The Dart: Vol 75 Senior Issue

the

DART

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

Starlight, star bright

graduating seniors break sports signing record | 4

photo by MAGGIE KNOX

oh the places you'll go (to college)! | 8

2015-2016

DART STAFF

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

WEB

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

LETTER FROM

THE EDITORS

PRINT

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

COPY

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

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

2

Hey there reader,

About this time of year, STA’s halls are just a little emptier, advisories a little quieter, lunch lines a little shorter. Juniors are rolling into the senior lot, sophomores into the junior lot. About this time of year, STA is beginning to truly see the legacy that its senior class has left behind.

This special senior issue of the Dart not only gives us juniors, sophomores and freshmen a chance to pay tribute to the class of 2016, but hopefully gives the class of 2016 a keepsake to remember their time at STA.

In this issue, explore Alex Frisch’s story about the class of 2016’s legacy as STA’s class with the most signed collegiate athletes. After that, read about Mary Campbell putting college on hold as she pursues a gap year in Colorado, then Buenos Aires.

Also featured in this issue is an investigation into a different aspect of financing college: outside scholarships. As always, take a look at our centerspread to map out where each student from the class of 2016 will be attending college next year. Be sure you don’t miss a couple of columns from your

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016

beloved Dart seniors as they reflect on their years at STA.

Speaking of Dart seniors, we want to thank our 2015 - 2016 editors-in-chief for everything they’ve guided us through. Maggie, Mary and Torie, we cannot wait to take on the daunting task of editorin-chief-dom, and watching you all go through it this year and grow closer as you did it only makes us more excited for what’s in store for us. We can only hope to lead our staff and produce our publication as smoothly as you did, but don’t worry, the Dart is in loving, caring hands.

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors, we’ll see you next year.

Seniors, we wish you the best of luck in college and beyond. Don’t forget that you can always check the Dart and DartNewsOnline if you’re missing home.

Signing off,

The Dart vol. 75

Table of

Contents

ISSUE 9

19 MAY 2016

15 | last look | wHAT college should you go to?

12 | perspectives | letter to incoming freshman sister

11 | Star spotlight | meredith raymer nyu in abu dhabi

8 | cover story | where seniors are going to college

6 | features | outside scholarships

4 | news | seniors break signing record

Monthly

4

Question

What is one message you would like to give to your fellow seniors?

Take every opportunity given to you because you never know what one act of courage could cause for a life of happiness KAT MEDIAVILLA, sENIOR

The only thing I can think of to say is that I really, truly love all of you Isabella Meisel, senior

Good luck Shelby Scott, senior compiled by ALEX DAVIS | copy editor

cover designed by Mackenzie O'Guin | page designed by Claire Molloy

3

NEWS

Seniors break record in sports signing A record number of STA girls signed to play sports at the college level this year.

by ALEX FRISCH | staff writer

This year, 13 students from the class of 2016 signed to play sports like soccer, lacrosse and tennis at schools all over the country. This number broke STA’s record for students signing to play a sport at the collegiate level.

According to senior Kristina Coppinger, who signed to play lacrosse at Arizona State University next year, the first step of signing is recruitment.

Coppinger adds that for many student athletes, the hunt for a college sports team can start as early as eighth grade. “[The recruitment process] used to start junior year and now it starts in eighth grade or freshman year,” Coppinger said. “You have to put your name out there, you have to be on a good club team and know the right people. It’s getting really really hard to get a scholarship. I’m lucky I fell where I did.”

Coppinger says that the beginning of her recruitment process was mostly mediated through coaches and recruiters first.

“Coaches play a huge huge role in the recruitment process,” Coppinger said. “You wouldn’t get anywhere without them.”

According to Coppinger, it was mostly her club coaches that began to make contact with the colleges for her, but she also says that her STA coaches played a role in her recruitment process as well.

“Coach Jessie wrote recommendations and coach molly sent out letters for me and I know those always help,” Coppinger said. “It’s

4

signing off | Seniors Kristina Coppinger, Eleanor Lueke and Delaney Meyer sign for colleges they'll be attending next fall. photo compiled by PAIGE POWELL

good hearing coach to coach what I’m capable of doing.”

STA coaches are a good resource for girls looking for guidance in the college recruitment process, according to head of the STA athletics department Mark Hough. Hough explains that this is because many STA coaches have played at the collegiate level and have good relationships with many college coaches.

For senior Abby Small, who signed to play soccer at University of MissouriKansas City next year, the recruitment process started her freshman year when she began reaching out to college coaches.

Small committed to play soccer at UMKC her sophomore year in highschool. Small said that in her experience, it’s common for women to commit to play college sports earlier than men, because of greater scholarship opportunities for girls because of Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex for any federally funded education program, including sports scholarships.

Over the summer, it’s common to see coaches who come to the club tournaments to watch for potential players. According to Coppinger about 100 D-3 colleges have contacted her throughout her high school years. She also received a few contacts from D-2 colleges, but said that when it came to D-1 colleges, she typically had to contact them first.

For Coppinger, being on a club team is an important part of

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016

getting recruited, particularly for the tournaments, which college recruiters often attend.

“It’s hard to get picked up from anywhere not near your high school,” Coppinger said. “Coaches aren't coming to see you because they just don’t know who you are. It’s easier for them to just go to club tournaments where tons of players are.”

Small adds that in her experience, college coaches tended to look at club teams more because the tournaments provide lots of opportunities to find players.

College recruiters can often be found at STA games and tournaments as well, according to Hough.

Hough does advise that playing for club teams is a good way to get exposure to college recruiters during the off season. It provides more chances to practice and improve.

Playing a sport in college is a huge commitment for both Coppinger and Small, but both feel well prepared to play at the collegiate level. Hough believes that although it is a huge commitment, STA has a strong reputation for preparing students to play sports in and beyond college, so he feels confident in STA’s 13 signed college athletes as they move on to new teams.

“We even have girls who have gone on to play in the pros,” said Hough. “We have a great reputation. The transition for these girls should be pretty smooth.” H

Campbell Takes the road less traveled Senior Mary Campbell is taking a gap year next year, as opposed to starting college.

by JEANNIE O'FLAHERTY | staff writer

At this stage in the game, most high school graduates are focusing on what classes they’re taking, who they’re rooming with, and looking forward to the new college campus they will get to explore next year. For senior Mary Campbell, next year is a different story.

Instead of hurrying to class and finding her place on a college campus, Campbell will be doing a gap year program in Paonia, CO called High Desert Center. She’ll be living with about 14 other people who are doing gap years as well. Her year will consist of adventuring and farming and cooking and learning how to live with people while living sustainably.

After that, she’ll be doing an ‘unschool adventure’ in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she’ll live in an apartment with about five other people.

“It’s a good balance between a super structured program and doing a gap year on my own,” Campbell says, “There is a lot of independence in both programs, but also the support of a group of other people who are taking gap years as well.”

It seemed like it was meant to be for Campbell when she heard a spot opened up and she was able to join.

“I feel like taking a year to just learn about what is available in the world outside of the classroom is so important,” Campbell said. “There is so much out there and the world is such a big place. I am really wanting to explore the world around me and I have to time to in my life right now. When you get older it gets harder to just take a year off from your life because there are so many more obligations and responsibilities.”

Campbell was initially accepted conditionally for the program, and had to walk six miles in two hours with a 20 pound pack before she could officially join.

“I am trying to get more fit because we will be climbing mountains and completing other strenuous activities,” Campbell said. “I’m also really trying to improve my Spanish for Argentina.

I'm doing Duolingo [a free languagelearning platform that includes a language-learning website and app] right now, but hopefully I'll find a fluent speaker who will help me out.”

While getting to explore and travel is a big excitement for Campbell, she also believes that there are other benefits to taking a gap year.

“I know there are things that just can't be learned in the classroom, like skills that come with living and figuring

things out on your own,” Campbell says.

This new step in Campbell’s life presents her with many new possibilities that she might not have had otherwise, and she’s excited for what is to come.

“I've been in such a bubble my whole life so it'll be so exciting to be in such a new environment," Campbell said. "I’m also excited for making pals and being in Argentina and learning Spanish and being in Colorado and living la vida loca." H adventure is out there | Mary Campbell poses for a photo shortly after her last day of school at STA. photo by JEANNIE O'FLAHERTY

page designed by Zoe Butler

5

features

the GREAT SCHOLARSHIP hunt Seniors hunt for scholarships outside of their chosen colleges. This is often a time-consuming process, but there are resources that help students.

by ZOE BUTLER | social media editor

Scrolling through the qualifications for a scholarship offered by Halls, a high-end department store, senior Kristina Coppinger is feeling pretty confident. Family member works at Hallmark? Check. GPA is above a 3.5?

Check.

But just as she is beginning to believe she found a fantastic scholarship she qualified for, she sees one, rather dramatic requirement she doesn’t fit: Amish. Because she drives a Jeep instead of a horse and buggy, she will need to turn back to fastweb.com to find another scholarship that might fit her needs.

Because a public, four year college can cost upward of $22,000, with private schools costing more, financial aid and scholarships are pertinent for many students that are planning on attending college. Although a large amount of money can be given to students from their chosen colleges, additional scholarships can be awarded to students from outside organizations.

61% of scholarships come from State, Federal, or private sources, while the other 39% come from individual colleges or universities, according to collegeraptor.com. These outside scholarships offer useful money that students usually need for all of the expenses of college.

According to college counselor Debi Hudson, students just need to take the time to look for scholarships for them to find what they are looking for.

“Students need to use an online search engine for outside scholarships, such as fastweb.com,” Hudson said.

6

“Because of technology and search engines, very few scholarships are sent directly to our attention; they are on the search engines. Students should also check their parents' employers, church and any civic organizations that family members may belong to.”

Although Coppinger wasn’t awarded the Amish scholarship, she did end up receiving the Halls Family Scholarship.

She agrees that word of mouth is one of the best ways to find scholarship opportunities.

“Talking to people is usually the best way to figure out what scholarships are out there,” Coppinger said. “I spent hours online, [and a lot] were just so random.”

Senior Torie Richardson received the Greater Kansas City Links High School Scholarship, and agrees with Coppinger that finding scholarships through talking to people she knows was most one of the most effective methods. “[Outside scholarships] are hard to find, but a lot of times it’ll help if you try to talk to people instead of searching on the internet,” Richardson said.

According to Hudson, students are more likely to receive scholarships from smaller and lesser-known organizations than those many people are aware of.

Richardson agrees with Hudson on this strategy.

“The big ones, [for example] the Coca-Cola ones, are the ones that you’re probably not gonna get,” Richardson said. “But the ones that you have to search for are probably the ones that are gonna pay off the most, because not a lot of people know about

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016

them.”

Richardson also believes that the amount of money some harder-to-find organizations offer is worth the work that is put into the application.

“Even the small ones, people think, ‘I’m not gonna go for that, that’s no money, why am I spending two hours on something that’s gonna give me $100?’” Richardson said. “But that’s $50 an hour, and nobody gets paid that much money at work, so it’s definitely worth it.”

Senior Lauren Ryan received the Spanish National Honors Society Senior Scholarship and the Greater Kansas City Development Hispanic Scholarship, so she advises students to search for scholarship options in the Kansas City metro area.

“The state of Kansas and the state of Missouri have government funded scholarships that a lot of people don’t know about,” Ryan said. “They had a list of over 500 different scholarships that any person, just in the Kansas City area can apply for. And they range from $500-$3,000, which means you have a better likelihood of getting money from them, because it’s not one scholarship, it’s saying ‘We’re here to match financially how much an applicant should be receiving.’”

Ryan, Richardson and Coppinger all agree that the application process is tedious, but worth it. “[Outside scholarships are] good because it’s free money, and even though some of the process is complicated and just takes a long time, you get money for it and then you have

it for college, which is really important,” Richardson said.

Richardson and Ryan both agreed that the essays are the most difficult part about the scholarship applications.

“The hardest part is probably the essays, not because the time, but you have to almost convince them why you should receive it,” Ryan said. “You’re kind of painting this picture of this wonderful, earthly person, which a lot of people are, but I mean you kind of have to be a little elaborate, stretch the truth just a little bit.”

Scholarship chairperson for Greater Kansas City Links, Sheilahn Wyatt, looks for specific students that deserve their scholarships as an investment in the future.

“We look for highly motivated and engaged students who are able to perform well academically while also giving back to their community through volunteer and work efforts,” Wyatt said.

“We also look for strong writing and communication skills in the information submitted.”

Although most students must confirm to their colleges if they are attending by May 1, scholarships are an ongoing process that many don’t receive until after May, or even after school has already started, according to Hudson. Many students, including Ryan, are in this situation.

“I’m still waiting for two more [scholarships] to come in,” Ryan said.

“A lot of people think that once May 1

is done, when people have decided on colleges, that scholarships are no more, and I still have three more that are due around June first.”

Although it takes time and effort, Richardson is thankful that organizations are giving students this opportunity.

“It’s just so cool to see that [these organizations] are willing to invest in people to be able to send them to college,” Richardson said. “It’s pretty awesome how much money is available for students to get, they just have to go out there and actually do the applications and put in the work, but it’s definitely a good pay off.” H

Scholarships by the numbers...

$122.7 billion worth of schaloarships and grants are awarded annually. Below is where the money comes from. compiled by LILY MANNING | social media editor

Tips to remember when hunting for scholarships: Applying for a scholarship? Remember: 1. Local scholarships may be less money but there is not as much competition.

2. Don't rule out the ones for a few hundred dollars, they add up.

3. Don't stop looking for scholarships once you enter college, keep up the research. Many companies offer scholarships targeted at college students based on specific majors.

4. Read the scholarship page on all the schools' websites where you plan to apply.

5. Don't wait till spring of senior year when you see the final cost to research scholarships - it's too late.

$23,000

about the average cost of a public four year college

page designed by Lily Manning

$32,000

close to the average cost of a four year private college

7

CENTERSPREAD

P l a e h c t e s , h O You'll Go!

Forty-one seniors are staying in Missouri while the other 111 are headed to other states. The class of 2016 made their final decisions May 1.

compiled by KATIE DONNELLAN |staff writer

Missouri

Missouri State University

St. Louis University

Northwest Missouri State University

Truman State University

Lillian Cosgrove Sarah Gorden Maureen Havey Siena Hutchison

Cassandra BeechwoodHall

Rockhurst University Anna Bennett Honour Sollars Ceara VanBuskirk Molly VanBuskirk

Machella Dunlea Emily Laird Allyson Pribyl Alyssa Seitzer Eleanor Lueke

University of Central Missouri Alison Yancey

University of Missouri Columbia Meghan Brownlee Sophie Burke

McKenzie Burns Elizabeth Countee Gillian Cutter Laura Dierks Claire Finn Kathleen Herrington Zoe Jackson Karissa Jamboretz Grace Kitts Allie McInerney Meredith Mulhern Emily O'Neill Darby Pedersen Allison Quinn

Kansas

Emporia State University Rita Vittori

Kansas State University Katherine Donaldson Lauren Gentleman Sophia Mandacina Katherine Mediavilla Sarah Mitchell Caitlin O'Toole

8

Madalyn Russell Paige Suholaski Mary Summers Margaret Sweeny

University of Kansas

Kara Black Annie Bolin Josie Buford Mary Catherine Egan

Katherine Green Connor Hodes Lexi Holsapple Emma Jensen Lillian Koppen Isabella Meisel Grace Orscheln Elizabeth Porterfield Gwendolyn Robertson

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016

Molly Riffel Katherine Robertson Natalie Rose Katherine Scofield Payton Seever Maureen Whittaker Sarah Wunder

University of Missouri Kansas City Isabella Matthews Abigail Small

Williams Woods University Shelby Scott

Madison Rubalcava Lauren Ryan Darcy Sullivan Jamie Tholen Margaret Thompson Genevieve Wiedman

Arkansas

Nebraska

University of Nebraska Elaina Bailey Patricia Melland

Creighton University Claire Anello Jaclyn Blanck Nicole Blanck

Gabrielle Keller Megan Klinginsmith Margaret Knox Kathleen O’Boyle Eleanor Petree Madeleine Watts

Clare Cain Maya Charles Gabrielle Clemente Sophia Cusumano Colleen DeRuyter

California

Illinois

Bradley University Ryan Wilkins

DePaul University Mary Campbell Audrey Carroll Charlotte Lorenz Margaret Queen Madeline Torti

Illinois Wesleyan University

Loyola Marymount University

Angeles

Loyola University Chicago

Pepperdine University

Gabriella Dorrell Kay VanAsdale

Andie Round

Annie Alderman Alexandra Muehlberger Carolyn Scheuler

Santa Clara University Elizabeth Alderman

Mount Mercy University

Drake University

University of Iowa

Graceland University Emma Runyan

Taylor O'Sullivan

University of San Diego University of Southern California Sarah Cigas Lily Walsh

University of California, Los

Briar Cliff University Bridget Jones

Alison Munoz

Sophia Prochnow Hallie Ryan

Amanda Wesche

Iowa

Delaney Meyer

Allison Frye Kailey McNett Alexandra Mullins Mary O’Neill Kellie O’Toole Rachael Skeens

University of Arkansas

Oklahoma

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Margaret Porter

Amber Brownlee McKenzie Grimaldi

Oklahoma State University

University of Oklahoma

Hayley Burgess Mary Meyers

Victoria Richardson

Grand View University Rachel Allard

Texas

Texas Christian University Marguerite Hodes Claire Jefferson Anniston Tuttle

Wisconsin Ohio Marquette University Clare Kenney Hannah Wells

University of Wisconsin

Miami University Anna Hafner

University of Dayton Claire McHugh

Ally Moore

page designed by Christina Kirk

9

Pennsylvania

Colorado

Drexel University

Regis University

Villanova University

University of Colorado at Boulder

Madeline Medina

Jewell Allen

Casey Campo

MaryMichael Hough

North South Indiana Carolina Carolina Butler University

Wake Forest University

University of South Carolina

Warren Wilson College

Wofford College

Erin Burroughs

Sara Stubbendieck

Grace Girardeau

Emma Fernandez

University of Notre Dame Mary Hilliard

Meghan King

United New Arab York Emirates

Parsons The New School

Louisiana

Southern University and A&M College Savaria Goodman

Violet Cowdin

New York University Abu Dhabi Meredith Raymer

Maryland Minnesota Undecided Mount St. Mary’s University Cara Gose

St. Olaf College Amelia Redick

Wherever " you fly, you'll be

the best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest."

-Dr. Seuss

10

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016

Kaitlin Schwertley Moira White

Meredith Raymer

Star spotlight

story by MADI WINFIELD|web editor of scheduling photo by CASSIE HAYES|staff photographer

Senior Meredith Raymer will be attending NYU Abu Dhabi, located in the United Arab Emirates, after applying on a whim.

Where are you going to college and what are you studying there?

I’m going to NYU in Abu Dhabi, and I’m thinking I’m going to study engineering, but they actually don’t let us declare a major until our second year.

How did you get the idea to apply there?

One day junior year I was wandering around college websites in frees, and I found NYU Abu Dhabi, so I went to Mrs. Hudson’s office and I was like, “Oh my gosh I have this crazy idea. What if I just applied here and saw what happened? That sounds really interesting!”

And she was like, “Okay, I know one of the reps.” So she looked into the process and there’s like an additional nomination form and it’s an optional thing, but counselors can nominate people as well - so she did that part, and I had to write an essay for that, and I applied regularly. And then it was just normal college admission stuff. It was just kind of an idea of like, “Well, this would be really fun. Let’s see how far I can get with this.” My parents were like, “Yeah, Meredith, whatever,” thinking like, “Oh, that’s not gonna happen.” They kind of brushed me aside, no big deal. And then it all worked out.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

I’m going to be changing and be a different person. But also that you’re gonna say something that offends somebody and somebody’s gonna say something that offends you and there’s no way that you can get around it, you can only deal with it with maturity, so learning to deal with that is going to be a big challenge as well.

How do you feel about going to school so far away from home?

I kind of always knew that I was going to go far away. I thought that I was gonna go East Coast or West Coast, and yes, it’s a longer flight, but a flight is a flight. So if I was living in New York or something like that, I would come home about the same amount of time that I am coming home now. Just, like, for winter break. So that was always kind of one of my expectations. H

page designed by Paige Powell

11

PERSPECTIVES

Dear Olivia An open letter to my younger sister Olivia, who will be attending St. Teresa's next year as a member of the class of 2020

by TORIE

by TORIE RICHARDSON | editor-in-chief

Dear Olivia, I will be graduating from St. Teresa’s Academy in three days. I’ll be wearing the white cap and gown I’ve always gawked at, walking across the stage both of us danced on for years-ago recitals, and looking for our family in the crowd as I am handed my diploma.

I will sob. And you’ll probably be the one to hand me a tissue from that tiny purse you always wear around your shoulder, because somehow, you always manage to fit all the essentials in there.

Dear Olivia, I wrote in this little pink journal freshman year that I meant to write in during all of high school and then present to you before you came here. I think I wrote in it five times. And three of them were freshman year. I wrote about how excited I was to be a doowop girl in the musical, and how you should thank Mrs. Hershewe for me if you see her, because she’s so nice.

I also wrote about how much I love you. That will never change.

Dear Olivia, You deserve it. After all your hard work in grade school, you deserve to have your own amazing experience at the best school in Kansas City. You deserve to giggle with your friends at pep rally videos. You deserve to be pushed to do your best, and accomplish things you’d never dreamed of accomplishing. You deserve to eat a ton of Waldo Pizza. And you deserve to walk across the seal uninhibited, even though they put those chains around the outside. If they catch you walking on it, tell them I said you could.

Dear Olivia, I was really nervous for you as I drove you to Star Night a few weeks ago. Maybe even more nervous than I had been in 8th grade, but who’s to say? It feels like forever ago. As I sat in the black Honda civic we’ve shared so many memories in, I had felt bad for you and happy for myself because I already have a great group of friends at STA. I’ve already found my place here, and finding your place somewhere is a special thing. And then I remembered that I will be graduating from this place on May 22, and moving to a place I’ve visited twice. After Star Night, you told me you’d already found your best friend. I was elated for you, but wondered why I’d considered myself the lucky one.

Dear Olivia, You have so much ahead of you.

It’s so weird that soon, I’ll only have memories of high school, but right now you can only dream of it. About the things you’d never known you didn’t know. About the beautiful color the trees turn on campus that makes them seem different than every other tree in Kansas City. About the adventures you’ll have with your best friends. About the feeling you’ll get when it’s all over. But you don’t have to dream. You’ll just have to wait.

Dear Olivia, In three days, St. Teresa’s Academy will become my alma mater. And in three months, it’ll become your home.

You’ll gain 600 sisters, but I know I’ll always be your favorite.

12

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016

Dear Olivia, Welcome to STA.

H

To STA with love, Gary

by MARY MICHAEL HOUGH managing editor of copy

by TORIE

Dear STA, It’s me, Gary. Well, after 11 years it seems our time together has finally come to an end. I’ve been blue, white, and covered in glittered. I’ve had eyeliner and spots. We’ve celebrated championships and mourned losses. We’ve seen it all from netbooks to Windmoor, from excited hellos to heartbreaking goodbyes. And now, I’m afraid it is our turn to say goodbye to one another.

Our first meeting feels like just yesterday. I can still picture it. Surrounded by old furniture and dusty books, I was nothing but another item at the TNT sale. Lily Hough had just bought a cheap recliner for her science teacher Mrs. Blake and, despite the $12 price tag on my overalls, I was thrown in for 50 cents to sweeten the deal. After being thrown into a dumpster, I found myself scooped out by Molly Hough and was able to truly see you for the very first time. The way the sun hit the blossoming trees in your quad and the laughter illuminating from the crowds of teenage girls took my breath away. I knew I was in a special place.

Over the last 11, I have found myself continually amazed by STA. Soaring through the air, I find myself admiring each and every individual in the student section for their academic drive, school pride, and true unconditional love for one another. But her greatest quality is her ability to embrace the differences in all. It has always seemed as though there was a place for everyone here. I mean, look at me, I’m a no handed and wrinkled old man. My stuffing is spilling out of my ripped chest and my arm is hanging by a thread. But, STA loves me.

I belong. I am home. I am the brother in a school of sisters and, despite this, have never felt alienated. While met by snickers, stares and “I don’t get it”s by others, I am hugged and celebrated by the wonderful women of STA. After

being refused admission at an away game, my sisters plotted and planned my entrance, sneaking me in under someone’s shirt. To outsiders, I was a “prop,” but to them I was part of the family.

Most of all, I want to thank STA for shaping my best friend into the independent and empowered woman she is today. The first time we met, MaryMichael was terrified and immediately labelled me a weirdo. Now, she is proud to parade me around. STA has encouraged her to strive to be unique and although she can’t stay here forever, the experiences she has had and the lessons she has learned will be ones that she carries with her wherever she may go.

Laying in that dumpster 11 short years ago, I never would have thought that this is where I would end up. I know that I will never be able to repay STA for the greatest years of my life and I know that it may be unfair for me to ask of this, but, please never change.

So, here it goes. So long, farewell.

Godspeed. Goodbye. Just know that no matter what, I will never forget you. You will always be my home. I will always be a star.

With love,

Gary

H

crazy pals| Senior Mary Michael Hough holds her doll close while taking her place on the bleachers in the Sion gym Sept. 17, 2014. Hough's doll, Gary, was bought in 2004 at a TNT sale and is brought to most STA sporting events. photo by Katherine Mediavilla

page designed by Jeannie O'Flaherty

13

BITS & PIECES Instagrams OF THE ISSUE

Each issue, the Dart highlights students’ Instagrams.

This month’s theme: seniors compiled by LILY MANNING social media editor

PHOTO OF THE YEAR jump around | STA's student section jumps and shouts during a time out during the STA vs. Sion volleyball game Sept. 16, 2015. STA students dressed in an Avatar theme while Sion students dressed as cows. photo by Kat Mediavilla

My life sucks // My life rocks compiled by CLAIRE MOLLOY | staff writer Photo by senior claire mchugh @claire.mchugh

“I went to get a spray tan for [Rockhurst High School's] prom and while I was getting it, the hairnet you wear moved down on my forehead, covering part of it, which made a hairnet line between my spray tanned skin and the covered, normal-toned part.“ - senior Eileen Kerrigan

“In three months I will be going to school in a forest, waking up to the Smoky Mountains every day, camping outside whenever I want and playing with piglets and horses in my spare time. My life rocks.”

- senior Grace Girardeau

Photo by senior machella dunlea @mdunlea7

That’s what

she said

Each issue, the Dart shares entertaining student tweets. complied by LILY MANNING social media editor

Photo by senior annie tuttle @atutts17

#dartnewsonline

14

mary hilliard, senior @m_s_h129 on my last full day of high school, i accidentally knocked the coffee out of himes' hands as kelly fast stood by and laughed. my legacy.

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016

senior audrey carroll @audreyc143 the graduation episode of keeping up with the kardashians is on this is so relatable rn senior alison muÑoz @alisonbrooklyn lol jk it's not my last day at sta bc i'm never leaving see u all tomorrow senior maureen whittaker @mwhittaker4 10/10 would recommend attending sta senior sophia cusumano @sophiacusumano how is it my last day of high school???? plz lmk

WHAT COLLEGE SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

LAST LOOK

Struggling to discern your collegiate future? Take this quiz to get a feel for where you may belong.

by CHRISTINA KIRK | page designer

HOW SELECTIVE WOULD YOU WANT YOUR COLLEGE TO BE?

LOW - MODERATE University of Missouri Rockhurst University Saint Louis University

NO

NO City University of New York University of Texas Pan-American University of Louisiana

DO YOU WANT TO STAY CLOSE TO HOME?

A LOT

Newman University College of the Ozarks University of Missouri Kansas City Saint Joseph's College California State University West Point Military Academy

YES

YES NO

HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND ON A COLLEGE?

NOT MUCH

NOT MUCH

DO YOU WANT TO STAY CLOSE TO HOME?

Wichita State University Truman State University Kansas State University

DO YOU WANT TO STAY CLOSE TO HOME?

University of Notre Dame Boston University Texas Christian University

Michigan State University DePaul University Elon University

YES

A LOT

Washington University Missouri Valley College Grinnell College

YES

HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND ON A COLLEGE?

MODERATE - HIGH

NO

DO YOU WANT TO STAY CLOSE TO HOME?

page designed by Madi Winfield

15

The Dart Vol. 75

In the DNO Check out the coverage on dartnewsonline

Senior class soundtrack

compiled by mackenzie o'guin

Senior year isn't all about you

column by mary hilliard

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

A letter to my future self

column by audrey carroll

senior farewell parties

photos by cassie hayes

twitter: @dartnewsonline snapchat: @dartpaper youtube: dartnewsonline vine: @dartnewsonline instagram: @dartnewsonline facebook: /dartnewsonline

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 19 May 2016 | page designed by Mackenzie O'Guin

16