December 2015

J le

LE JOURNAL

ISSUE 3 VOLUME 34 December 2015

Leaving a Mark on the World Through Service Pages 14 - 17

NEWS Music Program Travels to Rome

5

China’s One-Child Policy Change

5

OPINION ISIS Requires U.S. Action

6

Media Distrust

7

Donald Trump

9

SPORTS 10

Swim Team

11

Royals

11

Cheer Team

11

FEATURES Michael Pesselato

12

Emmie Gragg

18

Kate Sullivan

20

Robotics Team

22

COVER Service Features

14

A&E

2

Aubrey’s KC Adventures Column

24

One Direction

25

KC Holiday Gift Ideas

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LE JOURNAL December 2015

A Royal Celebration Seniors Rachael Beck and Audrey Calovich enjoy their day off of school, watching the Royals players go by in the parade. (Photo by Rachel Ergovich) For more pictures from the parade, go to lejournallive.com.

LeJournal 2015-2016

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Le Journal is the official student publication of Notre Dame de Sion 10631 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64114 MEMBER

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CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sophie Nedelco Ellie Schwartz

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ergovich

WEBSITE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chioma Okuagu

WEB MANAGING EDITOR Alex D’Alesio

EDITORIAL EDITOR Abby Smith

A&E EDITOR

Chloe Barrett

{

SPORTS EDITOR Madison Heide

FEATURE EDITOR Natalie Sopyla

PHOTO EDITOR Laney Ulowetz

REPORTERS

Selena Hunter Tara Jungden Aubrey Makar Paige Dussold Natalie Williams Lily Coit Lucy Stofer Rachel Doctor Kate Noble Toni Mathis Clare Kimmis Taylor Spies Kathleen Watz

Le Journal accepts letters to the Editors in response to published articles. Letters must be signed, verified and no longer than 200 words.

Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling and content.

Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, encouraging disruption of school and/or is libelous.

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THE EDITOR’S INK

I

’m a Grinch. It’s December, and I’m still drinking iced coffee instead of steamy hot chocolate or anything peppermint-flavored. I wince at the sound of “Jingle Bells” and turn the radio station before anyone can reference Batman, Robin or the batmobile. I’ve always seen Christmas lights as more hazardous than jolly: people falling off roofs, sparks flying out of extension cords and the gaudiness of mismatched lights scarring the optic nerves of the innocent.

As for everyone that blasts Michael Bublé’s Christmas album on repeat and considers each spark flying out of the extension cord a little burst of joy, remember what lies ahead as you countdown to Christmas break. Between now and your days of gingerbread baking is dreaded finals week. But, if you follow our study tips on page 4, hopefully you won’t lose your Christmas cheer.

Eighteen girls in the music program have extra motivation during finals week.

Over break, they will be taking a trip to Rome and singing for Pope Francis (page 5).

While the music program will be performing overseas, others will be embracing the season of giving here at home. On pages 14-17, you can discover how five girls leave their mark by serving others not only during the holiday season but year round.

Service is the true spirit of giving that the holidays embrace, but material gifts can also be a way to show friends and family your appreciation. On page 26, we have the perfect gift guide to add a little more city pride to your Christmas and on the next page, a map for those of you who seek out the most elaborate and entertaining Christmas lights displays.

And if you choose to go to Christmas in the Park, you might spot Student Council President Emmie Gragg’s infamous Ford Raptor in line for the display.

You’ll find that the city of Lee’s Summit is home to some pretty down-to-earth people like her (page 18-19).

So if you aren’t already in your full-Christmas-spirited-mode, there are plenty of ways to turn that frown upside down whether it’s serving others, buying gifts or taking late night drives to admire the lights. If staying optimistic is difficult during finals week, look to sophomore Kate Sullivan for inspiration. Even your jolliest Christmas spirit would be no match for her joyfulness in the pool and at school (page 20-21).

Like The Grinch himself, I am capable of a change of heart and do not completely despise the holidays. There are plenty of enjoyable highlights to the holiday season.

When the snow finally sticks, and the soft white Christmas lights poke at the daylight savings darkness, even a song here and there from Justin Bieber’s Christmas album with a mug of hot chocolate sounds fine to me.

Happy Holidays, Sion.

Sincerely, Sellie 2.0

Online This Month Freshman Turns Experiences into Poetry Tempest Malone writes poetry with topics often centered around diversity and culture.

Food Drive Falls Short of Goal, Plan for Future in Place Food For Thought didn’t meet expectations but did make progress through fundraising efforts and plans for the remainder of the year.

Respect Inspires Campus Ministry Changes Recent changes in all school Mass seating and music are just a few of campus ministry’s changes planned for this year, all of which are based around the school’s mission.

lejournallive.com lejournalsion lejournalsion

LE JOURNAL

December 2015

3

IN BRIEF Paris Attacks

Terrorists associated with the Islamic State killed 130 people in crowded venues and cafés on Nov. 13 in Paris, prompting worldwide grief and French President François Hollande to demand airstrikes and more action against ISIS. The U.S., Russia and France, among other nations, are still negotiating action to combat the terrorist group based in Syria.

Catholic Conference Nearly 25,000 Catholic high school youth gathered for the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana Nov. 19-21. The theme was “Here I Am Lord/ Aquí Estoy Señor.” The program included keynote presentations, workshops, Mass, reconciliation and adoration. “The [most impactful] moment was when 25,000 teenagers went silent to adore Christ in Eucharistic Adoration,” sophomore Lucy Steyer said. “No one spoke, and the silence itself was moving.” The event also incorporated live musical performances, service projects and exhibit booths.

MU Protests

University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe resigned Nov. 9 following protests from the activist groups Concerned Student 1950 and Legion of Black Collegians, a grad student’s hunger strike and the MU football team’s refusal to play. Wolfe stepped down amid accusations of failing to address multiple acts of racism on campus that alienated students, according to CNN. “It’s sad that an issue as important as this has lead to these kinds of negative conflicts instead of a productive conversation,” alumna and MU student Ellie Stingley said. “[This] has shown me that students have power to change the environment in which they live and learn.”

Science Club Hovers

The Science Club inflated their hoverboard on Nov. 18, taking turns floating around the gym.

To create the board, the club used a leaf blower to inflate a trash bag underneath the poster board top. Other students have to push the board to make it move. Senior Sarah Tritt said, “I thought I was going to fall off, but it was fun.”

WORLD WORLD Paris Climate Talks

Over 200 countries approved a new draft of a climate change agreement and entered into more detailed negotiations on Dec. 7.

-----------

Venezuelan Congressional Elections

The Democratic Unity coalition hopes to take the majority from the United Socialist Party amid economic woes and widespread crime.

The election was Dec. 6.

-----------

Global Oil Surplus

Experts predict oil prices to stay low as the United States will export more oil in 2016, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries declined to reduce their production of crude oil on Dec. 4.

STUDY TIPS AND TOOLS // F I N A L S

NEWS

Become a Yogi Do yoga as a study break.

Youtube Channel to try: Tara Stiles

Break Your Internet Habits Block distracting sites for a set amount of time.

Try: SelfControl App (download online)

Get Caffeinated Go to a coffee shop to study.

It’s hard to space off when you’re sitting next to a super-focused medical student.

Control Your Naps Set a timer for 20 minutes, the optimal nap time to re-energize.

UPCOMING

& local

*Nov. 27Dec. 17

Classic Christmas

*Dec. 2, 11, 12, 17

The Night the Buzz Stole Christmas

*Nov. 20Dec. 24

$3, Union Station

$29.65, The Midland

A Christmas Carol

KC Repertory Theatre From $44 to $118

*Jan. 15- 24 KC Restaurant Week

$15 for lunch, $33 for dinner

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LE JOURNAL December 2015

NEWS Guo Lin shops with her son in 2004 in Haikou, Hainan, China. China faced a male to female gender ratio that was as high as 141 boys to 100 girls in Haikou. (Photo via MCT Campus)

Music Ready for Rome The music program will travel to Rome to sing at various locations throughout the city, including a performance for the Pope.

BY CLARE KIMMIS REPORTER

China’s One-Child Policy Changes China will allow two children per family for the first time in 35 years.

BY KATE NOBLE REPORTER

China’s one-child policy has changed after a four-day meeting in Beijing, allowing two children per family. The original policy was established 35 years ago and has now been changed in attempt to modify several aspects of the Chinese population that were results of the original policy.

According to The Guardian, the change in the one-child policy was made to increase the low fertility rate in the country. Also contributing to the policy change, the working age population has decreased and China’s communist economy depends on having an abundance of workers.

“The change in policy is beneficial because China needs more girls for natural increase.

The population in China is really off right now,” junior Madi Wieseler said.

Wieseler was adopted from China, and she believes that being a girl in a country that traditionally praised males over females might have contributed to her arrival at the orphanage in the first place.

“In China, if families have two children and they are only allowed to keep one, they’re going to pick the boy every single time,” Wieseler said. “The change in policy will probably cause less children to end up in orphanages in China because people won’t have to give away the children that

they aren’t able to keep.”

The modification doesn’t mean that the entire Chinese population will jump at the chance to add another member to their families. According to The Guardian, experts believe that in expensive urban areas many families won’t have the extra money to support another mouth to feed, and the real population boom will occur in the rural areas of the country.

Junior Junshan Liu, an exchange student from Guangzhou, China, also believes that the change in policy won’t affect all families, especially those with financial situations unable to support another child.

“I don’t believe many people will want to have another baby.

The first reason is many are unsure if they’ll have enough money to support another baby,” Liu said. “The other reason is some of the people are too old to have more children in their families.

If they’re very young, they’ll not want to have a baby yet.”

Although the one-child

policy was strictly enforced after it was first issued, the Chinese government has eased up on the enforcement since. As a result, exceptions to the one-child policy do exist, depending on where a family lives.

“I’m a good example of an exception. My mother had three children. I’m not an only child because my father and my mom live in the countryside,” Liu said.

“Their first child was a girl, so they could have another. But if the first child was a boy, they could not have had other children.”

Sophomore Ann Huff was adopted from China. Huff believes that although the change in policy was a jump in the right direction, it won’t necessarily eliminate orphanages or normalize the gender ratio altogether.

“The policy may have changed, but that doesn’t mean the financial lives have changed for everyone,” Huff said. “It depends more on whether or not they’re financially capable of supporting more than one child rather than if it’s legal or not.”

What’s the Difference?

China

United States

1.2 - 1.5 children per woman

1.9 children per woman

Fertility Rate 115.9 men for every 100 women

97 men for every 100 women

Male to Female Ratio 1.4 billion people

326 million people Population

The display outside the music room reads 40 days until the fine arts students take off for Rome.

This countdown marks a long-awaited trip that includes sightseeing and a performance for the Pope.

The music program is taking 46 people to Rome, Italy on Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. Eighteen girls from the music program, Director of Music Elizabeth Mulkey, Librarian Jenny Campbell and 26 parents are venturing to Italy. The group will stay in a convent for the duration of the week long trip.

The music program has never taken an international trip like this before. They have always traveled to places within the United States such as Texas, Minnesota and Illinois. This trip is also different than most school trips because parents are allowed to join their kids.

“We get to sing for the Pope which is really cool. We also get to do a lot of sightseeing and eating which is “The [New Year’s] fun,” junior Taylor Ramsey said. “My Mass is cool mom is going with me because we are because I’m not going singing in so out of the country for many different the first time without languages” my mom.”

- senior Madison The week will be packed with activities.

Masilionis Most of the activities the girls will be doing include singing. They will perform at a prayer for peace, sing at a New Year’s Day Mass for the Pope and will sing with a Mass choir from around the world.

“This pope is such a Sionian Pope and he represents our mission beautifully and embraces the mission that we embrace. And it just seemed like the right fit for us to go,” Mulkey said.

Many high schools from all over the world will be attending the New Year’s Mass for the Pope. They will mostly be performing Spanish and Italian songs, but all the different schools from different places will have a song or two that they sing in their native tongue.

“I think meeting the Pope would be cool even if I weren’t Catholic. The Mass is cool because we are singing in so many different languages,” senior Madison Masilionis said.

The girls will be doing more than just singing. They are going to Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. They are also visiting some of the most famous tourist destinations such as Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.

A trip like this has never occurred for the Fine Arts program, and it’s not just that. The girls get to meet the pope and sing all over Rome. They will be seen and appreciated by other countries.

LE JOURNAL

December 2015

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OPINION

Company Revolts, Brings Value Back to Holidays Recreational Equipment Inc.’s #OptOutside Campaign shines negative light on the commercialism of the holidays.

REI’s noble decision to sacrifice one of its top 10 most profitable days of the year in order to allow its employees to celebrate a stress-free holiday will hopefully put the pressure on other retail marketers to consider the well being of their own employees before

BY TARA JUNGDEN their own profit margins. On top of the REPORTER 143 nationwide store closures, REI is Black Friday. The also sending home employees working holiday from for the online store with a message hell.

Causing appearing to all online shoppers four deaths and visiting the day of Thanksgiving and/ 76 injuries in or Black Friday encouraging them the past seven to #OptOutside. Orders that are years, this day placed on either of these two days are has come to be expected to be processed and shipped associated with agitation and anxiety the next business day. for all those involved, both shoppers Between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on and employees. It is for this reason Thanksgiving day last year, thousands that outdoor/sporting/clothing chain of Walmart employees were scheduled Recreational Equipment Inc., has to work. In this four hour time span, decided to close its doors this Black more than 10 million transactions Friday and encourage employees and were completed. The immensity of this consumers to #OptOutside. statistic makes the insanity revolving In 2014, 23 percent of Black around Black Friday crystal clear.

Friday shoppers camped out during CEO, Jerry Stritzke said Thanksgiving night that he thinks Black “REI’s noble instead of spending Friday has gotten out time at home. The decision... will of hand. It was time to holiday initially take a step back from hopefully put the based on family, the consumerism pressure on other of the Thanksgiving food, and tradition has been trampled weekend, and it is retail marketers by the excitement because of this, and to consider the surrounding the the fact that REI is extreme sales. It well-being of their a business centered is for this reason around the outdoors, employees before that REI rejected that it was to be this holiday season their own profit expected for them to kickoff day, and pull a stunt like this. margins.” released its public Closing doors and statement encouraging customers encouraging employees and shoppers and employees to choose an outdoor to spend time in nature rather than adventure with family over shopping. shopping is something Stritzke REI decided not only to allow believes will be appreciated. employees Thanksgiving day off, but REI’s decision has already caught also offered Black Friday off, paid. The the attention of retailers like Danny push for early-bird Black Friday sales Korman, owner of “green general to have stores open on Thanksgiving, store” Park +Vine in Cincinnati Ohio, prying employees away from family prompting him to follow their lead dinners, has proved to the public just and close doors on Black Friday. As how intrusive and commercial this REI makes Black Friday closures an holiday has become. The company’s annual thing, hopefully other stores encouragement of followers of the will follow its cue and close their campaign to post pictures of their doors too, because Black Friday is an unconventional, outdoor exploits these unnecessary “holiday” that only feeds two days is meant to push followers to the outside world’s stereotypical view make #OptingOutside a Thanksgiving of Americans as material obsessed weekend tradition. consumers.

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LE JOURNAL December 2015

ISIS Requires U.S. Action President Obama’s response to the Paris attacks and now San Bernardino shootings demonstrates a need for a shift in mindset towards the terrorist group.

BY PAIGE DUSSOLD REPORTER

The recent terror attack on Paris, France rocked the world.

Then two radicals killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California. Even though the terror organization ISIS has, according to CNN, claimed responsibility for the attacks, U.S. President Barack Obama is showing little incentive to put a clear stop to their efforts.

President Obama referred to the Paris attacks as a “setback,” during the Group of 20 summit press conference in Antalya, Turkey.

A mere setback?

Over 120 innocent people, including an American student, were murdered by ISIS, and he is still making decisions based on the same policy. Question after question came from reporters asking President Obama what his new plan was in response to the attacks. He did not acknowledge that the horrible event was anything more than a setback.

It is time for Obama to make a

stronger stand against ISIS, and act like it is more than a distant threat. British Prime Minister David Cameron has already expressed his concerns that threats to the UK have “intensified” in light of recent events, according to the BBC. British Parliament has authorized airstrikes to targets in Syria, and Germany is next in the line of nations taking up arms to defend their safety.

This is exactly the kind of action the U.S. has needed since we knew these threats were a possibility.

Going to war against ISIS would not be a ‘War On Islam’. It would be a war on a radical terrorist organization that is threatening our national security.

Being a Muslim does not equate to terriorism. In fact it’s far from it.

According to Pew Research, there were 1.6 billion Muslim people worldwide in 2010. These peaceful Muslims are threatened everyday the same as everyone else. You can’t blame these 1.6 billion people for the acts of a few radicals.

But Obama needs to see that constant political correctness and refusal to step on any toes will make us a weak target. ISIS has their sights on the U.S. and our allies. Regardless of religious affiliation, Obama needs to take these threats seriously.

Without decisive action, we could be looking at more events similar to that of Paris or San Bernardino, California. President Obama, stand up or stand aside.

Go to Glory, Madame Dykes

OPINION

Loss of Impartiality in Media Justifies Distrust Trends in mainstream media reflect destructive standards, intensifying prejudices and increasing distrust.

political movement. However, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and The Associated Press all failed to call out their acts as “terrorism” or label the couple “terrorists” in any of their reports. If this same crime had been committed by THIS EDITORIAL REFLECTS THE VIEW OF THE a Muslim, it would not only be called terrorism but LE JOURNAL STAFF. TWENTY OUT OF 23 VOTED fester on national and international headlines for IN SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW. weeks, according to Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman Arms formed a wall during the unrest at for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, in the University of Missouri as demonstrators the same article.

By not viewing incidents like these objectively, desperately blocked journalists from reporting on the race-related protests Nov. 9. This adverse the media has carelessly injected its own biases into response was valid considering the protesters the content. As many groups work to diminish have little reason to believe media coverage would prejudices, the media only devalues the issues they benefit them. Yes, the freedom to assemble and work towards and increases prejudices. Because of the freedom of the press are equally guaranteed this, the MU protesters’ choice to reject the media under the first amendment, but because of the was only an attempt to avoid this disturbing trend.

Contrastingly, headlines tend to air disbelief media’s history of failing to maintain objectivity, and praise the character these students had their of alleged white killers. own right to anticipate Do you trust the American Fox News ran a headline that the media would, media to report issues fully, “Oregon school shooting yet again, distort their suspect fascinated with image or the image of accurately, and fairly? their cause.

Most often not guns but was a devoted or never Mormon,” and a Whittier Media distrust is a Daily News headline legitimate response to read “Santa Barbara a loss of objectivity and shooting: Suspect was ethics in mainstream Sometimes ‘soft-spoken, polite, a media and has been gentleman’,” according to ingrained in the The Huffington Post. minds of 60 percent of Because of the Americans, according to prejudice the media a Gallup poll. Regardless exhibits, minorities and of age, racial identity real issues are left behind or political affiliation, as bias takes over. The Americans should be All or most of media demands to be wary of the press because the time *270 students were surveyed scrutinized if they cannot of its devaluation of at least objectively name murderers for what they crucial issues.

A promotion of prejudices may be the are instead of “soft-spoken gentlemen.” But the MU protesters’ reason to distrust the media, media can also take racism, sexism and violence whether they realize it or not. According to a a step further and sensationalize it, as seen in the 2014 Huffington Post article, headlines following coverage of recent political campaigns.

Republican presidential candidate Donald murders tend to dismiss and even blame black victims for their deaths. An NBC News headline Trump consistently leads with the most air-time read “Trayvon Martin was suspended three times after debates. But the debates aren’t the only time from school,” and an Omaha World-Herald he uses impulsive, outlandish comments to draw headline read “Shooting victim had many run-ins attention to himself. Mainstream media has fed with the law,” demonstrating black victim-blaming off of these racist and sexist comments such as Trump’s referral to undocumented immigrants in the media.

This trend is perpetuated in other forms such as “criminals, drug dealers [and] rapists” in his as creating false representations of Muslims and presidential campaign announcement and his those from the Middle East. According to a 2014 referral to Fox News journalist Megyn Kelly as a Washington Post article, a white couple committed “bimbo.”

By sensationalizing these comments, the media an act that would fit under the definition of terrorism: adopting an extremist, anti-government can (even unintentionally) send out an alternate ideology, killing policemen and a bystander and message that these discriminating views are not wrapping one of their victims in the flag of a only Trump’s views, but they are also correct. And

15%

38%

47%

mainstream media therefore normalizes racism and the objectification of women.

Over-publicizing issues such as Hillary Clinton’s emails, Trump’s sexism and racism and Ben Carson’s autobiographical claims not only plagues mainstream media, but hides the issues of the campaigns themselves. Voters must dig and click through countless accounts of trivial matters concerning the candidates, unable to find their stance on issues that will actually affect the rest of the nation like foreign policy, healthcare and education.

This has also become the case with mass shootings within the last few years such as the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, Aurora, Colorado and the University of California Santa Barbara. Are the names Adam Lanza, James Holmes or Elliot Rodger familiar? If they aren’t, their faces would be. Mainstream media hands mass murderers the fame and audience they crave.

According to a 2013 Wall Street Journal article, a 1984 study found during a suicide epidemic, the suicides dropped by 75 percent after the mainstream media minimized and de-glorified their coverage of the incidents. This correlation would apply to mass murders as well. In the past, reporting guidelines like those have been released in the United States, but there is little to be done to enforce them with a commitment to a free and open press, according to the same article.

There are unwritten rules to the free and open press such as protecting the privacy of sexual assault victims and minors involved in crimes and protecting the safety of the general public. While mainstream media respects these precedents, they fail to recognize there is a need for new ones to be set surrounding a wide range of issues from race to politics to violence. And they fail to recognize the impact media has on the (sometimes unconscious) mind of the public. Instead, they ignore the upsurge of mass shootings, for example, at the expense of the death of innocent people.

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz was right during the Oct. 28 CNBC debate; the majority of Americans do not trust the media.

This isn’t just a sentiment to be shared among Republicans toward a traditionally liberal media; rather, the media should be held accountable by all Americans.

But at the same time, Americans should still watch and take in information from the media but do so carefully, fact-checking and finding alternate sources. They need to keep in mind that all media is biased. Instead, people should think critically about how the media presents issues and form their own inferences. They must not let their own opinions be formed for them and cannot scathingly blame the media for their own ignorance.

French teacher of 20 years Pam Dykes left an inspiring legacy of joy, patience, encouragement and amazing strength. Students and faculty shared memories through a visual memorial set out by art teacher Linda Blasdel. Visit lejournallive.com to read more about Dykes’ impact on the community.

LE JOURNAL

December 2015

7

OPINION

S MAISON

Star Abandons Social Media Essena O’Neill is right to shut down her ‘fake’ accounts that caused unhealthy obsession.

BY CLARE KIMMIS REPORTER

Illustration by AP Art Student Caitlyn Swope

Assemblies Replace Our Home Maisons have been pushed aside for assemblies, straining the community aspect of our school.

BY KATHLEEN WATZ REPORTER

The bell rings and the students shuffle around, gathering papers and books, getting ready to bolt to maisons scheduled for Thursday morning.

Before anyone can leave the classroom, the teacher tells the students they must report to the gym for an assembly. A groan echoes throughout the entire school as students realize maisons are cancelled yet again.

It feels like maisons are being pushed aside for other assemblies. Yes, the students understand the concern for taking away more class time, but continuously being disappointed week after week gets exhausting. In French the word maison means “house.”

A house is supposed to be a place where a family can go to meet.

But in October, maisons only met once and in November, only twice. The students are beginning to miss their “home” because “families” have not been together. Maisons is a way for

students to connect with other grades and form bonds they would not otherwise be able to make outside of the classroom.

Maisons are also a great way to relax and decompress. It is like the high school version of recess.

It is also a time to talk about school activities, to take school-wide surveys and to give one another advice on any topic.

And food. ‘Nuff said.

While assemblies over Food For Thought and Nostra Aetate are important and essential, putting these on a different day or time than maisons would benefit the students because they would have the opportunity to then enjoy both events.

Perhaps updating the school calendar on the website more often to show what replaces maisons will be more useful so the students are not surprised by the announcement.

This way, students and teachers will not make food and plan for maisons just to realize an assembly is scheduled for maison time yet again.

In a normal week there are three or four full schedule days. On one of these days an assembly could be scheduled, then students could also keep their maison time.

Using one of these solutions, students won’t miss out on important school assemblies and girls will be able to spend time with their maisons again.

“In October, maisons only met once and in November, only twice”

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LE JOURNAL December 2015

Social media is like a lung or a leg that is necessary for us to live, breathe and function.

Pulling teens away from their phones or computers earns adults eyerolls and sighs for adults attempting extraction.

As much as it is a part of my life, social media isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. As social media star Essena O’Neill recently proved, sometimes social media can ruin lives, and maybe it’s time to take a break from what can be a destructive distraction.

Essena O’Neill was a “famous” model on Instagram with 612,000 followers with what she described as a “dream life.” Even more people subscribed to her YouTube channel where she talked about her vegan diet. She was a gorgeous swimsuit model, a vegan Youtuber and someone that people were thoroughly interested in.

O’Neill lived a perfect life on social media, but that wasn’t who she was in real life. She felt as though she was living a lie. Who she was on social media portrayed a completely different person than she was in real life, according to her last YouTube video.

Once she realized this, O’Neill cut herself off completely from her previous accounts, revealing the self-harm and insecurity that came with her previous fake life.

When she was famous, the thoughts that ran through her head everyday only had to do with how many likes she could get on an Instagram photo, or how many views she could get on one of her YouTube videos. She wouldn’t eat for an entire day just to make sure she looked skinny enough for a swimsuit picture to post on Instagram. She also suffered from severe acne that she woke up every morning to hide with as much makeup as it takes to make her skin look pristine, according to Essena O’neill’s last YouTube video.

Clearly, O’Neill’s social media was anything but healthy, driving her to obsessing over others’ opinions of her.

Now, O’Neill challenges teens to get off of social media for a week and see how it feels.

She’s challenging teens to question whether their relationship with social media is healthy or toxic.

O’Neill’s call to abandon social media is a chance for teens to reevaluate the role of social media in their lives. Teens should contemplate the amount of time they spend checking twitter, or change the way they are seen on social media to better represent their true personalities and lifestyles. Teens do not have to cut off their leg, but they should try to go a day without checking social media and reconsider the major role that this distraction plays in their lives.

OPINION

Trump Puts America in Campaign Frenzy Although Hillary Clinton is always on the verge of more scandal, Trump Voters should be aware that Donald Trump is a volatile figure is still getting the most attention from the media for his outlandish comments. who is better off running a business, not a country.

BY PAIGE DUSSOLD REPORTER

D

onald Trump is tricking people into becoming involved with politics.

Love him or hate him, the boisterous billionaire entrepreneur has been making waves since announcing his campaign on June 16, drawing new attention to the campaign trail. Trump has turned a boring affair into a popularity contest that is nothing short of the best entertainment on the newsstands. Whether you follow closely or from a distance, it is most likely you’re following Trump to some degree. Though his heart may be in a good place, Trump falls short on the list of people Americans should trust with presidency.

Trump is a game changer, a new breed of politician so to speak. From the beginning Trump has had a strong voice in the media.

Out of all the candidates he has the most followers on twitter (4.78 million) and he has appeared on various talk shows such as The View where he made his opinions known quite forcefully. Trump’s ability to butt heads with virtually everyone has made him a hot topic in conversation.

Whatever is coming out of his mouth, be it praise or rage, Trump uses the same loud and rather angry tone he has adopted from years of being on his television show “The Apprentice.” Trump’s night on SNL grabbed the highest ratings the show had seen since 2011 according to The New York Times. But some may find it hard to trust a man whose catchphrase changed from “You’re fired!” to “Make America great again” in a matter of months.

He is firm on his idea that the United States should build a wall on its southern border to hold out the illegal immigrants. He even went as far as to make jabs at his fellow republican candidates like the infamous line in a Rolling Stone article making fun of Carly Fiorina’s appearance. “Look at that face,” Trump said about Fiorina. “Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that? The face of our next president?”

Many campaign followers are stuck wondering what his motives are especially since he is running as a Republican. In the past he has shown little to no liking for Republicans and, according to The Washington Post, has donated heavily to Democratic affiliates for years. This was all pointed out during the first debate when a reporter boldly asked Trump when he decided to become a Republican.

His back-and-forth comments leave us all confused as to what his plan would be as the president. Regardless of what he says, everyone has questions for Trump. America wants to know if he really is racist and sexist or the savior this nation needs. The media has painted him in so many ways he has become the man to watch in the election.

Trump has turned politics into a sandbox, but entertainment quality aside, he is not the right man for the job.

Voters need to keep in mind that Trump has no political experience outside of funding his favored politicians. His appeal as a “Washington Outsider” makes him attractive to government-wary conservatives, but it also makes him dangerous. Like Andrew Jackson he is wild and loud and if let loose, would bring the nation to its knees. He may be fun to follow, but Mr. Trump is not the next Mr. President.

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SPORTS

Meet Basketball Coach Leslie Young Full-time coach and counseling intern, Young really good players who went on to play is new to Sion.

Division I and do really good things so I had

BY ABBY SMITH AND TAYLOR SPIES

Q

How did your childhood affect who you are today?

A

a lot of teammates that inspired me.

Q A

I played in college at Washington University in St. Louis. But I’ve been coaching probably since high school. I used to do clinics and stuff at the Jewish Community Center. It’s just always been in my blood. Before Sion I coached at MidAmerica Nazarene. I was the assistant coach. And before that I was the assistant at Wash U.

Q A

Q A

Is coaching the basketball team similar to counseling in any way?

It all overlaps. I think coaching is 90 percent counseling and 10 percent basketball knowledge. And both of them are about building relationships. So if you can do that, you can empower your team to accomplish goals. And if you can empower the students to feel confident and do well in What are your hopes for the sea- school and do well in life, then you’re a good counselor.

son and school year?

I’m really excited just about being in this environment and making an impact, and I would say, for the season. I love the game of basketball. I love infusing Did you have any basketball that love into other people. So if I can do influences or inspirations that, if I can get it so that it’s fun to play, I growing up? just want to bring that to the team. I want Yes, my brother was a huge influence. to learn from everyone around me, there are He won State his senior year so I felt all incredible women in here that know what very obligated to do the same. We had some they’re doing so I want to be a sponge and really good basketball players at Pembroke soak up all that information and just keep that I was really inspired by. I played with on soaking.

Q A

What strengths do you see in the basketball team so far?

They’re relentless and they know how to work hard.They are very high-achieving students.

How did you get started coaching? Where did you play in I grew up in Kansas City and college and where did you coach?

attended Pembroke from second grade on. That affected me because Pembroke was a very good, academic school, and so academics have always been important to me. I grew up as a younger sister of a brother who’s four years older, and I was super competitive, and that affected me because he played basketball. So I had to play basketball to be better than him. Combine those two, and that’s how I became a basketball coach. And I’m just interested in the whole schoolcounseling role as well and helping kids become the best they can be.

Q A

Q A

Do you have a favorite motto or quote?

So, the cheesy one would be “Dance like no one’s watching you,” or something.

Do you know what one I’m talking about?

One of my teammates gave that one to me in college as a diary. But also, I’m Jewish, and from the Torah, there’s a quote that says, “Every blade of grass has someone whispering ‘grow’ to it,” something like that.

That’s one of my favorites.

Basketball Dominates Opener Varsity conquers three-pointer only one shot Summit Christian later. Keane, in the second quarter, scored back to back Academy. with a lay-up followed by a

BY ALEX D’ALESIO WEB MANAGING EDITOR

The Varsity Basketball team defeated Summit Christian Academy 56-17 in the first game of the season Nov. 23. The fast paced game felt like a buzzer-beater because of the team’s ‘never quit’ attitude.

Senior Rachael Beck set the game off to a quick start after winning the tipoff. Top scorers included sophomore Sarah Totta with 14 points and freshman Ingrid Keane with nine points. “[Leading up to the game,] I was very nervous and scared because it was my first time as head coach,” Head Coach Leslie Young said. “But once the ball goes up in the air to tip, it’s just calm for me.”

Totta drilled a threepointer to put Sion on the board first, scoring another

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three-pointer. Sophomore Meghan Frerking consistently nailed lay-ups to build Sion’s lead.

Aggressive defense and strategic passing led the team to victory. Before a passionate countdown to the end of the first quarter, sophomore Maddie Young fought on the ground and wrenched the ball away from the opposing team to win a jump ball.

“Coach always says our best offense is good defense,” Beck said.

As the ball slipped out of a Summit player’s hands, sophomore Amaya Adams stole it and drove down the court for a layup.

Throughout the game, the team scored threepointers, fought for jump balls on the floor and intercepted passes to drive down the court.

“They play really hard,” Young said. “They’re gogetters. They’re fighters.”

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1. Sophomore Meghan Frerking guards Summit Christian sophomore Abigail Nelson. 2. Junior Marie Orrick dribbles around Summit Christian junior Carmen Fanning. 3. Sophomore Aidan McEnerney showed spirit in the stands during the game. 4. Junior Chloe Long goes for a layup while Summit Christian freshman Sophie Schooley guards. (Photos by Sophie Nedelco)

SPORTS Sophomore Angela Sandoval performs during the winter pep assembly Nov. 19. (Photo by Laney Ulowetz)

Royals Win, City Wins World Series win brings more than just pride to Kansas City.

BY RACHEL DOCTOR REPOTER

Cheer Wins 5th, Prepares for Nationals Two cheer members were named All- everyone really stepped up for the competition.”

Freshman Liz Oltjen, sophomores Courtney State Cheerleaders at competition.

BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR

After three months of perfecting their routine, the cheer team won fifth place in the 4A Small Division at State on Nov. 7. According to Head Cheer Coach Lisa Lauck, the scores improved 20 points from last year, with no penalties, and ultimately ranked them in the top 45 percent of all teams in the state.

“This is only our second year competing, and we are already improving so much,” Lauck said.

Only 14 out of the 18 girls on the roster were able to compete because they were on a foreign exchange trip over the summer. Four seniors missed learning the routine because of this six week trip.

“It was great to see everything come together,” senior Sarah Faye Helton said.

“Especially because we were missing leadership,

Hiatt and Maddi Clark were acknowledged during their performance in Columbia and were named All-State Cheerleaders.

“It was just such a great experience competing and watching the other teams perform,” Oltjen said. “Being recognized just made it more special.”

But the team isn’t done competing. In January, United Cheer Association Nationals will take place in Dallas, Texas.

“Nationals will be exciting not only because we will have more girls performing, but we are in the intermediate non-tumbling category,” Lauck said. “This will really give us a good competitive edge.”

Their stunts are prepared in correlation to the category, and practices and cheering at basketball games will also help them improve.

“I am really looking forward to Nationals,” Helton said. “Because I know we can only get better from here.”

Coach Prepared for Season, Looks To Seniors The swim team dynamic has changed from last year.

BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR

Chemistry teacher Kelly Timson is beginning her second season as head swim coach. Now with a better understanding of what to expect within the season, she looks for leadership among those that learned to respect and trust her last season.

Not only will the senior swim captains Kat Qamar and Erin Mills and senior dive captain Margaret Brandmeyer take charge, but according to Timson, all the seniors have the capabilities to lead the team and really bring the swim and dive team together.

“This year, I can rely on the girls that know what to expect from me. I also get to see their transition from last year,” Timson said. “I can really see the improvement.”

Visit lejournallive.com for the full story

Sophomores Ann Huff and Sarah Schaffer prepare for the meet against Lee’s Summit High School during practice Nov. 30 at the YMCA. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco)

As outfielder Jonny Gomes began his speech at the celebratory parade downtown on Nov. 3., the sea of fans in blue, erupted with cheers and the excitement that had filled the air in Kansas City since the end of the World Series.

After 30 years, The Kansas City Royals returned to “Take the Crown” in the 2015 World Series. The Royals defeated the New York Mets 4-1 in the series, claiming their victory at the final game which took place in New York on Nov. 1.

“Last year, as a city, we watched the Royals exceed all expectations. No one thought the Royals would go as far as they did. This year we believed in our team,” senior Amelia Bodde said.

“I think long term, this has given the city something to be proud of. ” And the city was watching. According to The Kansas City Star, over 75 percent of all Kansas City TVs were tuned into the first game in the series. The national ratings were up 26 percent over the first five games of last year’s series, and overall, there was a six percent increase over the 2014 Royals/Giants seven-game World Series.

Comparing the first five games, this year’s World Series was the most-watched since 2009 when the Yankees faced the Phillies, according to RoyalsReview.com.

“We were watching.

The win was special for me because my mom was

a sophomore at Sion last time they won and I think it’s funny that history is repeating itself with me,” sophomore Meredith Oswald said.

Chuck Strom, a vice president at the Easton, Pa., athletic apparel maker who also is general manager for its Major League Baseball business, said the company was surprised at how strong the demand is for Royals apparel, according to The Kansas City Business Journal.

The total cost of hosting the city wide celebration on Nov. 3 after the win was approximately $350,000, while sponsors and supporters contributed $300,000.

Sponsorships covered costs such as rentals of the barricades, sound system, stage and big screens, according to the City Communications Office.

“The spotlight shining on Kansas City during the World Series shares with the nation the story of our beautiful fountains, vibrant downtown and tasty BBQ,” Chris Hernandez, Director of City Communications said. “It makes people think we should visit there, or company leaders to wonder about expanding their business here.”

It’s one thing to come together with a near 40 thousand fans at Kauffman chanting “let’s go Ro-yals”, but it’s another to come together with approximately 800,000 more to celebrate history in Kansas City.

“People were so proud of KC after the win,” Bodde said. ”I think that when a whole city comes together and is proud of who they are and where they live, there are no words for that.”

Go to lejournallive.com for Royals parade pictures LE JOURNAL

December 2015

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A Life

FEATURES

Teacher Michael Pesselato redefines art education with his multi-dimensional teaching style and efforts to raising art awareness.

BY ABBY SMITH EDITORIAL EDITOR

H

e releases a sigh of contentment as the clock approaches midnight and he is finally able to find the time and space to work on what he loves. His light blue eyes study the image of the red finch, visually memorizing the sharp lines and curves of the creature as he raises his brush to start painting. He compels himself to actually look, not just see, but to look beyond the surface.

Growing up in St. Louis, fine arts teacher Michael Pesselato first realized his passion for art in the sixth grade. According to his father however, Pesselato had been showing signs of artistic abilities far before then, most likely from the influence of his creative mother. Throughout the next few years, Pesselato began pursuing his new-found love of art in the form of Saturday art classes. It was in these weekly three-hour classes that art blossomed into a lifestyle for young Pesselato.

“It wasn’t until I received a scholarship for the second year of Saturday art classes that [my father] realized my commitment was there. He realized it wasn’t just a phase,” Pesselato said.

According to Pesselato, his father’s belief in him was only more motivation to pursue what he loved. His hard work paid off when he was accepted into Carnegie Mellon, a private university in Pittsburgh, Pa. There he chose to study painting, although his love for sculpture has since remained present in his interest for 3D art.

“My parents were very supportive of what I wanted to do even though a degree in art doesn’t necessarily warrant an immediate positive approach in terms of what are you going to do for a living,” Pesselato said.

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of Many Dimensions Before his teaching career began, he gained experience through working for a commercial design company out of Chicago and then as an art-preparator for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. At this time, according to Pesselato, becoming a teacher was the last thing he wanted to do with his life. He saw himself strictly as a studio artist. It took several years before this idea began to change.

“I got hooked on teaching because when you start communicating with the students, you see a light go on within them. Then they get excited and passionate about it and they take it in a completely different direction that you didn’t think of,” Pesselato said. “It becomes a really great stimulus for your own intellect.”

Through teaching, Pesselato feels as though he is constantly learning something new and seeing different approaches to more than just the art.

He aims to help his students understand the role - and also lack - of art in our society and culture. According to Pesselato, it is crucial to grasp the function of art in daily life, whether or not it is one’s passion.

“I think there is a misunderstanding of art at the high school level in terms of making projects for fun and not including the language of visuals,” Pesselato said.

He aims to expand students’ learning capabilities and teach life lessons that aren’t necessarily addressed in the regular core classes. He also wants to help his students find a linkage between all that they are learning so that they are able to do the same later in life.

“There isn’t really that sort of blanket answer in art. There tends to be a lot of room, including an acceptable room for failure,” Pesselato said.

Now, nearly 18 years after his first teaching experience, there is never a time when he doesn’t want to come to school and teach.

“He creates a unique balance between teaching and allowing students to explore on their own. His art projects push your boundaries and help you grow as an artist,” AP Art junior Mayme Loyd said.

Pesselato also brings an extra element to his class that many students

FEATURES

may not have experienced before in any of the previous art classes.

“He brings other culture’s art into his class and teaches about the history of artwork, some of which relate to what we learn in history class,” sophomore Catherine Dehamers said.

The many dimensions that Pesselato brings to teaching would not be possible if it weren’t for his broad travels to locations such as Indonesia, China and Paris.

“Traveling has made a huge difference in who I’ve become,” Pesselato said.

His trip to Indonesia 12 years ago left an especially big impact on Pesselato both within and outside of his life. This was his first time in a nonwestern culture and the indigenous peoples’ extraordinary preservation of culture still amazes him to this day.

“My trip to Bali woke me up in so many ways such as what I was trying to do with my life and also seeing a different way of how people interact in a community,” Pesselato said.

Another monumental change in his life came just a year and a half ago with the birth of his daughter.

“She has totally changed my perspective on what I do and how I do it.

She has redefined what I see as important,” Pesselato said.

According to Pesselato, both these events, along with his other travels, have humbled him greatly and helped him see the world in a new light.

Pesselato’s 3D artwork is a reflection of this unique outlook on life. His current inspiration stems from a fascination with nature and a curiosity for how things work. Common subjects include large-scale drawings of insects, birds and clouds.

Pesselato’s subjective over objective way of thinking is mirrored in his layered teaching style designed to make the most of students’ education.

On his journey to raising art-awareness, his life-altering travels serve as another dimension to strengthen not only his lessons but his character as well.

Art teacher Michael Pesselato examines his painting of a red finch. (photo by Abby Smith)

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COVER STORY

Seniors Madison Masilionis and Olivia Neal perform in the Tri-M benefit concert and installation. “[The concert] was so much fun to do and be able to perform with so many talented people for such a great cause,” Masilionis said.

(Photo by Natalie Sopyla)

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Working at Wayside Waifs, junior Honor Schleicher holds Grayson, a tabby that was adopted this week.

“I’ve become friends with a lot of people who are very different from me. One of my closest friends right now is a 75-year-old woman.

She’s a total cat lady,” Schleicher said. (Photo by Natalie Williams)

Sophomore Catherine Henne volunteers at the Farmer’s House teaching children with disabilities skills to be selfsufficient. “After baking class it feels incredible knowing that I am making an impact on these young adults,” Henne said. (Photo by Chloe Barrett)

COVER STORY

Making Their Mark Five students learn the importance of service through long-term projects.

BY CHLOE BARRETT, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR NATALIE SOPYLA, FEATURES EDITOR AND NATALIE WILLIAMS, REPORTER

W

hile herds of desperate shoppers trample each other as they race through department store doors on Black Friday and children line up in malls eager to tell Santa all about what gifts they want this year, it is easy to see Christmas as a time of receiving. It is a time where people are obsessed with making lists of presents they want and race past the Salvation Army bell ringers in order to reach the discounted electronics.

But this time of year is also the time to give back, as witnessed by the #GivingTuesday movement which raised over $116 million this year, according to its website.

In the same way that no two fingerprints are the same, everyone has different ways that they can give back to the community. All students explore the unique ways they can give back while pursing their interests and completing required community service hours. The students featured in this story have all found ways to turn their service into a lasting relationship with those in need.

By exploring their own interests and their role in the lives of others, students are able to leave their unique mark on the world around them.

Story continued on page 16....

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COVER STORY Continued from page 15....

Sisterly Support Three girls enter a darkened room, where only a few candles provide light.

Women are seated in chairs set up in a circle in the middle of the room. This is what seniors Madison Masilionis, Olivia Neal and Anna Sell look forward to every Tuesday. The girls may be different from the women in the group, but they know that every person in the room is there to support each other. They join the group of women as one by one, each of them shares her story.

For their senior service project Masilionis, Neal and Sell have been working with The Justice Project, an organization that provides advocacy for women in various difficult situations such as addiction, homelessness and prostitution, according to their website. The girls meet in a room known as the Willow Tree room every Tuesday with a support group of women who were or are currently prostitutes where each of them gets to share their stories and talk about their lives.

Masilionis first heard about the opportunity through Director of Music Elizabeth Mulkey. Masilionis and Neal were drawn to the project because of its connections to Sion’s upcoming musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which includes a villain who is involved in human trafficking. They, along with Sell, formed a group and have been working on this project together since.

The girls initially had reservations about talking to these women and weren’t sure they’d be able to relate to them. Masilionis says that she thought it would be hard to identify with them because of contrasting backgrounds.

“I thought it was going to be really uncomfortable because my perspective on life is so different from theirs. Their hardships are a lot harder than mine,” Masilionis said. “They’re so accepting though. We’ve told stories from our lives, and at first I was really shy about it, but they were really supportive.”

After getting over the initial reservations, the girls say that they love the new friendships they have created with the women in their support group. Neal especially appreciates how each of the women are individuals with thier own unique personality, and Masilionis appreciates how supportive

each person in the group is. Sell says with a laugh that despite not being able to relate to them on many levels, they are still able to connect with the women and form relationships with them.

“Most of their experiences, we haven’t experienced at all,” Sell said.

“Here at Sion, we are in a pretty safe community. But we’ve found ways to connect with each other. We just talk to them like they’re normal human beings.”

For the fundraising aspect of their senior service project, the girls are planning on collecting hygiene products and making them into bags for the organization to hand out to women on the streets. They are also working on getting transportation for the women in their support group so that they can come to a performance of the musical.

The girls said that this experience has taught them that service is more than just donating food or showing up one time to work someplace.

According to Neal, it is important to work face to face with the people you are serving so that you can empathize

with them and see them as more than just a statistic.

“I feel like when you do charity, you need to see that person face to face,” Neal said. “It’s more than just looking down on them. It’s about humbling yourself and it makes it more of a lifestyle.”

Cultivating Confidence As chaos and color fill her field of vision, sophomore Catherine Henne soaks in the craziness that grows around her as she waits for the class to begin. Excited, smiling faces surround the table as they anticipate the arrival of friends and the creation of sugary treats that await them. The seed is planted.

Every other Tuesday, Henne joins the Farmer’s House for a baking class with young adults who have developmental disabilities. She volunteers as a peer model, someone whose job is to have fun with the individuals while setting an example for them.

“Someone like me would be there to hang out and keep an eye on them,”

1

Henne said.

Henne began volunteering with the Farmer’s House three years ago, along with her sister, alumna Michaela Henne, and junior Margo Gerke. The organization was founded by Henne’s family friends who were inspired by their hopes of giving their autistic son, John David, more experience and a chance to meet new people.

According to Henne, the organization is a nonprofit that teaches people with disabilities the skills to be self-sufficient with the hope that some can eventually use those skills to work and live on their own. For John David, Farmer’s House gives him a place to work and interact with other people.

He can do tasks like tie ribbons onto the pies or work as a greeter. Tasks like these, or learning how to bake, give kids at the Farmer’s House a chance to cultivate the skills to be independent, and are important steps for the kids there, the majority of whom are on the autism spectrum or have Down syndrome.

The class begins with coloring as the class waits for everyone to arrive, allowing the chance to catch up on

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5

1. Junior Honor Schleicher cares for a cat at Wayside Waifs (photo by Natalie Williams); 2. Senior Olivia Neal sings at a charity concert given by Tri-M to benefit the Defender Foundation, an organization that fights human trafficking (photo by Natalie Sopyla); 3. Senior Madison Masilionis performs a tap routine at Tri-M’s charity concert (photo by Natalie Sopyla); 4. Sophomore Catherine Henne chats with a fellow student at the Farmer’s House (photo by Chloe Barrett); 5. Senior Anna Sell laughs with performer and senior Mena Biraralign before Tri-M’s charity concert. (photo by Natalie Sopyla) ; 6.

Catherine Henne assists a young adult at the Farmer’s House with baking. (photo by Chloe Barrett)

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COVER STORY

what has been going on since the last week. When everyone has arrived, the group shifts to the kitchen, where baking supplies await. Henne and the other volunteers assist, but they are not the ones doing the baking, leaving that up to the bakers.

“Having the baking class teaches them to be independent and hopefully one day they can live on their own,” Henne said.

Through the class, Henne said that she has bonded with the bakers.

“I really made a connection with all the kids. If I’m not there one week then the next week they’ll be like, ‘Oh we missed you, where were you?’”

Henne said.

Henne’s passion for the class and the work she does is clear, according to Gerke.

“She knows how to deal with problems that occur and she’s always really compassionate with everyone,” Gerke said. “You can just tell that she loves everyone there just like everyone loves her.”

According to Henne, volunteering with the Farmer’s House has taught her to have stronger patience and communication skills.

“I’ll ask them a question and they’ll be like, ‘I don’t know’ or something like that,” Henne said. “You have to push them to think about what they want to say.”

Her volunteer work has also inspired future job possibilities, as Henne is now considering nursing because of the Farmer’s House.

“I’ve thought about my options of what I want to be when I grow up, and nursing falls into that category of helping people and knowing how to communicate with people,” Henne said.

And Henne is helping people. As the class comes to a close, the seed is sprouting, thriving under the excited faces sated with sugar and friends and blooming in a field of chaos and color.

Caring for Creatures At her home, there is no dog for her to let out and no cat to jump into her bed while she sleeps. Junior Honor Schleicher lacks the furry best friend she has always desired.

“I’ve always loved animals. When I was six I tried to convince my mom to let me adopt a dog,” Schleicher said.

“My plan was to go with my dad to get a dog and take it home and hope my mom wouldn’t notice, needless to say it didn’t quite work. I kind of realized that my mom wasn’t going to let us get a pet.”

Despite not having a pet of her own, Schleicher now gets to spend time with animals while helping them

The Most Popular Places

To Volunteer According to Service Learning Coordinator Jessica Hull

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sion The Upper Room Churches

Animal shelters Hospitals

find a new, loving home. She has turned her love for animals into a way to give back to the community through volunteering at Wayside Waifs, a local animal rescue and adoption center.

“When I first got there I didn’t necessarily feel as comfortable with [working with animals],” Schleicher said. “I was worried that I would be the one that accidentally loses the dog.”

Despite her initial hesitations, she has grown to love the program and the animals she works with.

“I’ve definitely become more comfortable with it,” she said. “I feel like I know a lot more about animals.”

According to Schleicher, it is important for those working with the animal to understand them, as most of them come from homes where their needs were not met, and many of the ones who are not adopted have unique “personality quirks” that require more than just basic knowledge.

“Occasionally you do have situations where it just didn’t work out because they didn’t have the funds or the owner wasn’t healthy enough to keep them,” she said of the animals hosted at the shelter. “But a lot of times you end up with people who didn’t understand the animal.”

According to Schleicher, not understanding an animal’s needs and being ill prepared to take care of a pet is often an issue when it comes to breeding.

“There are a lot of animals who are in the wrong home because someone just likes how they look. We have so many beautiful animals that come in because whoever adopted them just thought they were pretty and didn’t know anything about their personality,” Schleicher said.

Wayside Waifs works to solve this problem by carefully observing and interacting with their animals to

determine what kind of personality they have, which makes it easier for adopters to find the perfect pet for them.

“I’m very happy for [pets that get adopted], I’m kind of sad that I don’t get to see them anymore, but it’s good for them,” Schleicher said.

With a simple application process and an extensive program that serves over 1500 volunteers, Wayside Waifs is the perfect service opportunity for any animal lover.

“A lot of the time high school students will have to come with a guardian,” Customer Experience Manager Whitney Wilson said. “They can dog walk, they can socialize our cats, they can spend time with dogs in our kennels, they can do more hands on tasks with our enrichment activities for dogs. There’s lots of different things that you can do.”

Hopeful volunteers can fill out an inquiry at waysidewaifs.org and will be sent information regarding classes and opportunities to serve.

“The most important thing about volunteering is that you’re loving what you’re doing,” Wilson said. “And that while our animals get enrichment from it, our volunteers also feel enriched from it and that they feel they really have the ability to give back to the community and that they’re really making a difference in the lives of homeless pets here in Kansas City.”

Schleicher may not have a pet of her own, but she has given many pets an opportunity to find a home of their own. Rather than giving in and accepting her petless life, she made the decision to serve the animals in her community and provide them with the love and attention they need.

“Part of what service is is not saying that you’re better than anyone else,” Schleicher said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a cat, or an 80 year old woman, or a twelve year old, you’re still important.”

The average Sion student completes 48 hours of service a year.

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FEATURES

Emmie Gragg is

Senior Emmie Gragg prefers thrift store finds to name brands, her truck to fancy cars and country or rock to sugary pop music. (Photo by Ellie Schwartz)

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FEATURES

the Girl with the Raptor* Even though Student Council President Emmie Gragg did not expect to be a school leader at first, others saw her potential long before she decided to run for office. With her unique philosophy and ability to connect with everyone, it’s easy to see why.

BY ELLIE SCHWARTZ CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

M

eeting new people, senior Emmie Gragg is often greeted by the same response: “You’re the girl with the Raptor, right?” (the Raptor being her iconic Ford truck, of course). As someone that describes cars as “a big part of [her] identity,” Gragg embraces this first impression.

But although others may recognize Gragg from her truck and the “persona” that comes with it, they don’t see the hours of research she spent choosing the perfect model or her love of Ford’s working-class history or the years of listening to rock and roll that go into the Aerosmith blasting from its open windows. In short, they don’t know the full story behind their small glimpse of Gragg.

In many ways, student impressions of Student Council President Gragg are the same way, based on limited interactions. Maybe she livens up your hardest class of the day or maybe her jokes wake you up on the announcements every morning. But beyond Gragg’s humor and natural leadership skills lie a background and philosophy that contrast her funloving image as school president.

Despite making a point to “try to be everyone’s best friend” in high school, Gragg was bullied in elementary school and was never a leader of the playground cliques.

She sat with the boys at lunch until other girls convinced them not to sit with her. They called her names on the schoolbus, causing Gragg to return home often in tears.

“All the girls would squeeze into one seat so they wouldn’t have to sit with me,” Gragg said. “But that whole time, I still wanted to be friends with them because they had taken away my guy friends and anyone who was anyone was friends with them.”

During those years of being left out, Gragg found her niche in gifted classes outside of her normal school and observed how it felt to be on the outside, a large part of why she strives to know and appreciate everyone around her today.

“I learned there are way more people who are just ‘the people’ [than leaders],” Gragg said, reflecting on that time in her life. “I always make it a point to really connect with people now and not to generalize people as a whole.”

While Gragg felt comfortable with herself at Sion starting sophomore year, one of her good friends reminded her that not everyone felt that way, prompting Gragg to focus on acceptance as she worked in student council.

A proud feminist, Gragg uses feminist ideas regarding

equality to promote those same ideas despite not considering herself political.

“Even if you say you’re not a feminist, I think it’s important for girls to act as one,” Gragg said. “It’s knowing that you can do whatever you want and be whoever you want to be.”

Knowing that she doesn’t match up with the stereotype of a school president, Gragg stays true to her personality by balancing her more rebellious identity with her serious leadership position. After seeing past leaders excel in either leadership or organization skills, Gragg wanted to bring both to the table when she was elected president of student council.

“I know when to play the role [as a traditional leader], but you don’t have to conform to a certain image of Sion,” Gragg said. “I’m not going to stop being myself because I am a certain way and people feel a certain way about it.”

Even though some may see Gragg as an untraditional leader, many others saw her potential long before she saw it in herself. Paul Kramschuster, one of Gragg’s “role models” and teacher of her favorite class, watched her become more comfortable with sticking out.

“She wasn’t confident saying it yet, but she would say ‘I’m not the Sion student but I am comfortable being who I am,’ as a sophomore,” Kramschuster said.

Kramschuster watched as she lived into this phrase throughout high school, always craving new experiences and interaction. Even in class, she got to know students that were usually quiet or kept to themselves.

“She is always interested in other people,” Kram said.

“She’s confident now, but she is still searching for new experiences and open to understanding others.”

After spending time with Gragg on cheer team and encouraging her to run for STUCO before, alumna Mary Sizemore also saw Gragg’s interest in others and maturity.

When Gragg called her before running for president last year, Sizemore immediately knew she would be a great fit.

“It’s not an easy job by any means, and it takes someone who is self-driven, compassionate, and community-focused to get the job done,” Sizemore said. “I believe Emmie has all these qualities and more, making her the perfect candidate.”

Turns out, all of those observations have proven to be pretty spot-on. Gragg has become an unconventional but effective leader rooted in appreciation of others, much more than “the girl with the Raptor.”

*and so much more

LE JOURNAL

December 2015

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FEATURES

Sophomore Kate Sullivan swims with The Kansas City Blazers everyday at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center.

(Photo by Lucy Stofer)

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LE JOURNAL December 2015

SULLIVAN

FEATURES

SWIMS WITH A SMILE Sophomore Kate Sullivan’s positive attitude inspires others while she works towards her goal of swimming in the Olympics.

BY LUCY STOFER REPORTER

A huge smile spreads wide across sophomore Kate Sullivan’s face. She’s talking about swimming.

“I just love it. It’s one of those things that if I stopped I don’t know what I would do with my life. I love it.”

Just bringing up the topic of swimming makes the normally sunny and smiley Sullivan radiate and fill with joy. Sullivan is described

by Kansas City Blazers coach Laura Hineman as “eternally happy” and by her teammate sophomore Ellie Magsamen as “fun and positive.”

On top of being an enthusiastic and caring person, Sullivan is also a serious athlete breaking records for her competitive team. She was chosen for Missouri Valley’s All Star team in 2013 and 2014.

Sullivan’s interest for swimming started at the age of six when she watched her big sister and alumna Kristine Sullivan swim. Her sister was on Sion’s swim team and now swims for Wagner College in Staten Island, New York.

According to Sullivan, her favorite part of watching her sister swim was seeing how naturally talented she was in the pool. Her and her sister have a very similar attitude and they are both very competitive. They enjoy going to swim practice and getting work done then doing well at a meet and accomplishing their goals.

“Even though when I started I was really bad, seeing Kate become such a talented swimmer and watching her beat people made me want to swim so much,” Sullivan said. “She inspires me to do my best and swim faster every day.”

By the age of eight she was on the same competitive team, the Blazers, as her sister.

Sullivan has been swimming for the team ever since. Because she has been swimming for the

same team for so long, she is very comfortable with her teammates and it makes the grueling practices much more bearable, according to Sullivan.

Sullivan sets three alarms for herself every morning starting at 4 a.m. and sluggishly drags herself out of bed to throw her swimsuit on and start her day. Still exhausted, she then climbs into the car where she continues to sleep for the 20 minute ride to practice. Sullivan starts her morning by diving into the pool at 5 a.m. and is immediately awoken by the chilly water.

At practice, she works on improving all of her strokes including her favorites which are breaststroke and freestyle. Once practice is over, Sullivan hops into the shower at the pool and arrives at school with wet hair and the signature Sullivan bun on the top of her head.

The hours of grueling work, early mornings, late nights and the time with school friends that she gives up is done with one specific goal in mind: to make it to the Olympic trials. This intense schedule that she endures to reach her goal is undoubtedly working though, according to Hineman.

“Her times have improved tremendously just over the past few months. She is definitely swimming at a completely different level now than she was just a few months ago,” Hineman said.

According to Magsamen, though she is very resolute and in the zone while swimming, Sullivan takes the time to constantly make an effort to cheer people up and push them towards their goals. In between laps and on breaks, Sullivan makes jokes and laughs with her friends whom she refers to as her family. She lightens and improves the moods of everyone around her which her naturally bubbly and friendly personality does on its own without much of an conscious effort.

“She’s a good team leader, and she stands up to anyone and will make sure everyone feels included and they know where they’re going,” Magsamen said. “She is very determined and positive. She is always trying to cheer someone up if they’re down and can keep good spirits up.”

“Kate is eternally happy. We can’t get her to not be happy,” Coach Laura Hineman said.

Sullivan’s hardest stroke is the breaststroke (center). “She has improved a lot by mostly changing her strokes and listening to her coaches,” Hineman said. Sullivan practices with the Kansas City Blazers at Roeland Park Aquatic Center. (Photos by Lucy Stofer) LE JOURNAL December 2015

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FEATURES

Seniors Abbey Valentine, Beth Borgmeyer, and sophomore Gillian Cruz gather around robots to discuss ideas and brainstorm in the new robotics room. (Photo by Taylor Spies) For a video about the robotics team, go to lejournallive.com (Video by Selena Hunter)

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LE JOURNAL December 2015

FEATURES

Robotics Team

Inspires

Future Engineers Robotics molds team members’ future careers and solidifies interests.

R

BY TAYLOR SPIES REPORTER

obotics. When the word is spoken in the halls, it seems to be enunciated with caution, rising up at the end, making robotics sound less like a statement and more like a question. If you dare to delve further, and ask someone what exactly robotics is, there’s usually a moment of silence where eyes widen like a deer caught in headlights, before haltingly explaining that the team, you know, builds robots and stuff.

However, Sion’s robotics team is much more than just building robots. This year, robotics team is focusing more on engineering, which entails a different method of approaching and solving problems.

“I think ultimately this way of thinking like an engineer is going to benefit the girls in most anything that they do. It’s a good way to conduct a meeting, a good way to approach a project, whether it’s building a robot or something for English class. It’s a different procedure,” team co-sponsor Marilyn Stewart said.

Senior Abbey Valentine shares a similar story, aiming for a career in engineering and using robotics team as a way to develop this passion. Both Valentine and senior Beth Borgmeyer helped make the team what it is today, bringing it to the next level in terms of competitiveness and fresh ideas.

“I definitely was a big part of its upcoming,” Valentine said.

A fourth grade teacher was the first to introduce her to STEM careers; however, it was a field her middle school didn’t put much emphasis on.

Valentine was further encouraged to pursue her interests by her parents. They sent her to various camps and programs where she learned the basics of robotics and engineering, even having mock competitions much like the ones the robotics team goes to now.

Robotics also impacts her life at Sion, especially with the recent changes in the team.

“We’re learning more about the engineering process and how to do something properly from planning to building to testing,” Valentine said.

Valentine is choosing to follow her passion by planning on attending Kansas State University for mechanical engineering.

Her quiet voice and animated hands describe her future and express her passion.

“Mechanical engineering is kind of the broad

degree of engineering, so you’re not limited by knowing specific knowledge,” Valentine said. “So you get more job opportunities.”

Sophomore Gillian Cruz has also proven to be dedicated, rising to the position of co-captain although she’s only been on the team for two years.

She joined the club as a way to make a name for herself at Sion and accomplished just that, as well as making a group of friends.

“Now anybody who knows me at Sion knows I do robotics,” Cruz said.

Cruz’s main job on the team is programming. She works on writing codes for the prototyping teams so they can test their robots.

Although Cruz is only a sophomore, she has also found that mechanical engineering is right for her, following the footsteps of her grandfather.

“I discovered this field of engineering. There’s so much stuff I already enjoy, it’s a great community, and my grandfather’s a double engineer as well,” Cruz said. “I just really thought that it was right for me. I just really felt it.”

When the topic of engineering was brought up, Borgmeyer’s face immediately broke into a smile. “I’ve always been into engineering,” she said.

Her eyes focus on something else as she reminisces about her childhood, explaining that she was first inspired to become an engineer by her father, who is an environmental engineer.

“I started to realize my personality was really similar to my dad’s,” she said and recounted the time he came to her career day at school, his occupation capturing her attention even in second grade.

As stage manager of the musical for the past two years, Borgmeyer’s passion for theater has also influenced her future plans.

“The dream job would be engineering to build sets on Hollywood or Broadway,” Borgmeyer said.

She has accomplished the first step closer towards her dream by being accepted for architectural engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Robotics team has undoubtedly helped guide her towards college and deciding a major. But when asked about it, she shrugs humbly.

“I’m more ready for what my future holds,” she said.

“And it’s part of my legacy here.”

LE JOURNAL December 2015

23

Aubrey’s Kansas City Adventures The Midland leaves patrons with memories that will last a lifetime.

BY AUBREY MAKAR A&E COLUMNIST

Downtown Kansas City is full of awe-inspiring places that shine a little brighter during the colder months.

There is something about the brisk air that makes Downtown KC come to life just in time for the holidays.

In the Power and Light District the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland resides in the heart of the city. It remains one of the most breathtaking places to experience all your favorite bands. Countless concerts are held at this location known for its ornate and

CHECK IT OUT

ONLINE Go to lejournallive.com for reviews of these popular albums

Adele

“25”

Ellie Goulding

“Delirium”

Justin Bieber

“Purpose”

24

LE JOURNAL

December 2015

beautiful interior.

Every time I’ve been to a concert at the Midland it’s been an incredible time. From seeing my all-time favorite artists to catching a guitar pick at the end of a set, there has always been a story to tell at the end of the night.

My first concert at the Midland, my best friend and I went to go see one of my all time favorite bands, Glass Animals. We set up camp a few hours before the concert started in the freezing cold rainy weather.

When we finally got in, we were in the very front and center, thankful to be inside somewhere that was warm and stunning.

By the time Glass Animals came out I was so thrilled to be where I was that I didn’t notice the crowd surfers.

Never forget the crowd surfers. They are always there. My friend got hit in the eye with a stiletto, but we pushed

that girl over the divider and handed her off to security. I ended up getting to hold hands with the lead singer Dave Bayley while he was singing.

Another concert that I attended front and center at the Midland was New Politics and Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness. I caught a guitar pick from one of the feature bands, and when they came into the crowd, they sang right to me. But the real treat at the end was when they brought out one of those huge parachutes that are used in grade school for gym class. They managed to fit most of the audience under the parachute and continued to run through the crowd as they sang.

The venue features state-of-theart sound, lighting and resources that enhance the historic ambiance, providing a premium entertainment experience to everyone. The sounds begin to come to life, and the bands

(Photos by Aubrey Makar)

that you love are right in front of you.

The Midland is a great place to explore, and it is easiest to recognize its beauty from the top balcony. The baroque interior of the theater captures your attention when you first walk in and continues through your entire experience at the Midland. You know a place is going to have personality when it still has its original crystal chandeliers from 1927.

During live concerts your goal for the show is very simple: to be affected by the music. The Midland accomplishes this goal immediately no matter if it’s a rock concert or a classical music event.

Anything that goes on at the Midland is bound to generate lasting memories. With a historic and beautiful building and add your favorite bands, there is no better place to spend a night or even a weekend.

“Mockingjay, Part 2” M a r k s End of an Era The final installment of “The in to talk to a restrained Peeta. Katniss the sacrifice needed to go through Hunger Games” series goes is heartbroken after seeing the mutt with a revolution. Katniss bears great that Peeta has become at the torturous responsibility and because of this, out with a bang.

BY LANEY ULOWETZ PHOTO EDITOR

The wait is finally over. The fourth and final installment of the “Hunger Games” series is here, and director Francis Lawrence certainly wastes no time picking the film up right where the previous one left off. “Mockingjay, Part 2” follows Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) on a thrilling, action-packed mission to take the Capitol and fulfill her duty as the Mockingjay.

The “Mockingjay, Part 1” installment is dedicated to the build up of this second part, and after much anticipation, the concluding film goes out with a bang (not to mention a whole lot of bangs in the beginning and middle as well). The opening scene starts abruptly with Katniss’ medical examination after Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, violently strangled her in Part 1.

Katniss’ beloved sister, Primrose Everdeen (Willow Shields), is then sent

hands of the Capitol. From this point on, Katniss has one goal: to kill President Snow (Donald Sutherland).

After being shot in District 2, Katniss is supposed to stay safe and rest.

But of course, she has to be in the middle of the action and sneaks out to the front lines.

Navigating through the traps set up by Exhilarating // the Capitol, Katniss and her unit struggle to stay alive among the chaos of the rebellion.

The suspense creates an intense atmosphere, but the script also allows for comedic relief to lighten the mood.

This two hour and 17 minute film is extremely emotional showing

suffers many losses. President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) takes charge of the rebels and is in a constant power struggle with Katniss.

“Mockingjay, Part 2” is definitely not just a sequel, but an epic finale to finish off this dystopian series from Suzanne Collins’s best selling book trilogy.

Although readers already know what happens, “Mockingjay” does not disappoint and is sure to keep them on the edge of their seat.Katniss Everdeen’s tragic love triangle intertwines with her passion for her family and the 12 districts’ revolution to create a compelling story filled with heart wrenching twists and turns.

A&E

One Direction Proves Itself in “Made in the A.M.” Styles explained to USA Today that the group believes this album is “the best album we feel we’ve done.”

Their last album, “Four,” and their previous albums as well, had a heavy arena style rock influence.

But with “Made In the A.M.” comes a more mature sound

BY LILY COIT demonstrated in their dynamic REPORTER songwriting and producing.

All After much anticipation, One four members assisted in the writing Direction dropped their fifth album, process for the new album.

“Made In the A.M.,” unlike “Made In the A.M.” on Nov. 13.

The band released the first single, their past albums, has a wide array “Drag Me Down,” of the album in of smooth and slow songs that reveal “Love You late July but, little did fans know, they their sophistication. were in for so much with the release Goodbye” and “Hey Angel” echo the sound of Coldplay with its heavy of the album in full.

Their fifth album is chocked full instrumental influence, making you of soulful harmonies, well executed want to blast the songs on a long lyrics and a new sound that audiences drive. However the album isn’t just have never heard before. “Made all slow songs. Upbeat songs such In the A.M.” proves how far One as the 1960s inspired “Olivia” and Direction has come in the past five the catchy “Never Enough” give off the classic One Direction years, showcasing their vibe everyone knows and talented and far-reaching loves. vocals and a new depth in The deluxe edition of their song-writing. the album, which includes The band has been four additional songs, under constant watch of is listed on iTunes for the public eye recently $14.99. because of former band The additional songs member Zayn Malik’s provided off of the deluxe departure in March and album are as good, if not the band’s decision to take better than the other a break in 2016. Much songs on the album so speculation was made the price of $14.99 goes about whether or not incredibly far. the band could produce Some of the featured a quality album without songs on the deluxe Malik and how much the Try these edition include the Paul upcoming hiatus would songs first, and Simon inspired song affect their album.

“Walking in the Wind” As reported by you just might and the fast paced Billboard.com, Julian convert...

“Temporary Fix.” Both of Bunetta, One Direction these featured songs are producer and co-writer, newfound One Direction said that there was a “Wolves” classics with lyrics that certain feeling that this are bound to be stuck in could potentially be the your head for the rest of band’s last album, so they the day. had to make it last as long One Direction’s as possible “A.M.” new found maturity Despite the public’s and strength is fully doubts, One Direction established in their produced an album new album, creating a unlike anything they’ve “What a sound rich in lyrics and released before.

The dynamics. Songs for every public scrutiny and Feeling” mood and lyrics that you constant questioning will hold on to forever around their split didn’t One Direction’s fifth seem to hurt them but “Walking in make album nothing short of only strengthened them. the WInd” incredible.

Band member Harry

Amid a crazy 2015, including the departure of a member, the British boyband manages to produce one of their best yet.

A “ONE D”

FAN?

1 2 3 4

Mine Disaster Movie Disappoints “The 33” offers a boring retelling of the 2010 Chilean mining accident.

BY RACHEL ERGOVICH PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

One Direction: Sensational //

NEVER

Antonio Banderas, as Mario Sepúlveda in “The 33.” (Photo used with permission from Warner Bros. Pictures)

The event that captivated millions of television screens across the world in 2010 was more compelling than the Hollywood recreation.

“The 33,” the new movie based on the true story of the Chilean mining accident, is a disappointing retelling of a story that should command the attention of the audience for the entirety of the movie.

Thirty-three men were suddenly trapped underground, on what seemed to be a typical workday, due to the mine owner’s disregard for the stability of the mine. The only pathway is blocked, the ladders in the ventilation shaft were never completely built and the miners are confined to a small rescue area known as “the refuge.” With no radio access, inadequate medical supplies and only three days worth of food, the men must devise a strategy to survive under the leadership of Mario “Supermario” Sepúlveda (Antonio Banderas) and are left to hope and pray that there will be an attempt to rescue them.

The writers, Mikko Alann, Craig Borten and José Rivera, provided a solid basis for the story by giving a backstory for the center characters, Mario, Álex Vega (Mario Casas), an expecting father and Darío Segovia (Juan Pablo Raba), an alcoholic experiencing withdrawals. The script gave an interesting perspective to a well-known story by giving the audience a glimpse into both the tensions experienced by

the miners during their 69 days spent trapped and the waning hope their families felt.

However, it seems that the bulk of the writers’ time was spent creating the character’s backstories, instead of developing a strong plot. While the actors gave convincing performances, it felt as if they were limited by the script.

Perhaps the most disappointing part of the entire movie was lack of Spanish spoken. Even though the movie featured a prominent, Spanish-speaking cast, the only Spanish came from characters’ conversations about food (empanadas) and one song that was sung by the miners families.

The writers could have done a better job of incorporating short, commonly-known Spanish phrases to make the movie more realistic in its depiction of the Chilean community.

The best, most consistent part of the movie was the cinematography, done by Checco Varese, which provided sweeping shots of the desolate desert surrounding the mine, as well as the depth and immensity of the mine. Varese excelled at making the audience feel constricted and confined in the 540 square foot refuge.

The real life events of the Chilean mining accident were more captivating than its movie adaptation that was given a Hollywood makeover. While “The 33” gave an interesting perspective into the lives of the miners and their families during their entrapment that spanned 69 days, the actors were confined to an unexciting script leading to a somewhat boring retelling of a story that deserved more.

Average //

LE JOURNAL

December 2015

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Christmas in Kansas City Gift The trend of showing off Kansas City pride is spreading throughout the city after the success of the Royals and the growing Kansas City confidence. These stores will help you showcase your love of Kansas City to the world just in time to make it on your Christmas list.

1 5

Where to Buy: Normal Human Address: 827 Westport Road Price: $26

Where to Buy (Poster): Stuff Address: 3934 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS Price: $15

Illustration by Aubrey Makar

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December 2015

2 6

Where to Buy (Journal): Nelson Atkins Gift Shop Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO Price: $12.50

Where to Buy (Ornament and mug): Nelson Atkins Gift Shop Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO Price: Ornament $17.35 Mug $19.99

3 7

Where to Buy: Made in KC Address : 5501 W 135th St. Overland Park Price: $32

Where to Buy (Plate): RSVP Address: 3934 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS Price: $30

State Line Rd.

3 Lee Blvd.

Outlook Ln.

1

Wornall Rd.

Romany Rd

79th St.

95th St.

103rd St.

5

435 E Hwy Lee’s Summit

Christmas Lights Are Worth the Drive and Metcalf, east side of street: A massive display of lights blinks to the rhythm 1 103rd of a Christmas music radio station. Drive through the parking lot to get the best view.

Boulevard, between 83rd Street. and 103d Street: Many houses along the street 2 Lee go all out for the holidays with inflatables and themed displays, but a few also connect their lights to a radio station.

WESTERN AUTO

Lane, cul-de-sac south of 79th Street: The whole street, also known as “Candy 3 Outlook Cane Lane” goes all out every year. Each house decorates with a theme ranging from Santa’s reindeer to the Grinch, and a massive Christmas tree ends the street.

Road running east off of Ward Parkway: Residents decorate every house and 4 Romany wrap all tree trunks with white lights, and other stunning decorations are nearby at the Plaza and along Ward Parkway.

Campground off I-470 and View High Drive: This is “Christmas in the Park,” 5 Longview an annual winter wonderland around Longview Lake. It is free to the public, but be

4

prepared for bumper to bumper traffic.

Christmas Albums

8

Where to Buy: Urban Provisions Address: 2616 Guinotte Ave Price: $28

We planned your holiday decoration tour this year. Just grab your family or friends, some Christmas cookies and this map.

TOP

4

Where to Buy: 5B & Co. Candlemakers Address : 6231 Brookside Plaza Price: $50

2

4

Ward Parkway

2

Metcalf Rd.

Guide

1. “Christmas” by Michael Bublé

2. “Merry Christmas” by Mariah Carey 3. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

4. “Under the Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber LE JOURNAL December 2015

27

Wrapping Up First Semester

1.

1. Seniors Olivia Garrison and Eva Bowles kick it into gear with the rest of the dance team at the pep assembly on Nov. 19 before Thanksgiving break. “It’s a good way for the school to see dances and to practice for Nationals. The adrenaline [during pep assemblies] is the same as during Nationals so it’s good practice,” Garrison said.

2. Junior Zoé Trouvé works on a junior’s poster for REbeL’s Be Thankful week. “Be Thankful week is important because it’s all about being thankful for what we’ve been blessed with inside and out,” Trouvé said.

3. Freshmen Elizabeth Ericson, Kendall Rogers and Gabby Grimaldi spontaneously dance to the Circle of Life during the winter pep assembly on Nov. 19. “I didn’t really know what we were doing so it was actually pretty fun, and I love dancing so it was fun just goofing around in front of everybody,” Rogers said.

4. Counselor Leslie Young and sophomore Loulya Alabed speak during the Thanksgiving interfaith prayer service on Nov. 17. “Everyone kept telling me that they support me and love me and they thought my speech was really great and it made me feel a lot better,” Alabed said.

5. Senior Molly McEnerney and sophomore Aidan McEnerney hug during the father-daughter mass on Nov. 10. “ [Having Molly here] is special because it’s her last year, and then after that I’m the last one in my family to go to Sion. So being able to go to stuff and be with my sister is really cool, and to be able to do it with my dad is also really cool because he’s seen my sisters go through it too,” Aidan said.

(Photos by Laney Ulowetz)

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December 2015

2.

4.

3.

5.