The Shield Welcome to Aquinas
A DAY IN THE LIFE
A day in the life of a Saint is one full of learning, laughs, and hardwork.
Today, we’re going to follow around two freshmen at Aquinas, Ashlynn Reeves and Ashton Larson, and see what a day in their shoes is like. First Hour
A
shton is in Spanish II with Mr. Carlisle. He took a test in March of his 8th grade year to prove he could skip Spanish I. Aquinas offers many academic accommodations to ensure that students are challenged enough and taught at the appropriate level for their individual ability in any given subject. Aquinas also offers French, German, and Latin. Ashlynn’s first hour is Biology with Mr. Berger, so she makes her way from Freshman Hall to Sunshine Hall. Sunshine Hall gets its name from the sunlight that streams in through the rosary courtyard. Ashlynn is a fan of the class since she has “a lot of friends in that class and Mr. Berger is really nice and chill.” Today, Ashlynn and her class used microscopes to get a closeup look at bacteria. By the looks on the students' faces, they really enjoyed the lab!
STA Period STA period is a block period where students have 90 minutes to do homework, meet with clubs, and/ or go talk to any teachers. Each STA period is a mix of all grade levels. At the beginning of freshman year, students are given their STA period and they stay in the same one until they graduate. The first 20 minutes of each STA Period is dedicated to community-building activities.
2
The Shield
A whole New World
Ashlynn gets to view bacteria firsthand with a microscope in Biology. She enjoys the class because her friends and Mr. Berger make it fun. Saints take Biology, Chemistry and Physics, then can choose between several science electives senior year. Photo by Maria Palazuelos.
“During STA period, I do homework and sometimes we have parties in [here].” Ashlynn Reeves After Spanish, Ashton heads to his STA Period room to get some work done. Ashton is a stupendous example of a student who is good at managing his time. He doesn’t always have piles of homework, but he is an honors student and the workload
can add up sometimes. He also has a packed schedule to work around. Ashton says he likes to utilize his STA Period time so that he has less work to do at home later, and usually he can knock his assignments out during STA Period. Ashlynn’s STA Period teacher is Mrs. Flournoy, a biology teacher. Ashlynn uses her STA period to catch up on her schoolwork. “During STA period, I do homework and sometimes we have parties in there so it’s a good time,” Ashlynn said. As for having a mix of all of the grades in one room, Ashlynn is definitely a fan!
Eat Your Heart Out
Ashton eats lunch with some friends and enjoys a break from classes. The Saints Cafe, run by TreatAmerica, always has lots of options. The west wing has a home-style entree, the east wing has pasta or pizza, the north end has hot sandwiches and fries, and the center has a salad bar, with even more options available in various other areas. Photo by Moorea Gailloux.
Fifth Hour For fifth hour, Ashton goes to Personal Finance, his favorite class. He said he enjoys the challenge and the real world concepts that he gets to explore and apply during it. Personal Finance is one of many elective classes that students can choose to take at Aquinas. Other elective options range from mass communications to choir, arts, technology, engineering, or business classes. For fifth hour, Ashlynn heads to Mr. Miner’s room for Technology Applications. “Tech Apps” is a class all about computers and how to operate system basics and office
“The lunch is so much better here...the options are endless.”
technology classes that Aquinas offers its students. For freshmen, Aquinas has two technology class options: tech apps and digital creative applications.
Ashton Larson
Ashton is a big fan of the lunches at Aquinas. “The lunch is so much better here (than other schools), the options are crazy,” he said. He really is not exaggerating; there are a myriad of foods to choose from every day in the cafeteria. From pizza to spicy chicken sandwiches, burgers and fries to salad bar, everyone can find something they love for lunch every day. There are even smoothie
applications. It revolves a lot around computer programs. Ashlynn said, “Tech apps isn’t a class I would’ve picked but I was signed up for it. We’ve done a lot of things with numbers in a computer. It’s kind of boring but… oh well.” Tech apps is one of the many
Lunch
Welcome to Aquinas
3
The Learning Curve
Ashlynn and Ashton get lessons from math teacher Jennifer Jones. The math department offers 17 different classes and five different paths, so students can find a track that is both challenging and suitable to their current ability. Photo by Alycen Ellwanger.
days! Lunch is Ashlynn’s favorite part of the day. It’s a time for her to relax with her friends and get some delicious food. Lunch tends to be the favorite part of many students at Aquinas. It’s nice to get a break from learning and go hangout with you friends for a little bit before going back to class. Ashlynn says that lunch is “always full of good times.” She has yet to try a famous cookie from Aquinas, but she’s considering doing so very soon.
Seventh Hour Seventh hour for Ashton means Honors English I with Mr. Burstein. Ashton was recommended for honors classes after taking his High School Placement Test in the winter, and he
4
The Shield
“Try not to stress too much and just have fun because you only get to be a freshman once.” Ashlynn Reeves chose to take them. Honors classes are slightly more challenging and faster paced than regular classes, and usually go a bit deeper into subject matter. They are meant to challenge students who want a tougher courseload. For seventh hour, Ashlynn goes
to Latin with Mrs. Schroeder in Freshman Hall. She very much enjoys this class and all of the good times she experiences, even though she says it’s tough. “I have a really fun class, even though Latin is hard … it’s really hard. I also really enjoy having Mrs. Schroeder as my teacher.” Even though the class is a challenge, Ashlynn is all for it. “I’m glad I chose to take Latin because I feel like it helps you with other things because you know the base and root words and it helps you learn and understand more.”
After School Since today is a Wednesday, Ashton goes to train at TopSpeed Strength & Conditioning immediately
set to Play
Ashlynn has her eye on the ball. Ashlynn ended her day by helping her Saints Freshman A volleyball team beat Blue Valley Southwest 2-0. Photo by Maria Palazuelos.
after school. “A major part of my life is working hard,” he said. “I’m working out all the time, I’m hitting every day, and I go to TopSpeed Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Saturdays I run hill sprints, and Sundays I have baseball practice.” On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he trains with the Aquinas baseball team. Ashton is very dedicated to baseball, and is quite good at it as well. He made the 12U Team USA baseball team in 2017, and is currently a member of the Kansas City Royals scout team. “One of the big things in my life is setting goals, I set academic goals, set sports goals, set life goals,” Ashton said. “At the beginning of every year
“Work hard, give 100 percent in everything you do.” Ashton Larson I set goals, and in 2017 I set a goal for myself to make Team USA.” Ashton hopes to earn a spot on the Aquinas baseball team this spring. Ashlynn is on the Freshmen A volleyball team at Aquinas so she has practice after school everyday, but today is special: it’s game day. After school, Ashlynn and her team fuel up with some food and drinks
and get ready to take on Blue Valley Southwest. Ashlynn says that the mood for game day is always, “Be good and rise and grind.” The girls easily took care of business and beat their league rival 2-0.
Maria Palazuelos Reporter
Reporter
Connor Klocke
Welcome to Aquinas
5
SAINT
THOMAS
AQUINAS 13:1 STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
927 NUMBER OF STUDENTS
978,571 CANNED GOODS DONATED SINCE 2011
The Shield
6 6
The Shield
109 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
100% GRADUATION RATE
BY THE NUMBERS
5
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS (2019)
30+ CLUBS
55
KANSAS STATE SCHOLARS (2019)
2
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Over $13.5 million OFFERED IN SCHOLARSHIPS (2019) Photo by Andrew Schoonover, The Shield
August Issue Welcome to Aquinas
7
7
Gabe Kraft: A Saint AMong Saints Not all heroes wear capes
I
n the spring of 2019, Gabe Kraft made history: he was the first person to be elected president of Executive StuCo two years in a row. And to think, he almost didn’t come to Aquinas. Kraft’s family has had a history with St. James Academy, due to his sisters being alumni of the school, but after touring both Aquinas and St. James, he chose Aquinas because of “the positive, welcoming, and exciting atmosphere” that he found at Aquinas. After his freshman year, Kraft decided to run for sophomore StuCo because he regretted that he “didn’t run [originally] because of the speech [that nominees must give to their class].” Kraft then went on to note how it was “one of the best decisions I have ever made.” When spring came again, and StuCo elections along with it, Kraft made an even bigger leap of faith: he ran for Executive StuCo, albeit with some slight uncertainty--even going so far as to ask to be removed from the race. But luckily for him, he had the support of both Sanaz Mohammadrabie, a fellow StuCo member, and Mr. Hammons, one of the StuCo moderators. Both emphatically encouraged him to continue on, thereby reinforcing his belief in the positive, welcoming atmosphere of Aquinas that had won him over originally. As he looks back on his StuCo career so far, Kraft turns a touch nostalgic: “Whenever I think of my StuCo career, the word friendship pops into
8
The Shield
“[Running for StuCo] was one of the best decisions I have ever made.” Gabe Kraft
my head. I have been able to meet so many new and incredible people through StuCo and I’m very grateful for that. They motivate me every single day and are truly people I can count on.” The great paradox, though, is that
there is still so much time left in his tenure as president, and at the same time, not nearly enough. Before he has to say goodbye to Aquinas as both a student and a president, he and StuCo hope to finish the 2019-2020 school year strong by helping to “bring school spirit back (a job well done so far by the students), to raise at least 100,000 cans for the Canned Food Drive, and for the Aquinas community to be filled with positivity, faith, and excitement! Really, StuCo wants to continue to make Aquinas a fun and welcoming place that students see as their home.”
Running the Show: A Peak Into Executive StuCo
All Smiles Here
Seniors Lauren McEnroe, Gabe Kraft, Kelly Lane, and Greta Woolway smile after leading a presentation as members of the Executive Council. They were elected in the spring of 2019. Photo by Maria Palazuelos.
T
his year’s Executive StuCo Board made it their mission to make this year count, which unsurprisingly lead to the theme for the 2019-2020 school year: “Make It Count.” The board is comprised not only of Gabe Kraft, but of seniors Kelly Lane, Lauren McEnroe, and Greta Woolway. The members of the Executive Council find it truly incredible. Kelly Lane notes how “the best part for me is the same reason why it is awesome to be on class council, and it’s the people. I love the family that StuCo is. We are all very close and get to have a lot of fun together and even though it can be a lot of work, I woudn’t trade it for the world.” One of their major efforts for the year is to increase school spirit. Lane stated how she believes in the importance of “school spirit
“School spirit... is what turns a building into a home. It is what brings the school closer together as a community.” Kelly Lane
because it is what turns a school building into a home. It is what brings the school closer as a community [where] we can get together, have fun, and support each other, all for the love of Aquinas.” In order to see this goal realized, Executive StuCo has planned “a few
more pep rallies this year and bleacher creature [a new event where they pick an Aquinas student or students as showing the most school spirit in accorance with the theme of the game].” The Executive Council continues to work hard because of their genuine love of Aquinas and its community. Lane may have put it best when she said “from what I can tell, it really is unlike any other school. It’s the sense of community here, the traditions, and the excellence that set us apart. It’s hard to rival because the students at Aquinas really do care.”
Rachael Lawler Editor-In-Chief
Welcome to Aquinas
9
Why Aquinas Ph
oto
by
Ja s
mi
ne
Ng
uy
en,
Cla s
so
f2
019
Coming to Aquinas means joining a family. Decks go here.
S
upportive. Fun. Wholesome. Loving. That is what families are, and that is why the family aspect at Aquinas is at the heart of everything we do. For what is now its 32nd year, the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School family has served as the school on the hill. A family devoted to faith, service, excellence and community, the Aquinas family applies Catholic values in a dynamic, genuine way: rising through healthy dissatisfaction to become the premiere private school in Kansas. As a Catholic family, we value welcoming everyone to our school. Your religious beliefs do not stop you from being welcome here. Your income will not bar you from attending. Your strengths, weaknesses, and your Godgiven talents will all be embraced at this school that knows no stranger. Families show their true colors in both times of hardship and success. Aquinas celebrates its many successes with grace, humility, and class. When the Aquinas family encounters hardship, we rise to the occasion for one another. From the national-record breaking canned food drive to the simple dayto-day care for one another, our family challenges one another to be supportive, to be active in helping each other, and to strive to get to know Christ one day at a time.
10
The Shield
“Our family challenges one another to be supportive, to be active in helping each other, and to strive to get to know Christ one day at a time.” As a family, we do not strive to accomplish more achievements, but to be more as people. Success is not perceived as grades on a test score, how nice ones facilities are, or how holy one appears to be. No, we view success in a different light: as the difference you make in someone else’s life, as the relationship you find with Christ, as the way you live life as a Saint. It is this perception of success, coupled with Catholic values and student leadership, that has lead to our vibrant, dynamic, and passionate family.
If you are considering Saint Thomas Aquinas to be your high school experience, know that choosing Aquinas is in fact a much bigger decision. If you find yourself at Aquinas, challenge yourself to make it your home. If you choose Aquinas, know that it is more than a high school—it is deciding to become a part of a strong, vibrant, and Catholic family.
Andrew Schoonover Class of 2018
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES Find your passion or spearhead your own. Key Club Join one of Aquinas’ largest clubs and be the first to find out about exciting new opportunities to serve your community.
Halo News Halo News presents a schoolwide broadcast every day.
Theatre Become part of a lively community that performs well-known shows such as Bye Bye Birdie and Clue!
Campus Ministry Organize Aquinas’ religious events: reconciliations, Masses and other events that celebrate Christ.
SWAT Team The “Saints Who Are There” supports lesserknown sports who do not usually accrue large crowds.
Debate Grow your public speaking, critical thinking, and research skills through thoughtful argumentation.
Teens for Life
Sports
Put your faith into action by advocating for life— marching and praying in our own area as well as in Washington, D.C.
Baseball
StuCo
Cheerleading
Basketball Bowling
Run for office to plan school activities and learn how to be a voice for your fellow classmates.
Cross Country Dance Team Football
Scholars Bowl
Golf
Challenge yourself and learn trivia in a wide variety of areas. Then put that knowledge to the test in tournaments.
Lacrosse Rugby
Pieces
Soccer
A student-run literary magazine, Pieces exhibits the best of Aquinas art, poetry, prose, and photography.
Softball Swim/Dive Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Wrestling
Ph
oto
cou
rte
sy
of
Th
eM
ed
a ll
ion
Welcome to Aquinas
11
A major construction project is now complete, with tools to help Saints reach their full potential.
From the Learning Commons to the weight room, the Aquinas 2020 project additions help students better themselves, inside the classroom and elsewhere. Locker room renovations began with the large expansion in each wing. With a clean, bright area that is spacious for every team, an improved game-day environment is provided to all athletes with the help of the new Strength Center. The old weight room was a fraction of the size. “You can’t imagine unless you actually watched what we were doing in that little room, people on top of each other,” Head Football Coach Randy Dreiling said. The new Strength Center includes advancements on conditioning, like the turf flooring, overhead workout trackers on televisions, and a variety of equipment, which train Saints to be wellrounded with a view of the playing fields. Near the Strength Center is a new Training Room for injuries that is spacious and with more capabilities. Dreiling is thankful for our “wonderful training staff that has always done a great job, now obviously we have more room, whirlpools, and ice baths.” Aquinas has head athletic trainer Sam Brethauer to help prevention and rehabilitation from injuries. This allows student-athletes to spend less time seeking help off-campus. “They can come right to school, [which] has been a big help,” he said. At the other end of Aquinas, the new Learning Commons is equipped with many academic resources. A National Board Certified Teacher, librarian Amanda Davis sees “students,
12
The Shield
Math Hub
Math teacher Stephanie Turner helps a student in the Math Hub. The Hub is a math classroom with advanced furniture to stimulate learning and lots of dry-erase boards. Top photo by Moorea Gailloux, right photo by Hailey Krumm.
depending on what they need to do, choose a different spot. For instance, they might go into the small conference room and use whiteboards to teach each other how to do things, or go somewhere quiet if they need to study alone.” This year, Saint Thomas Aquinas has installed a Math Hub in Stephanie Turner’s classroom to change the traditional approach to learning. She expresses how “[the students] are comfortable in here, whether it’s the chairs or the atmosphere. They like to come in and just study, I love that.”
Strength Center & Training Room
(Above) The Strength Center features weight racks, fitness equipment, a turf runway, plyo boxes, and flat-screen TVs to guide workouts, all with a view of the playing fields. (Right) Head Athletic Trainer Sam Brethauer gets a Saint ready for practice. A college professor with experience helping all kinds of athletes, Brethauer is available for injury prevention and recovery for all sports in a new, greatly-expanded training room. Photos by Maria Palazuelos.
“It shows the amount of care the community has for our players.� Coach Randy Dreiling Learning Commons
The Learning Commons reimagined the standard school library as a center for learners of all types. Students have a variety of seating options for groups of various sizes, plus whiteboards and other materials. The room is guided by National Board Certified Teacher Amanda Davis. Photo by Moorea Gailloux.
Hailey Krumm & Moorea Gailloux Reporters Welcome to Aquinas
13
+ 100
Saint Thomas Aquinas has won 109 KSHSAA championships, more than any other high school in Kansas. With 22 championships in just the past four years, twice as many as any other 5A/6A school, the Saints show no signs of slowing down.
STATE Championships
Anabelle Goone & Anna Stoll Reporters
14
The Shield
Photo by Katie Kinnan. The girls golf team hugs after winning the state championship, and the school’s 100th state title, in October 2017.
T
he reasons behind Saint Thomas Aquinas’ unprecedented state championship success is all because of the parents, coaches and athletes that contribute to our school community. The expectations from our parents and coaching staff drive our student athletes to win state titles every year. Theology department chairman Ryan Best has won 15 state golf championships in 17 years. He said student-athletes don’t join a sport to slack off, they “join a sport and have that expectation that your team is gonna be good so they can be apart of that winning tradition on that winning team.” Our atmosphere and work ethic are big factors into what makes Aquinas win so often. If a Saint is lacking motivation, coaches and teammates will help raise them up to the standards of a winning athlete. Nolan Mauk, a senior captain of the cross country team, said “we keep each other accountable, encourage one another to do the right thing, and have fun along
the way.” These high expectations encourage them to work and train even harder, which instills a great work ethic into our student athletes. Our faith environment at Aquinas is also allaround different from other schools. Student-athlete Gianna Giarraputo transferred to Aquinas from a public school. She said, “Aquinas is great at many things ... sports, academics, pride, but what really stands out to me as a student athlete, [who] has had other experiences at a public high school, is the sense of community that the people in Aquinas sports exude in how they act, and how they compete.” The athletic atmosphere here at Aquinas stems from a positive mindset and strong values. Head track and cross country coach Justin Wrigley has won 19 state championships since 2005 and consistently has one of the largest cross country and track teams in the Metro.
Photo by Jasmine Nguyen The Saints celebrate after their 49-28 win over Wichita Northwest in November. It was the Saints’ fourth state championship of the fall season, and the 21st for the seniors.
“One of the keys to winning championships is to focus on the pursuit of excellence and positive team culture rather than just focusing on winning a title,” Wrigley said. This goes for any team at Aquinas, not just ones striving for a state title. From varsity to the freshman teams, there is a strong bond between the players and a supportive environment. We are not handed everything, as some of our competitors would assume, we earn it. Randy Dreiling, who guided Aquinas to its first football state championship last year, said that our players “are highly motivated for success.”
Welcome to Aquinas Issue
15
Join Our Family... Diane Pyle Director of Admissions dpyle@stasaints.net Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd Overland Park, KS 66210 (913)345-1411 www.stasaints.net/admissions
fti
Photos courtesy of Michele Gress, the Medallion yearbook staff, and The Shield newspaper staff