SENIORS
Aneliese Peeler
Senior musician prepares to release her debut album this May. BY AUBREY MAKAR REPORTER
Singing was always a passion for senior Aneliese Peeler. From the age of three, Peeler was always singing around her house to the amusement of her family. It didn’t become a serious dream until the eighth grade when she realized her musical talents of playing piano and ukelele would come together in her own songs. “I took piano lessons in the third grade, and my mom taught me the ukulele,” Peeler said. “My grandpa is also a songwriter, and he is one of my many inspirations. He is always there when I need to ask for guidance to look over my works.” Peeler describes her sound as indie-pop because of her beginnings in that genre. Listening to artists like Taylor Swift and ZZ Ward helped her to find her own voice and to find her passion in her work. “I was influenced heavily by ZZ Ward when
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LE JOURNAL
May 2016
I started writing. She is more of a bluesy artist. I wasn’t mentored at all in songwriting, and it was more of something that just happened,” Peeler said. “My favorite song that I’ve written is called ‘Getting Better’ because I feel like it’s relatable and more personal to everyone who is feeling down in the dumps.” Peeler is able to find other influences from her own experiences and is able to draw in on the experiences of her friends in their daily lives. Senior Serena Colyer aided Peeler in the drive to produce her own album that will finally be released in May of this year simply titled “Aneliese Peeler”. “It started freshman year when she asked what I wanted for my birthday,” Colyer said. “I told her she should make me an album and the deadline is graduation.” Peeler plans on self-producing her album and handing it out to friends to get her singing and songwriting career started. “In five years, I hope to see myself working in Los Angeles for a Hollywood record company,” Peeler said.
Madison Masilionis
Megan McCormack
University of Kansas
University of Kansas
Teacher you would take to college? Mrs. Mulkey because she knows me too well and always pushes me farther than I thought I could go. Major? Music Therapy/ Psychology. Senior year memory? Senior night of the musical when my best friend gave me flowers and made me cry.
Teacher you would take to college? Blasdel, she’ll help me with my mental stability. Song that sums up Sion? "Let the Good Times Roll" by Ray Charles. Favorite place in Sion? The gym, because dance team...of course. Favorite Sion costume? Zombies.
Sam McDonough
Mary McEnerney
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Benedictine College
Teacher you would take to college? I would take Conaghan with me because he would scare away all the people I wouldn’t want to be friends with, and the cool weirdos would stick around. Major? Business. Favorite place in Sion? Counselor’s couches.
Teacher you would take to college? Madame Bono because she is always so happy and radiates so much positivity. Major? Communications. Freshman year memory? My winter formal spray tan, dress (high-low) and sparkly golden stilettos.
Erin Mills
Danielle Mollerus
Kansas State University
University of Mississippi
Freshman year memory? Cardio day = worst day of the week. Major? Engineering. Funniest pink slip? Lamp gave me a pink slip for HOLDING my phone during passing period. Favorite place in Sion? Visitors locker room. No explanation needed.
Freshman year memory? Freshman Retreat because we all got to know each other and it was our first bonding experience. Song that sums up Sion? "I Don’t Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw. Best Sion Costume? Zombies for the Sion vs STA Basketball Game.