news 5
Distracted driving proves to have negative impacts.
opinions 10
Students attend grand opening of Chick-Fil-A.
feature
student life
Experts explore right and left sides of teenage brain.
Snapshots of office secretaries and their daily duties.
12
16
web april 2
kapaun
design by rachel white; photos by sydney ain, tiana chin, anna gonzalez, zach holland, crystal klaichang, mattie lonergan, melissa mckinney, meggie schafer, alex scobee, maggie stout, kasey weixelman
diversions april 3
Seen on Kapaun Mt. Carmel students’ Facebook and Twitter accounts tiana chin
ON APRIL 2, Crusaders for Life members set up crosses in front of the school. Each cross repre-
sented 56 babies aborted last year in Kansas. “It is a peaceful protest against abortion,” sponsor Rob Archibald said.
Find the Easter eggs hidden throughout this issue of the Paladin and write the number of eggs you find in the basket. The first three people to bring a completed game to Room 215 will win a prize.
I got to write about Darth Vader for my psych outline. @grahamkgoodner
senior
I seriously can’t study in my room because the hot pink all over the walls is way too distracting #stillloveitthough. @annamarie623
junior
I’m expecting a wedding invite from Vanek since we’re such good friends. @jmasterson4
sophomore
#MyAbsoluteFavoriteThing getting picked up and spun around when giving someone a hug. @lexisaunders2
illustration by tiana todd
cover shot rachel white
freshman
news april 4
65% Believe
expulsion is not a harsh consequence for drug use
59% of
students believe marijuana use is a major problem at Kapaun Mt. Carmel
59% of
students believe warnings should be issued before expulsion
47% of
students believe that legal action should be taken against students caught with drugs on school grounds 200 students surveyed march 28
Possession Policy
On-campus drug use, possession may result in expulsion molly kush
asst. news editor
Jail, rehab and fines: all are possible consequences of drug use. Other consequences may occur when using drugs while attending Kapaun Mt. Carmel, whose drug policy states that anyone under the influence of an illegal substance faces a minimum of suspension, and possibly expulsion. Those who possess drugs face possible expulsion, along with police involvement. “We hold our students to higher standards,” junior Anne Hickerson said. “And I think that it is important that we strive to have a drug free school.” In past years, the rule was that individual coaches had their own policies and rules regarding the use or possession of illegal substances. Recently, the policy was changed and now the same conduct rules apply to any sport or activity. Six students have been expelled this year under this policy. “The students who got expelled should have been given a second chance,” sophomore Thomas Lawless said. “Expelling them isn’t helping them, it is just setting them up for failure.” The rate of which people are being caught with drugs on campus is rising, Kehres said, but this could be due to increased administrative awareness of illegal activity.
“I have seen an increase in drugs, especially marijuana use, over the years,” Kehres said. In an effort to combat drug use and possession on school grounds, dogs trained in narcotics are periodically brought in on request of the school board. The school does not know the specific time that drug dogs will be on scene until moments before the search. Locker searches can be available at any time upon reasonable suspicion from a parent, student or media form. All areas in school, including lockers and cars, are available to be searched by drug dogs or the police. According to Police Officer Dan Oblinger, anyone under the age of 18 possessing illegal drugs is taken to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. Minors can receive charges of community service, fines, or other sanctions such as jail and treatment. Those who are over the age of 18 are charged through the City Court and can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Students who deal drugs will be given higher consequences if occurring on or near school grounds. “Those are the legal consequences,” Oblinger said. “The damage to the human person’s dignity is much more serious.” page design by madisen sleconich
april newsnews 5
Negative outcomes of distracted driving: traffic tickets, accidents, possible death ali oatsdean & bailey holm staff writers Whether it is texting or music, food or friends, there are many distractions facing student drivers. A survey conducted on March 9 found that 39 percent of Kapaun Mt. Carmel students know someone who has been in an accident or been affected by a distracted driver. “Once I didn’t realize that there was a car behind me and I was on my phone and hit [junior] Jake Morales,” junior Emily Peters said. “Another time I was changing the song on my iPod and turned the wheel too fast when pulling out of a parking spot; I swiped the car next to me.” Peters is one of several students who has been involved in accidents related to inattentive driving. Seven percent of students polled said they personally had been in an accident or pulled over for distracted driving. “We don’t track exact cases,” deputy chief Terry Moses, who works for the Wichita Police Department, said. “But texting, friends, and of course, any type of food, music or paperwork really distracts drivers.” Inattentive driving can result in citations, tickets and even death. Moses said that in the past five years, there have been three or four deaths in Wichita caused by
an inattentive driver. “If I could give advice to others about distractions, I’d say to basically avoid all distractions as well as you can,” sophomore Ethan Porter said. “No text is worth your life in an accident.” Although Porter has never been involved in a distraction-related accident, he said he knows several people who have been. According to www.textingaccident. com, cell phones were the cause of the highest amount of distraction-related accidents. Eighty-four percent of students said they believed texting while driving is a distraction. “Like anything else in the world, know what your most important focus is at any time,” Moses said. “When you’re driving and listening to music, focus on the driving.” Moses stressed how important it is for drivers not to take their eyes off the road. Things can change in an instant, and drivers always need to be prepared. “While driving, do not let others distract you because no text message or random conversation is more important that your safety,” Peters said. “You have to not only be aware and careful to protect yourself, but to protect others around you.”
Driving distractions for students
57% Music 44% Texting 41% Phone calls 29% Food 10% Makeup 117 students surveyed march 16
illustrations by madisen sleconich, peter bergkamp; page design by madisen sleconich
news news april 6
Climate shift causes weather abnormalities The seven-year cycle of La Nina could be part of this huge shift in temperature.Something has triggered this increase and that something is us; we neeed to reduce our carbon footprint.� chemistry teacher terri nicholson Seattle reaches a low of 16
degrees
3.5 million acres burned in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma last year alone
23 states were
under excessive heat warnings in July 2011, including Kansas
March 2011 Tornado outbreak in Tennesse includes golf
ball-sized hail Mississippi flood reaches 58 ft. in May 2011
infographic by emma seiwert; information obtained from news.discovery.com, squidoo.com
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Unplug unused appliances Air dry your dishes
Carpool with friends Use compact flourescent light bulbs Use rechargeable batteries
ads april please patronize our paladin advertisers
7
editorial april paladin
8
christian williams
Impulsive behavior endangers teenagers Living in the moment, teens often forget to consider these harsh realities of their mindless decisions; however, they are not solely to blame for taking impulsive, dangerous chances. According to David Dobbs’ article in National Geographic Magazine, teenage brains use a different thinking process than fully developed adult brains. While
drugs prove to have tremendous impact on teens later in life. Distracted driving caused 16 percent of the fatal crashes that occurred in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Although it is not the only cause of distracted driving, texting while driving proves especially dangerous, increasing one’s risk of crashing by 23 times. Also in Although teenagers have a tendency to live recklessly, 2009, the Centers they could benefit more from thinking through their ac- for Disease tions and looking at the risks as well as the rewards.” Control reported that drunk driving caused teens use the same basic strategies as 32 percent of fatal crashes. Early drug adults to solve problems and recognize use results in addiction, as well as many risks, teens place more value on the physical and mental illnesses according outcome of a situation; therefore, teens to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. work to gain rewards, despite high risk. Although teenagers have a natural Answering a seemingly important tendency to live recklessly, they could text while driving, smoking pot as simply benefit more from thinking through a “one-time thing,” taking the wheel their actions and looking at the risks after what seems like just a few drinks as well as the rewards. This may not — each situation may seem like a trivial, always seem like the “fun” choice, but everyday decision to teens; however, the making careful decisions now will pay choices we make now are as important off eventually as teenagers are expected as the ones we will face as adults, and to attend reputable colleges and lead instances including distracted driving or responsible adult lives.
letter from
the editor
Dear PALADIN readers, As we enter into April, summer is just around the corner. Instead of zoning out and focusing on how badly we crave the freedom and fun of summer, we should focus on the present and take advantage of opportunities to make valuable high school memories. As always, we invite your ideas, input and letters. All letters should be under 150 words and signed. We reserve the right to edit or omit any letters. Baseless accusations, libelous statements, insults or unsigned letters will not be considered for publication. Take letters to Room 215 or mail to the address on this page. Sincerely, Alyssa Scott, Editor-in-Chief
staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/FEATURE EDITOR alyssa scott DESIGN EDITORS madisen sleconich, rachel white PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR tiana chin ONLINE PHOTO EDITOR mattie lonergan BUSINESS MANAGER gabby ferraro NEWS EDITOR melissa hernandez OPINIONS EDITOR emma kaiser STUDENT LIFE EDITOR halsten higgins SPORTS EDITOR sarah frangenberg ONLINE STORY EDITOR rachel walker CIRCULATION MANAGER caroline engle ASST. NEWS EDITOR molly kush ASST. OPINIONS EDITOR katie crandall ASST. FEATURE EDITOR katie elliott ASST. SPORTS EDITOR grace hesse ASST. DESIGN EDITORS emma seiwert, christian williams STAFF WRITERS bailey holm, miranda mccormack, ali oatsdean, austin mcmaster, ashlee schif, amanda schmitz STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS sydney ain, kristen buan, aley durant-fisher, crystal klaichang, nick hoffman, zach holland, briana lopez, melissa mckinney, carla miller, connor mueller, meggie schafer, maggie stout, marie timmermeyer, kasey weixelman ADVISER ashley perkins
editorial
policy
The Paladin is a monthly, student-produced newsmagazine, published to inform and entertain the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School community and educate journalism students. Each issue is produced with the guidance of a faculty adviser. Student staff members will be offered opportunities to inform, investigate, entertain, interpret and evaluate: all accepted functions of traditional American press. Included materials will be those of responsible journalism, including restraint by the students and adviser in matters such as libel, privacy, obscenity and copyright. The staff chooses to reflect the mission of Kapaun Mt. Carmel, a diocesan Catholic high school, to serve the interests and needs of the community and to provide fair, objective, accurate and truthful materials. Opinions do not necessarily reflect views of anyone other than the Paladin staff. Digital photos have not been altered to manipulate reality. Photo illustrations are labeled to reflect any technical alterations. Anonymity may be given in the following cases: the information is unable to be presented another way, the information warrants anonymity, the source’s privacy and/or reputation requires protection and the source must be protected from damages. A student or faculty member death during the coverage period will be covered with a short obituary. Advertising must meet the same guidelines as editorial content. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the school. Students pictured in advertising must sign a release and accept no monetary compensation. Advertising rates available on request. School organization discount rates are available. Corrections of errors will appear in the appropriate section of the next issue.
kapaun mt. carmel paladin
8506 E. Central Wichita, Kan. 67206 Phone: (316) 634-0315, ext. 232 Fax: (316) 636-2437 kmcjournalism@kapaun.org
opinionsapril
YOUR TURN
As Earth Day approaches, environmental awareness increases
What distractions do you face while driving?
emma kaiser opinions editor
Between the effects of spring and the school year nearing its end, April is a wonderful month for many reasons. Its showers bring May flowers, swimsuits go on sale and of course April 20 – my birthday. Beyond all this we have something greater in April; that is Earth Day. Every year on April 22, 24 hours are dedicated to honoring the earth. Billion Acts of Green is an organization through the Earth Day Network where people can pledge to do whatever they can, small or large, to help save the planet. Earth Day is not an attempt to make everyone start hugging trees and stop using paper, but to make people stop on a regular basis, take in the beauty of the world, and then show their appreciation by recycling or carpooling or taking shorter showers. According to a National Public Radio article, Study: Young People Not So ‘Green’ After All, only 21 percent of our generation said it was important to become involved in programs to help clean up the environment. Though we have grown up in an era of “reduce, reuse, recycle,” our zeal for the Earth is lacking, especially in comparison to the young people of eras before us. The trees that give us the only glimmer of shade in the summer, the air that our friends and children breathe in, the oceans that provide us with food and water and beautiful mystery — these things cannot and will not continue to survive if we keep treating them as if they are disposable. For the last three years Disneynature has come out with a movie on Earth Day. For the first week that each is in theaters, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales are donated to help the animals in that film. The first was Earth, followed by Oceans and African Cats. This year on Earth Day Disneynature will release Chimpanzee. These documentaries may look dull, but they are far from it. From the cute pictures of babies cuddling to the loud scenes of five ton beasts fighting for survival, these documentaries portray aspects of wildlife that everyone will love. Whether or not you believe in climate change, whether your car runs on battery or gasoline, whether you like animals or not, you should respect the planet we are occupying, the planet we hope our children and grandchildren will one day occupy. Throwing your McDonald’s cup out the window of your car, leaving all the lights on when you leave your home, wasting paper and food and energy—these will be demise of our planet, not 2012 or Planet X smashing into us. It will be us, and the way we treated the ground we expected to be around forever. You do not have to save the rainforest, just shut the water off when you brush your teeth or pick up trash you see on the road. If you have ever seen a breathtaking sunset, walked on the beach, seen an endangered animal, stood on top of a mountain, or smelled a perfect flower, you know what is at stake. It does not take a lot; do your part; protect our home.
senior thao nguyen
“
I try not to text or look at my phone at all but I get really tempted at red lights. When your friends are in the car, you just goof around and do not pay attention.”
“
junior zach hanson After school, I was waving to somebody in traffic and not paying attention and I got into a car wreck.”
sophomore shannon oatman
“
When I laugh with my friends I swerve a little bit but I don’t go into another lane, so I’m still a safe driver.”
“
freshman william starks
The phone makes you nervous because you want to get it but you can’t because you’re driving.” information obtained by caroline engle
9
opinionsapril 10
Students visit Chick-Fil-A for grand opening mattie lonergan
CAMPING OUTSIDE OF CHICK-FIL-A, Wichita citizens wait March 14 for the chance to be one of the first 100 customers, who would receive a free meal each week for a year.
tiana chin
tiana chin
DESPITE THE LONG WAIT, senior Michael Kopper
orders his meal amidst the excitement on opening day March 15. “I have been back five or six times since and the line has never been that bad,” Kopper said. “The longest I have waited has probably been about 10 minutes.”
WAITING IN LINE, senior Michael Schultz
participates in the fast food frenzy March 15. “It’s just fast food,” Schultz said. “It’s almost embarrassing how Wichita acted about it. I just went the first day for more of an experience than anything.”
The time had finally come; March 15, 2012, Chick-Fil-A opened its doors on the corner of Rock Road and Central Avenue. This was the grand opening of its first freestanding location in Wichita. People were camped just outside the doors the day before in hopes to be one of the first 100 customers, who would receive one free meal a week for a year. Although having less enthusiasm for fast food as these individuals, I opted to give the new establishment a try on opening day. The lines for the drive-thru seemed endless. Wichita police were dispatched to direct traffic. The line to the indoor portion of the restaurant, amidst the lunchtime rush, wrapped though the restaurant to the outside. Everything remained as orderly as it could have been, and the staff of the restaurant, inexperienced with the register equipment, worked as diligently as possible. The menu had several different sections, consisting of mostly chicken sandwiches and strips. Salads and wraps were also present, as well as a kids menu and a dessert menu. I decided on a spicy chicken sandwich from their classics menu, along with a drink and waffle fries. The meal was pretty standard for fast food in my own opinion, but many of my classmates insist it is “just better” than most fast food. The waffle fries were good, crisp and not overcooked. Other than that there is not much to rave about. What I am sure was an exciting moment for many students and the surrounding community met me with less excitement. As far as I see, it is just another fast food restaurant.
austin mcmaster staff writer
Praise for sports teams should be balanced with praise for other activities Just as any normal high school student would be, I was thrilled to learn that we would be have a day off of school March 12 because a relatively small portion of the student body won the basketball state champikatie crandall asst. opinions editor onships, which was certainly cause for celebration. I wonder, however, what this says about our school and society as a whole. When the Drama Department sells out a production, when the choirs receive a “I” rating at the Regional Music Festival, or when the debate and forensics teams go to nationals, do we get a day off of school? Though I agree that all major achievements of our students should be rewarded in some way, I do not think that any one team or club should be singled out, making others seem irrel-
evant. Do we, as a society, place too much emphasis on sports, specifically football and basketball? Unfortunately, I think the answer is yes. Do not get me wrong; I do not think sports are bad in any way. I have played a few competitively in my time, and I have concluded that rather the opposite is true: sports have many benefits which are reaped by players and society. Sports teams provide a sense of camaraderie for players — something they may not have learned anywhere else, along with necessary healthy exercise. Sports provide universally understood entertainment and can be excellent motivators for players to keep their grades up, as well as an outlet for any emotions of anger or violence. By the same token, sporting events can often evoke violent sentiments and cause multiple deaths, as evidenced by the recent stampede killing 73 people at a soccer game in Egypt. Also, if we are honest with ourselves,
do idolized professional athletes contribute much to society other than touchdowns and three-pointers, especially when compared to the Science Olympiad and Scholars’ Bowl champions who go on to become politicians, doctors, or lawyers? All in all, I firmly believe that sports are a fine source of entertainment and exercise and while we should respect and admire the players for their achievements as we would anyone else, we should not idolize and adore them. And how about celebrating some achievements of other school clubs and teams with a day off? Why is it only our sports teams that receive such treatment? Okay, you caught me. One of the reasons why I wrote this column was in the hopes of getting another day off from school. Snow days have been nonexistent this year and I think we would all enjoy a second day off of school. Let’s hope the administration takes the hint!
opinions april
e v a W h c a Pe
With warmer weather in the forecast, the need for cup of coffee is no more. Instead of snacking warm that on the ordinary popsicle this summer, try visiting Peach Wave for a refreshing experience. Immediately upon walking into Peach Wave, the wonderful sight of all the flavors of frozen yogurt and the colorful toppings made a great first impression. Along with the bright yet simple decor and color scheme, I felt welcomed. Peach Wave had a decent selection of flavors with about 18 options. Peach Wave’s flavors were almost identical to Orange Leaf’s, which was disappointing. After I picked my flavors it was time for the toppings. Orange Leaf had the same topping selection but Peach Wave did not have as many. Some of my favorite toppings were not available. I was not impressed by the topping selection. Overall, Peach Wave was a pleasant experience for I was not impressed. I feel that it was so similar but me, to Orange Leaf, but lacking in flavors and toppings. Orange Leaf is located closer to school and home for me. If I had the choice, I would visit Orange Leaf rather than going back to Peach Wave. miranda mccormack
kles, with sprin h g u o d okie la and co I get vanil eese’s and M&M’s.” gross R n andrew brownies, freshma
I like p mel. S eanut butte togeth ometimes r yogurt wi t I eat er.” lemon h Reese’s a nd and c offee carajunio flavor r reb s ecca zlutic ky
f a e L e g n Ora
The first thing one notices when walking into Orange Leaf, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, is the bright orange chairs and decor. It is a friendly, inviting environment. Surprisingly, this was my first time going to Orange Leaf even though it has been around for a couple of years in Wichita. Orange Leaf has several different flavors and toppings to choose from. They have traditional flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, but there are also flavors such as pomegranate, chocolate cheesecake, mango and birthday cake. There are around 15 flavors and the workers rotate the flavors every day. The toppings include pieces of candy, fruit, nuts, sprinkles, chocolates and many others. After you have made your dessert, you weigh it on a scale and pay 39 cents per ounce. I prefer ice cream over frozen yogurt, but overall I thought Orange Leaf was pretty good. It can get a bit pricey if you get a lot of yogurt and toppings, but mine was only about $3 for a reasonable amount, which was about half of the cup. I liked that there were several choices and that it was fast and easy to get the yogurt. bailey holm
es and t I like cooki u b , rs o av fl t est.” ifferen I like to try d eesecake bites. It’s the b ert ch h it w creme cappy cyph sophomore page design by madisen sleconich
11
feature april 12
Expert, students comment on The paint splattered artist, the meticulous scientist, the disheveled musician, the organized mathematician — each person thrives in a different environment, demonstrating which kind of thinker he or she is: left-brained, or right-brained. Although the common notion of right-brain thinkers and left-brain thinkers is considered “folk psychology,” Wichita State University professor Evan Palmer said there is science involved. Beginning in the 1980s, Roger Sperry did epilepsy treatment by severing the bands of nerves that connect the two hemispheres of the brain. Palmer said Sperry found that this caused patients to alter their responses to stimuli. For instance, patients using the left hemisphere were able to answer questions about objects that they were shown rapidly; however, patients using the right hemisphere could only draw what they saw. “Sperry was surprised to find that these patients with severed corpora callosi seemed to be of ‘two minds,’” Palmer said. “This and other findings led researchers to understand that the two hemispheres process different aspects of the world.” Palmer said the left hemisphere processes the right side of the world, controls language and is detail-oriented. People who are classified as leftbrain thinkers tend to be logical, critical thinkers that do well with words, numbers and signs according to a research-based quiz by the Art Institute of Vancouver. They analyze situations in a piece-by-piece manner to reach a conclusion. Habits common to left-brain thinkers include list making and giving logical directions. Left-brain thinkers are typically good at memorizing vocabulary words, solving math problems and organizing. Senior Lauren Pfeifer said she is a left-brain thinker. Analytical and numbers-oriented, Pfeifer said she is good at math and multiple-choice tests, but not as strong with art. She said she found that learning Spanish was difficult because of all of the exceptions to the rules. For left-brain thinkers like Pfeifer, things must follow rules and patterns closely to make sense. “I tend to make lists of pros and cons when I’m making a decision,” Pfeifer said. “I’m very precise about random things, like how I take notes and how my closet is organized: everything has to be done in a certain way.” On the other side, right-brain thinkers tend to use their creativity to reach conclusions and solve problems. Palmer said the right hemisphere processes the left side of the world and analyzes things holistically; when a left-brained thinker would see an individual tree, rather than a forest, a right-brained thinker would see the entire forest. These thinkers like to learn using images, and their methods may seem inconsistent or illogical. Right-brain thinkers are typically good at drawing, music and non-verbal
alyssa scott
illustration by emily loy; page design by madisen sleconich
editor-in-chief
feature april
n left brain vs. right brain skills processing, according to Palmer. Creative and talented with art, senior Emma Brooks considers herself to be right-brained. She said it takes her a long time to understand math concepts, such as Sudoku; however, she is strong at more abstract, thoughtful things like reading emotions. “I catch myself just thinking way too much about things,” Brooks said. “I also devote a lot of time to artwork. I have wacko ideas 100 percent of the time, and I have no idea where they come from. It has to be the creative side of my brain.” Opposite from his twin, senior Charlie Brooks said he is logical and reasonable, but lacks in right-brained skills. “I am very good at arguing logically and using reason to solve problems,” Charlie Brooks said. “I am very deficient in creativity, and I can’t think of anything I have that resembles intuition.” Along with revealing the distinction between the two types of thinkers, research on the psychology and development of the brain has uncovered information about the choices adolescents make. While the choices adolescents make may seem impulsive or reckless, research shows that it could simply be a result of the way the brain develops. According to an article by David Dobbs in National Geographic Magazine, teens use different thinking processes than adults use to make decisions. While teens use the same basic strategies as adults to solve problems and recognize risks, teens place more value on the outcome of a situation; therefore, teens work to gain rewards, despite high risks. Agreeing with this theory, Palmer said the brain develops until people reach their early 20s, so young people become progressively better at planning, strategizing, goal setting and inhibiting inappropriate behavior. Palmer said that the significant focus adolescents have on rewards could be a result of our society’s focus on immediate gratification. “Teens’ attention can be consumed so much by instantaneous rewards that they don’t take the time to think about their long term life goals and ambitions in a way that earlier generations did,” Palmer said. “Sustained attention is not something that is particularly valued or practiced in our society today as much as it was a few generations ago.” Pfeifer and Brooks said they sometimes find themselves acting without logical reasoning, and caring more about the rewards of actions than the risks. Brooks said she is always in trouble for doing things like jumping from her roof into a leaf pile, or walking across an icy pond. For Pfeifer, impulsive or reckless actions tend to happen on a smaller scale, like when she says things without thinking about the consequences. “I have to watch what I do a lot,” Brooks said. “I don’t often dwell on the consequences or aftermath of my decisions. That always occurs after the fact.”
13
feature april 14
Sound Prefers rock music and can easily study with background noise. Planner Tasks are done in an orderly fashion or pattern, like to-do lists.
Rational Left-brain thinkers do Precise Likes to follow directions
Creative and artistic Skilled at physical activities and the fine arts.
not factor emotions into their decisions.
and stick to the schedule.
The way we’re wired, continued infographic by madisen sleconich; information obtained by katie elliott from http://dailyinspiration.nl/infographic-left-vsright-brain and the wichita eagle
Emotional Tends to dwell on feelings.
student life april 15 1
2
anna gonzalez
meggie schafer
3
zach holland 4
1. SENIOR EMILY ABAY performs at the pep rally March 16. The
pommies performed “Camp Dance,” the first dance they performed together as a team. “This year has been the best,” Abay said. “We really got close as a team and had fun together.”
2. AT A CHESS CLUB MEETING, junior Peter Gaul and sophomore
John Rogerson play chess while junior Sarah Doolittle observes March 6. The club, started this year by juniors Jamie Jackle and Hannah Martin, meets Tuesdays after school. “I started playing in the first grade but quit after a couple of years,” Gaul said. “I just started back up this year in the club.”
3. MAKING A BOWL IN CERAMICS, senior Danielle Komp glazes a Jayhawk design for her mother, March 29. For the pattern on the bowl, Komp pressed a basketball on the clay and free handed the Jayhawk. “I still love the team and I think the bowl shows my family’s loyalty to them.” Komp said.
4. IN GYM CLASS, freshman girls do push-ups during their warmmelissa mckinney
up routine. Before doing push-ups, the girls jogged, stretched, did an abs workout and jogged again. The whole routine takes around 20 minutes, coach Marie Thomas said.
student life april Office secretaries Truman, Simonitsch interact with students, parents, faculty daily to keep school running
16
5.2589 2.6964
OFFICE SECRETARIES Jane Truman and Pam Simonitsch use their computers
to keep records March 28. “I don’t think many people understand what [they] do for Kapaun [Mt. Carmel], or the amount of effort they put into their work,” junior Dylan Silveira said. “They are very hardworking and do it with a smile.”
tiana chin maggie stout
Behind the alex scobee
2.8985 4.5481
CHANGING TONER, Simonitsch works with the printer March 29. For Simonitsch, what is now
a normal part of her job came about by chance. “I was working in the Development Department and was asked to fill in for the other office aide,” Simonitsch said. “After two days I was offered the job because she wasn’t coming back. It just found me — I wasn’t looking for it.”
AS SHE CHECKS ATTENDANCE, Truman looks
for inconsistencies between blocks, which could mean truancy. Truman takes attendance throughout the day and calls parents about their children’s whereabouts if necessary. information obtained by caroline engle
alex scobee
sydney ain
ON THE PHONE, Simonitsch directs a call to registrar EXECUTING ONE OF HER MAIN TASKS, TruMelinda Lazzo March 29. Though she takes many calls for attendance, she has also received calls from professional football teams. “I never know what to expect when I answer the phone — if it’s the bishop or someone else.” Simonitsch said.
man writes an appointment slip March 26. Though a normal part of her day, Truman said she enjoys communicating with others. “I love the faculty, staff and kids and the interaction between them,” Truman said.
desk
student studentlife lifeapril
Diversity at
KAPAUN
MT. CARMEL
Policy change leads to increase in minority precentage halsten higgins
student life editor
In the classroom, in the hallway or in the commons, students in blue and white uniforms shuffle around, open lockers, carry books and attend school. Beneath these uniforms are students of different races and some of different faiths. Compared to the average USD 259 school, however, the 878 students of Kapaun Mt. Carmel may seem to lack diversity. “I went to public school through sixth grade,” junior Juan Montelongo said. “It was completely opposite there. There were more Mexicans than white people.” According to the USD 259 website, the average Wichita public school has 37 percent Caucasian students, 19 percent African American, 30 percent Hispanic and 15 percent other, including Asian, Pacific Islander and Native American. KMC breaks down into 79 percent Caucasian, 3 percent African American, 8 percent Hispanic and 9 percent other, according to the Kansas Department of Education website. “I think demographics have everything to do with it,” Dandurand said. “When you look at the layout of Wichita, different races are in different neighborhoods and the kids end up going to schools closest to them.” In the past 10 years, this gap has been decreasing. Due to a policy instituted to provide non-Catholic students with reduced tuition, KMC’s average minority percentage has raised from 17 percent 10 years ago, to over 21 percent, according to school demographics. “Our minority population consistently
graphic by christian williams
goes up each year,” President Mike Burrus said. “I think this is mostly because our community as a whole has become more racially diverse, but also because of a policy that we instituted about eight or nine years ago.” The policy allows non-Catholic students who attended a Catholic feeder school for two or more years to go to KMC at a reduced rate. One feeder school, Holy Savior, is 73 percent African American and has many non-Catholic students, Burrus said. Seventy percent of Holy Savior’s students are also at an economic disadvantage. This policy allows these students to continue a Catholic education. Compared to USD 259 schools, KMC’s ethnicity ratios differ, but compared to the actual city of Wichita, the breakdown is the same, Development Director Kevin Arkin said. After attending public school and before attending KMC, Montelongo attended All Saints, where 16 percent of the population is Hispanic. Montelongo went from being a majority to a minority at the lunch table, he said. He believes it is important for students to be culturally aware of diversity at KMC. “I think being diverse makes people notice other cultures,” Montelongo said. “Sometimes I think people just don’t think about other cultures because they’re not around.” For a private catholic school, KMC compares well to public schools in ethnicity, Arkin said. “As our community continues to become more diverse I think more and more students will want to attend [KMC] for the education,” Burrus said.
Q&A: Natalie Nibert Junior plays piano at school Mass, shares musical experiences Q. What are some of your favorite pieces to play? A. I like “Moonlight by Beethoven,” it’s pretty popular. One I’m playing right now is a prelude by Mendelson. Q. Why did you start playing piano? A. It never occurred to me to do it, but every year, my mom would ask “Do you want to take lessons? Do you want to take lessons?” Finally, it just stuck. Q. On average, how many competitions do you play in per year? A. Three - Regional Piano, Senseny in Schneider, and Concerto Auditions at Wichita State University. Q. What is your fondest moment of playing piano? A. Probably me and my grandpa playing together. He was the reason I kept playing when I didn’t like it. He was just inspiring and it was a good time. Q. How did you begin playing at KMC? A. Well, [music teacher Bryan] Miller just e-mailed me and asked if I would do it, so I said sure. Plus, Jared Dreiling, [class of 2011], encouraged me.
information obtained by ali oatsdean; photo illustration by tiana chin
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Who knows me best?
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* indicates correct answer
senior Kristin Palmer 1. What is your favorite food? Cheese 2. What is your favorite kind of music? Country 3. How do you prepare/warm up for a game? Listen to music 4. What is something you fear? Spiders
friend Taylor Kruse 1.
coach Alan Shepherd 1. 2. 3. 4.
Pizza Country* She listens to music* She is afraid of nobody
Chocolate chip muffies from Panera Definitely country* She likes to get ready with music.* She is afraid of spiders and disappointing people.*
2. 3. 4.
junior Michele Riter mom Renee Riter 1. 2. 3. 4.
Pepperoni pizza Pop She puts on her cap and goggles, dives in and does the warm up lap. The dark*
friend Lyndon Frisch 1. 2. 3. 4.
Mexican Country* She listens to music. Heights
sophomore Scott Rider 1. What is your favorite food? Flaming hot Cheetos 2. What is your favorite kind of music? Country 3. How do you prepare/warm up for a game? Dynamic stretches, including high knees and karaoke 4. What is something you fear? Sophomore Clare Hesse
1. What is your favorite food? Ice cream 2. What is your favorite kind of music? Country 3. How do you prepare/warm up for a game? Stretch and relax with the team 4. What is something you fear? The dark
friend Jake Bambick 1. 2. 3. 4.
Flaming hot Cheetos* Country, especially Taylor Swift* Tennis and leg stretches* His dad
dad Calvin Rider 1. 2. 3. 4.
Freddy’s food Country* He doesn’t warm up, he probably just looks at the sun and saves energy. Tiny little wasps
information obtained by grace hesse; illustrations by sydney hartkopp; photo illustrations by kasey weixelman, sydney ain, tiana chin
& l l a b e s a b softball
sports april 20
batting
e a good load and foot position. Second, hav “First, have a good balance nhard Lie .” tion rd, have a good rota — a load on the back side. Thi tching the rethe ball, quick bat. Always wa to ctly dire go st mu d han e “Th hes. Eye conhelps you pick up different pitc lease of the hip of the pitcher [is good]: the d lps]. The punch through metho tact to the pitcher’s glove [he on a karate punch.” - Congd top hand comes through like
“It’s a diverse job. You’ve got to see the whole picture: how things will work as a team, what gives the best chance of winning. Mentality is a huge part of it; give them confidence, motivate them. Always put the team first.” - softball coach Missy Congdon arthead, design by rachel white; information obtained by sarah frangenberg
sports april
pitching “Baseball is a thinking man’s game. Strategy [is a big part of coaching baseball], trying to match the skill of the player for the right position for him to play.” - baseball coach Steve Lienhard
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can direct and lead the r of the team, one who “The catcher is the leade baseball and a quick e the ability to block the team. They need to hav .” - Lienhard release to throw to bases d because you can see r, be captain of the fiel che cat od go a be “To t position of the field. Be It is the most importan t everything. Call pitches. d the plate is importan the dir t. Lining up behin st mu ey [Th s. able to block the ball in ike str ke e the best chance to ma as well. Give the umpir arm.” - Congdon ick have a] strong and qu
how to improve
with fundamenyers improve]. We start pla lps [he ion etit rep of “A lot e new girls, we break ove. Since we have som gro the in ck ba t ge , tals it all comes togethand drills and eventually it down for them, steps er.” - Congdon it down into smaller fundamentals and break “We try to isolate cer tain process whether the t ge , timing, short drills to thm rhy ] use e [W ps. ste - Lienhard it be hitting or pitching.” Core strength [is vir as quick as possible. “Try to build, get stronge g action. [You also [is needed for the] rotatin tal]. [Abdominal] work icker.” - Lienhard need] foot work to get qu . It takes a lot of work prepare as best you can , ing ctic pra it, on ork “W tration. Stick with it ] body control and concen and repetition. [Work on ior Max Hagan and don’t give up.” - sen
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Inside the Lines A strong leader on the field, senior baseball player Thomas Meitzner has been on varsity since his sophomore year. Meitzner’s hard work and aggressiveness help both him and the players around him improve. “I try to lead by example and just get everyone prepared for our games coming up at all levels,” Meitzner said. “I try to help the younger guys get acclimated to how we do things at [Kapaun Mt. Carmel].” Meitzner has earned All-city Honorable Mention both of his previous years on varsity. “Thomas is an outstanding defensive centerfielder,” coach Steve Lienhard said. “He has very good speed and gets very good jumps on balls to the outfield. He hits from the left side and has good hand-eye coordination and has the ability to hit to all fields.” Fellow player senior Kevin Luman said Meitzner is a silent leader; he works hard and leads by example. “He is always positive and encouraging,” Luman said. “We feed off of him and we go where he goes.” Lienhard said Meitzner works very hard at practice and works to be the best he can be when he steps onto the field. “The way he goes about his business at practice shows the younger players what it takes to play at the varsity level,” Lienhard said. “He is fun to watch play.” Meitzner said he plans to attend the University of Kansas and he is strongly considering playing baseball there. Lienhard also said he thinks Meitzner is a college player. “My favorite memories of playing at KMC are the Bishop Carroll games,” Meitzner said. “Also the state game from last year is a favorite memory because even though we did not win, it was good to get our feet wet and with a lot of guys returning I thinks we will make a serious run at Eck.” story by amanda schmitz; photo by mattie lonergan; infographic by madisen sleconich
Coach John Kornelson shares about his passion for running, coaching KMC student athletes Q: What were your experiences with running prior to coaching at Kapaun Mt. Carmel?
me was to have a connection with my coaches and to get to know them as a person.
A: I was a coach at Blessed Sacrament and East. I ran and coached at Wichita State University.
A: Running is all you. Whatever your result or time is, it’s all your effort experience, triumph and joy. It’s all you and all you’ve done.
Q: Why did you decide to coach at KMC? A: I coached at KMC in the ‘70s and I left KMC and went to WSU for 23 years. I retired from WSU and I started coaching in the summer just for fun, and I realized that I coached some of the runners’ parents at KMC in the ‘70s. After WSU, I was passionate with coaching. It was natural for me to come back and coach at KMC. Q: What do you like about coaching? A: I think most coaches want to see [their players] have success in athletics and in what they do outside athletics to help them be the best they can be and to help them manage their disappointments, ups and downs and successes. As a coach, you’re trying to help them reach their full potential. Q: What led you to begin running? A: I always wanted to be in athletics and I had a good coach to look up to. The important part for
Q: Why do you like running?
Q: What were your personal goals or career paths for running? A: I always wanted to coach track. I had mentors in my career that influenced me for what I wanted to become. It was my aspiration in college. Q: What awards or accomplishments do you have for running? A: I was All-conference in college, but I was more about coaching. I was in decathlons and was a hurdler. Q: What advice do you have for runners? A: I think a lot of kids we deal with don’t have an idea of what it takes to move up a level: dedication. They think they need to reach the best possible limit they can meet, but we want to help them overcome those limits in athletics and as a person. information obtained by ashlee schif; photo by alex scobee
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