September 2015

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LE JOURNAL

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 34 SEPTEMBER 2015

SHIFTING SHIFTING GENDER GENDER NORMS page 14-17 NORMS page 14-17

NEWS New Lunch Program

4

New Clubs Added To Rotation

5

OPINION Laptops

6

Missouri State Capitol Dress Codes

7

Planned Parenthood Funding

8

SPORTS 10

Softball Update

10

Royals on a Roll

11

Counselor New JV Tennis Coach

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FEATURES Cheyanne Teasley

18

Mary Kate Wilcox

20

Mary Kelly Shelvin

22

COVER Gender Norms

14

A&E Break Out KC

24

Halsey Album Review

25

Pizza in Kansas City

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Junior Ali Odermann celebrates after scoring a point in the volleyball match against St. Teresa’s Academy Sept. 16. (Photo

by Abby Smith) For more from the game, visit lejournallive.com

LeJournal 2015-2016

Athletic Complex Update

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

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LE JOURNAL September 2015

MEMBER

Missouri Interscholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association International Quill and Scroll Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City Missouri Journalism Education Association

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 Claire 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

A

lmost two months ago we were enjoying the freedom of summer and cramming in our last reading assignments. But by now we have settled into the school year routine of late night studying, endless quizlets and desperately hitting the snooze button. Kram will no longer protest the season change by refusing to tuck in his shirt, and the lines at the Keurig machines will lengthen with the first chills of fall.

Although we may mourn the end of summer, you have to admit, the school year really isn’t too bad. Even in between studying for anatomy and calculus, I constantly remind myself that we are in the midst of Spirit Week. Traditions like this one give us something to hold on to while changes take over. In dressing up as Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar one day then peering through my goth, eyeliner-coated eyes the next, I can see that the many changes around Sion are taking place for the better (especially the late starts).

This first issue highlights the many changes we have returned to: the upgraded lunch program (page 5), the athletic complex construction coming to a close (page 8) and the MacBook Airs available for every student (page 6).

Hopefully, you didn’t drop your laptop down a flight of stairs like I did.

Even with all of these changes, I believe the year is still off to a great start.

From freshman mixer (a personal favorite) to Storm Stomp to the cow and Harry Potter-themed volleyball games, our school spirit has shined through at each of these events. And Le Journal hasn’t missed them; they have all been covered on our website: LeJournalLive.com. The website not only has stories, but also pictures and video (including Stuco’s monthly updates).

Broader, global changes outside of Sion are also taking place such as the European Migrant Crisis (page 4) and the shifting of gender norms (pages 1417). I think it’s important to be flexible and open to change, just as we should be open to listening Pope Francis as he addresses Congress and the United Nations this week (page 4).

So just as the wind shifts from a stifling breeze to a cool gust, changes around the school and in the world shift just as naturally. With the arrival of fall (my favorite season), move your homework outside or go birdwatching like junior Mary Kate Wilcox on page 20.

There’s no better time to shake up your routine than in a season and school year of change.

Online This Month Sion Gets Social

Lauren Golden reminds students to keep their digital footprint in mind when posting.

Girl Up

The new club Girl Up focuses on issues girls are facing all over the world.

Shrug Off Trump Opinion on Donald Trump’s campaign strategies for the 2016 election.

LeJournalLive.com

Sincerely, Sellie 2.0 P.S. 2014-2015 Co-Editors-in-Chief Sarah Harris + Ellie Stingley = Sellie

LeJournalSion

P.S.S. Sophie + Ellie = Sellie 2.0

LeJournalSion

LE JOURNAL

September 2015

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Storm Stomp Over 40 teams competed in Storm Stomp this year raising over $38,000 according to senior co-chair Stephanie Ostrander.

This amount not only met the committee’s goal, but it surpassed last year’s earnings by $4,000. This money will be used to provide eight girls partial scholarships to attend Sion. Go to lejournallive.com for pictures and video from the event. (Photo by Kate Noble)

Dress Code Controversy

In response to recent sexual harassment allegations by interns at the Missouri State Capitol regarding multiple congressmen, Rep. Kevin Engler proposed revisions to the Capitol’s intern policy including a new dress code, GPA requirements and mandatory training for interns, according to the Houston Herald. After Engler’s suggestions led to both a national response on social media defending and opposing the dress code and varying responses by Missouri congressmen, future interns and congressmen await the official final proposal. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Congress Hosts Pope Pope Francis lands in the U.S. for the first time this week, where he will spend time addressing crowds ranging from the United Nations and Congress to inmates in a Philidelphia prison. While he is likely to speak about climate change and capitalism, his exact topics are still unknown, according to the Guardian. Staff and students will watch his speech to Congress as a school on Sept. 24.

According to theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian, his speech is important because he is a voice for morality, and he sees the U.S. as a powerful voice in the world. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

European Migrant Crisis Following growing waves of migrants from countries such as Syria and Iraq, the European Union met on Sept. 14 in Brussels, Belgium, to agree on the division of migrants, mostly refugees between European countries.

After failing to reach an agreement, negotiations will precede another meeting in October. In the meantime, Germany and Hungary are two of a few countries that have strengthened border security and resistance to migrants due to the stalled agreement, according to BBC News. (Photo by Rebecca Harms via Wikimedia Commons)

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WORLD WORLD Russia in Syria

----------As Russian troops move into Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin asks for a military meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as part of his movement to become more active in Syria and on the world stage.

Greece Election

----------Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras puts himself back up for reelection in response to unpopular bailout deal.

Iran Nuclear Deal Update

----------Democrats appear to have cinched the votes needed to declare support for the Iran nuclear deal. The deal aims to place Iran about 12 months away from being able to produce one nuclear bomb, instead of the predicted three or four.

NEW CLUBS // LEADERS INFUSE PASSION

NEWS IN BRIEF

AV Club President: senior Ali Cox 8 Members

All Around The World President: sophomore Meg Travis 6 Members

Girl Up President: sophomore Meg Schwartz 34 Members

Social Awareness & Community Action Co-Presidents: juniors Maddi McMaster, Natalie Williams 29 Members

Louder Than A Bomb President: sohomore Joileeah Worley 7 Members

UPCOMING

& local

*Sept. 25

Buzz Night at the Park

Worlds of Fun 6pm - 12am

*Sept. 25-27 Plaza Art Fair

Free Admission

*Oct.

1

Glass Animals Concert Arvest Bank Theater

*Oct. 8

Food for Thought Starts

*Oct. 25

OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer 5K

Collect Can Goods

Scheels in Overland Park, KS

NEWS

Presidential Polls Deviate

Disenchantment on both sides of the Republicans unhappy with party ‘regulars’ like the Bush family, or Bernie Sanders’ voters aisle continues to shift polls.

unhappy with the Clintons. They are drawn to candidates that they think aren’t afraid to say what they are thinking.”

However, according to fivethirtyeight.com, Recent polls indicate that Democrat Hillary polls show that most Republicans are not really Clinton’s lead is falling while Donald Trump voting for Trump, their votes are just divided amongst the 15 other Republican candidates. remains in the lead among Republicans.

Clinton, the top contender for the Democrat Trump is ahead in part because he has the most nomination, has dropped in polls from a 50 visibility.

“He’s hitting a lot of hot-button issues and percent lead to a 24 percent lead according to realclearpolitics.com, indicating that her email he’s a celebrity,” Murphy said.

As an “anti-politician,” Trump appeals to the controversy is not over yet.

It was revealed March 2 that Clinton used disenchantment many Republicans feel toward the establishment personal email accounts on Republicans. her private server instead “They want to get at the is similar to This the of government accounts as Democratic secretary of state. Though base of their party for the way Bernie the State Department said nomination.

That’s hard candidate Aug. 24 that there was no to do from the fringes.” Sanders appeals to young Democrats. policy against the use of -history teacher Mary Murphy Both are appealing private email, Clinton has to the outer fringes of turned those emails over to the Department of Justice to be looked over their parties- Trump to the far right and Sanders due to concerns that classified information to the far left.

“They want to get at the base of their party could have been compromised as her server was unencrypted for several months. Clinton’s for the nomination,” Murphy said. “That’s hard to approval ratings have dropped due to this do from the fringes.”

Much of the disenchantment comes from controversy.

Meanwhile, Trump has increased his the political machines that are the Clinton and approval ratings among Republicans, keeping Bush families, both of whom have members as him at the top of the GOP’s 16 candidates running frontrunners for the nomination: Hillary Clinton for president, though retired neurosurgeon and and Jeb Bush.

“There’s so much Clinton and Bush fatigue.

Republican candidate Ben Carson has now tied From 1988 to 2016, [President Barack] Obama with him in recent Iowa caucus polling.

Trump has appealed to his target voters has been the only president not from those because of his honesty, which attracts many families,” Murphy said.

But with the nearest state caucuses still so who are disillusioned with the Republican far away, at this point any presidential polls are establishment.

“The most animated — or energetic voters not indicative of future results. It is just too early — in primaries are those party members most for them to hold much meaning.

“It’s impossible to know right now,” Murphy unhappy with their party regulars,” government teacher Mary Murphy said, “so Tea-Party said.

BY CHLOE BARRETT REPORTER

Junior Elsa Walz enjoys tomato basil soup with a side salad.

(Photo by Kate Noble)

Lunch Program Changes accurate numbers. Because

New Future Foodies Future Foodies requires program focuses on students to pre-order meals, some students might end fresh ingredients.

BY KATE NOBLE REPORTER

Future Foodies, the new lunch program created by 1991 alumna Jackie Kincaid Habiger, revolves around creating healthy and balanced meals for students.

After the grade school switched to Future Foodies and received great reviews from the community, the high school changed their lunch program as well.

“Based on feedback from the community, we saw a real need to start offering a five day a week program that offered freshly made food, created on site for our students,” High School Division Head Natalie McDonough said.

One of Future Foodies’ main principles is to show students what real food looks and tastes like, according to Habiger.

“I don’t care for preservatives or processed foods and do my best to limit them. I source a lot of organic ingredients,” Habiger said.

Each meal is $5.50, and the program requires students to order meals in advance online. Students have to order the Friday before the week when they want to have school lunch.

Habiger’s priority for fresh ingredients calls for her to order the amount in

up forgetting to order, resulting in confusion come lunchtime according to junior Madi Wieseler.

“I don’t like that you have to pre-order lunch, because then you don’t get the meal if you forgot that day,” Wieseler said.

Future Foodies offers a soup and salad bar for all students, which resolves the problems that might arise if students forget to order lunch ahead of time. The soup and salad bar costs the same as a normal meal, $5.50. Students can use their lunch account the day of, instead of having to preorder. “[Habiger] is also offering a ‘to go’ soup and salad bars for seniors who may want to eat out but don’t want to spend $8 or $9 at a restaurant or have to wait in line,” McDonough said.

All of Future Foodies’ ideas combine to create a healthy, organic alternative for student lunches.

Habiger’s passion for cooking with real food combines with her love for her alma mater, something she’s also passionate about according to Habiger. These aspects combine to form the Future Foodies program.

“I’m not sure if they still use the saying ‘I am rooted in Sion,’” Habiger said. “Now I get it, I am rooted in Sion,” Habiger said.

Republican

Trump

Kasich

Carson

Jindal

Bush

Paul

Cruz

Christie

Rubio

Santorum

Fiorina

Perry

Walker

Graham

not included: Gilmore, Pataki Huckabee

Democratic

Clinton Sanders Biden O'Malley Webb Chafee

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September 2015

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OPINION

Stereotypes Hinder Societal Progress In the midst of Target’s new policy of not labelling children’s products by gender, the question arises as to whether or not traditional standards for gender are helpful or harmful.

THIS EDITORIAL REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF THE LE JOURNAL STAFF. TWENTY-THREE OUT OF 23 VOTED IN SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW.

Sigmund Freud once stated that the true decider when it comes to a person’s gender identity is biology. That was in 1924. It’s been 91 years and this traditional belief still holds true for many people.

Men and women’s lives are still controlled by the gender they are born into.

In response to customer feedback, Target recently announced that they would largely reduce the number of gender-based signs in their stores.

This means that signs will no longer offer suggestions based off the child’s gender. And the use of colors, like pink and blue to designate girls and boys toys, will be replaced by gender neutral colors such as green and yellow, according to Business Insider.

Even if society has progressed since Freud first made his presumptions, the modern world is still controlled by gender stereotypes.

Why is it that if a woman is assertive as a leader, she is labeled as bossy? Why is nursing considered a woman’s profession? Why are women supposed to be petite and graceful while men should be strong and broad-shouldered?

According to the United Nation’s Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, gender stereotyping refers to “the practice of ascribing to

an individual woman or man specific attributes, characteristics, or roles by reason only of her or his membership in the social group of women or men.” This can have a negative impact on society, an impact that is especially negative for women.

The brain is hardwired to make snap judgements based on race, gender and age, according to the American Association of University Women. The problem arises when people apply those judgements beyond a quick second or two. That’s when a stereotype becomes a bias, or a belief that a stereotype is true.

Researcher Maria do Mar Pereira, the director

The problem with biases is that they infiltrate a culture that bombards young women. for the University of Warwick’s Center for the Study of Women and Gender, studied how gender biases affect the everyday lives of teenagers in Lisbon, Portugal. In her research she discovered that girls often avoided physical activity at school, even if they enjoyed sports, because they assumed it wasn’t feminine, were afraid to look unattractive while running or were ridiculed by the boys for “not being good enough,” according to thinkprogress. org.

Pereira also found that girls were limiting their food intake or putting themselves on diets, even if they were within a healthy weight because, according to thinkprogress.org, they believed that “desirable women” have to be skinny. Pereira’s study clearly demonstrates how gender stereotypes cross cultural lines.

The problem with biases is that they infiltrate a culture that bombards young girls - and even women - with ideas that doing anything “like a girl” is bad. This creates a stereotype threat: the idea that when people hear that they aren’t supposed to be good at something, they will tend towards underperformance.

These stereotype threats, according to the AAUW, are a major reason as to why almost all institutions and industries are run by men. Tall, white men.

If traditional gender stereotypes are stifled in early childhood, however, the prominence of these biases in later life will be far less. And that’s just what Target is trying to do with their recent changes.

Target, however, has received backlash from many people citing “tradition” and “nature,” and the conservative Fox News Network devoted four segments to outrage over the change, according to Business Insider.

Target’s move represents the beginning of the end. It is burgeoning to end of major corporations perpetuating gender stereotypes.This move will hopefully make it easier for girls to one day take over leadership roles without being labelled as “bossy” and for boys to one day aspire to becoming nurses without being ridiculed.

Sorry, Freud. Your theory is wrong. It was even wrong back in 1924 when you first made it. It’s too bad that it’s taken this long for enough people to realize it, but there has been a major shift in the societal perception of gender stereotypes. Before you know it, that statement about gender identity will be just another testament of how far society has progressed.

New Technology Enhances Classroom Even in the midst of setup new computers were difficulties, the new laptops necessary or needed.

But when I received are a welcomed asset.

BY MADISON HEIDE SPORTS EDITOR

Included with the countless papers sent home over the summer was a mention of the new 1:1 initiative to be implemented in the upcoming school year. The paperwork also showed a $475 increase in tuition to account for the new technology.

Computers were already a consistent sight in the classroom because many girls brought their personal devices from home, and I found it hard to understand why the

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LE JOURNAL September 2015

Teachers are also putting directions and assignments online, minimizing my Macbook Air handouts. The computers during orientation I allow for more efficient and easier ways to connect to was unaware of the school while at home and in changes they would the classroom. bring to Sion.

The laptops The only downfall so far is that the Macbooks were provide a much almost immediately met with needed outlet for an array of technological every student, even with the unyielding difficulties. But this is to be technological expected when given the huge implementation of new difficulties. I have used my computer technology. It is understood Of 73 students polled it will take a while for the as a resource in every class, something I faculty and the students had never done before. Math teacher to become proficient in using the Reynold Middleton uses it as a way to technology, and that there will be enforce participation among students, unresolvable difficulties at times. and science teacher Kathleen Teel uses Applications such as Photoshop and it to allow us to access the textbook. InDesign took weeks to be placed

Students that like the laptops

86%

on the computers. Even considering the complications, which can disrupt learning, the benefits outweigh the negatives.

The only other downfall is the introduction of Google Fiber has also resulted in continual unreliable wifi. This creates even more problems when classrooms are consistently requiring internet and laptop use during class, and teachers are using both as resources for teaching. Much needed class time is wasted because of technological difficulties.

But even when considering their complications, the computers allow opportunities to expand knowledge and connect students to their education.

Students are able to explore the world of technolgy and find information quickly and effectively.

When the wifi works, of course.

OPINION

‘Wolves’ of Capitol Blame Interns, Propose Dress Code Seniors Jessica Korth, Alyssa Moncure and Manahil Khan enjoy a debate breakfast before the late start on Sept. 17.

Students Benefit From New Block Schedule Sion/Storm schedules offer muchneeded change for students and faculty alike.

BY ABBY SMITH EDITORIAL EDITOR

Eighty-minute classes. To some, just the thought of being in the same room for that long sends dread, coursing through their body.

Others, however, are able to appreciate the extended class periods that have been set to take place four days per month. If approached with an open mind, the Sion/Storm schedule days can be sure to please not only students, but faculty as well.

Longer classes allow for more diversity in regard to teaching style. According to www. edutopia.org, studies have shown that every student absorbs and processes information differently. Instead of the usual brisk lecture or single activity, teachers are free to break away from their everyday routine and split up the time into sections. The idea behind this is to better accommodate the wide range of learning styles that are present in every class.

Depending on the class (or teacher), a longer amount of time can also introduce the opportunity to dive deeper into a more complex subject that a mere 45-50 minutes would not provide. A more in-depth lesson allows for better understanding on the pupil’s part.

For students, one of the leading benefits is having two nights to complete homework assignments. Depending on how one wants to approach it, this could mean a night of no homework plus a night of homework for all classes. Or the idea that, if done nightly according to that day’s classes, two nights of half the amount of usual work.

The added bonus of the Sion/Storm schedule is that it is partnered with a late start. Just getting that extra hour of sleep in the middle of the week can make a big difference. Paired with the block classes, it offers a bit of a break for an overall less “full speed ahead” environment.

This subtle but positive change to our month during the first and third weeks is just enough to spice things up. Sion has succeeded in keeping up with the nationwide trend of block scheduling while still staying true to the way things have always been run.

Following sexual harrassment allegations, dress code ignores real issues, exposes frightening trend.

BY ELLIE SCHWARTZ CO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rep. Bill Kidd’s twitter bio may read “Father, Conservative, Common Sense Leader,” but his response to the proposed changes to the intern dress code at the Missouri State Capitol tells another story.

Following the resignation of two Congressmen due to sexual abuse and inappropriate text message allegations, Rep. Kevin Engler r e l e a s e d 12 possible improvements to the intern policy after two Congressmen resigned following sexual abuse and inappropriate text message allegations, Kidd responded almost immediately to one of those suggestions, saying “Intern dress code,” in his email response, according to the Kansas City Star.

The scandal involving many allegations by interns, all outlined in the Kansas City Star article titled “The wolves of Jeff City: Sexual harassment at the Capitol,” reveals the political divide that can come from what should be apolitical issues and the fine line that interns in politics walk.

Kidd’s response mirrored that of other Republican representatives and contrasted the responses by Democrat representatives and Missouri Senator Clare McCaskill, according to the Kansas City Star, highlighting the broader political divide and debate that the intern scandal started.

This clear divide in responses should not exist, because sexual assault and where the blame

is placed should not be political issues. The inappropriate actions came from both sides of the aisle according to the Kansas City Star, but when one party blames victims and the other perpetrators, it’s no surprise that Democrats attract more female voters and are often labelled as “pro-woman.” In order for global issues and the economy to take center stage in future elections, the difference in response to sexual assault needs to disappear.

The divide and the victim-blaming that comes following assault may explain why it took years for many of the abuse charges to surface according to the Kansas City Star and highlights the challenges that interns in politics (and in general) face.

Because politicians serve their communities and hold considerable power, they are seen as concerned for others. Any accusation of sexual assault contrasts this reputation and places the victim in the spotlight because the abuser is known.

Many victims in Jefferson City confessed to being abused but refused to share their stories out of fear for their careers, according to the Kansas City Star.

Therefore, a better policy geared toward supervising the people in power should be implemented to back up claims by intimidated victims that are usually kept private.

Recalling Kidd’s twitter bio, if he is a father, he should recognize the position his daughter would be in if she were an intern at the Capitol and see the need for more than a dress code to protect her. If he is conservative, he should recognize and stop the trend of Republicans blaming victims in response to assault. If he is a “Common Sense Leader,” he should recognize that a dress code is not the solution to a trend of inappropriate sexual actions of people in power.

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Videos released further divide the country on the issue of Planned Parenthood and what should happen next.

(Photos by MCT Campus)

S

Planned Parenthood V

he reclines in her chair, laughing while sipping wine and munching on salad. Her body language reveals she is comfortable and relaxed. From a distance it appears as though she is having a conversation about what to make for dinner or her plans for the weekend. This could not be more deceiving. This woman, Planned Parenthood’s senior director of medical research, is explaining in detail the murder of unborn babies.

BY ABBY SMITH “We’ve been very good at getting heart, lung, liver…

EDITORIAL EDITOR so I’m not gonna crush that part. I’m gonna basically crush below, I’m gonna crush above, and I’m gonna see if I can get it all intact,” Deborah Nucatola said in the video released on July 14.

Throughout the past several weeks, millions have viewed the sickening videos of Planned Parenthood officials caught on camera discussing abortion. Both sides have the right to be mad: American citizens with the horror and realization of what their taxes are funding and Planned Parenthood with the embarrassment of the truth finally being revealed.

These recent events have exposed the longstanding issue of Planned Parenthood and abortion in general. The intent of Planned Parenthood and its practices has always been morally wrong. No matter how many ways they try to defend themselves and their actions, it is as simple as this. According to their 2013 Annual Report, they are taking the lives of over 330,000 innocent unborn lives every year.

Planned Parenthood and its supporters try to defend themselves with the claim that only three percent of its total services are counted as abortions. In other words, they are only committing three murders for every 100, both female and male, patients that walk in their door. They act like this is something to be proud of. So someone can say she only cheats on tests three percent of the time or drives drunk three percent of the time, and that makes it perfectly okay?

The obvious answer for this so-called women’s health clinic is yes, of

course this is okay because our annual report makes claim to this small, almost insignificant percentage. So now the number one abortion provider in America doesn’t want to be known for its abortions.

Planned Parenthood receives almost half of its annual funding from government taxes. In 2014, they received a ridiculous $528.4 million from the U.S. government alone according to the Washington Post.

Although it is illegal for this funding to go directly towards abortions in most cases, there is no way to track how Planned Parenthood actually uses their financial resources. In their annual reports, Planned Parenthood addresses the services provided, but does not disclose what funds are used to administer the specific services.

In 2011, Texas state officials voted to cut tax funding towards Planned Parenthood. Since then, in-state abortions have dropped by almost 20,000. Think of how many lives could be saved if defunding occurred in all 50 states.

In the eighth video recently released against Planned Parenthood, the CEO of StemExpress - one of the science labs Planned Parenthood “donates” fetus organs to - laughs while describing the disgust of some of her employees when they open up a box of baby parts.

According to the Washington Times, Planned Parenthood accepts average payments of $75 per fetus tissue specimen. It is illegal for them to make any profit on this. However on Aug. 27, in a letter to Congress intended to defend its practices, Planned Parenthood gave proof to accusations that they have been manipulating federal rules to maximize profit on fetus parts.

The defunding of Planned Parenthood is no longer a political or religious issue. It is a matter of morals. We need to stop reclining casually in our comfortable lives, waiting for others to make this change happen. This is the time to unite and take a stand against the number one abortion-provider in America. Don’t be afraid to bring it up in conversations at home, school and work. This is a matter that must be discussed in order for change to come.

Yes, Planned Parenthood should be defunded.

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LE JOURNAL September 2015

d Videos Spur Vocal Defunding Debate

T

he video opens with a woman munching on salad as she casually discusses the sale of fetal tissue in the middle of a restaurant. She answers questions asked by people posing as potential buyers of donated fetal tissue. They discuss topics like payment and the organs that are typically donated to research.

Flying into mainstream news after the release of a series of videos, Planned Parenthood is being slammed by

BY TAYLOR SPIES politicians for allegedly selling fetal baby parts.

REPORTER However, these videos do not show the whole truth.

They are heavily edited and were recorded by an antiabortion group, The Center for Medical Progress, according to a report published by forensic analysts from independent company Fusion GPS. These videos, according to Fusion GPS, would not even hold up in court if they were used as evidence in a trial. The fact that the videos were made by an anti-abortion group should be proof enough that the videos are biased, but the analysis confirms it.

A fact that most anti-abortion supporters completely ignore is that federal funds given to Planned Parenthood (yes, your tax money) do not pay for abortions except in rare cases.

According to the Hyde Amendment, it’s been this way since 1976. The only cases in which federal money would ever be used towards abortion is in cases of rape, incest or to save the life or health of the mother.

When fetal tissue is donated, the person getting an abortion must consent to the donation and cannot know where the tissue will be sent. Only about $30 per donation is given back to the company and according to Jim Vaught, president of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories, this is a reasonable cost.

Defunding Planned Parenthood would only achieve is getting rid

of important services such as contraceptives and comprehensive sex-ed.

Some states teach abstinence only sex education, according to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States. Many of these states have teen birth rates alarmingly higher than those that do not teach abstinence only education, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The comprehensive sex education that Planned Parenthood provides, however, can help lower unplanned pregnancies and abortion rates.

Additionally, Planned Parenthood provides sexual and reproductive health care and education for 4.6 million people per year, according to information published by Planned Parenthood. Defunding Planned Parenthood would take this valuable tool of education and health away from many who cannot afford to go to specialized clinics.

Abortion only represents three percent of the entirety of services Planned Parenthood provides, according to information that Planned Parenthood published in their annual report. Many argue that this in itself is too much and perhaps that’s true, but when the number of abortions Planned Parenthood provides, 13,995 is compared with the estimated number of pregnancies their other services helps prevent each year, 515,000, published on Planned Parenthood’s website, it’s clear that without Planned Parenthood countless more abortions would happen.

Even if Planned Parenthood was defunded, taxpayers’ money would not be saved. The money would likely end up being spent somewhere else.

Additionally, the demand for these services doesn’t go away by defunding one organization. Defunding Planned Parenthood would end up hurting more people than it would help. Although those who believe abortion is morally wrong seem to think defunding Planned Parenthood will solve the issue of abortion, it will really just leave 4.6 million people in need of sexual and reproductive healthcare and education.

No, Planned Parenthood should not be defunded.

(This editorial does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Notre Dame de Sion School.)

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Royals Keep Rolling Kansas City’s professional baseball team continues to build on last year’s success and has a strong chance of returning to the World Series.

BY RACHEL ERGOVICH PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

The Kansas City Royals cemented their place in the baseball world last October during their playoff run that broke a 29-year drought and led them to the final game of the World Series, just 90 feet from forcing the game into extra innings.

The players bottled up that momentum and have continued to build upon it this summer.

Even after the offseason losses of pitcher James Shields and longtime fan-favorite Billy Butler, the Royals rebounded with the acquisitions of pitcher Edinson Volquez and designated hitter Kendrys Morales.

Still, the Royals were chosen by baseball experts to finish in third place in the American League’s Central Division. According to the Kansas City Star, 149 people made playoff predictions before the start of baseball

season. Of those 149, only 13 people picked the Royals to make the playoffs.

Nobody predicted that they would return to the World Series.

After starting the season by winning their first seven games, the Royals quickly jumped to first place in the American League Central Division and have maintained their spot for the majority of the summer.

On top of that, they also have held the best record in the American League and the second best record in Major League Baseball for much of the season.

“I knew that they were going to be good from the start,” senior Gabby Accurso said. “They came so close last year and I knew that they wouldn’t throw it all away.”

Even though the team has had setbacks, losing players such as leftfielder Alex Gordon and starting pitcher Jason Vargas temporarily to injuries, the Royals haven’t slowed down, increasing their first place lead to 11 games ahead of the second place Minnesota Twins.

On top of their continued winning, the Royals made aggressive moves to fill the void left by Gordon

and Vargas by acquiring starting pitcher Johnny Cueto and utility player Ben Zobrist before the July 31 Trading Deadline, according to cbssports.com.

“Getting Cueto and Zobrist is a good morale boost after the loss of Gordon,” senior Jessica Korth said. “A utility player like Zobrist really fills the holes of the entire team.”

“They’re still the same team they were last year.”

- senior Jessica Korth The most recent setback on the Royals’ season involves relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera, who went to the All-Star Game this summer, and rightfielder Alex Rios. The team trainers discovered that both players have been infected with the chickenpox, prompting them to be quarantined from the rest of the team, according to the Kansas City Star.

The players that have not had the chickenpox as children were quickly vaccinated. While there is still some question as to whether anyone else on the team has been infected, no players have shown symptoms. The Royals

also picked up Jonny Gomes from the Atlanta Braves as an insurance player in case Rios takes longer than expected to recover.

Currently the Royals’ Magic Number, the number of wins needed to guarantee a spot in the playoffs, is 13 which puts them at 95 wins. According to sbnation.com, the Royals’ preseason prediction for wins was 72.

The Royals have been able to sustain the same type of winning that fans became familiar with last season by utilizing the same core players in Eric Hosmer, Salvador Pérez, Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain and by following the same athletic style of play as last year: few walks, few strikeouts and putting the ball in play, according to espn.com.

“They’re still the same team they were last year,” Korth said. “Based on how they’re playing now I have high hopes for the postseason.”

According to the Kansas City Star, the Royals are now favorites to return to the World Series. If they continue to follow the blueprint that led them to the World Series last year, they have a chance to do what they came so close to doing last year: win the World Series. (Photo by MCT Campus)

PHILLIPS STEPS IN AS JV TENNIS COACH did not play in college but has been playing recreationally for years.

“Mrs. Phillips is a very encouraging coach. I think it is Karen Phillips has been a counselor at Sion for seven her counselling career coming out. She is very uplifting and years and has always had an interest in being a tennis coach if you’re losing, she always tries to make you feel better,” but has never had the time. After working as a counselor senior Tess Pereira said. “She always has your best interest for 7 years and playing tennis her whole life, Phillips finally at heart and she could care less about the score. All she cares about is having found the time to coach.

“I’ve always loved tennis, but Visit lejournallive.com to fun.”

Phillips enjoys the my children are just entering sixth read about the tournament new position and hopes grade, so I will say that I didn’t want to do it again. Although to take on an after school activity. It the JV team hosted. surprised by how timeworked out this year because they are consuming it is, she likes the new challenge. She said a little older,” Phillips said.

Phillips has been playing tennis since she was younger coaching is different from her day to day counseling job and even played in high school at Sion. She played four and creates a good distraction from her normal counseling Phillips strategizes for a match with years on Varsity Tennis, placed second at Districts in schedule. She gets to do the job she loves along with one of senior Caroline DeCoursey. (Photo by Clare Kimmis) doubles and went to the Missouri State Championship. She her favorite pastimes.

BY CLARE KIMMIS REPORTER

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SPORTS

SOFTBALL STRUGGLES WITH YOUNG TEAM, LOW SIGNUPS

VOLLEYBALL WELCOMES Y O U N G PLAYERS The Varsity Volleyball team must adapt to a younger team after graduating seven seniors.

The team only has three players who have played varsity before.

“They’ve welcomed everyone with open arms,” captain junior Ali Oderman said of the seniors.

According to senior captain Lauren Dwyer, the girls are comfortable with each other and the young blood creates determination to win.

“Everyone works really well together,” Dwyer said. (Story by Natalie Williams)

BY TONI MATHIS REPORTER

Sophomore Sarah Totta rounds third base in a game against Grain Valley in Lexington Sept. 12. (Photo by Sophie Nedelco)

The softball team is struggling to replace the hitters from last year’s senior class, according to softball head coach Mike Dryer.

Dryer has been focusing mainly on hitting and fundamentals. He also tries to increase the pace of practice to stimulate game speed. The team has been practicing at Tomahawk Park while the athletic complex is still being completed.

“Unfortunately, construction of the facility limited what we could do

in the offseason. Practicing offsite, this is one factor that made it difficult to recruit new prospects and have a junior varsity,” Dryer said.

This year there are 14 players and only two freshmen signed up. The team is young in experience at the varsity level with six upperclassmen and eight underclassmen.

“It’s easier to get across our points and break down practices with less players, but sometimes it hurts a bit for substitutions,” junior shortstop Natalie Arreguin said.

So far the team has lost 13 games and won one.

Construction Comes to a Close Students and faculty will be able to use the new athletic complex this October

Many athletes are excited to play on the $4 million athletic complex. The field was designed to allow many of the teams to enjoy the use of the field.

BY KATHLEEN WATZ A celebration recognizing the completion of the REPORTER new field will take place during Homecoming week, Oct. The construction of the new athletic complex 12-17. The entire student body will be able to participate on the high school campus is nearing completion in in the ribbon cutting, and alumnae will be invited back October. The field itself, however, to share in the progress. This is finished, and the field hockey event will take place directly team has started practicing on it. after school Oct. 15, also Sion “It was really exciting and Family Spirit Night, according hotter on turf than grass fun to do stuff with the goal,” to Director of Public Relations senior field hockey player Sara and Alumane(i) Affairs Lauren Watkins said. “We had to walk Golden. across the track on a carpet and fit on the field laying side by side The ceremony will be really careful about not hitting officially open the athletic the balls on the track.” complex, allowing students of rain Feb.- Aug. The heavy rain this summer as well as families access to delayed the estimated finish date, the field, according to High according to project manager School Division Head Natalie Reynold Middleton. time it takes Stormy to walk across McDonough. The finite details Following eight months have not been organized yet but of work, the final stage of will be by the beginning of October. construction is underway. The three layers of the track “I think [the field] has potential,” Hall said. “Teams will be completed in the next month, which will allow will come together, and fans will come to watch as a teams to host home games. community.”

20 degrees

8,856 people

FIELD HOCKEY FALLS SHORT Ursuline Academy defeated the Varsity Field Hockey team 2-0 Sept. 12.

“I think we did poorly considering we’re a lot better team than this result,” senior Maddie Kahl said.

Coach Gwyn Savage said he was disappointed by the outcome.

“There were good opportunities to score. We just need to put the ball in the back of the net,” Savage said. “It’s going to be a challenge this year, but it’s a work in progress.”

Their first home game on the new field is set for Saturday Sept. 26 at 3:15 p.m. against Cor Jesu Academy. (Story and photo

by Paige Dussold)

30.7 inches

2 minutes 42 seconds

The athletic complex has been under construction since Februbary and will be completed in Oct. (Photo by Kathleen Watz)

UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS

9.25

3:45 p.m. @MINOR PARK v. Aquinas

9.26

3:15 p.m. @HOME v. Cor Jesu Academy

9.28

6:00 p.m. @HOME v. Bishop Ward

10.1

4:30 p.m. @HOME v. STA LE JOURNAL

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Living in

Paradise examines the flowers while she attempts to catch a bug (photo by Laney Ulowetz).

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LE JOURNAL September 2015

Paradise

Student teacher Mary Paradise turns her past body image issues into motivation to be a happier person and teacher, focused on only the present.

W

ake up. Work out. Go to school. Work out. Repeat.

She looks in the mirror and sees herself growing thinner and thinner as her daily workout routine grows tougher and tougher. This junior in high school struggles to focus in school and remember her homework while thinking of her body.

After being cut from JV basketball her junior year, student teacher Mary Paradise suffered from body image issues and worked out at least four hours each day. She was diagnosed with exercise bulimia, a psychological disorder in which a person feels compelled to exercise excessively. This negatively affected her health, causing her to drop to about 90 pounds as well as her metabolism and cholesterol going through the roof. Paradise left home for four and a half months in order to receive the help she needed and attend a girl’s home in Saint Louis.

“I didn’t look good. I wasn’t healthy. I wasn’t mentally healthy. You don’t eat. You work out a lot, but I was very cared for which was one reason why I wanted to get better,” Paradise said.

Paradise channeled all of her focus into her schoolwork while she was at the girl’s home.

Workouts were replaced by homework, and

BY LANEY ULOWETZ PHOTO EDITOR

because she had always loved school, she did extremely well. Paradise thanks her grades, friends and family for her improved health. She was able to turn her life around at the girl’s home and after finally stabilizing her weight eight months later, Paradise was then able to go to college and pursue her long-time interest in science.

“Science is an imaginary world. It’s a mystery.

I like finding the answers to things and I always want to find the positive,” Paradise said, “that’s why I’m a scientist.”

Paradise’s sister, Kitchen Manager Anna Paradise, always supported her in high school.

Even though it was difficult to watch her go through such a hard time, Anna knew that her sister would find her way. She was an ultra-athlete, but she was smart. The two sisters are very close now that they have the opportunity to work together.

“I think she’s brilliant and genuine,” Anna said. “All her obstacles have made her stronger.”

She participated in Americorp for 10 months after graduating, where she traveled the West coast doing service projects. At an outdoor science school, Paradise had the opportunity to teach a space lesson. At this moment, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Paradise discovered a love and passion for teaching that motivates her to this day.

“She relates to the students and teaches in a

way that we understand. She’s dedicated to learning new things and isn’t afraid to give us extra help,” senior Erin Mills said.

Having lived in a girl’s home with 12 other people that had their own unique problems, Paradise was forced to not only realize she was in the same situation as these other girls, but also forced to grow up. Now as a teacher, she uses her experience to pick up more easily on other people’s emotions inside the classroom. Paradise wants to make sure that none of her students feel lost, like she did in high school.

“As a teacher, you’re a coach and you’ve got a team of students. You need to know where to place them to help them succeed. I know a lot of people who go through problems, and it just bogs them down,” Paradise said. “Every human being deserves to feel positive, not negative.”

Wake up. Go to school. Teach. Go home.

Repeat. Paradise has made her situation into something that is bigger than just herself. She teaches with a purpose, so that people can see the positive in the world that she recognizes all around her. Paradise is healthily living in the now, enjoying life and doing what she loves.

“After everything I’ve been through, I’m proud that I still have a good outlook on life,” Paradise said. “I overcame it.”

Far Left: Paradise opens the door to her office suited up for an experiment in her lab coat and apron. (photo

by Laney Ulowetz) Top Right: Paradise poses with her sister, Anna Paradise, after she works in the lunch room. (photo by Laney Ulowetz).

Top Left: Paradise examines chemicals in her office (photo by Laney Ulowetz).

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COVER STORY

STORY AND LAYOUT BY ALEX D’ALESIO, RACHEL DOCTOR AND LUCY STOFER

A major corporation’s shift toward gender-neutral branding sparks conversation about evolving gender stereotypes in today’s world.

After many requests, one of the biggest international corporations in the world is paving the path toward a world with a refined perspective on gender. Target is ditching boys’ and girls’ labels on toys. With over 1,799 locations just in the United States, Target projects an influence that will reach millions. This change may make it possible for women to break gender career barriers.

Story continued on page 16

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September 2015

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Story continued from page 15

the blue and the pink is that, finally, it has come to light that boy and girl are not two separate categories that will never cross,” Smith said. arget recently gave its toy section a genderHowver, Target is not spearheading the neutral makeover. A wood tone paper shift away from gender-based branding, but replaces the former pink, blue, yellow and green is rather playing catch-up. The corporation backdrops on the toy aisles. Guests will no follows similar actions of Wal-Mart and longer receive direction from signs that separate Toys R Us, according to latimes.com. “building sets” from “girls’ building sets.”

Both of these corporations would not While signs for apparel will remain, changes comment on their gender-neutral are being made in departments including Toys, branding.

Target recently gave its toy section a genderSmith describes the magnitude neutral makeover. A wood tone paper replaces the of the story as more fascinating than former pink, blue, yellow and green backdrops Target’s action. on the toy aisles. Guests “ Ta r g e t will no longer receive “The reason that now wants to sell as direction from signs that many items that Target is removing separate “building sets” they possibly can,” from “girls’ building sets.” the blue and the pink Smith said. “If you’re While signs for in it to make a profit, you is that, finally, it has apparel will remain, don’t want to upset people changes are being come to light that boy who buy your stuff.” made in departments Since the change to and girl are not two including Toys, Home and what was supposed to be Entertainment. fully neutral in its’ toy separate categories The Toys section now aisles, progress is shown features Nerf sets that that will never cross.” at Target by having aisles advertise images of both - Deborah Smith, UMKC no longer completely boys and girls playing occupied by either shades with their products. Lego also provides a variety of pink or shades of blue as it was in the past. of building set options, ranging from “City Arctic Now, children toys, intended for either gender, Bulldozer” to “Disney Princess Jasmine’s Exotic intertwine on the shelves, allowing for a variety Palace.” down each aisle.

The Executive Team Leader of Human In the past, rigid gender lines would not Resources would not comment on the change nor have upset customers. However, people are now give his name. However, he urged customers to realizing that there are not separate “girl” or visit the corporate website for more information. “boy” interests. Every child is an individual who Deborah Smith, acting chair of the deserves the opportunity to discern their own Department of Sociology at the University of likes or dislikes. Let Toys Be Toys, a parent-led Missouri, Kansas City speculates that the change organization founded in 2013 and based in the is the result of the recent transgender movement. United Kingdom, forms a major voice behind “The reason that now Target is removing putting an end to gender-based branding. The

Gender-Neutral Branding

147 students were surveyed

T

16%

16 percent of students reported feeling limited as a child by signs dividing toys into “boys” and “girls”categories.

151 students were surveyed

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86% AGREE WITH TARGET’S DECISION

organization encourages retailers to categorize toys by saying what the toy is rather than deciding who it is for.

“There is a real lack of women entering and staying in the ‘STEM’ professions,” Let Toys Be Toys campaigner Tessa Trabue said. “If science and construction toys are being aimed at boys, girls not only lose out on the chance to develop an interest in these areas and practice these skills early on, but this also firmly sends a message that these career areas are off-limits to girls, and women.”

Likewise, the organization makes the point that if strollers are marketed only to girls, boys miss out on play experiences that allow them to develop nurturing and caring skills.

This exemption can possibly prevent men from considering professions in healthcare or education later in life, according to Trabue.

As corporations, such as Target, are shifting gender-based advertising, people are redefining how they view themselves in relation to gender attributes. In a poll of 1,000 Americans conducted by research and communications firm PerryUndem, it was determined that men are more likely to reject the label “masculine” than women are to reject “feminine.” According to vox.com, 25 percent of men didn’t identify as “more masculine,” while only 20 percent of women didn’t identify as “more feminine.”

Fifteen percent of the surveyed people claimed to fall in the middle of the spectrum, rejecting a rigid gender defining characteristics.

As the lines between set male and female gender norms begin to blur, there are less expectations for those in today’s society to conform. At Sion, we have many opportunities to discuss these gender norms and how we can prevent gender stereotypes or any stereotypes from defining us. According to counselor and REbeL Club Sponsor Erika Ellwanger, REbeL works at tearing down these pressures and focuses on letting you be who you truly are.

“REbeL is all about the inner you,” Ellwanger said. “We stress the importance of being authentic to who you are as a person and not feeling like you have to fit into certain stereotypes.”

According to Smith, teenagers are at a

COVER STORY

crucial point in their lives as they are determining their identity while dealing with the gender stereotypes imposed upon them by society.

“Gender norms are extremely important during high school,” Smith said, “because you are at this age where you are trying to figure out who you are going to be in the world.”

West Point, Mayors and More

A

lumna Lexie Johnson confronts and defies gender norms directly as a student and cadet at the United States Military Academy West Point. Many times finding herself the only girl in a class of 18, Johnson knows firsthand the life of a woman in a man’s world. Though the majority of her classmates are supportive, she admits to hearing the occasional snide comment about girls not being able to perform as many pushups as boys.

“Back home, I did receive a little bit [of negative feedback] too,” Johnson said. “Some people just didn’t think it was right that a girl should be in the army, let alone an officer in the army.”

However, according to Johnson, West Point provides a very healthy, collaborative environment for men and women.

“Although we have different [time requirements for the Army Physical Fitness Test], we have the same standard and the same goal to do our best for ourselves in the future and for our soldiers in the future,” Johnson said.

In the past year, West Point has raised its admission rate of women from 15 to 20 percent, according to npr.org. Along with this change, Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver have made history, as they will be the first two women to graduate from Army Ranger military school, according to cnn.com.

“They were both from West Point, so it’s a really big deal here. We all thought it was pretty cool,” Johnson said. “It’s hugely inspirational to see that other girls can do it.”

Progress in redefining gender norms is also being made in the National Football League.

According to foxsports.com, Sarah Thomas

enters a group of 122 male referees as the first Cynthia Prince-Fox has encountered some full-time female game official. A trailblazer in challenges. Prince-Fox remembers a specific her industry, Thomas became the first female incident in which a woman made a negative to officiate a bowl game in 2009. In another gender-related comment. groundbreaking event, before a 2015 preseason “I had recently failed an exam related to game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the my business and our head librarian came into Arizona Cardinals, Johnson shook hands with my office to collect my study materials and said Cardinals coach Jen Welter, the first female NFL ‘sorry you failed, but this business is really for coach, according to aplus.com. men and few women succeed,’” Prince-Fox said.

With such strong women breaking gender “STEM”, which stands for Science, boundaries, the future promises a wider path Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, for women partaking in activities that don’t play is a prominent and developing area of studies into the stereotypes that their gender holds. for graduates at Sion that aims to combat these While great strides are being made towards situations. According to science teacher, Kathleen progress, statistics show that the majority of Teel, the purpose of STEM is to introduce large businesses in America haven’t yet made the students to these disciplines to promote and progress that many believe needs to happen. encourage student interest.

According to a “As an all-girls school, CNNMoney Analysis, we hope to show the “Some people just women hold only 14.2 students here that these percent of the top five didn’t think it was right jobs are certainly open to leadership positions at them, and as women they that a girl should be in the companies in the can make a significant Standard & Poor’s 500. the Army, let alone an contribution to any STEM Even worse, there are field they may choose to only 24 women Chief officer in the Army.” enter,” Teel said.

Executive Officers out -Lexi Johnson, West Point Cadet In 2014, engineering of the 500 companies. majors were fifth in Sion mother, Board of Trustee member popularity for graduating Sion students. Just and Assistant Vice President at Waddell & Reed, a year later, they jumped to the second most Anne Brundige breaks this gender barrier as popular, a clear indication of the increasing a woman in a senior position in the financial number of women straying from gender norms. world, a field that according to Brundige, is Sion students are contributing to this largely male-dominated. However, with the challenge of established gender roles in the urging of programs like “STEM,” increasing workplace by aiding in the increase of women in numbers of women are entering previously male- those fields of studies. Sion alumna and Mayordominated fields such as Accounting, Meeting Elect of Nashville, Tennessee Megan Barry serves Planning and Financial Management, according as a direct example of this initiative. to Forbes.com.

“I want to encourage more women to be “When I attended graduate school at the involved in the field of science, because we often University of Chicago, my class was 25 percent bring a different perspective to old problems,” women,” Brundige said. “I just looked at the Barry said. “Likewise, in politics, a diversity of website and it says the most recent class was 35.7 thoughts, opinions and experiences informed percent [women]. Progress.” by our gender or our socio-economic status can Brundige does not feel that she has had lead to new solutions to old problems that may to overcome many gender-imposed hurdles. escape others.”

However, Senior Vice President and Firm Flagship Fund Co-Manager at Waddell & Reed,

STUDENT OPINIONS ABOUT GENDER-SPECIFIC TOYS “At McDonalds, you were asked if you had a boy or girl in the car [for happy meal toys]. I now hope that my own children would not have to think about such restrictions.”

Erin Quinn (11)

“I don’t see anything wrong with designating boys’ toys vs girls’ toys.

Children are not usually affected by these labels.”

Moriana Jaco (10)

“There’s no reason for toys to be controlled by gender.”

Tempest Malone (9)

“Most parents tend to shy away from buying what their child likes due to gender roles.”

Annalise Acuff (12)

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Senior Cheyanne Teasley stands with her adoptive parents, Sara and Chris Teasley, in front of the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. This place is significant for Teasley because it is where she first met her adoptive mom. (Photo by Natalie Sopyla)

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FEATURES

Finding A Forever Family Living in foster homes since the age of 14, senior Cheyanne Teasley refuses to accept bad situations and, through faith and resilience, finds a permanent family to call her own.

A

BY NATALIE SOPYLA FEATURES EDITOR

fter living in five different homes since the age of 12, senior Cheyanne Teasley was becoming frustrated with the foster care system. She did not want to keep living in bad situation after bad situation. She wanted a real home.

So rather than waiting for the government to find her a family, Teasley went and found one herself.

Raised by her grandmother until age 10, Teasley was sent to live with her biological father upon her grandmother’s death. This proved to be an even worse situation than she’d been in before; her father was often angry and would lash out at her. But after living a happy life with her grandmother, Teasley did not let this new situation get her down.

She knew that this was not what her life was meant to be like.

“People usually think ‘This is how my life is’,” Teasley said. “But I just thought, ‘No, this isn’t how my life is going to be for the next ten years.’”

After two years of living with her father, Teasley was placed into the foster care system. Living in a total of five foster homes in a system that is underfunded was difficult. According to Teasley, only two of the homes she lived in were good. Teasley said that the other homes she lived in were places where she often felt neglected.

“The only money we got [from the state] to buy clothes was $125 every six months,” Teasley said.

Teasley also felt that many of the foster parents she lived with would favor their biological children over their foster children, and she often felt like she wasn’t part of the family. Some people are lucky, and get into foster homes where they eventually find a family, but for Teasley, that wasn’t happening. Waiting around for the foster care system to find her a family wasn’t working. Teasley turned to God for help, in the hopes that He would help her find a family.

“I prayed because I didn’t know what else to do, and I wanted parents,” Teasley said. “Not everyone understands that because everyone has parents.”

As luck would have it, someone else was praying for Teasley too.

Teasley’s adoptive mother, Sion grade school art teacher Sara Teasley said that in the week before she met Teasley, she had been praying for some kind of addition to their family, but she didn’t know how that

would happen.

When she met Teasley, Sara was working at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, where Teasley was taking art classes every Saturday.

Sara described Teasley as a charming, conversational girl and noticed that Teasley became more open when they began to talk about art and her dream of going to art school. After this meeting, Teasley decided to take her adoption into her own hands. The next Saturday before her class, she went to Sara’s office, and asked Sara to adopt her. Sara said she was completely taken aback by the boldness of this question.

“I basically told [Cheyenne] that I didn’t even know how to process the question,” Sara said.

After talking to her husband, Sara knew that this was the answer she had been looking for on how to grow her family. According to Sara, the decision ultimately came down to how they would feel about saying no, and the uncertainty of what might happen to Cheyanne if they refused.

“I think that we thought basically ‘If you look back on this in your life later, how will you feel about having said no?,’” Sara said.

“You’ll never know what would have happened to this person.”

It didn’t take long for Sara and her husband to make the decision, but the process to formally adopt Teasley was long and arduous: four years to be exact. Last November, it was finally completed, and now Teasley can’t recall how it felt not having parents.

“It’s weird imagining [my mom] not being there my whole life,” Teasley said. “Like when I look back, I have to remind myself ‘Oh, I didn’t even know her then.’”

Teasley says that she and her mom share a lot in common; they have the same taste in food and music, they share the same sense of humor, and each have an appreciation for art. Teasley shares a love of guitar with her dad, who began teaching her two years ago. After falling in love with the instrument, she now practices almost every day, and she hopes to make guitar a part of her career some day.

Living in eight different family situations was frustrating for Teasley. But she did not simply accept her situation for what it was.

By taking matters into her own hands, Teasley found a family that she will be a part of forever.

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Junior Mary Kate Wilcox watches her three love birds as they play on her arm at her home. (Photo by Lily Coit)

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Bird’s-Eye View Junior Mary Kate Wilcox’s fascination and dedication to birds allows her to understand and help the environment.

A

BY LILY COIT REPORTER

bright orange computer case covered from corner to corner in stickers of varying bird species decorates junior Mary Kate Wilcox’s laptop case. She smiles as she points to her own Sharpie drawn creation of one of her favorite birds, a Carolina Wren, contributing to the collage.

But it’s what’s behind her computer screen that stands out more to Wilcox. A quote from American Ornithologist Roger Terry fills her entire computer screen. “In a world that seems so very puzzling, is it any wonder birds have such appeal? Birds are, perhaps the most eloquent expression of reality.” That “reality” for Wilcox is not just one of wonder and awe for these “eloquent” creatures but the reality of our environment, nature, and the world around her.

Twirling her dainty, silver bird shaped earrings on each of her ears, Wilcox gazes at her gallery of endless photos of various birds she has seen in years past. Excitement illuminates her face as she clicks past each photo, admiring each bird. The spark that started her interest for birds began when she participated in Science Olympiad in sixth grade and discovered the ornithology category.

Yet Wilcox said it wasn’t until eighth grade that she considered it a true passion. She eventually got four birds of her own, all love birds.

“When I was little I wanted to do something to help the environment and birds seemed to be that thing,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox followed this passion this summer as she traveled all across the United States,

understanding different birds and their importance to the Earth. Wilcox went to Kansas State University, Benedictine College, Colorado with the Young Birders Association and Oklahoma to attend the annual American Ornithologist’s Union and Cooper Ornithological Society meeting.

In Oklahoma, professors, graduate students, and researchers presented their findings regarding birds everywhere. Many of their findings focused on declining populations of birds such as Dicksissells and their habitat loss from the takeover of farmland.

“I love birds and I’ve always wanted to do something. I’ve always wanted to make a change, and this is a place where I can really make a positive benefit,” Wilcox said.

Describing birds as “good indicators of environmental health,” Wilcox believes that people all over the world should understand the state of their environment and birds are the key to that understanding. Wilcox claims that you don’t have to be an expert birder to make a difference, it’s merely the simple act of appreciating them and what they offer to the planet.

“This is something I feel not many people are doing and it’s such a big deal,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox’s mother, English teacher Melissa Wilcox believes that her daughter’s excitement and dedication towards these animals will take her places.

“I think she’s exploring what she wants to do in the world. I think she’s exploring that path of what she wants to pursue,” Melissa said.

With full confidence, Wilcox believes that this will blossom into a career. After studying either biology or ecology, she hopes in her future career to be hands-on with the birds but also do the behind the scenes work such as analyzing and collecting data because she believes that is equally as important to help these animals.

The act of just walking around a park on a Saturday morning viewing local birds fills Wilcox with a joy she can’t find anywhere else. Wilcox explains how she often thinks to herself, “What if I woke up in the morning and I didn’t hear the birds singing or if I didn’t see the little cardinal that I see every morning?” For Wilcox, this is a passion that exceeds anything else. It is a passion that guides her towards understanding the bigger picture of the world.

From left to right: junior Mary Kate Wilcox enjoys bird watching while at Benedictine University. Wilcox loves taking pictures of the birds she sees such as a Bellied whistling duck, center, and a Baltimore Oriole, far right. (Photos submitted by Mary Kate Wilcox)

LE JOURNAL

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FEATURES

Balancing East & West Freshman Mary Kelly Shevlin transcends Japanese culture shock and language barrier to see the beauty in new experiences.

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BY PAIGE DUSSOLD REPORTER

he sat quietly during class in a foreign land, with strangers, unfamiliar customs and a daunting language barrier. During the lecture she was able to pick up on one important thing: her teacher was making a joke about her lack of knowledge of the language. Imagine that teacher’s surprise when she let out a laugh.

She really didn’t care about the awkward situation. This was definitely a sign that she was doing just fine.

Freshman Mary Kelly Shevlin, known as ‘MK’ by friends and family, travelled to Ashikaga, Japan for a two week exchange during the summer. The 14 year-old learned of her adventure abroad only two months before departure through a family friend in Ashikaga’s sister city Springfield, Illinois.

Shevlin’s father Douglas Shevlin was hoping that this trip would show her a world that starkly contrasted the one she grew up in. He knew that his daughter understood those differences, but to experience them firsthand and gain a new perspective was something he wouldn’t let her pass up.

Shevlin was assured that her host family would speak English since she did not speak any Japanese, so she jumped at the spontaneous opportunity which was somewhat of a spur of the moment decision according to Shevlin.

“I got an email maybe three weeks before the trip that [the host family] didn’t speak English, so three weeks before the trip I crammed,” Shevlin said.

However Shevlin was able to have confidence in the face of a challenge.

“She doesn’t have problems asking questions and finding out for herself what she needs to know and where she needs to be,” Douglas said.

Though she handled herself with grace, breaking out of the comfort zone came with some side effects.

“I was scared because it would be two weeks without my family in a foreign country with a language that I don’t speak very well” Shevlin said.

But these fears did little to deter Shevlin whose eyes lit up while speaking of the challenge. When she first arrived in Japan, the adjustment was so extreme she momentarily wanted to return home.

“The biggest [differences] were the responses, you have to bow a lot which takes getting used to and just saying ‘thank you’ all the time and ‘excuse me’ all the time,” Shevlin said.

According to Shevlin, knowing about these differences between world cultures is an important aspect of being a well rounded person.

Seeing how different people live makes a person more accepting of their fellow human beings.

All the details she observed opened her mind even further. She acquired a new understanding of the world around her and the diverse humanity within it according to Shevlin.

Crossing from the western world into the ways of the east is a recipe for culture shock, but that was just what made each moment uniquely amazing to Shevlin.

While exploring the country with her host family she was a guest in many Japanese temples where she learned how to pray traditionally like the Japanese people do which requires more bowing and even more clapping. No matter the setting, every moment brought new understandings about the world she lives in.

“When meeting new people, and especially when learning about new countries and history or geography… It just helps you really pay attention to your own culture and to other cultures as well… it really broadens your worldview,” Shevlin said.

“Japan was exquisite… I can’t wait to go back to visit my host family and use all the manners and language I learned this past summer.”

Japan taught Shevlin that there is intense beauty in the unfamiliar aspects of other people’s lives. She looked to the side while reflecting on her time in Ashikaga.

Warmth dripped from every word as she passed on her most treasured memories. “[My favorite part] was the family time with my host family and their daily lives, because they just made it such a point to include me in their routine. I found that whenever I would go anywhere, they would immediately introduce me to all their friends and they were very sweet about it. It was really nice,” Shevlin said.

Shevlin admitted that her fear coming into the trip was being away from her family for a long time in a strange place so it is only fitting that she felt most at peace in a family setting surrounded by acceptance. Thanks to her adventure a much larger picture comes to mind at the word ‘family.’ “[Traveling] is important because it makes you a more intelligent person, it helps you better understand people as a whole,” Shevlin said. “Even people from my own culture.”

“It would be two weeks without my family in a foreign country with a language that I don’t speak very well.” -Mary Kelly Shevlin

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Freshman Mary Kelly Shevlin poses with her plush version of Ashikaga, Japan’s town mascot. According to Shevlin it is a custom in Japan to have a mascot for each city or town. (Photo by Paige Dussold) LE JOURNAL

September 2015

23

BREAK OUT The smooth, metal door clicks shut behind us.

We glance around. A television screen in the upper corner lights up the dilapidated hotel room. A twinsized bed sits in the middle with nightstands on each side. A sink fills one of the corners, the mirror above it pried away at the screws. In the opposite corner rocks a cream, flower-patterned armchair, the fabric around the cushion torn. We have entered Room 13.

The room is part of Breakout Kansas City, a new escape game located in the River Market. To break out, players must crack codes and solve riddles. Two to eight players can book a room and pay $28 each to be locked up. Breakout KC opened its first room in May and is now fully open with four themed rooms: Room 13, Szechuan Secret, The Truman Room and River Quay Casino.

Seniors Aubrey Makar, Kathleen Watz, Chloe Barrett, Chioma Okuagu, Alex D’Alesio and I shift our gaze to the television screen. We are trapped, and the screen lists the guidelines for getting out: We are allowed three clues from one of the Breakout KC employees. They will watch us through a camera mounted in the opposite corner. Ultimately, we must punch a four digit code into the door’s keypad to unlock it. We have 60 minutes. Go. We scramble. Tearing off the bed covers, examining the tube of toothpaste, flipping the picture frames, it becomes clear that we have no clue what we’re looking for. But, our only choice

BY SOPHIE NEDELCO is to continue to frantically CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF search.

We begin to come across tiny clues but struggle to decipher the meaning of them. At this point, it became clear that Makar and Watz would lead the break out and had a mind for solving the riddles.

They dove into the game immediately and kept focus for the entire hour.

While we were a confident group going in, that confidence quickly drained as we realized our inexperience as escape artists. Breaking out at Breakout Kansas City isn’t easy; it requires precise teamwork, a relentless attitude and some mild math skills. The success rates per room range from 18 to 34 percent, reflecting the difficulty of the game. According to Breakout Kansas City’s co-owner Lucas Thompson, they would rather players be right on the verge of breaking out than actually break out.

But, the difficulty (as well as the pricy $28) was worth it. Although we were locked in a room, it was as if we had taken on a dramatic adventure. According to Breakout Kansas City’s co-owner Matt Baysinger, one of the goals of the escape game is to involve players in interactive entertainment instead of consumed entertainment such as going to movies or sporting games.

As our time dwindled, our panic rose, and in the last seconds of the game, we laughed, frantically punching numbers into the keypad. We had failed to escape. So the metal door that had menacingly locked behind us 60 minutes earlier was opened, and we exited Room 13.

THIS NEW

ESCAPE GAME IN THE RIVER

MARKET HAS PLAYERS

PAYING TO BE LOCKED UP.

LE JOURNAL September 2015

CHALLENGING //

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Aubrey’s Kansas City Adventures

(Photos by Aubrey Makar)

more publicity to the park. This lovely the sculpture a voice sounded saying the lense of her sculpture. I quickly agreed to return so that I would be able to witness the celestial spectacle through the filter of DiPiazzo’s moon unit. immediately caught my eye. Numerous she was happy to explain her process Each of the sculptures has a colorful creations wrap around the behind her cosmic creation to me. plaque that explains what it’s called, “I made this for the people who the artist’s name and the material each trees with gloves on each end to make the grand picture of someone hugging live here so that they can see the city is made of. I approached a plaque but the trees. The art pieces are scatter all that they live in in a different way, and couldn’t find anything near it and around the park, and everywhere you for people from other cities to see this became disappointed and a little afraid look a technicolored tree hugger is city in a different way. We’re going to someone might have stolen it. But fly it to the moon one day. I always call after I looked up a shining chandelier attached to a nearby tree.

A silver painted sculpture lies it my moon unit just in case,” DiPiazzo hanging from a tree immediately across the grass entitled Moon Garden said. washed away my fears. It’s placed in a DiPiazzo had me step inside the perfect spot so that the sun reflects off

by William Vannerson near the edge of the park. This piece frames the city orb and showed me that by looking of it causing its lustrous appearance. behind the carefully crafted beams. through each of the holes it would Now only if the sign said something to The Sprint Center, Western Auto sign point to a different location that was the extent of look up just in case some and the Opera House loom in the important to this area and a special people like me would miss it on the background along with the skyline of opening in the top for viewing the first try.

Downtown. Each of these creations moon. By peering through each of Washington Square Park is a great had been specifically made by Kansas the tunnels I could see the Western place to go and hang around the city.

City artists for this spot to share with Auto Sign through a tube, one of the Benches and tables make it a fantastic many KC fountains through another spot to study or just to spend time the locals and those visiting.

The next thing I noticed was and other focus points that DiPiazzo with friends on a nice day. Kansas City a massive orb with playful colors thought the creation would be has so many fantastic nooks that a lot pointing every which directions. incomplete without. of people don’t know about. But by Before DiPiazzo returned to her looking at what’s right in the midst of As I drew nearer to the sculpture, an audible “Wow this is so cool” work, she reminded me to return Sept. the city, you might find something to escaped my mouth and from behind 27 to witness the lunar eclipse through enjoy for a long time.

Hidden in the middle of the five acre field is open to everyone and “Thanks”. city, Washington Square is located right outside Crown Center.

It turned out to be the artist behind Park’s creativity shines with While walking from my car the creation of the orb titled “Oculus”. into the park, the vibrant sculptures Her name was Denise DiPiazzo, and the addition of local art.

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Singer-songwriter Halsey’s long awaited debut album, “Badlands,” quickly climbed to number two on iTunes. The album, released Aug. 28, is brimming with electronic noise and monotonous angst, eventually blending into one long 40 minute song sounding exactly like every other indie pop album.

Halsey’s Instagram bio reads, “I write songs about sex and being sad. I will never be anything but honest.” While honesty is something almost everyone can appreciate, the heavily recurring theme of sex and depression is worn out in the music industry and painfully overused throughout “Badlands.”

In an interview at the FireFly music festival, Halsey describes her sound as “an attempt to create space with sound... It was about creating a

as om

Dyl

BY TARA JUNGDEN REPORTER

universe and making it so that people felt like they were actually being transported somewhere.”

It is apparent through the duration of the album and Halsey’s own words about, “transporting listeners to another place,” that the album is trying to push its way into the widely recognizable playlist of, “Songs to get high to,” giving off a sort of Vines vibe circa, “Mary Jane.”

However, the album falls flat of that otherworldly feel the artist seems so desperately to be seeking.

Halsey, singing the entirety of the album solo, has a voice which is strong but takes on forced characteristics of the classic, and commonly mocked, “Indie girl voice.” At times (especially in the verses) sounding very similar to artists like Ellie Goulding, and Mandy Lee of Misterwives.

While Halsey may have the voice and songwriting ability to potentially write an album worth lasting, her debut’s overall sound is forced and unoriginal.

m Tho as

Halsey’s debut album sells big despite sounding blah.

“The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” opened in theaters on Sept 18, the second movie in the well known trilogy “The Maze Runner.”

’brein

“Badlands:” Boring Songs, Below-par Lyrics

Stepping into the Scorch

nO

Kansas City’s Annual Chalk and Walk Festival was held at Crown Center Sept. 12-13. Go to lejournallive.com for a review and pictures from the event.

odelario Sc

Kansas City is a pretty cool place. Everyone knows the iconic shuttlecocks and the Plaza fountains that make up every Kansas City greeting card and occupy every corner of the KC themed shops. But only a few people know where the really cool stuff is. I like to consider myself one of those people. Places that hold significant beauty and alluring history hide in the shadows of the city waiting to be noticed.

Concealed in the middle of the city, Washington Square Park creates a fun environment to hang around.

New art installments decorate the park from actual tree hugging sculptures to a moon machine and many more. The artwork was recently added to bring

odie-San Br

BY AUBREY MAKAR A&E COLUMNIST

(Illustrations by Aubrey Makar)

“The second movie was better because it left you with less questions and had more action, depth and Dylan O’Brien.” -senior Maya Visesio “It was an action packed movie with more than one surprise that I never saw coming.”- freshman Elise Bishop LE JOURNAL September 2015

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The six color-coded holes challenge players, accommodating for all skill levels. (photo by Alex D’Alesio )

Top Golf Raises

Recreational Golf to a New Level

The newest entertainment venue proves popular with pro and amateur crowds.

BY ALEX D’ALESIO WEB MANAGING EDITOR

Ping. The 3-wood slices through the ball and sends it whizzing into the fluorescent blue opening, one of the six dartboard-like targets spotting the ground. Twenty points flashes up on the overhead screen.

The friendly competition of Overland Park’s newest entertainment attraction, Top Golf, draws in people of all ages. As the perfect place to go out with friends and the ultimate attraction for a family night out, Top Golf deserves the traffic it has received. If you haven’t been, you are missing out.

“The second you walk in the door, the attitude and the friendliness makes you want to play, and by the time you’re done golfing, you can’t wait to come back,” Top Golf Team Leader Blair Falconer said.

Teeming with customers, the three-level facility, enclosed by netting that ranges from 160 to 180 feet in height, has wait times that range from 30 minutes to two hours. Yet, time passes fast as people can relax in the company of two pool tables, a shuffleboard table, a foosball

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LE JOURNAL September 2015

table, and three Xbox Kinect screens, all accessible free of charge.

It doesn’t take long for one of the 102 hitting bays to open up, at which time players can enjoy the technological luxury of the computer microchips that track distance and accuracy.

As golfers are covered by an overhang, the activity is a perfect alternative to rainy day bowling. Lounge couches, tables, and fans decorate each individual bay, setting up the perfect space to enjoy Craft Beer Queso, one of the many delicious items off the menu, with prices ranging from $3$14.

Bays can accommodate up to six players and a flat price per bay ranges from $20-$40 an hour, depending on the time and weekday. In addition to this, all golfers must pay a one-time fee of $5 to obtain a membership card.

“It’s more fun to go with more people, and it is a cheaper cost, because you can split the price,” junior Claire Raulston said.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Top Golf has grown to 15 locations in the United States, including Oregon, California, Chicago, Vegas, and Colorado. With a goal of opening 80 within the next 10 years, the franchise An interactive screen allows players is spiraling down a hill of success - it gets a hole in one in to monitor their progress. (photo by Alex D’Alesio) my books.

Praiseworthy Pizza Le Journal staff members review the newest, local pizza eateries.

Main Slice Pizza 235 SE Main St., Lee’s Summit, MO Specialty: Main Street, KC Stockyard, and Buffalo Chicken.

Pizza by the slice: $3.25 - $4.25 Pizzas range from $12-$20

BALANCED //

Pizzeria Locale 505 W 75th St., Kansas City, MO Known For: All fresh local ingredients (when seasonally available), and a cook time of two minutes.

Pizzas range from $5.75 - $8.75

CLASSIC //

Pie Five

13366 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS Specialty: Jack Stack BBQ, Artisan Thin Crust, Seven Sauce Options, and a five minute wait for every order.

All Pizzas are $6.99 and individual sized

SPEEDY //

LE JOURNAL

September 2015

27

BACK IN BUSINESS

S 1.

2.

1. Sophomore Catherine Wilkerson performs the cheer rountine during the pep assembly Friday Sept. 4. “I was nervous because this was the first time performing in front of the school,” Wilkerson said. “But it is one of my favorite things to do.” (Photo by Laney Ulowetz).

2. Freshmen Grace Hair and Gabby Grimaldi laugh after receiving their beanies during the Beanie Assembly. “I was the last person to recieve my beanie, so I felt a little awkward at first,” Hair said. “But getting my beanie really made me feel a part of the school.” (Photo by Laney Ulowetz).

3. Senior Daria Kinchelow aims the ball at a freshmen during the Senior vs.

Freshmen dodge ball game. “It was nice to get both grades to come together,” Kinchelow said. “Dodge ball got a little competitive though.” (Photo by Laney Ulowetz).

4. Freshman Emily Koca and senior Hannah Valentine strike a pose during their dance performance at Rockhurst High School. “It was kind of sentimental because it was my last year,” Valentine said. “My favorite part was looking into the stands and seeing all the Sion girls cheering us on.” (Photo by Rachel Ergovich).

5. Freshman Keali Myrick examines her tie dye headband created during Freshmen/Senior field day. “It was cool to interact with upperclassmen,” Myrick said. “I also liked that I could make my own design with the tie dye.”

(Photo by Laney Ulowetz).

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September 2015

ion is back in full swing. Students and faculty quickly acclimated the freshmen to school, with activities such as Beanie Week and Freshmen/Senior field day. September brought the first pep assembly and also showcased dance and cheer teams’ performances at the Rockhurst High School football game Sept. 4.

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