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news A professor and students question the impacts of media bias, p. 4.
opinions Staffers offer suggestions regarding songs and places for karaoke, p. 10.
feature Teachers and students reflect on the blessings of having special needs family members, p. 12.
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rachel walker
student life Senior Tony Raper surprises bachelorette Anna Korroch with an April Fool’s date, p. 14.
sports Students discuss their love of competitive dance, p. 21.
cover shot sarah frangenberg & briana lopez
p. 10
connor mueller
p.12
courtesy of elaine robinson
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news
Teacher, students react to election of Pope Francis I Catholics around the world were shocked when Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy Feb. 11. “I believe this last action of his resignation [is] a true sign of his holiness,” Sr. Cecilia Marie Hammersley, IHM said. “It wasn’t about himself – it was about the good of the Church. He was never seeking power, fame or prestige.” After Pope Benedict officially resigned, Catholics waited anxiously for the announcement of the new pope. Finally, on March 13, Pope Francis I was selected. “To be elected so quickly, it is obvious that his qualities and attributes were also well-known by the College of Cardinals,” Sr. Cecilia Marie said. “We have been very blessed with modern popes, and it seems from what Pope Francis has said and done so far that we will be blessed with his leadership as the Vicar of Christ.” On March 13, many classes gathered in religion teacher James Lewis’s room to watch Pope Francis’s first speech. Among these classes was English teacher Angie Etheredge’s Block 4 class. “[I decided to take my class to Mr. Lewis’s room because of] the excitement of when he was going to be presented and because of the excitement of the students to learn who the new pope was,” Etheredge said. “It ended up being fun watching the announcement with another group.”
Many KMC students were at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita held at Hartman Arena when the new pope was announced. “Mass had just started, we were doing the opening hymn and Fr. Aaron ran out and had the choir stop singing,” junior Robbie Grabendike said. “Fr. Jarrod Lies announced there was white smoke and so we said a decade of the rosary and then we continued Mass. After communion, we turned on the TV, and watched the announcement of the pope and it was pretty exciting.” During his first audience, Pope Francis broke tradition in two different ways. Before blessing the crowd, he asked for the crowd to pray for him. He also refused to go on a platform that would raise him above the cardinals. “By his name, Pope Francis sarah frangenberg has indicated that he desires to have an increased focus on the poor and vulnerable in our world,” Sr. Cecilia Marie said. “He will bring with him a knowledge of the Church in the Americas and their needs, as well as a love of humility, simplicity and peace. By giving a new face and a new focus to the Church, Pope Francis will be able to affect changes that Pope Benedict was not able to do because of his advancing age.” - EMMA PADGETT
Fr. Kapaun receives Medal of Honor for courageous acts in Korea Already on his way to becoming a saint, Fr. Emil Kapaun has also received national recognition in the form of the prestigious Medal of Honor from Congress and the president. Ray Kapaun, Fr. Kapaun’s nephew, received the award on Fr. Kapaun’s behalf on April 11. Fr. Kapaun is now the second Catholic priest, and the first chaplain from the Korean War, to receive the Medal of Honor. “After the war was over, his fellow prisoners started telling everyone the things he did at the prison camp and what a great hero he was and how he was willing to help them out,” Fr. John Hotze, a priest in the Wichita diocese investigating Fr. Kapaun’s case for his beatification, said. The process for the Medal of Honor starts with fellow servicemen who report events or deeds that they feel are deserving of the award. The reports are passed up a chain of commanders, and eventually the leader of the branch of service reads them. The leader sends the reports to the White
House, where the President decides if the deeds are deserving of the Medal of Honor. President Barack Obama conducts the actual ceremony. “Army chaplains are not required to be on the front lines, but he always was,” President Mike Burrus said. “That’s where his men were.” Among Fr. Kapaun’s many acts of bravery, the White House recognized in particular his calmness during hand-to-hand combat and his ability to make rounds and dress wounds at the front lines of a battle. “Father’s selfless sacrifice without giving up arms makes this the most unique Medal of Honor I’ve seen,” NBC correspondent James Miklaszewski said. Instead of taking up arms, Fr. Kapaun healed soldiers physically as well as spiritually, especially by feeding the soldiers or risking his life to save his fellow servicemen. “He carried a fellow prisoner to the POW camp on his own back,” Burrus said.
“Think of the strength, of the internal fortitude, that would take.” The example Fr. Kapaun set from his selflessness and holiness is one that inspired his soldiers, Hotze said. “I’m not Catholic and neither were many of the others, but he just inspired everyone,” Robert Wood, a fellow POW, told the Army News Service. “He was the finest man I ever knew.” The devotees of Fr. Kapaun could affect his canonization as much as they affected his Medal of Honor. Just as Congress looked at the reports from Fr. Kapaun’s soldiers, Rome may look at the knowledge and dedication of the student body when looking at Fr. Kapaun’s case for his beatification. “His example gives me a higher standard to live by,” junior Bridget Lavigne said. “It should be the example for all Kapaun [Mt. Carmel] students and faculty because he is our patron.” - EMMA SEIWERT
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Students, professor ponder effects of news outlets’ liberal or conservative bias In January, more than half a million people – several of them Kapaun Mt. Carmel students – traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the March for Life. Although the March had a record-setting 650,000 participants, the event was only covered in the news by The Huffington Post and Fox News. “I just thought it was really annoying because there were so many people there and news stations cover things that are a lot smaller than that,” junior Krissy Pfeifer said. “Even in The Huffington Post, they made it sound so negative because they called it anti-abortion instead of pro-life.” Others sympathized with major news outlets who did not mention the March. “It’s a really controversial issue,” senior Maureen Hogan said. “The March is an event that is hard to stay unbiased on, and I think that a lot of the news channels and journalists sense that. It’s an important issue, but it’s one that very few people are willing to stick their professional neck out for.” The way different media outlets convey news to the public reflects the bias present in each station. Major news stations’ bias is evident through the degrees to which they cover a topic and from which angles. As a whole, people tend to be aware of this bias’s existence, according to Dan Close, an associate professor of communications at Wichita State University. “I think if you ask the average person, they would say the media is fairly biased,” Close said. “So in general, journalism or news has long been considered biased, [though] it depends on your own point of view. The best news, whether it is print, broadcast or internet, is, in my opinion, one that attempts to stay clear of having a particular point of view and by that they are able to be more truthful to people.” Bias in the media, however, may not bother everyone. Some students feel they are capable of noticing bias in stories well.
“I personally don’t care how biased the media is,” sophomore Jacob Le said. “I don’t let the media influence what I believe. Using a biased news outlet is like talking to a friend. He might be biased about something or has different opinions. They are our friends because we accept them just like [we must] accept the media.” Beyond merely tolerating bias, Close said many are fine with bias as long as it is noticeable. “I think most people would say there is a healthy amount of bias in the news,” Close said. “A lot of people don’t care about that as long as they can recognize where the bias is. I think that what’s happened is that people have realized the people that produce news, reporters and broadcasters really can’t be objective because we all have built-in human biases and are all personally affected by certain issues.” Even if bias is recognizable, it can still affect those who view pieces in which it is present. “Information is already so easily misconstrued, and a journalist or news anchor that injects bias into a report just perpetuates the misconceptions or creates new ones,” Hogan said. “Either way, the viewer or reader isn’t allowed the opportunity to come to his own opinion on a topic. Now, it’s his and the journalist, and whoever else added to the report before.” Different news outlets are known to have different kinds and levels of bias. To avoid bias, Close recommends local news stations. “By and large, [local] television news tends to be less biased than national television news,” Close said. “That’s simply because they’re closer to the community served, so they have to answer to people who actually live in the area. If they get something wrong or show a lot of bias, the people they write about or have presentations about are more likely to come banging on their door.” - CAROLINE ENGLE
Side by side: Students’ views on bias in media 40% are concerned about using a news source when it is seen as biased 41% are not bothered when the news outlet they use is considered biased
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63% consider media bias to be a major problem
19% do not believe their news sources are biased
22% feel The Wichita Eagle is a biased newspaper
“I think most people would say there is a healthy amount of bias in the news. A lot of people don’t care as long as they can recognize where the bias is.”
-Dan Close, associate professor of communications at Wichita State University background by ali oatsdean; 125 students surveyed feb. 13;
news
Staffer offers advice regarding announcements Students regularly complain that during second and sixth block they can never hear the announcements. Other students may talk loudly, making it hard for classmates katie crandall to hear the school online editor news being broadcast over the intercom. Out of 125 students recently surveyed, 42 percent said they rely on word-of-mouth for school news since they are rarely able to hear the announcements. Students should listen to the announcements, and allow others to do so, because many important events are made known through this medium of school news. The daily announcements convey information about everything from club meeting times to sports congratulations. “There are so many activities going on at [Kapaun Mt. Carmel] and the students need to be made aware of the opportunities,” assistant principal Ryan Burr said. Chemistry teacher Larry Greytak said he does not believe simply reading the announcements over the intercom is effective at KMC. “Students interpret announcement time as an extension of their personal social time and don’t listen,” Greytak said. “Sometimes announcements are just too long and students tune out. Sometimes teachers don’t encourage the students to listen.” While the talkative students are a part of the problem, the teachers who allow
this to happen are equally guilty. Teachers should command control of the classrooms during times when the announcements are being read, so students are aware of the many opportunities available to them and the events going on around them. Students surveyed complained that the announcements are not interesting. However, Burr said he and assistant principal Kelly Dandurand try to make their delivery as lively as possible. Burr offered some playful suggestions on how to make the school news grab the attention of students. “If we could get a holographic image of the person reading the announcements projected into each room, that would help,” Burr said. “Another option to help would be to have a quartet of singers walking around each room to sing the announcements.” Greytak also offered some insight. “The school could set up video screens in the commons with daily announcements, activity results and upcoming activities that would continuously loop during the day,” Greytak said. “Maybe kids would actually tune in to a video screen during lunch or before school.” These ideas may not be feasible at KMC at this time, but should be given serious consideration in the future. For now, there are other ways to access the announcements if students cannot hear them at school. They are posted on the class bulletin boards daily. The announcements are also updated on the KMC website, www.kapaun.org. There should be no more excuses from students that they did not know about something because they “couldn’t hear the announcements.”
13% students think the If students cannot hear
announcements do not announcements, effectively communicate 42% ask others about the school news missed information 21% students believe 21% do not get the news the announcements are a good method of 20% check kapaun.org reporting school news 17% read the copies 14% say they can never posted on bulletin boards hear the announcements throughout the school 125 students surveyed feb. 13; information obtained by emma padgett, katie crandall
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diversions
kmccrusade.com DOWN 1. Senior Tony Raper took bachelorette Anna Korroch here after he pretended to forget his wallet. 2. One of the deadliest diseases affecting high schoolers. 5. Applebee s karaoke night is on this night.
Seen on students’ Twitter accounts
ACROSS 3. Girls soccer has won this many City League championships. 4. The person featured in Inside the Lines this month plays this position on the baseball team. 6. He accepted the Medal of Honor on behalf of his uncle, Fr. Emil Kapaun, on April 11. 7. Forty-two percent of students said they rely on what for school news since they are rarely able to hear the announcements? 8. Walt’s Bar and Grill has karaoke available to teenagers for how many minutes on Thursday nights?
Nobody wants to watch a movie with my dad so he asked Siri to watch a movie with him. She said okay. #perfectcouple @WeinaBeanaDina My boyfriend and I chase chickens for fun #dontjudgeus @LSchock8 Step 1 open word. Step 2 write heading/title. Step 3 reward self with 4 hours of Netflix @mat_chaka I ate some caramel delights before going to sleep. THAT explains the mass murderers in my dream @maryannguyen
The first three students to submit a correct crossword to Room 215 will receive a prize.
Snapped! Your photos
courtesy of ethan porter
courtesy of hannah perkins
courtesy of michele riter
If you would like to see your photos in this space, follow us on Instagram (user KMCCrusade), tweet us @KMCCrusade or email us at kmcjournalism@ kapaun.org.
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editorial kmccrusade.com paladin staff
paladin editorial
gabby ferraro
Fr. Kapaun: Leader, example for student body Lord Jesus, in the midst of the folly of war, your servant, Chaplain Emil Kapaun, spent himself in total service to you on the battlefields and in the prison camps of Korea, until his death at the hands of his captors. At the hands of his captors, Fr. Kapaun showed great faith, courage, strength through God and perseverance. He left an example which all students should strive to follow and learn more about. As stewards of the diocese of Wichita, we have a special place in our hearts for Fr. Kapaun, especially as students of Kapaun Mt. Carmel. The story of Fr. Kapaun is part of our story, of our KMC family; therefore, this story should be well known by all. As an example of courage and perseverance, Fr. Kapaun can help students strive to do their best in school work. Fr. Kapaun can lead students to have a stronger relationship with God. In addition, his example of friendship and camaraderie with his soldiers should
guide our friendships and relationships. Fr. Kapaun was not only a great priest and soldier; he was a great man. He spent seven months in a prison camp, and while his men deteriorated, he satisfied and fulfilled their mental, physical and spiritual needs. Fr. Kapaun’s strength is something of which we should be proud. The diocese of Wichita is blessed to be a part of his canonization process and other awards he has received, such as the Medal of Honor. We should continue to pray for his intercession and his canonization. As we live our daily lives, we should remember to represent the Church well. We represent the diocese of Wichita; we represent KMC; we represent Fr. Kapaun. Through his example and intercession, we can grow closer to Christ and to each other. This diocese and school is amazingly blessed, and we should pray for Fr. Kapaun’s intercession that God continues to bless us.
letter from the editor Dear PALADIN readers, The end of the year draws ever nearer. Though it can be very difficult to stay focused and motivated, I encourage you to stay strong. It would be better to end the year with your best effort rather than only half effort. Seniors especially, end your high school careers as something to be proud of. 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, Sarah Frangenberg, Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/DESIGN EDITOR sarah frangenberg MANAGING/STUDENT LIFE EDITOR rachel walker PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR connor mueller ONLINE PHOTO EDITOR melissa mckinney BUSINESS MANAGER gabby ferraro COPY EDITOR emma seiwert NEWS EDITOR caroline engle OPINIONS EDITOR grace hesse FEATURE EDITOR katie elliott SPORTS EDITOR amanda schmitz ONLINE STORY EDITOR katie crandall CIRCULATION MANAGER monica davied ASST. NEWS EDITOR emma padgett ASST. DESIGN EDITOR ali oatsdean STAFF WRITERS olivia ayres, nicholle ward STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS tyler drinnen, emilie kennedy, crystal klaichang, sophie loehr, briana lopez, melissa mckinney, graham oldfather, meggie schafer, georgia schaefer, kaila trollope ADVISER ashley watkins
editorial policy The Paladin is a 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. The total enrollment of Kapaun Mt. Carmel is 908 students, with 96 faculty and staff members. Five hundred copies of the newsmagazine are printed eight times a year. Copies are sold to the student body for $1, yearly subscriptions for parents are $18 and copies are distributed to faculty and staff at no charge. 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. The Paladin is an NSPA, CSPA, JEA and KSPA member publication.
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8506 E. Central Wichita, Kan. 67206 Phone: (316) 634-0315, ext. 232 Fax: (316) 636-2437 kmcjournalism@kapaun.org kmccrusade.com
april
opinions
Arrival of new season puts a spring in everyone’s step Spring is the most wonderful thing. It makes me sing and ring and ding and zing. Occurring in March, April and May, spring is a very much appreciated break from the chill of winter. Not only does spring include Spring Break, but it also has so many other qualities that make it spectacular and, often, the favorite of all seasons. One of the most evident qualities is the amazing change in weather, a period between the blasting of the car heater and air conditioner on high, where nature is the perfect temperature. The sun is a beautiful specimen and, when paired with a light breeze, it makes for a great day. This fantastic weather then leads to pretty flowers and spring colors. When the bright-colored flowers come out of hibernation, the vibrant clothing comes along with it; maxi and sun dresses and wedges for the ladies; sandals, shorts and basically whatever has been worn all year for the gentlemen. Fashion becomes lively and puts a spring in everyone’s step, no pun intended.
April, the heart of spring, is taken for granted. Everyone says, “Just get me to Easter; give me Prom, that COTY day off school; give me May and bring on summer.” This applies to the seniors as well, who, honestly, have been checked out since the beginning of second semester. By “they,” I mean “me,” but I am assuming I can speak for the rest of my class of 2013. Everyone wants out. Moral of the story, everyone just needs to slow down, and enjoy spring and all that comes with it. Just think of the hot summer days when you cannot get enough cold water, the air conditioner cannot ever seem to blast enough air, you no longer have any more clothes to shed and flies are buzzing around you. You are going to be sweating over in the shade saying, “I wish I had taken Grace’s advice and enjoyed spring while I could.” Meanwhile, I will be whispering in your ear, “Shoulda’ listened, I told ya so.” So, enjoy it, live it, breathe it, sniff it, taste it for all I care – whatever you need to do to appreciate the beautiful, wonderful, amazing, awesome season of spring. - GRACE HESSE
If you sang karaoke, what song would you pick and why?
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quotes obtained by monica davied
‘Live Like You Were Dying’ by Tim McGraw because I’ve always loved that song. It is a really powerful song and it makes me want to be spontaneous and go skydiving.”
I think I would choose ‘Thrift Shop’ by Macklemore. I am really good at rapping and a girl just can’t say no to that song. I practically wrote that song.”
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sophomore mijail corimanya [The nursery rhyme] ‘Old MacDonald Had A Farm’ because it is easy to remember and I’ve known it for years. It’s part of my life.”
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junior taylor davidson
senior john dolechek
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freshman veronica untivero ‘Gotta Go My Own Way’ from High School Musical 2 as a duet with Noell Relph because it is an upbeat and awesome song, especially as a duet. It is funny in the movie because it is about an argument.”
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5 important DO NOTS of karaoke 1. Do not get up and sing a dreadfully slow ballad because you just got dumped or whatever; pick something fun for everyone’s sake. 2. If you get up to sing after having just eaten, you may want to
check your teeth for food: save yourself the embarrassment.
3. If you tend to shatter glass when singing, do us all a favor: just clap along. 4. Are the very same friends who convinced you to sing now laughing and nudging each other? It is not because they think you are good - sit back down.
into the
mic information by grace hesse; photos by connor mueller
5. If you do not care about anything that was said and you sing with your terrible voice anyway, at least own it and goof it up.
Top 10 Best Songs for Karaoke 1. “You’re So Vain” Carly Simon
6. “Picture” Sheryl Crow & Kid Rock
2. “Only The Good Die Young” Billy Joel
7. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Marvin Gaye & Tammi Tarrell
3. “I Will Survive” Gloria Gaynor
8. “Love Shack” B-52’s
4. “Don’t Stop Believin’” Journey
9. “Friends in Low Places” Garth Brooks
5. “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
10. “Margaritaville” Jimmy Buffet
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opinions
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Students share experiences at restaurants offering a night of karaoke entertainment weekly Karaoke at Applebee’s is not for the faint of heart. The singers there are surprisingly incredible. While they do not reject any singers, they have turned off the microphone for the particularly bad (namely, me) before. Even without singing, the karaoke night on Mondays, starting at 9 p.m. and ending around 11 p.m., is still immensely enjoyable due to the talent of the karaoke-singers. The half-price appetizers special is also quite enticing. I have gone a few times and found there is a small group of singers present every Monday, as well as different singers each week. There is usually a country vibe, Johnny Cash being a favorite of the regulars, as well as some Michael Buble and even Shaggy. One waitress sings every Monday as well, usually a Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood song. She sang Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead” very well when I attended. Usually satisfactory, the service at Applebee’s falls uncharacteristically short on karaoke night. As it is busier, if a customer orders an appetizer instead of an entree, the waiters will most likely ignore them. While bad service is usually irritating, I was so entertained by the karaoke that I did not mind. Karaoke night at Applebee’s is always a great choice when there is not school on Tuesday or when granted a later curfew. If you are a great singer, the night will be a great time to showcase your talent along with other greats; and if you are not a singer, just sit back and enjoy the show.
- EMMA SEIWERT
Do you enjoy bar food? Do you enjoy singing? What about a considerable amount of time before the waiter takes your order or brings you the check, otherwise known as bad service? If the answer was yes for any of these questions, Walt’s Bar and Grill is the place to be. At Walt’s, not only do you get to hang out with the old folk regulars and maybe watch a basketball game, but, on Thursday nights, it is also a place for those “wanna be” singers to showcase their talent. The atmosphere when I have been there is only a little more exciting than a typical nursing home. The songs vary depending on each singer’s preference; though, Jimmy Buffet songs did seem popular among the crowd. As the customers exercised their vocals, the waiters and waitresses went about their bad service; however, there is free queso, salsa and tortilla chips after 10 p.m. Yes, this all sounds like fun, but wait for the kicker - karaoke starts at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday nights and, unless with your parents, everyone under 21 must leave by 10 p.m. The younger crowd can karaoke for 30 minutes and do not get to enjoy the free chipshence the old people. Seeing the aged people have fun, however, makes me glad to know that when I do get old, I have already staked out a potentially enjoyable venue. If you have an extra 30 minutes you are looking to fill with a bit of fun, you could try Walt’s for Karaoke night. Otherwise, I recommend you wait 30 years before attending Walt’s Bar and Grill.
- GRACE HESSE
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Blake and Cole
Senior Blake Bullock and her 16-yearold brother, Cole, enjoy driving around listening to music and taking walks to feed the ducks together, as many siblings do. Unlike some other students’ siblings, however, Cole has autism. Bullock said she has a very positive relationship with her brother, as do all the members of the family. “At first [his disorder] was concerning, but then it brought everyone closer as a family,” she said. Bullock said Cole participates in the special education program at East, and enjoys drawing and walking their dogs. She said she has learned patience through her relationship with Cole, and that she had to learn to understand him to live with him. Though some negative effects of his autism are that he experiences high anxiety and has trouble making friends, Bullock said there are several positive effects of the disorder. “He doesn’t get mad, and he’s really easy to talk to,” she said. “He’s always happy, and never says anything bad about anyone.” According to autism.com, there has recently been an increase in the percentage of autism patients who are able to live semi-independently in a community. Bullock said she has similar hopes for her brother. “I hope he has a future just like everyone else—get a job, learn to drive and be successful,” she said.
courtesy of blake bullock
Emilie and Garrett
Sophomore Emilie Kennedy, who has a 12-year-old brother with Rett syndrome, said this disorder affects his schoolwork and the way he thinks; however, she said he has brought the family closer together. “We have learned to be grateful for the things we have and accept things we cannot change, which [we realized] are not always bad,” she said. Kennedy said her brother enjoys playing video games, building things, fishing, and playing army. She said he struggles at school and has trouble making friends, but that a positive effect of the disorder is that he is never afraid to be himself. “I hope he can stay himself and follow his dreams, [and that he is] not afraid to do what he wants to do because of what others think,” Kennedy said.
Elaine a
While some may view a child with a disability as a burden, Spanish teacher Elaine Robinson, whose two-year-old daughter, Rese, has Down’s syndrome, said she is more entertained and pleased with her as she grows. She also said that, though Rese needs additional attention, there are positive effects of her disorder. “She will have less of the worldly pressure than her peers, and she’ll be closer to God, since she’ll remain more childlike,” she said. “More than either of those, we are fortunate that she has a disorder that people are familiar with.” Robinson said she did not know Rese had Down’s syndrome when she was born; therefore, she had to alter her expectations as a mother. However, she said her
Children with sp families with oppo
courtesy of emilie kennedy
courtesy of elaine robinson
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daughter is sweet, funny, and wonderful just the way she is. “She’s healthy, beautiful and hilarious,” she said. “[Her disorder] has made [our family] appreciate the gifts we have and be more loving toward each other.” Robinson said Rese’s hobbies include reading, playing with dolls and painting her nails. She said her long term goals for Rese are that she can function on her own, have a job, and continue to be accepted and loved by her peers. “She will continue to have challenges, but I pray that her ‘burden be light’,” Robinson said. “I was so worried about how she would be and her quality of life that every day is a reminder of how blessed we are for her to be a part of our family.”
Aaron and Joy Out of five siblings, junior Aaron Odette said his three-year-old sister with Down’s syndrome is his favorite. “She’s just another member of the family who tends to be happier than the rest of us,” he said. Odette said his sister is never unhappy, turns everything into a game, enjoys being picked up and thrown around and playing with the iPad. He said her disorder caused a few health related worries in the family at first, but her Down’s syndrome itself does not affect the family. Odette said he hopes she will be able to live independently and happily in the future. “People with Down’s syndrome don’t impact the family in a negative way,” he said. “[They] provide a source of happiness and energy.”
pecial needs provide ortunities for growth
courtesy of aaron odette
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Chris and Peter
After visiting a doctor in Wichita and a specialist in Kansas City, principal Chris Bloomer had received no definite answers regarding his son’s health. He learned after arriving home that his 4-year-old son, Peter, had Fragile X Syndrome, a mutation on the X chromosome characterized by speech and motor delay, cognitive impairment and other symptoms. Bloomer said he had set expectations for his son, such as playing sports, going to college and having the same interests he and his wife do; however, with Peter’s disorder, those were shattered. “Initially, we wondered why [this] had happened to us, but now I can’t imagine life any other way,” Bloomer said. “We all understand that we have to look out for him and he needs additional support.” Bloomer said his relationship with Peter is different than with his older sons. He said he and Peter connect on a different level, and with Peter, minor accomplishments are more significant. “He can’t be fake,” he said. “It’s refreshing to be around him; there are no charades or masks.” Bloomer said living with Peter has made him realize how complicated people make life, and how shallow he used to be. “I’ve learned more from him than I’ve taught him,” he said. “It’s changed me as a person. Things that used to be important to me have really changed. We have been entrusted with somebody very special to take care of and help see succeed.”
courtesy of chris bloomer stories by katie elliott; design by sarah frangenberg
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student life kmccrusade.com
the bachelorette: APRIL FOOL’S DAY Edition
Senior goes on monthly dates to choose which suitor is best Senior Anna Korroch went on her final date as the bachelorette March 30. This month, senior Tony Raper decided to pull a prank on Korroch in the spirit of April Fool’s. “I was expecting something nice,” Korroch said. “He told me to wear a dress, so I was ready for a really good date.” Raper scheduled the date for 2 p.m., but did not show up until 2:45 p.m. He told Korroch he had been working out and had forgotten about the date. “I was mad,” Korroch said. “Honestly, it was really annoying when he was late. It did not get the date off to a good start.” Raper then told Korroch his car was low on gas and he probably should not drive. Korroch reluctantly agreed to drive even though her car was messy. “I was nervous she would find out it was a joke,” Raper said. “I was hoping she wouldn’t see me laughing.” The couple decided to go to Bella Luna; however, upon arriving, Raper realized he had forgotten his wallet. He sheepishly suggested they go to McDonald’s instead. “I couldn’t help but laugh so I didn’t get mad,” Korroch said. “But so much was going
wrong, and I obviously wasn’t going to pay. The whole time I was trying to be nice, but I was really annoyed.” At the end of the fake date, Raper finally revealed it was an April Fool’s joke. “Everything made sense all of a sudden,” Korroch said. “Then I knew the date was going to be good.” Raper took Korroch back to his house where he had set up a table with candles and flowers. He baked her a decadent dessert, then invited her to play Xbox. “I was hoping the date would end up fun and that she would like the dessert,” Raper said. “The best part was seeing her reaction when everything seemed to go wrong.” Korroch said she has a lot of thinking to do when choosing the winner, who will be revealed in the May Paladin. “Tony put a lot of thought and preparation into the date,” Korroch said. “I don’t know who to choose.” Raper said he thinks he will probably be the winner. “I’ll feel pretty good if I win,” Raper said. “I’ll feel like I deserve it.” - RACHEL WALKER
rachel walker
april
student life
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briana lopez
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1. DISSECTING A SHEEP BRAIN, seniors Alex Mills and Courtney Dwyer collabo-
ashley watkins
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rate in Anatomy and Physiology March 13. “I found it pretty cool,” Dwyer said. “I want to go into medicine, so it was interesting to see all the parts of the brain.” 2. IN ADVANCED PE, senior Alejandro Perez-Abraham jumps as part of a workout March 8. “I was breaking a sweat and feeling the workout,” Perez-Abraham said. “I was trying to impress Coach [Marie] Thomas.” 3. AS POPE FRANCIS IS ANNOUNCED, students watch together March 13. “Everyone was yelling when [Pope Francis] came out,” junior Greta Ciccolari-Micaldi said. “But when I was translating [his speech], you could hear a pin drop because everyone wanted to know what he was saying.” 4. DURING A LAB, seniors Jake Dreiling, Alexi Vailas, Tony Raper and junior Abby Louis work together March 14. “We were working on an experiment,” Dreiling said. “I like labs because it is a chance to interact with others.” 5. INVESTIGATING FR. EMIL KAPAUN, a reporter from NBC interviews Father John Hotze March 13. “What Rome will look at in his canonization is whether he has a cult that follows him, the cult being those people that look at his life and honor him for [it],” Hotze said.
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student life kmccrusade.com
gabby ferraro
Students of all ages suffer from end-of-the-year slump in schoolwork
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bout this time of year, many students contract what can be one of the most deadly diseases affecting our generation today and is commonly known as “senioritis” or the “end-of-the-year slump”. This disease renders students unable to do homework or focus in class.
Senior Katie Degenhardt said she started experiencing symptoms towards the end of first semester. She said it was a positive change because she no longer stresses since she knows she can do less work and still make good grades. Degenhardt also said that it can be negative because not being motivated by school can have harsh consequences. “The time [my senioritis] was the worst was around the time “Senioritis is a real issue,” psyof the snow days,” Degenhardt chology teacher Renee LaFever said. “I kept banking on not havsaid. “The reasons vary, but include ing school so I did not open a [that] most students know by the book once. Even right before we end of March their acceptance to went back, I could not bring mycollege, roommates, scholarships, self to study for the test I had the etc. When a senior knows he or she next day.” has everything in place, it is difSeniors are not the only ones ficult to stay focused another two affected by this “end-of-the-year months.” slump.” Across all grades stuReligion teacher Beth Ferraro dents can begin to lessen their said that while many students are efforts in school once the end of affected by the slump, the signs rethe year is in sight. psychology teacher Renee LaFever main the same from case to case. “I started to feel [the end Teachers may notice recurring bad of the year slump] right after attitudes among their students toChristmas break,” junior Scott wards schoolwork and class in genPalmer said. “I do not really pay eral. attention in class or any of my homework. I am leaving, so I feel “Students will turn in work late, poorly completed, or not at like [school] does not really matter.” all,” Ferraro said.“Students will also have a more difficult time Palmer said that since he does not care as much about his concentrating while they study or they will not study at all so test schoolwork, he does not have to stress or worry about anything. scores will fall.” This attitude, however, is not recommended by Ferraro. She said Senior Caleb Sattler is just one of many seniors in Ferraro’s students need to keep their focus through the end of the school class whose “senioritis” has caused him to fall behind. She said year. many students contract the disease every year, but the effects are “It can only be solved by each individual student,” Ferraro generally the same. said. “Teachers can help...but ultimately ‘senioritis’ is a test of a “Mrs. Ferraro said I was a minimalist,” Sattler said. “I don’t do student’s maturity, motivational techniques, and will power.” -ALI OATSDEAN any studying or homework I don’t have to anymore.”
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When a senior knows he or she has everything in place, it is difficult to stay focused for another two months.”
SENIORITIS: NO ONE IS IMMUNE
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student life
KMC BUCKET LIST
Things every student should do before graduating 1. Go to morning Mass. 2. “I heard there were secret tunnels around here,” senior Mary O’Connor said. “I don’t know if its true but I really want to go in them.” 3. Be Crusader of the Month. 4. Read at Mass. 5. Try out for a play or musical. 6. Be in the announcements. 7. Chew gum in English teacher Pat Raglin’s class without getting caught. 8. Letter in a sport. 9. “ I would really like to win state in soccer,” sophomore Zach McGrath said. “Even better, it would be an amazing experience to score the winning goal.” 10. Make media specialist Shirley Sharma laugh. 11. Be featured in the Paladin. 12. Start a chant at a basketball game. 13. “I would like to inspire someone to be stronger in their Catholic faith and leave Kapaun a better place than when I came,” junior Paige Hungate said. 14. Go on the March for Life. 15. Fall out of your chair in the cafeteria. 16. Wear crazy clothes to one of the theme games. 17. “I’d like to take first in the two hundred meter steeplechase or break the record for the third time and put it under six minutes,” senior Henry Moore said. 18.Create a masterpiece in art class. 19. See religion teacher Tony Brandt kick the top of a doorway. 20. Stand on the roof.
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information obtained by olivia ayres, ali oatsdean meggie schafer
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april
JUST FOR KICKS
Girls soccer players discusses legacy, how to continue tradition of excellence With 11 City League championships and eight single game wins in a row in 2012, the girls soccer team has a reputation to uphold in the 2013 season. “We have had very talented players in my 23 years here at Kapaun [Mt. Carmel[,” coach Alan Shepherd said. “I believe the key to a successful team is the chemistry, and we have always had great chemistry within our girls soccer program.” KMC soccer teams over the years have had to deal with some difficult situations ranging from something as simple as a young team, to a flu epidemic that put a senior player in the hospital in the 2005 season. The team’s only loss in that season was to Salina Central and the girls beat Andover for a third place finish at state. The team did not let their loss prevent them from achieving success. “[The team’s] hard-working attitudes and dedication make us successful,” senior Erica Boleski said. “We also have our core values of teamwork, attitude, chemistry, commitment and faith.” In the 2011 season, the team had a rough start. The team was doing well with three consecutive wins until their first loss to Maize. The team claimed
it did not have the proper chemistry, and strived to do well for the rest of the season. After a loss to St. Thomas Aquinas, the girls came back and won seven of the eight remaining games of the season. The team finished the season with a second place finish at the regional tournament. After suffering a bad loss to Bishop Carroll in the 2012 season, Shepherd posted flyers around the school to help motivate the team. After finishing the season with a 15-4 record, the team was not able to pull off their ninth City League title in a row. “There is a lot of pressure to live up to the previous years,” junior player Courtney Kempf said. The success of previous years has been attributed to the players’ hard work and dedication, Kempf said. The team this year may face challenges, but it is determined to carry on KMC’s reputation by working together and improving individually to make the team better as a whole. “Our players must continue the work put in by previous players in order to keep the program at a high level,” Shepherd said. “The work of the initial teams built the foundation of our program, and we cannot let this die.” -NICHOLLE WARD
PASSING THE BALL, senior Erica Boleski plays against Dodge City March 26. “Our hardworking attitudes and dedication will make us successful this year,” Boleski said.
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sports kmccrusade.com
design by sarah frangenberg
Athletes discuss how to keep bodies working better, longer, injury-free Many student athletes intend to continue their sports careers beyond high school and even into college. Doing this requires proper training and discipline to keep one’s body going as long as possible. According to The Huffington Post, the average person reaches their athletic peak in their late 20s. It is possible, however, to remain fit into middle-age. Track coach Bob Lida is one example of an athlete who has remained fit at an older age. In 2012, Lida celebrated his 76th birthday. He also broke six world records for sprinting this same year. To date, he holds nine world records and 13 American records for athletics—the majority of these he attained after age 50. “To stay fit, I train year-round, increasing the intensity of training before major track meets,” Lida said. “This includes hill-sprinting, running the bleachers at WSU stadium, plus repeat [sprints] on the track.” Junior Leah Dionisi has played volleyball at Kapaun Mt. Carmel and also in a club setting, and views fitness as an important part of her lifestyle. “I stay in shape by regularly working out at the YMCA and eating healthy especially when I have upcoming sports events,” Dionisi said. “I also think both sleep and hydration make a world of difference in [keeping fit]. You want to give your body the chance to perform at its highest level and getting enough sleep and keeping hydrated is essential for that to happen.” Even though athletes are not usually more fit later in life than during their peak years, it is not only possible, but also important to stay in shape, studies have shown. Lida recently participated in two such studies in Finland and Montreal.
One advantage of maintaining a high level of fitness in later years is athletes can expect to live at least six years past their peers, Lida said. “I believe, even more importantly, fitness in later years not only extends life expectancy, but greatly improves the quality of life,” Lida said. Injuries caused by physical activity can cause a setback in one’s level of fitness, but can also increase an athlete’s determination to succeed, according to The Huffington Post. With age, sports injuries become far more likely due to natural bone and muscle deterioration, but with proper physical therapy, these injuries can heal more quickly, Lida said. “My freshman year, I tore my ACL playing volleyball and physically it was devastating because after surgery,” Dionisi said. “I had to work my way back into athletics. I think in a way it also positively affected me because it made me realize that there is more to life than sports.” After undergoing physical therapy from her surgery, Dionisi has returned to volleyball, stronger than ever, she said. “I couldn’t have come back to vol-
leyball without working hard in physical therapy,” Dionisi said. Sophomore Morgain Lohmeyer played softball this year, the first sport she has ever played. Doing lunges at practice last month, she pulled both her hamstring and quad muscles in her left leg. Lohmeyer believes her injury was a result of not staying fit. “I wasn’t used to being active, so [this injury] really took a toll on me—I think I was starting out too fast,” Lohmeyer said. Lida has also experienced injuries, most recently broken bones in the foot and wrist, which he said stemmed from overuse. His training routines have changed over the years. “I do much more strength training now,” Lida said. “After age 60, muscle mass begins to drop off significantly and intensive training tends to make it drop off slower.” Dionisi intends to stay fit and compete in various sports later in life. “I know I’d like to go for as long as I can, but a big part of it is paying attention to your body and adjusting to its needs,” Dionisi said. -KATIE CRANDALL
april
Dancing
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provides girls with life skills, confidence
Whether at class, competitions, conventions or even on the pom squad, many girls at Kapaun Mt. Carmel live and breath dance. Although it requires time commitment, they agree it is worth it for the life skills they learn and the memories they make. “I started dancing when I was in kindergarten, so this is my 12th year,” junior Abby Louis said. “In an average week, I spend about 10 hours at the studio, but while preparing for a competition or convention it can be closer to 20 hours.” Louis, junior Ali Rickert and sophomore Sofia Gilkeson dance at Kansas Dance Academy (KDA). KDA attends two competitions or conventions per year as well as a third national competition every other year. At a convention, dancers have a warm-up class then participate in classes all morning. After lunch they resume classes and have an hour to do hair and makeup and prepare for the competition that night. “Teams that compete every weekend never have the chance to slow down and appreciate dance for what it is-- an art,” Rickert said. “They look at it as primarily a way to win, win, win. I feel that they are not as close and have more tension on the team.” Dance has opened up opportunities for the girls they would not have otherwise experienced, Louis said. They get to travel, meet new people and have the opportunity to win scholarships. Louis said she has had the opportunity to travel all around America and to work with some famous choreographers. She has also gotten to participate in an opera.
photo illustrations by briana lopez; design by sarah frangenberg
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“For me, dance has opened the possibility of dancing in college,” Rickert said. “It has also brought me to places such as Huntington Beach, Calif.; Branson, Mo.; and New York City, N.Y. and most recently I won a scholarship to attend a workshop in Agoura Hills, Calif.” Dance teaches many life skills and valuable lessons such as discipline and body awareness, Louis said. “[Dance] is a great way to let out energy and create lasting friendships,” Rickert said. “Growing up as a dancer you learn to be comfortable in your own skin and learn to express yourself through dance.” Rikert said the girls she dances with have become not only her best friends, but her family because they practically live together and have so much in common. She also said dance calms her down and relieves her stress. “It is great for learning discipline and also expressing anything,” Gilkeson said. “You also make so many friends and have so much fun. And what little girl doesn’t want to be a ballerina?” Although she probably will not pursue a career in dance, Louis said dance will always be a part of her life. “It is my dream to continue dancing as a profession but not everything goes as planned,” Gilkeson said. “It is something I have done since I can remember and I have always loved it. Dance is my passion and I feel like I can’t live without it.” -AMANDA SCHMITZ
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april
Motivation to excel in a sport can come from various sources; for senior Ben Lippold, it derives from someone close to his heart – his grandfather. Lippold was introduced to baseball by his grandfather, who took him to Wichita State University baseball games and taught him how to play. Now Lippold, who will begin his third year of baseball at KMC, said his grandfather keeps him motivated during games. “Before every game, [my grandfather] always tells me to make him proud,” Lippold said. “I always think of that. I actually have ‘make him proud’ written on my cleats.” Coach Steve Lienhard said Lippold has a strong commitment to the sport. “Lippold’s passion for the game is unmatched by many in our program,” Lienhard said. “He works hard at practice and takes this passion and hard work into games.” Lippold, a second baseman and pitcher at Kapaun Mt. Carmel, received Honorable Mention All-city for pitching last year and hopes to continue playing baseball at the junior college level after high school. Overall, the baseball team was co-City League and regional champions last year. Lippold said he hopes the team can make it to the state tournament again and win it all.
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Lienhard said this year they will have to rely on some players who do not have experience playing on the varsity team, but Lippold, as well as all of the seniors, are doing their part. “I can see Lippold is taking a leadership role in helping the younger players with instruction and being a positive support system for others on the team,” Lienhard said. “We need Lippold to be a consistent stabilizing force on the infield, be able to handle the bat in [tense] situations and be aggressive on the mound.” Most importantly, senior Ryan Lindsay said, Lippold is a good and encouraging leader on the team. “He is great at motivating not just me, but the entire team,” Lindsay said. “He is always the first one to pick you up if you had a bad play or a good play and pat you on the back.” Lippold said he likes baseball because he is able to represent KMC, but also he just enjoys the sport. “My emotions are almost contradicting [during a game],” Lippold said “I’m having a lot of fun and acting like a kid, but I’m also very serious and trying to win the game. Overall, I’m extremely happy when I’m on the baseball field.” -MONICA DAVIED
photo illustration by crystal klaichang; design by ali oatsdean
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