The Dart: Vol 73 Issue 7

dart [

volume 73 | issue seven | 4 april 2014 st. teresa’s academy | dartnewsonline.com

]

stand by me

Most STA students are probably either suffering from mental illness or are a friend to someone who is. Because mental illness often involves sensitive topics, how can you approach these issues with a friend or trusted adult? >> page 16 SAT changes test ›› pg. 4 | STA president objects to inappropriate use of app ›› pg. 12 | Step into the shoes of a ‘Bachelor’ contestant ›› pg. 15

[CONTENTS] the dart | volume 73 | issue seven | 4 april 2014

news 4 // M&A classroom’s ceiling collapses on theology teacher 5 // SAT makes adjustments to take effect in 2016 6 // Accreditation organization gives STA positive review

star spotlight 7 // Teacher Jacqui Brewer

features 9 // Sisters aim to visit all 50 states 12 // Anonymous phone application causes controversy at STA

cover story

FRESH THE PLAZA // 29

16 // How to be a supportive friend in difficult times

Don’t be afraid to express concern for your friends

Make yourself open to receiving help

reviews 20 // Gas station restaurant Papu’s Cafe

Find my iPhone

Foster the People’s ‘Supermodel’

main ed 21 // STA can help eliminate the stigma of mental illness

perspectives 22 // Eliminate the word ‘bossy’ from your vocabulary 23 // Students should use breaks to serve others

Does society care more about grades than about learning?

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

MISSION TRIP // 31

sports

28 // STA begins sports hall of fame

Athlete of the Issue 29 // Soccer team wants to work harder after last year’s State loss Scoreboard 30 // Track team places second at meet cover design by JORDAN BERARDI photos by ANNA LEACH, MARY HILLIARD and SIOBHAN MILLER

PROM DRESS JOURNEY // 26

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 ]

FROM THE EDITORS We have talked for a long time about covering the highly prevalent issue of mental illness, but we have struggled with how exactly to handle it. With the help of our staff, we finally decided the most useful way to cover it for our readers was through a guide on how to help a friend who is struggling with any form of mental illness. You can find that story starting on page 16. Our mental illness coverage also includes a pair a columns that gives both sides of the story—one from the perspective of someone struggling with mental illness and one from a friend trying to help.

On a lighter note, on page 9,

HLY MONSTTION a QUEd you spend

Managing Editor Anna Leach Web Editors oul rs?

How willion dolla Scheduling | Lauren Langdon m 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

Francesca and Natalie Shilati share stories from visiting all 50 states with their family, a feat they just completed over Spring Break.

Continuing on a light note, with STA prom only one week away, two seniors talk about their journeys to find two very different prom dresses. Turn to page 24 to see and hear about their outfits for the big night.

As always, visit DartNewsOnline for even more content and feel free to give us any and all feedback! —Sara-Jessica Dilks & Natalie Fitts co-editors-in-chief

I would buy a million lottery tickets so that I would be bound to win more money.

Mary Hilliard

I would travel the world on a boat and also buy some cats.

Gloria Cowdin

I would start my own SUCCESSFUL BILLION DOLLAR company.

Cecilia Butler

I would give part of it to charity and then take my family to Ireland.

Kelly Fletcher

page designed by Natalie Fitts

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news

dart EDITORIAL POLICY

Ceiling collapses on theology teacher in free

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.

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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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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

2.

1.

The ceiling of Robert Tonnies’ room collapsed in a free period March 7

1. Theology teacher Michael Sanem observes the damage done to theology teacher Robert Tonnies’ classroom on the third floor of the Music and Arts Building. photo courtesy of CLAIRE FISHER 2. Tonnies resumed classes in M308 shortly after Spring Break. photo by ANNA KROPF

Saint Luke’s Hospital to get an x-ray and another checkup. Tonnies’ only injuries were severe bruising on his shoulder

by GLORIA COWDIN and a mild concussion. Despite this, he blogs editor believes the situation could have been worse.

The ceiling of M308 collapsed onto “It’s a really, really fortunate situation,” theology teacher Robert Tonnies during a free period March 7. No students were in Tonnies said. “There were no students in the room, and Tonnies was not seriously the room, it’s just my room [and] all the other rooms have been looked at.” injured.

Over the weekend, engineers came According to Tonnies, the concrete to inspect the ceiling and the ceilings of layer above his ceiling other classrooms on the third floor. panelling collapsed and According to school president Nan fell into his room, right Bone, the ceiling of Tonnies’ room had above where his desk is. two layers of ceiling, one of which got “There were about cracked when the false ceiling was two or three seconds hung. where I was hearing this “So it’s interesting because we have crackling sound above Tonnies no structural problems at all,” Bone said. me,” Tonnies said. “The “All you have to do is take down that first next thing I knew, there ceiling.” was a giant crash and boom and I was Two different contractors came to on the floor.” inspect Tonnies’ and Fast’s ceilings over After the ceiling collapsed, English the weekend and again over Spring Break, teachers Kelly Fast and Steven Himes according to Bone. Kissick Construcrushed to M308. tion Company employee and SAT board “My first thought was seeing that president Jim Kissick was one of the of [Tonnies] was—I mean, you never know the contractors. if anyone’s ok—but that he wasn’t in “We were glad that both structural immediate peril and was talking to me engineers agreed that there was no struccogently,” Himes said. tural issue and that [Tonnies] was safe Tonnies immediately went to see and that students would be safe back in physical trainer Lisa Gross, who said he that classroom,” Bone said.H had a mild concussion. He then went to

College Board announces changes to SAT, realigns with schoolwork In 2016, the College Board will imple- how the scoring will relate to the ACT ment a new SAT format, including and exam as they have now,” Henning said in an email. “We’ll use this if we need to optional essay

by CHRISTINA ELIAS page designer

The College Board announced a revision to the SAT March 5 that will go into effect in 2016. These adjustments mark the first major overhaul of the SAT since 2005. Some of the many changes to take place include replacing “obscure” vocabulary with words more common in college courses, an optional essay instead of a required essay and reverting to the former 1600-point scale for scoring, according the the New York Times.

The College Board also announced that free waivers will be given to low-income students, allowing them to apply to four colleges without charge.

President of the College Board David Coleman stated both the SAT and ACT had “become disconnected from the work of our high schools.” These changes aim to realign the standardized test with school curricula.

Senior Admissions Recruitment Coordinator Heather Henning of the University of Missouri Office of Admissions said that because the “new exam doesn’t go into effect for a couple of years,” colleges are unsure of the possible outcomes of the revisions.

“Mizzou’s admission criteria likely will not change, however, there will surely be a new national concordance table showing

how to PREPARE compiled by KATIE PARKINSON

update cutoff scores for admission and scholarships.”

Senior Admission Representative Lacey Koester of the University of Kansas Office of Admissions believes the changes won’t have many implications at KU. “This SAT change will be more likely to impact [private and liberal arts colleges],” she stated in an email. “Also, the SAT tends to be more widely used along the coasts than in the Midwest.”

According to STA college counselor Debi Hudson, “the major change coming is the optional essay on the new SAT, very similar to ACT,” and that each college or university will decide individually whether they require the optional essay or not.

“Over 95 percent of our students take the ACT and about 25 percent take the SAT so it will not have a huge impact our students,” Hudson said. “Each time a new version of a test is released they also have a concordance Hudson table so students, counselors and admission officers can measure between the test so that it does not impact the acceptance rates.”

The “blueprint” of coming changes and new sample questions will be released in mid-April, according to Hudson. H

Once you’ve decided to take the SAT, how should you prepare for the test? What do you need to bring?

The Dart compiled some tips and tricks to help you obtain the best score possible.

1. Practicing

2. The Night Before/Morning Of

You can find SAT practice books at stores such as Barnes and Noble for anywhere from $5 to $25.

Get a good night’s sleep - 8 hours is ideal, but try to get at least 6.

Take advantage of College Board’s free SAT preparation resources. They offer a free “Question of the Day,” sample questions and a free practice test.

source: The College Board

Before going to bed, lay out everything you will need for the test.

This includes your admission ticket, no. 2 pencils, photo identification and a calculator.

Make sure to eat a full, balanced breakfast in the morning.

CHANGES in the SAT The new SAT will include a range of changes from formating to scoring to actual content. compiled by KATIE PARKINSON source: The College Board Changes

Current SAT

New SAT

Format

Paper only

Paper and digital

Vocabulary

Includes obscure “SAT” words

Will focus on more common words

Scale

2,400 total points

1,600 total points with a separate score for the essay

Scoring

1/4 point deducted for each wrong answer

No points deducted for incorrect answers

Essay section

Required

Optional

Math section

Covers a range of high school-level topics and a calculator may be used throughout the section

Covers fewer topics, focusing in on core math areas and a calculator is only permitted in certain parts of the section

Reading section

Unnecessary for students to cite evidence for their answers

Students will be required to cite passages to support their answers

Familiar works Passages such as the Source of shoul dbe Declaration of texts unfamiliar to Independence compiledstudents

by CHRISTINA ELIAS will be use

by the NUMBERS

1900.

Approximately 1.6 million students too the SAT in 2012. Low-income The College Board was founded in

students will receive free waivers for free

4 colleges. Khan Academy will make about 200 videos related application to

to new SAT content. page designed by Christina Elias

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news

Accreditation visit rewards staff efforts

cluding presentation confirmed its positive possible way,” Bone said.

According to principal of academic view. Bone said each school’s presenaffairs Barbara McCormick, the administation typically includes two “powerful

by EMMA WILLIBEY practices” and two areas of improvement. tration sifted through standardized test page designer & features copy editor scores to identify areas of improvement.

However, Bone said STA merited six North Kansas City’s Staley High School powerful practices, including “sustaining a ACT results caused concerns, as 36 culture of excellence,” and one area of im- percent of STA’s 2009 test-takers met the will host a ceremony next year in which science Benchmark, or minimum score provement. The team had never granted seniors present freshmen tokens repreindicating college preparedness. Likewise, this honor elsewhere, Bone said. senting the school, trusting the new class 55 percent of test-takers met the math “[Mershon] said he had never been to to preserve Staley’s reputation.

Benchmark. [such] an amazing school,” Bone said.

Sound familiar? “[The process] just started as data-digGlobal organization AdvancED arPrincipal Clark ranged the visit to renew STA’s accredita- ging,” McCormick said. “Look at your Mershon will adapt tion, or stamp of approval confirming STA current reality. Where are your students?” the ritual from STA’s According to Bone, the administration is a functioning school. Since accred“passing of the legacy,” focused its five-year plan on familiarizing itation implies fulfillment of minimum which he discovered students with scientific tables and nonficstandards, Bone said she was not conwhile visiting STA with tion passages. As a cerned with whether local educators March result, 70 percent of STA would receive 4-5. The visit’s goal Mershon [The team came in] STA’s 2013 test-takthis status. Rather, was to ensure STA knowing that we were ers met the science Bone was interested met academic standards, and president good, but I think they benchmark, while 73 Nan Bone said STA’s unique environment in the team’s specific were just blown away. percent met the math feedback. overwhelmed the team. benchmark.

“Really, going into “[The team came in] knowing that — President Nan Bone “[The teachers [the visit], we had no we were good, but I think they were just developed plans worries about being blown away,” Bone said. like] ‘expose our girls to more charts and Junior Micah Welch, who participated accredited,” Bone said. graphs’ or ‘expose our girls to more nonficBone said AdvancED teams visit in a student interview designed to gage tion reading,’” Bone said. schools every five years. According to girls’ perceptions of STA, agreed STA Bone said faculty must now collaborate impressed the team. According to Welch, AdvancED’s website, each team judges its school on five standards: purpose, leader- “so all teachers are using the best instrucwhen the team asked a few students to ship, teaching, resources and self-improve- tional research-based practices,” which name favorite attributes of STA, “sisterment. To conclude the visit, each team pro- AdvancED designated STA’s next five-year hood” was a common response. Welch action. However, the administration has said the team could sense students’ pride. poses goals for the school to fulfill during the next five years, Bone said. In this period, paused accreditation efforts to recover “They told us that the reason STA works is because we all want to be here,” the school updates AdvancED on the goals’ from previous years’ work. Meanwhile, Bone said STA’s environment will resonate Welch said. “In most schools, 40 minutes progress. Finally, another team visits the at schools like Staley. [per class] doesn’t work. [Students] don’t school and establishes new objectives. “[AdvancED’s team was] fascinated “Basically, five years ago we were givwant to be in class, so they do things to en some goals, and we looked at how we by what a school like this offers,” Bone try to get out.” could implement those goals in the best said. H According to Bone, the team’s con-

After raising ACT scores, the school impresses local educators

the NEWS FEED in the world

Investigators have been unsuccessful in locating a missing Boeing 777 Malaysian airplane after it disappeared with 239 people aboard mid-flight on March 8. After over three weeks of searching officials have narrowed down the search to a 680-mile area off the west coast of Australia. Investigators still do not know why the flight disappeared, according to CNN.

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“

“

The Dart compiled summaries of events happening around the world

in the u.s.

After a devastating mudslide March 22, 21 people have been confirmed dead and 30 still missing in Oso, Wash. This is drastically lower than the 90 that were missing March 27.

Rescuers are still searching with the help of search-and-rescue dogs and cadaver dogs.

the dart | dartnewsonline.com 4 april 2014

in missouri

According to the Kansas City Star, Two people were arrested March 29 for hiding 200 pounds of marijuana. Matthew Serrano and Vista Scott had nine bundles of marijuana hidden in their car when they were stopped for a traffic violation. Both have been charged with drug trafficking and attempted trafficking.

compiled by JESSE WALKER-McGRAW and LEIGH CAMPBELL

in kansas city

The Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired created a tactile mural to allow children to feel the art. The center commissioned artists Donald and Alisa Moss to create the piece of art. The mural, “Exceeding Expectations,” depicts owls, lunar moths and lightning bugs on a moon and star lit night.

Fabric, stones and textured paint make up the brightly colored creatures.

JACQUI

star spotlight

BREWER

Each issue, the Dart interviews one STA community member who stands out. Here, social studies teacher Jacqui Brewer talks about a dress shop, Brookside Betty’s, she will open June 1 at 6215 Oak Street.

Dart: What made you want to open a dress shop?

Brewer: I love dresses. I have too many dresses. I also enjoyed working in retail in the past and helping people find clothing they love. I also think that the retro dress market is a little underserved in the KC area. There are a couple good shops like Donna’s [Dress Shop] and Retro Vixen, but sometimes the sizes [and] choices are limited.

Dart: How long have you considered opening a dress shop?

Brewer: I’ve been thinking about opening a shop for about eight years, but only started thinking about it seriously last spring. There was a strip not far from my home that I thought would be perfect for a shop. I thought first about trying to establish an online presence first, but decided around Christmas that with the type of store I’m opening a brick and mortar location would be more successful.

Dart: Do you have previous experience in retail?

Brewer: I worked in retail for 10 years, through undergrad, grad school and even a little beyond. I’ve worked at stores such as J.Jill, Barnes & Noble, Tommy Bahama and several others.

My first year at STA, I worked part-time at Soma.

Dart: What are you most looking forward to?

Brewer: I’m looking forward to the store being finished. There are so many

things to think about: inventory, lighting, mirrors, fixtures, insurance, etc. It will be nice to have a beautiful, finished boutique.

Dart: What do you think will be the biggest challenge you’ll face?

Brewer: I am most concerned about having enough of the right inventory.

I know what I like personally, but it’s more of a challenge to make predictions about what others would like. To address that, I have been putting together mini focus groups with friends, co-workers, via Facebook and even [with] some STA students.

Dart: What kind of products will you sell in your store?

Brewer: I will mostly be selling retro-style dresses. I will have a vintage rack as well. Since I’m opening in the summer, I’ll be carrying some retro swimwear. Also, accessories like sunglasses, scarves, parasols, jewelry and anything else I think would be nice or fun in the store.

Dart: What steps have you already taken toward opening your store?

Brewer: So far, I’ve secured financing, gotten a lease and bought some mirrors and light fixtures on a recent trip to Ikea in Minnesota. I also got a great deal on a three-way mirror and a cashwrap at a Macy’s that was closing. Most recently I placed my first two dress orders and am very excited to get those on my website as soon as possible.

photo by JULIA HAMMOND 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 family compiled by SIOBHAN MILLER

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE

let’s kick it | STA juniors Elaine Kerr, from left, Caroline Crockett and Gretchen Schloegel play soccer with a local child in El Salvador. All three traveled to El Salvador on a mission trip over Spring Break with 18 other STA students. photo by SIOBHAN MILLER

or

HOT NOT? The latest trends and non-trends in pop culture today, as voted on by the Dart staff

compiled by CHRISTINA ELIAS

photo by senior Katie Hornbeck “#tbt to when my family lived in the 1800s” @khornbeck5

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.

DESSERT

Vegetarian SANDWICH

compiled by LINDSEY VALDIVIEZ

HOT

Grilled Cheese

Reuben

26 Mar

Paige Lankford @paigelank

Mar 28

abby dearth @Dearth_Vader

26 Mar

If you haven’t tripped up or down the STA stairs, you haven’t fully experienced STA. *google* “Where to rent a hot model prom date”

photo by sophomore Carolyn Scheuler “#tbt :) #dartnewsonline” @carolynscheu

Wise words from the priest at class mass this morning: let us swag out

anessa saladino @nessa_anessa

21 Mar

picked my bracket based off who had the cuter uniforms and it’s doing better than my brothers Veggie Ziti

Veggie Quesadilla

Marina Vianello @marinavia16

30 Mar

My brother to me: “I dislike you so much that I’m going to unfollow you on instagram” OK GABRIEL IM SO SAD

Gracie Fleming @gflemster56

Chocolate Chip Cookie

8

NOT

Jillian Gallagher @JillianGal

Brownie

What even is a pinky toe? #thoughts

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

30 Mar

photo by junior Lily O’Neill “Functioning @olivia_migliazzo #tbt #destin #scrapedface” @loneill72

NEXT MONTH’S INSTAGRAM CONTEST THEME: VACATION

hashtag your photos #dartnewsonline

features

road trippin’ | Senior Francesca Shilati, left, and her sophomore sister Natalie wear shirts that say “Just did it.” Her mother customized these shirts to represent completing their goal of visiting all 50 states. The Shilati family checked off their last state, Hawaii, during spring break. “We had to carry [the shirts] everywhere we went,” Francesca said. “[They are] the tackiest shirts in the world.” photo by KATIE PARKINSON

by LAUREN LANGDON | web scheduling editor alternative coverage by LAUREN LANGDON and Sara-Jessica Dilks | co-editor in chief

OH, THE PLACES THEY WENT How many states have you been to? Over spring break, Ali and Laura Shilati and their children Francesca, Natalie, Joseph and Anthony visited their 50th state, Hawaii. Francesca and Natalie discuss some of the highs and lows and share what’s next for the Shilati family

E

leven years ago, after seeing a set of picture frames with enough space for a photo from every state, Ali Shilati and his wife Laura decided family road trips would be a good way to spend time with their four children.

For the first time, the picture frames hanging in the sunroom are completely filled with photographs of the Shilati family in every state.

To count a state as visited, they had to at least stop and do something within the state.

“We haven’t stayed over night in every state, like in Iowa,

we just got lunch and kept driving through,” senior Francesca Shilati said. “In other states, we will stay for a week or do more.

It depends on what there is to do in the state.”

Ali teaches a laboratory course in New York state during the summer. This job provides the family opportunities to see more states during the annual road trip.

“We would take out-of-theway ways to New York,” Francesca said. “Once we went up to Maine and looped back down.”

Francesca believes these road trips bring her family closer since they spend their summers

together instead of with friends.

During the trip, Laura sets the family itinerary.

“My mom reads out of this AAA book, reads about the state—the history and everything—it’s great,” sophomore Natalie Shilati said.

The road trips are not always planned out beforehand.

“Sometimes we will start driving and and be like ‘Priceline, where’s the closest city and the best hotel?’” Francesca said.

The Shilati family drove to the 48 continental states, but flew to Alaska and Hawaii. Although Francesca enjoys family road trips, she recognizes the

convenience of other methods.

“Flying’s easier, but I hate flying,” Francesca said. “I hate turbulence, taking off, landing. I hate all of it.”

Natalie also dislikes flying.

“I don’t mind the turbulence, but I don’t like the smell of planes,” Natalie said. “It makes me nauseous.”

However, no matter the method of travel, the Shilati family has completed their goal of visiting all 50 states. What next?

“My dad was joking, [saying], ‘I’m never taking you guys anywhere again,” Natalie said. H See the next page for their favorite places

pages designed by Mary Hilliard & Katie Parkinson

9

features

graphics by LAUREN LANGDON

T

map by SARA-JESSICA DILKS

he Shilati family has visited all 50 states after travelling to Hawaii during spring break. Although some less populated states seem less exciting than ones with water parks

and national monuments, sophomore Natalie Shilati does not have a least favorite state.

“I think every state has something to see, but sometimes it’s hard to see,” Natalie said. H

Population 9

WYOMING COUNTRYSIDE

“We looked out the window a lot,” Francesca said. “Once, we passed by this town in Wyoming and saw a [sign saying] ‘Population nine.’ There were just hay barrels everywhere.”

THE COAST OF OREGON Oregon’s coast was Francesca’s favorite part of the state.

“I really suggest going there,” Francesca said. “There are starfish everywhere and climbing on the huge rocks is cool.”

LEGGETT, CALIF. Francesca was taking pictures outside the car while the rest of her family waited in a line of cars to drive through a redwood tree. “[When the line started to move], my dad and my mom were like, ‘Hop in. Come on.

Get on,’” Natalie said. “I hopped in and they zoomed up through the trees and I never had time to shut the [sliding] door.”

The rental car became stuck in the tree. “[To get the car out], my dad kept revving the engine,” Natalie said. “The mirror popped off.”

GRAND CANYON, ARIZ. “[The Grand Canyon] is so huge and awe inspiring,” Francesca said. “I liked all the colors.”

SEWARD, ALASKA After visiting all 50 states, Ali believes Alaska was everyone’s favorite state.

“Alaska was an unbelievable place,” Ali said. “There was so much to do and explore. Everything looked untouched.”

The Shilati’s took a boat ride where they saw dolphins, whales and glaciers.

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

NEBRASKA Driving back from Montana to New York, the Shilati family’s car got a flat tire.

“It was going to be a two hour wait for AAA to get to us because we were in the middle of nowhere,” Francesca said.

BURLINGTON, VT. “Then, suddenly, a priest comes out of nowhere and is fixing our tire.”

After screwing on their spare tire, the priest gave the Shilati family prayer medallions.

Although Francesca liked outdoor activities. including hiking and canoeing, in Vermont, both her and Natalie enjoyed free ice cream samples and a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Burlington the best. “[The Ben & Jerry’s factory] is awesome,” Natalie said. “It’s like Willy Wonka because you see all these ice cream flavors.”

road

TRIP

The Shilati family drove to all 48 continental states and because Laura and Ali Shilati did not take cars with TVs in them, Francesca, Natalie, Joseph and Anthony had to entertain themselves. However, according to Francesca, this only served to bring the family closer together. The Dart compiled a list of some of the Shilati family’s favorite road trip activities. compiled by LAUREN LANGDON

Play games

OAHU, HAWAII

ARKANSAS Although states like Arkansas may seem boring to drive through, according to Francesca, the experience was memorable.

“It was funny, though, because there were dead chickens along the side of the road,” Francesca said. “There must have been a chicken truck in front of us.”

Laura and Ali made special shirts to commemorate visiting all 50 states.

“We had to carry them wherever we went,” Francesca said. “[They are] the tackiest shirts in the world.”

Despite having to wear the shirts, Hawaii is one of Natalie’s favorite places.

“All the people are so nice,” Natalie said. “[My favorite thing] was swimming in the ocean, snorkeling and being on the beach.”

“Last night I was going through pictures, and I saw a picture of my brother who had set up a chess set in the back of the car,” Francesca said.

Listen to music One way to pass the time on a road trip is to listen to a playlist of family favorites.

“In the beginning of the summer, we [used to] all put songs we wanted on a CD and just listen to it on repeat,” Natalie said.

Be creative “We used to stop at Cracker Barrel a lot, so we would always get these little sticker books and play with stickers for hours,” Francesca said.

Look out the window “My parents were so weird because they would never buy a car with the TVs in it,” Natalie said. “They would say, ‘Just look out the window.’”

Natalie enjoys driving more than flying because she is able to take more of each state. H

page designed by Katie Parkinson

11

features

ik k a y

ATTACK

by LIBBY HYDE multimedia web editor

photo illustration by MARIA DONNELLY staff photographer

The new anonymous social app provides a platform for cyber bullying in area high schools. How are school administrations handling students’ ‘inappropriate’ use of the app?

12

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

10:00 AM

Sprint

A

few weeks ago, an anonymous tweeting app reached its peak at STA. The app named Yik Yak contained a number of posts with malicious comments, according STA president Nan Bone. She said many posts included inappropriate comments and rumors that personally attacked or made allegations toward certain students at STA and other schools.

Some of these posts included sexually explicit comments, false allegations and spiteful remarks about specific STA students.

Yik Yak is designed to allow people to post anonymous comments, and the first 500 viewers in a close area are able to view it. Viewers can either vote up or down on posts to determine the number of people who agree or disagree. Voting also influences the prominence of the post to other viewers. Because of the GPS tracking on smartphones, viewers are sometimes able to see the exact location of where the comment orginated.

STA personal counselor Amanda Johnson notified the administration about the app after a student approached her about hurtful comments. After hearing about it, the administration decided to take action.

President Nan Bone made an announcement to the entire school during mid-day advisory telling them to stop posting inappropriate or potentially hurtful things on the app. Furthermore, she warned students to remove vicious posts.

“We actually had an individual call me back and say they could trace [the posts],” Bone said. “I felt like I could have pursued that, but after I gave the warning, it shut down pretty quickly. I wanted to be fair to the girls and not call that person and get the names of the students.”

Junior Bridgie Auckland first experienced Yik Yak when it was gaining popularity at STA in late February.

She downloaded the app after hearing about it from her friends at STA. A user of the app posted allegations against one of her friends, and Auckland said her friend did not know how to react because she “didn’t know if it was a good-natured joke or a malicious comment.”

“At first, I wasn’t really sure about [Yik

New

67%

Hot

“The administration did nothing more Yak], and then I found it funny and cool,” than empower students to take care of a Auckland said. “Now I find it disgusting. I situation that they found offensive,” McKinfeel like people are going to think certain things about the students at STA. People are ney said in an interview with the Dart. “We going to remember that [this app] really hurt encouraged them to take it upon themselves to address it...If a student put on [Yik Yak] people.” something negative, then there would be Auckland expressed concern for STA’s 100 responses to reputation after it that that were a became evident to ton more positive.” her that area high Now, McKinney school students said, there are were stereotyping Twitter accounts schools, including The Dart compiled screenshots of run by Shawnee STA. anonymous YikYaks from people in Mission East “I don’t want the Kansas City area. students purely foother people to cused on posting think that we have positive coma bad reputation,” ments to counterAuckland said. “If act the negativity someone says [certhat was created tain rumors about by the app.

STA] and it gets a Blue Valley lot of ups, people Northwest High who don’t know School also expeabout STA girls will rienced problems start to think that with students about [us].” using the app. Blue Bone agreed Valley Northwest with Auckland’s principal Amy sentiment, saying Murphy said she that “when those talked to the Blue things come up, Valley school however small, it district’s technoldoes affect STA’s ogy department reputation.” to get the app “It’s that one compiled by Cecilia Butler blocked on school negative comment computers and WiFi. Murphy said she also you always seem to remember, no matter how many positive ones you get,” Bone said. encouraged teachers to more strictly enSTA is not the only school in the Kansas force the school’s cell phone policy. At Blue City area that has dealt with issues concern- Valley Northwest, students are permitted ing Yik Yak. According to Shawnee Mission to use phones before or after school, and during passing periods and lunch. Murphy East High School’s student new source said teachers began to more strictly enforce Harbinger Online, principal John McKinney the rule of not using cell phones during class knew how to enforce East’s anti-bullying time because of Yik Yak. policy before Yik Yak, but now, McKinney’s Bone said that STA’s administration will power to enforce the rules is restricted by the continue to make sure students are not anonymity of the app. using Yik Yak inappropriately.

Because of this, East’s administration “I could have [Yik Yak] up on my screen, was not able to address specific students but I could have 50 things up on my posting inappropriately. So, McKinney and screen,” Bone said. “I want you guys to be the East administration gathered a leadership team of students to brainstorm ways to able to do things without [the administration] policing it.” H address the issue.

snaps OF THE APP

page designed by Emily Wemhoff

13

A&E

Last curtain call for senior directors I thought it was completely insane at first, I thought it over and I realized I could maybe use deer crossing the road as an analogy to an experience I had.”

When Prentiss, Ferro’s playwriting teacher, heard about Ferro’s idea, she was intrigued. “[The idea] was really creative, and I thought it was different because we’ve never had a story from an animal’s point of view before,” Prentiss said.

After completing the writing process, student directors hold ready for action | Senior Gabby Ferro poses in a construction hat that their own auditions, which will be a prop for the student production she is writing and directdraw students of all grade ing. Auditions for student productions took place March 31, and the levels. Since it is up to the shows will be performed April 26. photo by JULIA HAMMOND directors to run the auditions, and directors as well. Drama Students like Gabby Ferro the auditions can range from serious to goofy, Ferro said. enter student productions teacher Shana Prentiss said student productions started “For ‘P.E. For Nerds’, I had to with original plays well before she began teaching dance in a way that made the

by MADELINE BEST at STA 13 years ago. directors feel as uncomfortable page designer Although some student as possible, which was really Senior Gabby Ferro, who productions are written a weird and I didn’t know what has starred in past STA few weeks or months before to do,” Ferro said. “I also had to productions such as “Quality the show, Ferro has had hers mime the process of mitosis, Street,” as well as acting in past planned for over a year. As and I didn’t even know what student productions, has that was.” chosen to take over the Since seniors are the director’s chair. Ferro said sole directors of their pro[At auditions], I had to she expects a successful ductions, it is up to them to dance in a way that made show. schedule rehearsal times, the directors feel as “I have been a stage which can sometimes uncomfortable as manager and a light crew become an issue when possible. member in the past, so I you have a busy cast. have had opportunities — Gabby Ferro, senior “In some shows it’s to step back and watch hard to get the group productions come to life in together, so there is a lot of the past,” Ferro said. “I think, part of a class project for outside work to do,” senior and at least I hope, I will be a great playwriting her junior year, past student productions cast director since I have been in the she wrote a one-act play, the member Sabrina Salerno said. actors’ shoes as well as many exact requirement for student “But when you can finally get in of the crew members’ shoes.” productions. Ferro struggled to your group and run through it, Every spring, seniors have come up with an idea at first, it becomes like puzzle piecthe opportunity to try their until receiving some unexpect- es, you just have to put them hands at directing through ed inspiration. together.”

STA’s annual student produc“My dad gave me this crazy Student productions allow tions. Unlike other school pro- idea at the dinner table one seniors to progress from the ductions, seniors play not only night about deer crossing the writing process to seeing their the roles of actors, but writers road,” Ferro said. “To be honest, creation acted out on stage.

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

“

“

“Student productions are about creating something special,” Ferro said. “A special written piece, a special bond between the cast members and directors and a special moment when the final product hits the stage for the audience to enjoy.” H

Lights, camera, direction

Seniors go from scripts to showtime in two months

by MADELINE BEST

2 MONTHS BEFORE The announcement is made that the call for entries is open and you can begin to submit your productions for drama teacher Shana Prentiss to review.

1 1/2 MONTHS BEFORE Prentiss choses the productions for this year’s student productions and contacts the senior directors to start meeting with them.

1 MONTH BEFORE Senior directors hold auditions, deciding that day who will be cast in which production.

1 MONTH BEFORE

Practices and rehearsals begin and continue until opening night.

1 WEEK BEFORE

Tech week begins with dress rehearsals, costume and set design and the final practices.

OPENING NIGHT Student productions take place in the STA auditorium.

Give common sense a goodbye kiss If you imagine ABC’s “The prefer in a matter of a couple of months.

Bachelor” in real life, you Plus, at the end of the date, would find the show absurd

you still get one-on-one time with the guy. You don’t care that the other girls use this time “Mom, I’d like you to meet to gossip about you, because, my date for this evening.” usually, this is one of the best As your mother shakes your parts of the night. (hopefully!) future-boyfriend’s You can use this alone time hand, she sneaks a glance at to decide if you’re on the same you. You don’t find it offensive page in your relationship. If that she is amazed you could you’re not on the same page, score someone this gorgeous; you can be the first girl to you are as stunned as she is. find another group, instead of “I told all the girls I’d have hearing your date say he is not them home by 11,” your date interested in you at the end of says smoothly. Your mother the date in front of everyone. breaks out of her shocked state.

Right now, you’re one of his “Oh, I’m sorry.” Your mother favorites. Or at least, that’s what fumbles for words. “I thought he told you. He’s super into you this was a date.” on the one-on-one dates (and “It is,” you explain to the aren’t you lucky he even invited millionth person to be confused you?). But in the group dates, about how group dates work. Is he basically ignores you. it really that complicated?

Escorting you to the door, Your date will also include your mom asks you a question. seven other girls, you explain to “What?” you say. your mom. She’s still confused.

“Where are you going?”

Why would you want to comYour date answers for you. pete for your date’s attention?

“It’s a surprise,” he grins.

But it helps. Instead of datOhmygoshohmygoshohmying someone for years, trying gosh, you’re so falling for that to see who is right for you, you smile. can go on group dates to find Your mom isn’t convinced. out what kind of person you “How well do you know this

by TORIE RICHARDSON staff writer

‘Bachelor’ blowouts

Season 18 contestants diss their way to the top

by TORIE RICHARDSON photos courtesy of ABC

Ferrell

just like the movies | “The Bachelor” winner Nikki Ferrell embraces boyfriend Juan Pablo Galavis on the show’s finale March 10. Before the show, Ferrell was a nurse at Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Hospital. photo courtesy of ABC

guy, again?” she asks right in front of him, which you would think is rude if you hadn’t remembered that she’s just worried about you. You don’t respond at first. Should you lie?

No. It’s your life.

“We just met.”

She sighs.

You almost laugh at her frustration. Maybe the concept is

ridiculous. Maybe you don’t like the idea of your one-and-only boyfriend kissing five other girls on the same day. Maybe you don’t want to worry about being kicked out of your guy’s life forever even though he totally just told you he “likes you...a lot.” All the other girls seem fine with it.

Why shouldn’t you be?

You’re on “The Bachelor.” H

STINGS LEFT UNSAID

OCEANS OF HURT

CHANGING THE DATE

When contestant Elise Mosca was eliminated in the fourth rose ceremony, she hinted that competitor Nikki Ferrell is ugly. Ugly on the inside, of course (it would be catty otherwise).

Contestant Clare Crawley snuck out at 4 a.m. to swim with bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis, but Galavis later said he only did it because he did not want to disappoint Crawley.

Contestant Chelsie Webster said, “Thanks to Clare, [who took Galavis’ attention], my date has been with [competitor] Alli [Restko]. ...

Me and Alli have had a really romantic morning.”

Mosca

Crawley

Webster page designed by Emma Willibey

15

cover story

ing . arn riend w f ese gling h t at ug ok a str o l r a ke ere fo a T ct. e th bje to b u s r ive orde DI t i s n R py sen ses i BERAr of co a N n o A it s is po RD ed me te res by JO aging i t n en ia ma oft ropr s es pp lln he a i l t YOUR FRIEND SEEMS DOWN. nta d Me ns an sig

if you notice ...

This list of scenarios is not exhaustive. There are several instances that do not appear on this list. This is, in no way, a “one-size-fits-all” series leading to a promised solution. All issues are unique purely situational. According to Amanda Johnson, STA’s personal counselor, each situation is different and the most basic step of just talking to your friend can be the biggest key to helping. It is never safe to make assumptions about a friend’s circumstances.

In most situations, if you notice any of the following things, it is best to simply tell your friend what you notice, ask how you can support her and finally to find her the help she may need. Most importantly, it is not your responsibility as a friend to “fix” your friend’s issues; your job is to support your friend as she gets help.

Communicating your feelings with your friend and helping her seek help with a trusted adult is the most important step. These steps are in no particular order and are here to simply guide you if you should ever encounter any of the following issues.

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THERE ARE cuts, scars or signs of self-injury on your friend’s body. your friend is constantly overwhelmed OR has trouble concentrating in class.

Your friend is rapidly losing weight.

Your friend seems obsessed with counting calories and checking nutrition labels.

Your friend avoids going home.

Your friend SAYS SHE WANTS TO RUN AWAY. Your friend SAYS SHE WANTS TO DIE. Your friend seems constantly tired.

then here are some steps you can take to help ...

N A E E L NM O

1.

NAME This step stems from you recognizing a significant difference in your friend’s physical or mental state.

It is purely you noticing something alarming or something you are worried about in your friend.

This step does not necessarily mean there is a looming, long term mental change. It is only after the worry persists that you should take further steps.

NOTICE

2.

This is you, as a friend to someone struggling, physically telling someone what you notice about your friend. Communication is the most essential part. It is easier for a trusted adult, counselor or parent to help if they know specifically what differences you have noticed or what concerns you have. It is important to know a beginning point, when your friend seemed “normal” as opposed to after you’ve noticed change. This step involves physically communicating by using a lot of “I” statements such as “I am worried” and “I have noticed.”

SUPPORT

3.

This is when you offer your friend support through whatever they are going through. The problem could be out of your realm of knowledge, or it could be as simple as a bad grade on a test. At this point, you should ask your friend what you can do to help, how you can be there for them, if they need extra help in any area or if they simply just need a hug. Any support is valid support. However, remember, being supportive does not mean being fully responsible for your friend. Support comes in different forms and no support goes unappreciated.

HELP

4.

This step comes when you seek further help for your friend or they are seeking outside help either through a therapist or a parent. According to STA personal counselor Amanda Johnson, there are several resources in our area for outside assistance with these issues. Johnson can refer you to a therapist and provide you with the contact information in order to contact them. If you need immediate help in an emergency situation, call a crisis hotline (such as ones listed in the sidebar on the right) or call 911. H

A CALL FOR HELP

There are several hotlines the general public can use to get the most urgent help: whether you are suffering or you are the friend of someone who is suffering.

The hotlines listed below are open 24 hours a day every day at no charge. compiled by JORDAN BERARDI managing editor of copy

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (For those who are suicidal or those who know someone who is suicidal) 1-800-273-8255 or you can text ANSWER to 839863 National Alcohol and Drug Helpline: (For those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction and those who have a loved one suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction) 800-262-2463 Child Abuse Hotline: (For those who are experiencing child abuse, whether physical or emotional,and those who know someone experiencing child abuse) 1-800422-4453 National Sexual Assault Hotline: (For those who have experienced sexual assault or know someone who has) 1-800-656-4673 Eating Disorder Crisis Hotline: (For those who suffer from an eating disorder or those who know someone who is) 800-931-2237 National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: (For those who are/were in an abusive relationship or those who know someone who is or has been) 1-866-331-9474 National Runaway Safeline: (For those who have run away, wish to run away or those who know someone who has ran away) 1-800-786-2929 page designed by Sara-Jessica Dilks

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cover story

OPEN YOURSELF TO RECEIVING HELP

by NATALIE FITTS co-editor-in-chief

Emily Wemhoff and I have been best friends since our older sisters were in the same Fitts preschool class.

From about age 3, we talked about everything together--school, boys, family, other friends, sports and just about anything else we could think of.

But when I started developing anorexia nervosa in sixth grade, I stopped sharing everything. I didn’t really understand what was happening to me mentally, physically or emotionally so I certainly didn’t expect Emily, or any of my other friends, to understand either. I didn’t see the point in talking about it.

However, it didn’t take long before it was an issue that we couldn’t really ignore. I was hardly eating, losing weight quickly, over-exercising and just in an overall depression. I guess Emily realized that since I obviously wasn’t going to bring it up, she had to.

I can vividly remember the day she first said something about it. We were doing a cool down during track practice in the St. Charles gym with our other friend, Grace. Emily casually mentioned how her mom had said something about how much weight I had lost. I threw out a string of excuses that I had already gotten used to giving people whenever they said anything about my weight or unhealthy habits. Emily and

Grace both agreed that what I was doing wasn’t normal or healthy. Because I was deep in my eating disorder, I wasn’t ready to accept any sort of help and just brushed it off.

Emily and I are not and have never been very touchy-feely, wear-your-hearton-your-sleeve-type people, so looking back, I realize now how hard it must have been for Emily to bring up such a serious topic. At the age of 12, she was able to have a conversation that no one that young should have to have with their best friend. Most adults probably have trouble with those types of discussions, but Emily was just doing what she had done for nearly 10 years: being an amazing friend to me.

Not long after that brief conversation, my parents got me professional help. By the beginning of seventh grade, I had improved a lot and Emily didn’t have to bring up my eating disorder again.

Until I relapsed in the middle of eighth grade.

I was depressed, anxious, somewhat suicidal and back to my former eating disordered ways. I distinctly remember one particular Sunday when I was having an especially difficult time.

I received a text from Emily expressing concern for relapse and making sure I was getting the help I needed.

It wasn’t some grand intervention, but it was enough to make me realize that I was loved, cared about and worthy of recovery. It may seem silly, but to this day, that text message is one of

TWEET, TWEET compiled by JORDAN BERARDI managing editor of copy

With social media dominating most teen lives, people are finding ways to promote positivity on a larger and more accessible platform. Twitter has become home to many accounts which urge positive thoughts and healthy mentalities. Most of these accounts go by simple names and advise followers to have a positive self-image.

@positivtyturtle: STOP WHAT YOURE DOING RIGHT NOW AND SMILE. WOW YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL AND SMILE (-: @positivtyturtle: WHATEVER YOURE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW AND FOREVER ITLL PASS EVENTUALLY AND BE FILLED WITH SOMETHING BETTER THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.

Since that time, recovery from my multiple mental illnesses has been long, exhausting and the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. One of the things I have been working on for years is something that Emily knew all about in middle school: communication.

This fall, I was in an intensive outpatient program in hopes to finally get my eating disorder under control before college. The biggest goal my treatment team and I made for me during my time there was being more open with everyone in my life. I’m not sure I believe in miracles, but the good things that came from improving my communication is the closest thing to miraculous I’ve ever experienced. As soon as I started sharing everything, the good and the bad, with not just Emily, but select other friends and my parents, my eating disorder immediately started improving.

It was the lightbulb-over-my-head moment. I realized that Emily and my other friends had been doing their part of the communication for years. But it wasn’t working because I wasn’t doing my part. I like to think of myself as proof that good things happen when you open yourself up to the help that your loved ones want to give you. Yes, friends play an important role whenever you’re struggling with a mental illness.

But you have to help them help you by accepting the help that deep down you know you so desperately need. H

@cleanarms: hey if you have a bellybutton, a pulse, and a heart, this is your sign not to hurt yourself tonight [because] you’re so alive why ruin it @cleanarms: whether you’re a day clean or a year clean, it is still progress and you are still my hero compiled by LAUREN LANGDON | web editor

BE A FRIEND IN TIMES OF NEED

by EMILY WEMHOFF page designer

There is an amazing person at STA and she is my best friend.

You may know her. She is the Wemhoff co-editor-in-chief of the Dart and a sarcastic, hilarious 18-year-old who loves carrots. Her name is Natalie Fitts.

There was a time when I saw my best friend go through hell and back.

There was a time when I didn’t know if she would get better.

Natalie developed anorexia in sixth grade. Slowly she started losing weight, becoming obsessed with her body image and working out every night. At first, I didn’t worry because I thought it would be a phase. But as the weeks turned into months, I saw her spiraling into something I would not wish upon anyone. My best

friend looked so sick and unhappy and I needed to do something about it.

We still had fun, went to movies and talked about boys, but I was doing it with a person who looked empty.

I didn’t know how to talk about something so uncomfortable and foreign to me. I knew how sensitive she probably was to the topic of eating disorders, so I barely mentioned it.

When things didn’t change, I blamed myself. Did I do something to make her upset with herself? As a middle schooler, it was extremely hard to figure out the immense amount of emotions that I was feeling. But I was growing more and more scared and concerned, so I decided to do the one thing I knew how to do: build her up.

She was always perfect to me.

A great friend, with an even better personality. We weren’t the kind of people to talk about emotions, but I

hoped she knew how great I thought she was by my actions. When I sent her that text, I told her I would always be her friend and I would do anything for her. Through it all, I knew I needed to continue to be a listener. I was ready and waiting if she ever wanted to talk about it.

I am unbelievably proud of the strides she has made. I know how much work she has put in to come out on the winning side.

I know Natalie has become a stronger person because of her battle with anorexia. She is braver and more outspoken and not afraid to hold back. That girl who struggles with the eating disorder is an amazing person inside and out. She still is my best friend and one of the smartest, sassiest people I know. I’m glad I chose to speak up because I do not know what I would do without good ole Nattles. H

KINDNESS WEEK

by KATHERINE GREEN standing features manager

Peer Helpers hosted their third annual Kindness Week, formally known as Anti- Bullying Week, from March 10-14 to create education awareness about issues young people face according to Peer Helper moderator Amanda Johnson.

Monday, March 10: Those who paid a dollar on March 4 or 5 had the opportunity to dress down in white to emphasize pureness and “to start the week with a clean slate,” according to the Peer Helper flyers around school. Also, mirrors in the school were blocked off.

Tuesday, March 11: For a dollar, students were able to buy a slice of pizza. For 50 cents students also could write what they loved about themselves on a whiteboard and get a picture

holding the board, which would be compiled into a powerpoint.

Wednesday, March 12: During advisory, a white bag was passed around for each member to write something that they loved about themselves on it. These bags would be displayed at the assembly on Thursday.

Thursday, March 13: An Awareness Assembly was held to bring attention to depression, self-harm, suicide, and other challenges students may face.

Along the gym floor the white bags from Wednesday were displayed.

Peer helpers sophomore Sarah Wunder and junior Audrey Muehlebach gave speeches about their personal encounters with challenges they have faced.

Friday, March 14: Students who paid a dollar on March 4 or 5 had a second opportunity to dress down in the color that represented them.

1.

3.

2.

1. Peer Helpers covered bathroom mirrors with messages such as “You are beautiful!” March 10.

2. Senior Audrey Muehlebach presented a speech about her struggle with anorexia nervosa during the ceremony.

3. Students place candles inside each advisory’s paper bag during the ceremony March 13. photos by MADDIE KNOPKE and ADRIANNA OHMES page designed by Sara-Jessica Dilks

19

reviews

Gas station cafe refuels both cars and humans

Papu’s Cafe, a Mediterranean restaurant, resides inside a Shell gas station on 75th Street.

Photo by Libby Hyde

by JESSE WALKER-McGRAW Staff writer

I was perplexed when I saw the outside of Papu’s Cafe. It looked like a normal gas station, complete with gas pumps, not a Mediterranean restaurant. Even though I had been told Papu’s was housed in a gas station, I was still surprised when I saw the outside.

Inside, the restaurant was starkly different. Although one side of the area was a normal gas station, with Doritos and Twizzlers for sale near a counter, the other side was filled with tables, with fresh flowers on each, and a huge visible kitchen.

Directly in front of the clear glass separating the kitchen from the dining area was a long counter with tall chairs. Food was handed directly over the divide. There were paintings of women wearing hijabs on the wall and one of the employees turned on Mediterranean music.

After all this, I expected the food to be wonderful, and was not disappointed. My friend who I had dragged along accompanied me to the counter. We ordered gyros, which are sandwiches made of pita bread, thinly sliced meat, sauce, lettuce and tomatoes.

The woman working the counter gave us our order reciept, and we sat down at the high counter to wait. Spread along it were magazines, ranging from Time Magazine to People Magazine, in case there was a long

20

the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

wait, I assumed. We certainly didn’t have to wait long. Our gyros were almost immediately handed over the counter.

Both of us loved them, especially since they were only about $6. The meat was, as my friend said, “perfectly seasoned,” nicely spicy and a little greasy. The pita bread was cooked just enough and browned on the sides.

After our lunch, we decided to sample a piece of baklava, a delicious layered honey pastry, for the sake of reporting, of course.

I was a bit deterred when I saw that the baklava was kept in a freezer. It seemed less fresh, although it tasted homemade, and being kept in a freezer had made it hard to rip pieces off of it to eat. However, it was only about $3, and I am not one to say no to a delicious honey pastry.

It was strange to be eating restaurant-quality food next to gas station coolers full of flavored water. In addition, after eating, we paid for our food at the gas station counter.

As I left Papu’s Cafe, I looked back and knew that although it looked like a gas station, a delicious cafe was hidden within.

PAPU’S CAFE

604 W 75th St Kansas City, MO Must Order: Gyro

HHHHH

short & sweet Find My IPhone HHHHH

by SABRINA REDLINGSHAFER opinion editor

If you have an iPhone, go to the App store and search “Find my iPhone” right now. This app is a lifesaver, if you are like me and your phone is quite literally your life.

This free utility app can be used if you misplace an Apple device. After signing in with an ID, you are able to see your missing device on a map. With the map view, you can open directions to your device. Other options include the ability to lock your device with a passcode, display a message on screen, play a sound, or erase all data. With the Lost Mode feature, you can track where your device has been in order to decide which of these actions is most appropriate.

So, do not panic anymore. This app will provide protection and, hopefully, a few lost apple products.

Supermodel

Foster The People

HHHHH

by MADDIE KNOPKE page designer

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxiously awaiting another energetic and unforgettable smash hit from Foster The People on March 18 with the release of their second album, “Supermodel.”

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mark Foster, lead singer of Foster the People, described the chief theme of “Supermodel” as criticizing consumerism and the modern version of selfworth while touching on the band members’ personal experiences. He declared wanting to redefine the word “supermodel” with this album, an extremely bold goal in itself.

For a few months leading up to the release of Foster The People’s sophomore album, they tweeted images of “Supermodel” song lyrics handwritten in some sort of shape or image relating to the quite poetic lyrics. Sure, it was a publicity move but we can’t discredit Mark Foster and his band. It’s obvious they are proud of these lyrics and didn’t intend for them to be a whimsical set of chart-topping pop jingles.

Check out the full review on DartNewsOnline

editorial

editorial cartoon by MARY GRACE MASCHLER

STA can help erase stigma surrounding mental illnesses The staff editorial reflects the views of the Dart editorial board.

Chances are you know a girl at STA with a mental illness. One in five people is afflicted. That means in your math class, there are almost four people who live with it. That means in our entire student body there are over 120 girls who lapse and relapse into a personal mental illness every day.

You probably did not know this because your sisters and friends are sometimes afraid to admit their struggles. We need to fix that problem. It’s time for us to move away from ignorance, denial and fear.

We have the power to change attitudes and erase the stigma of mental illness by choosing the way we speak about it. At STA, we have the opportunity to talk about mental illness more openly and freely. We have the chance to let our sisters speak about the things they are

most ashamed of. We’re perpetuating stereotypes when we say someone is “crazy” or “totally mental.” But changing the words you use does not mean the problem goes away.

Talk about it more openly and talk to one another. It shouldn’t be something we are ashamed of.

[

7 of 7 editors voted in support of this editorial

]

If we truly care about helping people with mental illnesses, we will ensure they are treated better, we will stand up for their rights and will not tolerate when mental illness terms are used in a negative manner.

At STA, we are lucky enough to have a sisterhood where we can

share our feelings freely and know we will still be loved. To anyone that lives with shame, fear, or isolation: you have a friend here at the academy. Girls are much more at risk for anxiety, eating disorders, self injury and depression, especially in the teenage years, according to the Child Mind Institute. We wish that these problems would not exist, but unfortunately they are an everyday reality.

Each of us can empower those with a mental illness to admit to their illness, seek treatment and become even greater members of society. Each of us struggles with something different, but the point is we all struggle.

Erase the shame. Erase the fear.

Erase the isolation. Your sisters are here for you and we are willing to help. H

right on How does STA show support for those with mental illnesses?

“Counselors are “By providing “I think STA as a TARGET always there for counseling and whole supports one Each issue, the Dart asks three people their views on the main editorial

students to talk to. Kindness Week also shows support.”

senior Erin Farmer

oppurtunities for our peers to become more aware of mental illnesses.”

junior Monica McGraw

another no matter what someone is going through so they are not alone.”

freshman Anessa Saladino page designed by Sabrina Redlingshafer

21

perspectives

ban BOSSY,

ENCOURAGE LEADERSHIP teristics she may and the contain that could destruclead her to control a tion it brings. company or hold a position of Sheryl Sandberg, power in the government.

Facebook COO, has recentThe word “bossy” does not just ly founded the Lean In Foundation, bounce off of a girl. She holds it with which, according to their website, her forever. I will never forget the day works to “empower all women to

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH Liam Griffin called me bossy, and to achieve their ambitions.” Lean In has social media manager worked with the Girls Scouts of Ameri- this day do not like group projects. Even Flashback to Mrs. Barry’s first grade ca to begin their Ban Bossy Campaign. though I know the word “bossy” is not classroom. We have just finished the necessarily negative, I still carry the This campaign is all about encourbook “Ivy and Bean.” Mrs. Barry now fear of being associated with it. aging parents, teachers and peers wants us to write a similar story in Words like “bossy” create a cycle of to avoid using the word “bossy” to groups. The boys in my group begin describe girls who are being assertive disrespect of women, starting in a first to mess around. It looks as if we will grade classroom and expanding into and showing leadership skills. never finish our assignment. I decide to the professional world.

Think about it. get everyone back on track. I ask who They’re “bossy” as little When was the last would want to write and who would girls, and then they’re time you heard The word bossy is want to draw. I split the group. We are “aggressive” and “shrill” someone accuse a a toxic adjective finally on track and working. Liam Grif- little boy of being as women. We can easily with a very negative fin turns and stares at me. be seen as too ambitious, “bossy?” When a connotation “You’re so bossy.” when a man in the same boy takes charge, The words hit me. I feel my face position would be glorified he is praised for burn. The tears form behind my eyes. I being a leader. Yet, for aiming high. sink into my chair. My participation for when a little girl does the same, she STA prides itself on creating sucthe rest of the day is non-existent. cessful and independent women by risks being branded bossy. This fear “Bossy.” Overly authoritative or instilling the knowledge and confidence of being judged goes way beyond the domineering. With synonyms like needed to excel. In my two years here classroom and eventually into adultcommanding and overbearing, the word hood. It is for this reason there are only at STA, I have never heard the word “bossy” is a toxic adjective with a very “bossy” and believe this is why girls 22 women in America that are at the negative connotation that can insult helms of Fortune 500 companies. When leave here feeling empowered and and discourage girls. you call a girl bossy, you are telling her self-sufficient. It is now our responsibilDespite the negativity that comes ity to give girls the confidence to lead. not to raise her hand or speak up. You with the word “bossy,” many women I will ban the word “bossy.” Will you? H are ultimately destroying any characin power are working to end this word

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“

“

Use break to serve others over serving yourself

by HANNAH BREDAR web photo editor

Twenty-one girls. Five chaperones.

Six hour flight. One week of service.

Before hearing about the El Salvador Mission Trip I was planning to go on vacation with my family during Spring Break. If I had gone on the normal family vacation, I would never have experienced the joy I found on this mission trip. If you are reading this and have never been on a mission trip, I highly advise you to go on one.

Whether it be inside the United States or to a foreign country, it will change your outlook on life.

First off, El Salvador is not anything like the United States. It is totally normal to see someone walking on the side of the road with a tub of chickens on their head and guards with machine

guns present at every shop and restaurant. On the other hand, 21 American girls covered in paint walking into a Wal-Mart is not common for them either.

Second, the language barrier barely exists, especially when talking to kids.

The only phrases you need to know are “hola,” “fútbol,” and how to play soccer, and they will love you unconditionally.

It is inspirational to see everyone there so happy with so little, when back at STA everyone stresses about which dress to buy for the next dance. They are so thankful for everything they have (which isn’t much) and are the happiest people I’ve ever met. The locals taught me I should be appreciative for everything I have, even the small things I don’t normally think about, like clean water and food.

One day at a school, a 17-year-old boy told me and some other girls he wanted to learn English because he didn’t learn it in school. Hearing that he wanted to learn made me realize how much I take my education for granted.

The kids in El Salvador go to school

only half the day, so they can help their families at home the rest of the day, and most kids go to work instead of college. Some days, the last thing I want to do is go to school because I am simply “too tired,” but after seeing how excited these kids were to learn, I will never again take my education for granted. I have been so lucky to attend St. Teresa’s for the past three years and receive an amazing education.

After visiting a third world country, I experienced first-hand severe poverty and how different it is from how we live in the United States. Americans live in so much excess, buying things we don’t even need and still are unsatisfied.

However, El Salvadorans barely have anything and are so content.

When leaving the communities after long days of work, the people were so thankful for our presence. At every site we visited, we received plenty of hugs, waves and huge smiles as we departed. Even though we had only worked at each site for a day, the kindness the locals gave us was as if we had known them for much longer. H

Society places importance on grades, not learning

Think about the last time you received a test grade back.

When your friend or parent approached you about your test, what did they ask?

“What did you get?”

“What was your score?”

Those two questions seem to be becoming most frequently asked when tests are given back to students. Shouldn’t the real question be, “What did you learn?”

Not only has learning just

“

“

by CASSIE FLORIDO page designer

become a process of memo- a high grade.

Education has taken on a rizing facts and regurgitating it on a test, but it has become winning mentality in today’s society. Unfortunately, grades a numbers game. In high aren’t always representative school, suddenly everything of a student’s knowledge. about education changes.

Therefore, some students are You become your grades. A overlooked simply because test score, an ACT score, a they cannot keep up with grade point average. Stuthe competitive standards of dents become their number. education.

Unfortunately, this has had a As students start to reach negative impact on the learna higher ing experience. level of Students have Education education, become robots. We has taken schools sit in classes learnon a winning begin to tell ing material that mentality in students we may never use today’s society. they will not later in life. School be successful implants the idea that it doesn’t really matter we won’t unless they maintain certain use the material later in life; all grades or scores. Everyday I that matters is the importance see examples of teachers and to come out of that class with students only caring about the

scores that show up on their report cards and transcripts.

But what if I don’t want to become just another number in the grade book? What if I want to come to school to actually focus on material that will benefit me, instead of constantly having my PowerSchool tab open checking my grades.

If everyone stopped constantly worrying about grades, students would be relieved of the pressure and actually want to learn material.

If education actually focused on learning, we would see a change in student’s attitudes.

Until then, students are going to continue to go through the motions or cut corners simply to “make it” in the education system. H

page designed by Sabrina Redlingshafer

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leisure

the QUEST for a DRESS story by Gloria Cowdin blogs editor

P

photos by Mary Hilliard page designer

rom season has arrived at STA. Many girls are going to the extreme to ensure that they will have their “perfect” prom, with the right shoes, make-up, date, ride and, most importantly, the right dress.

While some seniors, such as Beth Mitchell, spend up to $400 on their dresses, others, such as Anja Browning, only spent $2.17.

Despite the gap in the two girls’ dress prices, both agreed that a dress should be classic and versatile. “[I want] something that, when I look back on it, I’m not going to say, ‘God, I hate this dress and I wish I had never put it on,’” Mitchell said.

Senior Paige Lankford said the “perfect” dress is different for every girl.

“I think it’s whatever the girl who’s wearing it likes and feels beautiful in, because I don’t think there’s really a perfect prom dress,” Lankford said.

Browning found her dress in an unlikely spot: Maj-R Thrift, a thrift store in Fairway, where Browning worked over the summer.

“When I first tried it on, it was kinda

Every girl has a different idea of what the “perfect” prom dress looks like.

Two STA seniors share their experiences in finding their perfect dresses

just for fun, but when I saw how it fit and everything, and how classy it was, I knew it was the one,” Browning said.

It was only July, but Browning knew that the dress was perfect for prom, which is next Friday.

“It was great, because then I knew I didn’t have to look for one during the crazed times,” Browning said, referring to the rush many girls are in now to find a dress.

Mitchell, on the other hand, sought out her dress at multiple stores before she found it. She knew she wanted a Sherri Hill designer dress, which meant she had to find certain stores that sold these dresses. She ended up finding one at Sassy Chic Boutique in Mission Farms.

“I really liked it,” Mitchell said. “I don’t know how else to describe it. It was a nice balance between elegant but still fun.”

According to Mitchell, she had been searching for a dress since January.

Fortunately, Mitchell said she enjoys dress shopping. Along with a dress, seniors must purchase tickets for senior prom. The expenses can easily pile up, according to Mitchell.

“It’s...expensive,” Mitchell said. “I have a date, so the ticket is $80; it’s

expensive. Then you have to think of jewelry, and depending on if you’re going to another prom or not, you have to think, ‘Oh, now I have to buy another prom dress’ or other sets of jewelry or more makeup. Stuff like that, it just starts to get really, really stressful.”

Browning agreed that prom can be stressful, but she also expressed her excitement for the dance.

“I’ve been looking forward to [prom] for a while, just because, you know, it’s the big dance of senior year,” Browning said.

Dresses play an integral part of prom and can play a role in how girls feel, according to Mitchell.

“Depending on what you wear, it can make you feel good or not,” Mitchell said. “I think [my dress will] make me feel good.”

According to Browning, the act of dressing up signifies the importance of prom.

“For us who wear uniforms all day long, [prom is] one of the really big times to show off,” Browning said.

However, both Browning and Mitchell agreed that although the dress plays a large role in prom, spending time with their friends will be the best part of the dance. H

sittin’ pretty | Senior Beth Mitchell poses in her front yard with her prom dress. Mitchell found her dress at Sassy Chic Bourtique in Mission Farms, Kan. According to Mitchell, she will wear this dress to both Rockhurst and STA’s proms. photos by MARY HILLIARD

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

strike a pose | Senior Anja Browning poses in the STA quad in her prom dress. Browning found her dress at Maj-R Thrift over the summer for $2.17. “When I saw how it fit and everything, and how classy it was, I knew it was the one,� Browning said. photos by MARY HILLIARD

prom

PERFECTION The Dart polled 55 seniors about what their dream prom dress would look like. The poll included questions about preferred length, style, neckline, material, color and accents. Here is the most popular prom dress for the class of 2014. compiled by MARY HILLIARD

Length: Floor Style: Spaghetti straps Neckline: A-line Color: Blue Material: Chiffon page designed by Cecilia Butler

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community

Humans of STA: St. Patrick’s Day version Streets of green crowds of cheer

1.

by Bridget Jones staff writer

A little girl watches as her 2-year-old brother runs up to a huge, red dog.

“Kevin, come back!”

It is too late. Kevin has already landed into the happy embrace of Clifford the Big Red Dog. The whole family laughs and someone snaps a picture that will later hang in their grandparents’ house for years to come.

This is just one of the many memories sophomore Mary-Catherine Egan recalls when she thinks about the Brookside St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade. This year, she attended the parade with her parents, sister and a few aunts, uncles and cousins.

“The best part about the parade is seeing all the cool floats in my neighborhood,” Egan said.

The 34th annual parade was held March 15, the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. The parade is filled with floats and performances from local businesses, schools and other associations.

“We get about 120 entries for floats, marching units, walking units, cars, trucks and horses each year,” Jennifer Gamble, the events director of the parade, said. “We really have no way to know [how many people watch the parade], but we estimate that thousands of people view the parade each year.”

The parade has been a tradition for families living in the Brookside neighborhood for years.

“We come every year we are in town,” Egan said.

Gamble said that her favorite part of the parade is the Basset hounds. “...[T]hey always have the dogs in costumes as they waddle along the parade route,” Gamble said.

Gamble, like many other participants, loves the atmosphere of the celebration.

“I really love how happy everyone is,” Gamble said. “Both those in the parade and those watching.” H

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2.

3.

4.

1. What is your favorite thing about the parade? “The pipers,” PE teacher Stacy O’Rear said while posing with her family at the Brookside St. Patrick’s Day parade March 15.

2. What is your favorite thing about the parade? “Candy,” freshman Emma Gustavson said.

3. What is your favorite thing about the parade? “The dogs are adorable and the Price Chopper mascots are terrifying,” freshman Madi Winfield, left, said. “I like the spud lady and the double-decker bus,” sophomore Mary-Catherine Egan said.

4. What is your favorite thing about the parade? “The atmosphere,” senior Miranda Schultz said. “I love all the familes getting together.” photos by BRIDGET JONES

homesick blues | Fresh the Plaza band members Connor Ehman, from left, Peter Andresen, Murphy Smith and Quinn Cochran pose for a photo with Smith’s dog Lucky in Smith’s home March 26. The boys try to practice together two to three times a week. photo by ANNA LEACH

A Fresh Start: Q&A with Fresh the Plaza

The Dart sat down to chat about music with Fresh the Plaza, an up-and-coming band of local high school seniors

by SARA-JESSICA DILKS co-editor-in-chief

Fresh the Plaza is a new Kansas City-based band consisting of four local high school seniors: Connor Ehman of Rockhurst High School, Quinn Cochran of Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and Peter Andresen and Murphy Smith of Shawnee Mission East High School.

After performing one of its first shows at the STA Dance-A-Thon Feb. 8, the band has gained popularity among STA students.

At a Wednesday night band practice in a Westwood basement, four highschool senior boys are in their truest element. Connor Ehman, who founded the band in September 2013, cracks jokes as he fidgets with knobs on sound amplifiers and adjusts his microphone stand. Quinn Cochran stands closeby in the small rehearsal space, nodding his head and foot simultaneously to the strumming of his guitar. Murphy Smith, who holds his bass guitar like a newborn baby, playfully yells, “Get out of here, Lucky!” at the shaggy dog that prances around tangled equipment cords. In the corner, Peter Andresen beats his drumset, pausing only occasionally to take a sip of his strawberry soda.

DART: Who plays what? How long have you each been playing for?

MS: Bass guitar for about eight years.

QC: Guitar for seven years, vocals for three years.

CA: Guitar for four years, vocals for four years.

PA: My name is Peter, and I have been playing the drums for four years.

DART: Where did the name come from?

CE: There’s a poster in Peter’s basement that says ‘Fresh the Plaza’ that was hung up at the [Country Club] Plaza like 20 years ago. Someone suggested to use it [as our name] and at first we were like, ‘That’s so dumb.’ But we realized it’s catchy.

QC: We thought it was good representation of our musical style and [the actual location] of where we’re from.

DART: What have you learned in the process of forming Fresh the Plaza?

CE: This is a test run for all of us to see, ‘How do you function in a real band? How do you get four people to work together?’

QC: Connor just gave me confidence. We feed off each other so much, dude.

CE: Yeah! Quinn taught me how to play the guitar. We’ve done our own thing a couple times, but yeah, I can look over at Quinn and know exactly what he’s about to do.

PA: And they’ve been in love ever since.

MS: Basically you just learn to communicate without even saying anything.

DART: What’s the most rewarding part of playing music?

CE: When a song finally comes together, and you hear it the way it was in your head.

When it’s done..it’s like you just reached a mountaintop and nothing can bring you down.

QC: And you can’t wait to play it in front of people without having to worry about messing up. And plus, we’re really becoming best friends.

PA: I love the confidence of playing in a show. You’re just like, ‘Yes, I freaking own this.’

MS: For me it’s just getting to know these guys...the music and the friendship!

DART: Where are we going to see you next?

MS: Right, we want to record something to put on a CD. CE: Our other big goal is playing some bigger shows down at the Crossroads at First Fridays.

PA: This summer [before college], we wanna just play as many songs as possible. H story continued on dartnewsonline.com visit www.goo.gl/IomCTu page designed by Madeline Best

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sports

ATHLETE of the

ISSUE story by LIBBY HYDE multimedia web editor

It was the final game of the lacrosse season last year when STA was playing Notre Dame de Sion High School. With two minutes left on the clock, varsity player Kristina Coppinger was feeling dead on her feet. Then, suddenly, she felt ready to play.

“I don’t want to lose this game,” Coppinger thought to herself. “We are not going to lose to Sion.”

With not much time left on the clock and STA down three points, Coppinger had the ball; she saw Maggie Keenan, a Sion player, running toward her.

“I didn’t pay her any mind and went right past her,” Coppinger said. “I was going for the goal. I cleared it up the field to one of the attack players and we got a goal.”

Coppinger said that was the first time she experienced real motivation.

That day, she put her own needs and pains aside to play for the team.

Coppinger has been playing lacrosse since the fifth grade. She’s been working ever since to develop her skills.

“There is no off season,” Coppinger said. “I play basically year round for four different teams and that usually keeps me in shape.”

Coppinger’s teammate senior Katie Tampke said that she has been talented since her freshman year, but has grown as a leader.

“She allows herself to be a large force on the field, but girls aren’t afraid to ask her for help because she’s not vain or intimidating,” Tampke said. H

reLAXin’ | Coppinger catches a pass while warming up for practice. photo by MARIA DONNELLY

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

Athletes to join Hall of Fame STA athletic department to create tradition of honoring student-athletes

by CASSIE FLORIDO page designer

The STA athletic department is creating a Hall of Fame to honor the successes of past athletes. According to athletic director Mark Hough, standard requirements to be inducted into the Hall of Fame includes standout accomplishments as a high school, college or professional athlete.

“Hall of Fames can be found at nearly all high schools as a way to recognize the achievements of standout student athletes,” Hough said. “We certainly have many deserving of this honor at STA.” According to Hough, the athletic department plans to start inducting a few members into the Hall of Fame each year.

The plan is to induct more recent graduates alongs with a few older graduates each year. The Hall of Fame will begin to take shape over the summer in Verheyen.

As of now, only one member, Becca Lueke, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Lueke was inducted into the Hall of Fame Feb 27. on basketball senior night, where her jersey number was retired as well.

Hough states that the next inductees will include professional athletes and athletes that have lettered in college.

Title IX, passed in 1972, states that males and females must receive the same amount of federal funding in certain aspects of life, including athletics. The passing of Title IX has allowed more female athletes to pursue sports in college and as a professional career. The success of Title IX is shown in the number of eligible inductees for the STA Hall of Fame.

Through the decades, the number of students eligible to be inducted into the hall has increased in recent years. From athletes who played in the 1990s. only 3 members are eligible, compared to 39 eligible from the 2000s to present.

“One of the great results of Title IX has been the development of additional opportunities for female athletes to participate in college and professional athletics in a variety of sports,” Hough said.

Cross country coach Karen Moran is an eligible inductee from the class of 1996. Moran was part of the 1994 cross

blast from the past | STA alumna Michelle Jantsch was named the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006. photo courtesy of THE TERESIAN YEARBOOK

country State champion team and ran for Rockhurst University. Moran has coached cross country at STA for 15 years. She also earned All-District honors her sophomore and junior year.

Moran said that being inducted into the Hall of Fame would be an honor.

“There have been so many incredible athletes that wore an STA uniform and there are many deserving alumnae that deserve recognition for excellence in athletics during their high school years,” Moran said.

STA graduate Anna Woolery is an eligible inductee from the class of 2013 and is currently playing softball at the University of Chicago. Woolery was a member of the varsity softball team all four years and received All-District honors every year except for her senior year due to injury.

“It’s such an honor to be [eligible] to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Woolery said. “It means a lot to be recognized alongside some of STA’s best athletes.”

Woolery and Moran both agree that it is important to acknowledge the excellence of athletes at STA. “STA promotes excellence in academics and in extracurriculars as well,” Moran said. “Sports are a large component of many students’ lives while in high school and the hard work and discipline they demonstrate in the classroom carries over into their athletics endeavors.” H

Soccer driven by State loss

STAR SCORES compiled by CASSIE FLORIDO page designer

Basketball (10-16) •

lost to Lee’s Summit West 61-42 in the District Championships

Soccer (1-0) motivated to win | Senior Savannah Trujillo does crunches at practice March 12 on the Kevin Gray Field. This year the team is working even harder to win State. photo by KATIE HORNBECK

STA soccer team rebuilding for a chance to compete in the finals

Christina DeZeeuw agree with Kitts that the changes are minor and add that the team has been doing more conditioning than last

by MARYMICHAEL HOUGH year. social media manager “We’ve been doing a lot more running at practices because I think that we were a Current sophomore varsity soccer little out of shape last year and that kind of player Grace Kitts watched the ball soar hurt us,” Luallin said. through the air as the announcer counted According to DeZeeuw, the team has down from ten to one. She stopped running as girls in black jerseys began to celebrate. also been practicing shooting on their new goalies after last year’s goalie Janie Kitts glanced at the scoreboard one last Thompson graduated. time. 2-1 with no time remaining.

Kitts, Strader, Luallin and DeZeeuw all It was over.

STA had just lost to Eureka High School agree that the team’s goal this year is to make it to State again. in the 2013 Missouri State High School “Last year we didn’t go into the game Soccer final. with as much State experience and we Almost a year later, Kitts refers to the were new to the pressure, but we definitely 2013 State game as “an open wound.” know what to expect now,” Kitts said.

“We were just so excited that maybe According to DeZeeuw the team needs we didn’t go into [the game] with the right to have “good team chemistry” in order to mindset,” Kitts said. “I think also trying to come from behind we all just got frazzled.” make it to state.

According to Strader, the team needs to According to varsity player junior Carwork hard and “always think ahead.” oline Strader, the team has put last year’s “We can’t ever really take a break espeState loss behind them and is now looking cially on easy games,” Strader said. “We forward to a successful season. need to treat them with as much imporDespite losing five seniors from the class of 2013, the team is confident in the tance as we would the State final.”

Luallin agrees with DeZeeuw and Kitts, strengths they have found in their new but also believes it’s going to take “motivafreshman teammates. According to Kitts, tion and positivity.” the new players “fit into the lineup really According to Kitts, Strader, Luallin and well.”

DeZeeuw, teams such as Saint Thomas “We lost a lot of our defensive players Aquinas High School, Blue Valley West [from last year], but we gained a lot of High School, Blue Valley Northwest High freshmen that are more offensive so this School and St. Joseph’s Academy from St. year the team is definitely stronger on Louis will be competition. As for Eureka, the offense,” senior Lizzie Luallin said.

According to Kitts, the team is not mak- team does not know what to expect. “[Eureka] will always be a good team, but ing “drastic changes” to training methods, we will definitely want to work hard to beat but they are focusing on different skills them this year to get some sort of closure such as “playing in tighter spaces.” [for last year’s State final],” Kitts said. H Luallin and varsity teammate senior

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

defeated Sion 3-0 4/1-5 MO-KAN Challenge 4/8 vs. Liberty 4/15 @ Blue Valley West 4/16 vs. Lee’s Summit West 4/21 vs. Platte County 4/22 @ Blue Valley North 4/24 @ Liberty North 4/29 @ Lee’s Summit West 5/2-3 Tournament of Champions 5/8 vs. St. James Academy 5/10 vs. Cor Jesu Academy 5/13 @ Hayden

Lacrosse (1-0) • • • • • • • • • • • • •

defeated Edmond 22-5 4/1 vs. Shawnee Mission East 4/2 @ Olathe East 4/8 @ Blue Valley 4/14 vs. Lee’s Summit North 4/17 vs. Pembroke Hill 4/22 vs. Lee’s Summit Senior 4/24 vs. Blue Valley 4/28 @ Sion 4/29 vs. Lee’s Summit West 5/6 vs. Sion 5/9-10 St. Joseph’s Academy Tourmanent 5/15 @ Blue Valley Northwest

Track and Field • • • • • • • • • • •

finished 2nd at Pirate Relays 4/4 @ Blue Springs South 4/9 STA Invitational 4/11 @ Bishop Miege 4/15 @ Baker University 4/17-19 KU Relays 4/25 Blue Springs Invitational 5/9 Piper Invitational 5/17 Districts 5/24 Sectionals 5/30-31 State page designed by Cassie Florido

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sports

Track team battles ineligibilites

Despite missing players, the track and field team places second at first meet

1.

by LEIGH CAMPBELL breaking news editor

The STA track team placed second in their first meet of the season March 28 at Belton High School.

The Stars clinched first place in the 4x1600 relay with runs by juniors Ann Campbell, Hayden Lee, Brit Maguire and sophomore Emily Laird. In the field events, senior Bailey Whitehead placed first in the discus, while juniors Carson Beinemen, Gretchen Schloegel and sophomore Erin Burroughs swept the high jump podium. Senior Giggy Reardon jumped her way to first in both the long jump and triple jump.

“The first meet is always fun,” Lee said.

“It gives you a good idea of what the rest of the season is going to be like.”

STA athletic director and head track coach Mark Hough said he sees the first meet as an opportunity to get qualifying times for KU Relays, one of the most important meets of the season, according to Lee. “My expectation for the meet [was] just to get out there and have everybody stay healthy and get their first meet under their belt,” Hough said.

However, according to Hough, not every track athlete was able to compete in the first meet. Some athletes were ineligible to compete because they did not meet the requirements of a Missouri State High School Activities Association rule. According to bylaw 3.9.1 in the 2013-2014 MSHSAA official handbook, “Each team must have 14 days of conditioning practice and each individual must have participated in 14 school conditioning practices on 14 different days prior to the date of the first interscholastic contest in all sports.”

After a snow day on the first day of spring sports tryouts March 3 and spring break, the track team as well as other spring sports had to hold practices on the weekends in order to fulfill requirements of the MSHSAA law. Athletes who may have been sick or left early for spring break did not attend 14 practices, according to Hough.

“Conditioning is the idea [of the rule] and to make sure that everyone is in

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2.

shape and ready to compete,” Hough said. “[The rule] changes the entries that we have for the meet for sure.”

Lee had to work with her coaches to practice at separate times to complete 14 practices because of an academic conflict during Monday practice time.

“I get why the rule is there,” Lee said.

“But I think the rule is annoying especially since I have been practicing since like after cross country State in the fall.”

According to Hough, despite the setback of several athletes ineligible for the first meet, there are high expectations for the track season.

“We have a group of girls that have been here a while and have been to State and the KU Relays,” Hough said. “They have been All-State performers in the past and I think that is everybody’s goal is to make Districts, Sectionals and State in probably one of the hardest Districts and Sectionals in the State.”

The track team also has a group of “very talented” younger runners who Hough hopes can be competitive by the time Districts comes around. H

3.

4.

1. Sophomore Rachel Allard passes a baton to freshman Gabby Wimes March 28 at Southwick Stadium in Belton.

2. From left, Coach Megan Nyquist, junior Ally Drummond and senior Bailey Whitehead laugh together as they walk across the field.

3. Junior Haley Sirokman runs during a relay race.

4. Junior Kennedy Bright, left, and freshman Maya Kalmus sit together before a relay race. photos by KELLY FLETCHER

On a mission STA juniors and seniors, accompanied by teachers, administrators and parents, traveled to El Salvador to volunteer by working with the local children and completing community projects during the week of Spring Break brief by SABRINA REDLINGSHAFER page designer

last look

Kids of El Salvador

Junior Siobhan Miller captured portraits of children as they moved through their day to day lives in the community

photos by SIOBHAN MILLER managing editor of photography

The week of March 17-22, a total of 3 seniors, 18 juniors and 5 chaperones set off to Playa San Diego, La Libertad, El Salvador for a mission trip. While in El Salvador, the girls were divided into three teams led by chaperones Karen and Sean Miller, Barb McCormick, Bob Schloegel and Jennifer Greene. The girls went to different work sites throughout the week, where they completed a variety of jobs including painting churches, building latrines, plastering walls and playing with children at the local schools.

“Playing with the kids usually meant playing soccer, blowing bubbles or coloring,” junior Siobhan Miller said.

One area the girls worked and built in was Soyaponga, El Salvador, the second most populated area in the country.

According to senior Julia Hammond, the group would build or paint in the

morning, then play with the kids during the afternoon, and convene around 4 p.m. to swim in the ocean or pool in the backyard of the house they stayed in.

There were three rooms available in the house, fitting seven to eight girls to a room with no air conditioning. Meals were provided by a cook in the house.

On their one free day, the group traveled to the beach and hiked at El Puerta del Diablo. Other activities throughout the week included visiting local markets and celebrating mass.

Overall, the experience provided the girls with an insight to the living conditions in El Salvador and the importance of service.

“It was really cool to see how happy the locals are with how little they have,” Hammond said. “It taught me how blessed I am to have the things I do.” H

bursting with laughter | Juniors Caroline Crockett, left, and Sydney Edmonds giggle while blowing bubbles with Oliver, an El Salvadoran pre-school student. The two juniors traveled to El Salvador for a spring break mission trip along with 19 other STA students. photo by SIOBHAN MILLER

Check out dartnewsonline.com to see more photos from STA’s mission trip to El Salvador.

pages designed by Cassie Florido & Maddie Knopke

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in the www.dartnewsonline.com

Easy, breezy, beautiful

STA girl story by ANNA BAUMAN

photos by CECILIA BUTLER

Lipstick, blush and mascara are worn by just a handful of students at STA. The Dart takes a look at a few of the girls who spend time before school putting on make up and their reasoning for doing so. photo by KENNEDY COLEMAN Kansas City

photo by LINDEN O’BRIEN-WILLIAMS Kansas City photo by EMMA KATE CALLAHAN St. Louis

photo by MEG ROHR Gulf Shores, Ala.

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the dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 april 2014

Journalism student galleries

Eric Thomas’s journalism students took photos of people and events during spring break this year. Their galleries travel anywhere from Gulf Shores, Alabama to San Luis Obispo, California. Check out their galleries on DNO.

page designed by Maddie Knopke