ALMOST miegian

A BISHOP MIEGE HIGH SCHOOL PUBLICATION SPRING 2011

FRESH PERSPECTIVES STAG ACHIEVEMENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS Freshmen give their A look back at the All the important dates impressions on their first many highlights of the and happenings a semester at Bishop Miege new school year future Stag should know IN THIS ISSUE PG 4 PG 6 PG 10 ‘The MIEGE DIFFERENCE’ A nice slogan is one thing. It’s another thing when that slogan is coined by a fan from a rival high school. Such is the case with “The Miege Difference,” which was first mentioned in an e-mail from a Blue Valley par- ent to Bishop Miege president Dr. Joe Passantino during the 2009 football season: “As my two kids are going through high school, we’ve attended several sports events in competing against Miege, as well as other interactions and conversations about Miege. I haven’t been able to put my finger on it of what you’re doing, but there’s something different about Miege,” the parent wrote. “The people (students, parents, and staff) are some of the most friendly, polite and courteous people I’ve encountered. Sitting next to Miege folks at both home and away games, it’s been a joy to meet and talk to folks Miege fans where, while cheering for our own teams, we’ve had lead a cheer of the stu- very positive conversations about the kids, their talents, dent section things going on at our respective schools, life in general, during the (you get the idea) – more than just great sportsmanship. football At events, the Miege kids and people working the tickets game vs. to concessions are just so friendly and respectful; even Gardner- Edgerton on the students’ section cheering does so with respect. Sept. 17. continued on page 9 BISHOP MIEGE High SCHOOL FAITH IN ACTION Miege students have earned a national reputation for to see some of the people we helped when we were being deeply committed to serving others. there. Even though they were hit by a disaster, they were More than 300 students participate in the Campus still happy, welcoming and strong people. It felt good Ministry Program, and many of those students choose being able to help them.” to live out their faith by going on mission trips to help Mission trips are open to freshmen, sophomores, others around the country. Students raise funds, give juniors and seniors. Upcoming opportunities include: up their vacations and work hard for the good of others. Recent trips have taken Miegians to hurricane-ravaged Christmas Hurricane Relief areas of New Orleans, Alabama and Mississippi, The disaster of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina has left the and other groups have traveled to Chicago and West Southern Gulf Coast with much work to do. In order to Virginia. Students regularly give up their spring breaks support and alleviate the devastation of the hurricanes, and Christmas vacations, as well as weeks during the we will be traveling to an area in the nation suffering summer, to help others. from the effects of a Natural Disaster. National Relief This commitment to service has not gone unnoticed. Network will be sponsoring this trip. We will remove de- For six years, Miege has been named a National School bris, tear down homes that have been condemned, clear of Service, and in 2006, USA Today profiled a group of trees and brush, or rebuild destroyed homes. Miege students who spent their spring break volunteer- ing in Louisiana. Because of Miege’s track record of Spring Break Mission Trips mission trips, the National Relief Network has twice Gulf Coast: A similar National Relief Trip will take contacted the school to put together trips to help hur- place during spring break in a yet-to-be-determined ricane victims. area of the country that has been devastated by a David Amer natural disaster. Student reflection For sophomore David Amer (John Paul II), participating Appalachian Mountains: This mission trip is a trip in the West Virginia trip last March was an invaluable to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. We will travel experience. to Dunlow, West Virginia. Working with members of the “It was good to get out and away somewhere new community, we will be repairing homes of the Appala- where I had an opportunity to change someone’s life,” chia poor. Twice a year, we travel to this poverty stricken he said.” I grew closer in my faith and with others, and I area to work with the faith-filled people of West Virginia. really saw how blessed our lives are here.” New York City Urban Plunge: New York, New Said sophomore Abby Markus (St. Thomas More) of York! Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Abby Markus the New Orleans mission trip: “It was very inspirational Central Park! The images create a metropolitan city full of glamour. Along with the many sites to see, this city struggles with unemployment and poverty like all major cities in our country. This trip is a Catholic out- reach program to meet those needs. The trip includes working with young inner city children, food kitchens & other projects in the city.

Kansas City Mission Trip: Mr. Jerry McEvoy, director of the Upper Room of St. Louis Parish in City, Missouri, has kindly agreed to help us experience the other side of Kansas City. We will be working and living in an inner-city parish for four days. Along with helping at the Upper Room, we will visit homeless shelters, play with and tutor children, visit the elderly, serve at Harvester’s and see the many needs in our own backyard. We will be working at local inner-city sites to improve the lives of those in our own community.

2 almost Miegian SPRING 2011 FAST FACTS EXTRA- CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES With an enrollment of around 755, Miege is the ideal size, which enables us to offer not only a challenging curriculum, but also to offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Our ONE BIG FAMILY: More than 80 Bishop Miege students and faculty are following size increases the in the footsteps of one or both parents. 2010-2011 “legacies” are pictured above. student’s chance of participation. Miege offers over 60 different activities. WHY I CHOSE MIEGE Tradition by FRANK BURDOLSKI, Bishop Miege freshman Bishop Miege was established Hi, my name is Frank Bur- I chose Miege is the diversity in 1958 by the dolski. I attended Holy Trinity among the students, which is a Archdiocese Catholic School for eight years, new environment for me. of Kansas City and I told my parents I would During my time at Miege so in Kansas, like to continue receiving a far, I have loved every bit of it. and named in memory of Catholic education. Going into the school year, I Bishop John With this in mind, I “shad- did not know anyone at Miege, at the level where you can best Baptist Miege, owed” at Bishop Miege, Rock- let alone any freshmen. This compete, while also working to the first Bishop hurst and St. James. They are changed very dramatically over become a better athlete and a of the territory of all great schools, but the one a two- or three-week period. I better person. Kansas. that stood out to me the most have met a great new group of There are so many great Miege has estab- was Bishop Miege. friends with whom I have de- people and great things at lished a tradition Many factors went into decid- veloped a strong relationship. Bishop Miege, and I can’t wait of excellence in ing on Bishop Miege, and each At Bishop Miege it was not hard to discover more of them in my the development was considered very carefully. for me to find a group of people coming years here. It is a place of the student as I chose Bishop Miege because I with my same interests or val- where I believe you can pave a whole person. had a great shadow experience ues. There are so many great your own way and be who you A proven cur- and my host made me feel like people at Miege, and every one want to be. riculum, highly Let your parents help guide talented teachers I was important. The moment of them truly cares for the oth- and a serious I stepped in the door, I felt at ers around them. you along this journey. And commitment to home. I also noticed a signifi- Besides making friends, most importantly, shadow the message of cant difference in the teach- Miege has an incredible everywhere. Find the place that the Gospels form ers; they interacted with the academic program that will fits you the best, and you will a unique educa- students very well and made help you succeed at your level. find your home for the next four tional opportunity the classroom a great learning Miege also has great sports years of your life. for young men environment. Another reason programs that allow you to play Good Luck! and women. www.bishopmiege.com almost Miegian 3 erspectives iences H p and exper ES xpectations R eir e F pare th com NEW MIEGIANS ‘Shadowing was most influential in my decision to attend Miege, be- ‘I was very surprised at the kind- cause the people were nice and car- ness the upperclassmen showed to ing in a way I didn’t feel as much at me. People are more than happy to other schools.’ point you in the right direction. This dylan weir st. elizabeth school is one giant family.’ Mason cline St. Peter ‘I love attending Catholic high school because the religion program, ‘My transition to Miege was super- school masses and community ser- smooth because all the teachers vice events inspire me to be a better know how to respond. My favorite person.’ part so far is meeting new and in- Natalie Orrick St. Ann teresting people.’ Kristen Agar Good shepherd ‘Miege is a great place to grow, learn, play and live. All students who at- ‘Bishop Miege High School has a very tend Bishop Miege will benefit at all fun, loving, caring atmosphere with levels of learning.’ teachers who are ready to help you.’ Dominic AVelluto Sacred Heart Bobby Murphy St. THOMAS MORE

‘I was the only person from my ‘Miege is a community of faith-filled, school to come here. I felt totally loving people. Attending a Catholic alone at first, but almost instantly high school is important because I people started introducing them- get to share in the faith with class- selves to me. It’s great that I could mates and learn to strengthen my come here with no friends and al- faith.’ ready have so many amazing ones.’ Isabella Walters St. joseph MIYA Saint-Louis prince of peace

4 almost Miegian SPRING 2011 ves ‘This is a very diverse school where i people don’t care about how dif- ect ferent you are. Also they have the sp ‘What is nice about Miege is that best teachers. I love every single r it has the perfect amount of e one because they are so kind and students. There are enough kids interact with everyone.’ H p to offer a lot of activities, but there ES Lily Young-Mills Christ The King FR are not so many that you have to get cut or sit out.’ sam hoebelheinrich St. agnes ‘We’re one big family that has people from all types of backgrounds. The students, faculty and staff make ‘At Bishop Miege everyone is friends Miege what it is. Miege is all about in the freshman class, and everyone community.’ gets along so well. There is so much Tom Anjard Holy Cross more energy and spirit here than I saw at any other school.’ Allegri KOPulos Visitation ‘I had heard people say that Miege has incredible spirit, and when I arrived here I found out that it ‘When I went to my first Miege was true.’ football game, the team spirit and Abigail Tuttle Curé of ARs sportsmanship were unbelievable.’ Sarah Johnson John Paul II

Green-clad Miege fresh- men represent their class at the first pep assembly of the year on Sept. 2.

www.bishopmiege.com almost Miegian 5 STAG 2010-2011 ACHIEVEMENT Erin Alexander (Curé) and Mark Poulouse (Sacred Heart) won the Varsity Division of the Blue Valley Debate Tournament 1 and the Shawnee Mission East Debate Tournament on consecutive weekends this fall. Erin is excelling in forensics as well. She is ranked 102nd (out of more than 93,000 students) in the nation in points. She is ranked 1st in East Kansas National Forensics League in points.

6 almost Miegian Senior Helen Stanley (St. Peter) was named National Merit Semifinalist in the 2011 2 National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalists place within the top 1 percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the National Merit Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2009. These students now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for one of 8,000 Merit Scholarships worth more than $35 million total.

Senior Nick Taylor’s (St. Peter) pastel painting titled “The Thinker” was accepted into the 3 2010 Metro High School Visual Arts Exhibit which will be shown at the Irene French Gallery at the Merriam Community Center in December.

Miege’s team won its third straight state championship and 20th overall (see next page); 4 The girls team finished seventh at state, led by Bailey Hopper’s (Curé) 10th-place showing; Miege’s number-one doubles team of Kalyn Heyen (St. Ann) and Sophi McArthur (Curé) qualified for the state tournament; Maggie Hair (St. Thomas More), Emily Mika (St. Joseph), Jesse Seabury (foreign exchange) and Joe Klein (Northgate) represented the Stags at the 5A state cross country meet.

Kevin Alejo-Morgan (St. Stephen) and Ellie Zindel (Holy Spirit) led a 5 tremendous ensemble cast in an inspired performance of the Miege fall musical, Little Shop Of Horrors, on November 11, 13 and 14.

The Miege History Club was featured in a book, Elmwood Cemetery, and recognized 6 at a booklaunch ceremony at Kansas City Public Library in October. The club representatives were recognized there at a reception for 400 guests, hosted by R. Crosby Kemper III. Author Bruce Mathews is shown at right with Matt Caffey (St. Peter) and club president Alex Murfey (St. Peter – MO).

www.bishopmiege.com almost Miegian 7 1996 BOYS 2001 2010 GIRLS BASKETBALL 1978 1994 1980 1995 1984 1996 1985 2001 1989 2002 1990 2003 1991 2007 1992 2009 2007 BOYS CROSS COUNTRY 1982 1991 1983 1992 1985 1995 1989 1997 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY 1978 1990 1982 1991 1983 1992 1986 1993 1988 1994 1989 2004

iege DEBATE The Stag volleyball team celebrates its 2010 5A state championship victory on Oct. 30. 1998 2004 M 1999 2006 2000 2010 FOOTBALL Miege Volleyball TEAM claims 1972 1977 1975 2009 hop FORENSICS s 1989 20th State Championship BOYS GOLF 2001 For the third year in a row and a remarkable 20th Starks (John Paul II) and two kills apiece by Church BOYS SOCCER time in school history, Bishop Miege is state vol- and senior middle hitter Grace Whitley (St. Peter). 1998 2000 at Bi leyball champion once again. Miege reached the finals with a 25-9, 25-11 semi- GIRLS SOCCER s One day after falling to rival Saint Thomas Aqui- final victory over Shawnee Heights. 2003 nas in pool play, the Stags dominated their rival in In addition to being the school’s 20th state title a final-round rematch 25-14, 25-15 on Oct. 30 in overall, it was the 17th for head coach Gwenn 2002 Topeka. The victory pushed Miege to a 38-4 record Pike. The Stags also captured the Eastern Kansas BOYS TENNIS on the season. League title during the regular season. 1986 1991 Senior setter Elizabeth Powell (St. Peter), junior Other standouts for the Stags included junior GIRLS TENNIS outside hitter Shelby Workman (Curé) and junior Lindsay Zych (St. Joseph), sophomore Jordan 1991 1992 outside hitter Anna Church (Indian Hills) earned se- Tucker (St. Ann), freshman Kali Eaken (home GIRLS TRACK lection to the Kansas Volleyball Association school), senior Nikki Lally (John Paul II), 1990 2005 2010 State All-Tournament Team. junior Leah Starks (John Paul II) and VOLLEYBALL The Stags jumped out to a 7-2 sophomore Rebekah Cazares 1977 1991 lead vs. Aquinas and kept (Holy Cross). 1978 1992 1979 1993 the Saints at arm’s length Whitley will continue her 1980 1994 throughout. Aquinas volleyball career next 1981 2002 1982 2003 grabbed a 9-6 lead in the season at the Univer- State Champion1983 2004 second game, but Miege sity of Oklahoma, while 1985 2008 1986 2009 reeled off 10 straight Powell will play colle- 1989 2010 points behind the serv- giately at the University ing of senior Leslie of North Texas.

8 almost Miegian SPRING 2011 ers a pan of brownies/cookies. My family in the season following Miege’s victory MIEGE DIFFERENCE and I were also deeply moved, as I know over Harmon High School on Oct. 28. One from page 1 many whom were around me were, by Harmon parent took the time to compli- I’ve mentioned this ‘Miege Difference’ the opening comments and prayers for ment Miege players, fans and community numerous times.” our community. Throughout the game, for being “class acts.” Such a kind message from a visit- as a former football player and coach, I “It was refreshing to witness such out- ing fan was noted by all who read it. was also impressed by how your players standing sportsmanship by your players So imagine how overcome the Miege continued to help our players up off the and coaches,” she wrote. “You should be community was this fall when the school field at the end of each play. Not to men- proud.” received no fewer than a dozen similar tion the overall spirit your fans seemed She needn’t worry about that. The high notes from parents at other schools: to have even as the score was not in their praise - unsolicited and heartfelt - was “I am a parent of a Grade 11 student at favor. I truly was impressed and moved very moving to all at Miege who read it. Gardner Edgerton High School. … I just by all I experienced at Bishop Miege.” And “The Miege Difference” will continue wanted to say thank you to you and all Wrote another: “Not often does society to be a point of pride for current stu- your staff as I was extremely touched by see people live out their faith the way I dents as they strive to pass it on to future the way I saw your school live out their saw it being lived out by your community Miegians. faith; from your parking lot attendants to (especially at a sporting event). I just “When we take on this challenge to your ticket and concession volunteers, wanted you to know that I did see it and treat others this way, we do not expect students and parents. Everyone I came felt it was important to convey this to you, to be acknowledged or complimented. into contact with was classy in their your staff, students and parents. Thank That is not why we do it,” said Passantino, reception of our community. you and God bless you and your school as “Nevertheless, it is very satisfying to know “It did not go unnoticed when your you make a difference to others.” that others recognize our efforts and care cheerleaders brought to our cheerlead- These compliments were echoed later enough to show their appreciation.”

The balloon release during halftime of the first football game is an annual rite of passage for Miege freshmen. www.bishopmiege.com almost Miegian 9 STAG Calendar IM p o r t AN T D A T E S F o r F U T U R E M I E G I A N S

8th Grade placement test Saturday, Jan. 8

8th Grade placement test make-up Saturday, Jan. 15 Miege ALUMNI WATCH 7th & 8th grade pizza party Father James Ludwikoski ‘65 (above) was the guest speaker during the annual Veterans Friday, Feb. 11 Day observance on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery. Father Ludwikoski was a military chaplain from 1980 to 2009, and retired with the rank of Volleyball summer clinics begin lieutenant colonel. During his military chaplaincy, the archdiocesan priest served at sev- Tuesday, May 31 eral bases in the United States and was deployed for combat service. Today, Ludwikoski is pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee. Football summer clinics begin Monday, June 6

Baseball summer clinics begin Monday, June 13 Tuition, Fees & Financial aid Track/Cross Country Financial assistance comes in the form of financial aid, scholarships, pay- summer clinics begin ment plans, and work-study. Monday, June 13 Assistance to a family may include a combination of these aids.

Basketball summer clinics begin Criteria for Financial aid Little Stags (K-3) Monday, June 13 In considering families for financial aid, the criteria include the following: Girls (4-8): Monday, June 20 n Total income, taxable plus nontaxable Boys (4-8): Monday, June 27 n Number of children n Number of children at Bishop Miege Softball summer clinics begin n Number of children at Catholic elementary or secondary schools or Monday, June 27 Catholic colleges n Extraordinary family expenses Track/CC summer clinic begins Monday, July 5 Applications are included in our registration packets. For details, contact Jean Lininger at 913-262-2701, ext. 234. Soccer summer clinics begin Monday, Aug. 1

10 almost Miegian SPRING 2011 High School Placement Test Prep Class

This class is specifically designed for 8th grade students to prepare them for Saturday, Dec 18 their high school placement exam – the 9 a.m.–1 p.m. HSPT administered at Miege and all the Missouri Catholic schools, or the Bishop Miege High School Explore, which is given to most of the Cost: $40, non-refundable Kansas Catholic schools. Registration deadline: Dec. 10, 2010. • Pre-test given The class will include test strategies and • Lessons by licensed teachers lessons in math, English and reading. • Test strategies • Snack provided

Limited enrollment; register by returning this form along with class fee to: HSPT Prep Class • Bishop Miege • 5041 Reinhardt Drive • Shawnee Mission, KS 66205 Or register and pay online: www.bishopmiege.com/prep

For more information, contact Patti Marnett: 913-262-2700, ext. 226 [email protected] www.bishopmiege.com

High School Placement Test Prep Class Registration Class fee: $40, make checks payable to Bishop Miege High School

______Student’s name Parent/Guardian name

______Home address City State ZIP

______Grade School

______Home phone Emergency contact phone

______Parent’s e-mail address www.bishopmiege.com almost Miegian 11 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Shawnee Mission, KS Permit No. 342

ALMOST miegian BISHOP MIEGE HIGH SCHOOL 5041 REINHARDT DRIVE SHAWNEE MISSION, KS 66205

Are you ready for Miege’s The answer is _MIEGE______. Eighth Grade Placement Exam? Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. n Cost: $15 n Students do NOT need to preregister for the exam. n Calculators are not allowed. n $700-$1,200 merit-based scholarships are available to those who take the test at Miege. n Miege will treat all test-takers to pizza after the exam.

It is recommended that students take the test at the school that they are most likely to attend. If you take the test at another school and plan to attend Miege, please forward a copy of your test scores to the Miege Admissions Office.

A make-up exam will be offered Saturday, Jan. 15, at the same time for those unable to attend this date.

Questions? Patti Marnett, 913-262-2701, ext. 226, [email protected]