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Photo by ALLISON FITTS
In response to recent crimes, the Kansas City law enforcement implemented a new curfew policy for teenagers. The curfew extends to all five entertainment as well as residential areas. Pages 8-9
2 | news | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 22, 2011
DART
people and policies Eric Thomas............................................................advisor Katie Hyde................................................editor-in-chief print Hannnah Wolf.....................managing editor of print Allison Fitts....................................................copy editor Mary O’Leary................................................news editor Lucia Maschler........................................opinion editor Katie McCombs..............................................a&e editor Kate Rohr........................................centerspread editor Lane Maguire............................sports & health editor Christina Barton.....................................features editor Rowan O’Brien-Williams....................lifestyles editor Sara Meurer.........................................in the mix editor Emily McCann........................................last look editor Caitlin Fletcher...............................................staff writer Sara-Jessica Dilks...........................................staff writer Lauren Langdon............................................staff writer Adrianna Ohmes...........................................staff writer Mickey Redlingshafer..................................staff writer photography Celia O’Flaherty..........................................photo editor Sarah Godfrey................................staff photographer Rosie Hutchison............................staff photographer Meghan Lewis................................staff photographer Shaeffer Smith...............................staff photographer web Cara McClain........................managing editor of web Chelsea Birchmier........................................copy editor Nikki Rodriguez.....................multimedia web editor Erin Sellers..................................................photo poster Emily Bresette......................................daily web editor Emily Wemhoff....................................daily web editor Abby Uche............................................daily web editor Natalie Fitts........................social media & circulation Emma Wheatley.......................................videographer Anna Leach................................................videographer Katie Parkinson................................standing features policies ownership and sponsership The Dart is created by the student newspaper staff and is published by general operating funds of St. Teresa’s Academy, a Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The Dart will not publish opinions that contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church, whether on a diocesan or worldwide level. editorial policy The Dart is subject to prior review by the St. Teresa’s Academy administration in circumstances that concern student safety and illegal behavior by students. Otherwise, the policies above will guide the Dart. The Dart intends to be a public forum for voices regardless of diverse ages, sexes, races, cultures, religions or beliefs. Signed columns reflect the opinions of the individual, not necessarily the newspaper staff or the school community. letters policy The Dart encourages letters to the editor. Letters can be sent in the following ways: in person to Eric Thomas in D204; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, attn: Eric Thomas, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; or by email to ethomas@stteresasacademy.org. Letters should be limited to 250 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. They are not intended to be documentary photos of real moments. corrections policy The Dart will print corrections as soon as possible after the error is discovered.
dartnewsonline.com
Survey sparks school-wide improvements by LUCIA MASCHLER lmaschler@dartnewsonline.com graphic by NATALIE FITTS
44% of students believe the new chapel and high tech classrooms will enhance
Administration, teachers, alumnae, parents, students work together to create a new strategy plan for STA This past June, the administration sent out a survey to STA parents and students. A similar survey is sent every couple of years to help the school create a new strategic plan. The strategic plan is a list of goals that the administration tries to accomplish within a three year time period. “A board of teachers, parents, alumnae and others who just love STA sit down and create a vision,” STA president Nan Bone said. “It’s like, what is it we should be doing to keep us moving forward and how can we keep the best traditions.” Bone and the rest of the board recently met and went through the 2008 strategic plan that was created when Bone first came to STA. “We have met all the goals on the past strategic plan and even some we didn’t have written down,” Bone said. “And now it’s time for us to start making a new strategic plan for the future. It’s not something you can do overnight. It has to be something you put a lot of time and effort into. We’ve done a lot of research.” According to Bone, the survey was a major part of that research. “We were just ready to go back to our constituents and community and ask them how we did,” Bone said. “And sometimes things come up that we haven’t done so well on. That’s where our goals for the next strategic plan come in. And the survey helps us determine what those goals need
to be.” Many in the STA community did not complete the survey. For example, 49 of the 404 returning students completed it over the summer. However, Bone was not concerned with the results. “Typically when you send out surveys, if you get 20-25 percent of the people to return some results it’s considered a success,” Bone said. “Because if they’re happy with STA they won’t feel the need to fill out out.” According the the survey results, most people were happy with the way STA has been run for the last three years. “You can’t make everyone happy, but it’s nice to know what people do and don’t like about STA,” Bone said. “It’s the only way we can improve.” The strategic planning is why Bone decided to call off school for students last Tuesday. She wanted to have a board meeting with the faculty and staff so she could get their input on the new plan. “The administration, faculty, and staff are my biggest resource because they know what’s going on [at STA],” Bone said. “And now is crunch time we have to make these next three years the best STA has ever seen.” H
educational and spiritual opportunities at STA
Top 5 reasons why people chose STA 1. Academic reputation
2. School visit 3. Single sex environment 4. Legacy 5. Other
Leadership team holds first meeting STA creates new leadership team to meet monthly and discuss issues such as school unity, community service story by KATIE HYDE khyde@dartnewsonline.com
A Leadership Team composed of class officers, Student Community Organization officers and the administration gathered for its first meeting Aug. 30. According to president Nan Bone, who led the meeting along with principal for academic affairs Barbara McCormick and principal for student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker, this team will meet monthly to discuss relevant STA issues such as class and school unity, the Chapel of St. Joseph, clubs, the importance of service at STA and the scheduling system. When Bone first began working as president of STA, she had what she called a “cabinet” that met regularly to discuss elements of the school. However, over time, the meetings decreased in frequency and eventually stopped all together. Bone hopes the Leadership Team will recreate the communication of the cabinet. While speaking about her goals for the team at the meeting, Bone stressed the importance of leadership. “Think about your job as strategic planning and visionary leaders,” Bone said to the 17 students
gathered. “What do you want to make sure you leave as seniors? That St. Teresa’s always looks out for the welfare of our students and produces students that are well-rounded. So as you begin to think about your job as a leadership team, please try not to concentrate on individual things. As leaders you have to have a little more vision.” The administration also encouraged student members to share their ideas about purpose of the team. “Just giving more students opportunities to get involved [is important],” SCO president Katie Evans said. “Girls love to get involved in school, so if we give them more opportunities to do that, [STA] will be even better.” Students and administrators agreed on the importance of communication between the student body and the administration and between grade levels. Beginning this communication between grades levels was a discussion about class unity introduced by junior class president Elaine Schmidt. Junior class officers from the 2010-2011 school year Celia O’Flaherty and Erin Sellers discussed the benefits of a junior class retreat. “We need to consider ways for us to always be mentoring those freshmen,” Bone said. “That’s so key. We do the passing of the legacy ceremony on the first day and that’s excellent, but we have to continue to mentor them as they continue their journey through St. Teresa’s.” H
chapel chatter H Senior Hannah Wolf learns about plans for the Windmoor Center and Chapel of St. Josephs. photo by EMMA WHEATLEY
the dart | September 22, 2011 | dartnewsonline.com | news | 3
School debates senior powderpuff game
Chapel featured in magazine
STA was recently featured in the September and Octorber issue of Greenability magazine because of the geothermal wells that are being installed in the new chapel. According to the Greenability magazine website, the magazine offers alternatives for living a green lifestyle in Kansas City. Written by class of 2010 STA alumna Michelle Reichmier, the spread features public schools as well as private schools and how they are doing their part to live a greener lifestyle. STA president Nan Bone says the article summarizes how STA is building the new chapel and will be heating and cooling it with geothermal wells. Bone also said that the school decided to use geothermal wells because of the Sisters of Joseph of Carondelet’s mission. “They were some of the first environmentalists,” Bone said. “And I think all our girls have a strong sense that we need to be good to the environment.” Bone said that although the geothermal wells will be expensive at first, they will be worth the money in the end. “We could have gone the traditional route that was a much more cost efficient, but wasn’t energy efficient,” Bone said. “These geothermal wells will be expensive at first, but eventually will be a lot cheaper [than traditional heating and cooling methods.]”
School policy on piercings
first downH STA alumna Caroline Gray, left, is tackled by a Notre Dame de Sion player at the STA and Sion senior powderpuff game April 17. Admistration set a strong ban on tackle football, they suggested flag football as an alternative. photo by HANNAH WOLF
Senior powderpuff game is under review by the STA administration due to damage done last year by ROWAN O’BRIEN-WILLIAMS robrienwilliams@dartnewsonline.com This year, the STA administration is considering prohibiting seniors from playing the Powderpuff game, a football game that, according to former athletic director Mike Egner, STA and Notre Dame de Sion High School seniors have played since at least the early 1990s. According to principal for student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker, the administration has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the matter, but they do not support the game. “It’s not school-sponsored, therefore, it’s not school-monitored, which means there’s no way to ensure that there aren’t accidents, damages done or unnecessary physical interactions,” Hoecker said. Since the game isn’t school-sponsored, in previous years, students have planned the game on their own. Hoecker feels upset with the way students have handled doing so. “Students have gone underground with planning [the Powderpuff game]...because they knew [the STA administration] didn’t support it,” Hoecker said. These planning methods especially became an issue last year, when last year’s STA seniors played the Powderpuff game versus Sion. According to athletic director Mark Hough, seniors played the game at Leawood Elementary School without the proper permission to do so. In addition, they drove a car onto and dragged the bleachers across the track, causing about $2000 in damage. Last year’s senior class paid for all these damages. Former senior Maddie Lueke was involved
in these events. According to Lueke, it was to the understanding of the seniors from both schools that they had permission to play on the field. In addition, neither STA nor Sion seniors had anything to do with moving the bleachers. “[STA seniors] were in the process of getting permission to play at another field when Sion came to us and said they already had permission at [Leawood Elementary],” Lueke said. Although the game was not technically affiliated with STA, the STA administration became involved. According to Hoecker, the Leawood Elementary administration sent a letter to Hough reporting the damages to their field and the estimated cost of repair. Hough harbors no hard feelings toward the seniors who caused the damages. “[The damages were] an honest mistake,” Hough said. “They probably didn’t know any better, but they made a couple of bad decisions as far as driving the car onto the field and dragging the bleachers.” These events will affect the decision the STA administration makes about the Powderpuff game this year. Senior Mari Kerwin says she feels annoyed by this possibility. “All of the senior classes before us have gotten the privilege to play, so why can’t we?” Kerwin said. “I was really looking forward to getting to play [the Powderpuff game] this year because I have heard about how much fun it is from previous senior classes.” Kerwin also said she feels disappointed about the way last year’s seniors handled playing the game. “I think [last year’s seniors] could have planned [the game] a lot better and not damaged the field,” Kerwin said. “They could have focused more on just playing the game, not causing damage. I don’t think that it is fair that we are not allowed to play this year based on the decisions that they made last year.”
However, senior class treasurer Alex Mediavilla says she understands the administration’s point of view on the issue. “I can see the difficult position it would put the administration in,” Mediavilla said. “I think its because of the fact that [the Powderpuff game] is such a physical act and there’s a very high risk of injury and it’s a large liability for [STA].” Mediavilla also feels that last year’s seniors didn’t mean any harm Mediavilla by their actions as far as damaging the field. “I think [last year’s seniors] didn’t mean [the Powderpuff game] to be malicious,” Mediavilla said. “I think [the seniors’ actions] were kind of intended to enhance the experience, but it kind of went wrong. What they thought was making [the experience] more fun ended up hurting their cause.” However, there are some options for changing the game’s unsupervised and dangerous nature. Hough said he would be willing to run and supervise the game, making it flag football rather than tackle football. “Playing tackle football without pads is extremely dangerous and tackling without knowing how to is dangerous,” Hough said. “I love [the Powderpuff game] as far as school spirit and class bonding. I think it’s a healthy, fun rivalry between [STA and Sion], but I think it should be flag football. What scares me to death is people getting hurt [from playing tackle football].” According to Hoecker, the administration has not yet confirmed this option. However, they will talk with Hough regarding a flag football game. H
According to principal for student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker, the administration has not changed a rule in the school handbook about what piercing students are permitted to have. Hoecker said students are allowed to have piercing only in the ears. Senior Miranda Green said there was confusion about what part of the ear piercings are allowed in. Green believed she could only have her earlobe pierced. The STA handbook does state that “the only body piercing allowed is in the earlobe.” However, Hoecker said students may have piercings in any place on a student’s ear. “We thought about it and decided to limit it to just ears,” Hoecker said. “If a students wants three piercings, that’s okay with us. We put earlobe because that’s really common. I think at the time, that’s where most piercings are. But no student will get in trouble [for having multiple ear piercings].” Hoecker also said that students may have other parts of their body pierced, but are not allowed to wear the jewelry there. “We’ve been saying that for the last 4 or 5 years,” Hoecker said. “ You can have the piercing, but no jewelry. If it looks like jewelry, it won’t work.”
Idea paint comes at a cost
This summer, science teacher Mary Montag organized an effort to paint the walls and some classrooms on the third floor of Donnelly Hall with Idea Paint. According to Montag, this paint transforms any smooth surface into a white board that students can use dry erase markers to write on. Montag came up with the idea to use Idea Paint at STA when watching “Entrepreneurs: How I Made My Millions” on CNBC. “I thought, ‘I think I need this’,” Montag said. She submitted a grant to The Women’s Circle of Giving, an philanthropic organization of STA alumnae, to fund her project. In the end, Montag received a budget of roughly $1,400. “[Idea Paint] was very expensive,” Montag said. “[Science teacher Renee Blake, science teacher Terry Conner and myself ] painted the walls because there was a particular process to putting the paint up. We really wanted more [money], wanted [idea paint] in other classrooms and wanted to paint to the ceiling. We ran out of paint before we ran out of wall.” Complied by EMILY BRESSETTE, ROWAN O’BRIEN-WILLIAMS
4 features
terrorist attack
dark memories STA students and families look back on Sept. 11 after the tenth anniversary of the attacks
by LAUREN LANGDON
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features 5
stroke of luck H Mr. Ray Redlingshafer, father of sophomore Sabrina Redlingshafter, was supposed to be in the North Tower, but stayed home because he was sick. photo submitted
looking back H Mrs. Susan Odneal, mother of senior Cassie Odneal, looks at the New York Times anniversary edition on Sept. 11, 2011. Susan was flying from Kansas City to New York City on Sept. 11, 2011, but her plane was grounded in Cincinnati due to the attacks. photo by ROSIE HUTCHISON
You changed. We changed. Everyone changed. We watched, eyes glued to the television, as planes crashed into buildings killing nearly 3,000 innocent people. As America remembers the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Dart found three students among our community whose lives changed that day.
of policemen or firemen had closer to 50 people die in the towers.” Sabrina said that on each 9/11 anniversary, her family expresses gratitude that they were so fortunate and extends sympathy to families that were not as lucky. Ray remembers his friends who died and keeps in touch with those who survived. “I usually talk to those friends I know who made it out,” Ray said. “Thinking about it now has me choking back the emotions from that time 10 years ago.” Ray believes that God saved his life that morning by keeping him home. “My takeaway was that [God] must have some important plans left for me to do in this life,” Ray said. “If it is as simple as being a great father, husband, brother, provider - I would be okay with that.” Sabrina didn’t know that her father might be in the World Trade Center when she heard the news over a school intercom. Sabrina doesn’t even remember much of 9/11. “I was so young when it happened that I didn’t realize everything,” Sabrina said. “But now that I know he could have gone to work it’s really sad, but I am lucky to have him.”
Redlingshafers
Fifty-two miles away from the World Trade Center in Greenwich, Connecticut, the Redlingshafer family narrowly avoided a tragedy. Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Ray Redlingshafer, father of sophomore Sabrina Redlingshafer, Redlingshafer was scheduled to give a speech about the future of online trading of mortgage backed securities on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Ray called in sick. Without realizing it, he ensured his safety. “Initially, it was a very eerie feeling,” Ray said in an email. “Over time, the realization slowly sank in that I was alive primarily because I was home sick on that morning.” After 9/11, Ray has a new appreciation for his life and family. “[The Sept. 11 attacks] showed me graphically, that I just don’t know when the lights will go out, so I appreciate every day,” Ray said. “I saw rough and tumble New Yorkers become quite compassionate for a while.” After the destruction of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many people united to thank those who helped and remember those who died. The Redlingshafer family participated in a national rosary, and Sabrina’s kindergarten class made goody bags with hygiene items for the firemen. Ray’s parish, St. Michael’s, in Greenwich lost 13 people that day, and in commemoration the church placed 13 candles on the altar from Sept. 12 until New Year’s Day. “It was a very somber time,” Ray said. “Some parishes in Brooklyn and the Bronx that have a lot
Odneals
Sept. 11, 2001 began like any other day for the Odneal family. Ms. Susan Odneal left for a business trip to New York. Cassie Odneal, a current STA senior, walked into Madame Sandrine’s second grade Odneal class at Academie Lafayette. Mr. Roger Odneal, a lawyer, drove to a local fire station for a meeting. However, this routine morning completely changed when hijackers flew two planes into the World Trade Center, causing all other flights to be grounded, including Susan’s flight to New York, which was forced to land in Cincinnati. “When we landed I remember hearing the gate attendants say to the flight attendant, because I was close to the front of the plane, ‘There has been a disaster and no other planes are taking off. Everybody has been grounded,’” Susan said. As groups of people left the plane and entered the empty airport, a gate agent told Susan that there was a “situation” in New York City and that
a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center Twin Towers. “When I came off the plane I thought that someone had flown inadvertently into one of the Twin Towers,” Susan said. “I never imagined that it was intentional, that someone would do that on purpose.” As she left the gate, a television in the airport cleared up Susan’s confusion. Susan stood in the terminal and watched a live news report about the plane that crashed into the North Tower. Seconds later, she learned the crash was intentional, as the video of the South Tower in flames appeared on the screen. “I felt very violated,” Susan said. “Why would somebody do this to unsuspecting people?” Back in Kansas City, Roger was informed of the terrorist attacks while driving to a Raytown Fire Station that he represented. After speaking with his wife in Cincinnati and learning that she was safe, Roger began to hear of the firefighters who were in the Twin Towers when they collapsed. “During our meeting, [a firefighter] walked in and said ‘Everyone is dead,’” Roger said. While sitting in class at school, Cassie knew that something was not right. “I was looking over at the door and my teacher was talking to one of our student’s parents and they both looked really frantic, but I didn’t know what it was about,” Cassie said. Cassie learned about her teacher’s frantic looks from a boy in her class. “A kid came up to me and said, ‘Oh did you hear about the plane that crashed into a building?’” Cassie said. “I wanted to seem all cool so I was like, ‘Yeah totally! That’s so weird,’ but I really had no idea what he was talking about.” Throughout the day multiple people tried to explain to Cassie what had happened. “They told us at school, but it didn’t really register until I came home and my dad explained it to me,” Cassie said. “I think he had to explain it again.” According to Cassie, as she has grown older, 9/11 has begun to affect her more. “I’m not scared to get on a plane, but now there is an extra concern,” Cassie said. “I get a little more freaked out, I don’t go into crazy-panic-attack, but I get nervous when the plane shakes.”
Trees
From a young age, Devin Trees, brother of STA junior Morgan Trees, knew he wanted to join the
proud protector H Junior Morgan Trees holds a picture of her brother Devin Trees who spent the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 in Afghanistan. photo by ROSIE HUTCHISON military. Despite the risk associated with war, Devin is now a Bradley Mechanic and has been in Afghanistan since the end of April. As a Bradley Mechanic he works on various vehicles and helps to infiltrate enemy lines. “When [Devin] told me he wanted to be in the army, I didn’t think he would be deployed,” Mr. Greg Trees, Devin’s father, said. “I definitely was worried, but he has been very brave. It’s his job to go out there and do whatever his country wants him to do regardless of what [anyone’s] feelings are.” According to Greg, Devin was influenced by several of his teachers who were in the Marine Corps or fought in the Vietnam War. He said his son respected those teachers and their stories of service. “Devin wants to protect people,” junior Morgan Trees said. “He wants to look out for them.” Morgan was only in first grade when the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks occurred. At that time she didn’t fully comprehend what was happening. “I remember coming home and it was all over the news,” Morgan said. “We all thought that we would not have to go to school the next day, but I didn’t really get what was going on.” Greg said there was a lot of confusion in the days after the tragedy. “We were very scared,” Greg said. “There were all kinds of rumors that [terrorists] were going to poison our water or try and blow up the nuclear power plant at Wolf Creek.” The Trees family watched a special on television about 9/11 recently when Devin was home on a two-week leave. “My sister asked, ‘So firefighters ran up even after they knew the building was on fire?’” Morgan said. “[Devin] said ‘I would have run up there, I would have done that in a heart beat.’” After enjoying time at home, Devin flew back to Afghanistan Sept. 11. “I was worried about him going back, because it’s obviously a scary place, and he has had people shoot at him,” Greg said. “I didn’t want him to go back, but he will finally be back in January for good.” Other members of Trees family kept Devin’s safety in mind while he returned to Afghanistan, especially on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. “This is the first year that he will be in Afghanistan over 9/11,” Morgan said. “It has kind of kicked in that he is not home, and this day is the reason why.” H
6 | main ed | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 22, 2011
Sorry mom & dad, our bad
As teenagers, we are all used to racing Teenagers who decide to break the law down Ward Parkway at 11:30 p.m. on Friday should be held accountable for their decision and Saturday nights to meet our parent’s not by a fine, but by a required amount of curfews. If we do not make it home on time, community service. we are most likely punished or given a stern However, the city is saying that it’s the warning. parents’ responsibility. The parents are the However, most of us are not used to the ones held accountable for knowing where city forcing us to be home at a certain time their child is and making sure they are and punishing our parents if we are not. following the curfews. This would only be The new city curfew of 10 p.m. for a reasonable demand for parents if every everyone 15 and single family had a under and 11 p.m. GPS tracking device for 17 and 18 years on their teenage The staff editorial represents the olds is punishable kids. views of the Dart editorial board by up to a $500 fine, This isn’t which is charged realistic. It is to our parents. Our extremely easy for 5 out of 7 editors voted in supports parents should not teens to lie about of this editorial be held responsible their weekend plans. for the bad decisions Teenagers can easily we decide to make. tell their parents they are going to a friend’s house when they are actually going to the Plaza. Still, this liability seems to fall on the parents. Charging the parents for their child’s mistake
is not an effective form of punishment. However, making the teenager pay the fine isn’t the best alternative either. Doing so would not accomplish the goal of teaching them a lesson, and it is not a good way to help them learn from their mistakes. Community service would prove to be an effective way of punishing teens because they cannot rely on their parents for help. Teens would have time to think about what they did wrong and make up for their mistake by bettering the community. Volunteering also serves as an effective way of keeping kids busy when they have nothing better to do with their time. It could prevent teens from going to entertainment districts or any part of the city, with nothing else to do but cause problems. H
The Final Say Teenagers should be the ones held accountable for their mistakes, not their parents.
Kansas City Curfew In response to the shooting on the Plaza the city enforces new curfews for teenagers complied by MARY O’LEARY Old Curfew • 11 p.m. on the weekdays and midnight on the weekends for everyone under the age of 18. • if caught, $1 fine. New Curfew • In all five entertainment districts: 9 p.m. for everyone under the age of 18. • Rest of the city: 10 p.m. curfew for everyone 15 and under and an 11 p.m. curfew for 17 and 18 years olds. • Winter curfew: 11 p.m. on the weekdays and midnight on the weekends for everyone under the age of 18. • if caught, $500 fine. source: KCTV 5 News
RIGHT ON
TARGET
Each issue, the Dart asks three students their opinions of the issue discussed in the main editorial. Here’s what they said: complied by KATIE McCOMBS
What is your opinion of the new Plaza curfew? “My dad is a retired police officer and he says that the curfew will help, but it will only cause the problem to move to another location.” Kailey Witcher sophomore
“Most of the teenagers on the Plaza are not causing any problems and yet all teenagers are punished.” Mary Montag science teacher
Witcher
“I think the Plaza curfew is a good idea because it will help cause less violence and keep people safe and out of trouble.” Alexa Davis freshman
Montag
Davis
September 22, 2011 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | opinion | 7
Just wait for the bell to ring
STA not prepared for fires or tornados based on results of drills
The Dart surveyed 440 students and asked if their advisor ever let them leave midday advisory before the bell rings. Here are the results: by ABBY UCHE auche@dartnewsonline.com Announcements are over, advisory discussions have fizzled out, and one by one students begin trickling into the hallway on the third floor of Donnelly Hall. Some girls extract notebooks or lunches from their lockers but most head for the sets of stairs at both ends of the hall two begin the trek down to the Commons. However, students at both ends of the hallway are halted mid-trek. The girls are met by teachers passing on friendly reminders that the clock has not yet struck 11 a.m., meaning that the students still have another five minutes to wait. Stomachs grumble, hands fidget and the annoyance is palpable. If these guardians of the schedule were not there, the students wouldn’t be either. Aug. 18 more than 500 girls returned to campus with heavy backpacks, stories of summer,
Advisory time wasters
The Dart offers suggestions on how to kill time while waiting for the lunch bell to ring • take a post-announcement catnap. • ask your fellow advisees a ridiculous hypothetical question, such as, “If you had to get a tattoo of any cartoon character from your childhood which would you choose?” • start a staring contest with the clock. • play a giant game of hang man with your entire advisory. • work ahead on your algebra homework • snack on a little of your lunch. But not all of it you’ll be hungry later • start an advisory discussion on the pros and cons of Justin Beiber. by Abby Uche
Yes: 56 No: 223 Sometimes: 160 complied by Lucia Maschler and as every year, a barrage of criticisms and complaints about the newest changes to the academy. Skirt length, hair rules and construction were unsurprisingly points of discussion and objection. However, it was surprising that what students complained about most was not actually a new change. In fact, it is something that has been fairly standard at STA for quite some time. Waiting for advisory period to end before leaving for first activity has been deemed by many a Star as “stupid” or “unfair.” So most of STA has been divided into three groups: those who complain about it, those who disregard it and those who do both. Some advisors try and fight such student rebellion by not allowing their advisees to leave their classroom until advisory period is over. Some have even began handing out SBRs to those girls who ignore this rule. However, some advisors fall on the opposite end of the spectrum and allow their students to leave as soon as the announcements are over. With such disunity between advisories, it is not shocking that some girls consider waiting for the bell unfair. One advisor’s apathy for the rules should not allow some students to leave before others. But it happens. So, many students have taken the situation into their own hands by dismissing themselves from advisory period whenever they feel like leaving. This, in turn, leads to more unfairness for the students who stay in their advisories as they are supposed to. The loudest shouts of “Unfair!” come from the students with advisories on the third floor of Donnelly. Not only are their exits blocked, but due to distance they have the greatest disadvantage in the daily race for microwaves and good lunch tables.
While their complaints are understandable, rules are still rules, and breaking them is still SBR-worthy. We have eight other periods a day, and in these class periods it is understood that students will not leave until the bell rings. If a student in a class on the third floor of Donnelly has a class in the basement of M&A next, it is not acceptable for her to leave class five minutes early to get a good desk. Why, then, is it acceptable for students to leave advisory period early? Despite certain distance disadvantages, it isn’t. Even though the current method of dismissing to first activity seems unfair now, if everyone can just commit to doing what we were supposed to have been doing already, it wouldn’t have to be that way. Yes, Donnelly kids would still have a slightly further distance to travel, but I think that they could learn to cope with the 180 second disadvantage. Staying in your advisory when you are supposed to doesn’t have to be a bad thing or something to dread. Advisories were designed so that students could have a small break from academic stresses and get to know or find support in girls from all four grade levels. So, use your advisory period to your advantage. Get to know your fellow advisees. Or, if that doesn’t suit you, stay for the full advisory period because you know that is what you are supposed to do. Staying for the full advisory period is a simple expectation, and we should all be responsible enough to live up to it. H
tomorrow. I know Facebook is a sad addiction and a waste of time. Even worse, our century will forever be known as “The Facebook Era.” I often give up precious study time to check my notifications or news feed when I should be studying for a quiz or finishing an assignment. It would be safe to say that I check my Facebook at least two to three times a day. I’m trying to cut back, but old habits die hard. When I need a break from homework or I’m stressed out about a project, nothing sounds better than looking at status updates or inbox messages. I know that wasting time looking at profiles and pictures isn’t beneficial in any way, but it’s a guilty pleasure that I just can’t seem to shake. At first, I thought deactivation would be a simple solution to my problem. No profile, no procrastination, right? Wrong. Going through Facebook withdrawal is an experience I don’t wish to repeat.
The complete absence of Facebook from my life immediately made me regret clicking that deactivate button. I only lasted three days before having to reactivate my account, and give in to the annoying Facebook bookmark sitting at the top of my internet browser. I learned from this that in order to start removing Facebook from my life, I have to take baby steps. If that means logging out 5 minutes earlier every day, then I’ll do it. Honestly, Facebook has made me procrastinate studying for a quiz a time or two. I wouldn’t mind having a little boost in my grades and getting rid of Facebook would probably do the trick. But instead of studying for a quiz, I spend 30 minutes browsing my news feed. It’s a love-hate relationship. H
The Final Say Students should not be able to leave midday advisory before the bell rings.
True life: I’m addicted to Facebook
by SARA MEURER smeurer@dartnewsonline.com I tell myself at 10:15, I’ll start my homework in five minutes. Three minutes later, I’m clicking on one girl’s profile. As 10:50 rolls around, I am 329 pictures deep into her life story and I still have piles of homework waiting for me. Feeling a little guilty, I reluctantly click the “log out” button and start that paper that’s due
The Final Say
As much as I love Facebook, the obsession must end.
by EMILY BRESETTE ebresette@dartnewsonline.com Alarms blaring, 500 STA students walked down the Donnelly staircase, across the quad and squeeze past M&A, with a fence on the left side. Even though the fire alarm is ringing loudly, no one is paying attention. Students are leisurely walking and talking about the Blue and White mixer. No one is concerned about their safety and girls continue on with their conversation. It’s obvious at times like these that STA needs a better fire and tornado drill system in place for them to be effective. For starters, the entrance to Donnelly through the parking lot is blocked off due to construction of the chapel. This means the entire school has to walk on the tiny sidewalk by the M&A entrance. Sure this is fine for coming and leaving school, but this is a terrible idea in a fire drill. During this drill, the entire school walked about as fast as someone at a Barry Manilow concert, not nearly fast enough to escape a burning fire. There is no way the entire student body would ever make it across safely by just this one route, especially if M&A was on fire. No one can reasonably think that this would be safe. So if M&A is on fire, where are we supposed to go? Do we all run down the hill behind Donnelly to the soccer field and risk students slipping on the hill? Or do we all go behind Goppert? There are also the girls who will do what they want and completely disregard any plan set in place by the administration. There are so many possibilities that are safer and make more sense than what we currently have in place. Furthermore, what if the chapel somehow catches on fire? All the students in M&A could easily get out and go to the parking lot, but what about the Donnelly students? STA cannot expect those students to risk their lives and try and cross the burning quad. This is unreasonable and so unsafe that there is no way it can ever happen. The Donnelly students either need to go behind Donnelly or behind Goppert, not cross the quad. The tornado drills are an even worse situation. There wasn’t an alarm in this drill, so maybe that’s what led to no one taking it seriously. I’ve never seen more students talk during a drill in my life. First of all, we were all just sitting on the basement floor. I’m pretty sure that if there was an actual tornado, none of us would be casually sitting on the floor, giggling to our friends. We would all be wondering what we are supposed to do because none of us listened during the drill. Students need to start paying more attention during these drills, because you never know when one will hit you while you are unprepared. As much as I think the administration needs to change the fire and tornado drill policies, they are not entirely to blame. Students need to start putting more effort into these drills as well. These are so important, I’m not really sure why we don’t take them more seriously. I don’t know about the rest of STA, but I would rather go through a fire and tornado drill rather than be unprepared when one actually happens. You never really know when one will strike and it certainly can’t hurt to be prepared, especially for something with the potential to cause so much damage. H
The Final Say
The administration and students both need to put a greater focus on drills.
centerspread
8
FAST FACTS: The Dart breaks down the rules and consequences of the new curfew for curious students What:
There is now a 9 p.m. curfew in five entertainment districts. Where: The 9 p.m. curfew applies to the Country Club Plaza, the Power and Light District, the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District, Westport and Zona Rosa. Who: The curfew applies to all citizens under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian. When: This 9 p.m. curfew will be in effect from the Friday before Memorial Day until the last Sunday in September. The city previously had a curfew of 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. For the remainder of the year, these areas will follow that curfew with the rest of the city. Why: Kansas City Mayor Sly James put the curfew into effect after the Aug. 13 shooting at the Country Club Plaza. Consequences: If a teenager is caught breaking curfew, a $500 fee is issued, along with the court fees for the offender and his or her’s parent or guardian. However, in place of a fine, the parent or guardian and offender can attend counseling and the parent will be put on probation. Students could also lose their high school sports eligibility for breaking curfew. According to the Missouri High School Sports Association section 2.2.2: “A student who commits an act for which charges may or have been filed by law enforcement authorities under any municipal ordinance, misdemeanor, or felony statute shall not be eligible until all procedings with the legal system have been concluded and any punishment (i.e. jail time, fines, court costs, etc.) or special condition of probation (i.e. restitution, community service, counseling, etc.) has been satisfied.” source: KCTV5 article: New Kansas City Curfew Law into Effect and the MHSSA handbook
Check out dartnewsonline.com for more curfew coverage by Chelsea Birchmier and Emily Bresette
9 9
when the clock strikes
Do you have questions about the new curfew? From where the curfew is enforced to the consequences for breaking it, the Dart investigated everything you need to know about the new curfew for Kansas City. After shooting on Plaza, mayor, city council pass earlier curfew in certain districts for minors by Chelsea Birchmier cbirchmier@dartnewsonline.com The Kansas City Council along with Mayor Sly James approved a new curfew Aug. 18 for anyone under the age of 18 in response to a shooting which occurred on the Plaza the previous Saturday. The decision to enact a curfew has invited both praise and criticism for its efforts to prevent youth violence. The 9 p.m. curfew applies to people under 18 in five entertainment districts including the Plaza, Westport, Downtown, 18th and Vine, and Zona Rosa and lasts from Memorial Day to the last Sunday in September. In October, the curfew changes to 11 p.m. for all minors on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The punishment for offending youth includes a trip to a curfew detention center and fine up to $500; the previous fine for breaking curfew was $1. “[The Plaza] has actually been quiet since we started,” Officer Ryan Taylor said as he patrolled the Plaza’s street corners Friday Sept. 2. “I’ve seen a lot more families down here and people enjoying the Plaza the way it should be enjoyed. It’s been really nice. It’s what we expected.” As an alternative to entertainment districts, several community centers in the Kansas City area will extend Friday and Saturday hours to 11 p.m. or midnight to encourage teens to spend their time in a safe, welcoming environment. Hillcrest Community Center runs one of these programs, where teens can come to enjoy food and games. “This program is to provide our youth with a positive place where they can go instead of being out roaming the streets,” Hillcrest program specialist Jocelyn Logan said. “It’s really a place where they can come and hang out and converse among themselves in a positive environment.” These new community center programs aim to prevent violent events like the shooting that occurred
on the Plaza Aug. 13. Freshman Amy O’Leary ate dinner with friends at P.F. Chang’s on the Plaza the night of the shooting and saw large groups of teens congregating across the street. “All we could see [from the restaurant] was a bunch of people running around outside,” O’Leary said. “Policemen were everywhere on horses, and a police escorted us out. People were just being crazy. We weren’t aware of everything that had happened until we got home and saw it on the news.” Prior to the shooting, Highwoods Properties, the company that owns the Plaza, had suggested a curfew in response to several events, including the flash mob that occurred in July. It was after the shooting, though, that James and the City Council made the decision to pass the new curfew law. “This Council stands united to reduce violent crime in Kansas City,” James said in a press release. “Reducing the crime in our neighborhoods and keeping our children safe will require a coordinated effort. We will keep doing what is right for the children of this city, and I truly believe we have turned a corner and will sustain the effort we have begun.” While Ms. Kelly Goode, whose two daughters attend STA, supports increased safety measures, she believes options other than a curfew would serve the Plaza’s best interest. “It seems to me that the curfew would cause a problem for some of the 18 and under crowd who are genuinely having a good time going to the movies, eating out and spending their money on the Plaza,” Goode said. “Perhaps a better alternative would be hiring more security or putting in more security cameras. But if there’s a potential for continued crime like this shooting, then safety should definitely rise to the top of the priorities.” Like her mother, senior Ariana Goode believes the Plaza should adopt safety measures besides the curfew. She argues that the curfew’s attempt to curb violence goes too far, discriminating unfairly against teens. “I know [the City Council] is trying to help by giving a curfew, but there will still be crime,” Ariana said. “Violence is everywhere, not just in shopping centers like the Plaza. It’s unfair to punish all teenagers for one person’s mistake.”
block party H A group of police officers talk on the corner of Broadway Street and Nichols Road Sept. 2. Mayor Sly James enforced a 9 p.m. curfew for the Country Club Plaza and other entertainment districts in the Kansas City area. Photo by ALLISON FITTS
hold your horses H Two police officers ride through the streets of the Country Club Plaza Sept. 2. The police department used multiple horse patrols the night of hte Aug. 13 shooting. Photo by ALLISON FITTS
BY THE NUMBERS: The Dart asked a random sample of 100 students about their opinion on the new curfew no trouble here H (above) Pennsylvania Avenue sits empty Sept. 2. “[The Plaza] has actually been quiet since we started,” police officer Ryan Taylor said. Photo by ALLISON FITTS stuck in the middle H (left) Two police officers talk while patrolling the Country Club Plaza Sept. 2. The new 9 p.m. curfew aims to prevent youth violence. Photo by ALLISON FITTS
by EMILY BRESETTE
6 17 77
the number of students who voted yes on “I really like the new curfew, it will help cut out violence around KC.”
somebody call 911 H The Kansas City police department uses vans, horses and officers to enforce the 9 p.m. curfew on the Country Club Plaza Sept. 2. The curfew affects people under age 18. Photo by ALLISON FITTS
OPINIONS ON THE NEW CURFEW: “I think it will be more helpful than harmful. I think that its more of a good thing because most of us will stay out of trouble.” freshman Molly Mullen
the number of students who voted for “I like the curfew, but still think violence can/will happen.” the number of students who voted for “I don’t like the curfew, I don’t think it will help cut out violence at all.”
Mullen
“I think [the curfew] is pointless. I can see it be annoying. I’m 18, but none of my friends are yet and we won’t be able to hang out as much or go out as late. I think it’s way too early. I see why they’re doing it to cut down on stuff, like the plaza shooting, but I still think those things are going to happen, just earlier.” senior Kelly Muraski
Muraski
“I feel like all the curfew is in place to do is to punish all kids for the actions of a few. It seems like one area of our city is not welcoming to young people, so they just lay out this blanket curfew. You don’t teach young people how to make decisions by punishing everybody. It feels like its a punitive solution rather than looking at whats a good solution for all involved.”
science teacher Mary Montag
Montag
10 | sports | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 22, 2011
STA trainer explains causes and preventions for athletic injuries
Loss of seniors affects softball team
by EMILY MCCANN emccan@dartnewsonline.com Freshman Quinn Kernell, hip injury Sport: cross country Injury: “The muscles in my hips aren’t firing correctly, so whenever I run or dance my hips don’t keep my leg in line, and my knees have to do all the work so it puts stress on my knees and makes them hurt.” Daily Life: “[My knee] mainly only hurts when I do my sports.” How to prevent it: Gross says icing hips and stretching the hip flexors instead of the hamstrings.
Sophomore Annie Keel, knee injury Sport: cross country Injury: “I have a condition in both knees called chondromalacia patella.” How she got it: “I got it gradually, over time it just started because I was running so much so fast and it caused a ton of damage. Right now I’m seeing a physical therapist and wearing knee tape everyday.” Daily Life: “It causes me pain on and off during the day. I feel it a lot when I’m doing things like stairs. How to prevent it: According to Gross working your way up to strenuous activity and high mileages is the best way to prevent injury.
play ball H STA varsity softball infielders meet on the mound before the start of another inning during their game against Archbishop O’Hara High School Sept 13. photo by MEGHAN LEWIS
Many softball players play multiple positions to fill spots left by seniors by LANE MAGUIRE lmaguire@dartnewsonline.com
Sophomore Emily Wemhoff, shoulder injury Sport: volleyball Injury: “I had biceps tendonitis from swinging my shoulder at tryouts (2 a days) a lot in a short amount of time. I just had to make sure I did a lot of stretching and warmed up really good or else it hurt to swing my arm. I wore kinesio tape on my shoulder for a while to prevent it from hurting. Over time it just got better because I wasn’t hitting as much and I stretched a lot better. I still have a little pain but I just stretch out.” How to prevent it: According to STA trainer Lisa Gross, icing shoulders after a strenuous practice can help prevent injuries. This helps the shoulders recover from strenuous activity. H
photo by NATALIE FITTS
With the loss of seven seniors, the softball team struggled to find players to fill the positions for the 2011 season. New head coach and assistant athletic director Tyler Abney is confident that his young team will overcome this loss. “Losing a large group of seniors always takes it’s toll on the program, but the four seniors we have this year have done a great job taking their own leadership roles,” Abney said in a an email. “Each has their own way of doing things and as a staff, we couldn’t have asked for much more. It didn’t take long for them to understand what we expected of each them and accept their roles.” The team currently has a total of 19 players, most of which are underclassmen. At least two more girls are planning to try out. However, Abney said that the ideal number would be more than 25. “With such low numbers a lot girls bounce back and forth between the varsity and JV,” Abney said. “We would like to see larger numbers, but the situation we’re in definitely gives the girls more batting time
power
performance Every issue, the Dart highlights an exceptional athletic achievement accomplished by an STA student.
by LANE MAGUIRE
and more opportunities to get better.” Varsity softball player Anna Woolery agrees that the smaller numbers have not necessarily negatively affected the team. “The loss of the seniors didn’t make the players that were already here play down or anything,” Woolery said. “We are still doing well. It’s just that we have to obviously fill in positions and our team is young and a little immature.” Last year’s seniors made up the majority of the infield as well as center field. According to varsity softball player Krissy Bryde, these positions have been filled and the infield looks “pretty solid right now.” However, she believes that the team struggles most with having only a single pitcher, freshman Carolyn Hornbeck. “It’s not normal and it’s tough on her arm,” Bryde said. “And also throughout the year, if she gets injured or like if her arm gets sore, she won’t pitch as well. So it’s tough. Pitching is most of the team really.” According to Bryde, three pitchers would be a more ideal number. The team was originally expecting a second pitcher. However, she quit unexpectedly toward the beginning of the season. “She would have been a good back-up for Carolyn [Hornbeck], which Carolyn kind of needed,” Bryde said. According to Abney, the team is currently training junior Shaeffer Smith and sophomore Grace Bulling-
ton to pitch at the JV level, in case Hornbeck becomes injured. Besides pitcher, Abney believes that first baseman has been the next hardest position to fill, due simply to the shortage of players. Aside from the loss of the seniors and other players who did not return, Bryde believes that this shortage of players could be attributed to the change in coaches. According to Bryde, due to the difference in coaching styles between the previous and current coaches, practice are not as “relaxed” as they have been in past years. “Now it’s like a [more competitive] club-ball practice,” Bryde said. Whatever the cause, Both Bryde and Woolery agree that the low numbers have put a lot of pressure on the underclassman. “There are only four seniors and we can only do so much,” Bryde said. “The younger girls they do have to step up to the plate and I do think that they are feeling the pressure of like ‘oh, we’re only freshman or we’re only sophomores, we shouldn’t have to do this’ but it’s like ‘you’re the only ones we’ve got’ kind of thing.” However, Abney is confident in the underclassman and sees improvement for the team. “They’re all still learning to play the game so hopefully we can get everyone on the same page and keep moving forward,” Abney said. H
Rachel Saunders sophomore
What: placed nationally in her class in the go-karting Pro-Solo event at the 2011 Go-Karting Nationals in Lincoln, Nebraska. Saunders was the only girl to place in ths event, being the first female to ever place at Nationals. Saunders also competed in the Solo Nationals event, placing 2nd out of approximately 16 competitors. When: Aug. 27 - Sept. 3 How: Saunders competed in two National Tours: one in Colorado, the other in Nebraska. Saunders won the race in Colorado by 15 seconds, a lead that is almost unheard of. H
September 22, 2011 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | health | 11
Dietitian gives healthy lunch options Microwaveable lunches are becoming popular at STA, but do not offer many health benefits by SARA MEURER smeurer@dartnewsonline.com
On an average day in the Commons, a crowd of STA girls can be found waiting near the microwaves to heat up the increasing trend of microwaveable lunches. These meals, from brands such as Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers, claim to offer a healthy alternative to the typical brown bag lunch. However, the preservatives in them often contain large amounts of sodium and carbohydrates according to registered dietitian Joan O’Keefe. “Microwaveable meals are attractive because they are convenient and have a defined calorie intake,” O’Keefe said. “However, those meals do not contain enough protein. A protein source at lunch is important for learning at school.” O’Keefe is a co-author of “The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle,” and has a blog called www.foreveryoungdiet.com about how to have a healthy diet, lose weight and live an enjoyable life.
again.” 510 mg of sodium: 21% of the daily recommended value*
4. Smart Ones Classic Favorites Creamy Rigatoni with Broccoli and Chicken: Calorie Breakdown- 280 calories • 56% from carbohydrates • 16% from fat • 28% from protein 14% of the recommended daily caloric intake* “The high sodium [in microwaveable meals] is very dangerous because it really puts you at risk for high blood pressure, which is very dangerous,” O’Keefe said. 810 mg of sodium: 34% of the daily recommended value*
Five most popular microwaveable lunches at STA:
1. Kraft Easy Mac Cups: Calorie breakdown: 220 Calories • 72% from carbohydrates • 11% from protein • 17% from fat 11% of recommended daily caloric intake*
O’Keefe argues that ingredients that help preserve these microwaveable meals are dangerous. “What I don’t like about [microwaveable meals] is the sodium content,” O’Keefe said. “The sodium content could be up to four or five times what one should be consuming in a meal.” 2. Lean Cuisine Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli: Calorie breakdown- 300 calories • 60% from carbohydrates • 18% from fat • 22% protein 15% of recommended daily caloric intake*
“When you have a meal that is full of pasta, you are hungrier sooner, so you end up eating more calories,” O’Keefe said. 3. Weight Watchers Baked Ziti: Calorie Breakdown- 280 calories • 59% from carbohydrates • 19% from fat • 22% from protein 14% of the recommended daily caloric intake* photos by ERIN SELLERS
healthy habits Each issue, the Dart provides suggestions for changes in daily habits to increase the well-being of the mind, body and soul. by MICKEY REDLINGSHAFER mredlingshafer@dartnewsonline.com
MIND “Some people say for remembering things you ought to use the method of loci,” social studies teacher Patrick Sirridge said. “ Think of a familiar place that you know like your house and put separate things you want to remember in each room, if you have a lot of things you can divide them up into different categories. You put different categories into different rooms, like a file cabinet, it is just a memory trick. “
“[Microwaveable meals] substitute easily digested carbs,” O’Keefe said. “When you substitute those you are hungry and you want to eat again very soon because you digested all the carbs and you are hungry
5. Lean Cuisine Traditional Four Cheese Pizza: Calorie Breakdown- 350 calories • 62% from carbohydrates • 15% from fat • 23% from protein 18% of the recommended daily caloric intake*
“High school is a really important time in your life,” O’Keefe said. “[Microwaveable lunches] are not healthy choices. A healthy lunch is beneficial for learning, testing and athletic performance.” 600mg of sodium: 25% of the daily recommended value*
As a healthier option to all of these meals, O’Keefe recommends picking a protein and two colors such as fruits and vegetables. According to O’Keefe, options such as turkey avocado rolls or whole wheat wraps with fruit are a good alternative. “I recommend protein because it slows digestion,” O’Keefe said. “That way, you don’t get hungry as fast.” O’Keefe believes that having a healthy diet is an important factor in having a successful life. “The reality is is that if you don’t pay attention to your sleep, exercise and nutrition, then you’re not going to be on your game,” O’Keefe said. “If you aren’t healthy, you aren’t going to reach your dream, and you aren’t going to learn in school.” *Based on a recommended daily intake of 2,000 calories H
BODY
SOUL
“I just read yesterday in Real Simple magazine that cycling is a really good exercise to boost energy,” English teacher Carrie Jacquin said. “I find that [to be] true because the days I ride my bike by the time I get [to school] I feel more alert even if I haven’t had my coffee.”
“I start my day with 15-20 minutes of quiteness,” theology teacher Matthew Bertalott said. “It allows me to center myself and start the day with in calmness, which sets the tone for the rest of the day.”
12 | A&E | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 22, 2011
Behind
the“Curtains” Theater director Shana Prentiss chooses lesser known musical “Curtains” for the fall production by NIKKI RODRIGUEZ nrodriguez@dartnewsonline.com
warmin’ up H Cast memebers of STA’s fall musical “Curtains” stretch before rehearsing songs at practice. The cast generally practices for two and a half hours a day for 5 times a week. Photo by ADRIANNA OHMES
Different melodies in various pitches resonate through the crowd of students dispersed across the STA auditorium. Students croon to themselves or sing with their friends, practicing for individual auditions. Seasoned thespians, actors, singers and those new to theater compete for the 13 lead roles in STA’s fall musical, “Curtains.” The musical is about a group of actors who are putting on “Robbin’ Hood” when the lead actress is murdered on stage opening night. The entire cast becomes suspect as a detective investigates her murder and attempts to fix the play at the same time. Why at STA? “It has a large ensemble, which I always love,” director Shana Prentiss said. “It just fit the personality of the [theater] department.”
Sophomore Marina Vianello, who will play Bambi, agrees that “Curtains” is a good choice for STA. “I think it’s good because it has a lot of female roles,” Vianello said. “It will also fit our stage, which can be difficult since it’s sort of small.” Freshman Hillary Talkan, an ensemble member, agrees that “Curtains” will be a fun musical. “I think there’s a lot of talented people here,” Talkan said. “Also, most current stuff is overdone.”
Lesser Known Before she read the script this summer, Prentiss did not know the musical. “I do a lot of reading over the summer,” Prentiss said. “And [“Curtains”] just made me laugh.” Junior Page Kemna also did not know about the musical, but researched it before auditions. “It’s a Broadway play, but no one hears about it,” Kemna, a member of the ensemble, said. However, during it’s time on Broadway the show gained some fame. “I was actually in [‘Curtains’] before,” Vianello said. “Three years ago with Music Theatre for Young People, I was in the chorus as a dancer.”
Balancing Act Countering the lesser known “Curtains,” Prentiss chose “Dancing at Lughnasa” for the spring play. Prentiss hopes the small cast of “Dancing at Lughnasa” will balance the large cast of 38 for “Curtains.” “Dancing at Lughnasa,” it’s a play that “every theater person knows,” according to Prentiss. However, several cast members only knew of it through Prentiss’s choice as the Spring play. “Most people I talked to had never heard of it,” Vianello said. “But it’s fun to show the STA community something new.” H
Jacqueline Kerr, senior
Every issue, the Dart interviews one of STA’s rising artists about her talents and inspirations
Art st of the ssue
This “Artist of the Issue” enjoys cartooning and gets her inspiration from Disney animators. Q: What type of art are you most interested in?
A: I really like cartooning and Disney-style kind of things. I usually make my own cartoons but I also draw Disney characters and other animated characters. Q: What art classes have you taken?
sing-alongH Cast members rehearse a song in the music room Sept. 15 at auditions. “Each day we alternate focusing on singing or dancing,” cast member Kelly Gardella said. Photo by ADRIANNA OHMES
dancing queens H Students practice a dance number for the fall musical “Curtains” in the auditorium Sept. 16. At rehearsals, the cast works on songs and dance routines. Photo by ADRIANNA OHMES
give me a boost H Senior Christie Fletcher and Pembroke Hill senior Nelson Costello rehearse a dance number for the musical “Curtains” Sept. 16. Photo by ADRIANNA OHMES
A: Drawing I, advanced drawing, painting and portfolio.
Q: How long do you normally spend on one project?
Q: Do you have any artistic inspirations?
A: I really like Walt Disney. I really like his style. Q: When did you become interested in art?
A: I’ve always liked drawing. I’ve been making doodles and drawings since forever. I draw whenever I’m bored.
Q: Do you think art will play a role in your future?
A: I would like to do anything related to art. Illustrating books or animating for movies would be fun.
A: I just draw on the go. I doodle everywhere. Q: Do you use color when you draw?
A: I use a lot of color; I love the whole rainbow. Q: What everyday things inspire you to draw?
A: I like drawing animals and things that I see around me. Q: What is the biggest project that you have ever done? A: Nothing by myself. I am in portfolio.
Compiled by CHELSEA BIRCHMIER
September 22, 2011 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | A&E | 13
Summertime tunes Kanrocksas What: Kansas City’s first annual two-day music fest Date: August 5-6 Venue: Kansas Speedway Lineup: Over 30 different artists including Eminem, Muse, Kid Cudi and Bassnectar Best feature: “It was a great opportunity to see so many [artists] at the same venue. It was like experiencing six concerts in one.” -senior Marianna Messerli
This Not That
STA girls ignite inner “fireworks” during summer concerts, adding sparks to their personal soundtracks
Can’t decide where to shop? Let the Dart choose this, not that
by KATIE McCOMBS kmccombs@dartnewsonline.com
by EMILY McCANN emccann@dartnewsonline.com
J. Crew not Banana Republic
If you liked this concert, you’ll like: Lollapalooza (Chicago, Aug. 5-7)
J. Crew is known to receive more attention from a teen demographic, but expensive shipping and final sale on their website can get expensive. Banana Republic offers free shipping on orders over $50 and free returns to the store that makes shopping a more pleasant experience.
Patagonia not North Face
Katy Perry
rockin' robinH Grace Potter and the Nocturnals perform on Day 2 of Kanrocksas Aug. 6. This outdoor music fest was held at the Kansas Speedway and housed a number of artists of various genres. photo by ALLISON FITTS
Matt & Kim What: Sidewalks Tour Date: June 22 Venue: The Beaumont Club Lineup: The Thermals and Autobot of Flosstradamus Popular song: Daylight If you liked this concert, you’ll like: Journey (Starlight Theatre, September 28) Best feature: “It was at the perfect place. It was small and it felt more like an exclusive concert. On the last song, [Matt & Kim] were crowd surfing and throwing water on all of us.” -junior Grace Dominique
What: The California Dreams Tour Date: August 17 Venue: Sprint Center Lineup: Janelle Monáe Popular song: Firework Memorable moment: “I remember dancing to ‘Last Friday Night’ with my friends standing next to the stage, when a security guard pulled my friend and I over to ask if we wanted to go onstage. We ran up there and Katy started singing ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody.’ The backup dancers led us to the front of the stage where we danced with Katy till the end of the song. It was definitely the best night of my life.” -junior Lauren Goode
If you liked this concert, check out: Enrique Inglesias (Sprint Center, Oct. 3)
baby you’re a firework H Katy Perry performs in the Sprint Center Aug. 17. Many STA girls attended this concert and junior Lauren Goode was invited on stage. photo submitted by LAUREN GOODE
If you liked this concert, you’ll like: Journey (Starlight Theatre, Sept. 28)
H&M not Forever XXII H&M will be joining Forever XXII on the Plaza later this fall. According to New York Magazine, Forever XXII and H&M both require a little searching to find cute clothes, but H&M is a more sophisticated chain known for their black dresses and unbeatable sale prices.
Target not Walmart According to a recent study, Target may beat out Walmart when it comes to lowest prices. A retail consulting firm compared prices on 35 name brand items from both stores and found that Target beat Walmart by about 2 dollars. Target also has had great success with their lines of women’s clothing.Their newest line, designed by high end designer Missoni, sold out stores in only minutes and the high demand crashed their website.
Kenney Chesney
Mumford & Sons
What: Goin’ Coastal Tour Date: July 30 Venue: Arrowhead Stadium Lineup: Uncle Kraker, Billy Currington and Zac Brown Band Popular song: Summertime Memorable moment: “The encore. Zac Brown Band came back out to sing with Kenney. It was Zac’s birthday too, so that made it pretty special.” -freshman Anne Nulton
What: Buzz Under the Stars Tour Date: June 3 Venue: City Market Lineup: Cake Popular song: The Cave Best feature: “Definitely the atmosphere and not being restricted to a seat. Everyone was involved in the songs, jumping up and down and singing. It was exciting to be a part of it.” -junior Dana Bailey
If you liked this concert, you’ll like: Death Cab for Cutie (City Market, Oct. 3)
As fall approaches and outerwear shopping begins, consider ditching your North Face for a Patagonia. Patagonia donates 1% of their profits to the planet, offer recycling programs to keep their unwanted and used products out of landfills, and works to reduce harm from dyes and finishes in their products. However, North Face is also taking steps of their own by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases put off by their factories by 25%.
country grammar H Country performer Kenney Chesney sings at Arrowhead Stadium July 30. His Goin’ Coastal Tour passed through Kansas City with accompanying artsits. photo by MCT CAMPUS
If you liked this concert, you’ll like: Taylor Swift (Arrowhead Stadium, Sept. 24)
PAGE me
14 | lifestyles | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 22, 2011
STA junior transfers schools for next five months, aids US senators while living in Washington, DC by ADRIANNA OHMES aohmes@dartnewsonline.com
She boarded the plane to Washington, DC with her mother Sept. 4. She walked through the airport carrying duffel bags of clothes and school supplies to last five months. While her mother flew back to Kansas City the next day, she stayed in DC while attending school and serving some of the nation’s political leaders. This semester, junior Emma Dillon transferred to the United States Senate Page School in Washington, DC to work for US senators. According to pageprogram.house.gov, congressional pages help members of the House of Representatives with their administrative duties, including delivering messages, answering phones and preparing the House Floor before sessions of Congress. Emma’s mother Corey Dillion runs Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill’s Kansas City office. Corey found out about Emma being able to become a page through a friend. One requirement for applying to become a page is to be sponsored by a senator. Emma’s sponsor is McCaskill. “I feel like [McCaskill] knows everything about me,” Emma said. “She’ll act kind of like a parent to me when I’m there, but she won’t be taking care of me.” While Emma is in Washington, DC, she will be taking care of herself. She thinks this is good practice for college. Emma also believes that becoming a page will be a great opportunity for her to see how the American government runs. “I’ve always been interested in how the government runs,” Emma said. Emma says she will miss her mom the most while she is gone. While at Page School, Emma can only connect with her friends and family at night by email and phone using a pre-paid card. Since she is working with US political leaders, she she must follow strict communication rules. “I can’t take my cell phone, I can only take an iPod that isn’t an iPod Touch, because those can connect to the internet,” Emma said. “I don’t really get to talk about what goes on in the Senate.” Emma will have to attend school at 6:15 a.m. everyday. She will be dismissed about an hour before the Senate’s sessions start (around 10 a.m.), when she will head to the Senate to prepare for the meetings. Meetings generally end around 5 p.m., but if they go longer, she will stay until the end. “A page is pretty much a slave,” Emma said. “Well really it’s like a gofer. We deliver messages and get rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w rds words words w
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Modeled after Brady Dennis’ original 300 words, this series captures people and moments in 300 words: no more, no less by KATIE HYDE
them water. There is supposedly a board in the back room with all the senators’ water orders on them, like if they want lemon, ice or no ice.” After work, Emma will go back to her room and do homework for about three or four more hours. The government will pay Emma about $1,700 after taxes, but she must pay for room and food while she is there as well. According to Emma, during the week her schedule is full. However, the pages get to go on weekend field trips to various places around DC, like Baltimore and Philadelphia. “I’ll have to juggle work, school and free time,” Emma said. “Only 30 to 35 people get accepted. I’m so excited that I’m one of them.” She will return home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but said she will still miss everyone when she is gone. Emma’s mother was worried about her going away at first but is OK with the idea now. “Emma fills a big space in our family,” Corey said. Emma’s neighbor and adviser Mary Montag feels excited for Emma too, and already feels her absence. According to Montag, Emma sat in the back of the room at her [Emma’s] goodbye party and reviewed her senator flashcards. Montag’s advisory plans on having another party for Emma when she gets back, which Montag hopes Emma will enjoy a more. “I’m so excited for her,” Montag said. H
photo submitted Senior Mari Kerwin doesn’t know her biological mother’s name. She doesn’t know her mother’s age, or what she’s like. She doesn’t know if she has other siblings. She doesn’t know if her mom is Chinese. She’s not even sure if her mother is still alive. All Mari knows about her life before adoption is from a piece of paper the police found on her body when they discovered her alone in a marketplace at 5 a.m. when she was 10 months old. The paper said Mari’s birth date and time of birth. Mari’s “real” mom, who adopted her eight months later, told her this story of her adoption. When Mari was a baby, her parents left her at a
marketplace. They were sad that they had to give their baby away, but made sure to put her in an area where someone would find her. But they didn’t leave immediately after placing their daughter on the ground. Kerwin They hid in the nearby shadows and waited until they knew someone had found their child. Meanwhile, Michele Kerwin searched for a family and found Mari at the Maan Shan Welfare Home when she traveled to China with Children’s
Hope International. Mother and daughter met for the first time. When Mari was younger, she was “an easy target” for the jokes and questions of her classmates. “Who is your real mom?” they asked. “I live with my real mom,” Mari replied. “No, who is your REAL mom? The one who had you.” Mari will never know the answer. Although Mari’s past is full of unknowns, there are many things she is certain of now. She would not have her life any other way. She is her mother’s child. A family is a family and a mom is a mom: biological or not. H
September 22, 2011 | the dart | dartnewsonline.com | in the mix | 15
That’s what she said
The first time I...
The Dart prowled Facebook in search of the most catchy and intriguing statuses on the social network. STA, “What’s on your mind?”
by HANNAH WOLF hwolf@dartnewsonline.com
let me hear you scream H Junior Elaine Schmidt, left, senior Nicole Wemhoff and junior Holli Hogge cheer for the JV volleyball team as they play the Notre Dame de Sion Storm Sept. 7. Both the JV and varsity volleyball teams defeated Sion 2-0. Photo by LUCIA MASCHLER
My life rocks Whether a stroke of luck, strange coincidence or small miracle, students recall wonderful experiences. When my friend, Elena Spaulding, and I got to Starlight Theater for the Train and Maroon Five concert we were as far away from the stage as possible. As soon as Train started singing these two ladies came over to us and asked us if we were alone. They pulled out two tickets and led us to different seats. We kept getting closer, and closer to the stage until we finally stopped. We were at the fifth row! My life rocks! Menley Brennan, junior
Brennan
My life sucks
From tripping down stairs to walking into the men’s bathroom, STA students recall the unfortunate moments in their lives.
Odneal
It was my second day taking a French class at Rockhurst University. There was nowhere to park in the parking lot, so I parked on a side street and went to class. When I got back to my car, there was a parking ticket on my windshield for $25. My violation? Parking in “vendor parking”. Even better? The security guard wrote up the wrong car and wrong time... And I probably still have to pay the fine. My life sucks. Cassie Odneal, senior compiled by MARY O’LEARY
days of our lives
compiled by NATALIE FITTS
The Dart created a countdown to some of the most anticipated upcoming days of the school year
There is exactly 1 day until picture day.
A speedy 23 days until the Teresian dance. Approximately 48 days until the fall musical. Only 62 days until Thanksgiving vacation. Only 72 days until the Christmas dance.
About 170 days until Spring Break.
And only 248 days until summer. H
compiled by MICKEY REDLINGSHAFER
The first time I discovered what MTV was, I was so scared my parents would get mad at me for watching it, that I tried to hide any evidence. After a hard day as a sixth grader, I would come home to catch the newest episode of “Next” or “Date My Mom.” Quality shows for a girl my age to watch. But this wasn’t as easy as it seems. I would first have to go to the Disney Channel and then to MTV, that way I could hit the “previous channel” button on a moments notice to keep my mom from discovering my horrible TV habits. I would keep the volume down low, not just so my parents wouldn’t hear the scripted insults on “Parental Control,” but so I could hear my dad’s footsteps as he walked through the kitchen into the TV room. I had to be extra careful when turning off the TV. I couldn’t leave it on MTV, because that’s what would automatically come on the next time someone turned on the TV. I would change the channel to ABC or ESPN right before I left the room, just so there was nothing to be suspicious about. My parents never flat out told me I couldn’t, but I knew if they heard the language and saw the rating, I would lose TV privileges for a while. So I avoided getting caught at all times. And for the most part, I got away with watching MTV. However, there was one time I fell asleep with the TV on, and my mom definitely caught me watching an episode of “Laguna Beach.” My mom forgot about it by the time I woke up, and that one slid by. I remember another time when she walked in on an episode of “The Real World: Key West,” and was appalled by their offensive language and continuous fighting. She told me I shouldn’t be watching shows like that, so I had to be on even higher alert when watching TV. I’ll admit, I was addicted to MTV. I had the schedule of shows memorized and couldn’t turn on the TV without seeing what show was on channel 24. I quickly passed up the decent and appropriate shows on Disney that defined my pre-pre-teen age, like “Lizzy Maguire,” for the trashy shows on MTV. Looking back, those MTV shows were a huge waste of time. I thought watching reality TV would make me feel more grown up. For one thing, “Next” is the farthest thing from reality, as is the case with many shows on MTV. Also, I didn’t really feel like more an adult after a thirty minute episode of “Room Raiders.” I felt like a kid that was embarrassed to be exposed to these things at a young age; the whole reason I tried to hide MTV from my parents in the first place. I was trying to grow up too fast. I’m still a little embarrassed today when my Dad walks in the room during Mike and Ronnie’s fight on “Jersey Shore.” Not that my parents care anymore what I watch on TV. I just feel guilty finding entertainment in trashy TV, and I know I’m wasting my time anytime I turn on MTV (even today). I’m even more ashamed that I was doing the same thing 7 years ago, the first time I watched MTV. H
dartnewsonline.com
16 | last look | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | September 22, 2011
reaching for the
TOP
STA’s annual Frosh Fest began with the chalk drawing contest and Big Sister lunch in the quad Aug. 30,with advisory skits the following day in the Goppert Center. The winning skits included the Dolan Chapel and The Dibble “Pretty Little Liars. “
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4. 1. pile it on H The Dolan advisory creates a human chapel during the Frosh Fest skits Sept. 1. photo by ERIN SELLERS 2. shore thing H Freshman Alexa Davis, from left, Sophia Bush and Sara McKnight join senior Katie McCombs, third from left, as the Carlson advisory participates in a Frosh Fest skit. The Carlson advisory performed a “Jersey Shore”themed skit. photo by MEGHAN LEWIS 3. giving ‘tude H Freshman Gretchen Dudley of Conner advisory works her Lady Gaga outfit for the freshman presentations Sept. 1. photo by ERIN SELLERS 4. got the giggles H Freshman Sara Jane McQuaid watches the freshman skits in the Goppert Center Sept. 1. photo by ERIN SELLERS 5. bottoms up H The Knopik advisory sends a message during their freshman skit. photo by ERIN SELLERS