Saint Thomas Aquinas High School |
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The Shield August 2015
The Whats Next Issue
Hello Class of 2019!
Letter from the editor / 3 Staff Pages / 2 Talent Show Editorial / 4
The Reports
Gallery: Freshman Walk The Red Carpet / 6-7 Meet Your Executive Council / 8-9 A Conversation With Father Nagle/ 10-11 French Exchange / 12-13 New Kids On The Block / 14-16 Odd Even Switch / 17 Freshman Boys Break Barriers / 18-19
The Spread
Social Media / 20-21 Summer Survey / 22-23 Classroom Moves / 24-25 Senior Advice For Freshman / 26-27 Where Saints Went This Summer / 28-29 When Saints Volunteered This Summer / 30-31
The Back Pages
Under Armour: New Normal / 24-36 Falls Sports Preview / 37 Ryan Mueller Once A Saint Always A Saint / 38-39 Marianne Michaels Singing For A Living / 40-41 Allie Bostwick A Path To Success / 42-43 Icebreaker: Joe Skevington / 44 Last Look / 45-47 August 2015 Calendar / 48
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015 MISSION STATEMENT The Shield is a newspaper sponsored by Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and produced by its students to provide information, entertainment, and open forum, as well as a learning experience for its staff members. The goal of The Shield’s staff is to meet professional journalism standards. Staff members are responsible for the content of the newspaper and strive to report news accurately, objectively, and completely. The Shield is an open forum for student expression and aims to communicate the concerns of the student body as well as the faculty, staff, and Aquinas community ADVERTISING The Shield sells advertisements to help with publication costs. All ads will be subject to the same scrutiny as stories. The Shield will not print any obscenities or any ads promoting products illegal to those under the age of 18. For advertising, please call (913) 319-2460, send an email to mhallauer@stasaints.net, or visit www.stasaints.net/shield SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Shield are $3 per issue. Subscriptions can be sent to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School c/o Matt Hallauer. Digital subscriptions are free and sent via email monthy. Orders can be sent to newspaper@stasaints.net LETTER POLICY Letters may be accepted by The Shield, provided that they are signed and do not contain libelous statements. The Shield reserves the right to edit the letters for grammar, obscenity, or space consideration, and also reserves the right to not print a letter.
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The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215 913-319-2460
issue 1 volume 28 Editor-in-Chief Alex Kinnan
Advisor Matt Hallauer
Managing Editor Daniel Petracek
Reporters Annie Gellott Connor Ragan Ansley Reynolds Kate Schartz Alex Wagner Seth Walker
Social Media Editor Hagan Marozas Back Pages Editor Olivia Rode Reports Editor Ellie Heit
The Shield Online
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Freelance Reporters Becca Haeusser Mia Powers Ezri Killeen
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General News and updates from the staff.
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Sports scores and alerts.
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The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Welcome To What’s Next An entire issue dedicated to looking at a new school year with an open mind. Here at Saint Thomas Aquinas, pride is very important. Pride in sports, pride in academics and pride in faith. It is this backbone of pride that has given me a staff of 15 juniors and seniors who are beyond excited to exceed your expectations of what they can do. I am very honored to follow in the footsteps of the former Aquinas students who have held the position as the Shield’s Editor-in-Chief. This newspaper would not be where it is now without them. I hope to deliver a Shield that shines just as bright as the students it covers. Our staff is committed to representing you, and representing all the good that journalism should be. If we don’t praise and critique, we are
failing to do our job, and failing to display how vital journalism is in society. Our slogan, “The students’ voice,” is one we hope to live up to. Each issue, we will not only be reporting, but we will be giving our opinion on the issues that Aquinas students have. This issue has been dubbed the “What’s Next” issue, not only because of its forward thinking stories, Marianne Michael’s Singing Career ( pg 40) and our new partnership with Under Armour (pg 34), but also because of the attitude of our readers. This is a time of many beginnings, and as you start a new chapter don’t look to the past for answers, instead think, “what’s next?”
Alex Kinnan Editor-in-Chief The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
3
Countdown
7
Days to first football game.
35
Days to Homecoming.
256 Days to graduation.
Recycle
When finished with your Shield; the best thing you can do is recycle it, and reduce the demand on the world’s landfills.
On The Cover
Senior Cole Younger walks Freshman Jack Denzel into school on August 17, 2015.
Navigating The Shield
A new Shield for a new school year. Here are the ins and outs of the 2015-2016 Shield. The Reports: A blend of photo galleries, news reports, and feature stories. The Spreads: Social Media, Surveys and our famous “Centerspreads” can be found here all laid out on twopage spreads that allow for beautiful visuals. The Back Pages: Sports and Arts reports and features along with an “Icebreaker” interview with a notable student and our ”Last Look” section. On the back of the Shield is the upcoming calendar, with important events listed. If you get lost, don’t worry. Contents will always be on the cover.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Editorial
Keep The Talent Show We can’t let a timeless tradition disappear.
The Talent Show is gone, as anyone with a planner can see. A member of the Student Council told The Shield that it was because the Talent Show had become too much of an “American Idol” and didn’t seem to embody a diverse range of talents. Activities Director Sarah Burgess added that it was not fresh, and thinks that making the talent show every other year would help mix up talent. The Saint Thomas
Aquinas Shield staff strongly disagrees with this decision. A removal of the talent show is the direct removal of a student’s opportunity to display their God-given talent to our school. The Talent Show should be something that is always offered and should be an opportunity that all students have the chance to be a part of. The Shield staff calls on the students of Saint Thomas Aquinas to rally together
against this change and to encourage their fellow classmates to look for unique talents that they could display if the Talent Show was brought back annually. The opportunity to display talent shouldn’t be taken away from students because of “unoriginal” performances, and every senior should have the chance to perform their last year.
How The Shield Staff Voted This editorial is the opinion of the majority of The Shield Staff. Below is a breakdown of the staff’s opinion on this issue.
YES
We need the talent show
14 Voted
14
0 Voted
Total Voting Staff Members
4
NO
Get rid of the talent show.
The Reports What’s inside
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The Dream Team
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Nagle Beats Odds
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The French Exchange
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Meet the New Saints
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New Year, New Schedule
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Freshman Come Marching In
Photo by Alex Kinnan | The Shield
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Seniors Sam Budetti and Matthew Malir have fun while escorting senior Michael Shanahan down the red carpet.
THE dREAM tEAM This year’s Executive Student Council gets things done.
Photo by Nicole Riggs
The 2016 Executive Student Council poses for a selfie.
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The Reports
BY ELLIE HEIT
Nicole Riggs. “We soon talked about a lot about time and really came to like it.” Two new additions made by StuCo for this year include 30
embraced their time together and it has now become their favorite part. voted for them; now “The late nights working were they lead the school with pride the best,” Riggs said. “As stuco as and honor. The Saint Thomas a whole, we are working Aquinas Executive better on working Student Council has together.” “ found out about all the things been working tirelessly “We don’t mind it at all summer to make this wanted to do differently.” all because it’s just like school year the best one four best friends hanging yet. Patrick Lacy out,” McCormick said. After two years as Senior Executive Council Member While they enjoy a representative for the minute mixers after basketball being on executive council, they Class of 2016, senior Patrick Lacy games and StuCo TV. StuCo TV still have fond memories of being decided that he wanted to run for is a timely video announcement class StuCo. executive council. that was popular several years “My favorite memories so far “I didn’t want to do it at the ago. English teacher Craig Ewing have been the canned food drive start of the year,” Lacy said. As showed some of the old videos to and a lot of the random things we the year went on, however, he had do,” Riggs said. different thoughts. Lacy’s favorite “I found out about “ e wanted something motivating like are reatly, memory was all the things that but also a completely different aspect.” during Spring I wanted to do Olympics. differently.” “Winning orange One of the Nicole Riggs chin was my new changes Senior Executive Council Member favorite because this year is the I was in charge removal of the his students, and the idea of them of it, so it was really awesome.” magazine sale. At each grade’s quickly became popular. As the school year continues, orientation, Lacy informed the Changing and adding the Executive Student Council school that the long tradition of the events to the schedule was not plans on working just as hard as magazine sale had been erased easy. they did during the summer. from the schedule, after the drives “There were multiple days “There will be of previous years have proven to weeks where there be unprofitable. are many events like “We totally had to “ t’s just like four best friends Homecoming and change fundraising,” hanging out.” canned food drive said Executive Council where I will spend all President Isabel Kemp. Itsy McCormick my time on StuCo,” said Kemp is the only Lacy. Junior Executive Council Member returning member from No matter what last year on Executive time of the year it is, Council. when we were together for 12 Executive Student Council will be The council also created ‘The plus hours towards the end of working hard to make sure that the Time Is Now,’ Aquinas’ theme for the summer,” Executive Council time really is now. this school year. member Itsy McCormick said. “We wanted something Senior Ellie Heit, @eheit0 on twitter, is While this amount of work would motivating like Dare Greatly, but the Shield’s Reports Editor. This story also a completely different aspect,” scare some people, the four was edited by Daniel Petracek executive members have said Executive Council member
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The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Nagle Beats Odds BY ALEX WAGNER
This year’s theme challanges students to rise together as Saints. Alex Wagner | The Shield
Father Nagle high fives freshman on their orientation day. Father Matthew Nagle’s favorite Bible verse is John 12:24, it reads «Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Father Matthew Nagle is in his first year as a priest and will be joining the Saint Thomas Aquinas family as the new chaplain. He likes this verse because to him the dying of the grain points to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Nagle said “If a priest conforms his life to
Christ›s cross, then our priesthood will produce much fruit.” The oldest of three, Nagle grew up in Overland Park. He went to Cure of Ars for grade school, then went to Rockhurst High School, where he participated in basketball, football, and track and field. He Graduated in 2003. After high school, he went on to attend The University of Kansas, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in history. After finishing school, he worked at the St. Lawrence Catholic
Center for a year. Then taught history and coached football and basketball at St. Pius X High School in Kansas City, MO. During Nagle’s junior year at Kansas, he began thinking about becoming a priest. He first felt the calling when Father Brian Schieber, the Vocation Director at the time, first mentioned the idea to him. Nagle started praying regularly and going
to Mass more. When he was doing these things, “I just got a real sense that God was calling me to at least enter into the
”God only permits things like this because He alone can bring some greater good out of it.”
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The Reports
Father Nagle seminary,” Nagle said. It took him a while to answer that call from God. “It took a
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015 call from God. “It took a health problem or me to get to that point where I could trust God enough to enter seminary,” Nagle said. In March of 2007, Nagle’s senior year at The University of Kansas, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Nagle said, “God only permits things like this because He alone can bring some greater good out of it.” This was when Nagle started to trust God. He had two brain surgeries, in 2009, 2010 and months
of chemotherapy. Throughout this struggle, his faith in God kept growing. In 2009, he entered the Seminary at KenrickGlennon Seminary in St. Louis. He was ordained a priest at St. Michael the Archangel on May 23, 2015. Nagle’s goal for everyone at Aquinas is to help them grow closer to God through prayer and the sacraments. “That first requires me to just get to know the community and become a part of it.” Nagle said. He plans on doing these things
through celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and being present during the school day. Nagle said “There is nothing I would rather do with my time than say Mass and hear confessions.” Nagle will be offering Mass every Tuesday through Friday at 7:20 a.m. in the chapel and is “excited to get started with the year.” This story was written by Senior Alex Wagner, a Reporter for the Shield, and edited by Daniel Petracek.
Timeline of chaplains since opening of Aquinas
Father Matthew Nagle
Alex Wagner | The Shield
1994-1995 John Reynolds
1988-1989 Jamie Forsythe
2004-2007 2013-2015 Mitchell Zimmerman Daniel Schmitz 2009-2014 1998-1999 Andrew Strobl Barry Richardson
19911995-1998 2001-2004 1993 Jerry Volz Gary Pennings William McEvoy 1999-2001 199319891994 Jon Hullinger 1991 unfilled Ray Burger 11
The Reports
2014-2015 Adam Wilczak 2007-2009 Richard Warsnak
Present Matthew Nagle
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
The French Exchange Saint Thomas Aquinas will be hosting 25 French students this fall. By ANNIE GELLOTT
This year, Saint Thomas Aquinas will be starting a new foreign exchange program with France. For ten days, the 25 French students will be touring Kansas City and visiting at Aquinas. The students are from Vitre, a town in the western peninsula of France, two hours west of Paris. They attend a school called College-lycee Jeanne d’Arc, which has about 1,500 students, aging from primary school to high school. There will be 18 girls and 7 boys, aged 16 to 17. These students had to go through an application process, dwindling down 60 applicants to the selected 25.
Photo by www.lymington.com | The Shield
Map of the students’ home city, Vitre, France
The French students will arrive in Kansas on October 27th and leave November 5th. While in Kansas, they will spend a day shadowing their host student, see the Liberty 12
The Reports
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Memorial, visit Lawrence, see the Nelson-Atkins Museum and visit Topeka. Over the Halloween weekend, the exchange students will get to spend free time with their host families. The new exchange program started when Madame Trader was contacted by Christophe Labbe, the English teacher at Lycee Jeanne d’Arc. Labbe has taken students to the United States since 1997.
“...to discover a way of life they have never experienced before...” Christophe Labbe
English teacher, College-lycee Jeanne d’Arc
Labbe decided to take students to Kansas because he studied abroad at the University of Kansas for two years during college. He wants his students to get to know American culture and after stumbling upon the Saint Thomas Aquinas webpage, he found a place for the exchange program to start. Lycee Jeanne d’Arc’s goal for this program is “to go to Kansas to discover a way of life they have never experienced
Photo by www.pinimg.com | The Shield
The scenery in Vitre, France, the hometown of the exchange students.
before, to use their English as much as possible, and to have a good time with their pen pal and their host family,” says Labbe. The future of the program is still up in the air. Nothing is set in stone yet, but the hope is that in the fall of 2016, some Saint Thomas Aquinas students will be able to spend some time in Vitre, France, as exchange students. Written by Junior Annie Gellott , @anniegellott on twitter, a reporter for the Shield. This story was edited by Ellie Heit.
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The Reports
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Meet BYthe New Saints ANSLEY REYNOLDS
Benni Selbach , 2016
Favorite movie : The Great Gatsby Favortie tv show : Breaking Bad most excited for: the weekly games Social media : instagram : @benni_slbch Snapchat : derbeeniii Transfering from : Germany
Vilhelm Westberg , 2016
Favorite movie : Inception Favortie tv show : Game of Thrones most excited for: “Just the school spirit in general, since thats something different between highschools in Sweden and the U.S. but also experiancing all the American stuff.” Favorite holiday : Swedish Midsummer Social media : Snapchat and instagram : @vilhelmwestberg From : Sweden
Marcus Meyer , 2017
Favorite movie : Ted Favortie tv show : Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show most excited for: School Favorite holiday : Christmas Social media : Snapchat : marciii56 Transfering from : Germany
Garrison Galley , 2017
Favorite movie : The Breakfast Club Favortie tv show : American Horror Story Favorite holiday : Halloween Twitter : @garrison_galley Instagram : @garrisongalley15 From : Olathe East
Gabby Castaneda , 2017
Favorite movie : Remember the Titans Favorite tv show : Sex in the City Favorite Holiday : 4th of July Instagram : @gabbycastaneda Twitter : @gabbyrcastaneda Snapchat: gabbycastaneda0 From : Saint Teresa’s
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The Reports
Chase Cowley , 2016
Favorite movie : Miracle Favortie tv show : Breaking bad Favorite holiday : christmas Twitter and Instagram : @chasecowley27 Snapchat : chase_cowley27 Transfering from : Oklahoma City
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015 Skylar Fuester , 2017
Favorite movie : Bridesmaids Favorite tv show: One Tree Hill Favorite holiday : Christmas Snapchat : skylar_fuester Instagram and Twitter : @sffuester From : Blue Valley Southwest
Grant Cowley , 2017
[
Favorite movie : Interstellar Favorite tv show : Game of Thrones Favorite Holiday : Christmas Snapchat: grant_cali86 From : Oklahoma City
“I am most excited to have class with girls.� - Evan Coffey
]
Evan Coffey , 2017
Favorite movie : Lone survivor Favorite tv show : The Office Favorite holiday : Christmas Instagram : @panther_dome Twitter : @coffeyevan Snapchat: coffey_man From : St.Louis
Chayse Feeback , 2017
Favorite movie : The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Favorite tv show : Orange is the New Black Favorite Holiday : Christmas Instagram, twitter, snapchat : @chaysefeeback From : Blue Valley West
Jacob Elliot , 2017
Favorite movie : Step Brothers Favorite tv show : CSI Favorite Holiday : Thanksgiving Instagram : @kccheer_jake Twitter : @lilflipper7 Snapchat: lilflipper6 From : Spring Hill
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The Reports
Mariah Brim , 2017
Favorite movie : Space jam Favorite tv show : Big Bang Theory Favorite Holiday : Thanksgiving Instagram : @_mariah.17 Twitter : @mariahbrim Snapchat: mariahbrim_23 From : Center High School
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015 Jimmy Dorlac , 2018
Favorite movie : Rubber Favorite tv show : Wilfred Favorite Holiday : Christmas Instagram : @jimmy.dorlac Snapchat: jimmy_dorlac10 From : Rockhurst
Gerry Thomas , 2018
Favorite movie : Saving Private Ryan Favorite tv show : ESPN Favorite Holiday : Christmas Instagram : @gerrythomas3 Snapchat: gerry_thomas03 From : Pennsylvania
Mikey Strong , 2018
Favorite movie : The Interview Favorite tv show : Family guy Favorite Holiday : Easter Instagram : @mikeystr0ng1717 Snapchat: baseballguy1718 From : Saint James
Mimi Alani , 2018
Favorite movie : Beaches Favorite tv show : Grey’s anatomy Favorite Holiday : Christmas Instagram : @amiramalani Snapchat: minialani From : Sion
Duron Lowe , 2016
Favorite movie : Blind Side Favorite tv show : Dexter Favorite Holiday : Thanksgiving Instagram : @smash_lowe1 Twitter : @duron_lowe_1 Snapchat: duron24 From : Shawnee Misson Northwest
Allison Thomas , 2018
Favorite movie : The Mighty Macs Favorite tv show : Modern Family Favorite Holiday : Christmas Instagram and snapchat : atsports Twitter : @atsports42 From : Pennsylvania
Andrew Schoonover , 2018
Favorite movie : Avengers Favorite tv show : Madam Secretary Favorite Holiday : Christmas Instagram : @andrew.schoonover Twitter : @aj_schoonover Snapchat: schoonkid From : Olathe East
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The Reports
Isaiah Elsener , 2018 From : Nebraska
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
New Year, New Schedule
What are ODDS that you’ll EVEN know when your classes are? BY MIA POWER
F
or the first time in over 20 years, Saint Thomas Aquinas students can expect their schedules to be a little bit different. Activities Director Sarah Burgess said, “It seemed logical to place the odd schedule on Wednesday and Friday, and the even schedule on Tuesday and Thursday so there is less disruption and changes.” Previously, odd days were on Tuesdays and Thursdays and even days were on Wednesdays and Fridays. There were many weeks where an all school mass or assembly caused the schedule to be switched so that STA period could be on a certain day. Academic Principal Craig Moss said, “We noticed most of the time that was on Wednesdays and Fridays.” Administrators began discussing a change during the 2014-2015 school
year. The hope is that having STA period on Wednesdays and Fridays will result in less rearranging the schedule. Students will no longer have to wonder what classes they have on which days and the schedule written in student’s planners will not change. Fewer emails will be sent out announcing schedule changes. Academic principal Brian Schenck said, “It will become the new normal.” Burgess also said that having STA period on a Friday will also allow students to get a head start on their weekend homework, which is a big help for students who value their free time. Freshman won’t be affected at all by the change because they never knew the old way. Moss said, “I really think within a couple weeks everyone won’t even think twice about it on a daily basis.”
What do students think? “I feel like it’ll be confusing at first but I’ll get used to it.” Claire Heiman Sophomore
“The switch was very confusing because I was so used to the old schedule.” Jaden Castinado Junior
In addition to switching the days, the traveling policy during STA period will also change. Instead of having three 20 minute sessions, there will be two 30 minute sessions with a 15 minute session in between. During those 15 minutes, students are free to sign in and out of as many STA periods as they want and only stay for as long as they need. This allows students who only need to speak with a teacher briefly or make up a short quiz, to do so without being stuck in that classroom for longer than needed. Overall, these changes will help administration to schedule masses and assemblies and help students to know when they will be having odd and even days. Junior Mia Power, @miacbpower on twitter, is a freelance reporter for The Sheld. This story was edited by Alex Kinnan.
“I wish they would’ve just switched seminar to fourth hour”
“I want to cry.”
Senior
“I like it more because we have STA period on Fridays.”
Marianne Michaels
“Switching the entire schedule seems extreme and unnecessary.” Grace Spaniol Junior
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The Reports
Maria Weese Junior
Claire Verbenek Sophomore
“Eventually it’ll make everything easier” Matthew Walberg Junior
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
When the Freshman Boys Come Marching In BY OLIVIA RODE
Photo by Michele Gress | The Shield
Randy Dreiling talks to his team after defeating Shawnee Heights in Topeka.
There were 201 students in last year’s freshman class, the majority being girls. This year, Saint Thomas Aquinas has 252 students enrolled in its Freshman class. Over half (138 to be exact) are boys. This dramatic influx of students could be linked to a change in the school’s recruitment policy. For instance, last year, upperclassman hosted
Saint for a Day kids instead of freshmen. Director of Admissions Diane Pyle said, “I think having seniors and juniors as our Saint for a Day hosts helped the 8th graders feel the passion that they have for Aquinas.” A person who has spent more than two to three years at Aquinas has a bigger chance of having a widespread knowledge and love for the school.
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Another change has been new emails to 8th graders, sent by Pyle, that include the Aquinas core values, the Saints week in review videos, and testimonials from seniors. Yet another factor that should be included is the effort coaches have made to reach out to incoming freshmen. Head Cross Country Coach, Justin Wrigley, and Head
The Reports
Football Coach, Randy Dreiling, have met with incoming freshmen on their shadow days. Pyle praises this effort. “I think any time a coach expresses interest in a student, the chances of them attending Aquinas increases,” she said. The school has Dreiling to thank for the recent success of the football team as well. They placed second at state
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Photo by Michele Gress | The Shield
Coach Justin Wrigley hugs senior Meghan Kindel after a successful hurdle performance.
“I think any time a coach expresses interest in a student, the chances of them attending Aquinas increases” Diane Pyle Director of Admissions
last year, a large step up from the year before. “Karter Odermann has done a great job of getting the guys together in the offseason to work on their skills,” Dreiling said. He also gives credit to the entire team for collectively understanding the system better this
year. The increase of freshmen boys coming to Aquinas and playing football has skyrocketed. In 2012, the number was in the 20s. In 2013, it was 37. This year, Aquinas will have 60 freshmen boys going out for football. The number nearly doubled in one year,
leading to evidence that Aquinas’s new football program has helped its freshman boy enrollment numbers. These numbers are extremely positive and show that the recruitment effort put forward by the entire staff each and every year is the reason
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The Reports
more and more kids are learning what “Amor Vincit Omnia” really means. Senior Olivia Rode @oliviarode on twitter, is a reporter, social media editor, and back-page editor.
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Much More Than A Newspaper. The Student’s Voice 32
The Shield
The Back Pages August 15, 2015 Senior Meghan Kindel crosses the finish line at the Saints Stampede.
What’s inside 34
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Protect This Sports House Preview
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Mueller Takes the Marianne Michaels NFL 33
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Allie Bostwick
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Icebreaker
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Protect This House
It’s the biggest thing going on at Aquinas, and it’s only just the beginning. BY CONNOR RAGAN
In a world dictated by the newest, flashiest, and most advanced equiptment, the Saints appear to have struck gold. With the exclusive deal that Saint Thomas Aquinas has signed with the brand Under Armour, many doors have been opened. This partnership has high potential, and it seems as though the whole community is excited about it. “It’s going to be cool to have the whole school on the same page,” Head Football Coach Randy Dreiling said. The football team is an unusual case, as they just received brand new Nike game uniforms last season. The team, not wanting to waste these new jerseys, will continue to use them going into
the 2015 season. However, all of their spirit wear, practice equipment, and even accessories will become Under Armour products. The hope is that by the fall of 2016, when football season starts up again, freshly-made Under Armour game uniforms will be ready for the team to wear. Of course, this whole operation required careful consideration and a lot of discussion. In January of 2015, Aquinas was approached by Under Armour’s Territory Manager, Frank Weber. Upon meeting with Activities Director Sarah Burgess and President Dr. Bill Ford, Weber’s intentions were clear: Under Armour wanted to make Aquinas their flagship high school in the metro area. The company was
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The Back Pages
impressed with the overall success of the athletic programs, and wanted to be a part of it.
“To have everyone on the same page will be very beneficial for our school in the long run.”
Randy Dreiling Football Coach Burgess remembers Weber saying how his company wanted Aquinas to be a “strictly Under Armour school,” with all of the teams and gear provided by and endorsed by the brand. “If you agree,” he had said, “we want your coaches, we want your teams, in nothing but Under Armour. If we don’t have it, we’ll find it.”
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
The contract that Aquinas signed spans for three years, and was finalized in July. Many teams will move immediately into the program, with new uniforms and gear issued as soon as their respective seasons start. Some others, though, will have to be slowly eased into the new sponsorship. “We’re phasing in; you can’t just completely change, your budget won’t allow that,” said Burgess, who spearheaded the entire effort on Aquinas’ side. But the money situation might have a way to work itself out, little by little, and still benefit
everyone. All purchases of Under Armour products by Saints’ student athletes come with a 35-percent discount, and 10 percent of the final price is returned to Aquinas. This is another one of the perks of being the sole “Under Armour school” in the Kansas City metro area. “It’s flattering,” continued Burgess. “We’re it in Kansas City now. And the brand itself is hot. It’s good looking stuff.” Two of the largest teams at Aquinas are the track and field teams and the cross country teams. Head Coach Justin Wrigley
was very clear that, as Burgess had said, Under Armour chose the Saints, and not the other way around. “It was because of who we are at Saint Thomas Aquinas, as a school and as an athletic program,” he said, explaining the pride of the school. The two programs that he leads are incredibly successful, and he was excited to have some “nice upgrades” to show for it. The teams have used the same uniforms for their meets for many years, so the Under Armour team-wear was welcomed.
“The brand itself is hot. It’s good looking stuff.” Sarah Burgess Activities Director
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The Back Pages
The cross country team will be decked out in slick new uniforms, produced by Under Armour.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
The new Under Armour soccer jerseys (left) feature a bold design, which coach Craig Ewing described as being “pretty sweet”. The student body was recently surveyed on their favorite sports brand, and the results (below) show the overwhelming choices of the school.
Votes
Nike Adidas Under Armour Mizuno Asics Other
Wrigley went on to explain how the deal would help to “get the ball rolling” for the school; despite the already nationally-recognized Saints brand, Wrigley, along with the rest of the community, sees the school rising to an even higher level in all aspects. All of the new equiptment and uniforms are great additions to the school’s reputation of having the very best. Under Armour
chose Aquinas. By being one of the most revered and respected schools, both in the classroom and on the field, great things were bound to happen. Now, the athletic departments will be set with the best, the top-of-the-line things. All of the coaches are on board, and they’re excited for what the future has to offer. Under Armour as a brand has been rapidly growing itself. Latest statistics, however, show that
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students at Aquinas favor Nike far more than any other producer of athletic gear. There is an old adage: “When you look better, you feel better. When you feel better, you play better.” The Saints are champions in everything they do. With this new contributor to Aquinas’s mountainous success, sports will certainly be something to pay close attention to this year. Senior Connor Ragan, @csragan13 on social media, is a reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Olivia Rode.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Searching For State Titles
The captains of the fall sport teams are excited and have big plans for the season ahead.
BY HAGAN MAROZAS Football
Photo by Hagan Marozas | The Shield Saints linemen bear the heat and practice hard.
Volleyball
Captain: Senior Christy Rheinberger Q: What position do you play? A: Back row, ds/libero Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year? A: I hope to make it to state! I want to see the team to play to their full potential. Q: What’s your favorite memory of playing for Aquinas? A: My favorite memory is by far winning state. Honestly one of the best moments of my life! Not only did we win, but we won it in two games. And best of all, beat St. James.
Captains: Seniors Christopher Schilling (C), Parker Swanson (P), and Kyle Walker (K) Q: What position do you play? C: Free safety P: Inside linebacker K: Defensive tackle Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year? C: Our goal is to win state. P: We hope to win the first football state title this year. K: As a team our goal is to win state, as any should be, but as an individual my goal is to receive all-league or all-state honors. Q: What are you most excited about for this season? C: I am most excited for another chance to take care of unfinished business and win the school’s first state championship. P: I’m most excited for all the home games this year and the amazing support from the community. K: I’m most excited to play my first real snap as a saint.
Boys Soccer
Captain: Junior Danny Gabriel Q: What position do you play? A: Center midfield Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year? A: I want to win state again this year. Q: What’s your favorite memory of playing for Aquinas? A: Last year’s state run. Q: What are you most excited about for this season? A: This season, I cannot wait to play the first game of the season against St. James.
Girls Golf
Cross Country
Captains: Seniors Haley Dietsch (H) and Austin Zuniga (A) Captain: Senior Samantha Hilderhof Q: How long have you been running? Q: How long have you been playing? H: I’ve been running since sixth grade, I ran for my middle A: I’ve been playing since I was five years old. school, but also a club track team. Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year? A: I have been running since freshman year but I didn’t A: I hope to accomplish as a team to win state/qualify for regionals become serious about running until about halfway through first. track sophomore year. Q: What’s your favorite memory of playing for Aquinas? Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year? A: Team practices. There’s a lot of team bonding in golf because H: We have many smaller goals to accomplish throughout the we do get to talk while we play. season, but they ultimately all lead to the final goal: qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals. A: This year we hope to defend our title at State Champions. Girls Tennis And then we also hope to quality for Nike Nationals. Captain: Senior Ryan Grawe Q: What’s your favorite memory of running for Aquinas? Q: How long have you been playing? H: My favorite memory of STA XC will always be winning A: I started playing my sophomore year after playing volleyball state. I love being able to accomplish that with my best freshman year. friends. Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year? A: I would love to place at regionals and go to state this year, after A: My favorite memory would have to be winning state last year. That is something that I will never forget. just missing it last year, but mostly I just want 37 to enjoy my last year with the team.
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The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Mueller Takes The NFL Aquinas Grad Ryan Mueller’s hard work has taken him from Saint, to Wildcat, to NFL hopeful BY SETH WALKER “I never thought I would even get a chance to play much football in high school. My football career was an uphill battle from the beginning. At STA, I started out on the Freshman B team. By senior year, I received the EKL Defensive Player of the Year honor.” Ryan Mueller Aquinas Grad
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Former Aquinas and K-State grad Ryan Mueller is currently chasing his dreams in the NFL.
Ryan Mueller is a true Aquinas success story. After helping to take the Saints to their first state football final in 2008, and earning various accolades such as EKL defensive player of the year, KC metro defensive player of the year, and first team all-state honoree, the multisport athlete Ryan Mueller still didn’t see any NCAA Div. I offers come his way; but he was determined to play at
the highest level. After success at a local K-State football camp, recruiters asked Mueller to walk on at Kansas State. Mueller made the team and was redshirted in the 2010 season. In 2011 however, he never missed a game and made many big plays for the Wildcats, including his fumble recovery in the 2012 Cotton Bowl against Arkansas.
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The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Photo by Ann Williamson of The Topeka Capitol-Journal Ryan Mueller forces Shawnee Heights quarterback David Gauntt to fumble in the 2009 high school football playoffs.
“I think he embodies our school mission today.”
“Before anything great is really achieved, your comfort zone must be disturbed.”
John Tompkins Physics teacher
Ray Lewis via @R_Mueller44 on Twitter
Mueller played every game for the Wildcats from there on out, and his hard work paid off when he earned an athletic scholarship for football halfway through his sophomore season. Throughout his career at K-State, Mueller won numerous awards and tied the school’s all time record for sacks with 11.5. On May 3, 2015, Ryan Mueller was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He is currently fulfilling his dream as an NFL player, but at the same time battling for
Photo by Charlie Neuman of The San Diego Tribune Ryan Mueller in practice with the San Diego Chargers.
a roster spot. When asked if he thought Ryan Mueller would make it to the NFL, Aquinas physics teacher John Tompkins said, “When
Ryan Mueller says he’s going to make the NFL, he’s probably going to make the NFL.” Mueller’s hard work and
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success not only inspires every Saint who has walked the same halls as him, not only every K-State fan who has watched him play, but soon he will inspire the entire city of San Diego. Mueller said, “If it wasn’t making me a better football player, a better student, a better son, a better Christian – it was a distraction.” Junior Seth Walker, @SethWalker3, on Twitter, is a reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by senior Alex Kinnan.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
No Surrender
Marianne Michaels has spent the summer on the country stage and she’s not finished yet.
Photo by Becca Haeusser | The Shield
Michaels opening for the Dan and Shay Concert on June 18.
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enior Marianne Michaels started her career singing Taylor Swift songs for her grade school talent shows, and is now an artist on iTunes. While performing for her grade school, Michaels realized that music was something she was passionate about. “My eighth grade year, my dad brought in his friends and we actually had a full band. That was probably the starting moment when I was like, this is actually really cool,” Michaels said. After realizing that she really enjoyed singing as a hobby, Michaels started singing backup for her father’s cover band, Buck Rodgers. They sang four or five songs a night, performing once every couple of months at Barley Brewhaus’ and twice at the Kansas City Power & Light District. It wasn’t long before she started writing with her father,
BY BECCA HAEUSSER
John Michaels. “We wrote several songs just letting her learn to find her voice,” John Michaels said. “Every time she writes or performs she takes a step forward.” Michaels’ current single, “No Surrender,” is on iTunes. She is mastering two more songs that will be on iTunes this fall. “No Surrender is like my baby. That song has really helped me find myself, and hearing it come to life was a dream come true,” Michaels said. Michaels first performed by herself on May 10, 2015, at the Power & Light District. John Michaels, who is
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also Marianne’s manager, was amazed by how well she did during her first performance in front of a large crowd. “Knowing that the Brett Eldredge show was her first show taking the lead, I was amazed at how comfortable she was in front of 5,000 people. The greatest
Photo courtesy of Brian Rice Photography
Michaels at her first performance on May 10.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Photo by Becca Haeusser | The Shield
Michaels greets sophomores Meg Goza (left) and Elizabeth Ragan (center) after her performance on June 18th.
Photo courtesy of Brian Rice Photography part about Marianne is that she She has performed Michaels singing at the Power and Light is what she is. Being comfortable twice at the Power & Light District, Downtown. is easy when you’re not faking District and a couple other it,” John Michaels said. times at various venues. Michaels said. Marianne certainly Her father has helped write Michaels hopes to doesn’t fake it. The songs, get continue to perform and share crowds were on their “The second the band starts the band her love of music with the world. feet on June 18, the together, Michaels said, “I have playing, all the nerves wash and find night of the Dan and sung for as long as I can away.” Shay concert. places for remember, although now instead “It is an Michaels of the shower, its in front of indescribable feeling, to sing. Marianne Michaels roughly 5,000 to 6,000 people! but to get close I Senior I love it because it has always would definitely say “I don’t been a part of who I am.” that I am almost overwhelmed; see myself as a manager. We in a good way!” Michaels get to write, record and perform Junior Becca Haeusser a freelance said when asked how it felt together. Some dads take reporter for the Shield. This story was to perform. “I’m always really their kids fishing, or they run edited by Daniel Petracek, Managing Editor for the Shield. nervous and quiet before I go on, marathons together. Marianne but the second the band starts and I just happen to love music playing all the nerves wash and this is all just a byproduct of away.” doing something we love,” John
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The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
A Superstar for Aquinas Saint Thomas Aquinas is home to its very own superstar. BY EZRI KILLEEN 2015 KC SuperStar Finalists | The Shield
The KC SuperStar finalists after the semi-finals on June 1. Photo courtesy of kcsuperstar.
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his summer, senior Allie Bostwick was a contestant in the local competition KC SuperStar. She has spent the summer qualifying for the finals of the competition. KC SuperStar describes itself as an “American Idol” type competition, in which high school singers from all over the Kansas City area compete for the $10,000 Craig Citron Memorial Scholarship. The competition is hosted by Jewish Community Center, and is in its sixth year. Each spring, over 200 students audition to be a part of the competition. This year, Bostwick sang “At Last,” by Etta James, for
the initial audition. “It (the audition) was kind of like ‘American Idol,’” Bostwick said. The contestants were given numbers, and then they waited to be brought into the audition room, which had about eight judges, before they sang their song, according to Bostwick. “It was kind of nerve wracking,” Bostwick said. Some people were called back to sing other songs, while some, including Bostwick, were not. “It freaked me out.”
Bostwick had tried out
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once before, the spring of 2013, but was not chosen for the semi-finals. She decided to try out again this year because of her friends’ encouragement.
“It (the audition) was kind of like ‘American Idol.’” Allie Bostwick Senior
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015 Several years before, Anthony Fortino, class of 2011, also made it to the finals. Soon after, the contestants began rehearsals for the finals. They rehearsed together for the big group numbers, and then individually with coaches on their own songs. “They (the other contestants) are really, really nice,” Bostwick said. She continued to say that everyone is really happy to have the opportunity and to get to know other people that have the same passion for music.
Senior Allie Bostwick | The Shield
Photo is from Bostwick’s Instagram. Follow her @aldenbostwick.
thrilled. She wasn’t aware at first that she had made it into the semi-finals. “Russell (a friend of Allie’s) texted me,” Bostwick said. For the semi-finals, she sang “At Last” again. The video of her semi-finals performance is on The Shield’s YouTube page. At the end of the semi-finals, the judges deliberated and then announced the ten finalists to the contestants and the audience. Bostwick was among the finalists. When she found out she was one of the finalists, she was standing backstage with the other contestants and was beyond
Bostwick is not the only Aquinas student that has made it to the finals. Russell Brown, class of 2015, was in the finals last year, and Grant Mayfield,
“I love my song. I think it’s really pretty.” Allie Bostwick Senior class of 2014, was accepted into the finals that same year, but did not perform because of conflicts.
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The finals were held August 23 at Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College. Celebrity Rob Riggle was the host. Bostwick sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel. “I love my song,” Bostwick said. “I think it’s really pretty.” She performed with a live band. Bostwick was supported by many friends and family at the finals. Although she did not place, all of the contestants were awarded $500 scholarships and offered full ride scholarships if they chose to attend Avila University. Junior Ezri Killeen, @e_claire17 on twitter, is a freelance reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Alex Kinnan.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
The Icebreaker
Joe Skevington Meet Joe, Senior Class President and a varsity soccer player.
What are you looking forward to most this year? Sitting front row at all the basketball and football games
What is one food that you never want to taste again? Meghan Kindel cooked a hot dog for me at a royals Game tailgate and I think it was still raw. I didn’t want to tell her though.
Last show you binge watched? The West Wing and House of Cards. I’m still trying to figure out this StuCo thing.
Why did you decide to run for Student Council? I wanted I do something none of my siblings ever did. Plus, I wanted to make the most out of senior year.
Name one CD you have in your car. Someone burned a CD for my older brother when he was in high school a long time ago. It’s loaded with pop songs from the early 2000s.
Favorite part of summer? Hiking with my brothers in Colorado Favorite radio station? tie between 96.5 the buzz and K-Love of course
What is your favorite chip flavor? Pizza Pringles
Michele Gress | The Shield
Joe Skevington celebrating a state championship win in soccer this past fall.
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Interviewed by, senior Alex Kinnan ,@alexkinnan on twitter, the Shield’s Editor-in-Chief.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Last Look State Track 2015
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Photos by Jenni Ngyuen | The Shield
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1) Sophomore Meg Goza launches into the pole vault. This past season was Meg’s first. 2) Graduate Kyle Bollig throws the javelin. Kyle’s senior season was very successful. 3) Graduate Tom Pyle competes in the Long Jump. In his time at Aquinas, Tom set many school records. 4) Senior Olivia Rode runs the 3200m race. Olivia excelled in multiple events that she ran. 5) Senior Michael Shanahan runs the 3200m race. Michael is entering his 4th season running track. 6) Graduate Emily Downey leads the pack in the 1600m race. She is followed closely by senior Haley Dietsch.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Last Look Saints Stampede
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Photos by Alex Kinnan | The Shield
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1) Saints cheerleaders link up to sing the alma mater before the race. 2) Sophomores Andrew Lebourveau (right) and Luke Lee push hard during the 5K. 3) Senior Isabel Kemp cheers on approaching runners. 4) Runners sprint across the football field to begin the race. 5) Head Cross Country Coach Justin Wrigley prepares to guide the runners as he drives the Gator.
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The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield | August 2015
Last Look Saints Stampede
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1) Mikey Needleman and his band bring some music to the Saints Stampede. 2) Latin teacher and former Head Cross Country Coach Greg Wilson instructs the runners just minutes before the race. 3) Senior Hunter Brown (left) and Junior Sam Skeeters finish the race in solid time. 4) Freshmen Claire Alpough (left) and Katie Kinnan have fun while running the Stampede.
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August/September 2015 Events Calendar
8/29 V VB vs. Blue Springs 9/17 V Football vs. BVNW 8/31 V Tennis @ Barstow
9/19 V VB Hayden Invitiational
9/4 Welcome Back Mixer 9/19 V SCR vs. BVNW 9/5 Greg Wilson Classic
9/22 V TE Saint’s Invitational
9/7 No School
9/25 V TE @ Sion
9/11 V Football vs. BVN
9/25 V Football @ Miege
9/12 CC Emporia Invitational 9/26 CC Rim Rock Classic 9/12 V SCR Top Dawg
9/26 V VB Blue Springs South
9/16 V SCR vs. Rockhurst 9/29 V SCR @ BVN Visit www.stasaints.net/calendar for a more extensive version of this calendar.
The Student’s Voice
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