The Dart: Vol 75 Issue 2 by DartNewsOnline

the

DART

the official student news source of st. teresa's academy | kansas city, mo

Each student has their own unique set of circumstances that affects their everyday lives. The Dart explores the disabilities StA students cope with daily and how each student is more than just a medical label. story on page 18

standardized test prep | 15 double cast musical | 23 photo illustration by MAGGIE KNOX

2015-2016

DART STAFF

Adviser Brad Lewis Co-Editors-in-Chief Mary Hilliard Maggie Knox Torie Richardson

WEB

Managing Editor Audrey Carroll Scheduling Editor Madi Winfield Copy Editor Alex Davis Photography/Multimedia Editor Kat Mediavilla Social Media Manager Bridget Jones Social Media Editors Zoe Butler, Lily Manning

LETTER FROM

THE EDITORS

Design Editor Mackenzie Nicole O'Guin Visual Illustrator Eleanor Grever Photography Editor Maddy Medina Page Designers Maggie Knox, Alex Frisch, Anna Hafner, Katherine Green, Clare Kenney, Bridget Jones, Christina Kirk, Violet Cowdin, Mackenzie Nicole O'Guin, Linden O'Brien-Williams, Helen Wheatley, Meg Thompson, MaryMichael Hough, Torie Richardson, Madi Winfield

COPY

Managing Editor MaryMichael Hough Opinion Editor Helen Wheatley Sports Editor Elsa Feigenbaum Features Editor Linden O'Brien-Williams News Editor Katherine Green

Staff Photographers Kate Scofield, Cassie Hayes, Libby Hutchison, Paige Powell Staff Writers Meredith Mulhern, Katie Donnellan, Gwyn Doran, Jeannie O'Flaherty, Victoria Cahoon, Claire Molloy

Dear readers, In order to fully understand this issue’s centerspread, it’s important to first recognize the process by which we decided to write these particular stories. For this cover story, The Dart staff contemplated a variety of angles to take on the subject of disabilities. From extended test time to wheelchair accessibility, it took awhile to determine our final focus. After some feedback from our sources, we then realized that everyone has something they have to deal with on a daily basis, whether it be physical, emotional or mental. In the end, we all have some form of disability, but that doesn’t make us disabled. Rather, it makes us a stronger school as a whole because we each have different strengths and weaknesses. The list of things people can’t do or have trouble with should not be their defining qualities.

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

A variety of Kansas City institutions are also found in this issue. Check out the News pages for a story by MaryMichael Hough on Kansas City Fashion Week accompanied by photographs by Violet Cowdin. On the Community pages, you can find pictures of the City Market by Kate Scofield. We are very excited for staff visual illustrator Ellie Grever’s drawings of STA life, found on the Last Look pages. As always, we can’t wait to hear your feedback! Your editors, Mary Hilliard, Maggie Knox & Torie Richardson

The Dart vol. 75

Table of

Contents THE EDITOR LETTER FROM

ISSUE 2

30 | Last Look | Illustrastions of STA life

26 | Sports | Freshman Maggie Fielder: First on tennis ladder

24 | Perspectives| keep planned parenthood funded

23 | A&E | fall musical has two casts

22 | Main ed | Students should acknowledge abilites of all

18 | Cover Story | Students with disabilites at STA

15 | Features | New career mentoring programs

10 | Reviews | East bottoms up and coming

8 | Star Spotlight | Sarah mendez: Trilingual student

4 | News | New Organizations at STA

2 October 2015

27 23 Monthly Question If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I’d go to Dubai because I really like their architecture. sophomore Kelsey Zimmerman I would go to Guatemala and do service work with all the children. freshman Caroline Armstrong Well I’d kind of like to go to hell, but only if I didn’t have to stay very long, because I just wanted to see what it would be like. But really I would like to go to Wales, because it’s my favorite country in the world. history teacher Mike Egner compiled by ZOE BUTLER | social media editor

cover designed by Maggie Knox | page designed by Alex Frisch

NEWS

New club, extracurriculars begin at STA

watch and learn From left, freshman Grace Marshall and juniors Yesenia Eichholz, Jaime Hafenstine, Annie Hart, Claire Fiorella and Tess Rellihan watch a presentation in a Students for Life meeting Sept. 23. The presenation was about the death penalty, which the club is focusing their conversations on this fall. photo by LILY MANNING

Organizations Students for Life, Don’t Put This on Your Resume Club and Philosophy of Mugs emerge this year. by LILY MANNING | staff writer

Don’t Put This on Your Resume Club is moderated by English teacher, Kate Absher. According to Absher, STA’s college prep environment can sometimes put too much stress on students. "I've always wanted to be a part of a club and there are so many options," Absher said. "I think that sometimes the expectations that surround our college prep environment really makes people stress and crazed.” She then created Don’t Put This on Your Resume to give girls a place to have fun and be carefree, without the stress of resume building, according to Absher. “So often I feel like kids will think about building up their resumes, which is important, but I do think we need to mellow out every once a while and that's why I wanted to do this,” Absher said. “To encourage kids that not everything has to be as much about building the perfect resume as it is about building the person." The club, which has about 24 members, meets on regular club days once a month. It has planned activities for the rest of the school year, the first one being a kickball tournament, which

Absher hopes will help students blow off steam and balance out. The club hopes to organize a school wide event, possibly before finals, for all students to come together, have fun, and lower stress levels. Another new organization at STA is Philosophy of Mugs, moderated by theology teacher Robert Tonnies. “I find in each section in each class there's always a couple students who are really interested in [philosophy],” Tonnies said. “They have so many questions and I don't have time to answer them all in class. There seemed to be a need where students wanted to talk about more interesting philosophical ideas so I threw [the idea of the extraciricular] out there.” Besides creating Philosophy of Mugs as an outlet for intrigued students, it was also created to add knowledge about philosophy where the curriculum cannot, according to Tonnies. “I think [the organization] serves the community by providing an outlet for more exploration of philosophy that doesn't exist in our program," Tonnies said. The name is based on the idea that the mug you choose from the cabinet in the morning reflects your feelings for that day. Every member brings a mug and sits drinking tea and coffee while talking about philosophy. Also new to STA is Students for

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

Life. After having students approach her about the idea of creating the organization, Director of Campus Ministry Meredith Snyder decided to moderate it. The organization focuses on educating peers about pro life issues while being respectful of all beliefs, according to Snyder. "[The organization is] helping students to learn how to explain their position in a way that recognizes where another person may be coming from,” Snyder said. “[Students] are learning how to articulate their beliefs which is something that can be really hard to do when what you believe is countercultural, they’re learning about respecting different opinions and spreading awareness about the dignity of all life." The organization has a leadership team that meets once a month to plan their meetings. The leadership team has planned out the rest of the school year, discussing the death penalty throughout the fall, abortion in January and February and euthanasia in the spring. "We invite everyone to our meetings, everyone is invited to attend the events,” Snyder said. "[Students gain] a safe place to talk about their opinions about different life issues and my hope would be to receive a broader perspective, and again learning how to defend your position." H

GSA denied controversial name change Girls for Social Awareness club is permitted to cover LGBT content, but have been denied the name Gay/ Straight Alliance. by HELEN WHEATLEY opinion editor

The Girls for Social Awareness organization, GSA, has met with administration in an attempt to rename the club Gay/Straight Alliance, but was denied the change due to conflict with Catholic church teaching. Upon its creation four years ago, Girls for Social Awareness wanted to be named Gay/Straight Alliance, but encountered the same issue with administration and church teaching. This year’s GSA club officers wanted the name change in an attempt to focus in on the club’s main idea of LGBT rights. Asked about her reasoning for not allowing the name change, Dr. Elizabeth Baker, principal for student affairs, said the mission of the club was “well reflected in its current name”. Emma Gustavson, Lily Levi and Lizy Hagan, GSA president, vice president and secretary, respectively, worked with Steven Karlin, GSA moderator, to set up a meeting with the administration discussing the name change. On Sept. 3, Karlin and the students met with Baker to present the idea of the name change. “I know to some people it seems silly, like why does the name really

matter … but it has to do with being hidden,” Gustavson said. “I know why [we can’t change the name], and I’m kind of okay with it … but it’s kind of like being back in the closet and hiding a part of you.” At the meeting, Gustavson presented a speech to Baker over changes in name and content covered in the organization. In years past, GSA has focused on social issues, whereas this year the club wants to exclusively focus on LGBT rights, according to Gustavson. Hagan recalls that Baker was concerned about following Catholic doctrine and cooperating with the diocese. Baker says her first reaction was “to listen and learn.” “Both the club officers and Mr. Karlin were respectful and articulate about the mission of their club,” Baker said. “I had practiced this speech, I was passionate about it… and I was sure we were going to get [the name change],” Gustavson said. “But then we didn’t get it and it was just a little bit heartbreaking.” The club officers and Karlin both agree that Baker was very respectful and willing to work with them to find common ground. “[Baker] was very positive, but of course in a tight spot,” Karlin said. “She

loved the initiative of the girls, but also has to think of our school's donors and the PR ramifications in the Catholic community.” While the future of LGBT rights in the Catholic church is uncertain, the GSA officers, Karlin and Baker agree that progress is being made in the equality of all persons, something that may translate to progress for Girls for Social Awareness in the future. “Looking at the issues and reconciling how the LGBT community can in fact be a part of the Catholic community and vice versa will be the focus for the next few years,” Karlin said. “Once that becomes more widespread, the name change will naturally follow.” Baker recalls a statement from the Catechism that states, “All persons must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.” “With conversation and discernment and good will, the future is always changing,” Baker said. The club officers believe themselves to have come to accept the name ‘Girls for Social Awareness.’ “I know we tried our hardest, and we still get to do what we want… so I think I’ve mostly come to terms with it mostly because I’m so excited about what we get to do this year,” Gustavson said. H

1. GSA moderator Steve Karlin discusses the "getting to know you activity" with seniors and GSA members Rita Farrell,left, and Amanda Wesche Sept. 15. 2. GSA president Emma Gustavson talks to organization members about what to expect for the upcoming school year. photos by ALEX DAVIS

page designed by Anna Hafner

NEWS

Strike a Pose Kansas City Fashion Week offers a glimpse into new trends and brings attention to Kansas City's growing fashion industry.

model status | A model struts in one of the 26 designers' dresses at KC fashion week. KCFWheld events at different locations throughout the week.

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH | managing editor of copy photos by VIOLET COWDIN | page designer

work it | A model poses at the end of the runway at KC fashion week Sept. 24. Kansas City Fashion Week featured local designers.

Model Schyler Slaven can barely sit still as a hair and makeup team put the finishing touches on her look. Are they almost done? When do I get to go on? As she tries to contain her excitement, a nervous young girl catches her eye from across the room. With the flash of a quick smile and encouraging thumbs up, Schyler reassures the first time model. Kansas City Fashion Week kicked off Friday, Sept. 19, and continued through Sunday, Sept. 26. The local fashion event began with an “Elevate Your Style Runway Show” at Independence Center, followed by a “Rooftop Runway Show and Cocktail Party" at Power and Light District and concluded with three nights of runway shows at Union Station. According to their website, KCFW strives to restore the, once nationallyrecognized, Kansas City Garment District. By the late 1940s, the Garment District employed over 4,000 people. One out of every seven women in the United States purchased garments made in Kansas City, according to the

KCFW website. Slaven has been participating in the event for two years. According to Slaven, KCFW gives both experienced and amateur models along with anyone with an interest in design an opportunity to explore the different aspects of the fashion. “I’m an apparel textiles student at [Kansas State University] so I’m always grateful to be able to come and be a part of [KCFW] because it helps me to meet new people and see if this is something I want to do,” Slaven said. “That’s what’s so great about this event.” Junior Maria Tilson experienced KCFW while attending one of the runway shows at Union Station. According to Tilson, whose cousin Jillian Lapping’s designs were featured in the event, she was excited to see what kind of styles were highlighted at the show. “It’s cool that this is something that everyone can go to and enjoy themselves and see like what’s new, what’s hot and what’s trending,” Tilson said.

According to sponsorship intern Hilari Holt, KCFW gives Kansas City an opportunity to showcase talents and stand out in the fashion industry as in the past. “I think it’s important because back in 1920s, 30s, 40s, Kansas City was like the hopping place,” Holt said. “We had fur traders, we had millenaries, we had an awesome garment district so it’s just good for everybody to just slowly bring that back and just prove that Kansas City is more than just a fly over state.” Slaven agrees and believes the involvement of models, designers, volunteers and audiences unifies the city and allows for local fashion enthusiasts to be a part of something. “Honestly, I feel like the garment district in Kansas City is growing a lot and I love that finally we have something to be proud of and something to like show ‘here we are, this is us,’” Slaven said. “Especially because I am a design student, that’s something that I look for and it’s so cool to see Kansas City making its own name.” H

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

the NEWS FEED Each issue, the Dart highlights groundbreaking events in the world, US, Missouri and KC. by ALEX DAVIS web editor of copy

in the world hit the catwalk | Models strut down the runway to present the entire collection of a designers collection Sept. 24. Kansas City Fashion Week started Sept. 19 and ended Sept. 26.

The civil war in Syria has led to the very first withdrawal of the Doomsday vault. The Global Seed Vault, also known as the Doomsday Vault, holds almost every known crop in the world contained in a frozen vault on the island of Svalbard amd is only meant to be opened when a catastrophic event will lead to the eventual extinction of a crop.

in the u.s.

strut your stuff | Models from "Fair and Fashionable" show off their final collection of posters. Twenty-six designers had their clothes featured at Kansas City Fashion Week.

Pope Francis made his first visit to the United States last week. Making stops to Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia, Pope Francis stayed for six days and gave several speeches, held masses and prayer services, and met with many people.

in missouri Petitions to ease the marijuana restrictions in Missouri are underway and will begin collecting signatures in the month of November. The petitions include legalizing marijuana for medical purposes in the entire state.

in kansas city

walk it off | A collection of models walks down the runway wearing all black outfits Sept. 24. at KC fashion week. Models wore over 20 different designers' pieces at KCFW.

Kansas City is seeing a rise in Shigellosis, an infectious diarrheal disease that is caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. On average there are 10 cases of Shigellosis for Kansas City, but this year numbers have spiked to 150 in less than half a year.

page designed by Katherine Green

Star spotlight

Sarah

Mendez

story by CLAIRE MOLLOY |staff writer photo by MADI WINFIELD | scheduling web editor

Sophomore Sarah Mendez discusses how she became trilingual and how she will use her abilities in her future.

English

“Before I went to Academie Lafayette I went to public school and learned [English] in one year. I took the same classes as all the other kids, but they took me with some other kids and taught [us] more English. I [speak] English at school and around the city, and it is probably my least favorite language.”

Español-Spanish

“I’ve learned [Spanish] since I was little, like how you guys learned English. I’ve been speaking it since I could talk. I help my parents [because] I translate for them from Spanish to English. At my house we can only speak Spanish. It is my favorite language because it is the language that my parents speak and it keeps me in touch with my cultural background.”

Français-French

“I learned French in grade school, since Kindergarten. I went to Academie Lafayette, and I was six [when I started to learn]. My parents heard about [Academie Lafayette] from a friend and they wanted to check it out and they liked it. My dad is really into languages and education, and he wanted me to learn more [languages], so they sent me there. French class helps me [stay fluent] now.”

Looking to the future

“I want to be a surgeon. I take Latin now because I wanted to add a new language to my language list. Also I heard it helps with being a doctor because the body parts have Latin [stems], and also it could help me with my English which I have always struggled with. I also want to learn Russian, Italian, and maybe Portuguese.”

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

BITS & PIECES Instagrams OF THE ISSUE Each issue, the Dart highlights students’ Instagrams. This month’s theme: FOOD. compiled by BRIDGET JONES social media manager

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE fierce fashionista| Two models from the same collection strut the runway at KC fashion week Sept. 24. photo by VIOLET COWDIN| page designer

My life sucks // My life rocks

compiled by JEANNIE O'FLAHERTY| staff writer

“I was in charge of playing the national anthem for the Sion vs. STA softball game and "Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae)" was playing before the game started. I was sure that it was paused, but it turned out that the volume was just turned down. When it came time for the anthem, I turned the volume back up, but that was before I realized "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" was still playing. I panicked and then everyone turned and laughed at me so I laughed to hold back tears of embarrassment.”- Liz Countee, senior

That’s what

she said

Each issue, the Dart shares entertaining student tweets. complied by by BRIDGET JONES social media manager

“Last year, during the high school swim season, I tore my labrum and capsulary ligament group. I was unable to complete that season due to general instability. Later I had an arthroscopic surgery to repair all the damage on my shoulder. I slowly progressed from not swimming at all to a full training schedule. Now, I am verbally committed to swim at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California my overall dream school.” -Andie Round, senior

Photo by sophomore ANNA LOUIS SIH @NOTANNALOUISE

Photo by Junior BAILEY FENNESY @BAYFENN

SENIOR SIENA HUTCHISON @SIENAHUTCH MY MOM TOLD ME TO GET HER AN iTUNES GIFT CARD FOR HER BIRTHDAY SO SHE CAN "DOWNLOAD SOME KANYE SONGS"... SENIOR MAUREEN WHITTAKER @MWHITTAKER4 PROCRASTINATION LEVEL: LOGGING ONTO WEBKINZ AND REDECORATING ALL MY PET'S ROOMS JUNIOR MEG DUFFY @MEGDUFFY0 THE POPE IS DOPE

Photo by SOPHOMORE CATHERINE EBBITS @CATHERINEBBITTS

Next theme:

TERESIAN

#dartnewsonline

page designed by Clare Kenney

REVIEWS

East Bottoms: an up and coming area of KC that the East Bottoms deserves. The East Bottoms has potential to become the next big thing in Kansas City, similar to the Crossroads and Westport, but only if locals give it the attention it deserves. Urban Provisions General Store is the quintessential local store. It sells everything from locally made KC t-shirts to soap. It even features it’s own botanical bar with succulents for every plant lover’s taste. Everything in the store is made locally or nationally in order to promote the American-made product movement. Urban Provisions is absolutely adorable and is the perfect place to pick up a new shirt for a Royals game or check out new accessory pieces for your bedroom. They promote local art and businesses with bulletin boards for customers to put their business cards and posters on. Urban Provisions is definitely worth the short out-of-the way drive to the East Bottoms and deserves much more credit and publicity than it already has. Next to Urban Provisions is Pigwich, a food truck that serves only a few menu items, all at great quality. I had

by BRIDGET JONES | social media manager

HHHHH Driving past casinos and trailer homes, one would never expect to find a quaint sanctuary for shopping and eating located at the corner of Guinotte and Montgall. Located in the East Bottoms on a single block is Urban Provisions General Store and the food truck Pigwich. Neither establishment seems to belong in this location, but they fit together perfectly. Located about 10 minutes east of the City Market on the river is a small area of Kansas City called the East Bottoms. Although the East Bottoms is nowhere near as well known as the West Bottoms, I believe that in a few years it will be just as popular an area. As of now, the East Bottoms consists of Urban Provisions General Store, Pigwich, a butcher shop, The Local Pig and an ice cream cart, Bee Sweet Ice Cream. The area surrounding the one block of commercial business is filled with truck stops, trailer homes, casinos and railroad tracks, none of which promote the business

the double cheeseburger with housemade chips and it was mouthwateringly delicious. The chips complimented the burger perfectly and it came with a drink, making the combo only $8, that's the same price as a Chipotle burrito bowl, except at Pigwich you’re supporting local business and local people with a passion. The East Bottoms is a neighborhood that deserves more credit. Next time you’re looking for a place in KC to explore, skip Westport and the Plaza and head down to the East Bottoms for a great afternoon filled with adorable shopping and a delicious lunch. I can only hope that in the next few years the East Bottoms expands into an area that STA students lust over to get their senior photos taken and enjoy a lunch out with their friends.H

Come in WE're

OPEN

Urban Provisions Tuesday thru Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pigwich

kc pride| Bee Sweet Ice Cream cart sits outside Urban Provisions inviting locals to ice cream and shopping in the East Bottoms. photo by Bridget Jones.

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

Seven days a week: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Escape Room KC provides, challenging experience by ELSA FEIGENBAUM | sports copy editor

HHHH This is the story of how I spent my Saturday night handcuffed in a locked room. It all started out when my friend, we’ll call him Robert (for the sake of his privacy), was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to jail. As I looked into his devastated eyes in that courtroom, I knew what I had to do. The next day at lunch I made sure to get caught not paying for my Bistro, so that I too would be sentenced to death in prison. After bribing the guards, all I had to do was break us out within an hour. Sadly, Robert and I did not make it out that day. Apparently I severely lack in prison breaking abilities. The previous narrative is a struggle faced by Escape Room players every single day.

The concept of Escape Room is a real life version of the popular online game. Locked in a room for 60 minutes, players must solve a series of puzzles and codes to find a way out. Escape Room offers three different levels of rooms, the easiest being “The Theory of Everything” then “Secret Agent.” With these two rooms, the player can receive clues as they move throughout the game. However, my egotistical teammates convinced me we could escape the hardest room, “Prison Break.” Said teammates realized they were wrong as we sat handcuffed without clues wondering how 5% of people had succeeded in getting out of this dungeon. While we were utterly unsuccessful, Escape Room was still

a distinctly entertaining experience. As we tried in vain to find keys to open a drawer that might contain a code to another drawer that could possibly give us any kind of hint to breaking free, the game challenged us in a unique way. I can’t wait to see if I am as lousy a secret agent as I am a criminal escapee. H

Escape Room 511 W 4th St, Kansas City, MO

Seven days a week: 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Gaffigan entertains audiences better on stage than on screen by MAGGIE KNOX | editor-in-chief

HHH

You know him from short internet video clips. Those segments describing his love for baked goods, toaster pastries and bacon brought him to the forefront of “ordinary guy” stand-up comedy. Although Jim Gaffigan remains an enjoyable live comedian, his new TV series, “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” doesn’t offer much else than what he already executes perfectly in person. Granted, the show is still humorous in and of itself; Gaffigan portrays a semi-autobiographical version of himself to illustrate the day-to-day “first-world” struggles and hijinks that go along with being a father, husband and food-lover. Episodes “Red Velvet If You Please” and “My Friend the Priest” comically expand on the themes prominent in his stand-up to draw a connection between thetwo styles of

performance. As a result, these styles produce a cohesive image of Gaffigan. However united they may be, though, the restriction of a show’s screenplay caps the creativity usually consumed by Gaffigan. For example, its July 15 pilot episode was promising of new content, yet the follow ing handful of installments only showcase varied versions of the same few relatable punchlines: Gaffigan’s mischievous kids, his marital banter, his insecurities about his performances and his perpetual love for tasty grub. Fans of Gaffigan may prefer the surprise of his onstage storytelling to the predictable storylines of his TV show. “The Jim Gaffigan Show” airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on TVLand and Thursdays at 7 p.m. on Comedy Central.H

HA HA

The Jim Gaffigan Show Debuted: July 15

850,000 views Creators:

Jim Gaffigan, Peter Tolan

page designed by Bridget Jones

features

CAREER

CONSULTATIONS STA juniors and seniors take advantage of different opportunities for career exploration. by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS | features copy editor

treatment training | Senior Sarah Mitchell observes athletic trainer as she treats senior cross country athlete Karissa Jamboretz. Mitchell learns about different treatments for athletes as part of her training. photo by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

at STA where mentoring is happening. Academic counselor Kathy Brodie is head of the eMentoring program at STA, a program in which an STA junior is paired with a professional in a field they are interested in. Brodie introduces a mentor to a student via email to answer questions “provide advice and support about their profession,” according to Brodie. The eMentoring program particularly emphasizes connecting the student with a woman in her field. Rather than just “reaching out blind,” Brodie says she looks first for STA alumnae, then for women who have connections to STA. “There are so many [alumnae] that want to do something for St. Teresa's that I always reach out to them, because it's a way they can do something without affecting their schedule,” Brodie said. “It gives them a way to give back to the community that fits their life.”

“

There are so many [alumnae] that want to do something for St. Teresa's that I always reach out to them, because it's a way they can do something without affecting their schedule.

— Kathy Brodie, academic counselor

“

s she walks down the steps in Goppert, she chats with a senior cross country team member about a recent injury. “I can barely walk down the steps,” the runner said. “It must be because of practice yesterday.” She looks concerned, asks the girl about where the pain is, and tells the runner to “get some stretches in” before she does any more practice. She isn’t a cross country coach or any member of the STA athletic staff. She is senior Sarah Mitchell, and she is currently shadowing with STA’s physical trainer Lisa Gross to explore a career in the sports medicine field. Their mentor/ mentee relationship is the first of its kind at STA, but according to Gross, she would “absolutely” look into doing more programs like it further down the road. Mitchell comes in after school from 3 p.m. until around 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays, as well as during any home games. She assists Gross with basic tasks around the training room, ranging from finding disposable cups to checking patients in to basic wound care. Gross says that not only is Mitchell eliminating some of her stress, acting as “an extra pair of hands or legs” during busy times, but she is also getting an experience pretty close to what a real sports medicine career would be as far as the tasks she’s completing. “There’s just a wide spectrum between simple, basic responsibilities and really serious, potentially catastrophic situations that you will be in charge of and expected to manage in that moment,” Gross said. For Mitchell, covering the bases of different tasks has been a “great learning experience,” giving her an opportunity to learn more about the field in a more comfortable setting where she is “treating [her] friends”. Mitchell says shadowing Gross looks like “exactly what [she wants] to do” later in life. Mitchell also says she has “gotten a lot out of” shadowing Gross and watching her help the different athletes. “I am inspired by Lisa a lot because she chose to work at this school and she’s worked with all sorts of athletes, but it really does inspire me to see her in her position.” While Gross and Mitchell have a unique mentor/mentee relationship, the training room isn’t the only place

Senior Kristina Coppinger believes that STA utilizing female mentors is especially helpful at an all girl’s school like STA. “I do believe there is a specific, intangible value and relatability in having the mentor be female,” Coppinger said. “In a male-dominated field, such as engineering, it was more relevant [for me] to get advice and expectations from a woman.” Because the program is online, students are not limited to mentors around the Kansas City area. According to Brodie, many of the mentors in the program are from all across the country. A student may be paired with up to three or four mentors throughout the course of the year, all over email. Brodie says that having the exchanges done over email make for a “pleasant

exchange” that won’t add a lot of stress to a student or mentor’s life. “It is a responsibility that adds on to their workload and that’s why we try to keep it as simple as possible,” Brodie said. “The more involved you get, the longer it takes.” If an exchange goes well and a student is serious about considering that profession, rather than “just exploring,” some students have both continued emailing for many exchanges or schedule a job shadowing date, but it depends on “how interested” each student is. Coppinger describes the eMentoring program as “extremely helpful” in helping her get a feel for the engineering field. “My mentor was perfect for me,” Coppinger said. “We talked about college in general, my hobbies, what I want to do with my life and things like that. She always responded with great advice and insightful comments regarding my aspirations to be an engineer.” For a professional to become a mentor, it takes “very minimal training” done over email. Brodie says she does not have to look hard to find contacts for mentors because many of the alums are eager to do what they can to help STA. While there are many contacts for most fields, Brodie says she is still looking for female mentors in the fields of theater and performance and editing and film. The eMentoring program may have a long list of prospective mentors in most fields, but the third main mentoring opportunity offered at STA was founded for the opposite reason, according to principal of academic affairs Barbara McCormick. This year, STA is offering a STEM mentoring class for around 10 juniors and seniors. Unlike most science classes at STA, however, the STEM program takes place entirely outside of school. It is run through KCPT and puts STA students in contact with engineers from Black & Veatch, an engineering firm in Kansas City, collaborating to introduce engineering ideas to fifth graders at different schools across Kansas City. According to McCormick, in past years, the engineers faced difficulties with managing all the different projects at each school. “Some of the problems [the engi-

page designed by Christina Kirk

features neers] faced were that some of these student groups were large, like around 80 students,” McCormick said. “These engineers aren’t trained to be teachers and so classroom management was hard for all these project-based activities.” To offer a solution to the engineers’ problem, a Black & Veatch employee and STA father Joe Rose contacted McCormick about involving STA students in the different projects, according to McCormick. “So [the KCPT correspondent for the project] Gary Brock and Joe Rose and I started this conversation about if it would be helpful for our students to not only be mentored by the engineers but to be mentors to the 5th graders, and they thought that was a fabulous idea,” McCormick said. Each student involved will miss around six half-days of school, according to McCormick. Two or three girls will go to assigned public grade schools around Kansas City for three weeks in a row, before switching to their second and final school group. According to McCormick, each visit to each school has a different theme. “The first [visit] is an introductory session, where they explain the acronym of STEM, what it’s about, and then probably some tower-building and construction work,” McCormick said. “Then they go back the next week. They

55 65 alumnae

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go to the same schools for 3 weeks in a row, about an hour. The next session is then about circuits and the last one is a water cycle.” During each school visit, students will be setting up the space, cleaning up, and answering questions. According to McCormick, while the STA students are being mentored, they are also instructed to act as mentors themselves when helping the fifth graders. “They’re going to take their leads from the engineers as they explain the projects to the larger student bodies, and then they’re going to walk around, and their job is not to solve the problem for [the younger students], but to get them thinking more deeply,” McCormick said. Senior Meredith Raymer is participating in the class, and while she feels nervous about missing so much school, she is also looking forward to being mentored by an engineer in the field. “I’m really excited about it because I haven’t investigated engineering as field until about three months ago and now, I’m more interested in it,” Raymer said. “It’s a good way to get real life [experience], to get to talk to people in the field, to hear what they do and what interested them in the first place.” Raymer believes many of the STA girls participating are not only interested in being mentored, but in being mentors to the younger kids.

t h e

“[I think] we are interested in the service component of it -- helping students see engineering and other stem careers as a future,” Raymer said. It’s not something a lot of people see in everyday life. Everybody knows you can use science and you can become a doctor but seeing engineering especially is not something a person, especially a fifth grader sees as a possible career.” McCormick believes that a major benefit of the STEM mentor program will be the community and service involvement. “I also think it’s a great way for us to speak to the community with our students, saying ‘We’re about STEM, we see STEM as a great opportunity… just trying to get STA more connected with what’s around us.” While McCormick knows that the STEM mentoring, eMentoring and job shadowing programs all take time, she encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities they are presented. “I know the girls are very worried,” McCormick said. “I’m hoping we can relieve their fears by showing them that this is a good opportunity [for them] and that sometimes you have to sacrifice seat time in a classroom to do something that is valuable.” H

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Missouri Kansas Texas Washington North Dakota Illinois New York Minnesota Washington Michigan California Florida Oklahoma Indiana

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STEM mentoring

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the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

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Preparing for the ACT and the SAT

su bj ect

STA incorporates new online programs as well as classroom methods to help prepare students for the ACT and SAT tests this year.

d at e

October 2, 2015 story by ALEXANDRA FRISCH | staff writer

STA works to prepare students for college entrance exams and standardized tests so that students don't feel overwhelmed with them. illustration by VIOLET COWDIN

pages designed by Christina Kirk and Violet Cowdin

features

Though the new school year has just begun, the season for standardized tests is already well underway. According to college counselor Debi Hudson, about 98% of STA students take the ACT and about 25-30% of students take the SAT. This means that almost all students at this school will be taking a least one, if not more, national standardized college entrance exams. According to Hudson, this year, to help prepare students for the ACT, STA will be implementing the Method Test Prep program. The program will include online lessons and videos that can usually be done in small increments over a 20 week period of time according to math teacher Ashley White. “It doesn't apply to every discipline but we’re encouraging teachers to incorporate this new program into their classes.” White said. “In the math department, we’ll start using it as a supplemental instruction.” The math department used to allow students to come in during frees or during activity period to study for the ACT, according to White. “We weren’t able to reach as many students as we would’ve liked.”White said. “It was hard to schedule students to come in during frees and activity periods during the week.” As a solution, they decided to implement the Method Test Prep program to try and reach a greater number of students. The method Test program will be incorporated into several classes according to White. ACT prep takes place in other classwork as well, according to White. “In math classes we incorporate old ACT problems into things like in-class problems and quick quizzes.” White said. Quick quizzes are short, one problem quizzes that students will do several times a week in White’s math classes for extra credit. According to White many of these problems are taken directly from old ACT problems. This year, juniors will also have the opportunity to take

part in a College Board study Oct. 29 during advisory and both activity periods. “The College Board is trying out different problems and this will give them exposure to some of these new [types of] problems.”, White said. As an incentive to participate in the study, juniors who participate will be given one “problem pass” which will allow them to receive full credit for a single problem on a semester final that they can choose not to solve. According to White, because not as many STA students take the SAT, not as much class time or funding goes into SAT preparation. However, this year, there have been many changes to the SAT. “The SAT is undergoing drastic changes starting in March of 2016.” said Hudson. “The College Board

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

has paired up with The Khan Academy where students will have access to free online prep for the redesigned SAT.” The Khan Academy SAT prep is free, online, and available to all STA students. According to Hudson, there will be several opportunities for juniors to take the ACT and SAT, some of the opportunities will be held at STA. “Juniors should begin testing in the winter for the ACT or SAT for college admissions’” Hudson said. “We will discuss the registration process for the tests at the November junior class meeting. We encourage all juniors to take the ACT twice in the junior year, preferably the Feb., April and or June test dates. St. Teresa's is a test site for the April and June tests. There are also opportunities to retest in the fall of senior year.” Senior Meredith Raymer, who has taken the ACT three times and the SAT twice, offers advice to juniors preparing for the ACT and SAT. “Find out what testing style works best for you,” Raymer said. “The only way to do that is by taking practice tests and experimenting.” Raymer also stated that the things students might hear about but not do, like getting a good night's sleep and eating breakfast can have an impact on their testing abilities. She advises juniors to start testing as soon as possible. “I wish I had started taking [entrance exams] earlier,”Raymer said. “...I could have been done in February so I think juniors should just register now.” According to White, STA does a good job of incorporating test prep into its curriculum. “I think that STA's curriculum and high standards benefit students as they start to prepare for standardized tests,” White said .“As a faculty, we are focusing on ways to help our students improve their critical thinking and reading skills. I believe these skills are very important when working with standardized tests.” H

Junior Maura Knopke holds a book she uses to study for the ACT over her face. photo illustration by JEANNIE O'FLAHERTY

Testing by the stats

This year, several new programs to help prepare students for the ACT and SAT college entrance exams.

alternative coverage by ALEXANDRA FRISCH | staff writer

98% of STA students take the ACT 25-30% take the SAT

STA Class of 2015 average ACT score: 26.2 National 2015 average ACT score: 21.1

page designed by Violet Cowdin

CENTERSPREAD

"These things cannot define us." Life is UNCONVENTIONAL

and sometimes

COMPLICATED

DISABLED STUDENTS at STA for

by AUDREY CARROLL | web editor MARY HILLIARD | co-editor-in-chief

DEAR READER, In order to fully understand our story’s focus, it’s important to first understand the process by which we decided to write these particular stories. Disability is defined as “a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities”. Let’s break down the word disability: it literally means “not able”. So what makes someone disabled? I’m not able to sing or knit or fly, am I considered disabled? No, because I am still able to live a “normal” life. I buy into the idea that disability lies along a continuum. As social scientist Dr. Jim Taylor said, “it's a matter of degree, not kind”. And most those labeled as “disabled” are able to lead

normal lives as well: going to school, working, having a family. Stephen Hawking far surpassed any expectations for a normal life, even though he’s technically “disabled”. The list of things people can’t do or have trouble with should not be their defining quality. For this particular centerspread, The Dart staff contemplated a variety of angles to take on the subject of disabilities. From extended test time to wheelchair accessibility, it took awhile to determine our final story. It is thanks to a highly articulate email from sophomore Louise Christianson that the story finally took shape. “I don't think of myself as handi-

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

capped any more than you think of yourself as not handicapped. My biggest wish is that everyone would understand that about me,” she said. We then realized that everyone has something they have to deal with on a daily basis, whether it be physical, emotional or mental. In the end, we all have some form of disability, but that doesn’t make us disabled. Rather it makes us a stronger school as a whole because we each have different strengths and weaknesses. In the following story, The Dart explores the variety of “disabilities” St. Teresa’s students cope with daily and how each student is more than just a medical label.

"We are all different, because all of us are truly unique in our own ways." Sophomore Louise Christianson has spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all of the way. According to the Spina Bifida Association, about eight babies born in the United States every day have Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. As a result of her Spina Bifida, Christianson uses a wheelchair. According to Christianson, certain aspects of STA have been helpful in terms of transportation, such as the elevators and ramps in the Music and Arts building and Donnelly Hall. Christianson’s schedule usually involves “switching between buildings, one after another.” Teachers are accommodating as well, sometimes allowing her to leave a few minutes early to get to her next class on time. One of the more difficult areas to get to is “the gym definitely because they don’t even

have an elevator”. To go to assemblies and other gatherings in the gym, she has to loop around Goppert and enter by the sports field. Although it affects her day to day life, Christianson does not define herself by her Spina Bifida. “My physical state is not something that affects my thinking any more than it affects...anyone else's thinking who is not ‘handicapped’,” she said. According to Christianson, everyone has something they personally have to deal with every day, “and mine happens to be my Spinal Bifida”. “We are all different, because all of us are truly unique in our own ways…” Christianson said in an email. “Even though my Spina Bifida is visible, some of the things that other people deal with in everyday life may not be visible...But these things shouldn't be what define us.”

Christianson

"I want people to notice my personality, [instead of my anxiety]."

Staring at her math test, senior Hannah Wells feels the familiar pang of anxiety as she hears her teacher call, “Five minutes left”. “My anxiety heightens when I have a test or something stress related in school,” Wells said. “During tests, I usually freeze up and begin forgetting everything I learned prior to the test, especially when time is limited.” Wells was diagnosed sophomore year of high school with anxiety, although she had had anxiety since middle school. According to Wells, the stress of high school hit her the most sophomore year due to the overwhelming amount of work and deadlines. “I began to go to a therapist to find ways to control my anxiety and started taking Lexapro my sophomore year,” Wells said. “I would randomly have a panic

attack or I would cry with no explanation. That is when my parents decided it would be best to take me to the doctor. Now, my emotions are more balanced than they were.” According to Wells, STA has helped her through extended time on tests and teachers who are willing to meet one on one. Therapy and medication have also helped her cope with anxiety, however it remains present and she still sometimes has anxiety attacks. According to Wells, her anxiety attacks usually consist of heavy breathing or crying. “None of my friends and family really know how to calm me down because it something you have to wait out” Wells said. “Luckily, my friends don't think any less of me and they are always there to help me.”

Wells says she wishes she could “invalidate” the way anxiety makes her feel. She considers herself usually “extremely comfortable around anyone and everyone”. But her anxiety heightens in social situations when she thinks someone is mad at her or when she enters an uncomfortable situation. “Often times, I blame myself because anxiety makes me feel like I am doing everything wrong,” Wells said. However, Wells does not consider her anxiety a disability. “Anxiety is a part of me, but I don't let it define me and take over my life,” she said. “I want people to notice my personality [instead of my anxiety] because I truly feel like my life is 98% joyful. I enjoy making people happy and helping people to feel welcomed.”

page designed by Mackenzie O'Guin

CENTERSPREAD

"Health problems, whether obvious or invisible, scare teenagers" The pain caused her to miss a significant amount of school. According to Winfrey, her condition is much more than just an average “tummy ache.” “I missed class occasionally freshman year, but by sophomore year, I missed about a six weeks consecutively,” Winfrey said. “I missed the first couple weeks of [junior year] to spend all day in rehab: six to seven hours of intense exercise therapy, desensitization, music and art therapy, and stress management.”

“

Stress comes from pain, but also from missing out on a normal teenage life. — Emma Winfrey, junior

“

In fifth grade, junior Emma Winfrey woke up in the middle of the night to extreme pain in her lower left abdomen and was rushed to the Children’s Mercy ER. Her life became full of “medical tests, fear, medicines, worry, and some very nasty, ‘chronic’ pain”. After three years of testing, Winfrey was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Eosinophilic Gastritis, and Eosinophilic Duodenitis in her stomach, esophagus and intestines. According to Winfrey, she has been dealing with pain daily since November 2012. Along with pain in these specific areas, Winfrey also suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), in which she experiences dizziness and disorientation after a drastic drop in blood pressure. During her sophomore year, Emma Winfrey started noticing strange changes in her pain. “Extreme pain, swelling and other symptoms cropped up in unrelated places for no apparent reason,” Winfrey wrote. “I had uncontrollable tremors in my hand or legs. My chest seized like I was having a heart attack. My senses were overwhelmed by bright light, loud noises, and simple, everyday things that had never bothered me before. My ribs or clavicle would swell as if broken. I would lose my eyesight. My neck would go limp and I couldn’t lift my head.” These symptoms resulted in yet another diagnosis, Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS). It affects her chest, abdomen and GI tract constantly.

Most her summer consisted of making up missed schoolwork and taking her finals, according to Winfrey. On top of makeup work, Winfrey also attended several appointments. Dealing with her pain, stress, and pain from stress was, and still can be, very overwhelming for her, according to Winfrey. However, she says she could not have gotten through everything successfully without the support of her teachers and friends. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have passionate, caring teachers who rallied for me and were available to me and my family over the summer,” Winfrey said. “The commitment of everyone at St. Teresa’s, plus the technology, made my experience much more manage-

Students Speak

able than I would expect anyone with a similar situation at another school might have. Everyone has been so understanding, supportive, and helpful in the makeup process, forgiving me from smaller assignments and tutoring me in the things I just couldn’t grasp. According to Winfrey, the toughest aspect of missing class is not the makeup work, but the lack of social interaction with other teens. “Stress comes from pain, but also from missing out on a normal teenage life,” Winfrey said. “I have spent years being so scared for my future, and feeling alone with my pain. I have missed spending time with friends. I have missed parties, and special events, and opportunities to meet new people. I have missed learning and simply being at STA. I feel the need to make up lost time, despite any pain or anxiety that may creep back in.” Winfrey says it is hard for many teenagers to grasp the difficulty of dealing with chronic pain or illness, either from lack of experience or lack of interest. But reaching out to those who need help and confronting the fear of health problems can be very beneficial, according to Winfrey. “Health problems, whether obvious or invisible, scare teenagers,” Winfrey said. “We take our health for granted. If you know someone is fighting a battle, reach out to them. The visits and notes from friends, my swimming family and my Advisory made a huge difference in my recovery.”

How would you rate STA's accomodation of students with disabilities?

The Dart surveyed 53 students of varying grades.

31.5% said POOR

by CLAIRE MOLLOY staff writer

22.2% said SATISFACTORY 5.60% said MORE THAN SATISFACTORY 3.70% said GREAT

37.0% said LESS THAN SATISFACTORY

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

"There should be an open conversation so misunderstandings are not carried into further generations." ed time and accommodations,” Burroughs said. “I always have to be prepared to look through all of my math problems for inverted numbers and I have trouble with word problems.” Dyslexia is considered a learning disability but it can affect non-academic areas of life as well. “Sometimes my speech is halted and weird, but I also have a really high pain tolerance, which apparently is associated with [dyslexia],” Burroughs said. “...Dyslexics are usually good with people, but also have trouble with depth perception, so there’s a wide range of effects.” According to Burroughs, many people inaccurately assume that people with dyslexia are not smart or can not read. “Many very smart people have been dyslexic, and it just goes to show that dyslexics can deal with the learning disability,” Burroughs said. “I also think that like with all disabilities, there should be an open conversation so that these misunderstandings are not carried on into further generations.” In earlier years, Burroughs struggled to find help at school, but STA has been “excellent” in adapting to her specific needs. According to Burroughs, the people are not only accepting but accommodating. “I love the atmosphere and the idea that everyone around me wants to learn, and appreciates the process because school has not been very easy,” Burroughs said. “Being at St. Teresa’s, I truly feel that I can be accepted, and that people can see me with the dyslexia and all, and understand that part of me.”

What should STA need to know/realize about disabilities?

“

You might not realize that somebody has a disability. Some disabilities are obvious, but many others are not.

“

Disabilities are more common than most students might think. You never know what other people's lives are like.

photo illustration by KAT MEDIAVILLA

As a whole, Burroughs recognizes that while dyslexia has created some challenges, it has also shaped her worldview and interactions with others. “I want people to acknowledge that I do have dyslexia, but realize that it does not limit me, and that I am comfortable with who I am,” Burroughs said. “While dyslexia has made some aspects of school extremely difficult, I also know that it is part of who I am... You can’t take the good without the bad, and I don’t think I would choose to get rid of the ‘bad’ anyways because it has helped me to come out of my shell, have meaningful discussions, and see the world in a different way.” H

“

STA needs to fix the elevators. Until recently, the certificates of inspection were outdated by several years.

page designed by Mackenzie O'Guin

“

Senior Erin Burroughs has had dyslexia her entire life. The Mayo Clinic defines dyslexia as “a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words”. According to Burroughs, dyslexia affects the makeup of the brain and the connections that it is able to make. Burroughs describes herself as “severely dyslexic” and says that in school, it mostly affects her reading speed and her ability to understand math problems. “The interesting thing about dyslexia is that some days I can perfectly understand things, but sometimes I can read something and it’s like it was written in a foreign language,” Burroughs said. According to Burroughs, she was not always open about her dyslexia because she worried about making people uncomfortable. Then she realized the level of comfort she expressed often determined how other people would react. “I realized that the more comfortable I was with discussing it, the more comfortable other were around me to ask questions,” Burroughs said. “I love explaining things to people, and I also know that when people ask questions it means that they are comfortable enough with me to know that I am open to the discussion.” Dyslexia is not something that can be grown out of, but Burroughs says she has learned to cope with it. She often has to allot plenty of time for homework and ask teachers for extended time on tests. “I have gotten very good at talking to teachers because I have to set up extend-

MAIN ED

Students should view peers completely, not only for disabilities Students must be more sensitive to the physical and mental disabilities of classmates. She is not her disability. She is not that girl in your literature class who always jumbles her words, or that girl in your grade who rolls down the hallway in her wheelchair. She is not the girl who needs extended time on her tests. She is not the girl who goes to therapy each week. She is so much more. Often at STA, we joke about disabilities, as if they are something affecting people far away. We forget that every girl who attends this school is different and faces different challenges every day. No two girls travel down the hall in the same way. No two girls take a test the same way. No two girls grasp a lesson with the same understanding. So why don’t we express concern for our friend who is gone from school

for a doctor’s appointment instead of gossiping, complaining that she’s never at school? Why do we comment that we would appreciate extended time on our tests, too, when the freshman in our advisory, who is already having a rough transition to STA, actually needs it? So why do we joke about “being so OCD,” when a girl next to us is actually struggling to appear “normal,” so no one makes fun of her? As human beings, we tend to label everything we see. We categorize them, push them into boxes, and leave them there to prove to us they are exactly as we expected. But another human being shouldn’t need to prove to you that she is not who you assume she is. You shouldn’t assume anyway. To her mother, she is intelligent, thoughtful, silly. To her best friend, she is hilarious, gorgeous, priceless. To her sister,

right on

TARGET

she is a role model, a fighter, an encourager. To you, she is one thing. To them, she is many things. Sure, she sees the world differently, but so do you - so does everyone. When you define her using one attribute, you forget that she is not a combination of her parts. She is human. She is to be celebrated because, no matter how you see her disability, she is fully alive. As girls at a school concerned about serving the dear neighbor, we must begin to open our eyes to who that neighbor is, and what she is struggling with. We cannot continue joking about disabilities, as if they are something people make up to avoid getting what they deserve. We must start seeing these disabilities for what they are: something that affects the everyday life of those we hold most dear. If you would like to label her, you might as well create another box for her. She is many things. She is not what you think. H

The Dart asked students their opinion of the main editorial. by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS | features copy editor

What could STA improve upon to accommodate students with disabilities? “[I think STA should] talk about it, offer options, instead of just suppressing it, we need to talk about it.” Payton Seever senior

by ELLIE GREVER| staff illustrator

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

Jamie Hafenstine junior

[

"There are students with [disabilities], but STA could better educate students of how the school operates [concern-ing disability]."

]

9 of 9 editors voted in support of this editorial.

Double cast

A&E

drama 1.

The fall musical will feature two groups of actors in alternating roles. by CASSIE HAYES | staff photographer

For this year’s fall musical, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," director and drama teacher Shana Prentiss decided to attempt a double cast for the first time in three years. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" will be the first musical performed with a double cast during Prentiss’ time at STA, the last production being the play "Dancing at Lughnasa." According to Prentiss, the main deciding factor for double-casting the musical was the size of the cast. “It’s only nine characters… it wasn’t until we got into auditions, and we knew that we had enough people that could pull it off and be able to have two really strong casts,” Prentiss said. Despite the larger amount of people, rehearsal doesn’t seem to require any more work than it would with a single cast, according to Prentiss. ”It seems to flow pretty naturally

with the show,” Prentiss said. As far as logistics, both casts will be performing all four nights of the show, with one group performing larger roles for two of the four showings, while the second group takes on smaller roles. For the other two showings, the second group will perform the larger roles, while the first group then fills the secondary roles. Unfortunately, a double cast musical does have its disadvantages, according to Prentiss. Blue Star, Starlight Theatre’s “Tony-inspired” awards (awarded to Broadway talent), “will only adjudicate one cast,” Prentiss said. Neither cast will know what day and what main cast the committee will see, but it has been decided by both the two casts and Prentiss that, if nominated, a coin flip will determine the cast represented. In rehearsal for the musical, Prentiss pointed out that each actor is “really putting their own individual spin on each character.” “They’re a great ensemble," Prentiss said. "They’re really great about working together.” H

2. 1. Junior Libby Terrill, from left, Blue Valley

High School junior Jeremy Jacobs, junior Rose Genaris, senior Connor Hodes, Rockhurst High School senior Aaron Brown, senior Lily Cosgrove and homeschooled senior Ryan Beard rehearse the opening number of the fall musical Sept. 22. The two casts are named to distinguish between them; these students are members of Wildcast. 2. Sophomore Bella Pichardo, left, and Rockhurst High School senior Jedidiah Rellihan, members of the Big Cheese cast, receive notes from choreographer Andrea Skowronek Sept. 22. photos by MADI WINFIELD

pages designed by Mackenzie O'Guin and Linden O'Brien-Williams

Defunding Planned Parenthood is a terrible lack of foresight

PERSPECTIVES

Audrey carroLl managing editor of web Health care in this country is hard to pay for; that’s no secret. Legislation such as the Affordable Care Act tries to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans, but many are still left without benefits. Planned Parenthood is an organization that provides health care, sex education and many other services and resources for those who cannot afford it. The health care Planned Parenthood provides falls anywhere between routine exams to abortion. Planned Parenthood’s public accessibility to abortion angers many citizens and politicians whose religion recognizes abortion as sinful. Because of these religious beliefs, many currently want to defund Planned Parenthood. Defunding an organization for their actions against personal beliefs is one thing, but defunding an institution that provides affordable and quality healthcare to lowincome men and women is just selfish and immoral. Planned Parenthood does so much more than offer abortion services. They offer

examinations, STD and AIDS testing, cancer screening, counseling and many other programs to help people in the community. In fact, abortion is the least used service at Planned Parenthood. And, true, most of Planned Parenthood’s funding comes from the national government (a.k.a. taxpayer money a.k.a. some religious people don’t think they should have to pay taxes to fund this), the funding partly comes through Title X, a family planning program which does not allow funds to be spent on abortion. Taking away funds from Planned Parenthood would result in more people left without a way to receive necessary health care. There would be even less HIV education and testing than there is now. Women would have to take unsafe measures to get an abortion from an unqualified individual. More women would develop breast cancer as a result of inaccessible mammography service. Also, the same politicians who plan to defund Planned Parenthood want to repeal the Affordable Care Act as well. How are women, and people in general, going to be able to receive care at all when there are absolutely no resources for them? Planned Parenthood is bigger than just an abortion clinic. Lawmakers and American citizens need to further research Planned Parenthood and their

services before deciding to defund it completely. If there are unfixable issues within the organization, they either need to be fixed or an alternative solution needs to be offered. Programs for those who cannot afford healthcare are unfortunately extremely necessary in our country. Defunding the

audrey carroLl When Audrey isn’t spending her time bingewatching Netflix, stuffing her face with food, or going off on feminist rants, she is dedicating her life and soul to the upkeep and maintenance of DartNewsOnline. Yes, that’s right, reader, you have her to thank for this beautiful website which you utilise to procrastinate and avoid doing school work. She thanks you for dedicating your time to DNO for such matters...

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

largest program, Planned Parenthood, would not end well at all if no other program is made accessible. I will not stand idly by while my colleagues, coworkers and fellow citizens are being stripped of their dignity and health without a choice. H

Gwyn Doran Hi, I’m Gwyn, and this is my first year as a writer on staff. Along with being a cross country runner, I am a member of National Spanish Honor Society and St. Teresa’s math team. I can be found volunteering at the KC Pet Project or going to the park with my labradoodle, Millie. In my free time I also enjoy reading, writing, and listening to music.

02 GWYN DORAN staff writer

Child rapist Ernie Begaye walked free after admitting to assaulting three young girls in 2012. John Knock will die behind bars for marijuana-related conspiracy charges, indicted in 1994 as a first time offender without a history of drug use or violence. Even with marijuana legalization on the rise in the United States, several individuals still face outrageous

Marijuana should be decriminalized prosecutions for minor crimes, while violent offenders see no punishment. No matter your stance on recreational marijuana use, there is no doubt that our legal system is not hard hitting where it needs to be. Despite widespread claims, marijuana is not a gateway drug, according to the Scientific American. It is also medically beneficial, including in the case of Charlotte Figi. At only 3 months old, she began having seizures. This eventually escalated to over 300 a week, but using marijuana reduced them to only 2 or 3 a month. The basis for declaring cannabis illegal in the 1900s should also be considered. According to Drug Policy Alliance, after the Mexican Revolution, southern states received a large amount of immigrants who brought their traditions and culture with them. At the time, this included using marijuana as medicine and a relaxant. However, many referred

to it as “marihuana.” This was a foreign term to US born citizens who already had cannabis in their medicine cabinets and used it frequently. The media, circulating stories about Mexican immigrants to play on the fears of the public, discussed the disruptive behaviors of Mexicans, including marihuana use. These were claims many people believed, not realizing they were using the same plant. Cannabis became illegal so there were viable excuses to detain Mexican immigrants. The criminalization of cannabis is essentially a result of the criminalization of Mexican immigrants. Knowing the racist reasons behind making it illegal and the bias towards marijuana users today, the decriminalization of marijuana would benefit the American people while allowing law enforcement to deal with the more serious crimes. Legalization abolishes the laws that marijuana use and

allows states to tax its sales. Decriminalization reduces the penalties for using marijuana, usually equivalent to a traffic fine. The Americans who are arrested every year for marijuana would be saving taxpayers money by freeing up our prisons for more serious offenses. Furthermore, decriminalization does not lead to an increase in marijuana use, according to government studies. The places with strict punishment for possession of marijuana are the ones with an increase in its use, and hard drug use is higher among emergency room patients where marijuana is not decriminalized, according to the National Academy Press. Cannabis is less dangerous than alcohol and users that are prosecuted are often nonviolent offenders. So why are marijuana users sitting in jail cells while rapists and abusers walk free? The real criminals should be put behind bars, not nonviolent drug users. H

other columnists this issue cassie hayes

Hi! My name is Cassie Hayes, I’m a junior, and this is my first year on staff for the Dart. I’m super excited to be writing and taking a few pictures this year! When I’m not doing homework, I’m either watching Netflix (my favorite show has got to be either Gossip Girl or Velvet) or trying to hang out with my dog (I wish he loved me as much as I love him, I guess dogs don’t like being held all the time)...

Jeannie o'flaherty Jeannie O’Flaherty here, your home-girl and biggest fear (I’m not actually scary, my sarcasm just tends to be taken the wrong way by some.) You could say I’m cool, but that might be interpreted the wrong way, leading people to think my body temperature is lower than the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. My body temperature actually is normal, but the rest of me is not [= ...

maggie knox

I’m Maggie Knox, a current editor-in-chief of the Dart, and I live by the Latin quote “alis volat propriis,” meaning “she flies with her own wings.” However, I do not have wings--I am a human. Therefore, I apply this mentality to my humanoid occurrences, like when I stick my arm out of any of my friends’ passenger side windows as they cruise a risky 4 mph over the speed limit...

lily manning Hello, I’m Lily Manning and currently a sophomore. This is my first year on Dart and I’m super excited to be a part of such a fun group of girls. At school, I also play on the golf team and am a member of Spirit Club. Before coming to STA, I went to grade school at Christ the King, but then went to Saint Thomas More my eighth grade year. WhenI’m not at school, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family.

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SPORTS

New coach changes set-up New volleyball coach Lauren Mathewson focuses on team-building. by MACKENZIE O'GUIN | design editor

After former STA volleyball coach Abby Lane resigned after last October for personal reasons, STA athletic director Mark Hough contacted multiple club and college level coaches and requested possible candidates for the new STA volleyball coach. According to Hough, a frequently recurring referral was University of Texas Pan American coach Lauren Mathewson. “[Mathewson] was a name that kept coming up,” Hough said. “And, when it came down to it, she was one of our best interviews.” Mathewson’s self-described “intense and passionate” coaching style focuses primarily on positive reinforcement and team bonding. The most blatant team development instituted by Mathewson is a five-member Leadership Council, a twofold instrument in both leadership encouragement and team building. According to Mathewson, the Leadership Council serves as an interim between Mathewson and the team. “The Leadership Council is a good [medium] between me and the team,” Mathewson said. “They help me know how everyone is feeling, if there’s drama on the team and other things like that.” Another plan established by Mathewson is entirely original to STA and takes STA sisterhood a step further, according to Hough. “After [Mathewson] had announced whether the girls were on varsity, JV,

sophomore, or freshman teams, she did something I had never seen any other coach here do before,” Hough said. “[Mathewson] set up a ‘big sister and little sister’ system. Each [duo] had to come up with a spontaneous dance routine as their team was announced [and] came up with a handshake they can do in the hallway when they see each other.” The team has also been participating in team bonding activities outside of practice, including a team camp over the summer, team meals, painting the team locker room, a lock-in, and a visit to a local ropes course. According to varsity player senior Jamie Tholen, Mathewson’s bonding initiatives have well exacted their purpose. “We’ve definitely grown a lot closer,” Tholen said. “We’ve spent a lot more time together this year than we did last year, and it’s really helped everyone become friends on a more personal level.” According to Mathewson, the root of her emphasis on team-building lies in her view of coaches as advisers both on and off the court. “These girls are going through a lot in high school,” Mathewson said. “[They’re] picking friends, picking boyfriends, picking colleges. I want to be a mentor them and an example for them so they can come to me and ask me anything.” Mathewson has succeeded boundlessly in both strengthening team bonds and mentoring individual players, according to Tholen. “I think [Mathewson] has been a wonderful mentor to myself and other players,” Tholen said. “Coach Mathewson has made the whole team excited to get to know each other more, on and off the court.” H

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

Fielder takes the court

Freshman Maggie Fielder earns the number one spot on the tennis team ladder.

by KATIE DONNELLAN | staff writer

Freshman Maggie Fielder holds the top spot on the St. Teresa’s varsity tennis team. According to junior Mary Claire Connor playing with Fielder for doubles is fun because she is consistent and nice. Fielder has a way of winning the point even when her partner messed up. Dart: “When and how did you start playing tennis?” Fielder: “I started playing when I was four years old. My mom wanted me to learn how to play and I liked it because it was fun. I play tennis at Blue Hills Country Club and participate in USTA tournaments throughout the year.” D: “Why did you decide to play tennis at STA?” F: “When I was younger I played a lot of sports. I realized I liked tennis more so I decided to focus on it.” D: “How does high school tennis compare to club tennis?” F: “High school tennis is definitely less intense because you have a team cheering you on instead of it just being you by yourself.” D: “What is it like to be the top tennis player as a freshman?” F: “At first I was really confused with the whole

high school tennis system. I was pretty thrown into it because I was the top player. Other than that it's been very fun and challenging and I’ve gotten used to it.” D: “What are your plans for tennis in the future? Do you plan to play in college?” F: “I would like to continue playing tennis in college but in a less serious way. I want to play on a club team where I can still play the sport and enjoy it, but it not be super serious.” D: “What is your favorite part about the sport?” F: “I really like how unique the sport is. You play as an individual but then you can be put on and play as a team like I am right now for high school. Tennis isn’t extremely common and I like that.” D: “Do you have any superstitions or good luck rituals before each match?” F: “All I do is wear my hair in a braid during each match.” D: “How has tennis impacted your life?” F: “Tennis has not only been a huge part of my life because I play everyday, but it also has helped me meet so many new people that have become some of my best friends.” H

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COMMUNITY

"Where the locals go..." City Market offers variety of local produce, activities The Kansas City farmers market is a fun weekend activity featuring local businesses.

Farmers' Market Saturdays and Sundays 7:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. 20 E. 5th Street, Suite 201 Kansas City, MO 64106

brief and photos by KATE SCOFIELD | staff photographer

The City Market is a lively environment with fresh fruit, homemade pastries, and handmade goods. The City Market offers something for every age group and is a way to help local Kansas City businesses. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday year round and is a great weekend activity for STA girls. Check out a video on the City Market on dartnewsonline.

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

2. 4.

1. The Kansas City Market is located downtown at East 5th street. The City Market is open every Saturday and Sunday, year-round. 2. The City Market is a 150 year traditions that links local farmers and smaller businesses to a larger community. Produce like the peppers pictures is abundant at the City Market. 3. In addition to the produce vendors at the market there are various activities for younger children, like riding in a barrel pulled by a tractor and live music for everyone to enjoy. 4. The City Market features different singers, musicians, and various acts, keeping the environment entertaining and lively. photos by KATE SCOFIELD

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LAST LOOK

These d rawing s depic our com t by ELL m u IE GRE n ity this VER | v isual il fall lustrat or 30

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 2 October 2015

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in the

DNO

Gallery: Plaza Art Fair St. Luke's Hospital held the annual Plaza Art Fair Sept. 25-27.

by CASSIE HAYES | staff photographer

1. People stop to listen to a live band during the Plaza Art Fair Sept. 26. St. Luke's

Hospital holds their annual Plaza Art Fair during late September. 2. A woman stops to rest with her dog on the side of a street during the Plaza Art Fair Sept. 26. The Art Fair is an annual event held at the end of September. 3. An artist set up a few of his paintings for display during the Plaza Art Fair Sept. 26. The Art Fair is an annual event held by St. Luke's Hospital. 4. An artist's work set up for the Plaza Art Fair Sept. 26. Booths were set up for the 240 artists who displayed their work for viewing.

1. 2.

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This Month in KC:

October

Check out the list of what's going on in KC in October including concerts, fall festivals and haunted houses. by BRIDGET JONES social media manager

Check us out on social media

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