tri e I was going to o k t er o n o n h o s o e r a h s w f l t w e g I one skin a tha n the ew br pped. No kept a hirt down i the this n yone li s r c e y n ound v r u e m a t me bu alked pulled w d bra ca e to fix it, s n a d self frien sid shirt. by my fixed, my to the n my t ot off i w g t o o y d l g l s I nd I fina ght as my ha it. Ri e with m hook w a s hman r and , fres corne atters W e o l ~Ch

48

% of 100 students polled, preferred wearing either black or white bras

52

% of 100 students polled, began wearing a bra in the 5th grade and currently prefer under wire bras

Tag and tape measurer graphic by Breanne Sigler, Graphics Editor Mannequin photo illustration by Kathleen Pointer, Photo Editor

History of Bras

Information provided by nzgirl.com

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% of 100 students polled, preferred wearing Victoria Secret bras to other brands like Hanes and Fruit of the Loom

2500 BC: Women on the island of Crete use bra-like

Q&A with an ex-Victoria’s Secret worker

by LIBBY CONWELL Advertising Manager

McCall Balderston is a senior at Notre Dame de Sion and will be attending Baylor University next year to study fashion merchandising. Here she shares some of her experiences working at Victoria’s Secret.

Q: How long did you work at Victoria’s Secret?

A: Six months.

Q: What’s the funniest thing anyone has ever done?

A: Men who come in and try things on. We actually have to be trained on what dressing room to put them in and how to deal with that kind of situation.

Q: Do people ask you for help when they try on bras?

A: Most people ask for opinions all the time. There are a lot of people who just open the fitting room doors and ask if the bra fits them right. People will also ask if you will come into the fitting room with them.

Q: Who needs the most help with bras?

A: Actually boys are the ones who need help the most. They will come in to shop for their girlfriend and have no idea what to do or even ask.

Q: As a Victoria’s Secret worker, what is your best recommendation for a bra?

A: I love the Secret Embrace push-up bra. It is actually really comfortable.

Q: What are the pros of working at Victoria’s Secret?

A: Definitely the free things and discounts. When something new comes out, they always want us to try them, so we get them for free or really cheap like $10.

At Christmas time, we get the pink hats for free. When new bras come out, they have us try them on, and we often get them for $10. All the new body stuff, we got for free, too. On top of that, I got a discount of 30 percent off.

Q: What are the cons?

A: The pay really was not very good. The hours kind of sucked too. To get ready for the semi-annual sale, I once worked 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. It was awful.

Q: Why did you want to work there?

A: I want to go into fashion merchandising for a career and decided it would be good if I got some retail experience. I saw they were hiring, so I filled out an application and they called me. It was also summer time, so I needed a job.

Q: Why did you stop working there?

A: School got too busy, so I had to quit.

Q: Who is the most common customer?

A: Women in their mid-20’s, and they shop for bras. We always get an immense amount of teenage girls who do not really buy anything but mess things up. However, when they do buy things, they like the Pink! line, like the 5 for $25 undies or the sweatpants. The older women who come in buy pajamas mostly.

Q: What is the most popular bra?

A: We sold just as many push-ups as we did fullcoverage and fashion. It is a personal decision that var-

ies with each customer.

Q: What is the most commonly asked question?

A: A lot of people ask their bra size especially after the Oprah special on bras. Most people do not know their bra size, so we often have to measure them.

Q: How do older ladies respond to some of the lingerie?

A: The older women usually laugh when they see and say “Oh gosh, look at that” like they are amazed people would wear it.

Q: What is the youngest customer?

A: I had a mom come in once with her 6 year old daughter who wanted seamless underwear. The little girl did not really like anything but Balderston ended up getting extra-small panties.

Q: Did you ever have a mom and daughter come in for the daughter’s first bra?

A: Oh, a lot. The daughter always gets really aggravated and embarrassed. The mom always asks a bunch of questions. They usually end up fighting.

The daughter is always like “Mom…stop. Mom… go away.”

Q: What should people know when shopping at Victoria’s Secret?

A: Definitely get to know your bra size. If you do not know it, have an employee measure you.

People who work there are super-friendly and really helpful, they are trained to know what looks good and if things fit, so do not be afraid to ask. ★

garments to lift breasts out of clothing.

1850s: US patents the first known bra-like garments.

1907: Vogue magazine first uses the term “brassiere.”

Student recalls buying first bra, finds comfort ALY BROWNLEE

WEB EDITOR Bright pink stripes greeted me from the walls as I walked into the store. I felt like I had just wandered accidentally into a seven year old’s pink princess wonderland, with one small exception. The lacy bra that hung down in front of my face was definitely not made for a seven year old.

Entering Victoria’s Secret for the first time, I was a bit overwhelmed. Bras and panties were showered everywhere, some with complicated additions I didn’t even want to understand. However, I wasn’t given very much time to look around. A young woman,

pretty, with her hair pulled up in a slick ponytail, came towards my mother and me.

“Can I help you ladies find anything today?” She inquired politely, flashing a set of perfectly white teeth. My mother pushed me forward.

“We need to get her fitted, and find her a few bras,” she said nonchalantly. My eyes were just about to bug out of my head when I heard those words, and I was propelled towards the nearest fitting room.

Having never worn anything other than a sports bra, I was unprepared for what came next. Another pretty young woman greeted us, and this time she carried a tape measure over her shoulders. In the dressing room hallway, she asked me to stick out my arms, please. I held them up, becoming increasingly apprehensive as she reached around me to pull the tape measure tight across my breasts.

I think I turned as white as a ghost. Not only were the woman’s hands touching my body, she was doing it in front of whomever happened to waltz past the fitting room area! As these thoughts occurred to me, I just stared straight ahead, praying that my face wouldn’t turn five shades of red and that everyone would stay away from the fitting room area.

Finally, I was able to lower my arms, only to have them filled with all kinds of bras. Escaping in shame to

1912: “Brassiere” appears in Oxford English Dictionary.

the fitting room, I proceeded to try them on.

Each bra I tried only brought frustration, and I longed for my worn-out Champion medium. This bra didn’t hold anything in, that one made me feel like I couldn’t breathe, this one had no support, that one was too big and the straps were too uncomfortable. I shifted and twitched because the tags itched, or the strap was digging into my shoulder, or I felt like my breasts were falling out. My mom persisted, saying that I had to get a “dress” bra; it lifted my chest up and made me look better; I’d need it for this and that, and I’d just have to get used to it.

We agreed, after trying on at least half the store, on a bra that was only mildly uncomfortable, in two colors.

The woman who had measured my size took us to the front counter to pay, and cleared the fitting room.

As we left, a young girl came in with her mom, and I heard her exclaim over the pink walls and cute lingerie. Just wait until they take you to the back, I thought with a laugh. ★

1920s: Warner Brothers Corset Company introduces a chest-

The Woman’s Guide to proper bra-fitting

flattening bra, in keeping with Flapper styles.

1930s: The shortened form of the word “brassiere” - the “bra” be-

comes popular; Warner’s creates modern cup sizing (A to D).

1940: Padding was added to bra cups, invented by Howard Hughes

1950s: Strapless bras introduced to wear under strapless dresses.

1968: Women protest the 1968 Miss America pageant by burning their bras.

1973: The first no-bounce sports bra was introduced, hence the first sports bra.

by NICOLE FARLEY Co-Editor-in-Chief

When measuring for bra size, it is best to wear an unlined or a lightlylined bra, in order to get the most accurate results. First, to get your band size, measure around the rib cage under the bust. Be sure the tape measure lays flat around your back and sides, and that it fits closely, but not too tightly. From this measurement (in inches), add five inches to get your band size.

If the final number is an odd number, it is usually best to round up to the next even number, though the lower size could also fit satisfactorily. For example, if your initial measurement is 28 inches, and you add five inches to get 33 inches, you will probably

want to go with a 34-inch band size.

To determine your cup size, measure around the fullest point of your bust, taking care to hold the tape measure flat against yourself and closely, but again, not too tightly.

The difference between this measurement and your band size is your cup size, with each inch of the difference equaling one cup size. (If the difference is less than one inch, you have a AA cup, one inch equals an A cup, two inches equals a B cup, three inches equals a C cup, and so on). For example, if your band size is 34 inches, and your cup size measurement is 36 inches, you would have a B cup, for a size 34B. While this method will generally yield accurate results, many experts still suggest that women get professionally fitted, or at least try different styles and sizes to determine what fit is best for them.

Research has shown that eight out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra, which can prevent them from looking and feeling their best. ★

Tips from Nordstrom’s top bra fitter, Ms. Sandra Saffle

(From Oprah’s Bra Intervention show): ★ Most women secure their bras too high on their backs – the band should fit around the smallest part of the back. ★ Large-busted girls should lift their arms up after fastening the bra band to make sure they aren’t spilling out of the cup. This signals a cup size that is too small. ★ Underwires should never poke. ★ Bras should fit a little bit tighter when they are first purchased. Like shoes, sometimes they take a little while to wear in. ★ A structured cup can help petite sizes to have a defined figure. ★ If your weight changes by as little as five pounds, your bra needs refitting. ★ Be sure to own different styles of bras for different occasions – a normal bra is not appropriate for athletics, while a sports bra can have damaging effects if worn daily.

sports

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THE ROAD TO STATE ‘07

Shoelace, bobby pin, poms end State Dancers rack up twenty penalty points, end season bannerless, disappointed

by LINNY KAUFMAN Staff Writer

The STA dance team finished second at the Fort Osage competition and nineteenth in small varsity jazz at Nationals but did not place at State this year. Members said they lost on technicalities, collecting a total of 20 penalty points.

At State, three penalty judges and three performance judges watched each routine.

The team received two penalty points for a bobby pin falling out of a member’s hair, eight penalty points for an untied shoelace, and ten penalty points for using their pom-poms illegally. Head coach Catherine Thorpe told the girls that despite these penalties, they danced better than they had at Nationals.

“Even though we lost on a technicality, the girls never danced better,” said Thorpe.

“I cried for the first time watching them

dance [at State]. They danced with passion and joy; it was absolutely amazing.”

The girls cried tears of joy after performing so well, but later cried tears of disappointment when Thorpe told them about the penalties. Senior Andrea Johnson was extremely proud of their performance, but was still upset about the penalties.

“I felt awesome about our performance right after we danced,” said Johnson. “I personally thought I danced better at State than I had all season, and I thought that overall, our team did, too. When we found out about the penalties, though, we were pretty upset. We knew we probably weren’t going to place.”

Johnson said a couple points make a big difference in the outcome of the competition. She said at State last year, the team was behind Sion, who finished second, by two points.

Thorpe said the 20 penalty points were initially upsetting, but she knew she could not do anything about it.

“Of course it was hard, but things happen,” said Thorpe. “Someone gets injured, a shoe comes untied, and sometimes there’s nothing you can do. You can’t control the

Stars fall short H Coach Catherine Thorpe speaks to the girls at practice Feb. 22. The team competed at State and was penalized 20 points. Photo by Allison Pointer

uncontrollable, and the girls handled it all beautifully. I was so proud of their attitudes.”

Johnson agreed the way the team members mesh is a major part of what makes the STA dance team successful. She said their friendship shined through in their performance at State.

“We did our best at State, and it was perfect,” said Johnson. “We showed everyone what we could do, what we had as a team. We are all so close, and it really showed when we danced [at State]. We had high hopes, and even though we didn’t place, I couldn’t be prouder of the way we performed.” H

Stars falter in Districts, look forward to next season Players underestimate Grandview opponents, surprise loss ends season 15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Penguins stay The Penguins professional hockey team announced Tuesday that they will no longer move their franchise to Kansas City’s Sprint Center arena.

According to Governor Ed Rendell, Pittsburg will be able to raise funds to replace their current arena, which is the oldest in the league.

Some speculate that now Kansas City will acquire either the Nashville Predators, another NHL team or a NBA franchise.

by SARAH COOPER Section Editor

The STA varsity basketball Stars’ season came to a close in a 61-45 loss to Grandview in the first round of the districts tournament Feb. 20. The team finished with a record of 11-13.

The Stars had not played Grandview in the season and senior Leia Darden had a positive attitude before the game.

“I was expecting it to be a tough game, but at the same time, I didn’t think we were necessarily going to lose,” said Darden. “I wasn’t intimidated. I was hoping it wasn’t going to be my last game as a senior. With our four-game winning streak, I thought we had the upper hand. We were on a roll.”

The Stars scored the first four points of the game, but were behind at the end of the first quarter and down 30-21 at halftime.

“We didn’t come out very strong because we thought we were going to beat them pretty handily,” said sophomore Paige Kuhlmann. “They just blew us out by halftime and we never came back. Being that far down at half, we were pretty discouraged. I don’t think the players as individuals gave up, but the team as a whole gave up.”

Grandview’s athleticism and quickness surprised Darden, and she said the team played well, but could have done better.

Head coach Rich Wilson felt differently.

“Nothing surprised me about Grandview,” said Wilson. “I was surprised at our team. I don’t think we played as aggressive as we could have. I think we played very tentatively. They’re a physical team, and sometimes we struggle with that, but they played hard all the way to the end of the game, and I always think that is really important.”

Darden said it was somber post-game.

“There was a lot of crying in the locker room, because it was our last game as seniors,” said Darden, referring to senior teammates Alexandra Kurth, Emily Tummons and Sarah Gramlich. “There was a lot of disappointment and sadness.”

Kuhlmann said the loss to Grandview

Missed shot H Senior guard Alexandra Kurth dribbles down the court while guarded by a Grandview opponent in the first round of Districts on Feb. 20. The Stars lost 61-45, ending Kurth and three other seniors’ basketball careers at STA. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

was a “low” of the season, but she said the “highs” included new assistant coach Rachel Stark-Boylan, parental support, team bonding events and improving the season record from last year.

Darden was proud of the team’s performance in the overall season.

“We overcame a lot of obstacles,” said Darden. “I’m really proud of how we worked hard with all the adversity we faced.

Even when people counted us out and stopped believing in us, we kept winning.”

Wilson added that the team played 12 of the season’s 24 games against teams that were either ranked in the top ten in their state or ranked in the top five in Kansas City.

“We were a pretty young and inexperienced team,” he said. “We had a really tough schedule. I think the kids did really well with those conditions. They worked really hard and kept getting better…they never made any excuses, which I thought was good.”

Wilson started two sophomores, one junior and two seniors and sees a bright future for upcoming years. Sophomore Abby Duethman led the team in scoring and rebounds with an average of 12.3 points per game, and an average of 8.3 defensive rebounds and three offensive rebounds per game. Junior Megan Konz led the team in assists with an average of 3.6 assists per game.

“The group of sophomores has a chance to be really good,” said Wilson. “The team that returns will have a chance to be better, but only because of everything they went through this season. They laid some good groundwork.”

Kuhlmann is also optimistic.

“We definitely have potential,” she said.

“We have a couple of good freshmen now, and we’ll have a couple of good freshmen coming in. I think we should definitely do well. A lot of [people] think we have a chance to go to State in the next two years.

We have a lot of athleticism; we just need to be coached [well], and I think we can do really well.” H

sports features

Freshman breaks the ice 15 Avery Adams has played hockey since age six, enjoys breaking through gender barrier

by RACHEL SCHWARTZ Staff Writer

On game day at an Omaha tournament, the hockey teams filed into the boys’ locker room.

The Carriage Club House Team was among these teams. Amidst the boys was one girl, freshman Avery Adams, who saw a separate girls’ locker room, but still filed in with the boys to get ready.

Avery plays hockey on the Carriage Club Team as center and right wing. According to Avery, the team is very good, and last year, they won the championship game.

She has played hockey for Carriage Club in both the fall and winter since she was Adams six. She said her brother was going to play, so her dad just signed her up, too.

Her mother, Ms. Sue Adams, said Avery turned to hockey after she refused to continue ice skating.

“We put her in [ice skates], and she was even in a show,” said Sue. “She had to wear a costume, and she hated it so much. She just said ‘I’m putting on a hockey jersey,’ and started playing hockey.”

Although some may think it would be awkward to be the only girl among many boys playing hockey, Avery said she really enjoys playing with the boys.

“It’s fun, but sometimes it’s weird, because they take their pants off,” said Avery.

Sue feels Avery and the boys get along well together. “[Avery] grew up with all those boys playing since she was six, and they don’t think it’s any weird thing,” said Sue. “She’s funny, because in Omaha they had a separate girls’ changing room, but Avery didn’t use it because she has always just changed with the boys. She has gone to hockey camps with boys. Not too many girls around here play, so around here, there’s only one option.”

Visitation eighth grader Daniel Connor has played hockey with Avery since he was about five.

“She’s one of our better players,” said Connor. “And, I don’t know, she just fits in.

Sometimes we have jokes about her in a locker room with all guys, but [her being there] is no trouble anymore. It’s just good, I guess.”

Besides the atmosphere, the way the game is played is also unique to boys’ hockey. It is a more aggressive game, and Avery said she likes how the boys do not hold back.

“She definitely is [just as good as the guys],” said Connor. “She’s better than most of the guys.”

Avery also played last spring for a girls’ hockey team, the Kansas Team, but was not able to continue due to soccer.

On the girls’ team, the play-

ers are not allowed to check (slam another person into a wall), so it is a lot more about fundamentals. However, in the boys’ league, it is much more aggressive, according to Avery, and the players are allowed to check.

“I like boys’ hockey better, because I think I stand out more as a player,” said Avery. “It’s fun to run people into the walls, too.”

Sue agrees boys’ hockey is a lot more aggressive, but says Avery handles it well.

“She is really fast and can avoid getting smashed up against boards because she’s quick,” said Sue. “She’s also a very strategic player, so she knows where to put the puck and where to be on the ice to get the puck.

Being a strategic player helps her not get injured, but the boys are getting big, and she’s really skinny, and I get nervous. She doesn’t, though. She couldn’t care less.”

Although Avery prefers playing on the boys’ team, she will have to stop next year. The boys will start playing on high school teams, but since Avery has many options, she might continue playing.

“She could go on a travel team and play with girls, or she can play with boys in high school, but that is too rough and the boys are too big,” said Sue. “And we can’t travel with our family, so she’s probably not going to play anymore. She’ll play recreational but not travel. Plus, Avery plays basketball and two

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief

“S

he just said, ‘I’m putting on a hockey jersey,’ and started playing hockey.”

Sue Adams, mother

sports are just too hard.”

Another option is playing on the Kansas girls’ team next year, but Avery agrees this may be hard because of soccer.

However, Avery does not plan to stop hockey completely; she may continue playing in college.

“I’m kind of undecided right now because I want to go on with soccer,” said Avery. “If I do go through with this Kansas team, I will probably [play up until] college and maybe in college.”

Sue also said she sees Avery continuing the sport.

“I don’t know if she’ll play in college or not,” said Sue. “Women’s hockey is a lot more speed skill, and she’s awesome on skates, but I don’t know if she’ll do that. She loves soccer.

But, overall, Avery’s experience with hockey has been incredible.” H

Turning heads H Freshman Avery Adams looks on from the bench as her team, the Carriage Club House Team, plays the Blue Valley Stars Mar. 6. Adams has played on boys’ hockey teams since she was six years old and is unsure of her future in the sport.

Submitted Photo Face-off H Adams prepares for face-off with the Blue Valley Stars at her game Mar. 6. According to teammate Daniel Connor, she is better than many male opponents.

Submitted Photo

Jayhawks win The University of Kansas men’s basketball team won the Big XII tournament Sunday with a win over the Texas Longhorns.

After being down 22 points, the Jayhawks rallied back in the second half and won the game 88-84 in overtime.

Kansas will enter the NCAA tournament as a first seed and is joined by the other Big XII teams of Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.

Family passes lacrosse on to junior Sarah Coleman plays uncommon sport, will continue to play in future

sports shorts

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15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Player awarded Senior Michelle Jantsch was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association 2006 All-American team in February. In all, there are 36 senior players given this honor nationwide. Last fall, Jantsch also received the honor of Gatorade Missouri Volleyball Player of the Year for 2006.

Her banner can be seen on the north side of Goppert Center’s gym wall.

“Girls’ lacrosse was actually around longer than boys’ lacrosse in St. Louis because they have so many girls’ schools,” said Jay. “On the east coast, field hockey and lacrosse go hand-in-hand. At girls college prep schools on the East coast, if you

by NICOLE GRAVINO play field hockey, then you go out for lacrosse.”

Staff Writer Sarah and Jason got into lacrosse beA small redheaded girl awkwardly cause their dad became the coach at Rockwielding an oversized lacrosse stick runs in hurst. They did not compete until high and out of a group of kids at a local summer school because there were not teams availcamp. She is noticeably smaller than the able to play on until then. They grew up rest of the kids who are all at least a couple playing with older kids mostly at lacrosse of years older than her. Yet she is just as camps. determined to keep up with them, and even “A lot of girls playing now are playthough they have the advantage of size, she ing because their brothers play,” said Jay. has the advantage of speed.

“They watched them play and started passThis redheaded girl is junior Sarah Cole- ing around and ended up enjoying it.” man. She has been playing lacrosse since Some compare lacrosse to soccer or fourth grade and has an older brother Ja- football, but it is different from both beson who began when he, too, was in fourth cause it is played in the air. In a good game grade. Her dad, Jay Coleman, is the Var- of lacrosse, the ball should not be on the sity lacrosse coach at Rockhurst and started ground very much, according to Jay. He up the program calls it the “fastest there ten years ago. game on two feet.”

She is currently “It’s a game of playing on the only hand-eye coordilike lacrosse girls’ lacrosse team nation,” said Jay. in Kansas City, the “You have a stick because it’s so Kansas City Girls with a net at the end different and I get to Club Team. of it that you use “Sometimes, to pass a ball with meet people from all its frustrating that your teammates to there are so few score goals. The over.” teams, but most of team with the most Sarah Coleman, junior the time, it doesn’t goals wins.

It’s bother me,” said kind of like soccer Sarah. “I like lawith sticks.” crosse because it’s The dynamic of so different and I get to meet people from boys’ lacrosse compared to girls’ is very all over.” different. The boys’ game is more rough She competes mostly against teams from and about size, while the girls’ is more St. Louis, where the sport is more common about speed. for both boys and girls. There are schools “Girls don’t wear helmets and pads like in Columbia they also compete against. the boys do,” said Jay. “They just wear “The east coast is where lacrosse is the eye goggles because they can’t hit each othmost popular,” said Sarah. “Lacrosse is er. It’s a much smoother game, very much what they play as kids growing up.” about finesse and fun to watch.”

According to Jay, lacrosse has spread Jay says there are enough girls in Kanfrom the East to the West and is slowly sas City interested in playing lacrosse that making its way into the Midwest. When he there could be more than one team, but it began the lacrosse program at Rockhurst, just has not happened yet. their team was the first boys’ team in Kan“Lacrosse was recently officially sancsas City. At the time, there were no teams tioned by the state of Missouri,” said Jay. for girls in Kansas City, but some St. Louis “Hopefully, more Kansas City high schools schools had programs. will pick up the sport.” H

Family affair H Junior Sarah Coleman, left, winds up to throw the ball during practice at Roe Park March 7 while Sion junior Alex Wiedel looks on. Both play for the Kansas City Girls Club, which travels frequently for games. Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

Reputation challenges varsity Soccer team returns for new season, must meet high hopes, expectations

by SARAH COOPER Section Editor

Going the distance H Junior Danielle Martens fights for a goal in a scrimmage at soccer tryouts Feb. 28. Martens has been a Varsity player since her freshman year. Five members of the four-time championship team have already signed on to play soccer in college, four of which are for Division I teams. Photo by Elizabeth Nelson

The varsity soccer Stars have high expectations for this season after winning the state championship four of the past five years and graduating only two players last year.

“We have had better athletes in the past, but this is probably going to be the best year for pure soccer talent,” said varsity coach Scott Siegel. “I don’t want to say we’re going to win State, but we want to get to State and have a good shot at it.”

Siegel said he and the players feel a lot of pressure to perform well.

“I think expectations from the team and from outside are very high,” said Siegel. “[Spectators] expect you to win all the time. If you don’t, they want to know what’s wrong. Sometimes there isn’t anything wrong and you just lose.”

Senior Aly Russell feels pressure to win, but said she tries not to let it affect her.

“We want to win, but we don’t want

to look to our past as winning State,” she said. “We just go to practice and focus on what we need to accomplish that day.

[Past success at the state level] doesn’t affect me that much, but it’s always in the back of my head.”

Siegel said coaching the team has become more difficult as STA has won the state championship four of the last five years.

“It’s getting harder,” he said. “From here on out, people are going to know how good we are. No one is going to overlook us.”

He also said the players have grown accustomed to doing well, but he is thankful to have seniors on the team who experienced the disappointment of not going to State their freshman year.

“Most of the girls on the team now have never lost at State,” said Siegel. “If you have a bunch of girls who don’t know how much it hurts to lose at State, that’s difficult.”

Siegel said his team is very talented and also boasts of talent at the individual level, with five players already signed to play for four-year colleges, four of which will play for Division I schools. Siegel said having signed with a college should not change a player’s performance, or the See SOCCER, page 22

Senior auditions measure by measure

by EMILY BECKER Section Editor

Accompanied by her mother, Joan, and armed with her violin case and sheet music, senior Katarina Vaughn arrived at the University of Minnesota for her noon audition Feb. 3 for a place in the School of Music.

Katarina was initially drawn to the University of Minnesota because of its large size and tuition reciprocity for students from Missouri. Since she has been playing the violin for 15 years and comes from a family of musicians, it seemed natural for Katarina to try out for the School of Music.

The audition began with paperwork and an hour spent warming up. According to the University of Minnesota School of Music web site, each musician auditioning must “prepare two selections or movements that contrast in tempo and style.” One of the pieces was required to be memorized.

At about 10 minutes until noon, Katarina conceded that it was time to go to her audition room.

To try to keep her mind off of what was quickly approaching, Katarina continued the small talk instigated by the woman leading Katarina and Joan to their destination.

“Do you know who she is?” Katarina asked her mother after they had arrived.

“I know who she is, but I’m not going to tell you until after your audition,” Joan replied.

Katarina later learned the woman is the concert master of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Katarina expected to be the second person to audition that day, but as she approached the room, she noticed that no other students were around. She waited and waited, appearing calm and collected to those around her.

“A lot of times, I think I’m more nervous than she is,” said Joan.

Katarina confides that she was nervous on the inside.

“At some point, you just have to let it

Violin Virtuoso H Senior Katarina Vaughn poses with her violin in the STA auditorium Monday. Later that day, Vaughn learned she received a place in the University of Minnesota School of Music. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

go because you can only play as good as you can,” she said.

This calm momentarily dissipated when it was finally decided that the student who was scheduled to try out before Katarina was not going to appear. She would have to be the first to audition that day.

She slowly entered the room and was greeted by the five professors from the School of Music that would be judging her audition. Katarina chose to play first the presto movement from a Bach sonata, the piece she had memorized. The Bach be-

gan well, when suddenly, Katarina realized she forgot to shift her hand, a mistake that would cause her to play the rest of the piece incorrectly. Knowing that she couldn’t stop, she hurriedly went back a few lines, a section that could be repeated, although Katarina was not planning on doing so.

The next time she approached the place where she was supposed to shift her hand, she remembered to do so.

Soaring smoothly over the remaining notes and rests, Katarina moved on to her next piece, a DeBeriot concerto for vio-

lin. Since she did not have to memorize this piece, it went well and her audition wrapped up with some closing remarks from the judges and a smile as she walked out the door.

Katarina returned to her mother waiting outside the door. She remained quiet, relieved to have the audition over and started to process how it went. When they had walked down the hall, she began to discuss the audition with her mother.

Katarina discovered Monday that she has a place in the School of Music. H

Local theater aims for diversity in ages, culture The Coterie strives to present shows that appeal to several generations

by CARLIE CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The Coterie Theater, located on the lower level of Crown Center was named one of the five best theaters for young audiences by Time magazine, but it is not just a children’s theater. The Coterie staff strives to present shows that appeal to all ages and backgrounds. This year, their mainstage productions included plays such as “The Giver,” based on the novel

by Lois Lowry, and “With Their Eyes: The View of 9/11 from a High School at Ground Zero.”

“The productions we do, whatever age you are when you come, you can enjoy them,” said Coterie Executive Director Joette Pelster. “There’s a level in each play for whether you’re a grandmother or six years old.”

Pelster said that, when searching for plays, the Coterie staff looks at the design elements of the show, how well-written the script is and whether the content is relevant to its audience. They often look for a young protagonist because that makes it easier for younger generations to relate to the conflict in the story and the circumstances that character has to deal with.

“That’s really important; it gives it an

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fine arts

Katarina Vaughn tries out for University of Minnesota School of Music

opening to anybody who’s young and seeing the play,” said Pelster.

Even though the Coterie wants young adults and children to enjoy shows at the Coterie, they make sure their productions aren’t just geared towards kids.

“A parent doesn’t have to leave their brains behind them to come to a Coterie show,” Pelster said.

“A

parent doesn’t have to leave their brains behind them to come to a Coterie Show.”

Joette Pelster, Coterie Executive Director

For some productions, the Coterie casts only professional adult actors, but for others, the artistic staff feels younger actors are needed to play certain roles.

The Coterie often casts young actors in leading roles that require younger performers. But it is not always easy to cast these young actors, according to the Coterie’s Artistic Director Jeff Church.

“If we cast youth, we call them ‘professional acting apprentices,’” said Church.

“We have to do a lot of work with the

schools to help get the kids out of school for as many weeks as we perform.”

The Coterie also offers many classes for students from ages five to high school in the areas of comedy, improvisation and audition. Classes held during the summer take place at satellite locations including Pembroke Hill High School and Notre Dame de Sion High School.

“We sort of specialize in junior high and high school,” Church said.

St. Peter’s eighth grader Frances Buren was cast in “The Watsons Go to Birmingham” last year through a summer audition class. Church watched the students present what they worked on in a class and invites some of the promising students for callbacks at the Coterie.

At the callbacks, the actors were separated into groups to do cold readings of the script.

“I met a lot of new people,” Buren said. “It was really great.”

The rehearsal and performance schedule takes up most of an actor’s day. Rehearsals usually start about three weeks before a show opens and go from after school to about 10 p.m. When performances start, the actors have to be at the Coterie at 9:30 a.m. until the performance is done, usually around 2:30 p.m.

“I would do it again any time,” Buren said, despite the rigorous calendar.

The Coterie is currently beginning preparation for their upcoming production of “Country of the Blind.” It runs from March 13 through April 1. H

Playwright Pow Wow H Coterie Artistic Director Mr. Jeff Church coaches young playwrights at a Roundtable session Sun. The Roundtable group is comprised of high school students and meets weekly in the Coterie’s Theater lab. Photo by Carlie Campbell

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Former STAR Katie Kalahurka, a 2000 STA grad, has a significant role in “Nickle and Dimed,” a production currently playing in the Unicorn Theatre (3828 Main St. Kansas City, Mo.).

“Nickle and Dimed” opened March 7 and runs through April 1.

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Dead Sea Scrolls Kansas City’s Union Station becomes the only Midwestern City to host 2,00 year-old artifacts

by CAROLINE QUINN Staff Writer

Fragments of parchment and papyrus over 2,000 years old that hold secrets of history and religion were once sheltered in caves thousands of miles away. Now, after years of preparation, they lie beneath layers of protective glass in Kansas City’s Union Station.

Over nine months ago, community specialists announced to the public that parts of the Dead Sea Scrolls and artifacts from Qumran, the area where the scrolls were found, would be exhibited from Feb. 8 to May 13 at Union Station. The display marks the only Midwest stop and the sixth United States stop for the scrolls.

Union Station became interested in featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls when a staff member visited Grand Rapids, Mich., where the scrolls were located four years ago. When the woman returned, she suggested the idea of the exhibit to her co-workers.

Union Station’s community relations and marketing manager Rachel Toledo-Miller said the process of bringing the scrolls to Kansas City challenged the organization in many ways. She said the major step was gaining approval from the Israel Antiquities Authority, a group in charge of discovering, preserving and displaying artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls.

“We invited the Israel Antiquities Authority to visit and they were incredibly impressed with our venue, with our museum staff and with some of the things required, the more technical things required to do the exhibit,” said Toledo-Miller. “They liked our micro-climate control and lighting control. But when we looked at the budget plan to put it together it was $3 million. We didn’t know if we could do $3 million in fundraising, so we stopped our planning for a while.”

Almost two years passed before a new CEO for Union Station, Mr. Andi Udris, came on board with the idea of bringing something significant to Kansas City. Udris wanted the Dead Sea Scrolls to be a “oncein-a-lifetime experience for visitors.”

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief

GraPhiC by breanne SiGler

Videos posted on YouTube anger teachers Students post videos on YouTube without consent

by ALLISON POINTER Staff Writer

YouTube.com has become a worldwide site, available to post multiple videos for viewing. The vast variety consists of music videos, movies or TV shows, video blogging or simply a tape of friends goofing around in the school halls. However, one type of videotaping has become out of hand—secretly taping your teacher.

“I think the whole purpose is to make us look bad,” said art teacher Theresa Wallerstedt.

Search for:

“Funny high school teacher”

GraPhiC by aly broWnlee

Idol gives back “American Idol” announced March 8 that they will hold a two-day special to benefit children and young people in need in America and Africa.

The event, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, will benefit Charity Projects Entertainment Fund, UNICEF, Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria among others.

Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink and Michael Buble are a few of the celebrities scheduled to appear.

According to Toledo-Miller, Union Station again approached the Israel Antiquities Authority, but the traveling Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit was booked through 2007 with no plans of further touring. Union Station’s plan to feature the display had again been delayed.

A few days later, Union Station received exciting news.

“A museum up north scheduled to show the Dead Sea Scrolls started running into financial and personnel problems, which is not uncommon in the museum business,” said Toledo-Miller. “We went to the Israel Antiquities Authority again and said ‘we know it’s only a year away from the exhibit, but if we raise the $3 million, can we do this?’ So we got back on board and started the fundraising process.”

After receiving dozens of donations, including a $1 million contribution from the Hall Family Foundation, it was time for promoting. Toledo-Miller said she knew special marketing strategies were necessary to gain a reaction from the mass market since many people did not understand the full influence of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Union Station employees spent months informing groups on the content, and both the historical and religious importance of the scrolls.

Scholars on the scrolls were also hired to present information at places like Rockhurst University and Avila University.

Years of planning, fundraising and promoting paid off when the opening weekend of the display, Feb. 10-11, attracted thousands of people from the area and beyond, selling out all of the time slots available.

Toledo-Miller believes that the exhibit’s traffic will remain steady for the next few months, adding that it is important to purchase tickets in advance.

“We don’t want people to have to wait in line for hours to get in, so it’s smart to purchase tickets ahead of time,” said ToledoMiller. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the exhibit as much as possible. After all, Kansas City is the only opportunity to see the scrolls unless you want to go to San Diego or Israel.” H

by Nirnglaud

2,480 views 01:22 This teacher demonstrates WWII bombings, using himself as the plane, and a cardboard box as his landing.

YouTube was founded by Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim, who were all employees of PayPal, another internet company. In May 2005, YouTube made its first debut to the public. A year later, it was named the fifth most popular web site. It had made its way to one of the fastest growing web sites on the Internet.

The first idea of secretly taping a teacher cannot be traced to one specific person. An easy search of “mad teacher” or “yelling teacher” will yield pages and pages of results with secret tapes from various students.

After searching for these videos, and making an account on the site, messages were sent to these students asking why they would post this.

“I posted [the video] because it showed

Search for:

“Teacher gets angry”

the craziness and immaturity in my school, which is ghetto,” said an anonymous source from YouTube, via an email interview. In his video, he posted his teacher yelling at his peer. Luckily for him, the teacher hasn’t found out about the video.

“I found it disrespectful, but I [have] seen worse,” he said. “Last school year, a security guard got beaten up by a kid who smashed his head with a steel lock. The student was expelled, arrested and sent to jail. Another was a racial fight that involved 40 students.

The racist kid who started it got expelled.”

This situation has become a very diverse topic with many opinions that have created discussion globally. On Yahoo! Answers, one girl posted a discussion topic on whether See YouTube, page 22

Search for:

“Teacher youtube tribute”

by lvblogger

by DanHohlfeld

10,192 views

12,702 views

00:43

03:37

A student gets caught text messaging Students aren’t the only ones falling asleep during class, and the teacher proceeds to in class, as this video shows a teacher at throw the cell phone violently on the floor. rest while her students capture it on film.

America judges culture warrior prematurely KATE RAINEY

VIDEOPHILE I like Bill O’Reilly, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

OK, so I have some reservations about admitting my affinity for the “O’Reilly Factor” and “Radio Factor” (which, by the way, is better than the TV show), but I don’t think I should. I imagine I’ve lost at least a third of my readership because O’Reilly is considered such a polarizing figure. People seem to have a knee-jerk reaction when he comes on the screen to pull the television plug out of the wall and run screaming from the room.

Unfortunately because of this reaction, people never get the opportunity to hear what this man has to say. So, if you are still reading this column, bear with me.

O’Reilly is not as divisive as people believe. He is, in fact, moderate and reasonable if you give him a chance. On the “Radio Factor,” he discussed global warming. He explained he agrees with global warming (which made me swerve into the other lane with surprise), but he does not agree America is the main polluter. He advocated Americans reducing the pollutants we produce, but also asserted China and India are the two biggest polluters in the world, not America.

That sounded reasonable to me.

What is unreasonable is most people consider O’Reilly the devil of the airwaves, but men like Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time,” are just funny. I submit O’Reilly is no more polarizing than Maher, who is known to make controversial statements. ABC cancelled his show “Politically Incorrect” for making insensitive comments shortly after the 9/11 attack.

I propose there are two reasons people deem O’Reilly arrogant and intolerant: he’s conservative and adamant about his beliefs. The issue of liberal bias in the mainstream media is too complicated to discuss in this column, but I will say O’Reilly could never get away with the things Maher can.

Maher recently got into a bit of trouble for stating “more people in the world would live if Vice President Dick Cheney died,” according to Fox News.

Fox is the only major news source seriously discussing this. If O’Reilly had made a statement wishing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi dead, every mainstream news source would be calling for O’Reilly’s head.

More importantly, O’Reilly doesn’t sugarcoat his opinions. He knows what he believes, thinks those beliefs are correct and defends them. This conflicts with what most people consider tolerance.

People fear offending others so much they wind up not believing in anything.

Everything goes. This is not tolerance, it is spinelessness. Tolerance is simply allowing for and accepting different opinions, even if one disagrees with that viewpoint. In short, you can tolerate an opposing viewpoint without believing in it.

O’Reilly provides a different perspective on current events and political issues, one that cannot be found on “Real Time” or even in the New York Times.

For this reason, people should plug their TV sets back in and give Mr. O’Reilly a chance. H

#1

$ 19

Great Best Buy

Odd Hours

Cheesy/Costume-y Clothes

Expensive

by ALISON RAYBOULD Co-Editor-in-Chief

GraPhiCS by Katie meyerS

Local vintage boutiques size up to expectations with a-list fashion

Uptown Encore Monkey TOO Address: 5907 Woodson St. Shawnee Mission, Kan. 66202 Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 12-7, Fri. 12-6, Sat. 11-6, Sun. 1-4 Phone: 913-722-0745 Price point: All dresses are $7. Sweaters cost $2.50. Only winter coats cost more than $10.

Description: Just off of Johnson Drive, this quaint vintage boutique really can call itself vintage. While most of the separates, shirts and skirts qualify as resale or consignment items, the dresses are completely retro. Having an affinity for 80s eveningwear, I was inspired by the ruffles, lace, satin, sequins and frilliness of the many prom dresses from two decades ago.

On a second visit, I noticed that the window display had completely changed to recall the cauof the 1950s. The Great sality breezy shirtdress had me longing to be a desperate housewife.

What sets Uptown Monkey apart from the other vintage shops is its overwhelmingly personal service.

Each time that I have visited the boutique, its owner, Ms. Ginger Betzer, has been there to help me find the perfect outfit for any occasion. Admittedly, as all fashionistas know, vintage shopping requires a bit of searching, but lurking inside Uptown Monkey are all of the necessary elements to pull together an inexpensive version of the Olsen twins’ boho chic or even to evoke supermodel Linda Evangelista’s glamour circa 1987. H

#1

Address: 590? Woodson St. Shawnee Mission, Kan. 66202 Hours: Wed.-Fri. 1-6, Sat 11-5 Phone:: 913-403-0005 Price point: $50-$100 Description: White wooden letters that spell out “CHIC” in the window lure shoppers into Encore Too. I peer in and notice a red velvet dress circa 1950, paired with an elegant mink stole and elbow-length white satin gloves. Marilyn Monroe, goddess of all things provocative, plays muse to the employees who dress the mannequins. Above the register, bold letters read “well-behaved women never make history.”

Encore Too is devoted to women who want to stand out in a crowd. “Make it glam” would undoubtedly be the catch phrase of this boutique with all its sparkle, fur, sateen and velvet. The vintage dresses have been reshaped to create a more modern silhouette. In a small side room, steel siding walls, reminiscent of an art warehouse, denote a change in merchandise, where dark denim and silky separates hang on the racks.

Sadly, however, the aforementioned Boudoir charm could only be appreciated from the street. I visited the store twice, and both times it was closed. On my second visit, I double checked the store’s hours, but upon arrival, a note in the door told me that the employees were at home with the flu. I walked away disappointed, concluding that the limited hours make it near impossible to shop there. H

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BOOMERANG Address: 1415 W 39th St. Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11-6, Sun. 12-5 Phone: 816-531-6111 Price point: Dresses sell for $25-$40.

Accessories (shoes, belts, purses and jewelry) cost less than $10.

Description: On my venture down 39th Street, a mannequin sporting a red fishnet bodysuit underneath a black cotton shift (which was held together by threatening diaper pins) definitely caught my eye, but it was the red spiked wig atop her nude head that sealed the deal for me.

Once inside Boomerang, the parade of shocking wigs continues along the left store Great wall, while colorful petticoats hang from the ceiling.

Boomerang has racks dedicated to whitewash jeans and pleather skirts. Even the most skilled vintage shopper has to do a considerable amount of searching, partly because of the overwhelming amount of merchandise—clothing, furniture and accessories—from the 1940s through the 1970s, but also because of the overwhelming amount of junk. And unfortunately, the task of searching falls on the customer’s shoulders, since the staff rarely volunteers to help. You can go to Boomerang with a group of friends for a good laugh, but if seriously looking to recreate a stylish outfit from Sienna Miller, you should steer clear. But before every costume party, head downtown and pick up a white polyester Elvis jumpsuit. H

Act 2 Address: 1417 W 47th St. Kansas City, Mo. 64112 Hours: Tues.-Sat 10-5:30 Phone: 816-531-7572 Price point: It is a struggle to find an item for less than $100.

Description: Act II is about as old as its target audience. Its web site, http://www.actiiinc.com, states that it has been a “mainstay in the Kansas City area for over 50 years” and that Good Housekeeping magazine named it one of the best designer consignment shops in the country. Although Act II has built up quite a resume, it offers little to a high school student with a limited budget. The first floor is dedicated to the working woman and has racks of power suits, complete with shoulder pads.

One look at the price tag and I am both shocked and impressed. I cannot grasp how the triple digit price qualifies the jacket as consignment, but I am amazed by the Prada label. I see Burberry plaid pants in the display and realize that Act II offers truly designer clothing. The $120 jacket is not overpriced; rather, it is a giveaway, considering it probably once cost $1,000. As I peek at the garment’s labels, I discover that Act II plays host to my favorite designers: Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Marc Jacobs and Yves Saint Laurent.

Perhaps Good Housekeeping was right; after all, if Drew Barrymore were to travel to Kansas City, she would probably want to stop by Act II. H

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‘Music and Lyrics’ gives audience little to sing about CAROLINE QUINN

STAFF WRITER If you find Hugh Grant charming and attractive, then you’ll be swept off your feet by his latest movie “Music and Lyrics.”

But if you don’t want to watch Grant shake his butt to dated pop music for an hour and a half, prepare for sore eyes and a headache.

The story centers around middle-aged Alex Fletcher (Grant), a has-been celebrity from the fictional 80s boy band Pop, who tries to relive the glory of his past by playing gigs at amusement parks and high school reunions. At the start of the film, Fletcher is approached by superstar and Shakira knockoff Cora, played by Hollywood newcomer Haley Bennett. Cora explains to Fletcher

that she and her boyfriend recently broke up and she wants Fletcher to write a hit song for her in just six days. Hoping to bask in the spotlight once again, Fletcher eagerly accepts, immediately hiring a lyricist to help with the project. While working with the lyricist, Fletcher discovers that the woman who waters his plants conveniently has a knack for writing.

The painfully sweet plant caretaker Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) shies away from writing the song, but Fletcher’s charisma eventually entangles her in the process.

Up until this point, the movie provides reasonable entertainment. But soon the movie transforms into a romantic comedy lacking any true passion.

After spending sleepless nights together writing the song, the expected sparks fly between Fletcher and Fisher, but certainly not between Grant and Barrymore. It becomes obvious to the audience that there’s little chemistry between the two actors.

Their first kiss is more likely to make audiences laugh rather than sigh “aww.”

Grant, almost reluctantly, grabs Barrymore’s face and leans in for an awkward and forced smooch one would expect to see

during a 7th grade spin the bottle game.

Who honestly thought Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore could possibly collaborate on a film about love? First problem: no romantic emotion.

“T

he main actors seem completely uninterested in their roles.”

The main actors seem completely uninterested in their roles. They practically sleepwalk through the movie without the lovable personalities audiences have come to expect. Grant attempts to showcase his arrogant yet attractive ways, but all the audience recognizes is his washed-up character.

It is easy to tell that Grant has become bored with his recent roles of portraying ridiculous people like the Ryan Seacrest wannabe Martin Tweed in “American Dreamz.”

Barrymore, appreciated for her quirky and pure nature, forces herself to play colorless Sophie Fischer, sacrificing her uniqueness.

If the actors had not been stars before “Music and Lyrics,” the audience would have even less to go by.

Despite some crucial mistakes of casting decisions, “Music and Lyrics” is not a total failure. Several laugh-out-loud one-liners were able to cover up the errors. Not to mention, an aging Grant in tight pants singing to 40-year-old women strikes most people as funny.

Though the film overflows with cheesy dialogue and an overused love formula, the central theme is actually fairly original. It may be covered up by forgetful jokes and awful dancing, but the majority of the viewers get the main message that it is never too late to be who you once were or who you strive to be. “Music and Lyrics” won’t hit the spot if you want a movie that will make you constantly laugh or melt by the passion between Grant and Barrymore. Don’t shell out 10 bucks to see this film, but if you’re truly set on seeing it, at least come armed with aspirin, prepared to get rid of a musically and cliché-induced headache. H

reviews

Retro in the Metro Top Choice

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Ready to Rock The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted five new members on Monday.

The inductees were R.E.M., Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Ronnettes, Van Halen and Patti Smith.

The induction was broadcast live on the Internet at spinner. aol.com/rockhall.

It will also be available at the same address on demand.

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worlds 2 1family

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Can you hear me now?

Based on the 2000 census, the following are the most spoken languages in the Unite States besides English and the percentage of the United States population that speaks it:

A shining face H Junior Berta Navarro sits in her room last Sunday. photo by Mikhala lantz-SiMMonS

Spanish 10.71 percent

Immigrant parents watch second-generation daughter find balance between family tradition, pressure to fit in

French .61 percent Mandarin .57 percent German .52 percent Tagalog .46 percent Vietnamese .38 percent Italian .38 percent Korean .34 percent Russian .26 percent

by ALISON RAYBOULD & ELIZABETH NELSON Co-Editor-in-Chief & Section Editor

Junior Berta Navarro opens the front door to her house and asks her boyfriend to wait for her. He walks over to her dad, shakes his hand and hugs her mom. Meanwhile, Berta sprints up the stairs and grabs her cell phone. Before leaving, she gives her mom and dad each a kiss. As she turns to leave, her mom says, “Te cuidas,” or “Take care,” and Berta is out the door, her gold Virgin Mary charm swinging from her neck.

Berta’s mom, Ms. Berta Navarro, laughs to herself because when she grew up, she did not have a cell phone. Her family did not even have a house phone. And her boyfriend never would have been invited into her home until after she was married, as was custom. But she did not grow up in Kansas City, nor did she grow up in America. Ms.

Navarro was born and raised in Atotonilco, a tiny town in Mexico, where “you can walk from one end to the other in a morning.”

Berta’s father, Mr. Felipe Navarro, also grew up in Atotonilco. He and Ms. Navarro met when they were four years old, and she always had a “huge crush” on him. As they grew older, the two began dating, but at 17, Felipe followed his father to America to get a job and support his loved ones.

“It’s very simple in my country; it’s a third world country,” he said. “It’s a very hard life. There’s no money; there are no jobs, even for people who graduated from school. It’s hard to survive. I wanted to come to America and work. I saw a better world and a better future for when I got married and had children of my own.”

In his first three months in America, Felipe gained 35 pounds because he “could actually afford to buy food.” He was working as a painter and enjoyed the new culture. However, he struggled to

overcome the language barrier.

“It was hard to speak up because sometimes, I didn’t understand what the other person was saying,” he said. “Even now, I find myself in situations where I don’t understand. Then, all I can do is smile and say, ‘yeah, yeah, yeah.’”

Ms. Navarro stayed in Mexico with her family and studied at the University of Guadalajara, where she graduated from the school of medicine. She did not see Felipe again for another four years, until age 21. The relationship took off, and correspondence through letters allowed the couple to remain connected. One day, Felipe proposed over the phone and soon he was back in Mexico, following social custom by asking her parents for permission. The couple married in the Catholic church after a year-long engagement.

After Ms. Navarro obtained a passport and visa, the couple moved to the United States and began their life together.

“When I first came to America, I couldn’t speak any English,” she said. “I was very afraid of the new world around me.”

The language barrier not only silenced Ms. Navarro, it also prevented her from participating in the American workforce.

In Mexico, she was a licensed doctor, but when she moved to America, she could not apply for the license because she could not take the written test, which was only offered in English.

On his first encounter with America, Felipe was both “pleased and shocked.”

He said the biggest difference was how “open” Americans were.

“In Mexico, I was raised in small town, where you knew everybody,” he said. “I was raised in such a way…to respect women: your mom, your sister, your neighbor. When I came to America, it was more open. A lot of the guys talked really badly about their moms. But in my mind, it didn’t matter if she was the worst

21

bilingual family is that I know both languages, Spanish and English,” she said. “I can understand both sides and relate to both cultures. My parents have experienced so much, and I know at times, it was a struggle.

I have learned from their story.”

Being bilingual has created many opportunities for Berta, just as her parents hoped.

Over the summer, she worked as an intern at the Environment Protection Agency.

“Without knowing Spanish and being Latina, I wouldn’t have gotten that internship,” she said.

Berta’s parents believe she has the talents to succeed in America.

“I believe in the American Dream,” Felipe said. “Over here, if you put your mind to it, you can do whatever you want.

You can be whatever you want to be; you can be successful because you have the resources. Even when you don’t have money, you still have opportunities. If you are willing to sacrifice, you can do anything you want in the US. You are a lot better off here than in any other country, and I hope that my children realize that.” H

The Navarro Family’s Travels

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief US immigration The following is the top 10 countries of birth of the foreign-born population of the United States based on the 2000 census: Mexico China Philippines India Cuba Vietnam El Salvador

Kansas City

Korea Dominican Republic

m

ile

s

Junior Berta Navarro’s parents were raised in Atotonilco, a small town in Mexico. Berta has traveled the 1,380 miles back to her parents’ hometown four times.

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“I

know she was related to.

Ms. Navarro hopes that as Berta grows more independent, she still remembers her family values and her Mexican heritage.

“I wish that she keeps in mind the values she has learned,” Ms. Navarro said. “I want her to always be herself and do the best that she can. Most importantly, I want her to keep in mind that family comes first.”

Berta recognizes the many sacrifices her parents have made so she can have a better life.

“My parents have told us that we are more important to them than work, so they try to work as little as possible while still providing us with the opportunities we need,” she said. “They are always there for me and my three siblings. They come to everything-every practice, every game and they are always offering their support.”

Because her parents only spoke Spanish while at home, Berta did not learn English until preschool. Berta feels “blessed” to have been raised in a bilingual family where “there is so much love.”

“The best part about growing up in a

13

woman in world; you said nothing bad marry, I am content. Sure, if he was a about your mom. There was just a differ- Catholic, I would feel better about folent level of respect in this country.” lowing social custom, but if they fall in However, not everything he first en- love with someone from another religion, countered in America was “bad.”

I will welcome that person into the fam“I was amazed how people were differ- ily.” ent here in America,” said Felipe. “There Felipe has another growing concern. As are only two classes in Mexico: the very, Berta’s college search begins, he feels anxvery rich or those who don’t have anything. ious to let his oldest daughter leave home.

And over there, the rich people look at you “Like any parent, I worry,” he said. like you’re nothing. In Mexico, an engineer “It’s going to be toughest time for me would not talk to me. Here, I have a close when we send Berta off to college because friend who is an engineer. There, if you then, I cannot see what she is doing at evhave nothing, you are nothing, and they treat ery second. I cannot take care of her; she you like nothing. But in America, people has to take care of herself. I’m afraid for show compassion for the less fortunate. It is when she goes to college because the only really two different worlds.” thing I can do is pray that we did the best When Ms. Navarro and Felipe started we could, but I trust Berta to make the raising their four children, new problems right decisions.” arose.

But there is an added dimension to his “It has been concerns.

Social difficult, but at the custom in Mexico same time, it’s been dictates the children interesting raising move out only after t really is two difour children here they are married. in Kansas City with “Even though ferent worlds.” the two cultures,” we were studying Mr. Felipe Navarro, father of Ms. Navarro said. at a college or fol“We don’t have lowing a career, we junior Berta the family support stayed at home with that we would have our parents,” Ms. if we lived in our Navarro said. “And country of origin. we try to teach that It’s been interesting because we are trying to our kids because it is tradition, but to keep our traditions alive, while still being here, in America, kids are so independent flexible and open to the American culture. at such a young age. We believe that you We try to teach our children our values and can be independent while still relying on our traditions, but when they go out with your parents for support. Our kids will their friends and what they see through the always be welcome in our house.” media, they are exposed to different ideals.

Ms. Navarro believes raising her chilThere’s a little bit of pressure for them to fit dren in America has given them “more in, and so we have to work harder at home opportunities for education and for a betto instill our family values in them.” ter life.” But she also notes that there exAccording to Felipe, marriage is a top- ists a “trade-off.” ic that could cause much conflict.

“They are losing the opportunity to be “In Mexico, 99 percent of the people close to their grandparents and all the rest of are Catholic,” he said. “I didn’t know the family,” she said. “Sometimes, I think about any other religion when I came to that they are isolated from the family supthe US. There, some families don’t want port system.” their kids to marry someone from anothBut Ms. Navarro and her husband work er religion, but to me, it doesn’t matter. to keep the spirit of family alive by visiting [Hispanic parents] here also say, ‘I want their hometown as often as finances will almy daughter to marry a Mexican.’ But low. Berta has been to Mexico four times I feel we are all equal; it doesn’t matter in her life, most recently when she was 12 what color of skin a person has or what years old. Her mom is one of 13 children, religion he practices. As long as my kids so each time they visit her family, Berta said are happy with the person they choose to she meets someone new that she did not

features

Family time H (Far left) Mr. Felipe Navarro sits at the table after lunch last Sunday while his daughter looks on. (Left) Ms. Berta Navarro, mother of Berta, cooks chicken tamales in her kitchen. (Below) The Navarro family from left, Stephanie, Judith, Felipe, Berta, Felipe de Jesus and STA junior Berta stand outside of their home last Sunday. Photos by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

Canada

Atotonilco

Graphic by Breanne Sigler

in the mix

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JSA proposes powder-puff football game

SOCCER: Coach works to balance talent; team feels expectations to win State title

by MADDY McGANNON Staff Writer

The time has come for female students to play football on their own turf: the knoll next to M&A. For the first time in STA history, a powder-puff football tournament is planned to take place on May 6.

The one-day tournament hopes to unite all classes at STA in a friendly game of tag football. Junior States of America proposed the idea to administration with high hopes that it would pass. “[JSA] made the proposal almost like a constitution,” said JSA Vice President Abby Fagan. “It was like our bill that we had to figure out how to pass through a higher power.”

“J

SA made the proposal almost like a constitution. It was like our bill that we had to figure out how to pass through a higher power.”

Abby Fagan, senior

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief Math Team The math team celebrated Pi Day yesterday. This is the team’s favorite meeting because Ms. Jo Weller brings a variety of pies for the students to enjoy.

Their next competition will take place March 31. Weller hopes to field a full team of 16 girls - four from each grade level for the KCATM competition.

Junior Kellyn Smith qualified for State at the Great Plains Math League Competition March 3.

The teams of 20 are drawn at random, ensuring a successful mixture of friends and grades. Each team will elect a captain, pick a color or mascot, and practice if needed.

“We really are trying to give opportunities to girls who aren’t involved in athletics,” said Fagan. “I hope that all girls, seniors through freshman, will get to know each other and bond. It is an opportunity for them to come together and have fun beside from school stress or pressures.”

The tournament will cost $3 per person, and all the proceeds will be donated to the Special Olympics Funds.

Family and friends are invited to attend the games as well. JSA is hoping to have music playing and create a fun environment.

“We want a lot of people to get involved,” said Fagan. “If there are a lot of people, I really think it’ll be a blast.” H

corrections H

In the issue four story “Organization presents winter showcase,” printed Dec. 14, we misprinted the date of the Big Snow Winter Showcase and Silver Mic Awards. The event was set to take place on Dec. 16. The Dart apologizes for this mistake.

H In the issue five story, “Writing classes plan to view movie,” printed Feb. 8, we misprinted the date that the classes were set to take a field trip to see the film “Freedom Writers.” The Dart apologizes for this mistake.

In it to win it H Senior Alyson Russell, left, and juniors Britney Scott, Molly Campbell and Ellen Jantsch attempt to take the ball at a scrimmage during soccer tryouts Feb. 28. With a limited number of spots, many talented players are not granted places on the varsity team. Photo by Elizabeth Nelson

Continued from page 16 way he coaches. He added that those players do not overbear the team.

“I think [the players are] all very confident,” said Siegel. “I don’t think they’d be as good as they are without that confidence.”

Junior Britney Scott, who will play soccer for Purdue University, agreed and added that the standout players help to motivate the entire team. Russell said the recognition they receive is an incentive for her to work harder.

“Some of us are always trying to prove ourselves,” said Russell. “The other girls, everyone already knows them.”

Russell and Scott agreed the coaching staff is positive and encouraging.

“I feel Siegel and [assistant coach Jeremy McElduff] do a good job of trying to help everybody out,” said Scott. “Overall I think he’s fair in how he treats everybody. He cares a lot about the team and each player on the team.”

About 55 girls try out for the soccer program each year, and Scott commented on the depth of St. Teresa’s soccer talent.

“I think we do [have a deep bench],” said Scott. “We have a lot of strength, and each player has a strength. Everyone on our team is good, and a lot of other local schools only have one or two good players.”

Russell also believes the team meshes

well.

“Our coaches are encouraging, but we have so much talent on our team that it all just comes together,” she said. “Each one of us has something to contribute to the team.”

Siegel described his coaching style as very relaxed. “[The team’s personality] is laid back but still very intense,” said Siegel. “[The players] are very competitive, but they still get along very well.”

Russell agreed.

“Our team is just crazy and enthusiastic,” said Russell. “There’s always something going on. There are so many different personalities, but somehow we’re always laughing.” H

YouTube: Teachers offended by posted videos, take steps to prevent future filming Continued from page 18 or not people are okay with teens posting videos of teacher outbursts. Responses vary from “I personally think it’s great,” “I don’t think it is okay if the teacher is unaware of it,” and “The problem is a serious disregard for authority.”

YouTube actually has many warnings on the site saying that people should only put up videos that are rightfully theirs and are not harmful nor hateful. The site also has a form to fill out if a tape of oneself is to be broadcasted, allowing them to be the copyrighted owners. These guidelines have become almost useless. Unfortunately, the people being videotaped do not know they are, therefore there is no need to go to the web site and check if they are on it.

Many argue that this has become a violation to the rights of a teacher or professor and their teaching habits and discipline system.

“I mean, would a student like it if we did that to them?” said Wallerstedt. “I don’t think so.”

Others, have said that it’s amusing fun and question why the world should not see what teachers are like when angered.

“My peers laughed because he got suspended after, but still came back,” said the anonymous source. “Most of my peers are gone, because they changed classes.”

Schools such as Indiana University have given the right to their teachers to ban any video or photography. Other high schools are banning items such as cell phones due to the trouble videotaping has caused. Students

Got something to sell?

want to protest the new rules.

Examples of teachers who have been humiliated by being exposed to the internet includes a teacher from University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. She retired after having found a video with her name posted. Some teachers have found out they are on YouTube, but others have no idea.

“It’s just a matter of privacy,” said Wallerstedt.

As for the student who posted his video, he has a different view.

“I didn’t know about teachers suing and technically, I don’t care,” he said. “If it happens, it’s supposed to show a classroom situation in everyday life. Parents should be able to see where their students are and the environment they are at. It should also show how teachers are in situations.” H

Contact Mr. Eric Thomas or Business Manager Libby Conwell at dartstories@ hotmaill.com for more information. H

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u n o d r A

the world in eight mods

Snake charmer H Sophomore Paulina Wentworth handles a snake during her presentation on Mr. Steve Erwin March 7. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

The sophomore class, as part of the World History and World Literature curriculum, participated in the Cultural Connections Convention on the morning of March 7. Students researched a selected topic and presented their findings with a poster board and research paper to an assigned grader. Ms. Sara Acton, Ms. Pat Dunlay, Ms. Lori Hanaway, Ms. Karen Johnson and Ms. Denise Rueschhoff graded the projects. The theme of the event was Triumph and Tragedy. The annual in-school field trip took place in The Commons during mods 1-8.

Hilter’s cruelty H (Left) Sophomore Anna Gillcrist presents her CCC project on Hitler’s reign during World War II March 7.

Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

Making the grade H (Left) Ms. Denise Rueschhoff prepares to grade a CCC presentation. The CCC theme was “Triumph and Tragedy.” Photo by Mikhala Lantz-Simmons

in the mix

Roman reflection H World Literature teacher Ms. Pat Dunlay watches a presentation on Julius Caesar during the CCC in-class field trip. All sophomores participated in either CCC or the National History Day competition. Photo by Kathleen Pointer

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief NHS Assembly The National Honors Society recently accepted more current sophomore and junior members.

The required 15 hours of service in and out of school were due last Friday by 3 p.m. The students will then be inducted as new members on Wednesday, April 4. This is a change from the school calendar, which places the event on Tuesday, April 3. During the ceremony, new and old members will be recognized for their achievements.

The seniors will also be receiving their yellow ropes to wear during the graduation ceremonies.

last look

24

Shamrockin’ Parade Brookside’s St. Patrick’s Warm-up Parade celebrates its 27th year of festivities

A sea of Green H A crowd forms on the corner of 63rd and Brookside Boulevard to watch passing floats and dancers. Photo

by Kathleen Pointer

15 march 2007 H The Dart H St. Teresa’s Academy

Hin brief The Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade (according to www. kcirishparade. com): When: Saturday, March 17, 2007 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Downtown Kansas City Parade Route: The parade starts at the corner of Pershing Road and Main Street.

It proceeds east on Pershing Road to Grand Boulevard and continues north on Grand Boulevard to Truman Road.

The tradition: Kansas City is celebrating its 34th Annual parade. The first parade was in 1873 and the route stopped at the old location of STA.

Celebrate H (Upper left) A little boy performs in the marching band. (Upper right) One float named “The Luck of the Irish” drives slowly behind the parade with waving passengers.

(Lower left) Ms. Diane Burnette grabs her son, Fielding Burnette, to stay with him in the large crowd. Burnette’s husband is the owner of Muddy’s Coffeehouse. (Lower right) Keke Blue leads a pom-pom dance in the marching band. Photos by Kathleen Pointer