October 2012

Le journal presidential a

Obama

a

a

2012

romney

election opinions

full coverage of election

first lady fashion

pg. 4-5

pg. 10-13

pg. 17

A Publication of Notre Dame de Sion

10631 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114

Volume 31 Issue 2 october 2012

What’s inside 8

Playing with a new coach this year, the volleyball team battles against Blue Springs South in one of their last volleyball games. (Photo by Laura Travis)

18

The dance team performed at Rockhurst High School during halftime at the Friday night football game Oct. 5. (Photo by Emma Eveld)

9 The Spanish Exchange student, Maria Vidal, adjusts to the daily routine of a Sion girl. (Photo by Shannon Laird)

In Each Issue Editor’s Ink

10-13 20

3

Cover Story

18

My Life is Awkward Photo Essay

6

-2- what’s inside

Junior Claire Boehm helps a Sion Grade School student play Plinko. She volunteered in one of the many booths at Fall Festival. (Photo by Sarah Allen)

design By: dana routh, delaney bates, and sarah allen On the cover Cover Cover artwork by: ally ungashick

Le Journal Le Journal is the official publication of Notre Dame de Sion High School 10631 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64114 MEMBER Missouri Interscholastic Press Assoc.

National Scholastic Press Assoc.

International Quill and Scroll CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Maura Eveld Delaney Bates

MANAGING EDITOR Emma Eveld

EDITORIAL EDITOR Emma Eveld

ARTS & ENERTAINMENT EDITOR Laura Travis

NEWS/ SPORTS EDITOR Sarah Holland

FEATURES EDITOR Shannon Laird

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Lucy Gasal

WEB-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elizabeth Gianino

the editor’s ink I decided not to touch on the election in this Editor’s Ink. Instead, I thought I’d analyze something I hope we all can agree is close to our hearts: the school song. It’s fitting as Oct. 13 marked the official 100th Anniversary Celebration, the last of countless festivities that celebrated Sion’s 100 years in Kansas City. We sing, or at least attempt to stutter, our song in French almost once a week, but how many of us know the English translation?

Sion, the joyous echo repeats / Your name so dear to our hearts; Last week, I found a fellow senior crying down the senior hallway. I wondered what was wrong. Stressed about college apps? Bad test day? She had a different reason, though.

“I just love Sion,” she said. “If I could stay at Sion for the rest of my life, I know I’d be happy.”

If that doesn’t speak to how close Sion’s name is to our hearts, I don’t know what does. Celebrating this closeness with a week of themes, games, spirit, and fun (check out pages 6 and 20) in my opinion only heightened this love and passion.

WEB SPORTS EDITOR Audrey Saracini

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Meg Cowan

REPORTERS Sarah Allen Emma Dopheide Kim Fryer Mary Kate Hense Ashley Herring Madison Hummel Meghan Lally Dana Routh Kristine Sullivan Georgia Thompson Katy Zahner

Sion, we are your conquest / And we will be your defenders.

When I saw the word conquest, I immediately thought of sports (look at end-of-the-season stats for all fall sports on page 8). I thought of how the golfers dominated, balancing academics with tournament success (page 9), and how the dance and cheer teams made us proud at Rockhurst halftimes (also page 9).

On this beautiful day, we are proud / To proclaim that we

are your children / To place ourselves under your noble banner, / And to offer you our hearts and our songs.

We are proud to be a part of the Sion community.

Junior Kim Fryer got the chance to shadow at Shawnee Mission East. And though she saw the experience as interesting and fun, she explains in her column that she’s much happier as a Sion girl (page 16).

Long live Sion’s banner / May her two colors wave everywhere.

I got so excited when I read this translation. Of course the image of our new spirit flag came to mind. Her two colors, purple and white, waved across the city in STUCO’s spirit week video.

May our whole soul go into our song. / Long live Sion, let us sing in chorus. / Long live Sion, let us sing in chorus. / Let us sing in chorus, long live Sion / and Our Lady.

When I went to Mass last Sunday at St. Thomas More Parish, Fr. Don Farnan raised a special prayer intention after the lector read the petitions. He told the congregation to pray and be thankful for Notre Dame de Sion’s service to Kansas City. He asked us to join in celebrating Sion’s 100th anniversary.

My dad leaned over to me and whispered a “Vive Sion” into my ear.

I like to think that every issue Le Journal celebrates Sion. Celebrates our students, our service, our classes, our sports. And this issue is no exception.

Maura Eveld Co-editor-in-chief

ADVISER

Alison Long

PUBLICATIONS BOARD Alison Long Michelle Olson Penny Selle Kay Walkup Carole Wall-Simmons Melissa Wilcox Delaney Bates Maura Eveld Meghan Gordon Lauren Ruiz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Le Journal welcomes letters submitted by readers. The staff reserves the right to edit length and minor grammatical errors, but the letter’s message will not be altered.

The staff reserves the right to review letters and edit material that is inappropriate. Libelous, slanderous or obscene letters will not be printed.

Letters must be signed.

Photo of the Issue

The Fall Festival raised money for the Grade School and the high school and brought both schools together. The younger brother of Lauryn and Olivia Guidry (above) enjoyed playing with bubbles during the event. (Photo by Sarah Allen)

editor’s ink -3-

THE LEFT The Candidates Race

President Obama says his health care plan will work.

BY SARAH HOLLAND

Sports/News Editor

Tears streaming down her face, Stacey Lihn speaks of her fear that Romney would be elected and the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, would be repealed. Her daughter Zoe has undergone three open-heart surgeries. The heartbreaking story of the Lihn family is from barackobama.com, highlighting the strife many American families had to face before the Affordable Care Act was passed.

“Obamacare has saved my daughter’s life,” Lihn said.

The Lihns represent thousands of families in the United States who rely on Obamacare to provide affordable health insurance. Senior citizens and those fighting serious illnesses rely on the affordability and cannot pay more or have insurance caps placed upon them.

Before Obamacare, insurance companies set lifetime caps on how much coverage each individual gets. This means insurance companies dictated how much money can be spent on insurance in a lifetime. Before Obamacare was put in place, Zoe used up half her lifetime cap in six months. By 2014, health care reform will eliminate all discrimination for pre-existing conditions, start the process of expanding health insurance coverage for an additional 32 million Americans and provide

the largest middle-class tax cut for health care in history.

“Every day President Obama’s health insurance reforms are helping millions of Americans across the country save money and live healthier lives,” James Kvaal, Policy Director of Obama for America Obamacare, said. “It gives you and your doctors – not your insurance companies – control over your own health care.”

Insurance companies are not doctors. They should not set caps on insurance. Doctors and people

(Photo from MCT Campus)

with health issues are the ones who understand health care issues.

Like Medicare before it, the Affordable Care Act lays a new foundation for our country that will bring additional security and stability to the American people for generations to come.

In contrast, according to huffingtonpost.com, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan would institute a voucher

system which would force seniors who depend on Medicare to pay thousands of dollars more each year for their health insurance. Additionally, Romney supports cutting National Institutes of Health grants that support research on diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and AIDS. Obamacare should not be repealed. The first presidential debate made this even more clear. It started with President Obama raising Mitt Romney’s promise to repeal Obamacare. What would Romney replace it with? That’s the problem. Romney hasn’t said.

Romney never released a health care plan that actually covers pre-existing conditions, as he said on Jay Leno’s show. Moreover, after the debate, his own top adviser admitted that President Obama was right: Romney would leave preexisting conditions up to the states, but they’d like to see what they did in Massachusetts and have a ban on insurance companies discriminating against sick people. This leaves many to wonder why he wants to repeal Obamacare, which is modeled after his Massachusetts plan.

Additionally under his plan Romney said that young people are able to stay on their family plan.

This was already put in place by Obamacare. Romney claims he wants to repeal Obamacare, yet, as seen in his response, he wants to promise those very same benefits. No matter your political party, you should be in favor of Obamacare because in essence, both political candidates are.

“Those who want it [The Affordable Care Act] repealed are choosing between life or death for millions of Americans,” Lihn, unable to hold back tears said.

When Religion and Politics Collide Religion does matter in politics, but will it affect your vote this November?

Our presidential candidates’ religions should not sway your vote.

BY DELANEY BATES

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Mitt Romney. Running for president of the United States. Republican. These are the things voters see on the surface when getting to know Romney as a candidate for the presidential election. And, when it comes to faith, Romney is Mormon. When I first heard this, I knew nothing about Mormonism, and like many other people, was quick to judge.

“A lot of people don’t know about the faith, so they’re skeptical about it,” junior Jasmyne Roth, a practicing Mormon, said.

When looking into it, I realized that Mormonism isn’t what I thought. First of all, it has many similar beliefs to Catholicism.

Mormonism is a Christian denomination, and like Catholicism, has a strong belief in morals and care for others, especially those in need.

The election shouldn’t center on religious beliefs.

But we should still stay informed about the candidates and their lives. What kind of person they are outside of politics does matter.

-4- editorials

Romney isn’t the first man who ran for the presidency with a “different” religion. John F. Kennedy ran for and won the presidency in 1961. Kennedy was a Catholic. Skepticism of the Catholic Church was still mainstream in the 1960’s. People feared that a Catholic in the White House meant the Pope would have a direct line into American politics. They judged.

“a lot of people think since he’s mormon, he’s going to change the country. but for obvious reasons, he’s not.”

- jasmyne roth But regardless of what anyone thought, Kennedy was elected.

President Barack Obama had challenging religious rumors when running for the election in 2008.

During an ABC News Interview with George

Stephanopoulos, Obama said that John McCain had not talked about “my Muslim faith,” and then later corrected himself and said “my Christian faith,” according to the ABC video.

That’s all it took. After this interview, the rumor was out that Obama was Muslim. This worried a lot of Americans. No one knew about the faith. Obama is a Christian, but that is beside the point. We should not be fearful of an unknown religion and vote in fear.

During this election, Romney has been shown as robotic, emotionless, with no heart and no personality. But Romney’s humble attitude has kept stories of his generosity with money and personal time from being heard.

One of the most notable speeches at the Republican National Convention was when Ted and Pat Oparowski spoke about Romney. In the 1970’s, their son was dying of cancer, and Mitt Romney visited him many times and also helped the boy write his will.

“How many men do you know would take the time out of their busy lives to visit a terminally ill 14-year-old and help him settle his affairs?” Pat Oparowski asked the audience of the Convention.

The boy also asked Romney to give his eulogy, and he honored that request.

And the Romney’s had humble beginnings.

Ann said that she and Romney lived in a basement

to the White House The right Gov. Mitt Romney says Obamacare will break the bank.

BY MEGHAN LALLY

Reporter

For 236 years America has been the land of opportunity. Millions of immigrants have put their lives at stake to travel the seas in hopes that they may one day see Lady Liberty in the distance. This is the country the founding fathers built from the ground up so that we may live a plentiful life. Families have traveled to this land so that they may live in a free market economy, where health care is exceptional.

This is still America, but our healthcare system is about to be drastically changed because of Obamacare.

Obamacare is the plague of the health care system. It is exorbitantly expensive, and according to Romney’s campaign, it is a $1 trillion program. With a country already drowning in debt, Obamacare will only worsen the economic situation. The government has underestimated the cost of this program. And the tax the government will burden the people with to pay for it will still not cover the cost.

Because of the high cost, $716 billion is going to be taken from important programs such as Medicare in order to help pay for the costs taxes do not cover.

This large amount of money is not only used for necessary medical expenses, such as surgeries, but also contraceptives and abortions, under the guise of women’s care. Using contraceptives and receiving an abortion is against the beliefs of the Catholic Church and many Christian faiths. Thus, Obamacare is violating the first amendment.

apartment for a few years without much income or even carpeting. While finishing up college, they continued to get by on little income, having their first child while still in that small apartment, according to policymic.com.

Romney has also stated on multiple occasions that all his inheritance from his father, who died in 1995, was given to charity. All of the money he has today, he made for himself.

Romney and his wife, Ann, gave 29.4 percent of their income to charity in 2011, according to politico.com.

This man has a huge heart and has touched the lives of so many. And he happens to be a practicing and faithful Mormon. We should not judge the other, but understand.

Romney’s a Mormon. So what? He is clearly a good man with strong morals. Isn’t that what we should be focusing on during the Presidential Election?

Judging someone harshly on their religion is wrong.

“He’s not going to force people to go to church, and different rules aren’t going to be set,” Roth said.

“A lot of people think since he’s Mormon, he’s going to change the country. But for obvious reasons, he’s not.”

So put your judgements of the Mormon, Catholic, and Muslim faiths aside. Look at the two Presidential candidates and choose not based on religion, but based on the future of our country.

For the full story go to lejournallive.com

Obamacare also implements a socialistic like economy. America is a democracy, not a socialistic society, and according to obamacarefacts.com, Obamacare would force American citizens with a salary of more than $250,000 or higher to pay higher taxes to fund this system in which all people will receive health care.

And besides that, there is already a program in the United States that supplies low-income people with health care. This program is called Medicaid. There is no need to mess with success. Medicaid provides state-

(Photo from MCT Campus)

by-state, government-run healthcare to those who cannot afford healthcare. This program is a win-win for all because it provides those with care who need it, and it allows those who can afford to pay for it and want to chose their own healthcare plan to do so.

Obamacare is not necessarily even improving health care. According to Romney’s campaign, it is actually limiting health care. At first, people may

have the option to purchase their own health care from the private sector if they desire, but eventually with Obamacare implemented, private insurance companies may not even be in existence. This means thriving companies built by hardworking individuals like Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Humana could just be gone. All gone because of a policy thought up by one administration with the goal to implement a single payer system.

Romney has other plans for our country’s health care. He would use a market- orientated system. And we, as Americans, would be able to buy our own insurance plans. His first step, however, would be to repeal Obamacare.

As the Massachusetts governor, Romney implemented a similar health care program to Obamacare, finding a way to supply 98 percent of people insurance while still cutting costs. It was a successful program. Working at a local level allows states to take care of their specific needs.

Although the thought of all Americans receiving health care is incredible, people do not realize what supplying everyone with health care entails. The size of bureaucracy will be a bloated mess. Costs will skyrocket.

Somebody has to pay. Nothing in life is free.

Voting for Obama this November will be contributing to the economic downfall in this country. Voting for Romney will give a vote to a man who will restore this country’s healthcare system. Vote the right way.

THE FACTS: Your Candidates

About:

83%

of the USA is religious

Romney: Mormon

obama: christian

of the USA is Mormon

of the USA is Christian

11 Episcopalian 10 Presbyterian 5 Methodist 4 Baptist 4 Unitarian 3 Disciples of Christ

2 Dutch Reformed 2 Quaker 2 Congregationalist 1 Catholic 1 Jehovah’s Witness 0 Mormon

1.7%

78%

Religions of our past presidents

Religions.pewforum.org and Adherents.com

editorials -5-

News

in brief

French Day

Kicking off spirit week, French students celebrated their language with food, games and friends. From arts and crafts to playing french card games, students celebrated the tradition of French day on Monday, Oct. 8. The red paper flowers that were created appeared throughout the day.

The school represented French day with various costumes. Students sported berets, chef hats and mime face paint.

“We got to pray in French and eat chocolate croissants,” junior French student Maggie Keenan said.

Keenan was not the only one who enjoyed the food. As the French students gathered in circles in the Original Grand Salle, they munched on their French-inspired feasts and played games.

Senior Megan Benson cheers as the seniors grasp the victory in the Quidditch match. (Photo by Lucy Gasal)

A Century of Spirit

Sion celebrates 100 years of spirit through a week of games and fun.

Juniors Georgia Thompson and Madi Lamb play the French card game “Mille Bornes” on French Day. (Photo by Mary Kate Hense)

Fall Festival Oct. 6 marked the kickoff of Sion’s centennial celebration with the annual Fall Festival at the Grade School.

The festival was true to its fiesta theme, thanks to fiesta decorations, chips and queso, crafts such as maraca decorating and confetti eggs as well as performances by Flamenco dancers and a Mariachi band.

“I think there was a good turnout,” Volunteer Chair Lucy Curfman said. “It was a little cold, which may have kept some people away.”

The Fall Festival Committee added something new this year - a parade around Hyde Park, complete with a police escort, fire truck, Kona ice truck and kiddie train.

“I think the Fall Festival is important to Sion because it embodies the school’s philosophy on togetherness and unity,” Fall Festival Committee Co-chair Brenna Dougan said.

Grade School student Valeria Carigan dances to the Mariachi band. (Photo by Sarah Allen)

-6- news

BY GEORGIA THOMPSON Reporter

The week of Oct. 6 through 13 was dedicated to the celebration of 100 years of the Notre Dame de Sion School. Stretching from the fiesta-themed Fall Festival at the Grade School to the 100th Anniversary Party, the week was filled with themed dress days, in-class activities and all-school events.

In order for the week to be one remembered for years to come, Student Council Vice President Kamryn Schropp said STUCO had to brainstorm for new ideas and fun ways to include the entire student body and faculty.

“We planned for months. STUCO played a large part in coming up with a lot of the themes and planning the logistics for the games, Pep Rally and the breakfast,” Schropp said. “Our goal was to raise school spirit while incorporating Sion’s history. Stuco believed that if we showed our passion for Sion, then the rest of the students would too.”

Along with the school celebration, Sion’s 100 years have been recognized citywide. Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Sly James, a former Sion Grade School parent and Board of Trustees member, formally commemorated the school by issuing a proclamation that established the week in Sion’s honor.

“It was a request that the school made because of the Mayor’s relationship with Sion, and he has always been such a big supporter. We told them that in honor of our 100th anniversary we had an entire week at the school dedicated to celebrating our centennial,” Alumnae Coordinator Lauren Gyllenborg Golden said. “They responded that they would be interested in doing a Mayor’s Proclamation that would announce the celebration week.”

Teachers honored the history of Sion by incorporating activities into their class schedules.

“In my American Government and history classes we drew some comparisons between what we were normally studying to what the historical and political situations were in 1912 when the school was founded, and drew some connections between the two.

We really looked at what situations the first Sion girls would have been living through,” teacher Becky Haden said. “I think it’s important to learn about how we developed as a school and get in touch with our history and traditions so we can go forward in a meaningful way.”

The week that centered around the celebration of Sion was a success in Dean of Students Fran Koehler’s opinion. Due to the centennial, she believes the school was more energized.

“It feels like Sion has received a fresh coat of paint.

It’s a positive, new energy,” Koehler said. “History is who we are. We have a unique mission, we are a strong school, and I feel as if we have a lot to celebrate.”

Junior Kirsten Rasmussen, who dressed up as Draco Malfoy on Harry Potter day, cheers for Slytherin during the Quidditch match. (Photo by Kim Fryer)

Path to Pathophysiology New science class is established at Sion for second semester.

BY KRISTINE SULLIVAN Reporter Diseases are becoming more prevalent in the world today and it is important that people know what the causes and effects of these diseases are. That is why Sion is offering a new class, Pathophysiology, to juniors and seniors so they can learn more about diseases. It will be offered as a second semester class after one semester of anatomy. Marilyn Stewart, the geometry, anatomy, physiology and Algebra I teacher, will be teaching this course.

“I am very excited to be teaching this because I am a retired physical therapist and I am huge on promoting the health care field to students,” Stewart said. “It is a very secure and flexible field to be in.”

Pathophysiology used to be taught in the anatomy class, but time tended to run out before they could get to it. Stewart wanted to make this a whole separate class because the subject was so fascinating to students. The students will be learning about diseases in skin, skeletal, muscle, nervous and special senses areas of the body.

“I want what I am teaching to be meaningful to my students,” Stewart said. “That’s why I will focus on concussions, sprains, torn muscles and other things

Spirit Nights sepTember:

5 15 1 23

Sion vs. STA: Volleyball, softball & BBQ at THE High School

novEMBER: Purple on the Plaza: Dinner at California Pizza Kitchen

february:

Fine Arts Friday: Art & Music show at Crossroads District

april:

Culver’s Night: Annual dinner at Culver’s

that are relevant to them.”

Senior Maggie Gorman said she is taking the class because she is interested in studying nursing when she is in college. She thought this would be a good class to take so she has a better understanding of the diseases and illnesses people develop and have.

“I think it will be very beneficial since I’m looking into medical school for a career,” Gorman said.

“I’m really excited to learn about the different types of cancers there are and how to identify them.”

Junior Alex Mayse is also taking the class because she wants to become a doctor when she is older.

“I am taking the class because it is really interesting and I want to know why people get sick and how we can help them,” Mayse said. “I love anatomy and biology so I thought this would be a good class to take.”

Pathophysiology [path-oh-fiz-ee-ol-uh-jeee]

The disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

Pathophysiology teacher Marilyn Stewart shows an x-ray of a fractured hip . (Photo by Lucy Gasal)

Purple and White Nights

Spirit Nights bring high school and grade school together.

BY MAURA EVELD Co-ediitor-in-chief

Three hundred plastic swords, 20 tubes of face paint and 250 hot dogs later, over 800 spectators filed out of the gym. The first Spirit Night ended and a new tradition unfolded in the form of hundreds of screaming girls.

“One of the goals that I was given from the board of trustees was to really ensure a one-school model for our two schools,” Head of School Christina Broderick said. “So since we’re on the quarter system I said ‘Can we, one night a quarter, come together as a community and have Sion Family Spirit Night?’”

Broderick has already planned all four Spirit Nights for this school year. A designated no-homework night once a quarter will allow for the Sion community to engage in service, food and fun, she said.

“Our mission speaks to how we treat each other, and if we’re so wrapped up and consumed with our own stuff and we don’t take a break to spend time with family, and if Sion is our community and our family, then I’m just saying for two or three hours on one night every eight weeks could we stop what we’re doing and say, ‘Wow, we’re really blessed,’ Broderick said. “We’re blessed with spirit, we’re blessed with service, we’re blessed with athletics. We have so much to be grateful for.”

Sion Middle School Division Coordinator Annie Riggs said the first Spirit Night showed that the plan is succeeding in bringing the two campuses together.

“That night it was great to see a lot of our [Sion Grade School] families there, and even families of all boys, or families that don’t have older sisters at the high school,” Riggs said. “I thought that was pretty cool.”

Next up on the calendar? On Nov. 15 Sion families are invited to eat dinner at California

Pizza Kitchen. “Purple on the Plaza,” as Broderick coined it. And 20 percent of the proceeds will go to Redemptorist Food Pantry as part of Sion’s annual Food for Thought canned food drive.

“It’s completely different than anything we’ve ever done before for trying to find a new way to raise money and promote spirit for the school,” Senior Class Vice President Maggie Gorman said. “It will be a really good way to raise money for one of the biggest causes that we support.”

The new year brings two more spirit nights. Broderick said her friend donated her Crossroads District art gallery on Feb. 1 so that Sion can host a Montessori through grade 12 art and music show. She said she hopes students will sign up to do acoustic guitar and other musical performances. There will also be an art showing of pieces from grade school and high school students.

With the annual Culver’s Night capping off the year, the four Sion Family Spirit Nights focus on sports, service, the arts and community building.

“Now next year we’ll see how we can top it,” Broderick said.

Concessions Committee Chair Patty Hummel serves sophomores Mary Gates and Hannah Snyder. The Athletic Booster Club sold out of hot dogs at Spirit Night. (Photo by Kathy McShane)

news -7-

Maloney Makes His Mark

Volleyball coach Joe Maloney brings 39 years of coaching experience to Sion.

BY ASHLEY HERRING Reporter

A new coach strolls into the gym after school and is ready for practice.

With 39 years of experience coaching volleyball, this year Joe Maloney began his Sion coaching career.

Maloney retired from the Raytown School District in May 2012.

And Maloney was no stranger to Sion volleyball.

His niece is 2011 graduate Marikate Sears who played volleyball at Sion.

When Maloney heard a coaching job opened up at Sion, he jumped at the opportunity. Maloney said he coaches volleyball because of his love for the sport.

“Coach Maloney has brought so much to the team this year,” junior Jenna Dickey said. “Maloney

Maloney talks with juniors Brehlahn Wyatt and Lexie Johnson before the match against University Academy (Photo by Ashley Herring)

1.

brought experience, knowledge and every other little thing that has to do with volleyball.”

Maloney has coached volleyball at Rockhurst College, Penn Valley Community College, Raytown High School, Raytown South High School, Kansas City Juniors Volleyball Club and Team KC Volleyball.

“Coach Maloney brought the team a lot of previous experience from his coaching around the Kansas City area,” junior Brelahn Wyatt said.

Maloney said he believes it takes an athlete with intelligence to play volleyball at a high level. He said that Sion students fit his ideals perfectly because they are intelligent and athletic young women.

Co-Head Coach Bob Lampen said Maloney is one of the most passionate and dedicated coaches he has ever been around. Even in practice, Maloney attempts to make drills game-like so the athletes can take what they practiced to the court.

“Coach Maloney is very tactical in his approach on coaching so everything is systematic,” Wyatt said.

The volleyball team’s current record is 13-12-2.

Maloney’s goal for the volleyball team is for the players to learn from their mistakes on the court. Maloney said the game is equal to a test in your classes. If you know you are having a test in a couple of days, it is important to correct your mistakes to improve your performance. If you and your teammates work hard to make corrections and eliminate unforced errors, the team has the opportunity to attain a positive result, Maloney said.

“Coach Maloney pushes us to our greatest potential and has been a very positive influence for the team this season,” senior Megan Bohannon said.

Dickey said the new energy and talent brought from Maloney boosted the level of excitement for the volleyball team.

“Coach Maloney is a passionate volleyball coach and knows more about the game than anyone I have met,” Bohannon said.

Maloney warms up the team at the net before their win against University Academy 25-4, 25-16. (Photo by Ashley Herring)

varsity Sports: end of season wrap up field hockey Wins: 3 Losses: 6 Ties: 3

4.

- Photo by Lucy Gasal

softball Wins: 13 Losses: 13

-8- SPORTS

- Photo by Emma Eveld

2.

5.

tennis Won Districts, 5th in State for Doubles

- Photo by Audrey Saracini

Golf 3rd place in State Class 2

- Photo submitted by Kenneth Malvey

3.

6.

cross country Placed 5th or above in 8 out of 9 meets

- Photo by Brittany Koppers

volleyball Wins: 13 Losses: 12 Ties: 2

- Photo by Audrey Saracini

Great Success on the Course

Varsity Golf team members missed a total of 12 school days this season, but they finished third at State.

BY MARY KATE HENSE Reporter

The announcement blared.

“Pardon the interruption, but JV and Varsity Golf teams will need to be excused at 2:15 p.m. today.”

Laughs and stares wander across the classroom towards the teacher, waiting for her response. This is becoming a continuous routine, missing about eight hours a week. Most of the golfers normally miss entire school days at a time. They have missed 12 days in all.

Varsity player Amanda Malecki tells English teacher Sally Frederick that she will be absent on the upcoming day.

“What’s new?” Frederick responds.

Since Aug. 22 the Varsity Golf team has had nine tournaments, most of which take place during school hours. The team is in Class 2, District 7 which is the largest class in Missouri, according to Athletic Director Dennis Conaghan.

Golf coach Dana Hoeper said that the team has done very well with the tournaments. By October they had won two, placed third in two and tied for sixth place in the MO-KAN without one of their players who got sick on the first hole and had to stop.

“All schools who participate in tournaments miss school, but how their school handles missed class is up to the schools,” Hoeper said. “I will not change the schedule for upcoming years because we need to play in tournaments. It is what everyone does and if we stop, we would not be competitive come post season.”

Her point was proven with varsity’s first place win in Districts, a second place finish in Sectionals and a third place finish on Oct. 16 in state competition.

But this school year the girls have missed more days than previous years due to a smaller team that consists of 11 girls compared to 21.

“This forces our varsity team to play in all the major tournaments because of the

3

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shortage of golfers,” Conaghan said. “But we are lucky that everyone was academically eligible.”

Varsity player Claire Kramer said that once she even asked a friend to videotape a Chemistry class so she wouldn’t miss the lesson. Kramer believes this proves how well-rounded all the golf girls are to keep their grades up and still play well in competition.

Most students stress over one missed day due to sickness, and are concerned on whether or not they will be able to exempt finals. Although they are excused absences, this is still a worry for the girls.

“To be honest I hate missing school,” varsity player Maggie Nelson said. “It’s so hard to keep up with school work and keep my grades up. It’s the tests that

“it’s a privilege to get to play golf all day, and with extra privilege comes extra responsibility.”

-Claire kramer, junior kill my grades because when missing all the time, you miss lessons and explanations on how to do things.

And it’s hard to teach them to yourself if you don’t know what you are doing.”

Honors and AP English teacher Melissa Wilcox said she notices that the girls stress level has increased greatly.

“It is overwhelming for sure, and since I teach a college level class, they miss huge quantities of discussion. I do update my website, and the girls are good at checking in with me,” Wilcox said. “But they look exhausted.”

They can get access to worksheets

on her website, but since the nature of her college prep course is to move on, she doesn’t wait for them.

Kramer said that the teachers know that golf season is a hard time and that some of their students miss a lot of school, but she feels like the teachers sympathize with them and try to make things as easy as possible to catch up.

“My grades are always lower first quarter because I miss class notes or details about a test,” Malecki said.

“But I stay caught up by getting the homework ahead of time so I’m not stressed when I get back.”

The pressure is fully on the girls, Frederick said.

Although, when it comes to making up school work, Frederick and Wilcox both follow the school rules of two days for every one day missed. But they begin to lose track because the girls are gone so much.

“The girls do fine in the beginning with missing days but it begins to weigh on them as the season progresses,” Hoeper said. “They are very conscientious about their school work and don’t like missing class.

However they are also very committed to their team as well, so it’s hard.”

Malecki enjoys missing these days to play golf because she thinks the tournaments are fun. But she also says it’s annoying to have so much work to make up.

Frederick agreed that the girls’ absences affects her teaching methods. But she understands that it is hard to find alternate times for these schools to practice.

“The majority of tournaments are held on Mondays because most country clubs are closed. And they are not going to shut their courses down to the public because of high school teams,” Athletic Director Reynold Middleton said. “We play golf when courses are available.”

Malecki said that they miss school for both practices and tournaments because a match is about three hours and tournaments last about six.

“Now that we are close to the end of the season, we are pretty used to making up work but it definitely doesn’t make it any less stressful,” Kramer said. “But it’s a privilege to get to play golf all day, and with extra privilege comes extra responsibility.”

Dance and Cheer rock the field For the first time, the dance team performed at Rockhurst High School Sept. 28. It was Rockhurst’s homecoming game and many girls came just to see the dance team perform.

“It went well and it was a really good performance,” senior dance team member Caitlin Weishar said.

The cheer team also performed at Rockhurst Oct. 19. The theme was Breast Cancer Awareness month, so they cheered using pink pompons.

According to sophomore Maggie Kane, the atmosphere of the stadium was fun, energetic and exciting.

2

4

1. Seniors Caitlin Weishar and Kathryn Thompson pump up their teammates with a pre-performance pep talk.

2. Juniors Kirsten Rassmussen and Madi Lamb perform a lift in their routine for Rockhurst High School’s homecoming game.

3. Junior Claire Boehm raises the second half of the “Rock State” sign during the cheer team’s halftime performance at a Rockhurst High School football game.

4. The cheer team forms an “S” with their pompons, colored pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

SPORTS -9-

THE

BIG

Story and Layout by : Laura Travis, emma dopheide, and Ashley Herring -Photo by MCT Campus

coverSTORY story -10-COVER

showdow

Meet your candidates a Repeal “Obamacare” a Implement tax cuts on small

businesses to create economic growth

MItt

Romney

a Develop alternative energy sources and

eliminate U.S. dependence on foreign oil

a Compete economically with Asia and

continue fight against terrorism

birthday: march 12, 1947 Hometown: Detroit, mich.

Political Party: republican alma mater: Brigham young university past in politics: Governor of massachusetts fun fact: Father was the governor of michigan

own

aDecrease reliance on fossil fuels and

increase renewable energy sources Reduce nuclear weapons and focus on a

keeping them out of the hands of terrorists

a Implement “Obamacare”

Barack

a Stimulate the economy by creating jobs

and investing in health care, education and infrastructure

obama

birthday: august 4, 1961 Hometown: Honululu, Hawaii Political Party: democratic alma mater: Columbia University past in politics: senator of illinois fun fact: lived in jakarta, indonesia cover story -11-

a country divided a opposing sides a Every four years the American people have an important choice to make. A decision between two people. Whoever is chosen will be the leader of our country.

This year the choice is between the Republican nominee Mitt Romney, and the Democratic nominee, incumbent President Barack Obama. As the election season continues, both men will try to convince voters that they are the best choice to lead America.

Many local organizations are getting involved in the -Photo by Lucy Gasal election. The Kansas City Young Democrats have been campaigning for both local democrats and President Obama.

“We’ve done numerous voter registration activities over the course of the last year, including at local college campuses, and some at concerts with 96.5 the Buzz,” Skye Coleman, president of the organization, said. “We’re focusing on electing local Democratic candidates, in a hope that the voters will vote Democrat up and down the ballot. In addition, we do plan to get out and walk for Obama in Missouri the last week before the election.”

Coleman believes Obama’s policies are

appealing to many teenagers, both in the Kansas City area and around the country.

“I believe a lot of younger people are more open to change. We’re not as worried about immigration, gay marriage, and other social issues as our parents’ generation is,” Coleman said.

“One big thing in his favor is Obama’s focus on keeping tuition and health care costs down for younger people. These things directly impact young voters right now.”

Also, the Kansas Republican Party is involved in the upcoming election.

A spokesperson from the party, Clay Barker, said the party coordinates candidate efforts and raises funds. It also buys and distributes Romney material to convince more people to vote.

The Kansas Republican Party fully endorses Romney and hopes for victory.

“Do you want four more years of economic chaos and decline?” Barker asked. “President Obama is a nice guy but not capable of being a competent president.”

With the election quickly approaching, and people fiercely divided between the two candidates, anything could happen. The decision between President Obama and Gov. Romney ultimately lies in the hands of American voters.

student poll Almost 300 Students from all grades voted for their favorite candidate in our school-wide poll.

16% 22% Romney Obama Neither or other

-12- COVER STORY

62%

aaaaa Which candidate is best for our country? think Obama is best for our country’s “Ifuture.

Not necessarily because I’m nuts about Obama, but because I’m not nuts about Romney.

-junior Sydney O’Dear

”

“

I think Mitt Romney because he knows what is going on with our country.

Romney has had more business experience than Obama.

-senior Claire Willman

”

“

I don’t think either are fit to rule this country. Nowadays all politicians do is bash each other anyways. They need to grow up.

-junior Vanessa Aklagi

”

a The Debates a A deciding factor in every presidential election is each candidate’s performance in the three debates.

The debates are the first chance for the candidates to interact directly, and an opportunity for voters to learn about each candidate’s policies. Voters polled after the first debate chose Romney as the winner. There were mixed reactions to the second debate, and the third debate went to Obama, according to a CNN poll of registered voters.

The first debate on Oct. 3 was moderated by Jim Lehrer of PBS Newshour. The candidates debated about domestic policy, focusing on the economy.

According to a Kansas Republican Party spokesperson Clay Barker, economic issues are some of the most pressing of the election. The candidates talked about tax rates, the national debt and unemployment.

After his lackluster performance at the first debate, many Obama supporters expected him to do better in the second. The debate was in a town hall format, with undecided voters asking the questions.

Polls showed that Obama’s performance was improved.

People were more divided about who won, but the results clearly favored Obama, according to CBS News.

In the third debate on Oct. 22, the candidates discussed foreign policy. A CNN/ORC International poll conducted after the debate showed that 48 percent of viewers felt Obama won and 40 percent said that the winner was Romney.

With such a close election, each candidate will be scrambling to edge out the other in the last weeks of the campaign.

a Government at Sion a There are things every Sion girl must do.

Participate in beanie week, wear a gray skirt every day, and learn about the workings of the United States government. While it may not be the first Sionion requirement to come to mind, either their junior or senior year, every student must take American Government. However, due to the presidential election, students taking the class this year are experiencing a different curriculum than those who have taken it in past years.

“We rearranged the class this year. We’re doing the election earlier to watch the process in motion,” social studies teacher Mary Murphy said.

Murphy and fellow social studies teacher Becky Haden are both having students in their American Government classes do activities to take part in and learn about the election. Haden said that in her class they spend one day each week talking about a current event relating to the election.

“Democracy is about being informed and participating in the system. Develop an informed opinion so when it’s your turn to vote you can make the best decision,” Haden said.

In Murphy’s class, students are taking part in the simulation of a campaign. Students are divided into campaign teams for President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney and are each assigned jobs to help learn what working on a real campaign team would be like.

Senior Olivia Latham, acting as Democratic candidate President Obama, believes the simulation is helping her understand what a campaign is like better than just talking about it in class.

“I’m glad that students, especially when many of our class is of voting age, are made to really research the various issues at stake and what each candidate’s actual position on them are,” Latham said, “even if it’s not the candidate they might support.”

Both Murphy and Haden agree that students this year seem more interested in the required class

because it is an election year. The presidential election helps provide students a real life example of politics and takes what they’re learning outside the classroom.

“It seems to be easier to teach the class in the year of the election. The interest level seems to be much higher,” Murphy said. “It’s fun to have a real life example and let them see it.”

Junior Moira Quinn listens to senior Olivia Latham discuss the policies of President Barack Obama. Quinn and Latham were both part of the Obama campaign team in their American Government class simulation of an actual campaign. (Photo by Laura Travis)

a I CAN VOTEa 18-year-old students share their opinions about voting this November.

“

I can vote. I’m so excited to make a mark in history.

Just knowing I voted for this election is cool.

”

-Senior Laura Klover

“

-Photo by Lucy Gasal

national polls I can vote this year. I’m an adult and I can officially make a change. No matter who you want in office I encourage everyone, who is of age, to vote.

-Senior Sydney Harris

POlls As of oct. 24, 2012

NBC POLItICS

” “

I’m excited to vote this year.

It is a privilege to have the right to vote for our political leaders. I love feeling that I will have an impact now.

-Senior Gigi Conger

”

Obama:

romney:

47. 1 %

48 %

aa COVER STORY -13-

Sion Spotlight

Culture Shock

Study abroad sophomore Maria Vidal misses her home town of Alicante, Spain but is excited to embrace the American high school experience.

s

BY SHANNON LAIRD Features Editor

he wakes up early in the morning. Her parents and brother drive her to the airport.

She hugs them with tearful goodbyes, knowing she won’t see them for a year, and steps toward the waiting nine-hour plane flight. She lands in Kansas City late Saturday night. She spots the familiar face she had been searching for and leaps into the waiting arms. The butterflies that had plagued her on the plane evaporate the instant she sees her aunt and two young cousins.

With only one day to acquaint herself to her new year-long home before starting a new school, she takes a deep breath and steps toward the luggage carousel.

This was the arrival of Maria Vidal, sophomore and Alicante, Spain native.

BY

the

numbers

alicante vs. kansas city

city population

325,000 vs.

460,000

school population

700 vs. 400 boy population 350 vs. 0

-14- features

“It was a change of country, continent and school,” Vidal said. “All in less than 48 hours.”

Vidal says it was definitely a culture shock, to say the least. She has been visiting every summer since she was eight years old, but this is the longest stay she has had planned. She also thinks her close relationship with her family has helped make her transition easier.

And, according to Vidal, her Aunt Begonya Klumb seems excited about the situation.

“I’m Maria’s Godmother and we are very close. Maria used to spend the month of July here in Kansas City since she was eight years old, so those experiences made us grow closer despite living on different continents during the rest of the year,” Klumb said. “Having her spend one year with me and my family means a lot to me as she’ll be able to develop a much closer relationship with all of her U.S. family, especially to her cousins. I also believe that during this year in the U.S. she’ll build wonderful friendships that will last for a lifetime and will strengthen her ties to the U.S. even more.”

According to Vidal, she came with the idea of getting the typical high school experience in the United States. Her aunt never even gave her a choice about coming to Sion, Vidal said.

“I was looking for a Catholic, all-girls school that had strong academic standards. I was looking for an all-girl school because I believe girls come out from this education as very confident, stronger individuals,” Klumb said. “Sion has a great reputation in the community and the high school was recommended by several friends. During my visit to the school, I thoroughly enjoyed the people, the dynamic environment and the friendly atmosphere. Maria’s experience so far has validated my decision as she loves going to school.”

Fellow sophomore Sydney Daniels says Vidal has become comfortable at Sion very quickly.

“At first, I could tell it was awkward for her,” Daniels said. “The only thing people wanted to ask about was Spain. Now we don’t even talk about Spain. She’s just a typical Sion girl.”

But not everything about this transition has been easy. Vidal said she used to walk everywhere in Spain, but nothing is close enough for that here. She also said that she feels like she only eats fattening food, whereas, in Spain, she had to go out of her way to find and eat unhealthy foods.

Despite all the new culture changes, Klumb said Vidal has adjusted to the U. S. incredibly well.

“Only a few weeks after her arrival, she was already acclimated to life in the U.S.,” Klumb said.

“Maria has a very easygoing personality and is very independent, so that makes it a pleasure to have her around.”

Klumb also said the whole experience has been

Maria Vidal smiles as she jokes with sophomore Mikayla Zancanelli before starting Algebra II for the day. (Photo by Shannon Laird)

so exciting and she feels lucky to have so much time with Vidal before she goes back to Spain.

“I was very excited when we finally found out that the school arrangements at Notre Dame de Sion would work out and Maria could spend her sophomore year in Kansas City with us,” Klumb said. “Immediately, we started to make all sorts of plans to do during this year so that she could fully experience life, traditions, culture and history in the U.S. For example, we have planned a lot of travelling this year so that we can expose Maria to different states in the U.S.” Vidal said she looks forward to coming to school everyday and learning something new. She is constantly learning new things about her classmates. And the girls said her love for learning shows.

Vidal said she is fluent in four languages: English, Spanish, German and Italian. She is currently learning French. Vidal said that tests in Spain were harder, but that she receives a lot more homework here in the U.S., which she definitely prefers.

Although it isn’t an easy transition, Daniels said, Vidal is flourishing.

“She loves everything American,” Daniels said.

“She loves Sion and shines everyday as she walks through the halls. Maria wouldn’t change anything about her new life here.”

In June, Vidal will arrive at KCI airport and once again say goodbye to her family. The people who have become her immediate family after living with them for nearly a year. But, for now, she is content to walk the halls and embrace her cousins’ American culture.

“it was a change of country, continent and school, all in less than 48 hours.”

-Maria vidal

Ellen Carmody waits with students at carpool after the Grade School’s afternoon dismissal. She said she loves interacting with the kids during carpool. (Photo by Katy Zahner)

From Keyboards to Kids

Ellen Carmody moves from Director of Technology to the new Grade School Division Coordinator.

BY KATY ZAHNER Reporter

A team of four new technology support men were hired at the start of the year to replace one woman, Ellen Carmody. For five years, Carmody worked as if she was a technology surgeon. She was “on-call” 24/7 in case the server crashed.

But after 15 total years at Sion, Carmody decided to take the position as the Grade School Division Coordinator. She has also previously served as religious education director, a fifth grade teacher and the Grade School techonology resource teacher.

From these years of experience, Carmody has embraced this busy-bee lifestyle and is fully ready to take on her new daily challenges.

“There is definitely a lot more interaction with students in my new role, which I love,” Carmody said.

“I don’t miss driving back and forth between the high school and the grade school all the time, but I do miss the high school faculty and students.”

The position is called Division Coordinator, but basically the position of “Principal” at the lower

campus has been split into two jobs. Carmody is in charge of Montessori Preschool through fifth grade, and Annie Riggs is the Division Coordinator in charge of sixth through eighth grades, according to Carmody.

Carmody’s daily routine has been the biggest change. Her day begins at 7:30 a.m., starting with morning carpool and parent conferences. The duration of her day is compiled of helping parents and students who might need help, meeting with Riggs to discuss “big picture” events, and planning for upcoming events. When needed, Carmody helps substitute for a study hall or monitor lunch and recess. At 3:15 p.m. when all the kids are released from school she helps out with dismissal and pick-up. After this ends, Carmody still has a good two hours left to her work day, one aspect Mary Margaret, her first grade daughter, doesn’t appreciate.

“I asked Mary Margaret what she thinks,” Carmody said. “She likes that I am at school with her every day and that my new office has windows, a sofa, and she can see me on her way to enrichment classes.

But she doesn’t like that she has to stay at school longer in the afternoons.”

As it seems that Carmody has settled into her new position, most of the faculty still have a hard time not asking her for technical support.

“I think that the transition has gone fairly

smoothly,” Riggs said. “But it’s hard for people to not ask Ms. Carmody when they have tech issues because she’s just so darn helpful and smart.”

Lisa Douthit, who is now technology director for both campuses, enjoys the daily interaction with the faculty and students at both campuses.

“Becoming Director of Instructional Technology is a transition that is both challenging and so far rewarding,” Douthit said. “I love being able to spend some time at the high school and at the same time continue to help students and teachers integrate technology at the grade school.”

Even though the four men from BestMacs and Douthit have replaced Carmody’s old position, her legacy will not be forgotten. Douthit recognizes Carmody as a woman who paved the way for integrated technology at both campuses.

And Carmody said she is very excited about this new chapter being opened in her life.

“I have always had a special place in my heart for the grade school. And when the opportunity came to serve the school, I really felt called to apply,” Carmody said. “It’s so exciting to be working at Sion at the start of its second century in K.C. The school is an amazing place, a place where kids learn their own talents and how they can better serve the world. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

SION’S GOT TALENT: Sports edition By delaney bates

what you Didn’t know about your classmates...

JUNIOR ANNA HAMILTON TALENT: WATERSkiing

FRESHMAN abbeY valentine TALENT:taekwondo

senior hannah malvey TALENT: equestrian

“The water ski community motto is that it’s a ‘judgement free zone’, and that is so true.”

“I’m a second degree black belt.

Taekwondo helps with self defense and being prepared.”

“My favorite part is getting to be around the horses and being able to accomplish something.”

features -15-

Diary of a Public School Kid

Shawnee Mission East expanded my horizons, mixing boys with business.

BY KIM FRYER Reporter

My alarm buzzed as I rolled over in bed, and I noticed it was still pitch black outside. What the heck. Why am I awake when the sun isn’t even awake yet? I glanced at the clock which reads 6 a.m., and then I remembered: I’m shadowing at Shawnee Mission East today, otherwise known to its students as “Shawnee Mission Wonderful.” I was going to find out if my vision of a public school (which was mostly a blend of High School Musical and Mean Girls) was accurate.

I crawled out of bed and set aside my pleated gray kilt for the day, realizing I had to actually pick out real clothes to wear. Is it socially acceptable to wear my pajamas? I guess word on the street is that boys go to this school, so probably not. Darn.

It took a solid 60 minutes to make myself somewhat presentable. An unheard of amount of time for those of us that are used to rolling out of bed in the morning and throwing on a wrinkled uniform skirt. I even brushed my hair.

This process is the norm for most girls who attend East, because they take anywhere from 20-60 minutes getting ready in the morning.

I was walking up the stairs to the main building when I first saw it. A boy. In all his glory. A real life, breathing, moving boy. On a Tuesday morning. Was I dreaming? Oh no, he totally just caught me staring at him, act natural! Or trip and fall down the stairs. That worked too.

Sweet Kim, nice job, you’ve already made a complete idiot of yourself and school hasn’t even started yet. I blame the male species.

I tried to make my way through the hallway, and I say tried, because there were so many people. Take the size of the entire Sion faculty and student body. That number is equivalent to one class alone at SME. When I asked SME students what they thought the Sion halls were like, I was amused by their responses.

“I just imagine like a bunch of chicks in straight orderly lines, walking the halls in silence,” one boy said.

“Kind of like Hogwarts.”

Hogwarts? Did he seriously just say he thought

-16- features

Sion was like Hogwarts? So, does that make Christina Broderick Dumbledore? Sure, dude, it’s Hogwarts.

You’re totally right.

First class was College Prep, a math class for college credit through Johnson County Community College. At first there were only boys in the room, and I half expected to hear Rockhurst’s “girls gotta go” chant when I walked in. Oh right, this school is coed.

The teacher came in and started handing out tests, reminding students that their phones should not serve as their brains. I counted a whopping twentyeight students in the class. The girl sitting in front of me got mad and actually asked why I didn’t have to take the test. Um, I don’t even go here, that’s why.

Shawnee Mission East uses block scheduling on Wednesdays and Thursdays, meaning they only

“I imagine a bunch of chicks walking in straight lines in silence, Kind of like Hogwarts.”

-SME STUDENT have half their classes in one day, so they had an hour and a half to complete the test. When I heard the teacher say what time class got out, I thought it was some sort of sick joke.

I can hardly sit through the brutal 51 minute full schedule Mondays, how can I survive an hour and a half? I did survive, but only because I was staring at a boy across the room the entire time.

Second hour was Harbinger class, Shawnee Mission East’s national award-winning newspaper. As soon as the door opened, I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of people in the publication rooms.

They have about 70 students on staff compared to our tiny (but totally amazing) 21 person staff on Le Journal.

The boys were loud, blasting music and making immature jokes that I am ashamed to say I found hilarious. One random boy even asked me out on a date. But when it came time to work, they worked hard.

One boy sang Fergie at the top of his lungs for the duration of the class but also managed to finish his newspaper spread efficiently. And let me tell you, it looked awesome.

I was shocked at how well the boys and girls worked together. If you stuck a Rockhurst boy and a Sion girl next to each other and told them to write a newspaper, I’m not confident they’d be able to do it nicely, but the Harbinger staff did it flawlessly. Boys helped girls just as much as girls helped boys, and no one fought. The teacher allowed students to run the entire class independently. They made all the decisions.

The mixture of boys and girls trickled through the halls as we made our way to the humongous cafeteria. Think Mean Girls cafeteria, but not mean. I walked by the Student Resource Officer on my way to a table, imagining what kind of things a police officer would do at Sion. Maybe he could crack the mystery of the yellow water in the South Six? Arrest people for leaving lunch tables without washing them?

The first thing I noticed was that girls and boys were mostly separated at tables.

No one sat alone, no one ate lunch in the bathroom (I checked). Some couples sat together and held hands, but I didn’t see any major PDA. In marketing class people slept, talked, and a boy in the back row took his shoes off and rested them on his table.

The fourth and last class of the day was seminar.

This is where everyone in the school goes to an assigned classroom for what is basically a study hall.

The majority of the class talked and listened to music.

I found myself staring at the boys around me...again.

Seriously, I couldn’t get over the fact that there were real-live boys in the classroom. Most girls I asked said that they liked having boys because you learn how to deal with them, which is good since your colleagues in the real world will be both males and females.

“I can be myself around the boys, even more so than the girls sometimes,” SME junior Morgan Twibell said. “You get to know them on a day to day basis rather than on weekends when you can’t really sit down to talk.”

Wait, so shouting at a boy over the blasting music at a concert doesn’t count as getting to know them?

Seminar ended and I trudged back to the car that I had arrived from so nervously just a few hours ago. Nervousness was now replaced with knowledge and appreciation for public schooling, and an understanding of their world.

Overall, Shawnee Mission East was ShawneeMission-Complete-Opposite-of-Sion, but not in a bad way. I think everyone can agree there are pros and cons to both private and public schools, as well as singlesex and coed education. And while Shawnee Mission East did seem pretty wonderful, I’ll stick to girls on weekdays and my gray kilt, thank you very much.

For the full story go to lejournallive.com

Fashion Face-off

Michelle Obama and Ann Romney may compete along side their husbands for the presidential title, but they also compete in a whole other race of their own.

“

I like Michelle Obama’s style better because she wears different types of clothes and has a variety

”

April Schendel Spanish Teacher

of outfits.

“

I like Ann Romney’s style, she dresses modest but still fashionable.

Just like a woman of politics should.

Isabel Grojean Sophomore

“

”

I like Michelle Obama’s style. She always wears colorful clothes and has really cute finger nail polish.

”

Danielle Mollerus Freshman

“

Michelle Obama and Ann Romney both dressed to impress at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. (Photo submitted by Workchic.com)

Whose style are you?

(Photos by MCT Campus and Wikimedia Commons)

skirt jacket?

I like Ann Romney’s style better. She dresses like a buisiness woman and always looks super Maggie Keenan professional.

”

Junior

Take this quiz to find out whose style you’re most like.

Start at nails and follow the lines with your answers to get your results.

nails? hot pin h c n e k fr dress or skirt? dress print? solid

swe

ate

r

Your style is Ann Romney!

You love solids and are a sucker for a classic necklace. Simplicity is key, while still making a bold statement with every outfit. Less is always more with your classy style.

blaze

r

ann

s l r a e p

Michelle

patter

n necklace? ce a l k

c e n nt

e m e at

st

Your style is Michelle Obama! Patterns and bright colors are your thing. You love experimenting with new looks and mix and matching outfits.

Your style is fresh, fun and shows your personality.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -17-

a walk down memory lane:

halloween

Megan mckenzie: Sophomore “My Sumo wrestler costume was my favorite, because everyone laughed at me and it kept me warm. No one else had it so it made me feel very original.”

Sion students remember their favorite Halloween costumes.

mary sizemore: Junior “By far my favorite costume was being a whoopie cushion. It was fun to go around and make flatulent noises.”

Gabrielle Accurso: Freshman “My favorite costume was being Paris Hilton in jail because it was one of the most creative costumes I’ve had. I thought it was so funny!”

HANNAH TUTERA: SENIOR “I have been the ‘Hanburger’ for the last four years. I came up with it after my awkard stage when I became witty.”

iphone 5

THE CHANGES TO THE LATEST GENERATION

apple facts: $199 compared to the Iphone 4 that’s only $99.

What’s new?

Over 5 million iphone 5s sold within 3 days of its launch.

Thinner and lighter frame

“It’s pretty much the same. It’s just a lot faster.” - Iphone 5 owner senior Mallory Elder

4 inch retina display

Longer battery life

The iphone 5 is currently avaliable in 31 countries including US, Australia, Canada, France and Japan

8 megapixel camera with panorama

-18- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

costume stores that won’t bust your budget

Photo By Dana Routh

-Information from apple.com

Savers Spirit Halloween US Toy

$20-50 $20-100 $12-70

My Life Is Awkward:

Homecoming Edition “Sophomore year homecoming my date’s mom fell in the pool during pictures.”

-Kennedy Whitaker, junior “My date yelled at me for not dancing with him the entire time.”

-Anna Fotouhi, freshman

“After I had just spent hours fixing my hair, my date picked me up with the top down on his convertible.”

-Sara Dalton, junior “I got lifted up in the middle of the crowd and I didn’t know what to do.

Everyone was staring at me.”

-Caroline Westhead, sophomore

SAT

Junior or Senior Year?

BY AUDREY SARACINI

Web Sports Editor

Senior Shannon Laird (far right) visited Disneyworld with her mother Mary, and the rest of her family to celebrate the end of her mother’s chemotherapy in May 1997. (Photo submitted by Shannon Laird)

-Photo by Laura Travis Cheerleaders shake pink pompons during their Rockhurst High School halftime performance. (Photo by Sarah Allen)

French teacher Pam Dykes is a Breast Cancer survivor.

Pretty in Pink

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, and families affected by the disease remember their struggle and hope for a brighter future.

BY MEGHAN LALLY Reporter

End of first quarter. Food for Thought kickoff.

Presidential debates. Halloween. Event after event fills the October calendar, but as a whole this month commemorates an even bigger cause.

And it’s all about the Pink. The color of princess tutus, cotton candy, Valentine hearts. And the color devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

During October, senior Shannon Laird says she is always sure to wear her pink ribbon in honor of her mother. Laird’s mother suffered from Breast Cancer when Laird was 3, but has since beaten the disease.

Laird says her entire family wears little pink ribbons to remember Breast Cancer Awareness month, and they also participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure every year.

“I think it is important for girls to be aware of breast cancer and support those who are suffering and have suffered from the disease,” Laird said.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the foundation that organizes the race Laird and her family participate in, is a global leader of the breast cancer movement and is dedicated to saving lives and ending breast cancer forever. The foundation’s goals are to empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cure, according to komenkansascity.org.

A representative from SGK of the Greater Kansas City Area says Breast Cancer Awareness month is a chance for SGK to take advantage of having the

spotlight on breast cancer and promote what their organization does year round.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to remind everyone of breast health awareness,” the representative said.

The SGK Breast Cancer Awareness Month is seen as a celebration for those who have beat breast cancer, a public service announcement for awareness, and as a remembrance for those who have lost his or her battle to breast cancer, according to the representative.

However, Laird is not the only one in our community who commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pam Dykes, French teacher, has had her own struggles with Breast Cancer.

Dykes said she is a breast cancer survivor, but she chooses to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month more privately. Dykes said she participates in Breast Cancer Awareness month with the people she knows.

“I don’t do any of the walks or wear any of the pink things, or any of that,” Dykes said. “But, I do participate with the people I know who have breast cancer. I make a special effort to send a note, sometimes make cupcakes, or something like that.”

Not only does Dykes promote awareness through helping others, she also says she frequently visits the doctor and keeps up with her medicine. Dykes says that breast cancer has also made her appreciate certain things more. “[Breast Cancer] has made me appreciate good health, my friends, my family and my Sion family,” Dykes said. “It has made me more aware of how important it is to live life.”

I race home straight after 3:10 dismissal and scoop up my SAT prep book waiting on my kitchen counter. On my 25 minute drive to my Get Smarter Prep tutor, I run through the 48 possible definitions I could be tested over that day. Like many students from Sion, Rockhurst and St. Teresa’s Academy who have signed the wall within the tutoring facility, I am looking to get the best possible score I can on the SAT. However, unlike most students, I am a senior and have never taken an official test. Ever.

This long time procrastination battle began early junior year. When everyone else was preparing to take their first jab at the test, I ignored its looming presence and decided that I would take it in June. This would give me plenty of time to prep and I certainly didn’t need a tutor. I, after all, had managed to take honors and AP courses the last three years and could handle the process of getting into college.

That morning of June 9, I awoke not to the ring of my alarm clock, but to the panicked scream of my mother. The night before I had laid out my clothes, sharpened my pencils and replaced the batteries in my calculator. I was ready to brave my first ACT except for the fact that I had forgotten to turn on the alarm on my phone. Well, there goes at least 50 bucks down the drain and my last chance to take the test before senior year.

So now it’s October of my senior year, and I am sifting through the applications of multiple schools trying to find the information that I can actually fill in. Name, date of birth and address I fill out with ease.

But the blank space where my ACT or SAT scores are supposed to be still remain blank.

So why am I not completely bald from pulling out my hair out of stress? Although my methods have been rather unorthodox, I know I will go to college next year.

I broke down and got a tutor that meets every Thursday leading up to the Nov 3 SAT. Although I will be cutting it close, I will be able to send in my applications for the colleges I am interested in by the Dec. 1 deadline. Yes, I am extremely jealous of my fellow classmates who can say that they are finished taking the ACT and SAT and have already been accepted into the school of their choice. This is the path I chose, and I must embrace it.

I am not suggesting anyone try my basically last minute effort to get into college, but I just want to say it’s doable. If you sense yourself heading down the same procrastination path as me, take a minute and say “What do I want to be doing on my Friday nights senior year?” If this includes going to bed early in anticipation of a test the next morning, then by all means continue on. But if you want to go to those Rockhurst games without the daunting thought of college in your head, I would start to pick up the pace.

Now, I know that I am probably the only senior who is this far behind in their college search, and that I represent an extreme. If you are reading this and have taken the ACT three times and you haven’t gotten your ideal score, I hope this makes you laugh. I hope that you can feel better about your scores knowing that you’re not the girl who doesn’t have any at all.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -19-

a WEEK for SPIRIT

Senior Sara Owens celebrates her team’s quidditch victory against the faculty on Harry Potter day. (Photo by Lucy Gasal)

I

t was a spirit week like no other.

Walking through the doors Oct. 8 - 12, a visitor would not have recognized the girls as high school students. Students certainly wore it all from their French attire to their favorite Hogwarts house colors.

Denim clothing and elderly apparel also engulfed the hallways. Sion celebrated its spirit and 100th Anniversary with a quidditch match and wild Pep Rally. Principal Michelle Olson said that she loves the tradition, and the 100th Anniversary of Sion made the week even more fun.

“Harry Potter day was so fun, I have even heard we are getting a Quidditch Club,” Olson said.

SPIRITWEEK

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-20- last look

Seniors Daniel Hogerty and Andrea Santa Maria rap the school song to a Snoop Dogg song at the Pep Rally. (Photo by Lucy Gasal)

Junior Mary Sizemore flaunts her baguette before playing French pictionary. (Photo by Sarah Allen)