Volume 22, Issue 8, Saint Thomas Aquinas April 8, 2010

INSIDE Christina Miller endures hardships Christina Miller faces hard times with positive thinking and support from others.

KEVIN WATSON Campus News Editor

The power of positive thinking does more to help the sick and op- Tired of the craziness of Math Hall? pressed than one can imagine. Senior See page 3 Christina Miller knows this is true. She lives each day thanking God for all of her blessings, and makes a sincere effort to bring happiness to those she encoun- ters. In the 18 years of her life, she has had 32 surgeries, countless IV’s, and too many labs and blood work taken Photo Courtesy of Christina Miller to count. Christina and her twin sister Christina Miller prepares to cut her hair for Wigs Out with Amanda Robison and her sister Ana Miller. Ana were both born prematurely at 26 ½ weeks. Christina was also born with a condition called hydro- low more room for her growing brain. from school, Christina was hospital- so positive and upbeat. She considers cephalus. This condition causes excess “My brain was ized. Only two her rough times and challenges blessings cerebrospinal fluid to collect on the literally too big weeks later, from God. She accepts God’s blessings brain because it doesn’t drain properly. for my skull,” “I couldn’t go through everything after the medi- and gains strength. One of her first surgeries was to put in joked Christina. that I have if I didn’t try to make cine had failed “I try to make the most of these a shunt that goes through her ventricles She spent 24 to alleviate her blessings, and make life better around down through her neck and into her consecutive days the world around me better.” headaches, she me by being positive, because me being abdomen where all the excess fluid is in Children’s had another negative doesn’t help anything at all,” then absorbed. She went almost 11 years Mercy Hospital - Christina Miller, senior surgery. A Christina said. without any major health problems. Her during February lumbarper- Christina has drawn from the Aqui- healthy streak ended freshman year. and March. She hid severe headaches itineal shunt was put in her back and nas community for strength, friendship Need a better alarm clock? Check Growth to adulthood is hard on any that began in early January from her wrapped around internally to the end if and inspiration. Cross country runners, out these funky inventions, pages 6 teenager, but for Christina it involves family and doctors. She has had enough her ventriperitineal shunt. The rest of especially, gave Christina support. and 7. extra difficulties. She has had to un- experience from CT scans and head- this semester has been more of the same dergo two cranial expansion surgeries. aches to know that nothing can be done as Christina was sent home, allowed to The first occurred when she was only until the pain is almost unbearable. return to school, and made many return four. The last surgery took place right Christina’s pain was first discovered trips to the hospital for a staph form of before spring break. During the surgery, when she collapsed and blacked out. meningitis infection. See AQUINAS STUDENTS SUPPORT doctors “shaved” the inside of her skull While the rest of Aquinas’ students were After all that Christina has gone CHRISTINA MILLER’S RECOVERY, bone to expand the space inside and al- enjoying their extended snow day break through, people are amazed to find her page 9 Enrollment process gets a virtual up- Baseball season kicks off with their first game against Bishop Miege, grade page 11. MITCHELL COTA Reporter

This year’s class enrollment process underwent a major overhaul from the old fill-in-the-dots format to the updated method of online class selection.

MAX WILBER/ The Shield This new format came along with (Left to right) The Apple iPhone and the LG Chocolate Touch. Aquinas’ updated computer system, Sky- ward. The old computer system, SASI, did not have this capability. Starting 36 next year, Skyward will allow students to see their grades whenever they want Touch-screen phones compete to through a program called Skyward Family Access. Virtually anything can be an app. iPhone The LG Chocolate Touch by Veri- “[Skyward] will also be able to The iPhone causes users can play almost any games, get zon also has many cool features, includ- print students’ schedules from home, homework help, find new recipes, and ing music capabilities such as syncing so no more long lines the first week of competition for the best even make travel plans. For example, music from the computer to the phone, school to reprint a schedule,” Registrar if someone wants to find a certain res- creating and managing playlists, and Ellen White said. touch-screen phone be- taurant, there is an application to show storing up to 250 songs. It costs $49.99 Class enrollment has three steps. tween phone companies. them the closest one and its address. with a two year contract. First are the presentations in the evening The iPhone also has features that are “The LG Chocolate Touch is my for each class. The second step is filling 31 available on most phones, such as the first touch screen phone. I had some out a course enrollment worksheet and internet, shortcuts to email, texting and problems adjusting to it but now I love planning out future courses. Finally, social networking websites such as it.” sophomore Jana Coombs said. students come to the computer lab and MAGGIE FOLEY Facebook and MySpace. The 8 GB 3G The Samsung Highlight by T- enter their course selections. Reporter iPhone is $99, the 16 GB 3GS is $199 Mobile also has features such as a music After all the courses are selected, and the 32 GB is $299. The fact that the player, voice activated functions, and tallies are made. Some courses do not iPhone has so many applications avail- downloadable ringtones. It is $59.99 make the final cut due to the minimum Cell phones have become an impor- able and still sell for a reasonable price with the Even More plan and $219.99 number of students not being met. tant part of people’s daily routines, and is why many people are trying to create with the Even More Plus plan. Teachers are assigned their courses and providers continue to improve upon the a phone to compete with it. “I had to charge my old phone then the computer generates a schedule. original models with new features and The LG Xenon by AT&T, with every day, but now I only have to charge “The final step is the creation of a designs. its music player, streaming radio, and it every other day,” sophomore Lizzie master schedule and 1,060 new student 33 Cell phones have evolved greatly touch screen, is one of the many phones Marshall said. “It’s really convenient.” schedules,” White said. since they were introduced around 1973. created to rival the iPhone. Although The LG Lotus Elite by Sprint has It is rare to get a schedule that can Today, one very its design is different similar features as the iPhone, including accommodate 100 percent of every stu- popular phone, the “The LG Chocolate Touch is than the iPhone’s, the GPS, TV, and voice activated calling. It dent’s choices, but White and Castinado Apple iPhone, has Xenon has games, has a unique square shape with an exter- can get close. The new enrollment pro- many capabilities my first touch screen phone. I video share, Internet nal touch screen and Sprint One Click, cess has cleared up some former issues people back then access and texting which is a home screen customized by with class selection. could only dream had some problems adjusting capabilities. It dif- the owner of the phone to more easily “One big problem is [that by Au- a phone would to it, but now I love it.” fers from the iPhone access the application they use most. It gust,] students forget what they choose have. because it is also a is $99.99 with a two year contract and in February, so hopefully Family Access The iPhone - Jana Coombs, sliding phone with mail-in rebate. will help with that,” White said. “Now has thousands of sophomore a full keyboard. It is “I like my phone because it is dif- students will be able to pull up their 20 applications, com- $19.99 with a two ferent from other phones, since it’s a schedule anytime, and if changes need to monly referred year contract and an square and it flips open but it still has be made in the summer they can get that to as “apps.” online discount. a keyboard,” sophomore Marie Radke done before school even begins.” d 2 The Shield Around the Globe April 8, 2010

How Free is Speech? A House Divided on People tend to take the right the United States,” according to interference with school disci- to say whatever they want for gposaccess.gov, restricts “know- pline or the rights of others,” Health Care granted until they are personal- ingly and willfully mailing or the First Amendment rights of ly offended. Protests, offensive otherwise making any threat to teachers and students can’t be Largely split along party lines, the recent vote by the House of speech and censorship are just take the life of, kidnap or inflict taken away. Representatives that passed health care reform to the President's a few examples of things that bodily harm” on the President. desk forced many representatives to justify their choice on the cause anger, making others Although it is possible to be Central Hudson Gas law to the public. Here are statements from four of these of- question why they are allowed detained for v. Public Service ficials about why they were for or against the health care bill. under U.S. law. merely imply- Commission (1980): ing a desire Throughout the history of the to hurt the A landmark case regarding United States, the Supreme President, the advertising restrictions, this case Court and lawmakers have been Local: following three brought rise to the ‘Central Hud- reluctant to limit the right to things must son Test,’ which defined when “I will vote for this bill because it ad- freedom of speech found in the occur to possibly be prosecuted the government is allowed to First Amendment. Here are dresses the issues of coverage, fiscal for up to 5 years and $250,000. limit business speech. The four responsibility, quality and choice.” five important court cases and things that permit this censor- laws that helped define how 1. A person must allege harm ship, as found on law.umkc.com, -Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS), expressing his belief much this Constitutional right is to the President. are that— restricted. about the insurance benefits of the bill before 2. The person must under- 1. The original speech involves the House vote. Miller v. California stand what they are saying. illegal activities. (1973): 3. They must have willfully 2. Before being changed, the “The bill that passed the House. . .will After a restaurant was sent unso- uttered the threat, knowledge- speech is misleading, or. . . able of its meaning. jeopardize Kansans’ access to care, licited mail that contained lewd 3. Those that censor the stifle businesses with job-killing tax images advertising adult reading, It is important to note that speech are trying to advance hikes, increase our national deficit the owners of the establishment someone does not even have their interests. and allow the Federal government to sued the person responsible. to carry out the threat they are 4. The changes don’t go too Eventually going the Supreme making, they just need to meet intrude upon the most personal deci- far in accomplishing these Court, the case was ruled in the the above criteria to be pros- sions Americans make every day.” goals. owners’ favor, establishing the ecuted. ‘Miller Test’ to define what was -Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS), talking about his con- Brandenburg v. Ohio cerns over the costs and reach of reform. considered obscene. Tinker v. Des Moines (1969): To be called obscene, the mate- (1969): rial must violate all three of the Likely the ruling that affects This ruling had to do with the National: following— student rights the most today, conviction of Clarence Bran- this case involved three high denburg, a Ku Klux Klan leader “In securing affordable, quality health 1. Taken as a whole, the in Ohio that was arrested for care for all, we have also made the work appeals to unwholesome school students that wore black armbands to school, protesting making a speech about getting largest investment in college aid in our desires as defined by the com- revenge on African American munity. the Vietnam War. They were history.” suspended by their high school supporters. Under Ohio law, 2. The work depicts or de- as a result, so they brought the promoting violence as a way to -Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-NY), scribes, in an offensive way, case to court, which eventually bring about change was illegal, referring to the portion of the bill which strives to lewd conduct deemed illegal ruled in their favor. but Brandenburg sued the state improve student loan rates and fund community by state law. because he felt his free speech colleges. A syllabus of the case found rights were violated by this rule. 3. The work lacks serious on Cornell’s Law School Web “At a time when Ohio’s unemploy- literary, artistic, political or site mentioned that since the Voting unanimously in favor ment rate is 10.9 percent, the last of Brandenburg, the Supreme scientific value. students were not “disruptive thing middle-class families and small of others” in their protest, the Court ruled that merely talking Presidential Threats: about violence and “preparing a businesses need from Washington is First Amendment allowed their more taxes and more regulations.” Title 18, Section 871 of the U.S. actions. Unless necessary to group for violent action” were Code, the document that con- promote a specific school envi- two separate things. Since the law in Ohio did not make this -House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner (R- tains the “subject matter of the ronment (such as uniforms at OH), stating his view that the bill’s new taxes in general and permanent laws of Aquinas) or “to avoid substantial difference clear, it was illegal. the short term could affect job creation.

FROM THE ARCHIVE “You know that old Beach Boys song, ‘Bomb Iran’? -John McCain, in response to a ques - April 18, 2007 Bomb, bomb, bomb. . .” tion about military action in Iran April 8, 2010 Campus News The Shield 3 ICAN fights disease with dodgeball The tournament this year will be a The ICAN club decides to good way to bring out the competitive change it up this year in order side of students. “[Senior] Blakey Swanson said that to raise more money and pique her team is going to win, but there is also interest. a group of junior guys that claim that they are going to win too,” Commodore said. ROZ HENN Past 1000 Mile Relay participant Reporter Laura Negley agrees that the dodgeball tournament will be a good way to have fun with everyone. In past years, the ICAN club has The dodgeball tournament, howev- held the 1000 Mile Relay to earn mon- er, has attracted more than just students. ey to support the Touching Tiny Lives “I’ve heard foundation in Lesotho, a few teach- Africa. This year, the “Participation was low in the ers have been club has decided to KEVIN WATSON/ The Shield past years, and the relay was talking about Students horseplay around in the hallway, making it hard for other students and teachers to pass easily. switch it up—with a trying to get dodge ball tournament more aimed towards runners, teams together,” and a carnival. I hope that ICANival will get DeLong said. ICAN co-presi- “And I think dents, seniors Emily everyone involved,” it will be hi- Hallways, lockers cause frustration DeLong and Morgan larious to watch Commodore, decided -Morgan Commodore, Like other students that of idiots jumping and screaming like students play- to switch from the usu- With its constant overcrowding, are displeased with their locker apes!” ICAN co-president ing dodgeball al 1000 Mile Relay for arrangements, Voda had no choice about But residents of math hallway against them.” math hallway is causing prob- a few reasons. where her locker would be located. And are stuck in their assigned locker until The ICA- “Participation was low in the past lems for many students and contrary to what some may say, neither next school year unless they make Nival is on April 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. All years, and the relay was more aimed did members of Student Council. arrangements to move. who participate receive three service teachers. towards runners,” Commodore said. “I “People think that StuCo has the Not only are students weary of hours. The money will help support a hope that ICANival will get everyone power to choose what goes on safe home for children in Lesotho, Africa CAROLE TRICKEY involved.” where people’s in math hall, that suffer from or have been affected by Reporter “It’s annoying. What should Participation this year includes ev- lockers are. but the teachers HIV/AIDS. d eryone from students to teachers to fami- When really, the take someone two minutes to have expressed lies. There will be much more than just a teachers choose,” their feelings With every hallway at Saint walk through takes people way dodgeball tournament going on. ICANival features: Sophomore Class too. Thomas Aquinas, there are pros and “Key Club is going to sell corn dogs, President Abby C a s e y cons—some get you to class quicker more,” [and] there is going to be a moon walk, Hill said. “We just C u r r a n , a -Moon walk while others make you late every time. popcorn, snowcones, face painting and a put the locker signs - Libby Voda, junior m a t h e m a t i c s However, one in particular seems to few other fun activities,” DeLong said. up. We couldn’t teacher, said, be getting on people’s nerves: math The price point was also an unat- -Karaoke move the signs if we wanted to because “When there are too many kids, the hallway. tractive aspect of the 1000 Mile Relay. In they already have [their assigned locker] hallway gets clumped up. But, I mean, Aquinas’ layout consists of five the past it cost $50 per person. The price numbers on them.” -Sno cones hallways with student lockers: freshman they have the right to be there because has changed this year to $30 per person Some students avoid math hallway hall, math hall, sunshine hallway, south that’s where their locker is too.” on each team, and three dollars to watch as much as possible. hall and senior hall. The math, sunshine Curran also offered the alternative the tournament. -popcorn “Math hallway is ridiculous and and south hallways contain the lockers of only allowing a certain amount of “I know the economy is down, and annoying,” Junior Natasha Boyer said. of both sophomores and juniors. people request to be in the same group [ICAN moderator Matt] Hallauer has “All you see is a big group of boys -corndogs “Its annoying. What should take of lockers at the end of the year or warned us that we probably won’t make trying to act all cool when, really, they you two minutes to walk through takes asking the School Resource Officer to as much. I just hope that we make a lot of just make themselves look like a bunch you way more,” said junior Libby Voda. stand at the end of the hall. d money.” Commodore said. -raffle for iPod Touch

Expires 5-31-10 Expires 5-31-10 Expires 5-31-10 4 The Shield Opinions April 8, 2010 School Internet leaves users with headaches net fails to work–that students feel the project wasn’t due until a week later, but nior who wished to remain anonymous, firewall connections,” Minor said. “One most pain. The exceptions to the connec- things could have turned out bad.” was so paranoid about losing work that reason the Internet goes down is the tivity of our school often come at crucial Senior Amanda Robison had a simi- he only did typed homework at home. firewall not being able to patch people points as due dates quickly approach. lar experience three months ago, but in What causes these seemingly wide- through to the Internet, so hopefully this After seeing a teacher complain her case, she couldn’t access her already spread problems regarding storage of im- will help remedy the problem.” about not being able to log attendance stored file at school. To make matters portant files? I believe science teacher Currently, 1½ T1 lines, the cables one morning, I took it upon myself to see worse, her problem occurred on the due Joe Orrick hit the nail on the head when needed for connectivity, are devoted to Lack of consistency from if other students and faculty had similar date of the project. he talked to me about his view on future the Internet, the other half being used concerns about Internet reliability. Out “I was literally begging [Technol- Internet troubles. for all the phones in the school. If at all Aquinas’ Internet leaves many of fairness, the people I chose to inter- ogy and Social Studies Chairman David] “More and more teachers are begin- possible, I believe splitting up the larger students unsure about browsing view were selected completely at ran- Shriver to help open my file,” Robison ning to implement streaming video in the T1 line into two separate sections, and dom, and what I found revealed what I said. “I feel that more of these issues are classrooms to expand on lessons,” said redirecting traffic based on usage with a or saving on the H-drive believe is at the heart of connectivity is- occurring than in previous years.” Orrick. “My concern is that the Internet firewall, would prevent all the problems MICHAEL CARLSON sues. Other students and teachers had won’t be fast enough to allow students to currently faced. Reporter A common theme among students little other to complain about regarding see these clips.” Presenting a YouTube video to the who did experience issues was the H- speed, only experiencing hitches dur- Minor seemed to agree that recre- class? Send the traffic to one T1 line drive and school emails not working, ing certain points in the day due to high ational content (things like the stream- using a firewall filter. Trying to save The Internet of Saint Thomas Aqui- preventing lengthy projects from being traffic. Science teacher John Tompkins ing videos Orrick mentioned) was what a 20 page thesis paper on the history of nas is like a game of Russian roulette. If saved. Freshman Austin Davis recalled a hadn’t experienced any issues during his clogged up the Internet, acting as “a pi- cheese? Direct the traffic to the other a person catches the Internet at the right recent example of this the week of March time at Aquinas, and Julieana Hendricks, ano trying to go through the door.” He half of the T1 line devoted to educational time, they will experience a fast con- 14, when his English essay had to be re- another science teacher, said that she felt also mentioned, however, that steps were purposes. The adage divide and conquer nection that, in the words of technology started—twice. the school Internet was “top notch.” being taken at the end of the school year appears to be the most logical way to deal teacher Al Minor, “has plenty of band- “I tried on Tuesday and couldn’t Every complaint I heard came from to make even more bandwidth available. with student complaints. d width for normal educational use.” save, and I had the same problem again students who had trouble saving or send- “Over the summer, we are updating It is the other times–when the Inter- two days later,” said Davis. “Luckily, my ing files. One student I questioned, a se- our servers, which will in turn update our Obama’s speeches: going nowhere fast

a closer look, or rather listen, Obama is an overrated public speaker. First of all, Obama leaves a two-to- three-second pause in between every five or so words, which makes him sound a bit like a scratched CD. In a 2008 Busi- nessweek article, writer Carmine Gallo STEPHEN BRAND wrote, “Nothing is as dramatic as a well- Around the Globe Editor placed pause, and Obama knows it. He pauses at key moments to make a memo- rable impact.” That’s nice and all, but Though charismatic and articu- when it’s hard to remember what he said three sentences ago because a minute has late, President Obama’s speeches passed, there’s a problem. fail to convey his clear intentions. Secondly, Obama’s speeches con- KATIE BOLIN/ The Medallion sist largely of fluff. (Granted, most poli- Several students bag cans at the Canned Food Drive in November. Class competition points are awarded for this and other service projects throughout the school year. ticians use a large amount of fluff – it’s In the 2008 presidential election, just that they get criticized rather than President Barack Obama ran away with a credited for doing so.) Obama’s “Yes We victory by making heavy use of his will- Can” speech drew fame and acclama- Class competition provides ingness to speak and his “profound” abil- tion for its message and its similarity to ity to do so. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A And why not? Then-incumbent Dream” speech. But King actually told George W. Bush was at best a poor the world what his dream was. A year unhealthy motives for service public speaker. During his presidency, into Obama’s presidency, and we still he made several gaffes–now known as that class competition points have on have spent the last year going through don’t know exactly what it is we can do. “Bushisms”–including when, after sign- a project. the college admissions process. Most Or maybe he’s just leaving a “dramatic ing a defense bill in 2004, he said the fol- Events such as the penny drive schools promote their affordability, pause” until he tells us. lowing. and can drive supposedly show stu- personal attention and great opportuni- Lastly, Obama attempts to convince “Our enemies are innovative and re- dents’ willingness to give back to the ties, but many also use their many ser- the nation of his “genuine” messages by sourceful,” Bush said. “And so are we. less fortunate of our community. But vice programs as a selling point. After appealing to emotion; but he comes up They never stop thinking about new ways when class competition points are in- four years of receiving class competi- short, in a way that only the writer of to harm our country and our people. And volved, students participate not out of tion points, a jeans day or class credit “The Christmas Shoes” and “Butterfly LINDSEY MAYFIELD neither do we.” the goodness of their hearts but be- for my service work, the prospect of Kisses” can understand. In a 2004 speech Editor-in-Chief Hmm… cause of the prospect of winning a day joining these service clubs and orga- explaining of his “audacity of hope” idea, Although Bush was fairly coherent off of school. nizations sometimes left me thinking, Obama said the following. the majority of the time, he never con- The argument can certainly be “What’s in it for me?” “It’s the hope of slaves sitting Awarding class competition nected with young people, an age group made that, as long as we’re helping Instead of awarding class com- around a fire singing freedom songs, the that’s more interested in a leader who points for service projects dis- those in need, does it really matter petition points for the can drive and hope of immigrants setting out for distant isn’t graying, who plays basketball, and what students’ motivation is? It’s true; penny drive – which eventually boils shores, the hope of a young naval lieuten- courages participation in non- who talks at their level. Enter Obama, Aquinas benefits many individuals, down to how much cash each student ant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta, who took youth by storm with his “uplift- class competition projects. families and groups throughout the is willing to put into a project – points the hope of a millworker’s son who dares ing” speeches and “powerful” rhetoric. year. I’m sure that the schools who re- should be awarded only for projects to defy the odds.” Now, Obama, through the use of his Saint Thomas Aquinas recently ceive the proceeds of the penny drive such as: the Homecoming skits, Blood Again, that’s nice, but all of those rhetoric, has somehow convinced a siz- accepted the Soup-er Bowl Award don’t care why each student brought in Drive, Walk for Life and Spring Olym- hopeful people have long since bit the able portion of the US population that the for excellence in community service, their cash. And I doubt the recipients pics. All of which require creativity, dust, and the examples simply don’t ap- latest health care bill and the associated prompting students and faculty alike to of the mountain of non-perishables we skill or time commitment; rather than a ply to people of the 21st century. It’s ob- additional government control that comes reflect on just how much Aquinas does collect each year wonder just why stu- monetary donation. vious that he isn’t being genuine. with it are good things for the country. to support those in need. The masses of dents were so generous in their dona- Furthermore, the number of ser- And most of all, that is prevailing But what’s even harder to believe is service activities that Aquinas students tions. vice projects that Aquinas undertakes aspect of Obama’s speeches and public the way that Obama manages to convince participate in certainly look impressive No, the issue with awarding class each year should be limited. To host speaking: he comes across as genuine anyone about anything, whether it be on an application for a service award, competition points for service par- a canned food drive, a penny drive, when, in reality, he isn’t. d health care or his Final Four picks. With but does the sheer number of activities ticipation has nothing to do with those a coat drive, care packages for the that students are asked to participate in who benefit from these projects. The troops, a jeans drive, a children’s book inhibit the effectiveness of each? issue is that the nature of community drive, NHS Christmas families, care Every several weeks, it seems, service is performed pro bono, without packages for Haiti, a sock drive and Aquinas hosts events such as the the expectation of repayment or com- various jeans days borders on exces- canned food drive, jeans drive, chil- pensation. By rewarding classes with sive. Couple these with other projects dren’s book drive and penny drive, class competition points, it teaches such as Extravaganza baskets and the just to name a few. With each passing students that service should only be QSP magazine sale, and it’s easy to see event, participation seems to dwindle performed if it provides some selfish why students become burnt out. Qual- as students begin to tire of the constant incentive. This is the reason that the ity, not quantity, should be of more morning announcements and flyers can drive is so enormously successful, value when it comes to the number of advocating the collection of money, while projects such as the coat drive, service projects Aquinas participates books, jeans, etc. The one exception jeans drive, and sock drive struggle. in each year. d to this rule, of course, is the effect Like many high school seniors, I TIM SHAFFER/Reuters President Barack Obama speaks at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Though Obama’s speeches are always eloquent, they often lack genuine emotion.

Adviser Entertainment Editor Carole Trickey expression and aims to com- ing your payment labeled To be a part of school-wide The Shield Matt Hallauer Annie Drape Max Wilber municate the concerns of the with the subscriber’s name polls, join The Shield’s 11411 Pflumm Editor-in-Chief Features Editor student body as well as the and address in the Journal- Facebook group, “The Shield Mission Statement faculty, staff and Aquinas ism Room (Room 212). Sub- Polls.” This group features Overland Park, KS 66215 Lindsey Mayfield Katie Drape community. scriptions can also be sent to several polls per issue that Managing/Sports Editor The Joshua Tree Editor The Shield is a newspaper sponsored by Saint Thomas Saint Thomas Aquinas High all Aquinas students have the Corrections Geoffrey Calvert Josh Lodoly Aquinas High School and Advertising School c/o Matt Hallauer. opportunity to vote in. Issue 7 Design/Around the Globe produced by its students to The Shield sells advertise- Editor Reporters and provide information, enter- ments to help with publica- Letters Policy Honesty Box tion costs. All ads will be Letters may be accepted by Submit your opinions about Stephen Brand Contributors tainment and open forum as subject to the same scrutiny The Shield, provided that this issue of The Shield, hap- The staff of The Shield Front Page Editor Michael Carlson well as a learning experi- ence for the staff members. as stories. The Shield will they are signed and do not penings at Aquinas, or just is proud to announce Katie Heit Connor Casey The goal of The Shield’s not print obscenities or any contain any libelous informa- life in general in the Honesty no corrections from the Opinions Editor Matt Castinado staff is to meet professional ads promoting products il- tion. The Shield reserves Box located outside the ticket March 4 issue. Natalie Phillips Mitchell Cota journalism standards. Staff legal to those under the age the right to edit the letters office, and your comments Campus News Editor Maggie Foley members are responsible for of 18. For advertising, please for grammar, obscenity, or could be published in the next the content of the newspaper call (913) 319-2460. space consideration, and also issue of The Shield. Kevin Watson Roz Henn reserves the right to not print Center Spread Editor Joe Kucharski and strive to report news accurately, objectively and Subscriptions a letter. Erin Jefferson Alexis Leiker completely. The Shield is Subscriptions to The Shield Cara Oldenhuis an open forum for student are $2 per issue. To subscribe, drop off an envelope contain- Facebook Polls April 8, 2010 Entertainment The Shield 5 Web browser showdown over the experience.” many PC users. It has been rated 3rd With different choices of The same praises are said about best on consumersearch.com and 2nd web browsers, users de- this browser on consumersearch. best on toptenreviews.com. com and internet-browser-review. “Google Chrome is fastest web bate over which one is the toptenreviews.com. It is considered the browser,” said Hunt, “[it] has add-ons to most recommended web browser for help you in your browsing experience.” best to use. Windows, Mac and Linux users. It has been rated third best on The next browser is Internet consumersearch.com and second best JOE KUCHARSKI Explorer. The first of all the browsers on toptenreviews.com. Reporter and is still used on a regular basis today. The final browser, Safari, seems Unfortunately it doesn’t receive the to be almost to the point of hurting same recommendations as FireFox. your computer. I have a PC and I have The most widely known browsers “It is the slowest web browser personally deleted it from my computer on the Internet, around the Johnson and it’s terrible,” said junior Josh Hunt, so that it doesn’t have a chance to slow County area anyway, are: FireFox, “Internet Explorer is the most well my computer down any more. Now, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and known so you always get tricked into granted most Mac users have said that Safari. All are used everyday and are downloading tool bars for it that slow it they have gotten positive results with used for basically for the same reason. down.” this product, but unfortunately I, and While this is true, many people have not Also, because of the fact Internet most other PC users have not. It’s placed only biased, but grudges toward certain Explorer has been around the longest, 5th on toptenreviews and not even browsers and the people that use them. hackers have had more time to figure placed on consumersearch. FireFox, one of the original out how to infiltrate your computer “Safari’s Windows version is less free browsers, is a browser filled with through it. than complete,” said Miner. simplicity and speed. “I don’t like its integration into the Regardless of my own personal “My everyday browser at home operating system, as it can be a major problems the best web browser from and school,” says Saint Thomas Aquinas vector for malware,” said Miner. these opinions and my own would have Computer Teacher Al Miner, “It’s more Google Chrome, while still in to be FireFox. It is easy to use, fast, has expandable than Internet Explorer on a tested form for Macs, is still getting good security, and get the user where ROZ HENN/ The Shield the PC and less integrated than Internet quite a bit of positive feedback. Its they need to go. d A student browses the web using Internet Explorer. Explorer is one of the choices that Internet users Explorer on Windows and/or Safari on speed and accessibility has intrigued use for their web browser. Mac, so I feel like I have more control many people and shows promise for Summer concerts in KC Student Playlist: Kansas City is host to many different artists. There are Juniors’ many upcoming concerts in favorites various locations. CONNOR CASEY Corey Robben Anna Sabatini Reporter 311 Lady Gaga and Beyonce Amber Telephone Summer is on its way, and that means a flood of music concerts Abby Hadel Analisa Bregant will be held over the next few Kelis and Lady Gaga Michael Jackson months at many different Kansas Kaboom Rock With You City locations. Here’s a look at Rachel Jacobs Jenna Boutte some of what will be touring Toploader Taylor Swift Dancing in the Moonlight Fairytale Sprint Center Tyler Hetzel Ellie Murphy With a capacity of over 19,000, this Chris Young Jessica Andrews giant glass bowl stadium is located The Man I Want to Be Who I Am at the center of the Power and Light District in downtown Kansas City, Paul Quigley John Nelson Mo. Unlike other venues, this Jay Sean Billy Currington Do You Remember? People Are Crazy stadium can hold anything from Rodeos, to Hockey, to Basketball, Sammy Setter Bobby Young to Justin Beiber. Easton Corbin Toby Keith Upcoming Concerts A Little More Country Coutesy of the Red White Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Rock- AC/DC (April 11th), This is the Sprint Center, which is in the middle of Power and Light District. It hosts popular artists and Than That and Blue attracts thosands. Nickelback w/ Breaking Benjamin tickets were sold in the first week Conan O’ Brien (May 16th) and Shinedown (April 26th), Pearl Kelly Whiteside Katie Lind of sales. The main stage will feature Jam (May 3rd), Tom Petty and The Dashboard Confessional Jack Johnson Godsmack, Three Days Grace, Hands Down Understood Heartbreakers (July 13th) Capital Federal Seether, Papa Roach and Drowning Pop- Lady Gaga (August 3rd), Park at Sandstone Pool. The second stage, which Michael Buble (June 26th), Justin While the Sprint Center is a stadium focuses more on up-and-coming Beiber (Jul 28th) and Midland is a theatre, Sandstone bands, will feature Five Finger Country- Taylor George Strait is the only outdoor amphitheatre in Death Punch, The Veer Union, and Reba McEntire (April 9th), the Kansas City area. The biggest Adelitas Way, and Taddy Porter. Brad Paisley (May 28th) Sugarland concert that it holds is Van’s Warped The best way to get your tickets (June 18th), Tim McGraw w/ Lady Tour, which features a wide variety to Rockfest 2010 is by visiting Antebellum (June 27th), Brooks and of alternative bands and is the www.989therock.com. Dunn (August 8th) second biggest concert in Kansas Other- Cirque Du Soleil (May 12th- City after Rockfest. While the May 16th), Jeff Dunham (August The Midland by lineup has not been fully completed, 21st), James Taylor and Carole King AMC bands that will be featured are Sum st 41, Dropkick Murphys, Attack (May 21 ) What was a popular theatre in Attack, The All American Rejects, downtown in the 1920s has been and We the Kings. revamped into a concert hotspot Liberty Memorial in Kansas City ranging from For 364 days a year, this area serves Broadway to comedy to hip hop to Upcoming events as the only World War I memorial rock. Insane Clown Posse (May 29th)

in the country, but on May 15 it nd Upcoming events Vans Warped Tour (August 2 ) hosts one of the biggest one-day The American Carnage Tour w/ STOMP! (April 9th-11th) rock concerts of the year–Rockfest. Slayer, Megadeth, and Testament Lupe Fiasco (April 18th) With over 50,000 in attendance (August 23rd) d Mark Knopfler (April 21st) last year, Rockfest 2010 may break Steve Martin (April 22nd) that number with ease, as 40,000 pages 6&7 centerspread

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grade level, hours completed by Aquinas “It would be a good opportunity for without them,” Brill said. able, it becomes more of a project than Sion, Rockhurst, St. James stu- students. seniors to get to know a certain organiza- Sion seniors are also required to random hours,” Reynoldson said. dents complete service hours dif- However, Rockhurst students are tion,” Fortino said. complete a senior service project that is Reynoldson also said she got to only required to complete 25 hours each Notre Dame de Sion requires their similar to Rockhurst’s. know the people she served very well ferently from Aquinas students. year for their students to com- Aquinas is similar to Sion and Rock- while completing her Christian Service f r e s h m a n , It does not matter how many plete 100 hours hurst in the fact that students are able to Project. CARA OLDENHUIS sophomore, upon gradua- complete their hours at multiple organi- Fortino said completing hours at Reporter and junior hours you do, all that matters is the tion. Students zations during the school year. However, one organization helps students get to year. Students service that is being performed. are required to another area Catholic high school re- know the people who they are serv- are required complete a min- quires all students to perform all hours at ing but also said working at the same With the deadline to complete ser- to complete a - Mary Fortino, imal amount of the same organization during the school place would limit the amount of service vice hours fast approaching, many stu- separate ser- sophomore five hours each year. students can do. dents are wondering how other schools vice project year, but are St. James Academy students com- “Working at the same place could conduct service hours and how Aquinas during their advised to com- plete their service requirement through get boring, I feel that I would not be compares against the others. senior year. plete 25 hours what is called a Christian Service Project. helping a lot of different people,” For- Like Aquinas, many area Catholic The Senior Service Project requires each year. The project requires all students to com- tino said. schools conduct service hours by allow- Rockhurst seniors to spend the week the According to Sion Sophomore Sarah plete 30 hours of service at one organiza- No matter in what manner service ing students to complete the hours at designated week off of school giving ser- Brill, students must turn in at least five tion of their choice. hours are completed, or how many hours multiple different service organizations. vice to one particular organization. service hours to receive credit in their St. James Sophomore Danielle are completed, Fortino agrees on one Rockhurst High School requires Aquinas Sophomore Mary Fortino religion classes. The five hours make a Reynoldson said performing service at thing. their students to complete 25 hours of said a senior service project would be a large potion of the student’s grade. one place helps her become more in- “It does not matter how many hours community service each year, which is good way to get involved in the commu- “The five service hours are worth a volved with that particular organization. you do, all that matters is the service that similar to the 20 or 30, depending on nity. lot of points, your grade can really hurt “The project becomes more person- is being performed,” Fortino said. d Senior gives college tips Aquinas Donations You should always be sure to go above and beyond the required community service and strive to earn high grades, but here are some by the NUMB3RS tips to keep in mind for each respective grade. ERIN JEFFERSON + Center Spread Editor Juniors 630 care kits made 32,701 Seniors items collected from the Some parents’ workplaces sponsor Have your draft of which schools during the Haiti Drive scholarships for the children of employ- you wish to apply to ready by the sum- Can Food Drive ees. Also, there are plenty of scholar- mer before your senior year. ships out there that are specific to certain Start thinking about which teachers activities or academic specifications. you would like to write your recommen- Some colleges will waive the ad- dation letters. The teacher doesn’t have mission fee if you apply online. Not only to of had taught a class where you ex- $2,000 is it more convenient to apply online, but celled, but make sure it was a class where made for the Christina it is also cheaper. Plus, it saves you a trip you tried your hardest. Sometimes it’s to the mailbox. best if you’ve had the teacher multiple Miller Project times, simply because they know you Don’t let Senioritis get the best of better. you. Your grades still matter. Some col- leges will even ask for your 7th quarter Have all your profiles on fam- made during the grades as a factor in your admission de- ily connection and the majority of your $13,656 Common Application done by the start cision. Penny Drive of your senior year. Once school gets I’m sure you have heard that col- started, you’ll always be pressed for lege essay prompts are all similar and if time and college applications usually get you write two or three, they can basically shoved to the bottom of the list. work for all prompts. I found this wasn’t true. Allot yourself a large portion of Enroll in an ACT or SAT prep class. 800 lbs. time for essay writing. Simply knowing what to expect and pre- paring a little bit will help your scores. $2,200 of food collected from the worth of hair and other Scavenger Hunt for the Sophomores Freshmen donations collected from JCCC Pantry Challenge yourself. Be sure to en- Set the bar high. Your GPA is a huge Wigs Out roll in Honors classes if you can, because factor in college applications – even your harder curriculums always look better on freshman year! You may need especially college applications. great freshman grades to pad your GPA 8 later on. SUVs full of Decide which activities from last 50 families support- Get involved in a wide variety of year you enjoy the most and stick with ed by NHS Christmas school supplies them. Colleges like to see dedication and activities. You never know what you’re passion in your extracurricular, so be talented in until you try it out. You may Project sure to submerge yourself in the activi- find that you just don’t have the stamina ties you love. for Cross Country, but you also may dis- cover that you are a natural forensicator. Start picking up leadership posi- tions – its okay if you’re only the vice- It’s not too early to start thinking $22,456 in total collected secretary of the ping-pong club. You’re about where you might want to go to bound to start off pretty low in the ranks, college. Perhaps you’ve wanted to go to from Aquinas donations but if you stay dedicated you’re bound Notre Dame. Now is the time to check out what kinds of grades and test scores Data collected by MAX WILBER/ Reporter to move up. it takes to get in to Notre Dame, and strive for your best. April 8, 2010 features The Shield 9 One of the few student teachers Meet Ms. William, she teaches What college/university did you at- What is your major/minor- Second- tend for your undergrad- University of ary Education-English (grad)/Photojour- yearbook, newspaper, journalism Missouri-Columbia nalism and Creative Writing (undergrad) composition, Honor sAmerican Grad- Rockhurst University How did you end up substituting/ Literature, Composition II student teaching at Aquinas- I asked peo- What high school did you attend- ple from the area what some of the top MITCHELL COTA McCallum High School schools were. Aquinas kept coming up so Reporter I applied and as they say, the rest is his- Hometown- Austin, Texas tory... What Aquinas teacher/staff member have you found to be most helpful in your What's your favorite band/singer- Favorite soda- Ginger ale Aquinas experience- My CTs (cooperat- That's like asking me to pick a favorite ing teachers) Mr. Ewing and Mr. Hallauer child! The musicians in heaviest rotation Favorite sport and/or club at Aqui- have been nothing short of amazing from for me now are Phoenix, Lupe Fiasco and nas- Of course newspaper and yearbook the moment I came to Aquinas. They’ve Them Crooked Vultures are my favorites! always given me whatever assistance I needed and are just generally good people What is your preferable class to Favorite Movie- The original “Hal- to be around. The entire English depart- teach- English. loween” ment has been awesome too from trading lesson plans to inviting me to classes to How would you describe your teach- Favorite junk food- Twizzlers letting me just sit and talk with for awhile. ing style in only a few words- "Old school meets new school." Aquinas students support Christina Miller’s recovery nas. Senior Morgan Commodore felt Continued from front page driven to help her classmate and fellow cross country runner in some way. After tossing around fundraising ideas with “Cross country taught me a lot about English teacher Susan Dillingham and being happy during rough times,” she her mom Sheila Commodore, the three said. “I couldn’t go through everything decided to host a bake sale and a pizza that I have if I didn’t try to make the day at Imo’s Pizza at 135th and Quivira. world around me better. I am too stub- The restaurant is owned by the Commo- born to simply end up wallowing in self dore family, and six of the thirteen em- pity.” ployees are current students or alumni of “She is the most energetic person Aquinas. The Commodores generously I know. She is always very positive, agreed to donate 10 percent of the day’s full of energy and life at all times, even sales to help offset the Miller’s medical when she was in bills. the hospital,” said She is the most energetic person Commo- senior Meagan dore said that Wilderson. She I know. She is always very positive, Morgan and said Christina is D i l l i n g h a m always herself full of energy and life at all times, were instru- and admires how even when she was in the hospital. mental in get- Photo courtesy of Christina Miller Christina “was ting approval From left: Meagan Wilderson, Catherine Cellitti, Carrie Waters, Cara Winkley and Jackie Teahan enjoy pizza to support and fundraise Miller’s recovery. having brain sur- - Meagan Wilderson, and publicity gery and was so senior for the fund- out with whatever was needed. This ing the Imo’s Pizza Day for the Miller this in a tremendous way! The students much less dra- raiser going was the first event of this kind that Imo’s family. “Dr. Ford gives a great example and faculty were amazing!” matic than people on a very short has sponsored. Commodore said that she to the students,” Commodore said. She Christina needs our support and getting their wisdom teeth pulled out.” notice. Dillingham gives most of the had been involved with other fundraisers said that in her experience with the St. prayers. We can continue to help her re- Although Christina has no usable credit to Morgan for getting things mov- “but nothing of this magnitude!” Ap- Thomas Aquinas community, “whenever cover. d veins left in her arms or hands due to ing. She said that Christina, “one of our proximately one thousand dollars was anyone needs something, everyone just scar tissue and constant blood work, she own” needed help and that she just helped raised by the Aquinas community dur- goes with it and tries to help and they did does have a lifeline of support at Aqui- The Shield 10 The Joshua Tree...kinda April 8, 2010 Aquinas Showdown Each helmet is Indestructible equipped with a Minotaur gloves laser canon. head, used for charging.

Knife, used for Lacrosse stick cutting is usually on up food. fire for dramatic effect. Lacrosse

Spear of Destiny vs Grenade belt Rugby Knee cap, used for dra- matic effect.

Claws, used Similarities: for dramatic effect. These two sports, while different, have some things in common. For one, they both are not considered sports at Saint Thomas Aquinas high school. Another similarity is that both sports really hate eating their Lacrosse’s pros include a stick to bash people with, sweet vegetables, and both sports are very good at defeat- Advantages for Rugby include brute strength, the ability to speak helmets and indestructible gloves that can make a boxing ing dragons. They both can beat up smaller children another language, and they don’t need a lot of expensive equipment glove look like an oven mitt. The players are also equipped and take their lunch money although that’s usually to play. Also, rugby players are taught how to stand up for them- with the ability to go underwater because they are padded like frowned upon in club sports. selves, as they are encouraged to punch, kick, stab, and on occasion, a scuba suit. In fact, the ruins of bite their enemies before and during their the Titanic were actually found by games. They are also padded less and can a team of lacrosse players trying to lift a car in one hand while shoveling in retrieve a ball. Their disadvantages absurd quantities of food into their mouth. include having pads that look like a Winner: Rugby They also have the ability to slay dragons football player and a creature from and can burp the alphabet while dancing “Predator” combined. Sounds cool, the polka. Why they are able to do this, I but actually having the self-destruct have no idea but I have seen it; it is pretty bracelet on while cradling the ball is Between this entire hullabaloo (yeah I said it), I believe the decision, while very difficult to make, is intense. Also, some rugby players are really hard because someone can ac- Rugby. Now, most of you are saying, oh no this is biased! That guy is on the team! Well, that’s beside known to be Minotaurs. cidentally hit the button on their way the point. I don’t know why it is beside the point but I think it is. It is because one team has pads to make a goal. Lacrosse players are and another doesn’t. They both hit hard and I will even give lacrosse a plus just because they get to also known to slay dragons and be use a big metal rod to beat others up. Rugby players don’t get to do that! Well, unless the referee has part dragon. their back turned, then it basically becomes a knife fight. But again, that’s beside the point. I respect lacrosse but must respectfully say they are not as tough as rugby, mate.

**Disclaimer: This entire story is completely biased. Every fact in this story is false.**

Unlucky man remains very unlucky Ordinary man becomes lucky, then unlucky, then ends up lucky JOE KUCHARSKI ings, police found this man was part Reporter of an underground crime syndicate. JOE KUCHARSKI he had won the lottery. He watched Once this evidence was uncovered, Reporter with excitement as the numbers police then took the body in for slowly rolled in. The numbers were Tragedy struck when one man questioning. Due to his immense exact! He threw his dinner into the air was found in his home with a bun in weight, he had to be forklifted out The news has gotten a lot more in excitement and then suddenly had his mouth and a bottle in his hand, of the house, and because of the po- uplifting and happy when they found dead. a pale grimace upon his face. He had lice budget cuts, they had to borrow a story about a man who had an or- An obese alcoholic dies from a forklift from Sam’s Club. realized that he left the lottery ticket dinary life, had a chance to live the Burger King burger shots. Even Once at the station, the man in his pants which he was about to though the police will not divulge good life, and loses his chance in a was questioned for three hours wash! He rushed into the wash room the information pertaining to who about possible murder and drug washing machine accident. and with pure adrenaline ripped off this person is or where this hap- trafficking cases they thought he Timothy Nigel Timothyton is the top of the wash machine and pened, this story is still breaking could have been involved in. He just an ordinary guy from Dayton, grabbed his pants out of the murky JOSH LODOLY/ The Shield news nonetheless. was released due to lack of knowl- Ohio. His life changed dramatically Washing machines that come with fauns, like this The man was 732 pounds, lived edge, lack of pulse, and he smelled half dirt and half soap water. He one, have been banned in the U.S. until the current when he went into his local gas sta- terror level is lowered. with his mother, ate his leg weight really, really bad. couldn’t pull them out and found it tion to purchase a lottery ticket. His in fast food everyday and drank Unfortunately for the man, he was being pulled by something in the ber, he just does. He knows a lot of enough to bring down a crash of tried to drive home. He ended up numbers were 23, 23, 23, 23, 23, 23. wash machine. people). He told Obama about the rhinos by lunch. Also, the man had hitting a light post. The light post And the power ball was 432. Tim Suddenly, a faun popped out of magical forest creatures and how not moved from his power wheel- was also in front of the police sta- was hoping to win that $470 million the washing machine. The faun was chair and his skin had morphed to tion so they saw the accident right jackpot and buy everything he ever they stole his money. Obama ordered scared and hit him on the head with the leather. Some may say it would away. wanted. His list included; the abil- the F.B.I. to Timothy’s house, where be pretty cool to be part-man, part- his hoof and went back into the wash- He was charged with driving ity to breathe fire, a bus pass made they arrested the creatures for terror- robotic wheelchair, part-alcoholic. under the inlfluence and was sent to ing machine. Timothy, however, was of solid gold, a bus with his own ism. He was found with four pounds of jail. When it came time for his tri- not going to stand for having his The F.B.I. awarded Timothy BK burger shots in his stomach and al, he kept silent and didn’t defend driver and the world’s best stamp home infiltrated by a goat sympathiz- with a medal and all his winnings a blood alcohol level of seven. himself in any way. After the judge collection. He really wanted those er and went in after it. from the lottery. He bought all the After the body was found, the slammed the gavel down, the man things, except for the stamp collec- He arrived in a snowy wood, sur- police spoke to the mother of the decided to open his eyes and finally tion. The stamp collection was for expensive stamps he could find and rounded by woodland creatures. He victim. tried to defend himself. He pleaded revenge. Timothy’s father, Tomothy, burned them all. The fire became so “Aww, he is just sleeping,” said demanded to know where his pants that he had been in a coma and had was killed in a freak stamp throwing large, it engulfed his entire body, kill- the woman. “He got that there CSS no recollection of anything that had were and the creatures just laughed at ninja accident. He vowed to find the ing him, but that is a different story. (Constant Sleep Syndrome). He occured in the past 12 years. The him. Then a squirrel came and tack- falls into big naps even during mid- people responsible, or at least burn judge believed him and charged led him. It pulled out a knife and said This page has been brought sentence.” him with a slap on the wrist. The the largest stamp collection he could that the forest was in an economic to you by the letter K. K for CSS, or Constant Sleep Syn- man then went up to the judge, and find. But enough with his life story. Kucharski. Joe Kucharski for crisis right now and they needed the drome, street named coma, was res- the judge slapped his wrist. After Timothy bought his ticket, that matter. This is the junior money more than he did. issue and this whole page was ponible for this man’s death. Only Since the man has awakened he went home. His job was in con- taking the life of one person a year, he has found that his luck has not Angered and defeated, Timo- put together by Joe Kucharski. struction and it had been raining, I am not speaking in third per- it has become an epidemic by tak- changed at all. Poor guy needs thy crawled back out of the washing so he was really muddy by the time son for no reason, Joe Kuchar- ing two lives this year. a shamrock or a rabbits foot or at machine. A brilliant idea struck him: ski just felt like it. Next year Upon further examination of he got home. He changed and put least a hug for what he has been contacting the U.S. government. He The Joshua Tree will be the man’s body, investigators found through. On the other hand, he is his clothes in the washing machine. known as the Kuch Chronicle. wanted the money so badly he called he had 4 1/2 bullet wounds in him. a 732 pound alcoholic felon. Who While sitting down to watch his 53 I am slowly going to take over the president directly (Don’t ask how After searching through his belong- would want to hug that? inch Vizio LED TV in high defini- the rest of the newspaper from he knows Obama’s personal num- there. Good Bye! tion, he turned on the news to see if April 8, 2010 SPORTS The Shield 11 Tennis team retains strong leadership NCAA should not ruin

As head coach David Shriver point- Shinn said. “Really, it just comes down The boys’ tennis team hopes off- ed out, the team’s experience goes well to looking good on the court and keeping men’s tournament by ex- season training leads to on-court beyond the number of years the players our heads in the game.” success. have been in tennis. While two top teams lost much of “A lot of players participate in other their varsity core, two new opponents are panding to 96 teams sports besides tennis during the offseason being added to the Saints’ schedule this to train,” Shriver said. “[Jackson] wres- year, Salina Central and Goddard. MICHAEL CARLSON tled, for example, while [senior] Dan One constant through years has been eventually sets in that teams like Wichita Reporter Woodward took the year off last year the experience of Shriver, who has been State will never actually win the champi- to concentrate on soccer, but he’s doing the tennis head coach since the sport was onship. both sports this year.” introduced at Aquinas. Under this new system, if your team W o o d w a r d , “I started name is Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, or any Experience sums up what the Saint winning both his Two of the top teams from playing tennis CONNOR CASEY traditional powerhouse team, the NCAA Thomas Aquinas boys tennis team had singles match and back at Johnson Reporter will put you in the tournament, regardless as they started their season at Leawood last year lost almost all of their doubles match with County Commu- of your regular season record. Granted, Park. The group seems to have all the junior Donald Mul- varsity starters, which should nity College, and the league championships will still mat- necessary pieces to improve on their vaney, believes that since then I’ve ter because that winner is ensured a spot, fourth-place state finish last year, with help us down the line. For the vast number of students who the team’s success been teaching and but that also means that the ninth-place five of six varsity starters returning. filled out a bracket for the 2010 National is contingent on coaching at Aqui- team in the conference might also get in. Their last state title was 2007. College Athletic Association men’s bas- how they get ready - Alex Shinn nas for around 40 There are other tournaments besides Among the players coming back are ketball tournament, you better have en- for each opponent. years,” Shriver that of the NCAA, most notably the Na- sophomores Christian Boschert and Tyler senior joyed it, because things may start chang- “Our team said. tional Invitational Tournament (NIT). Jackson, who placed fifth in singles and ing very soon. chemistry is really With the va- While the NIT is not as big or popular as seventh in doubles respectively at state in The NCAA is proposing to expand strong, which helps us on and off the riety found in this year’s squad, a team the NCAA tournament, it does earn a lot 2009. The pair easily won their doubles the tournament to 96 teams, adding 31 court. [Assistant Coach Tim] Lillis will mostly dominated by sophomores, Shriv- more money for the champion school of match eight to one against Kansas City teams and an extra round of play. The get us prepared for anything, so we just er still thinks what he has discovered the tournament than if they had gotten a Christian, the Prairie Village-based high idea is to have the ninth seed through have to execute,” Woodward said. over the years about developing players low seed in the NCAA tournament. This school that was the Saints’ first opponent the 24th seed in all four regions play in More than anything, Shriver wants will hold true this year. expansion will basically eliminate the of the year. the first round, and the top eight seeds to see senior Alex Shinn step up as a “Unlike so many other sports at NIT, because there will be so many few- Interviewed together, the two shared in each region get a bye to the second leader on the team, a role Shinn said he Aquinas, tennis is mostly focused on the er, lower quality teams participating that similar mannerisms and showed that they round. is willing to take on. The veteran Shinn group of individuals that make up the nobody will were familiar with each others’ playing This is a horrible This is a horrible idea on believes, like Woodward, that focus will team,” Shriver said. “It has always been bother watching styles. idea on so many lev- be what drives the team to victory. a sport where true beginners, if they put it. “I think that, collectively, we’ve els, not just for this so many levels, not just for this “Two of the top teams from last in the effort, can make it to state by their Finally, this been playing tennis for eight years now,” tournament, but for the year lost almost all of their varsity start- junior or senior year.” d tournament, but for the other expansion will Boschert said. other smaller tourna- ers, which should help us down the line,” hurt the fans. ments and the regular smaller tournaments and the Not only will season. regular season brackets be First of all, no harder to fill Girls swimming results from the team has ever won because of so Shawnee Mission West dual on the tournament with a seed lower than many unknown teams, but now there will April 1 eight, so why should anybody care about be nearly a month-long tournament, and this extra roud of games if the winners I cannot stay glued to CBS for that long. will be beaten the next round by high So, NCAA, as the old saying goes, if it Team results: seeded teams like Kentucky and Duke? ain’t broke, don’t add 31 teams. d Aquinas - 200, Shawnee Mission Cinderella stories always make for great West - 103 and exciting games, but realism always

Aquinas - 240, Olathe North - 50

Individual results

1st place 200 medley relay - Jenny Kongs, Kaela Ropson, Megan Greving, Bridget Petersen

200 freestyle - senior Monica Dud- ley

200 individual medley - Kaela Rop- son

50 freestyle - Megan Greving GEOFFREY CALVERT/ The Shield Trent Miller bats during the Saints victory over Bishop Miege. Miller hit a three-run homer during the game. 100 butterfly - Megan Greving 100 freestyle - Sara Lopez Miller leads Saints to 500 freestyle - Monica Dudley

200 freestyle relay - Sara Lopez, victory over Miege Bridget Petersen, Jenny Kongs, CONNOR CASEY “It was a great starting game to put Monica Dudley Reporter in the record books. Pitching was solid, and this was a great game to give us ex- 100 backstroke - Sara Lopez The Aquinas baseball team opened perience for when we will need it in the their season on April 5 and dominated the state tournament,” Miller said. Bishop Miege Stags in a 13-7 victory. 100 breaststroke - Kaela Ropson Fans will not remember Miller from The last time the Saints took the last year because he transferred over the field was in the 2009 state championship summer to Aquinas from Saint James 400 freestyle relay - Monica Dud- semi-final game, where they defeated Academy. It is apparent that he has ley, Sara Lopez, Kaela Ropson, Me- Kapuan Mt. Carmel 14-5, but failed to adapted to the new school very well. gan Greving beat Topeka Seamen the previous game “It’s great to have things like a home and did not qualify for the state final. field and fans, something I never had at Since then the Saints lost 12 seniors and Saint James.” 2nd place only have one returning starter for this Other players to watch are seniors 200 freestyle - Erika Gammill year. James Boddicker, the only returning The game started with good offense starter from last year, and Jake Heck- by the Saints, and after three innings the 200 individual medley - Bridget man, who was the starting pitcher against Saints were winning 4-2. But the Stags Miege. Petersen refused to stay down and scored three Some games to watch for this season runs in the fourth inning, gaining their are against Bubba Starling and Gardner- 50 freestyle - Haley Sieben first lead of the game. But it did not last; Edgerton on April 22, EKL rival Blue the Saints would outscore the Stags from Valley on May 10, and regionals on May that point forward 9-2. 100 butterfly - Bridget Petersen 17. Most notably was a solid perfor- In the words of junior Blake Nelson, mance by senior catcher Trent Miller “If you want to see a baseball team that 100 freestyle - Hallie Dusselier who had 4 RBIs, including a three-run wins games, unlike the Royals, come and home run in the fourth inning, to insure watch Saints baseball.” d victory for the Saints. 100 backstroke - Jenny Kongs

3rd place Diving - Ellie Murphy Phi Kappa Theta 100 butterfly - Jenny Kongs at Kansas State University A social fraternity with a Catholic bond 100 breaststroke - Haley Sieben We’re seeking a few good men 4th place for fall semester 2010! 500 freestyle - Lauren Mistler Check out our website: KEVIN WATSON/ The Shield Top: Sophomore Audrey Storm performs a dive during the meet on April 1. Bottom: Senior Bridget Petersen competes in the 100-meter butterfly. Petersen placed second in the event, placed second in the 5th place www.ksu.edu/phikap 200-meter individual medley, and was part of the winning 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay teams. Then call one of our recruitment chairs Diving - Krista Thomas Kurt Zibell: 785-305-1442 • Matt Spaniol: 913-433-8550 12 The Shield SPORTS April 8, 2010

GEOFFREY CALVERT/ The Shield Left: Sophomore goalkeeper Maggie Harrison saves Lee’s Summit North’s sixth and final penalty kick attempt in the semi-finals of the Mo-Kan Classic on March 31. Harrison, in her first year starting in goal, knocked away four of North’s six PK attempts, and a fifth hit the crossbar and was no good. Right: The Saints engulf Harrison (blue, long-sleeved jersey and white headband) after she stopped North’s final penalty attempt. Hannah Pyle, in yellow headband and red cleats, scored the Saints goal in regulation and had another taken away on a controversial offside call. Pyle also scored the lone goal in the Saints 1-0 victory over then-#7 Liberty in the Mo-Kan finals. Pyle has three goals on the season through April 4. Harrison’s heroics lead Saints to Mo-Kan victory GEOFFREY CALVERT they played so well,” Ewing said. North attacker. But Khoury arrived a few rectly to penalty kicks. It is worth noting five frames the tally was 1-1. The game Managing Editor moments too late. The Broncos scored, that the Broncos goalkeeper, Caroline would now go to sudden death penalties. A Crazy Goal Sequence and in a span of 20 seconds, a 2-0 game Stanley, is the goalie for the U.S. Wom- Ewing called on junior Moira Cull- became 1-1. en’s U-17 national team. ings to be the Saints next shooter. “The refs were really annoying and The penalty kicks were the standard “I just prayed. I was telling myself I It was the closest 3-0 match ever In the second half, the game became wacky. Off a Nikki Fontana corner kick, frustrating. But we all became motivated best of five format, and the Saints shot could do it. I was nervous, but I sucked it played. by being upset with the refs. We didn’t first in each frame. Aquinas’ first penalty up and I figured I would make it,” Cull- Due to disallowed goals the Saint Amanda Nelson scored, giving the Saints a 2-0 lead. The nine other Saints around let them affect us. We stayed positive and attempt went wide left, and Lee’s Sum- ings said. “I decided to go right, but my Thomas Aquinas Saints needed a penalty kept working harder,” Washburn said. mit North’s first attempt glided past Har- main focus was just kicking it as hard as shootout to win their semi-final match of Nelson began celebrating with her, and sophomore goalkeeper Maggie Harrison The Saints understandably protested rison’s fingertips and into the goal. The I could in the corner.” the Mo-Kan Classic on March 31 against North’s goal, and Ewing drew a yellow Saints’ second attempt was again saved Cullings struck it true, tucking the the Lee’s Summit North Broncos. started jogging toward midfield to con- gratulate her teammates. card. by Stanley. ball in the lower right-hand corner. After about 20 scoreless minutes, “It was a real critical, awful decision “I was nervous. Stanley’s the U-17 “We debated about putting Moira in Amanda Nelson ended a Broncos attack Amidst the celebration, the Saints did not hear the referee wave the goal by the referee because it wasn’t proce- national team goalie. I’m thinking we are the first group of shooters. I made a mis- and punched it down the right touchline durally correct,” Ewing said. “The ref on at a definite disadvantage,” Ewing said. take not putting her in the first group,” to Erin Henderson at midfield. She sent off. He deemed that an Aquinas player pushed the goalie in the back, so the goal my side thought we had scored. He said If North made their upcoming pen- Ewing said. “She doesn’t let emotions the ball to a charging Hannah Pyle in the the center ref should have stopped the alty, they would almost certainly have take her away from being successful. penalty box, who beat the final defender did not count, and it was Lee’s Summit North’s ball. But the referee only seemed game and let the girls know they didn’t the game wrapped up. She had grace under pressure and stayed and tapped it past the oncoming goalie score and that a foul was called. It was Harrison saved the ball. cool.” for a 1-0 lead. to signal foul. He never whistled it. “I heard no whistle,” Ewing said. criminal to not stop the game. He almost “I was just trying to keep myself For the first time in the penalty ses- “The ref didn’t blow a whistle,” stole the game from us.” calm and keep it together. I was praying sion, the Saints had the advantage. They Hannah Pyle junior Moira Cullings said. “He should For the game, 21 fouls were called the whole time,” Harrison said. “After I just needed Harrison to make one more have stopped play.” on the Saints, and three on the Broncos. stopped a couple, the nerves started to save. Pyle, a freshman, also scored against “I didn’t hear a whistle. No one I In the final 10 minutes of the sec- wear off and I was just focused on going And Maggie Harrison saved the Blue Valley on March 22, in her first talked to did,” senior Ashley Washburn ond half, Pyle received pass and snuck out and playing.” ball. The Saints won, 2-1. The Aquinas varsity match, establishing herself as an said. behind the defenders, and placed the ball Although Aquinas was denied a bench cleared as the Saints mobbed Har- offensive force early in the season. She “I was focused on celebrating so if in the back of the net. The Saints started third time in their penalty kick attempts, rison, hugging and screaming as if they gave all the credit to her teammates. they blew a whistle, I didn’t hear it,” Pyle celebrating their 2-1 lead. There had been the Saints were energized by Harrison’s had just won state. “The upperclassmen have coached said. “No one heard it.” no illegal physical contact, so the referee spark. Lee’s Summit North stepped up to “It’s a tribute to the girls that they me on the STA style. They’ve really Aquinas continued celebrating, and could not call a foul on the Saints on the take their third penalty attempt, looking won this game. It’s a tribute to Maggie. helped me adapt.” did not realize the official had nullified goal. to go up 2-0. What a job she did,” Ewing said. “I think Ewing praised Pyle’s early-season the goal. Instead of keeping play stopped Instead, he called offsides. Harrison saved the ball. the fair result happened. It is holy week, performance. until the Saints aware of the actual situ- The Saints protested yet another “Maggie makes a couple of saves, you know.” “The one thing we were missing last ation and had time to get ready, he al- questionable call, for this was not the and all of a sudden I’m thinking we have year was speed. We had trouble turning lowed North to restart play. Due to this, first time the referee blew a Saints attack a chance,” Ewing said. “Normally the Liberty corners and getting shots off in time. On the Saints did not see the Broncos goal- dead because of offside. Instead of letting first shooters are the best and they only her goal today, she received the ball in keeper, Caroline Stanley, punt the ball their frustration rattle them, the Saints had gotten one so far.” After the narrow victory over North, front of the defender, turned by her and downfield, or the North players spring used it to motivate them. Hannah Pyle was up next for Aqui- the Saints played Liberty, ranked #7 in beat the keeper,” Ewing said. “It’s un- madly after it. “It made us play harder, because it nas. Pyle delivered, finding the back of the country by ESPN Rise, in the Mo- usual for a freshman to play that well so “I didn’t realize what was going on was as if they refs weren’t going to let us the net and equalizing the penalties mid- Kan finals. quickly. It’s a tribute to the older girls until the ball was almost by our goal,” score. We were really angry and now we way through the fourth frame. If Harrison With 10 minutes left in the first half, that they make her feel comfortable. Ewing said. “Their goalie looked upset wanted to win even more,” Cullings said. could deny the Broncos on their upcom- the Saints netted what proved to be the It’s how the older girls treat the younger that we had scored, so I thought she had Ewing agreed. ing fourth attempt, the teams would be winning goal when junior Sarah Heilman ones that determines how well the team punted it out of frustration. Our girls were “Their level of play doubled. They level. found Pyle, who scored. plays.” so excited so they didn’t realize what was played so well after those calls. Other Harrison saved the ball. Aquinas, ranked 49th by ESPN Rise Despite the halftime lead, with happening. Molly Khoury and Maggie groups would have complained, but their Harrison, the sophomore, the first- entering the match, focused on denying the early game time (5 p.m.) and warm Harrison were the first to catch on.” play got better. I’m proud of them.” year starter, was now equaling Stanley, Liberty a scoring opportunity, pulling weather, Ewing noticed that the Saints Indeed, junior Molly Khoury sensed the national teamer, save for save. But players back to midfield to stifle any pos- were tired. something was asunder, and began chas- The Penalty Shoot-out on the Saints’ fifth attempt, Stanley dove sible Liberty attack. The Saints held on “I really thought we were sluggish ing after the ball. At midfield, Harrison and knocked the ball away. The Broncos for the 1-0 victory, taking the Mo-Kan from the change in the weather. We was far out of position by the time she Because three games were being only had to convert one penalty to win. title. Aquinas also played Blue Valley subbed a lot and had to use our bench. realized the ball was live. She sprinted played in Saints Stadium that day, tour- Stanley would be the final shooter for the Northwest to a 0-0 draw on April 5 and The girls gave all they had but were out back towards her goal, as Khoury franti- nament rules stipulated that instead of Broncos. St. James Academy on April 7, but the of gas. It was a tribute to our bench that cally tried to separate the ball from the extra time, the game would instead go di- Stanley nailed the crossbar, and result was too late to put in the paper. d the ball stayed out of the goal. After Lacrosse team explains their sport

ing team cannot enter the crease, which is “Old players usually sell their used Although it is not yet a Kansas- the area right around the goal. stuff for cheap and the coaches will al- sanctioned sport, lacrosse is gain- Lacrosse takes much preparation ways help you find stuff if you want to and practice before you can actually play play,” said junior Jake Wernel. ing popularity in the Midwest in a game. It is played with sticks and the To make good use of the pads, there object of the game is to pass the ball and is legal checking in lacrosse. Once it score in the goal, like hockey. gets past the checking stage and the play- MATT CASTINADO “The main part of the game is stick ers are about to start a brawl, the referee Reporter skills. Without steps in. During stick skills throw- one of the preseason ing and catching The main part of the game games, Wernel le- the ball would be gally checked an The Saint Thomas Aquinas lacrosse is stick skills. impossible,” said opposing player and team is doing its part to contribute to the junior Mike Har- - Mike Hartung immediately a fight fact that lacrosse is the fastest growing tung. broke out. sport in America. Although lacrosse is Junior D i f f e r e n t “Their player much more popular on each of the coasts, sticks are used hit him (Wernel) in it can still be found all around the Mid- based on position played. For defense- the facemask and then both teams rushed west. It is a sport that requires stick men, a longer stick is used so that the out onto the field,” senior Andrew Ad- skills, endurance, and quick bursts of player can harass the opponent and try to ford said. speed, all of which are found in the ideal knock the ball loose. On the tops of all of Since lacrosse is a club sport like lacrosse player. the poles is a head, which the ball is car- rugby, the team does not have a state- There are four different positions in ried. The net inside the plastic frame is sponsored end of the season tournament. the game of lacrosse: attackman, mid- what holds the ball, but it is not very deep Last year the team went to Lincoln, NE fielders, defenseman and the goalie. In- and takes skill to keep the ball inside it. to play in a Midwest tournament, but cluding the goalie, there are 10 players Another mandatory item is pads. did not send in their bid in time so they from each team on the field at a time. Players wear shoulder pads, arm pads, are not playing in it this year In place The usual formation for a team is three of gloves and a helmet. This gear can get of state, the league holds an end-of-the- each position in rows spread out evenly kind of pricey, but players are never season tournament, which includes the on the team’s half of the field. One of the turned down because they cannot pay the top four teams in the league. d main rules in the game is that the oppos- fee.