The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School | August 2016
Welcome back, Saints! This first August issue is a welcome back from the Shield staff to all the Saints. Featured in this issue is Gotta Catch ‘Em All, a story focusing on the world wide phenomenon of “Pokemon Go.”
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Photo by Ezri Killeen | The Shield Seniors Brittany Jones and Maggie Young walk with freshman Calvin Wolf into Freshman Orientation.
The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Editor-In-Chief Ezri Killeen Managing Editors Becca Haeusser Kat Schartz Social Media Editor Mia Power Copy Editor Maria Scanlan Advisor Matt Hallauer
Reporters Seth Walker Jake Burkhart Annie Patton Grace Platt Delaney Smith Grace Mayer Briley McGreevy Freelance Reporters Hagan Marozas Rachel Raney Andrew Schoonover
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 monthly. Orders can be sent to newspaper@stasaints.net Letters 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. Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215 913-319-2460
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A Warm Welcome Back 2016-2017 might be the Saints’ best year yet. a letter from the editor Hello, and welcome back, Saints! My name is Ezri Killeen, and I will be your Editor-in-Chief of The Shield this year. I am very excited to be entering my final year at Aquinas with an amazing new staff of The Shield. I have gotten to know these juniors and seniors this summer, and I can assure you, The Shield is in very good hands. We are all dedicated to providing the Aquinas community with the best reporting and greatest stories to keep you updated on news both inside of the community and in the world surrounding it. All year long, we will be searching for stories up and down the Aquinas halls. If there is an issue, we will get to the bottom of it. It is our duty to critique and question; that is the way we are able to report in the best fashion. In our first issue this year, we decided to bring you impactful reports that affect most everyone here at Aquinas. This issue covers everything; from the new plans for Aquinas 2020 (p 20), to a story on the problems surrounding the summer Olympics (p 11)Also included are new recurring pages,
such as the What’s Next? page. This edition features interviews from the fall coaches and other activity leaders (p 31). The new AquinasView and WorldView spread will feature short columns on news happening in Aquinas and around the world (p 20). Our featured story this month is Gotta Catch ‘Em All (p 6), which explores the new Pokemon Go phenomenon. We hope to continue to bring you the best and most impactful stories we can as the school year progresses. This staff believes in The Shield’s slogan, “The Student’s Voice”; we will always be digging deeper for the people of Aquinas. I am so excited to spend this year doing just that. It’s gonna be a great one, Saints, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Ezri Killeen Editor-in-Chief, The Shield
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Reports page 4// THE STUDENTS’
VOICE: Change Our Summer Homework
An editorial covering students’ summer homework and how it is affecting them. page 6// FEATURE STORY:
Gotta Catch ‘Em All
“Pokemon Go” has become a sweeping sensation across the world, and it continues to gain popularity. page 8// Olympic Catastrophe The 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio have been fraught with problems and are affecting athletes from all over the world.
The Spreads page 14// Additions to the
The Back Pages page 24// Spring
Communion of Saints
Championships
page 16// Social Spread This summer’s best social media posts from the Saints.
page 26// Where are the
Aquinas is welcoming numerous transfer students this school year.
page 18// AquinasView/
WorldView
Columns on news happening inside Aquinas as well as the world around it. page 20// 2020 Views A look at the new construction plans for Aquinas scheduled to be finished in 2020.
page 10// New Year, New
Four state titles were brought home in the spring.
Freshmen Coming From?
This year’s freshmen class has student hailing from a variety of middle schools. page 28// New Playoff
Structure
The structure of the playoff games is different for the Aquinas football team this year. page 30// WHAT’S NEXT?
Featuring the fall activities
A look at what students can expect from fall sports and activities this year.
Saints
This school year, eight new faculty members will be welcomed into Aquinas, the largest number since 2006.
COUNTDOWNS HOMECOMING : 43 days CANNED FOOD DRIVE: 73 days CHRISTMAS BREAK: 123 days GRADUATION: 265 days
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The Students’ Voice
Change Our Summer Homework The words “perfect” and “homework” are rarely used in the same sentence. This past summer, some Saints were given summer homework assignments. While every year students complain about assignments, this year especially had students complaining about the effectiveness of the summer homework. Because summer homework affects a number of students and is a great time commitment, these assignments need to be reformed to be more effective with students. This past summer for reading, students were given no choice as to what they read. Not being able to choose which book to read made an already laboring task more dull. To make summer homework more appealing for students, a list of books could be made for students to pick one they would
“Students wait until the last minute to do it so it doesn’t actually help them retain the information throughout the summer.” Jenna Steichen Senior
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A look at how our summer homework assignments should be improved. BY ANDREW SCHOONOVER
like and still make the curriculum. “In reading . . . it may be that those curricular tasks could be done using a plethora of books” Academic Principal Craig Moss said. Another way summer homework assignments could be improved is by fixing the challenge of student procrastination. Senior Jenna Steichen said “Students wait until the last minute to do it so it doesn’t actually help them retain the information throughout the summer.” The current structure of summer homework, with one due date, causes students to wait until very close to the due date. Changes should be made so that, instead of procrastinating, students are learning in a long term and steady pace to retain information. Perhaps the greatest way to improve summer homework is by giving more of a break to students during the summer. Most people agree that they want students to return to the school year rested and fresh for learning. Currently, many students attend their first day of school tired after a night of doing math problems or reviewing for quizzes or tests on the very first day of school. In order to start the school year off right, summer homework assignments can be adapted to ensure this. Changing due
dates or assignments can help meet this as well. Some may claim that no matter the assignment, students will complain about homework during the summer, and that summer homework has “evolved” enough to the best it will be. However, by taking a step back and looking at what changes could be made, a big difference can be made. Starting with small steps specifically to help make summer homework more effective can make a big difference. Again, allowing students to read a book of their own choosing can be put into place. For math, maybe a period or summer work days could be offered to allow students to ask questions and review topics. These easy, small changes to summer homework assignments will bring Aquinas closer to the perfect summer homework approach.
Junior Andrew Schoonover is a freelancer reporter for The Shield. This Story was edited by Managing Editors Becca Haeusser and Kate Schartz.
The Students’ Voice is a series of editorials that will be in every issue of The Shield. The staff will write on one topic an issue.
The Reports
Setting Up Shop Photo by Mia Power | The Shield Cousins junior Devin Digs and senior Katelyn Heying hang up freshman locker signs. Diggs is on Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Executive STUCO and Heying is on Senior STUCO.
FEATURED STORY
Gotta Catch ‘Em All
“Pokemon Go” gained popularity quickly and continues to be one of the summer’s hottest games. BY MIA POWER
P
okemon Go has become the biggest craze of the summer. The free app has been getting people off their couches and outside since its release July 6. The game has amassed millions of players in over 30 countries around the world. The game itself is simple. Players create a free account and use the app to find and catch Pokemon in the real world. Certain buildings and landmarks are Pokestops, places where players can stock up on Pokeballs and other items. Other landmarks are gyms where players can use their Pokemon to train and battle against other players. “Pokemon Go” is unique in the fact that it appeals to players of almost all ages. Teenagers, adults, and young kids with their families alike can be seen
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wandering around at parks, plazas, and malls in hopes of catching them all. The game seems to be aimed at people who loved Pokemon as kids and are now a little older, but at the same time it attracts those who had never previously been interested in Pokemon. The game was so immediately successful that within 24 hours of its release in the United States, Nintendo’s stock price increased 8%. Within another 24 hours, it jumped 18% and on the third day, 58%. While Nintendo is partially to thank for “Pokemon Go,” it might not be the wisest choice to buy stock in the company. Nintendo only owns about one third of The Pokemon Company and benefits little financially from the game. The real creator of Pokemon Go is a smaller, independent company called Niantic Labs. Thanks to “Pokemon Go,” parents can no longer tell their kids to put down their phones and go outside. The game encourages players to go outside and walk around in order to find Pokemon. On any given day, a trip Town Center Plaza or
Legends Outlets will feature crowds of people holding up their phones while walking around and looking for Pokemon. It forces players to be outdoors and active, which is beneficial for physical and mental health. Despite all of these great benefits, the game does come with a few dangers. Upon opening the app, players are greeted with a message that reads, “Remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings.” This may seem like common sense, but when players are too engrossed in the game to watch their surroundings,
accidents are bound to happen. Two men in Southern California fell off a cliff while playing the game. One player in Baltimore reportedly crashed into a police car while playing “Pokemon Go” and driving. A woman in Melbourne, Australia died after being hit by car while playing the game on foot. Even more questions about the safety of the game have arisen due to its use of GPS for location
tracking. Robberies and physical attacks have become a concern as players— often teenagers—wander around alone or in small groups, unaware of their surroundings. Additionally, some Pokestops and gyms have been placed in areas where players should not be playing the game. The Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. has asked players to refrain from catching Pokemon there out of respect, despite the fact that there are three Pokestops in the museum. Kansas City area health care centers, including Saint Luke’s Health System and Children’s Mercy Hospital, have asked that people do not play “Pokemon Go” in their facilities and have requested that Pokestops be removed from their property. While there are downsides to the game, most can be solved by players simply exercising common sense while playing.
There’s no doubt that “Pokemon Go” is an innovative, fresh spin on a classic game, and its success is welldeserved. Senior Mia Power, @miacbpower on Twitter, is the Social Media Editor for The Shield. This Story was edited by Editor-in-Chief Ezri Killeen.
Photos by Mia Power | The Shield Three different types of Pokemon are caught at different locations in Saint Thomas Aquinas. Pokemon can be found almost anywhere.
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Olympic Catastrophe
With issues ranging from doping scandals to health risks, the 2016 Summer Olympic Games had quite a rough start. BY BRILEY MCGREEVY
Preparations for the Olympic Games held in Rio, Brazil, this year were set back by a variety of political and economical issues. Just months before the Games began, Brazil’s President, Dilma Rousseff, was suspended, and the country was left spinning out of control. Soon after, large protests broke out to celebrate the vote to impeach Rousseff. Rio de Janeiro declared a “state of public calamity” on June 17, leaving Brazil in its worst economic crisis in 100 years. Raw sewage
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flowed into the Guanabara Bay from poor neighborhoods and into Rio’s waterways along with the built up trash and bacteria that had grown in pools of standing water. Only around 50 percent of the city’s sewage is treated; the other half is contaminated. Athletes coming for the Games are swimming in water containing human feces and bacteria. Just three weeks before the Games began, body parts washed up near the Olympics beach volleyball site, creating major hesitation and concern for athletes.
The Zika virus has also caused concern among the Olympic teams. Some athletes have considered not going, while others have quarantined themselves in Rio. Fears that the Olympics could serve as a catalyst to spread the virus globally were expressed before the Games, and many treatments and safety measures have been taken to prevent the outbreak. The Brazilian Ministry of Health has worked with the Rio 2016 organizing committee to hire professional inspectors to visit the Olympic venues daily.
The inspectors will be looking for standing bodies of water where the mosquitoes thrive, and they are to follow the control measures provided by authorities to exterminate the virus. Cases of the virus dropped significantly just before the start of the Olympics with the temperature cooling. The risk of infection was low and had been overcome. Another issue following the start of the 2016 Olympic Games was doping scandals among Russia’s whole Track and Field team. The team was banned from participating as well as several other Russian athletes found using the performance enhancing drugs. “I support the ban that includes almost every Russian track and field athlete,” said Justin Wrigley, head Track and Field coach at Aquinas. “It has been proven that Russia was conducting a
state run doping project and cover up so I believe that there is a need for severe punishment to hopefully correct the issue and prevent this from happening in the
“I hope that future generations see what is happening and strive for a better future for the sport and the world we live in.” Justin Wrigley Cross Country Coach
future.” In the 2014 Winter Olympics, it had been confirmed by anti-doping laboratories that dozens of Russian athletes had benefited in the statecontrolled doping system. Athletes this year caught using performance enhancing drugs were sent home and expelled from the Olympic Games. “I hope that young athletes are learning from this scandal and are understanding that there is no room for cheating in sports or life in general,” Wrigley said. “I hope that future generations see what is happening and strive for a better future for the sport Junior Briley McGreevy is a reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Editor-In-Chief Ezri Killeen.
New Year, New Saints This year eight new faculty members will be joining the Saints; the largest influx of staff members since 2006. BY BECCA HAEUSSER This school year, eight new faculty members will be joining the Saint Thomas Aquinas community. The group is a mixture of alumni, returning teachers, and faces brand new to Aquinas. Becky Akright was a teacher at Aquinas from 1998 until 2006, when she became a school administrator and Ascension and St. Ann. “I enjoyed my time as a school principal, but I always missed the classroom and the kids,” Akright said. “I also have many friends here, and I can’t wait to work with them again.” When she was a child, Akright aspired to become either an actress or a teacher. Photo courtesy of Becky Akright. Akright will fulfill her Becky Akright and her two childhood dream by grandsons enjoy quality time while teaching Honors World reading a book together. Literature, Composition II, and American Literature this year. “I love discussions about literature, and I feel great satisfaction from helping kids learn to write well,” Akright said. “But mostly, I really enjoy kids their energy and their humor.” This year will be the first year that Aquinas has a Campus Minister. Sarah Cretors is coming from Holy Trinity to fill that position. She is an alumni and has been a volleyball coach at Aquinas for several years. Cretors likes playing and watching sports and hanging
out with family and friends when she is not working. She is excited to “be in the Aquinas community in all aspects.” Cretors said, “Before I really was just involved in the sports side, so I’m excited to see and be a part of all the great things that happen Photo courtesy of Brendan Curran. here.” Like Cretors, Brendan Curran and his sons spend time together at a Royals game. Brendan Curran had been around Aquinas for years and is finally getting a chance to become a full-fledged member of the community. Curran’s wife, Casey Curran is a math teacher at Aquinas and in two years, their oldest son will be attending Aquinas. Curran was a math teacher at Shawnee Mission South. He will be teaching Statistics and Technology this year. His favorite part about teaching is “building relationships with [his] students and peers.” When he isn’t teaching, Curran can be found coaching basketball or playing with his children. Erin Dunleavy is another Aquinas alumni. “I had a wonderful experience as a student at Aquinas, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return as a teacher,” Dunleavy said. She will be teaching English I and English IV. Dunleavy had many aspirations as a child— astronaut, architect, designer, and journalist. She Photo courtesy of Erin Dunleavy. realized her love for teaching Erin Dunleavy poses for a Photo courtesy of Sarah Cretors.through the Mizzou School of picture while traveling in Italy. Head Voleyball Coah and Campus Minister Sarah Cretors Music while teaching violin, coaches from the sideline of a volleyball game.
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getting to Biology, he will also be the know my students new assistant boys basketball and attending all coach. “When I see students of the fine arts and making a difference outside sporting events.” the classroom that brings me great joy,” Kupersmith After graduating said. “Teachers don’t stop from Aquinas teaching when the bell rings, in 2004, Caitlin we are not only trying to teach Flournoy worked students science, math, and as a research history but also how to be coordinator at positive contributors to the Stowers Institute community.” for Medical Andrew Lee taught at Photo courtesy of Jacob Kupersmith. Research. Two Prince of Peace for the Jacob Kupersmith after winning a years ago, she last ten years. He will started teaching at now be teaching Honors basketball game. Photo courtesy of Caitlin Flournoy. Blue Springs South English IV and English I at Caitlin Flournoy poses wioth her High School and now she Aquinas. He is excited to work with the students at Aquinas. husband and daughter, Lena. will be teaching Biology “They are really high level,” Lee said. “It should be great to and Earth and Space work with them and share what I have learned and then, learn Science at Aquinas. “I was motivated and inspired by my things from them.” Lee enjoys landscaping, reading, and teachers when I was a student,” Flournoy playing guitar in his free time. He also said, “and cannot wait to contribute to five children that occupy the majority “We are excited about the has the sense of community and learning as of his time. new group of educators a teacher here.” Flournoy loves to bake Each of these teachers has their own in her free time. Recently, however, her personality and style of teaching. “New who will be joining us this eight month old daughter, Lena, has been teachers are important because they bring fall.” Flournoy’s main priority. a different set of experiences and views Edwin Gener just moved to Kansas into our community. We are excited about from Indianapolis. Although his favorite the group of educators who will be joining Craig Moss subject in school was Spanish, he is us this fall,” Academic Principal Craig Academic Principal excited to be teaching Physics. “I’ve Moss said. “We have a great blend of heard good things about you, the people who are going to make a positive students,” Gener said. When he was a kid, Gener dreamed of impact on our community. I’m excited because I think we are being an NBA basketball player going to be better this year because they are with us.” but those dreams were crushed at high school basketball tryouts. Now, he is a full-time dad and teacher, which leaves little room for a basketball career. Jacob Kupersmith is yet another Aquinas alumni, graduated in 2006. “The Aquinas community has always been a special one and I am happy to be a part of it again,” Kupersmith said. Kupersmith taught Anatomy/Physiology and Honors/IB Biology at Photo courtesy of Edwin Gener. Senior Becca Haeusser, @becca_haeusser on Instagram, is Shawnee Mission East last Edwin Gener with his wife year. This year, in addition to a Managing Editor for The Shield. This Story was edited by and two children. Social Media Editor Mia Power. teaching general and honors
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Additions to the Communion of Saints
Aquinas is welcoming numerous transfer students this school year. BY CHLOE MAHER
CLASS OF 2018
Andrew Nussbaum From: Rockhurst Why Aquinas: His sister and grade school friends go here Fun fact: Orders birthday cake pop and carmel frap
@nuss_2
Noah Green
From: Blue Valley Southwest Why Aquinas: Meeting new people and family friends go here Fun fact: Likes scary movies
@nonogreen00
Chloe Maher
From: Blue Valley West Why Aquinas: Family Fun fact: Orders an iced caramel Mocciato with light ice at Starbucks
@chloejeanmaher
Noah Hughes
From: Bishop Miege Why Aquinas: Didn’t like Miege Fun fact: Orders a bowl with everything on it at Chipotle
@hugnoah2119
CLASS OF 2019 Sophia Hewitt
From: Sion Why Aquinas: Sion wasn’t good fit for her Fun fact: Orders iced chai tea latte Starbucks
@_sophiahewitt_
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Mason Colangelo
From: Blue Valley North Why Aquinas: Heard good things about Aquinas kids and wants a fresh start Fun fact: Loves Winsteads
@mjcola7
Dante Javaheri
From: Rockhurst Why Aquinas: Soccer and friends Fun fact: Orders a burrito with white rice cheese carnitas
@dante_j_ @dante_java
Tiffany Lam
From: Marantha Christian Academy Why Aquinas: Great school Fun fact: Orders caramel Frappe at Starbucks
@_tiffanyjennifer_
Erica Gahm
From: Blue Valley North Why Aquinas: It’s a great place Fun fact: Loves all the Harry Potter movies
Moriah Goracke
From: Bishop Miege Why Aquinas: Didn’t like Miege Fun fact: Favorite movie is Unbroken
@moriah_2001
Luke Truitt
From: Blue Valley North Why Aquinas: It’s cool Fun fact: Orders a chicken burrito at Chipotle
Sandra Urbina
From: Shawnee Mission North Why Aquinas: Foster family put her here Fun fact: Starbucks order is a caramel frappe
Zoe DuPreez
From: Paola Why Aquinas: Moved and is Catholic Fun fact: Loves old movies
@flamincollinssanda
Keegan Staats
From: Blue Valley West Why Aquinas: Great community and school Fun fact: Favorite movie is Interstellar
Joseph Calamaio
From: Shawnee Misson South Why Aquinas: Thinks Aquinas is the best school Fun fact: Favorite movie is The Breakfast Club
@keeganstaats
Ethan Wagner
CLASS OF 2017
From: Shawnee Mission Northwest Why Aquinas: It’s superior Fun fact: Orders a chicken burrito with lettuce and tomato
Ricardo Gonzalez From: Orlando, FL Why Aquinas: Soccer Fun fact: Has funny aaccent
@ethanwagner12
@r.gonzalez24
Jacob Hunsperger
From: Gardener-Edgerton Why Aquinas: more oppurtunities Fun fact: Plays football, wrestling, track and races jet skis
Kyle Herrold
From: St. James Why Aquinas: Rugby and Friends Fun fact: Doesn’t like Chipotle
@jacob.hunsperger kyle_herrold
William Strout
From: Blue Valley North Why Aquinas: Likes the environment Fun fact: Orders a chicken burrito at Chipotle
Also transferring to Aquinas 2018 John Warren Xin Zhang
2019 Hunter Bindy Veronica Carroll
@willstrout
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The Social Spread
Instagram Maggie Young @myoung5199 Dear freshman: highschool makes your arms extremely long
Twitter Madison Janky @mjank0 the hardest part of traveling is saying goodbye to your dog Twitter Mason Howard @mashoward6 RIP harambe you are dearly missed
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Twitter Devin Diggs @dtdiggs When you live with a family of demons that plays with your heart and crushes your dreams
See any posts worth putting in The Shield? DM them to us @stashield on Twitter or Instagram!
Instagram Greta Bins @g.bins_ hey @oliviaa.evans how’s it hangin?
Instagram Danica McGrevey @danica5678 aloha freshman
Instagram Grayson Dunst @gcdunst we give colorado two thumbs up!
Twitter Maria Scanlan @MariaScanlan i was told to bring an item that symbolized my activities in high school
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AquinasView A series of columns ranging from news around Aquinas to news around the world.
All-State AllStars The Aquinas girls soccer team has been honored once again. In addition to winning the state title this spring, five girls have been honored with All-State recognition. Seniors Caroline Romme and Hania Crow have been placed on the first 5A team, along with junior Allyiah Calvert and Sophomore Hallie Klanke. Junior Margaret Pigott was named on the second team. In addition to these recognitions, Crow was named 5A Defensive Player of the Year, and Calvert was named 5A goalkeeper of the year. In the spring of 2015, several seniors had been given this recognition as well. “When I was a freshman the ‘all-state’ girls were who I idolized and dreamt of one day being,” Romme said. It had been her goal since then to make the first team. Romme feels that this triumph made every part of the season--even the rough patches-worth it.
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Perfect Pep Last year, it seemed there was something Aquinas was lacking: pep assemblies. Although part of the reason for the schedule switch was to allow for more assemblies, very few were held throughout the year. This year, however, the Executive Student Council has big plans. “We are hoping to bring back the mini pep assemblies that we had at the end of the day on Fridays in the commons to boost school spirit and hopefully boost attendance to the games,” Student Council President Elizabeth McCormick said. Student Council is also planning to bring back the winter assembly to spread spirit to the winter sports that may not get as much attendance at the games. Additionally, they hope to have assemblies before games against St. James to get the whole school excited.
Major League Saints This summer, two recent Aquinas graduates were drafted into Major League Baseball. Riley Pint, who had been talked about on a national level before, was the number four draft pick, going to the Colorado Rockies. Pint was a coveted pick for his pitching, which can sometimes hit three digit speeds. Blake Lillis, who was originally planning to go the University of Arkansas, recently signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, making him the second in the class of 2016 to get drafted into the MLB.
WorldView BY EZRI KILLEEN
The Potters are Back Nineteen years later, J.K. Rowling has done it again. On July 31, Rowling’s new play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” opened at the Palace Theatre in London. The play is written by Jack Thorne in cooperation with Rowling, who is the author of the original Harry Potter series. The play has received numerous distinguished reviews from both U.K. and U.S. based critics. On the same night as its opening, the script of the play was released to fans as the official eighth installment to the series. Fans across the world lined up at midnight to get their copies. Before this, the plot of the play had been kept concealed, as audience members that had been able to see the production in preview performances had been urged to #KeepTheSecrets. Recently, the production was rumored to be looking at a Broadway run in the near future. “We really hope to take this play to as many places as it’s feasible to take it,” Rowling told press at a recent performance.
Diving for Life Skydiving is one thing, but jumping from twice the normal height without a parachute is something entirely different. This summer, skydiver Luke Aikins took that challenge in the middle of the California desert. Aikins has skydived over 18,000 times since he was 12-years-old and was well prepared for the jump. However, he was the first to attempt the jump without a parachute as well as the first to complete it. The dive was broadcast live on Fox. Viewers saw Aikins free fall from a height just short of the summit of Mount Everest until he landed on a net only half the size of a football field. When first approached with the opportunity, Aikins refused. However, after some thought, Aikins agreed to the stunt. He was greeted on the ground by his wife and son after the historic jump.
A Papal Adventure Pope Francis was in Krakow, Poland, this July for the celebration of World Youth Day. In his time in Poland, he visited some out the country’s most renowned shrines and celebrated Mass at several locations. In his visit to Jasna Gora, a site in the city of Czestochowa known for its painting of the Virgin Mary, he urged people to love humbly rather than lust for power and wealth. Later, he also advocated for the acceptance of migrants and refugees, an issue that the Polish government has taken a stance against. In his visit, Pope Francis also visited the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz, where he greeted several survivors of the camp with reverence and sorrow. He is the third pope to visit this site, following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. As Francis left the cell of the Polish Franciscan Friar, Maximilian Kolbe, he wrote in the guest book, “Lord, have mercy on your people. Lord, forgive so much cruelty.”
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Aquinas 2020
“Aquinas 2020” is a new construction plan for Saint Thomas Aquinas released this summer. BY SETH WALKER
For the past couple to a close the construction on innovations lab will consist years now, rumors have been the school, by adding a new of the newest technology circulating Aquinas about activities center, public access available and is described the expansion of the library to the aux gym, and a new as a space for people to get and the addition of a hallway multi-media presentation room. homework, projects, and other between the school and Saint When asked what the assignments done. The Physics Mary’s University. Recently, end goal for the project was, classes are being moved out to the rumors were confirmed, President Bill Ford said, SMC, and the innovations lab and students, staff, and parents “It’s just a better space for will be moved to the basement alike were told they could classrooms. expect a library expansion, “When the locker rooms have The school is taking a hallway, and much more. donations to help with had water dripping into them funding of the project. The Recently, Saint Thomas Aquinas released for the last 28 years, something school has also assembled a timetable on the a committee of 56 people needed to be done.” construction and what in order to gain support for everyone can expect. the construction. Bill Ford The project has been The last time the school Saint Thomas Aquinas President dubbed “Aquinas 2020.”. had renovations done Anticipated in the fall was in 2013, during the of 2016 is heightened construction of the turf school security, a hallway stadium. between SMC and the school, us to deliver our product.” and an innovations lab. By The renovations factored in Senior Seth Walker, @SethWalker3 on Twitter, is a Reporter for The the spring of 2017, a new numerous different needs to Shield. This Story was edited weights room is expected. By decide what was to be done. by Editor-In-Chief Ezri Killeen. the summer, the renovations “When the locker rooms have This story was laid out by Hagan on the library and the physical had water dripping into them Marozas. education wing of the school for the last 28 years, something should be completed along needed to be done,” Ford said. with a brand new multi-media One of the new additions learning commons. The that Aquinas 2020 will bring summer of 2018 should bring is an innovation lab. The
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The Back Pages
Dance it Out
Photo by Morgan Taylor| The Medallion The Varsity Dance Team performs at the pep rally at freshmen orientation. Seniors Danica McGrevey and Emily Feuerborn are captains of the team this year.
Spring Championships The Saints add four more banners to the wall. BY ANNIE PATTON AND GRACE PLATT With Saint Thomas Aquinas already holding 90 state championships, the 2016 spring teams brought home another four. The boys golf, girls soccer, baseball, and boys track and field teams all ended their seasons successfully. The boys golf team started off their 2016 state tournament in an unconventional manner. During a three hour rain delay, the boys golf team played Tiger Woods PGA Photo by The Medallion tour on an Xbox in a U-haul Junior Andrew Cunningham completes his first swing of the state tournament. He while eating Domino’s finished the tournament with a score of 74. pizza. Out-going senior Ben Van Pelt supplied the equipment and the boys “After the tough Mokan tournament, began their pre-tournament people’s expectations had fallen but we warm up. were still able to win state.” Once the tournament was back underway, the boys Allyiah Calvert played the best rounds of the Junior day. Van Pelt scored a 75,
Photo by The Medallion Senior Ben Van Pelt holds the state trophy to commemorate his last tournament. After a three hour rain delay, the boys golf team won state.
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making that his best score of his high school career. Senior Jared Loomis shot a 78, junior Andrew Cunningham a 74, and junior Jack Seiler brought home the best score for the team, a 72, placing him in second for the state of Kansas. The girls soccer team also brought home the trophy, making that their seventh state title in a row. According to junior Allyiah Calvert the biggest challenge the team faced was “overcoming the predictions everyone had for their season. After the tough Mokan tournament, people’s expectations had fallen but they were still able to win state.” The team finished the game with five different players scoring.
Photo by The Medallion The girls soccer team celebrates their state victory. This was their seventh state title in a row.
The boy’s baseball team was able to defeat Shawnee Heights for the state title. They also had to face many other good teams on their road to state such as Saint James, Topeka Seaman, and Maize. The thing that made the team so special was “their drive to be successful,” said Pitching Coach Michael Jacobs. The team fought to the end of the championship game, winning it 14-9. The boys track and field team was faced with some obstacles at the start of their state meet. Some of their athletes didn’t qualify for their events and one of their top runners, Matthew Malir, was sick.
“The fact that we still came out on top shows how strong of a team we were.” Devin Diggs Junior
Photo by The Medallion | The Shield The baseball team celebrates their state victory. They defeated Shawnee Heights at the state game with a final score of 14-9.
However, the team pulled through. Junior Devin Diggs said, “It was neat to see how we scored points all across the board in distance, sprints, throws, and jumps. It shows how everyone played their part and how the team was well rounded.” Diggs said, “After we were awarded the trophy, Coach Wrigley said to us that a lot didn’t go as planned, but the fact that we still came out on top shows how strong of a team we were.” Juniors Annie Patton and Grace Platt are reporters for The Shield. This story was formatted by Grace Mayer. This story was edited by Editor-In-Chief Ezri Killeen Photo by The Medallion | The Shield The boys track and field team wins the state title. The team pulled through despite the obstacles they faced.
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Where Are the Freshmen From? This year’s freshmen class has students hailing from a variety of middle schools. Freshman Advice “You get a complete new start from grade school, so you can find lots of new friends who are all in the same position as you.” -Kate Cox “ Don’t procrastinate.” -Isaiah Elsener “Don’t limit yourself to one group... try new things and talk to people you normally don’t.” -Maggie Sieben Senior “Don’t be afraid to branch out from who you already know.” -Devin Diggs Junior
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BY GRACE MAYER AND RACHEL RANEY The class of 2020 is going to be made up of freshmen coming from a vast range of middle schools. Home schooled students will be entering a different learning environment, those who attended public schools will have to adjust to uniforms, and those who went to Catholic schools will still have to adapt to the changes from middle school to high school. Four freshmen talk about what middle schools they came from and why they chose Aquinas. Freshman Carolyn Mast, who has been home schooled for three years, said she enjoyed being taught at home because she did not have a set schedule and was able to learn at her own pace. Mast said, “I liked that I didn’t have all the different distractions. I didn’t have to worry about what the kid next to me was doing.” However, she started to miss being around other students and knew that homeschooling was only going to get harder in high school. “So we started looking at Catholic schools,” said Mast. “We looked at Saint James but I didn’t really have much of a connection, so the next one we went to was Saint Thomas Aquinas and I loved it.” After hearing from friends about Aquinas, freshman Brock Berry decided to learn more about the school. Berry said he is most excited about “the different learning atmosphere and being more tightly knit with other people.” He is most nervous about meeting new people, but is excited to experience Aquinas sports and participate in baseball this spring. Berry is also one of 35 Prince of Peace Catholic School graduates from the class of 2020. Freshman Easton Head, who previously attended Indian Trail Middle School, says she is looking forward to a better education at Catholic
school, and to a better school community. Head also said, “The uniforms are definitely going to be a big change.” She is also excited about the smaller class sizes. “If I need help in class it’ll be easier to get one-on-one help from a teacher.” Head said that switching from a public school to a Catholic school will also be a better environment for her. With a commute to Aquinas of over an hour, freshman Melanie Valle is one of three students from Sacred Heart Catholic School attending Aquinas. Despite this, Valle expressed her excitement about coming to Aquinas and meeting new friends. She originally considered attending St. Teresa’s Academy, but after driving by Aquinas she reevaluated her decision. “Aquinas has a good curriculum and lots of state banners. It is a good atmosphere. Aquinas is the best so that’s why I liked it.” Although these freshmen came from different backgrounds and middle schools, they all share the same excitement in attending Aquinas. The freshmen class will now come together as a community of saints in the class of 2020. Junior Grace Mayer is a reporter for The Shield and junior Rachel Raney is a freelance reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Becca Haeusser.
Photo by Ezri Killeen | The Shield The seniors create a tunnel to welcome the freshmen. The freshmen experienced their first day at Aquinas.
Photo by Ezri Killeen | The Shield Senior Grayson Dunst walks a freshman down the red carpet. The freshmen began their orientation.
Photo by Mia Power | The Shield Junior Katie Hill chats to a group of freshmen at the freshmen picnic. The freshmen met their classmates before school started.
Photo by Ezri Killeen | The Shield Senior Caroline Romme walks a freshman down the red carpet. The freshmen kicked off their high school careers. Photo by Mia Power | The Shield The freshmen get to know each other at the freshmen picnic. They prepared for the upcoming school year.
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Photo courtesy of Susan Goodwyn
Junior Will Swanson runs the football. The boys worked hard at their summer training camp.
New Playoff Structure
The football playoff structure is being changed to be more fair for all teams. BY JAKE BURKHART
Change is coming to the football playoff structure in all 5A and 6A schools in the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Football coaches got together and decided to submit to KSHSAA what they thought would be a better structure for the playoffs. This occurred because some teams that would deserve to be in the playoffs often lost the district games because of the tough district that they were in. Other teams that didn’t deserve to go to the playoff games would make it, only because their district games were not a challenge for them. “It will be fairer for all, probably, and some good teams who might have been eliminated with the past district system will now beat some teams who shouldn’t be advancing,” Activities Director Sarah Burgess said. Football seasons in the past were made up of six games in the regular season. Those games had no effect on whether teams went to districts then the playoffs or not, only where the teams were seeded at the end of the season. That means teams could have lost all of the regular season games and still would have been able to play for state. “We don’t think about losing games,” Head Football Coach Randy Dreiling said.The Saints football team has the right mindset to win games in the regular season. After the regular season games came the district games. There would be three district games, and the
only sure way to go to state was to win all three games, but teams still could have a small chance of moving on if they only won one or two of the games.
Photo by Michele Gress | The Aquinas Staff The team captains take the field before the state game against Mill Valley.
Then came the playoffs. They consisted of four single elimination games. That means once a team lost a game, they were out. The new playoff structure has a few changes to make the football
“Taking out the district games gave more schools flexibility and the ability to schedule someone that they normally wouldn’t be able to.” Sarah Burgess Activities Director
season more fair to the teams that will be playing. There will now be eight games instead of six in the regular season. These games will still have no effect on the playoff games, other than seedings. District games have been taken out of the schedule completely. “Taking out the district games gave schools more flexibility and the ability to schedule someone that they normally wouldn’t be able to because of games required in the league,” Burgess said. With no more district games, all teams will get a shot at the playoffs. There will now be five single elimination games to win the state title. If one team wins a game, that team moves on until it loses and consequently their season is over, or conversely they win all games and win the state championship. Saint James Academy will be joining Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Eastern Kansas League after being an independent school since they opened ten years ago. The Thunder will be added to the list of schools that now include Mill Valley, Bishop Miege, Blue Valley, Blue Valley North, Blue Valley Northwest, Blue Valley Southwest, Blue Valley West, Gardner Edgerton, and, of course, Aquinas. Junior Jake Burkhart is a reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Managing Editor Becca Haeusser.
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What’s Next?
Fall Sports and Activities
Who will win Aquinas’s 100th state title?
BY GRACE MAYER AND DELANEY SMITH
Cross Country
A strong season should be expected from the cross country team following two state titles from last year. Head cross country coach Justin Wrigley said that the team’s main goal this year is to come together as one strong family. “I’m also very interested to see if our boys can live up to the hype and expectations that will be put upon them this year, and if our girls can reload the roster and step up to the expectations that will be new to most of the girls in our top training group,” said Wrigley. In terms of training for the teams, Wrigley said they won’t be making any big changes. Two new coaching positions will be filled by Brie Puthoff and German teacher Bryan Thelen, two former Aquinas cross country runners. Photo by Emily Conard | The Medallion
Debate Debate coach and speech teacher Steven DuBois says that the debate team’s goal for the coming season is to have fun while learning about the topic. DuBois refers to debate as “Hogwarts for the smart kids- an environment in which their unique skills will be appreciated and will bring them success, both competitively now and professionally in later life.” DuBois encourages students to join the debate team. “[Debate] gives you the chance to meet like-minded friends, and will pay off academically for the rest of your life,” DuBois said. Photo by Mary K McCanna | The Medallion
Football “Fans can expect exciting football from players that will give every ounce of energy they have on the field,” said head football coach and PE teacher Randy Dreiling. The team has added three new coaches this year, Mark Simoneau, Kevon McGrew, and Ray Williams. As for changes to the teams’ plays this year, Dreiling says they will be throwing more on offense this season. Photo by Emily Conard | The Medallion
Girls Golf
Finishing with a third place title at 5A state last year, girls golf coach and Theology Department Chairman Ryan Best says the team has a shot to win state this year. Best says he is most excited for EKL this year. “EKL is always a great race with 3 different tournaments added together,” said Best. Overall, Best says Aquinas should expect a lot of announcements about girls golf success and wins. Photo by Kathryn Withers | The Medallion
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The Musical
This fall the theater department is performing Shrek: The Musical! “I’m really looking forward to seeing the hard work and all of the fun and excitement when we perform it,” said Vocal music teacher Joe Heidesch. “We thought the kids would have fun doing it, it has great music, a good story, and we think we have the talent to be able to do it,” said Heidesch. For students considering trying out, Heidesch’s advice is “nothing ever hurts from going to an audition. The absolute worst that will happen is that you’re still in the same spot that you are before you audition. If you don’t audition... you’ll always say, ‘what if.’” Photo by Emily Conard | The Medallion
Scholars’ Bowl
For those unfamiliar with the sport of Scholars’ Bowl, it is where teams compete by answering questions about academic subject manner in a round by round tournament style competition. Scholars’ Bowl coach and English teacher Nat Burstein says the subject matter the team is quizzed over includes language arts, social science, mathematics, natural science (chemistry, biology, physics, and geology), fine arts, and foreign language. In preparation for competitions, the team arranges practice rounds that simulate actual competition. The highlight of the season “is competing in QUEST where we go to Topeka and compete against another team on public television - move over Netflix!” said Burstein. Photo courtesy of Maria Scanlan
Boys Soccer “Expectations should be high as we return all of our defense and a good midfield from last year’s state runner-up team,” said soccer coach and English teacher Craig Ewing. To prepare for the upcoming season, Ewing said the team played in three summer tournaments and played a friendly match with Olathe East. “We have never played so much before the season,” said Ewing. The team’s goal for the season is to develop a chemistry where we have fun and work hard. Some exciting games this season will include the first match of the season against rival St. James, the home game against Rockhurst, and the televised game against Olathe East. Photo by The Medallion
Girls Tennis Head tennis coach Petra Shinn said the team has a lot of dedicated players who have started playing the sport year round. “They were putting more time into it, which will show this season, because we had a very young team last year.” After qualifying for state last year, Shinn says the team’s biggest goal this year is to qualify again and win the first and second round. Shinn said she hopes to bring at least six players to state this season. Photo by Jenni Nguyen | The Shield
Volleyball Head volleyball coach Sarah Cretors said the team’s goals for the season is to first win EKL, and then to make and win state. On coaching, Cretors said “Watching the girls reach their highest potential and achieving [their] goals is something I feel very lucky to be a part of. Volleyball at Aquinas to me feels like a big family. The coaches, players and parents really do care for each other.” The volleyball team’s first game of the season will be against St. James on August 27th and will be broadcast on TV. Photo by The Medallion
Juniors Grace Mayer and Delaney Smith are reporters for The Shield. This story was edited by Editor-In-Chief Ezri Killeen.
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August-September 2016 Event Calendar 8/15- First day of Fall Practices
9/3- Cross Country Greg Wilson Classic
8/16- First day of Classes
9/5- Labor Day- No School
8/22-26- NHS School Supply Drive
9/6- Musical Rehearsals Start
8/24- First All School Mass
9/7- 9:00 a.m. Late Start
8/26- Spring Sports Championship Assembly
9/8- V. Soccer vs. Blue Valley Northwest
8/26- Boys V. Soccer against St. James
9/10- ACT at STA
8/27- Metro Sports Volleyball Slam
9/24- Rim Rock XC
8/29- Musical Auditions start
9/26- No School
9/2- Guatemala Sister School Fundraiser 9/30- Homecoming Mass/Tailgate/ Assembly 9/2- Blue and Gold Kickoff; V. Football vs. Gardner 9/30- V. Football vs. Mill Valley 9/2- Back to School Mixer after football 10/1- Homecoming Dance game
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