The Dart: Vol 73 Issue 4

dart [

volume 73 | issue four | 6 december 2013 st. teresa’s academy | dartnewsonline.com

]

We are family

The Dart explores the changing image of a “traditional” family and compares three “modern” STA families pages 16-19 Junior plays for national soccer team ›› pg. 6 | New rape cases make MOCSA relevant ›› pg. 9-11 | Chiefs bring KC together ›› pg. 26

[CONTENTS] the dart | volume 73 | issue four | 6 december 2013

news

4 // Juniors test alumnae eMentoring program 6 // Senior Anna Kropf wins volleyball award

Junior Dorian Bailey plays for national soccer team

star spotlight

7 // Senior Abbey Haines

features

community

26 // Kansas City celebrates rare winning season for Chiefs 27 // Academie Lafayette will expand to include high school

sports

29 // How teams select captains

last look

31 // Faculty competes in annual Building Wars volleyball game

9 // MOCSA educates sophomores on sexual assault 12 // Students share their adoption experiences

reviews

20 // Restaurant Blue Grotto TNT’s “Cold Justice”

Movie “About Time”

main ed

21 // STA connects families despite differences

FAULT IN OUR STARS // 14

SWIM AND DIVE // 30

perspectives

22 // Answers to common “twin” questions 23 // Phones prevent real personal connections

These are the good old days

leisure

24 // Dreams of the future cover design by JORDAN BERARDI photos by JESSIE CULVER, SIOBHAN MILLER and MARIA DONNELLY

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

FAMILY MATTERS // 16

dart OUR STAFF

Editors-in-Chief Sara-Jessica Dilks & Natalie Fitts Adviser Eric Thomas

[ COPY ]

Managing Editor Jordan Berardi News Copy Editor Lindsey Valdiviez Features Copy Editor Emma Willibey Opinion Copy Editor Sabrina Redlingshafer Sports Copy Editor Anna Bauman

[ PHOTOGRAPHY ]

Managing Editor Siobhan Miller Print Photo Editor Adrianna Ohmes Web Photo Editor Hannah Bredar Staff Photographers Jessie Culver, Maria Donnelly, Kelly Fletcher, Julia Hammond, Katie Hornbeck, Anna Kropf

[ PRINT ]

Managing Editor Katie Parkinson Page Designers Jordan Berardi, Madeline Best, Cecilia Butler, Christina Elias, Sara-Jessica Dilks, Natalie Fitts, Cassie Florido, Mary Hilliard, Maddie Knopke, Katie Parkinson, Sabrina Redlingshafer, Emily Wemhoff, Emma Willibey Staff Writers Bridget Jones, Victoria Richardson, Jesse Walker-McGraw

[ WEB ]

Managing Editor Anna Leach Web Editors Scheduling | Lauren Langdon Multimedia | Libby Hyde Photography | Hannah Bredar Blogs Editor Gloria Cowdin Standing Features Editor Katherine Green Social Media Manager MaryMichael Hough Briefs/Breaking News Editor Leigh Campbell

FROM THE EDITORS

At the end of October, the Kansas City Star ran a story about the rape of then-14-year-old Daisy Coleman by older boys in community of Maryville, Mo. The story hit close to home. Not just because Maryville is less than 100 miles from Kansas City, but because any STA girl could have been in Daisy’s position. This is what prompted Lauren Langdon to cover how our school educates students about sexual assault. Additionally, Adrianna Ohmes wrote a column about the problem of victim-blaming in such cases.

In addition, in the past few weeks, we spent many classes and activity periods in Mr. Thomas’s room, contemplating the best angle for our

cover story, “The Modern Family.”

Ultimately, we decided to showcase three uniquely-structured STA families.

A power-team of five staffers went to the homes of each family in order to accurately capture the distinct atmosphere and attitudes of each one.

When it came to the actual design of the cover and four-page cover story spread, Jordan Berardi came up with the idea of portraying how a child might draw a family.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue and welcome all feedback!

—Sara-Jessica Dilks & Natalie Fitts co-editors-in-chief

TO THE EDITORS

While I regard DNO as one of the cornerstones of student life at STA, I was profoundly disappointed to read “’Urinetown is just okay, not great.’”

This review of the STA musical lacked not only an accurate portrayal of the quality of the performance and a clear understanding of the humorous slant of the plot, but also lacked empathy for the student performers and crew.

While I disagree with much of the author’s insights regarding the message of the story, choreography and set design, I also believe that opinion exercises like this are an important part of the journalism curriculum. I do take issue with DNO publishing articles written by a student critiquing other students’ performances.

While critical analysis is a vital skill

to any aspiring journalist, articles written by students criticizing the performances of their peers lacks empathy and tact and erodes the sense of community STA tries so hard to create. The cast and crew of “Urinetown” poured their heart and soul into their craft, transporting sold-out audiences for four nights in a row to a place that they created from only words and notes on paper.

I disagree with DNO publishing a student’s critique of other students’ work. It is not appropriate to make those comments so public. The talented students of performing arts department don’t deserve that treatment.

—Greg Monsma

STA music director page designed by Natalie Fitts

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news

dart EDITORIAL POLICY

Ownership and Sponsorship DartNewsOnline and the Dart are created by the student newspaper staff and are maintained and published by general operating funds of St. Teresa’s Academy, a Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish opinions that contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic church, whether on a diocesan or worldwide level.

Editorial Policy The staff of DartNewsOnline and the Dart are subject to prior review by the St. Teresa’s Academy administrative team in circumstances that concern student safety and student illegal behavior. Personal columns reflect the opinions of the writer, not necessarily the staff or school.

Letters & Reader Interaction Policy The Dart and DartNewsOnline encourages the community to post comments on the website. Letters to the editor can be sent in the following ways: in person to Eric Thomas in Donnelly room 205; by mail to St. Teresa’s Academy, Attn: Eric Thomas, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, Mo 64113; by email to ethomas@stteresasacademy.org or to dartpaper@gmail. com. DartNewsOnline staff and the Dart staff reserve the right to edit or shorten letters for publication.

Comment Policy The Dart encourages readers to comment on all posts. However, the Dart reserves the right to monitor and edit all comments on DartNewsOnline.

DartNewsOnline will not publish any comment that does not agree with its editorial policy.

Photo Use Policy Photo illustrations are conceptual photos that combine the limitless possibility of drawing with the realism of photography. All photos on the website are free for public use. If a reader is interested in high-quality copies of photos, please email DartNewsOnline at dartpaper@gmail.com.

Corrections Policy DartNewsOnline will publish corrections to content as soon as possible after the error is discovered. The Dart will print corrections as soon as possible after the error is discovered.

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Juniors paired with alumnae in eMentoring program

For the first time, STA alumnae can Because students and mentors message mentor students to help guide them in each other on their own time, mentoring can be more of a help than a stress when their college and career decisions

by TORIE RICHARDSON staff writer

Twenty-five juniors are participating in the eMentoring program this year that pairs students with alumnae in their career field of interest. Students contact their mentors using Moodle at least twice a quarter to ask questions about their career.

Director of leadership and learning Kathy Brodie leads the eMentoring program.

According to Brodie, students can message their mentor as many Brodie times as they want, but they must message them at least twice each quarter. Each junior will make the initial contact.

According to Brodie, students should ask questions such as what a typical day is like for the mentor, what colleges mentors attended or what colleges are known for their fields of interest.

“The value of the whole program will be on the questions the mentees ask,” Brodie said.

The idea for eMentoring came from STA president Nan Bone, who mentored in her previous employment. According to Brodie, Bone wanted to give juniors more information about future careers, and eMentoring is an effective way to provide information without affecting a student’s or mentor’s daily routine.

Career CALLINGS

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

compiled by TORIE RICHARDSON

students and mentors use Moodle, Brodie said.

Junior Viridiana Hernandez who participates in the eMentoring program, agrees questions are important.

“I signed up for the eMentoring program to Hernandez learn more about the medical field since I don’t know anyone in that field personally,” Hernandez said. “This way, I can ask them whatever questions I have and decide whether or not I’m sure about going into that field.”

In the future, Brodie hopes for students to meet with more than one mentor if they have multiple career interests. For now, each student is assigned only one mentor in their choice career.

Mentors do not have to be STA alumnae, but, according to Brodie, it is preferable mentors have some relation to the school. This year, mentors can be found across Missouri, Kansas, Texas, New York and other states.

Though it is a pilot program, Brodie plans to continue eMentoring, making adjustments along the way. She hopes all juniors will participate and benefit from the program in the future.

“I want [mentors] to know how awesome St. Teresa’s girls are,” Brodie said. H

Below is a chart of career choices of the juniors in the eMentor program. Juniors began to contact their mentors shortly before Thanksgiving break.

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Medicine and Therapy

6

The Arts

4

Math and Science

3

Politics

3

Education

photos by ANNA KROPF

Carpool drivers have access to reserved spots

Administration introduces new carpool program for students who drive two additional students to school

by KATHERINE GREEN standing features editor

After encouragement from the student leadership team which meets with the school principals once a month, STA has started a new carpool program, according to president Nan Bone. The carpool program, put in action this year, allows drivers who drive at least two non-sibling students to have a reserved parking spot in the student parking lot. The school painted the parking spots’ lines in November, beginning the program.

To distinguish these drivers from others at the school, Bone has given a parking pass to each carpool who signs up for them.

“As [carpooling] grows, [the school will] reserve more spots,” Bone said.

“This way we’re really not taking away any [spots] but we’re just adding more.”

To keep track of each pass and carpool, there will not be a parking pass for each person, Bone said, but only one for each carpool. For instance, if the carpool consists of multiple drivers and cars, the pass is to be shared among the carpool.

Sophomore Mary Campbell carpools with sophomores Sophia Mandacina and Alison Muñoz and is excited for the new program. Campbell’s carpool comes from north of the Missouri River, a drive that is 20 minutes.

“I think [the program is] a really good idea because I already carpool and it’d be awesome to have a reserved spot,” Campbell said. “And since there are so many other cars in the parking lot, it’ll save some space.”

Although students such as Campbell like the new program, some students, such as sophomore Machella Dunlea, are concerned the carpool spots will take away from the junior/ senior parking lot or the sophomore lot.

However, the reserved spots will come

from the spots that lined the sophomore parking lots that were not used this year.

“So many sophomores started driving this year,” Dunlea said. “If [the school takes] away [parking spots] from our lot, I don’t know what we’ll do.

I can’t take anyone to school because I have basketball so no one’s going to want to do the program with me. So, if I come last minute I’ll lose my spot to the [carpool program].”

However, if the carpool spots become full, new carpool spots will come from the grade’s parking lot they would originally be in. For instance, if it is a junior who is carpooling and all of the available spots are taken, then a new spot would be reserved in the junior lot for the carpool program.

Also, with the parking spots, the first carpoolers who arrive start parking at the closest spots to the school and the next parks in the one directly behind the taken spots. Therefore, people who are in the program do not have to search for parking spots every day. H

page designed by Christina Elias

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news

Senior receives volleyball honor The American Volleyball Coaches annual Under Armour Girls High School Association named Anna Kropf one of All-American Class.

To be nominated for this award, all the top players in the nation

by KATIE PARKINSON managing editor of print

Senior volleyball player Anna Kropf was named one of the top 100 players in the nation, according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

The players selected this year represent 33 states and 90 high schools.

“Coach Abbie called me one night to congratulate me on the honor...and I had forgotten that this award even existed so I was shocked,” Kropf said. “I had a hard time saying anything but thank you over and over again.”

Kropf was honored with a spot on the Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American team in the AVCA’s eighth

athletes had to be in their senior year of high school. Secondly, they had to be nominated by their high school coach, who had to be a member of the AVCA. Their individual statistics versus their opponents’ for the season had to have been recorded into MaxPreps, a free service that collects and shares high school sports data.

“I am so thankful to be considered one of the top 100 players in the nation, but I owe it all to my coaches and my teammates,” Kropf said.

Kropf said she is especially grateful considering that she believes there were many other qualified players who also deserve this honor.

“It’s a great honor to have received to

digging for gold | In addition to the Under Armour Award, Kropf received the Evelyn Gates Award Nov. 13 in Goppert Center. photo

by HANNAH BREDAR

finish up my high school career before I head into college,” Kropf said.

Kropf will attend Duke University where she will play volleyball in the fall. H

Junior plays on U-17 national soccer team Junior Dorian Bailey has “From there, they get been picked to play on the called into a national team U-17 National Soccer Team camp, and if they do well,

by SABRINA REDLINGSHAFER opinion editor

Junior Dorian Bailey was selected to play for the under-17 United States Women’s National Soccer Team.

According to Bailey, the girls chosen to be on the team are scouted by national team coaches at their club games and showcases.

they will just continue to be invited,” Bailey said. “There are usually around 28 girls called into training camps, but for tournaments and games, they only bring 20 girls.”

Bailey has traveled with the national team to many countries, including Costa Rica, the United Kingdom and Jamaica, where the team

the NEWS FEED in the world The U.S. and Iran signed an accord Nov. 23 to temporarily freeze Iran’s nuclear program, the first deal of its kind to be achieved in over a decade. It aims to allow international negotiators time to create a more permanent pact to ensure Iran’s nuclear program could only be used for peaceful purposes.

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recently played five games.

“We played Trinidad and Tobago first and won 8-0,” Bailey said. “Then we played Guatemala and won 7-0, and next we played Canada to decide the winner of our group (Group B), and we won 2-0.

So then we played Mexico in the semifinals and tied 1-1 in regulation time. There was no overtime in the tournament, so it went straight to penalty kicks and we lost. To qualify for the U17 World Cup, you

had to win your semifinal game, and so we didn’t qualify. Finally we played Jamaica and won 8-0.”

Bailey feels the relationships she has gained while on the team are a benefit.

“It’s an honor to be on the team and to be able to play with such talented girls,” Bailey said. “I’m really lucky to be able to have these experiences and be able to work and play with great coaches and teammates.” H

The Dart compiled summaries of events happening around the world.

in the u.s.

in missouri

in kansas city

Four passengers were killed and more than 60 were injured in a Metro-North train accident in New York Sunday. The train flew off the tracks when the operator performed an emergency braking maneuver after going into a turn too fast, according to officials.

The execution of racist serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin has been halted so that a lawsuit regarding Missouri execution protocol can first be resolved. Missouri had planned to be the first to use the lethal drug propofol, but a new drug is currently being researched.

Sporting KC defeated the Houston Dynamos last week 2-1, which means they will advance to the MLS final cup, the first time since 2004. Kansas City will host the game between Sporting and Real Salt Lake Dec. 7.

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

compiled by ANNA BAUMAN

ABBEY

star spotlight

HAINES

Each issue, the Dart interviews one STA student who stands out.

Senior Abbey Haines is president of the Junior Classical League, an organization of Latin and Greek students and teachers.

Dart: How long have you done it? How did you get involved?

Abbey: I’ve been involved in the JCL since my freshman year. I began Latin as a freshman and I loved the class. So, when Magistra Marquis mentioned the JCL, I thought, “Why not?” and decided to join.

After attending my first state and national conventions, I was hooked, and I became more involved. I started attending and contributing more in the STA meetings, and later running for office in the Missouri JCL.

by NATALIE FITTS co-editor-in-chief

Dart: What is your role as president?

Abbey: I run the meetings of the executive board, and I will also lead the state convention in February. Plus, I am in charge of coordinating service projects for the local JCL chapters in Missouri.

Dart: What does the STA JCL do in addition to attending the conventions?

Dart: What does the STA JCL do in addition to atAbbey: I think being involved in tending the conventions? the JCL has increased my enthuAbbey: The STA JCL has monthly meetings, and recently we’ve started playing more Classically-relat- siasm for Latin. Meeting people ed games, such as mythology bingo and Certamen, at conventions always humbles me and reminds me how much I which is essentially Latin Jeopardy. In addition to haven’t yet learned about Latin and some JCL holiday parties, we’re planning on doing Roman history. The JCL communisome fun activities or dinners outside school, too. ty has helped teach me how much Ancient Greece and Rome affect Dart: How did you become president? What is the our culture. Plus, wanting to do well voting process?

Abbey: At last year’s convention, I ran for the position at state and national Certamen competitions is incentive to study of the MOJCL president. I had been the parliamore! mentarian the year before so I had been in charge of the constitution and conducting the election.

Dart: Do you want to continue being Candidates for MOJCL offices present themselves involved in activities like this in college or at assemblies, campaign briefly, and answer audibeyond college? ence questions. Then, each school attending [the] Abbey: Yes! Once I graduate high school, I convention votes for each office, and whichever plan on joining the Missouri Senior Clascandidate for an office receives a plurality wins. I sical League and continuing to attend was running for president unopposed, but since schools can choose not to give any votes, I still had conventions. I don’t know where I’ll be after college, but I hope I’m still involved to win a plurality. with the JCL/SCL. Dart: What is your favorite part of JCL? Dart: What happens at conventions?

Abbey: My favorite part of the JCL is the commuAbbey: Conventions begin on a Friday nity it presents. I’ve met amazing people through evening and end the next afternoon. the JCL, and thanks to conventions, I have friends During that time, elections occur and in Massachusetts, Ohio and throughout Missouri.

Everyone who participates in the JCL really wants to students can participate in competibe at convention, so their enthusiasm inspires me to tions and hear a Classically-related colloquium. There’s always a Certamen be a better scholar and friend. tournament, a chess tournament, sports games and several art, costume and photo by MARIA DONNELLY performance competitions. staff photographer pages designed by Christina Elias & Jordan Berardi

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bits & pieces

instagrams

OF THE ISSUE

Each issue, the Dart chooses the best Instagrams from STA students. This month’s theme was Kansas City. compiled by SIOBHAN MILLER

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE

Photo by junior Basil Burnette “My city don’t need no filter” @hellomynameisbasil

strike a pose | STA varsity dance team rehearses a routine Nov. 4. The team elected senior Katie Daniels as head captain and seniors Katherine Viviano and Camille Porterfield as co-captains at the beginning of the year to lead the team. photo by HANNAH BREDAR

or

HOT NOT?

The latest trends and non-trends in pop culture today, as voted on by the Dart staff.

compiled by CHRISTINA ELIAS

that’s what SHE SAID Here are the most relatable, humorous and original tweets from STA students, chosen by the Dart staff.

Don’t forget to follow @dartnewsonline on Twitter.

CHRISTMAS

Edition

NOT

MOVIE

HOT

compiled by LINDSEY VALDIVIEZ 19 Nov

The fact that whenever i type “ugh” it autocorrects to “UGHHHH” tells you a lot about my personality Emily Godfrey @godfrey_em

Elf

Home Alone

Photo by senior Maddie Knopke “RED ZONE” @maddieknopke

2 Dec

If you can’t spell Chiefs right then I’m judging you Snow Whitehead @FLAMING_MELONS

2 Dec

SONG

Why have pumpkin flavored things when we don’t eat pumpkins?

Maya Charles @mastamac1

All I Want for Santa Baby Christmas is You

1 Dec

So im guessing the cheifs palyers gloves are sponsered by butter Giggy Reardon @Getgiggywith_it

30 Nov

TREE

Every time I think back to when I didn’t know how to drive and didn’t have a phone, I wonder how I survived Lily O’Neill @LilyNeill Fake

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Madi Kintzle @madikintzle

Real

11 Nov

Forgive me God for I have sinned. I let my Shatto chocolate milk expire.

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

Photo by freshman Jeannie O’Flaherty “Don’t call me crazy I’m happy” @jeannieoflaherty

NEXT MONTH’S INSTAGRAM CONTEST THEME:

Winter

hashtag your photos #dartnewsonline

features

MOCSA & STA

source: RAPE, ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK graphic by LAUREN LANGDON

RAPE CASE PROSECUTION

60% of cases unreported 40% of cases reported 10% lead to an arrest 8% are prosecuted 4% lead to felony conviction 3% spend even a day in prison

pages designed by Mary Hilliard & Katie Parkinson

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features

take note | MOCSA educator, Keith Bradley, gives hand-outs to the class about rape prevention Nov. 7. photo by ADRIANNA OHMES

stay alert | Sophomore Cara Gose watches listen up | MOCSA education and outreach specialist, Keith Bradley, asks the class several questions about sexual assault after showing them the video “The Undetected Rapist” during the short film “The Undetected Rapist” Nov. 7. photo by ADRIANNA OHMES a meeting, Nov. 7. photo by ADRIANNA OHMES

MOCSA & STA

A

lthough multiple national high school rape cases have made the news recently, the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) has conducted seminars on STA’s campus since before 2006. As these cases bring the topic of high school sexual assault and rape forward MOCSA becomes increasingly relevant as a source of education in an all girls school.

MOCSA teaches STA sophomores how to prevent, recognize and handle cases of sexual assault or rape. In addition, they discuss gender stereotypes, sexual harassment and dating violence during four seminars held in the Windmoor Center during both lunch/activities.

According to MOCSA representative Cheyenne Clonch, the message of MOCSA has remained the same, but they update their CDC statistics in presentations and add new more relevant examples.

MOCSA education and outreach specialist Keith Bradley incoporates high profile cases in his discussions.

“Obviously with every case we like to talk about it a little bit more ... and those cases give us specific examples to work from which are more powerful than just general,” Bradley said.

On the fourth day of the seminar the

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With recent, prominent rape cases, the four course seminar MOCSA gives STA sophomores have become increasingly important and relevant

by LAUREN LANGDON |web scheduling editor

girls are shown the documentary “The Undetected Rapist” which depicts a re-enactment of an interview between clinical psychologist David Lisak and a rapist referred to as Frank.

“That guy in the video, Frank, if I tell him not to rape somebody he is not going to listen to me, but if I get everyone around to tell him that, that’s going to make a difference,” Bradley said. “So we talk more about bystander intervention in light of these cases.”

Two cases recently have made national headlines. In Maryville, Matthew Barnett allegedly raped 14 year-old Daisy Coleman as Jordan Zech recorded a video of the incident Jan. 8, 2012. An unnamed minor allegedly raped Coleman’s friend 13 year-old Paige Parkhurst the same night. Later that year, two star high school football players, Trent Mays and Ma’lik Richmond, raped a 16 year-old girl Aug. 11 in Steubenville, Ohio. According to senior Maggie Bowen these cases have reiterated MOCSA’s teachings.

“I definitely think the importance [of MOCSA] has grown because what MOCSA ingrained in everyone’s mind was that the victim can never be blamed,” senior Maggie Bowen said. “No matter what [the victims] say, or how they are

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

dressed or what they have ingested they are completely not to blame so that’s the huge thing in the Maryville case, and I just cannot fathom how it still is being debated.”

According to Bowen, while MOCSA is important, students might not learn anything due to the average group size of 30 students and the environment.

“Everyone is there to joke around and not take it seriously like I was,” Bowen said. “They think they are above that and that nothing like that would ever happen to them and they are too smart to ever be raped or coerced by anything. No one took it seriously, and so it’s kind of sad looking back at it. I didn’t get anything out of it. I don’t think anyone really got anything out of it.”

Personal counselor Amanda Johnson said she thinks girls get as much out of the program as they put in.

One STA alumna (who wishes to remain anonymous because she is pursuing prosecution for a rape that she alleges happened in the summer of 2013) believes that despite some students’ attitudes in MOCSA, the seminar should remain mostly unchanged.

“I think it’s a good grade level to go with sophomores because then you have

Stay SAFE The Dart compiled a few apps that enable people to get help if they are in an emergency or threatening situation.

Blame assailant, not victim

Circle of 6 sends timed interruptions to users and allows them to send their GPS coordinates to six people.

Panic Guard

assigns users with a safety advisor who will call 911 with your location and personal profile in an emergency.

BSafe allows

users to send a fake call to themselves and set contacts to receive alerts of their location.

been in high school for a year and you are starting to get acclimated to the whole high school life,” the anonymous source said. “You have to start at a decent age so you can be educated, and so you can understand and be aware of what is around you. I do think it should be more stressed though.”

Although she wishes the organization spent less time on topics that did not directly relate to sexual assault, she said she saw the importance of MOCSA when she was raped.

“I think MOCSA is a really good program,” the anonymous source said. “[MOCSA] should remember when teaching high school girls... never to ‘slut-shame,’ never to ‘victim blame’ and very strongly instill that in the girls. That is what I was told by MOCSA advocates... and it made me feel a lot better.”

According to sophomore Laura Dierks she already knew about gender stereotypes before the seminar, but other teachings by MOCSA brought the pieces together. “[MOCSA is] good for people because it’s not something we are all going to research, but it is something we are interested in because it is stuff that is in our lives.” H

by ADRIANNA OHMES print photo editor

“Awful for these girls? They got what they went looking for. They are now only trying to save face because they got caught with their pants down by mommy.”

- Amock4u, an anonymous commenter on a post about the Maryville teen rape case on the Huffington Post.

I scrolled through countless comments on posts about the Steubenville and Maryville rape cases. This one happened to make me the most nauseous.

It is never the victim’s fault.

But in the society we live in today, victim blaming has become the norm. People blame rape victims for dressing a certain way, acting a certain way or being under the influence of some intoxicant.

None of those things should matter.

Whether a victim is clothed from head to toe or completely naked does not excuse the rapist’s actions. Whether the victim is married to their rapist or has never met their rapist before does not excuse the rapist’s actions. Whether the victim is drunk or has never touched alcohol does not excuse the rapist’s actions.

Many people blame victims of lying and accusing their attacker out of anger. However, according to MOCSA’s website, only 2 to 8 percent of rapes that are reported are false.

Why do people jump to the conclusion that the victim is lying?

I can’t answer this because I’ve never been able to fathom blaming the victim of any crime.

Am I even an appropriate person to talk about sexual assault? I have never been raped. I am not a MOCSA representative.

But I do know the subject from personal experiences.

I can list about six people off of the top of my head who I’ve been close to who have been sexually assaulted. Some were assaulted as children by people who they trusted, some were assaulted in their late teens by someone they barely knew. Most recently, someone who I’m close to was

raped, and I was there with her after it happened.

Thanks to my MOCSA sessions and other situations I’d been in, I knew how to handle the situation. We were able to have her attacker arrested before he could flee, and she got the immediate legal and medical help she needed.

Friends and family members of her attacker have commented on posts about the arrest and allegations online threatening to expose her identity. One anonymous commenter did post her name. Others claim that her rapist couldn’t have raped her, that he respects women too much and isn’t capable “of such horrendous things.”

They said that she was lying, and that it was her fault.

They do not know what happened that night and blaming the victim is the most senseless, disgusting and horrendous thing to do besides raping someone yourself.

The only people who actually know what happened during an alleged rape is the victim (if conscious), the attacker and any witnesses.

If I am honest, I cannot say what actually happened except for what I’ve been told, and his family and friends are in the same boat.

But I can tell you this, I have never experienced something so heart breaking, so world shattering as I did when my friend tried to walk to me and couldn’t because she kept collapsing. With tears streaming down her face and her mascara running, she kept repeating, “I told him no. I told him to stop.”

How could I not believe her?

I understand that the attacker may not seem like the kind of person who would sexually assault anyone, but what a person does when they’re alone or in a position of power over someone else cannot always be detected.

While people are blaming girls like Daisy and Paige in the Maryville cases or Jane Doe in Steubenville who have come out about their assaults, there are millions of victims who stay silent in fear. Fear of being blamed, fear of not being accepted and fear of having to see their attacker again.

They are courageous enough to pursue justice, and that should be applauded not blamed.H

page designed by Katie Parkinson

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features sophomore McKENZIE GRIMALDI

››

adopted from Jefferson City, MO

ADOPTION

assortments What is it like to be adopted? Three students share their individual and unique stories of how they came to be with their families today

by KATIE PARKINSON managing editor of print photos by KATIE HORNBECK staff photographer

junior

MARLEY SCHMIDTLEIN ›› adopted through Catholic Charities

junior

OLIVIA BELLATIN adopted from Lima, Peru

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

McKENZIE GRIMALDI: BLENDED BACKGROUND Eight children: five are adopted, three are not, but all are part of the same family: the Grimaldi family.

According to sophomore McKenzie Grimaldi, who was adopted from Jefferson City, her parents decided to adopt children after her mother, a nurse at Children’s Mercy Hospital, saw all the kids in need at the hospital.

“I used to think that since my three older sisters aren’t adopted, my mom liked them more than she liked [her adopted children],” Grimaldi said. “I’m hers, but she gave birth to [my older sisters], so I used to be like, ‘You like them more, and that’s why they

get all this stuff,’ but that’s not true.”

In fact, Grimaldi said the most obvious difference between her and her parents is their skin color.

“It’s different,” Grimaldi said. “I’m African-American and my mom isn’t, and my friends who are adopted are Caucasian and so are their parents, so I stand out in my family, but [my friends] don’t.”

According to Grimaldi, she has been told that she looks like her biological father, although she hasn’t met him. However, she has known her birth mother since she was a child, and they visit a few times a year on special occasions.

“We call her ‘Mama Donna,’” Grimaldi said. “I kind of think of her as another mom, but I also don’t. I know she gave birth to me, but I haven’t been with her all this time, so it’s kind of hard to say she’s like another mom.”

According to Grimaldi, when people ask her what it is like to be adopted, she tells them it is the same as if someone lives with biological parents. “[Being adopted is] obviously not exactly the same because you’re not with your biological parents, but I’m treated just the same as if I were,” Grimaldi said. “[My parents] love me just as much.” H

MARLEY SCHMIDTLEIN: MYSTERY BIRTHPLACE someone who most likely has a lot of things said. “It’s just always been [a fact]: ‘You’re adopted.’ They never sat me down and were in common with you.” like, ‘You were adopted’…It’s never been a big “I’ve found there’s some things my deal.” parents have in common with me that is However, given that obviously nurture, Schmidtlein and her like how I was brother were adoptraised, but a lot of My family members are ed through Catholic our likes and what just really thankful to Charities, the family we’re good at are have each other. has remained active really different,” — Marley Schmidtlein, junior in their support for the Schmidtlein said. institution, helping to “It’d be really inorganize functions and teresting to know participating in fundraisers. what my birth parents were good at, and “My parents just put on a gala for Cathwhat I have in common [with them].” olic Charities so [being adopted] has been Aside from this curiosity, being adopted has not impacted Schmidtlein’s life in any big on my mind,” Schmidtlein said. “[My family members are] just really thankful to have ways, according to her.

“My parents are my parents,” Schmidtlein each other.” H

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OLIVIA BELLATIN: OVERSEAS BABY

Olivia Bellatin is an STA junior, plays soccer and is a member of the Rotary Interact Club. But she could have ended up on the streets, begging for food. She could have lived in a small house with a dirt floor in Lima, Peru.

When Bellatin’s 14-year-old birth mother gave her up for adoption, this was the life from which Bellatin was spared. “[Being adopted] makes me appreciate things more,” Bellatin said. “It also made me respect that [my birth mom] gave me up. I know she wanted to keep me, but she

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Where are you from? What nationality are you? Where were you born?

Junior Marley Schmidtlein does not know the answers to these questions.

Schmidtlein was adopted through Catholic Charities when she was a baby. Although her records are sealed until she turns 18, Schmidtlein said she thinks she was born in this area, but she doesn’t know at which hospital.

“I think I do [want to find out about my birth family,]” Schmidtlein said. “My brother is adopted, and he turned 18 a while ago, and he doesn’t want to know, but I kind of want to know.”

According to Schmidtlein, she mainly wants to obtain this information to know her medical history and nationality, but also because it is “really interesting to know

lived in a house with a dirt floor and she was working and she couldn’t [afford to have me].”

According to Bellatin, although she has seen a picture of her biological mother, she has never met her.

“I want to at least meet her one day and see what she’s like,” Bellatin said. “I want to see if she’s like me at all. Other than that, she’s not really part of my life. Adoption doesn’t really come up [in conversation]. Everyone just accepts it, and they don’t question it.”

When the topic does come up, Bellatin said it is usually because people are trying to guess her ethnicity, which has been misidentified as African-American and Native American.

Despite adoption’s minimal impact on her everyday life, Bellatin said she would “definitely adopt” when she is older and ready to start a family.

“I want my own children, but I think the idea of adoption is really good,” Bellatin said. “Like me, I would have lived in a terrible home, and adoption saved me from that.” H page designed by Emily Wemhoff

page designed by Emily Wemhoff

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A&E

STA stars love ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ “The Fault in Our Stars” tells the story of teenage cancer patients Lancaster and Augustus Waters. Hazel

by MARY HILLIARD has “lungs that suck at being page designer lungs” and meets Waters, who lost his leg to osteosarIn author John Green’s coma, at a cancer support “The Fault in Our Stars,” meeting. teenager Hazel Lancaster “[‘The Fault in Our Stars’ adores the book “An Imperial Affliction” by fictional author is] just not the typical love story…[the main characters] Peter Van Houten. have cancer,” freshman Ra“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this chel Alexander said. “It’s not perfect. It’s not just another weird evangelical zeal, and teenage book.” you become convinced that Sophomore Maddie the shattered world will never Summers said that she be put back together unless would recommend the book and until all living humans to anyone. read the book,” Lancaster “Everyone who can read says. should read it,” Summers Ironically, many STA stusaid. dents would use this quote The New York Times bestto describe “The Fault in Our seller has taken the nation, Stars.” According to freshand STA, by storm, earning man Marin Brown, the book number-one spots on the is “perfect” and “sweet and reading lists of TIME magafunny and cute.”

John Green’s New York Times chart-topper proves favorite among students

Cancer patients’ wit shines through fateful storyline HHHHH

Bestselling book defies illness stereotypes

by EMMA WILLIBEY features copy editor

Cancer introduces teenagers Hazel Lancaster and Augustus Waters in author John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars,” but wit bonds them. Lung-cancer-afflict-

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ed Lancaster, who boasts a huge vocabulary and an “America’s Next Top Model” obsession, meets osteosarcoma patient Waters at Support Group. Waters’ cigarettes repulse, then intrigue Lancaster.

“I’ve never lit [a cigarette],” Waters explains. “It’s a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

written in the “stars” | Senior Tessa Smith, from left, STA mom Wendy Burgess, sophomore Hayley Burgess and senior Shelby Hawkins wait for author John Green Nov. 16. Green writes adult fiction novels and creates informational YouTube videos. photo by JESSIE CULVER

zine, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

However, the book does not appeal to everyone.

Sophomore Mary Grace Campbell said she found the book “predictable.”

“I feel like I’ve heard the story before,” Campbell said.

“I thought it was a sappy teen romance.”

However, Campbell, Summers, Brown and Alexander, cried reading the book.

“I cried at least four times

teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.”

Similarly, Lancaster’s diagnosis cannot overcome her cleverness. Rather than allowing cancer to define her, Lancaster twists oxygen-providing nubbins in her nose to guilt a flight attendant into pouring champagne. Lancaster’s irrepressible personality persuades her to resent cancer-patient glorification.

Near the novel’s end, Lancaster receives a 2:35

while reading the book,” Summers said.

According to Summers, her favorite part of the book is Waters’ attitude toward cancer.

“It wasn’t that [Waters] was super positive, but he accepted [having cancer] and he wasn’t angry and he just had a good attitude going about it,” Summers said. “He was just like, ‘This is my life, this is what I have to do.’ [Waters] is the love of my life.” H

a.m. call from Waters. He sits coated in vomit from a faulty stomach tube after driving to a gas station to buy cigarettes.

“I hate myself I hate myself I hate this I disgust myself,” Waters moans.

Upon reaching Waters, Lancaster calls the ambulance. Yet as she purchases her boyfriend’s cigarettes, Lancaster recognizes upholding Waters’ personality is as important as satisfying his medical needs. H

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1. Senior Tessa Smith’s drawing “Proserpina.” 2. Smith’s reproduction of the painting “Salt Kettle, Bermuda.” 3. Smith’s pastel “Judah in Orange.” 4. Smith’s drawing “Peppers.” 5. Smith’s drawing “Cogito Ergo Sum,” or “I think, therefore I am.” photos by JULIA HAMMOND

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Wearing their art on their sleeves Portfolio course educates seniors on mastering college submissions

by EMMA WILLIBEY features copy editor

Each spring, seniors in art teacher Theresa Wallerstedt’s art portfolio class showcase high school works. Portfolio work stands beside advanced drawing’s blind-contour portraits and drawing I’s scissors, but girls’ evolutions do not shock Wallerstedt.

“I pretty much know who’s going to be in portfolio in drawing I class,” Wallerstedt said. “[Seniors] Tessa [Smith] and Bailey [Whitehead] and Bree [Begnaud]—I knew all those girls had the talent to be in portfolio.”

As a reward for surviving drawing I’s “tediousness,” Wallerstedt enables art portfolio students to experiment before submitting college compilations. Each student designates a theme like “fantasy” or “delusion” to inform

her artwork. According to Wallerstedt, the themes arose four years ago to define girls’ focuses.

“I looked at another school’s website,” Wallerstedt said of discovering themes.

“There were themes. There were connections. Light bulb!”

Smith’s “words to live by” theme samples works like alternative-country band the Avett Brothers’ 2009 track “Ill With Want.” The lyrics “temporary is my time / ain’t nothing on this world that’s mine / except the will I found to carry on” will accompany a ceramic-etched girl clutching a light amid material objects, Smith said. According to Smith, the theme allows her to reimagine beloved phrases.

“There are several sonnets by Shakespeare that use, like, ‘coral red’ or ‘pearl white,’ Whitehead

and I would take those quotes and depict them in an artistic fashion,” Smith said of her theme.

Smith “Some [words] are meant to be depicted. Some are really meaningful words that don’t have a lot of imagery in them that you have to kind of mess with.”

While colleges do not require themed portfolios, Whitehead said art portfolio’s standards familiarized her with “high contrast and low saturation.” The consistency will improve Whitehead’s submission to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

“It looks cooler if everything you have in your portfolio is related to each other,” Whitehead said. “If there’s a bunch of range, [viewers] can tell everything you’re doing, but it’s just kind of all over the place.”

Smith said she will send portfolios to the University of Michigan and Washington University. According to Smith, the portfolio’s artist statement, descriptions and 15 to 20 pictures chart her high-school progress.

“There’s one chalk image of my eighth grade music teacher’s baby [in my portfolio],” Smith said. “In January [of advanced drawing], I just kind of figured out how pastels worked. And the rest of the time after that I knew exactly what I was gonna do and I knew exactly how to do it.”

According to Smith and Whitehead, financial insecurity undermines artistic careers. Smith may explore graphic design, while Whitehead favors film. However, Wallerstedt said portfolio’s purpose resonates regardless of girls’ paths.

“What every artist desires to do is find their own style, and I think portfolio lets [students] do that,” Wallerstedt said. H

page designed by Emma Willibey

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MODERN

the

cover story

The Dart explores the changing image of the “traditional” family structure and compared the lifestyles of three distinctive STA households

by SARA-JESSICA DILKS and LIBBY HYDE co-editor-in-chief and multimedia editor

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hanksgiving break has just ended, and the winter holidays quickly approaching, which means that it is the season of spending time with loved ones - particularly family. The family structure and background of every STA student differs greatly; however, when the Dart asked several random students what the word “family” means to them, the responses tended to be similar.

“A support system of people who love you and want the best for you,” senior Grace Wells said.

“The people that love you no matter what happens to you,” junior Ally Drummond said.

“My support system,” freshman Sarah Cozad said.

While the concept of the “traditional American family” structure typically includes a married pair of a mother and father and two to three children, Jeffrey

Bennett, a sociology professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said this idea has “changed a good deal just over the last 100 years or so.”

Bennett said the concept of a traditional American family is sometimes referred to as the “nuclear family.” This term is defined as a married man and woman living with their own children, according to the New York Times article “The Changing American Family.” Today, nuclear families only account for about 23.5 percent of American households.

“Who actually serves as the caregiver is much less important than the amount of care the caregiver gives,” Bennett said. “If [you have a family] that is attentive to your needs, loves you, and bonds with you... you’re gonna do just fine.”

According to principal of academic affairs Barb McCormick, any statistics about family background dynamics are confidential and are not available to the public. How-

ever, the 2013-2014 St. Teresa’s Academy roster lists approximately 65 households as having either just one parent, or having two parents with separate addresses.

Roseann Hudnall, director of admissions at STA, is the “touchpoint” for interacting with families of incoming students.

Hudnall said that a student’s family background is not a factor in their admission into the school whatsoever.

“When I [talk with] non-traditional families, it doesn’t register to me they’re non-traditional,” Hudnall said. “At STA, acceptance is one of the very best things we do.”

Regardless of the range of type, size or structure, all STA families have one specific thing in common, according to Hudnall. “[All STA families] are looking for a quality education for their daughters,” Hudnall said. “More than that, they’re looking for community and the personal, emotional development [that STA provides].” H

THE HUTCHISONS: BROKEN DOWN

DAD

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MARY CLARA

FRITZ

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

CHARLIE

ROSE

MAGGIE

OLIVER

JOE

BRUNO

compiled by LAUREN LANGDON | web editor

1. A few members of the Hutchison family and exhange student Bruno Corréa discuss their family relationship Nov 11. The Hutchisons have seven children in their family. photo by JESSICA CULVER 2. The Hutchison family has paintings of every child hanging on the wall of their staircase.

The paintings were created by Maggie’s grandma, Rita Vinlove. photo by JESSICA CULVER

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The Hutchison family poses for a picture over Thanksgiving break. Top row, from left: Fritz, mom Judy, dad Pete, Oliver, exchange student Bruno Corréa and Charlie. Bottom row, from left: Maggie, Mary Clara, Rose and Joe. photo submitted by MAGGIE HUTCHISON

FAMILY

the

Junior Maggie Hutchison is one of seven children, which she said gets “quite hectic.”

“Is Mary Clara home yet?”

“Where’s Joe?” “Aren’t Oliver and Bruno supposed to be home soon?”

These are phrases commonly thrown around the Hutchison household. It can sometimes sound quite hectic on evenings when everyone is at home. Visitors to their house will also remember the family photos arranged in a frame, inspired by the popular arrangement in the show “The Brady Bunch.”

With nine family members and an exchange student from Brazil, a hectic day at their house is not hard to come by. In the words of junior Maggie, “we are definitely not typical.”

The Hutchison family consists of parents Pete and Judy and children Mary Clara, 23, Fritz, 22, Charlie, 20, Rose ,18, Maggie, 17, Oliver, 15, Joe, 12, and Bruno,

17, who is their exchange student from Brazil.

“Its been quieter since Rose left for college at MU, because she always had something to do,” Maggie said.

For 12-year-old Joe, their family is defined by “putting people who hate each other into the same house, and making them love each other.”

However, the siblings agree that it is great to have people around all the time.

Each person has their role in the family.

Even the beloved dog has her role -- the family all takes turns monologuing what she could be thinking.

According to Maggie, they are binded together as siblings by their affection for two things: Disney and “Les Misérables.”

“We tried to put on our own [version] one day,” Maggie said. “We made our cat play young Cosette. It didn’t work out well; my sister ended up slapping me accidentally.”

Though the Hutchison family has its

fun-loving moments of recreating Broadway classics in attic rooms, just like any other family, they have their arguments as well.

“Me and Rose argue about clothes -- she would steal mine, and she wouldn’t even let me borrow her socks; it was so unfair.”

According to Joe, he and Oliver fight about “video games and everything else.”

Bruno admitted that he was a bit overwhelmed when he first met the Hutchison family.

“Somehow it all just fits perfectly,” Bruno said. “It was an easy transition because I had no problem with them, it just worked.”

Bruno described the first time he met the whole family together in one word, “crazy.”

“My favorite part is that six people have to like me,” Mary Clara said. “And I’m never lonely. I always have people to come home to. It’s like six built-in friends right here.” H page designed by Sara-Jessica Dilks

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cover story

FAMILY Senior Maggie Bowen lives in an all-female household.Her immediate family includes her mom Beth, her older sister Clare, and her grandmother Judith.

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the female figure [is] a strong, well-off, wo puppies and several cats independent woman...it’s not that we don’t scamper in and out of the integrate with men, but [we] just have a Bowen household -- a home really strong solidarity with who [we] are,” decorated with floral china Maggie said. plates, tablecloths - completed with a Being raised in a single-parent home small library. has at times had disadvantages, Maggie The puppies, muddy-pawed and all, said. However, she wouldn’t trade her famcontinue to prance around a smiley, wideily structure if given the chance. eyed 89-year-old “Grandma,” who sits on “I’ll be looking at colleges and thinking, the couch reading a newspaper.

‘Maybe if I had a dad, [my household] The Bowen family consists of all would have two incomes and it would females: senior Maggie Bowen, her older be easier,” Maggie said. “But on the other sister and STA alumna Clare Bowen, her side [if I did have a dad], maybe I wouldn’t mother Beth Bowen and her grandmother Judith It never occurred to me, have had the same work ethic or independence.”

Bowen. even at a young age, Maggie has not expeAccording to that I wouldn’t be able rienced any issues with Maggie, many of to become a self-reliant peers at STA because of the “really good female. her non-traditional family moments” happen during — Maggie Bowen, senior background. political arguments, “In high school, a lot of peoin which Judith, “Grandma,” presents a ple didn’t give it a second thought,” Magcurrent issue in the news and Maggie gie said. “If anything, STA is impressed; and Clare argue while Beth serves as the in science, they think the whole sperm “endless peacekeeper.” donor story is really cool. STA [students Beth, a nurse, conceived both Maggie and Clare through a sperm donor because and families] are completely accepting of single-parent households.” she felt she was “meant to be” a mother.

When asked about her role in raising “[Beth] wanted my sister and I that badMaggie and Clare, Judith said she has ly,” Clare said. “She wasn’t going to wait “precious little” influence. to get married. She woke up and decided “Beth does all the emotional and health that it was now or never.” stuff and I’m just kind of around,” Judith As a result of having just one parent at said. “And I’m having a great time.” home, Maggie was raised to be “fiercely Clare disagreed with her grandma. independent,” according to Beth.

“She has had a huge impact on my “I know a lot of people are always life,” Clare said. “I mean, I was one of the talking about that marriage situation, luckiest kids in the world.” H but it never even occurred to me, even at a young age, that I wouldn’t be able to become a self-reliant female,” Maggie said.

According to Maggie, her mother and grandmother have both influenced her sense of identity.

“For us,

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THE BOWENS: BROKEN DOWN

BETH (mom)

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MAGGIE

JUDITH (grandma)

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massive and beautifully adorned Christmas tree greets every person who walks into junior Arinna Hoffine’s mother’s home.

“We’re really into Christmas...as you can tell,” Arinna said with a smile. “Even though my mom is Jewish and half of us are Jewish.”

Five and a half years ago, Arinna’s mother, Trace Shapiro, “merged” her family with Scott Parrish’s family. He is now her stepfather. As a result, Arinna and her blood-related sisters, Shiva, 15, Chloe, 12, and Sadie, 10, now also have two step-sisters: Ashley, 19, and Skylar, 14.

“But I refer to them all as my real sisters,”

a FAMILY

AFFAIR

Junior Arinna Hoffine, who is part of the Shapiro-Parrish family, took photos of her family for an assignment in Mr. Eric Thomas’s digital photography class.

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1. Senior Maggie Bowen, left, her

sister Clare, her grandma Judith and her mom Beth.

2. The Hoffine family from left: Scott Parrish, Ashley Parrish, Skylar Parrish, Shiva Hoffine, Chloe Hoffine, Arinna Hoffine, Sadie Hoffine and Trace Shapiro.

3. The Shapiro-Parrish family gathers around their family room. photos by MARIA DONNELLY

SHAPIRO-PARRISH:

BROKEN DOWN SCOTT PARRISH (step-dad) TRACE SHAPIRO (arinna’s mom) ASHLEY PARRISH SKYLAR PARRISH ARINNA HOFFINE SHIVA HOFFINE

FAMILY Ashley said. “I’ve never called them my ‘stepsisters’ to anyone.”

In this household, family comes first over everything -- over friends, over chores and even over homework.

“Merging the families has made us more stable as a family,” Trace said. “Prior to that, we were more nomadic.”

According to the family, certain special traditions are important, such as vacationing to Universal Studios theme park in Florida every few years. Eating is also of high value to the Parrish-Shapiro household; every other Sunday, they go out to dinner together (a family favorite is Chuy’s Mexican Food on the Country Club Plaza), and usually every

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Junior Arinna Hoffine’s family includes her mom, step-dad and her five sisters and step-sisters.

Monday, they hold a family dinner at home.

As a “blended family” they have adapted well together, despite the mix of “historically different” cultures, according to Trace. “[Before merging families], we used to only eat organic food and we never had cable,” Arinna said. “But now, we [have compromised] some things, like we still eat organic food but we finally have cable and a microwave.”

As the only male in the house along with seven females, Arinna’s stepfather Scott says that at times, it can be a challenge, but his strong male personality type tends to “counterbalance the whole female hormones thing.” Arinna added how “Donut

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CHLOE HOFFINE SADIE HOFFINE

Days” are yet another special ritual for her family.

“Well, that ‘time of the month’ happens at different times for different ones of us, so if you’re having a particularly terrible PMS-y day, [Scott] will take [the girls] out for donuts,” Trace said.

When asked if they have ever experienced hostility from others because of their nontraditional family structure, Scott was quick to respond.

“The basis of our family is that we care only about what our family thinks, and we’re really not worried about what everyone else or society thinks,” Scott said. H 1. Arinna’s sister Shiva Hoffine, from left, and family, mom Trace Shapiro, step-sister Skylar Parrish, sister Sadie Hoffine and step-dad Scott Parrish warm themselves around a fire at their farm in Kearney, Missouri on a cool November night.

2. Arinna’s step-dad Scott Parrish, left, and mom Trace Shapiro stand outside with their kids at their farm Nov. 2.

3. Arinna’s sister Sadie Hoffine swings outside of her mom’s house in Brookside. page designed by Sara-Jessica Dilks

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reviews

The best pizza in KC

by LEIGH CAMPBELL breaking news editor

Meat lovers will enjoy the Salsiccia The Blue Grotto restaurant in Brookside is one of the best pizza places pizza which includes sausage, tomato, peperonata, oregano and mozzarella. in Kansas City. Although the restauThere are also seven other pizzas to rant is certainly not restricted to pizza choose from. (the menu includes a variety of salads, The open kitchen allows you to see steaks, etc.), its pizza is unmatched. the chefs at work topping your pizza and The Blue Grotto offers fresh tasting, placing it in the brick oven. The two-story homemade thin crust pizza. In appearrestaurant allows for even better views of ance, it is similar to Spin Pizza (which chefs throwing is not far down pizza dough. the road on Main THE BLUE GROTTO And it arrives Street), but it offers Location: 6324 Brookside Plaza quickly with a much more auOwner: John Grier the cheese still thentic taste with Cuisine: Pizza, wine, and bar sizzling. ingredients like Cost: $$$$ Although a fresh basil and a Must Try: Quattro Formaggio pizza, Margherita bit expensive— variety of cheeses. pizza the food prices The crust will range from $5 melt in your mouth, to $17—the made from Capufood is worth the price. An eight-piece to flour. The Margherita pizza includes pizza is $13-$14. just the right amount of sauce, while If you are looking for a modern, the Quattro Formaggio blends all the right cheeses (ricotta, gorgonzola, grana delicious place to eat, check out the Blue Grotto in Brookside. H padano and taleggio).

HHHHH

short & sweet about time

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Domhnall Gleeson

HHHHH

by MADELINE BEST | page designer

“About Time,” starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson, who also played Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, tells the story of a semi-awkward man named Tim who learns of a family secret that allows him to travel back in time. After meeting Mary, played by McAdams, and not making a rather great first impression, Tim uses his newfound ability to travel back in time to try and win Mary’s heart.

Before seeing this movie, I figured it would be an ordinary romantic comedy that tried too hard to be funny, but I was pleasantly surprised. About Time balanced candid comedy with the sincere struggles of life and love at first sight. I highly recommend seeing this movie while it’s still in theaters especially if you are a fan of “Love Actually,” which was also written by Richard Curtis. H.

COLD JUSTICE

Season 2 premieres Jan. 17 on TNT

HHHHH

by NATALIE FITTS | co-editor in chief

slice of life | The Blue Grotto restaurant in Brookside has some of the best pizza in Kansas City like the Margarita Pizza pictured here. photo by SIOBHAN MILLER

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

This fall, TNT added a “real life crime series” to their lineup. “Cold Justice” provides the excitement of shows such as “CSI” and “Cold Case” with reality.

Each episode, prosecutor Kelly Siegler and crime scene investigator Yolanda McClary travel to a small town where a violent crime case has gone cold for whatever reason.

In the first season, the pair travel from Arizona to Louisiana to Ohio to investigate unsolved cases from as far back as 1982 to as recently as 2008.

The only disappointing part of the show is the lack of resolution. When most of the episodes air, the case is still not closed like it would be on most fictitious shows. However, this adds to the reality of the show. TNT updates the show’s website whenever updates are made to any of the cases that have been featured. H

Check out the complete reviews on dartnewsonline.com

editorial

editorial cartoon by MARY GRACE MASCHLER

The essence of STA connects our families The staff editorial reflects the views of the Dart editorial board.

No two families are the same.

Senior Maggie Bowen’s family consists of her mother, grandmother and sister. Junior Maggie Hutchison’s family consists of her mother and father, six other siblings and a foreign exchange student. Junior Arinna Hoffine’s family consists of her mother, stepfather, two sisters and four stepsisters. Some STA girls have one sibling. Some have no siblings. Some have one parent.

Others have two of the same sex.

Though many STA families differ in structure, our families have much more in common than we think. When our families enroll us at STA, we join a network of families with similar interests.

list of priorities. Our families are very cognizant that a superb education is imperative for their daughters’ future success. STA’s 99 percent college attendance rate also shows that our families want us to continue receiving an education after high school.

STA connects all these values 6 of 7 editors our families hold. When our families are asked “Where does voted in support your daughter/sister/grandof this editorial. daughter go to high school?” “St. Teresa’s” is their answer. It’s all Our families consider the best of our families’ answers. Despite the diverse composition of each possible circumstances for our family, STA remains our common academic success. They value ground and is the safeguard for obtaining a faith-based education for us. Additionally, a quality our academic, spiritual and future education is high on our families’ successes. H Our parents or guardians share a common-ground: making sure we, as young women, are happy, successful and comfortable. Long before our families knew we would attend STA, our parents or guardians set goals for us.

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right on How do you think STA connects our families?

“By getting “The sense of TARGET involved in parent community and Each issue, the Dart asks three people their views on the main editorial

organizations like PASTA or helping with the auction.”

senior Katie Tampke

shared faith. The tradition bonds us together.”

sophomore Meg Thompson

compiled by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH

“The different extracurricular activities because the parents come to events and bond with each other.”

freshman Jacque Smith page designed by Sabrina Redlingshafer

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perspectives

IT TAKES TWO

by LEIGH CAMPBELL briefs/breaking news editor

For the past 16 years of my life, I have always had someone by my side. I am a twin. Ever since I could speak, people have asked the same questions about twinhood. While the birth rate of twins has increased 76 percent from 1980 to 2009, there will never be a shortage of questions about them.

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Are you identical or fraternal? What is the difference?

My twin and I are fraternal twins. This means we came from two separate eggs in our mother. In identical twins, one egg is split into two (hence the identical DNA).

We looked alike as babies and young toddlers. As we got older and transitioned into adolescence, we started looking less alike. Now that we are maturing, we are again starting to look more alike.

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Do twins run in your family?

Sort of. Two of my uncles are twins. But chances are someone in your family tree is a twin as well.

What is it like being a twin?

Being a twin is not something that is easy to articulate. Imagine always having someone to talk to, always having a person who is going through the exact same thing as you at the exact same time. I know everything about her. She knows everything about me. It is different from any other relationship in the world. I am closer to my twin than anyone. The relationship with my other siblings, friends and parents do not compare. It is hard to describe because I have never not been a twin.

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photos submitted by ANN CAMPBELL

Do you like being a twin?

Of course I like having my best friend with me at all times. I have gotten to have a sleepover with my best friend for 16 years.

However, knowing someone so well for so long does have its negative consequences. We know how to push each others buttons and get under the other’s skin.

And if you have ever been with us together for more than 10 minutes, you will hear us disagree about something.

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Do you help each other with homework?

This particular question is a euphemism for “do you guys copy off each other?” And the answer is no. In fact, my twin and I do not have one class together. Before high school, we had always been in the same class. Even then, we never copied off each other. Occasionally when one of us has trouble or need help studying, we quiz one another.

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Can you communicate telepathically?

I wish. We cannot read each other’s minds. But in fact, because we have been exposed to one another for so long, I can predict what she is going to say or how she will react to something. We often finish each other’s sentences. When we were first learning to talk, we did have our own “language.” Twins are more concerned about communicating with each other than with their English speaking parents.

Therefore, gibberish is often a substitute.

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Which one of you drives to school?

Psychologists say usually in a relationship between twins, one is dominant. This means one of the twins makes the decisions and If your twin is pinched, can the other one follows. I am definitely the you feel it? follower. My sister drives whenever we As cool as that would be, no, I are going somewhere together. She also cannot physically feel what my has the final say in the majority of the twin is feeling. I often think at decisions we make. If she wants pizza for times we share emotional feelings, which dinner and I want pasta, we have pizza. leads into my next question...

That is just the way it is. H

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

Phones prevent real connections with real people Smartphones are an amazing technological advancement which have many advantages and positive aspects. They make our lives easier by giving us the option of instant communication with anyone we want and provide a world of information available at the tip of our

by ANNA BAUMAN fingers. We can capture a moment with sports copy editor just the click of a button and share it for the world to see. The constant status I was sitting in a free with my friends updates from Twitter and Facebook, when I noticed all of us were on our new Instagram posts, Snapchats and phones. Browsing Twitter, texting, texts that flood our phone during the day checking Instagram, Snapchatting and, in leaves us feeling connected to a vast general, doing pretty much everything but Genuine interaction network of friends. talking to each other. with real people is But this connection is not always Since when have our phones become far more important what it appears to be. In reality, it can more important than our actual friends? to our social lives. disconnect us from the present when Sure, our smartphones contain thouwe choose to live through our phones sands of “friends,” along with their constant photos, statuses and updates only play? Just look it up on your phone later! instead of living in the moment.

So next time you pull out your phone Were you too busy uploading your cute a click away. With this constant stream to text your friend during dinner with your of updates, teenagers often feel the need Instagram that you missed the band’s family or in the middle of a conversation, to be connected to social media through great performance? Have a friend send consider slipping it back into your pocket their phones at all times, even if it means you the video! as you enjoy company and give them Constant access to our phones has being on your phone when you know you your full attention. There is a time and led us to be disconnected from our real probably shouldn’t be. a place to be on your phones. Once you lives. Instead of connecting with the Genuine interaction with real people people around us in the moment, we have try relinquishing your constant grip on is far more important to our real social lives than the hundreds of disconnected, become more interested, and even a little your phone, you might just find giving up control and living in the moment is better obsessed, with the interactions on our mediated interactions we conduct on a than you thought it could be. H phones. tiny two-dimensional screen every day.

Many people today have probably experienced a similar situation in which they, or those around them, were on their phones instead of enjoying the moment. This is particularly evident in large crowds, such as concerts, sporting events and even school dances, during which you can look around and find many people fixated on their phones.

Missed the touchdown because you were texting someone about the previous

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We are living in the ‘good ole days’ right now

Whenever I go to family events, the first question I am asked is “How’s school going?” I always reply with the standard “Oh it’s good,” or “I like it a lot better than last year.” The second question asked varies between “What colleges are you looking at?” and “What do you want to do with your life?”

I usually reply with “I’m

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by BRIDGET JONES staff writer

It is important for people, not really sure yet, I’m still especially teenagers, to live in deciding.” And yes, I am still the moment. As Andy Bernard deciding. I am only a sophomore in high school, I have no from “The Office” once said, idea what I want to do with my “I wish you knew you were in life, I don’t even know what I’m the good old days before you actually left them.” doing this weekend.

I’m pretty sure we are all in It seems like adults only the “good care about where old days” I’m going in life and It is important for right if I’ll get into college people, especially now. I with scholarships. teenagers, to live mean, Sure, I care about in the moment. people my future, I’m not alway trying to come off terrified of or avoiding college says high school is the best four years of your life, right? and getting a job, but again, We spend so much time I’m only a sophomore. I need to enjoy life as it is happening planning and waiting for and not spend my high school things to happen. We wait all day for 3 p.m., all week for career planning for my next the weekend, all school year step in life.

for summer and all four years of high school for college.

Instead of waiting, we should make the best of what we have now. We should focus on making memories, so when it’s 3:30 p.m. and we are home with nothing to do but procrastinate homework, we will have something to look back on, and remember these “good old days.”

I’m not saying we should forget about college and the future. However, instead of staring at the clock during math class waiting for the last bell of the day or freaking out about if we’re going to get accepted to our dream college, we should make the best of the time we have now. H

page designed by Sabrina Redlingshafer

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leisure

WHEN I GROW UP...

Students begin to contemplate their dream occupations for the future

story by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH social media editor

KELSEY RUSGIS stay-at-home mom

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enior Kelsey Rusgis aspires to turn her love for children into a life as a stay-at-home mom.

Rusgis hopes to follow in her own mother’s footsteps by being a stay-athome mom for a while and then think about getting a job once her children start to enter high school. She also thinks about working part-time at a

boutique as a “way to get out of the house sometimes.”

“I don’t want to have a consecutive job that I have to go to everyday,” Rusgis said. “I just want kids. Like I love kids and I like to take care of them.”

As Rusgis begins to think about college and her major, the one thing she can really picture herself doing is having a family. According to Rusgis, while many of her peers acquire parttime jobs over the summer, she uses her skills and interests to work with children.

“I’ve never really had a real job,” Rusgis said. “I’ve just been a nanny and babysat.”

Rusgis believes that in order to

be a good mother, she must possess the qualities that her own mom has passed down to her. According to Rusgis, she has also learned a lot about motherhood from observing the relationships between her friends and their moms and even mother-child relationships on television and in movies.

“I think you have to be responsible, understanding, caring, energetic and fun,” Rusgis said.

Rusgis plans on continuing her work as a nanny and looks forward to being able to start her own family.

“I like playing with kids and I would like to devote my life to taking care of someone,” Rusgis said. H

MAUREEN WHITTAKER special educator

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ophomore Maureen Whittaker dreams of turning her experience with her younger brother into a future career.

Whittaker’s interest in becoming a special education teacher has stemmed from younger brother, Pete, who has Down syndrome and her mother, who works at a school for children with special needs.

According to Whittaker, her brother’s Down syndrome has both influenced and even already begun to prepare her for her future career.

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“[My brother’s Down syndrome] has made me better at accepting and more comfortable around [those with special needs],” Whittaker said. “I think that because I interact with my brother every day, I am more prepared [for being a special ed teacher].

Whittaker is also involved in activities that she believes are going to prepare her to be in the special education field when she is older. Over the summer, she volunteers at the Lee Ann Britain Center at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

“I play with the kids, help them with projects and do other fun little activities,” Whittaker said.

The Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center is an outreach program of Shawnee Mission Medical Center dedicated to serving children with

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

developmental disabilities from birth to six years old.

“It’s a really great program that helps [children with special needs] interact with others and lets them participate in a lot of hands on activities,” Whittaker said.

Whittaker believes that working at the Lee Ann Britain Center and being around her brother have helped her build the one characteristic that is imperative when working with kids with special needs.

“You have to be really patient [when working with kids who have special needs] because sometimes they won’t fully understand a task, or they won’t want to start a task right away,” Whittaker said. “You just have to stay calm and happy.”

Even though Whittaker thinks more patience is involved when teaching those with special needs, she also believes they should be treated very similar to those without special needs. H

photos by ANNA KROPF staff photographer

LAUREN NAGLE astronaut

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Nagle began to research different enior Lauren Nagle dreams of careers that would bring her to space turning her interest in saving and came across K. Megan McArthur, the environment and traveling a woman who traveled to space and to space into a career as an astronaut. studied oceanography. Nagle then Last year, Nagle went to the University of Kansas to hear the cast of MTV’s thought she would turn her interest in conservation work into a career in “The Buried Life” speak. “The Buried environmental Life” is a reality series science, which that follows four men Sometimes, I walk in slow focuses on the who are attempting to motion and pretend I’m relations between complete a list of “100 on the moon. organisms and things to do before you their environment. die.”

— Lauren Nagle, senior She would use this According to Nagle, career to organize the cast members an exploration to space. were encouraging people to avoid “I want to be a hippie astronaut who shooting for mediocre dreams, and works on the coral reef and then travels instead strive to accomplish “bigger to space,” Nagle said. “I want to be things in life.” someone who protects the environment “So one day I was thinking ‘what’s and animals.” one thing I really want to do,’” Nagle Nagle says she unplugs everysaid. “Then it came to me and I was like thing from her radio to her lamp each ‘I want to go to space’.”

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morning before she leaves for school because she believes they waste power. She even digs through the trash at home and takes out the recyclables.

She has also began to prepare herself to travel to space.

“Sometimes, I walk in slow motion and pretend I’m on the moon,” Nagle said.

Nagle also admits that she understands the dangers of traveling to space and has decided that for her “it’s worth the risk.”

“Even if I die in space, like, I die in space,” Nagle said. “I would die fulfilling my dreams.”

Nagle believes because space is so unpredictable, in order to succeed as an astronaut you must be able to “trust your instincts” and “act on a whim.”

“I think I can read situations and adapt,” Nagle said. “I definitely learn by doing, so I can do that in space.” H page designed by Cecilia Butler

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community

Kansas City bleeding RED and GOLD The Chiefs’ recent success has boosted Kansas City pride in football

by GLORIA COWDIN blogs editor

This season has been better than ever for the Kansas City Chiefs, who were 9-0 until their loss against the Denver Broncos Nov. 17, their first of three.

This starting record is only matched by one other season in Chiefs history. Due to this winning streak, the Chiefs have garnered many more fans this season and strengthened community pride amongst Kansas City citizens.

Sophomore Audrey Carroll has always been a Chiefs fan, but admits that their recent success has made it easier to support them.

“Kansas City has always been loyal to the Chiefs for the most part,” Carroll said. “I think a lot more people are kind of hopping on the bandwagon though.”

This surge in football pride has been beneficial to local businesses, such as the Rally House where Carroll works.

According to their website, the Rally House sells “apparel, gifts and home decor representing local NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS teams.”

“Sales [of Chiefs merchandise] have skyrocketed because of their recent success,” Carroll said. “I’m always working the day before game day and we make loads of sales. Their success has brought a lot more traffic into our stores.”

According to junior Anna Marie

heads up | A man and a boy toss a football outside of Arrowhead Stadium before a game against the Cleveland Browns Oct. 27. photo by SIOBHAN MILLER

Fiorella, who describes herself as the most loyal Chiefs fan, the success of this season has had a positive impact on Kansas City.

“Everyone is watching games now, talking about them and even on Sundays, I see so many more people wearing red,” Fiorella said. “It’s so exciting to see all of Kansas City supporting [the Chiefs]. [They are] really bringing all of Kansas City together, which is awesome.”

This strengthened pride in football is not completely new, however. Many families have traditions and memories based around the Chiefs. Sophomore

Cheering for the home team The Dart surveyed Who is your favorite Chiefs player? sixty STA students about their opinions of the Chiefs while the team was still 9-0 earlier this season. This year’s starting season has only been matched by one other season in Chiefs history.

45% I don’t know

compiled by HANNAH BREDAR

3.3% Dwayne Bowe

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

Claire McHugh and her older brother, Jack McHugh, have their own weekly football tradition.

“Every Sunday, my family has to go to 11 o’clock mass at St. Peter’s and my brother and I either sneak out of mass early or sprint to the car and speed home so we don’t miss kickoff,” McHugh said.

Carroll, Fiorella and McHugh agree that the Chiefs have become a focal point in Kansas City lately. However, although it is easier to support the winning team, it is more important to support the home team. H

Did you follow the Chiefs last year?

66.7% Yes

23.3% Alex Smith

33.3% No

15% Jamaal Charles 6.8% Other

Are you more supportive of the Chiefs now?

6.7% Dexter McCluster

75% Yes 25% No

french fries | Children work in class at Académie Lafayette Dec. 2. Students at Académie Lafayette speak only French throughout the school day. Académie Lafayette currently has two locations, located on Cherry Street and Oak Street. photo by GLORIA COWDIN

Académie Lafayette to expand into high school Local French immersion school makes plans to expand into a high school by 2015 open to all Kansas City students

by CHRISTINA ELIAS page designer

French immersion charter school Académie Lafayette plans to expand into a high school, which will open in the fall of 2015, a school spokesperson said. One grade will be added each year, beginning with ninth grade in 2015.

The high school will be added as a third campus, in addition to Lafayette’s Cherry Street K-2 and Oak Street 3-8 campuses.

“We have a high school planning team working on budgets and curriculum, but eventually we will be hiring staff, including a principal to make hiring decisions, finalize curriculum, etc.,” Académie Lafayette director of communications and admissions Katie Hendrickson wrote in an email. “Much of the work must be done well in advance, and the students who would have an [Académie Lafayette] high school as an option are currently in seventh grade.”

According to Hendrickson, the high school would not be a continuation of the K-8 French immersion curriculum.

“One difference in programming will be that the high school would not be a

French immersion school,” Hendrickson wrote. “Other languages would be offered, such as Mandarin and Spanish. All classes (besides the language courses) will be taught in English. The program will be an International Baccalaureate [IB] program so we’ll be following the rigorous IB standards.”

Another change brought on by the expansion is consideration of enrollment and outside acceptance.

“The first class of students will be from around 75-100 students. It will be open to other students who live within the boundaries of the [Kansas City Public Schools] district,” Hendrickson wrote.

Hendrickson also commented that Académie Lafayette must follow charter regulations and state requirements, and will therefore be working closely with their sponsor, The University of Central Missouri (UCM), to make sure they meet all requirements.

For Lafayette alumnae and STA juniors Arinna Hoffine and Fee Pauwels, the concept isn’t very appealing.

“I think it’d be okay now since the grades are so much bigger,” Hoffine said. “My sister is in seventh grade and

she has like 40 people in her grade…I just feel like they should wait until it gets bigger.”

“Even just 40 kids in your grade would be awful,” Hoffine continued.

“I don’t think you’d get to reach your full potential in classes, because here [at STA], you can go to high classes if you need to and there you would have to take certain classes. And socially, it would suck.”

Hoffine and Pauwels agreed that sending your child to a new high school was a big risk.

“I feel like you can’t risk it, sending your kid to a high school that’s just starting,” Pauwels said. “There are so many different flaws.”

According to Hoffine, parents are aware of the upcoming expansion, and many are optimistic about what it means for their children who are still at Lafayette.

“I think [my mom] was kind of open to the idea,” Hoffine said. “My mom was really excited about it, and I was like, ‘Do not do it.’ Me and [my sister] Shiva, who’s a year younger than me, were like, ‘That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard.’” H page designed by Madeline Best

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sports

ATHLETE of the

Sporting KC in MLS Cup

ISSUE compiled by LIBBY HYDE multimedia managing editor

Junior cross country runner Ann Campbell placed fifth in the State meet in Jefferson City Nov. 9.

She finished the race in 18 minutes and 47 seconds, only four seconds slower than her fastest personal record of 18 minutes and 43 seconds.

Campbell According to Campbell, her biggest motivations are her varsity teammates and coaches.

“My coaches are always giving me times I should hit and kind of motivating me and believing in me,” Campbell said. “If I am doubting myself, they always tell me I can do it.”

Campbell’s teammate Elaine Kerr said she was proud of her, but not surprised.

“I know how good she is and how well she has done this season,” Kerr said. ”So I kind of expected her to place, but I was really happy for her for placing so well because I know how hard she has worked this season.”

For team scoring, there are seven runners on varsity, but only the top five score points.The team with the lowest score wins.

“The team dynamic makes it more fun because I always want the team to do well, so it plays in in wanting to score as few points as possible,” Campbell said. H

State status | Campbell runs at the State meet Nov. 9 where she finished fifth for the Stars. photo by LEIGH CAMPBELL

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confetti chaos | Sporting Kansas City player Aurelien Collen celebrates the team’s win over the Houston Dynamo Nov. 23. photo courtesy of MCT CAMPUS

Sporting KC could recieve more atten- and Kansas. Sporting has been winning tion in Kansas City with MLS Cup win games since they were re-branded in

by CASSIE FLORIDO page designer

The Sporting Kansas City soccer team will face Real Salt Lake in the Major League Soccer Cup at Sporting Park Saturday. This marks the first time the MLS Cup has ever been held in Kansas City.

While most of the sports focus in Kansas City in recent years has been placed on the Chiefs and the Royals, a win in the MLS Cup could change the sports structure in Kansas City.

Junior and Sporting KC fan Isabella Meisel hopes that with a win, people will start to take soccer and Sporting KC more seriously.

“Winning will hopefully bring Sporting [Kansas City] up to the level that the Chiefs and Royals are at, with more fans and less criticism of the sport in general,” Meisel said.

Last season Sporting KC finished first in the Eastern Conference with 63 points.

This year, they finished second with 58 points. The team’s playoff win against the New England Revolution Nov. 6 led to their third appearance in the MLS Cup. Senior Kiley O’Toole, who closely follows Sporting KC, said the team has given Kansas City a chance to root for the same successful team.

“Until this year, the Chiefs and Royals were continually disappointing,” O’Toole said. “The only success KC saw was in their college sports teams, which has a divided fan base throughout Missouri

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

2011. They have given us a team that everyone can come together and cheer for, without frustrating its entire fan base.”

Meisel said people who are Sporting KC fans give the team good attention.

However, she said one of her biggest pet peeves is people who have never been to a game assume the sport is boring.

Senior Margaret Weiler said that she believes the team receives a lot of attention because they are in the MLS Cup. “Sporting KC has come a long way, and it is exciting that KC now has a professional team going to the championship,” Weiler said. “Sporting KC has a unique group of fans. Every game I have attended has been sold out and packed with people wearing blue and screaming ‘I believe that we will win.’ It gives me the chills just thinking about it.”

Weiler said winning the cup would prove to Kansas city that Sporting KC is no joke.

“We all love our Royals and Chiefs, but I think it’s about time KC wins a national championship,” Weiler said.

Winning the MLS, Cup O’Toole said, would bring attention to the program not only on a local standpoint, but from a national standpoint as well.

“Kansas City is growing into a soccer city and winning the [MLS] Cup, at home with a stadium full of fans would prove to the country that we are a genuine and long-lasting threat in the soccer community,” O’Toole said. H

Team captain selection varies by sport Each team has a unique process of selecting players to lead their team

Softball

The softball team does not technically have captains. However, the seniors are considered the team leaders, according to junior JV player Grace Sly. The seniors Many sports teams at STA have some display leadership by leading drills and form of leadership, whether it is based giving advice to other players. on formal team captain elections or “[The seniors] motivate us if we’re seniority. Either way, captains are usually feeling sluggish one day,” Sly said. “They teammates who are relatable to others, give us a pep talk to get us going and offer encouragement and enthusiasm encourage us.” and are dedicated to their sport and their team, according to junior softball player Volleyball Grace Sly. While the main idea of team The volleyball team captains are captains is the same for all sports, each chosen by the coach. This year’s capteam has a slightly different process of tains were senior varsity players Emily selecting their captains and different Wemhoff and Anna Kropf. According to duties involved with being a captain.

Wemhoff, the duties of being a captain included doing the coin toss at the beginCross Country ning of games, leading the team during The cross-country team chooses games and practice and uniting the team. captains through an election process. At “I think its important for the team to the start of the season, the team nomihave something to strive to be,” Wemhoff nates two third- or fourth-year runners said. who they believe would embody a leader, according to senior cross country runner Dance Team Heather Cigas.

The dance team has one captain, “They don’t have to be an outgoing senior Katie Daniels, and two co-captains, person, just someone who could lead the seniors Katherine Viviano and Camille team through their hard work ethic or by Porterfield. These captains were voted giving others encouragement at races,” on by the team, according to Daniels. The Cigas said. duties of the captains include leading The captains this year were seniors stretch at practice, choreographing the Cecilia Butler, Michelle Dierks and LindRockhurst High School football game sey Valdiviez. The captains are responsi- halftime routine and making sure everyble for leading warm-ups at races, giving one is motivated, according to Daniels. the freshmen a pep-talk before their first “Team captains should be a good role race, helping organize fun practices and models that the team can look up to and themes and bringing the tent to the meet, someone that pushes the team to work according to Cigas. harder,” Daniels said.

by ANNA BAUMAN sports copy editor

Golf

The golf team does not have official team captains; instead, the senior on the team acts as the unofficial leader, according to varsity golfer Ellie Shorter. “[Senior varsity golfer] Frankie Neunuebel was the leader because it just comes with seniority,” Shorter said.

As a leader, Neunuebel helped out by driving underclassmen to practice and giving advice to the rest of the team.

“She was good at giving advice about tournaments and courses that new players haven’t played yet that she has played in the past,” Shorter said.

Tennis

The seniors on the tennis team act as the captains of the team. Three seniors, Gabby Ferro, Kathleen Connor and Emily Hafner, were chosen by the coach.

According to Ferro, the duties of a team captain include making sure everyone on the team is ready to practice and warm up, being welcoming to the team and providing spirit and motivation.

“The purpose of team captains is to help bond the team, make sure there are leaders that can help motivate the team, and just to make it more of a family,” Ferro said.

leading the team | Head dance team senior captain Katie Daniels demonstrates a new step in their routine during practice Nov. 4. photo by HANNAH BREDAR

Swimming

The swim team chooses captains at the end of the season for the next year by each voting for two girls. This year’s captains, chosen at the end of last season, are senior varsity swimmers Katie Hornbeck, Maggie Allen and Claire Fisher. According to Hornbeck, their duties include attending every morning and after-school practice, helping get everyone in the pool and keeping everyone motivated.

“I think a captain should be hardworking, motivated and enthusiastic about swimming,” Hornbeck said. H

TEAM CAPTAINS Each team has a different way of selecting the team members that will lead their team for the season. compiled by ANNA BAUMAN

cross country: voted on at the beginning of the year by the team golf: seniors softball: seniors volleyball: selected by the coaches dance team: voted on at the beginning of the year by the team tennis: seniors swimming: voted on by the team at the end of the season for the next season page designed by Cassie Florido

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sports

SPLASHING INTO THE SEASON

Swim season begins with hopes of more swimmers reaching State

1.

by LIBBY HYDE multimedia web editor

Varsity swim team senior captains Claire Fisher and Maggie Allen reported having high hopes for this upcoming swim season. Practices started two weeks ago, and the first meet is scheduled for Dec. 10 at Longview Community College against Grandview High School.

According to Allen, this year there was an influx of freshmen and new swimmers who tried out for the team. Fisher said there were a lot of freshmen who had previously swum on club teams so STA has high potential with new swimmers.

“On the first day of tryouts, you could already tell they were going to make a big impact on the team and how far we will go in State this year,” Allen said.

With Fisher estimating athletes giving about 20 hours per week to practicing and devoting their time to swimming, she has high hopes for more swimmers reaching State competition this season.

“We did lose a lot of our girls that swam at State last year...we do have a lot of girls that are close to [the] State cut so hopefully we will have a lot of girls make it to State,” Fisher said.

According to Allen, she predicts that Notre Dame de Sion High School will be STA swim team’s biggest competition this season because STA competes against them for the ILC (Independent League Championship), in which schools in the area compete against each other.

During Allen’s first two years, STA placed first, but last year, Sion took first with STA coming in second.

With State swimmers from last year graduating and moving away, both team captains anticipated some challenges for the STA swim season.

“Every season brings a new challenge of trying to regain the closeness we had the previous year,” Allen said.

Both captains agreed the key to success this season will be team unity.

“One of the things coach always talks about is ‘swim for others, not for yourself,’” Fisher said. “We always make sure everyone has someone cheering them on at the end of their lane.” H

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

1. Junior Gretchen Schloegel catches her breath during swim team practice at Longview Community College Nov 25. The team’s first meet is scheduled for Dec. 10 at Longview Community College.

2. Senior and captain Maggie Allen laughs with her teammates before swim team practice Nov 25.

3. Senior Kennedy Reller practices a dive during practice at Longview Community College Nov 25.

4. Junior Lauren Zastrow uses an inhaler before swim team practice at Longview Community College Nov 25.

5. Coach Andy Wilcox talks to the team before practice at Longview Community College Nov 25. Wilcox also coaches at Rockhurst High School. photos by SIOBHAN MILLER

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last look

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VOLLEY BRAWL 4.

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1. A group of seniors cheer on Team Donnelly during “building wars” in the Goppert Center Nov. 12. photo by ANNA LEACH 2. Teachers Carrie Jacquin, from left, Shana Prentiss and athletic director Mark Hough cheer on their fellow faculty and staff members from the sidelines at the M&A vs. Donnelly volleyball game Nov. 12. photo by ANNA LEACH 3. Senior Lauren Nagle, dressed as Twinks, dances during “building wars” half time. STA retired the old Twinks mascot and debutted the new one at this event. photo by ADRIANNA OHMES 4. Theology teacher Michael Sanem, left, takes a selfie with English teacher Carrie Jaquin before the start of the volleyball

game Nov. 12. The M&A team theme was “‘Top Gun.” photo by ANNA LEACH 5. Social studies teacher Denise Rueschhoff coaches from the sidelines for Team “‘Murica” in the Goppert Center Nov. 12. photo by ADRIANNA OHMES 6. Margaret Weiler, from left, Lindsey Valdiviez, Katherine Viviano, Rafael Ramirez and Sara-Jessica Dilks mourn the loss of the old Twinks mascot, which was retired Nov. 12 after 17 years of service to STA. photo by KELLY FLETCHER 7. Journalism teacher Eric Thomas dives under an arch formed by students while STA web coordinator Greg Carlson runs after him following Team Donnelly’s win at the annual “building wars” Nov. 12. photo by ANNA LEACH

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pages designed by Cassie Florido & Maddie Knopke

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in the www.dartnewsonline.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

EVELYN GATES AWARD

URINETOWN

THANKSGIVING

photo galleries Check out the new galleries on DNO by Dart staff members and journalism teacher Eric Thomas’s digital photography students.

KC BALLET SCHOOL

CHIEFS PRIDE 32

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 6 december 2013

Scan this QR code that links to these galleries and many more on DNO!

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