he best local light displays light Christmas local best he Aquinas at Arrives Christmas Inside T brings changes to Mass to changes brings Advent SHIELD The studentvoiceatSaintThomasAquinas the time toperformproduction. overcomes shortrehearsal “Charlie Brown”cast Entertainment, Page 11 Christmas commercials highlight holiday shopping season shopping holiday highlight commercials Christmas crazy too becoming shopping Friday Black www.stasaints.net December 15,2011 Volume 24,Issue5 Overland Park,KS66215 11411 PflummRd. undefeated statechampions. finishing lastseason as shoes tofillafter Girls Basketballhasbig Sports, Page14 2 December 15, 2011 Contents Upcoming Events Saints lose in home-opener Dec 16- Finals: Hours 1,2 Emily Seib | The Shield Play Auditions 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Right: Senior Jimmy Clark shoots a basket Wrestling Johnson County Classic at BV while Blue Valley North Girls’ Basketball at Hy-Vee Shootout defenders atttempt Dec 17- Boys’ Basketball at Hy-Vee Shootout to swat the ball away from him ans senior Dec 19- Finals: Hours 4,5,6 John Ekedahl looks on. Play Auditions 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Clark, one of only three Dec 20: Finals: Hours 7,8 seniors on this year’s Dec 25- Christmas varsity team, led the Saints in scoring with Dec 31- New Year’s Eve 10 points. Ekedahl also Jan 1- New Year’s Day added eight points for Jan 4- Second Semester Begins the Saints. However, Clark’s scoring effort was not enough as the Class Competition Standings Saints were defeated by the Mustangs 57-47 Seniors- 20 on Friday, December 9. Emily Seib I The Shield Juniors- 17 Below: Junior Tyle Clem- ent dribbles the ball past a Blue Valley North de- fender. Clement , along Sophomores-16 with seniors John Eke- dahl and Will Markway scored eight points in the Freshman-9 loss to the Mustangs.

In this Issue...

Aquinas adjusts to new Mass changes Campus News Page 3 Exchange students share their Featues Page 6 Aquinas Alumni offer the truth about college Features, Page 7 Senior directs “Charlie Brown”, Entertainment, Page 10 Ending world hunger is actually attainable Opinions, Page 12 Debate over “Occupy Wall Street” movement, Opinions, Page 13 Girls’ Basketball has high expectations this year, Sports, Page 14 Senior supports Special Olympians through program, Sports, Page 15 Campus News December 15, 2011 3 Unitown helps unify students

Unitown mixes schools to can be raised.” Aquinas has been partici- help analyze the prejudices pating since the fall of 2009. of society while helping The retreat is put on in the fall and spring. There is also an all- students relate with each metro Unitown that gets kids other. from all over the Kansas City Metro area and is held twice, EMILY SEIB one in April and the other in Last Look Editor May. Counselors help lead some discussions and assign a group of delegates to lead in Unitown helps to dissect discussion. This group is called Sydney Klimas | The Medallion prejudices and stereotypes their family group. Father Andrew Strobl performs the Doxology during Mass. The quiet prayers that priests say during Mass have also had teenagers might hold against This retreat had several modifications and priests have to memorize those changes as well. each other. It also helps the Aquinas students coming back students see problems from a to help lead as counselors, se- new perspective. niors Hannah Smith, Susannah “Unitown is a retreat to McCord, Spencer Smith, Sara Major changes made to Mass help break down prejudices Hernandez and Katy Wright. including racism, sexism, het- Father Andrew explains the the Church after Vatican II was orandi, lex credenda, the law of “Being a counselor was the erosexism and classism,” senior for the English translation to be prayer, is the law of belief. Every- most amazing experience and reasoning behind the recent Hannah Smith said. “It is a very temporary. This is the reason only thing flows from the scriptures I absolutely loved leading my eye-opening experience to see mass changes and his views. the English language is changing. and prayers. I believe in the family group,” McCord said. all the prejudices people engage Pope John Paul II initiated the saying, ‘say the liturgy, save the “Asking them the questions translation process at the begin- world,’” Strobl said. in without even realizing it.” and watching them come to MADISON PETRACEK ning of the new millennium. Father Andrew was nervous English teacher Lisa the realization about how they Entertainment Editor It was necessary because many too when he saw all the changes Bauman agrees that Unitown perpetrated sexism, heterosex- languages depend on the accuracy he had to memorize. He still does breaks down prejudices, but ism, racism and classism. Seeing of the English translation because not know all of it by heart. He she says it’s more than that. In Catholic Churches around how I had helped them was they do not directly translate out made a “cheat sheet” of his own “It’s a non-religious retreat the world, “cheat sheets” are pa- truly moving.” of Latin. The English version to help him along with the memo- where kids from Saint Thomas rishioners’ gifts from Pope John The retreat is lead by of the Mass is now accurate and rization process. Aquinas can interact with kids Paul II for the Advent season. Airick Leornard West, the The recent changes to the more formal. “In seminary we had 10 from other schools and see Kansas City, Missouri school Mass have been the first altera- Saint Thomas Aquinas High weeks, without distractions, to beyond the (Aquinas) bubble,” board president, and is con- tions to the celebration in 400 School’s chaplain, Father Andrew memorize the prayers and other Bauman said. Strobl, is absorbing all the new material. We would video tape stantly bringing people back to years. The updates are part of the Each retreat is very differ- changes. A substantial percentage each other performing Mass and the Unitown experience. The 3rd Typical Edition of the Ro- ent. The people who attend the of the missal has been modified. would turn it in to our teacher so retreat also emphasizes words’ man Missal and took 10 years to retreat, delegates and counsel- “(The congregation) can tell he could critique it. Now I have effects on others. achieve. A new Latin-to-English ors alike, help to run their own a difference when listening to the to learn new prayers, but this time “(Unitown taught me) translation was necessary because retreat. Unitown is tailored to a priest, but the quiet prayers that with a lot of distractions,” Strobl how powerful my words are it was not as accurate, direct or mix of people. no one hears have also changed,” said. and you can't tell what some- meaningful as it could be. For “Issues discussed are example, “et cum spiritu tuo” was Strobl said. Strobl has heard no com- one’s been through,” McCord different than most retreats originally translated to “and also For Strobl the changes are plaints personally, but he did said. because you can talk to people with you,” but it really means for the best. hear concerns before Advent. He Bauman encourages every- about what it’s like to be His- “and with your spirit.” “The concepts are more hopes both young and old people one to go. panic,” Bauman said. “Every When the Mass language direct and the new words provide in the Church accept the modifi- “Unitown will change your more imagery for the congrega- cations, but he understands some retreat is different; the more changed from Latin to the local life,” Bauman said. g vernacular, the original intent of tion. It all matters because lex people do not like change. g diversity the more issues that 4 December 15,2011 Features Alumni Yo-Yos in Tokyo Earn college credit while in high school

Alumni Ben Conde preformed in Japan over break.

MEGAN LUCAS Features Editor

Q: When did you begin yo- yoing?

A: I was four years old; my older brother got into it. There were clubs in Kansas City at Win Wizards. I went and got hooked so I stayed with it.

Q: You toured this summer. Will you tell me about it?

A: My yo-yo sponsor offered me a tour on the East Coast. I went around, performed, and taught kids.

Q: How did you get a sponsor?

A: When I was eight, at Worlds, a yo-yo guy saw me yo-yoing with the yo-yo he makes and liked what I was doing. He told the captain of the team. It’s a big “College Now classes give you an advantage deal to be sponsored. the second you start college.” Q: How did you get to go to Libby, transferred 21 College Now credits to Ohio State University Japan and compete? College Now at Johnson County Community College is the only A: A sponsor flew me out and nationally accredited concurrent program in Kansas. we stayed for ten days. I got See your school counselor for details or visit www.jccc.edu/collegenow fifth.

Q: Where all have you com- peted?

A: Japan, Hawaii and Worlds in Orlando, Florida. g

Courtesy of Ben Conde| Above, Ben Conde performs onstage in Chicago. Below, Conde demonstrates his yo-yoing skills. Features December 15, 2011 5 Junior Emily Curran travels to the Holy Land Fun facts

Emily Curran encountered about: Christ in a whole new way Miss D when she and her family visited the Holy Land, Tiberius and Rome. What classes Madison Petracek Entertainment Editor she teaches: Honors and regular Kansas City to Cincinnati; World Literature, Cincinnati to New York; New York to Rome; Rome to Tel Honors and regular Aviv; total flying time: 30 hours. Composition 1 and Junior Emily Curran en- Film as Literature. countered the amazing opportu- nity to travel to Europe when her parish, Ascension, offered the trip. Her brother, mother, and Favorite movie grandfather all journeyed with her. The Ascension parishioners from Film as were in Israel for six days and in Rome for three days. Lit: In the cities of Tiberius and Jerusalem, Curran visited several Courtesy of Emily Curran Back to the Future Junior Emily Curran poses with her family during the farwell dinner in Italy. Curran traveled with her brother, Luke churches where important events Curran, Mom, Laura Curran, and grandfather, A.J. Salecont, along with a group of 50 Ascension parishioners. took place thousands of years ful. I just think to myself: ‘I was aspect of the pilgrimage for Cur- to drive through a mine field. ago. She toured the site of ’ there and Jesus was there too a ran was the lack of peace. After visiting Tiberius and Favorite birth and His transfiguration long time ago,”’ Curran said. “I understand why there Jerusalem, the Ascension group and took a boat ride on the Sea Jerusalem was the setting is so much hostility. There are flew from Tel Aviv back to Movie In of Galilee. Curran especially felt for Curran’s favorite moment of different religions occupying the Rome. connected to Christ when the the trip: riding on a camel at the same area and they all want it. “Rome was my favorite des- General: group walked the way of the Mount of Olives. It was a once Everywhere tina- Mean Girls cross. in a lifetime experience she will we went “Looking back it all seems so tion “Looking back it all seems never forget. From a cultural people were of the so overwhelming and meaning- perspective, the most surprising carrying guns overwhelming and meaning- whole to protect ful. I just think to myself: ‘I trip. Favorite themselves. The Buses are was there and Jesus was there peo- Christmas pulled over too a long time ago”’ ple constantly - Emily Curran, were Movies: and men It’s a Wonderful Life walked down junior the aisle to and Elf make sure no one has weapons. friendly and the culture was At times it was all terrifying,” amazing. I did not want to leave. Curran said. Looking back, St. Peters was my Favorite Even a simple lunch on the all time favorite part of the trip. naval base was nerve-wracking The whole square is breathtak- Colors: because men were walking ing. I definitely want to go back around with huge guns. Some of for the senior trip,” Curran said. Blue and Green Courtesy of Emily Curran the places the parishioners visited Emily Curan visited St. Peter’s Basilica, pictured here, during her vistit to g Rome. Curran was overseas with her parish for nine days. were dangerous. For example, to get to the Jordan River they had 6 December 15,2011 Features Exchange students Locker partners: the good, share how holidays the bad and the ugly are spent at home Saint Thomas Aquinas never gotten to know her partner tunate enough to have their own How is Christmas different look at all the if it was not for the locker ar- just because they are able to find and put out cookies for Santa students compare locker rangements due to the fact that an unoccupied locker. There are in your country? Exchange and glitter on the grass for the partner situations. the two girls were in different definitely upsides of having your students answered. reindeer. Then in the morning we classes. own locker according to juniors wake up and open Santa’s gifts ELIZABETH ROMME Taylor Holmes Hare said “(Having random locker and Catherine BEN GARTLAND and play Australian carols, then Reporter have a barbecue breakfast. After she is Kluempers. Reporter partners freshman year) that we open the family presents glad that “Last year I freshmen Is a good way to meet had originally and then have the big lunch and Just like with so many lockers are signed up to be wear Santa hats and bonbons other situations in life, there are someone before school random. partners with and stuff. And then we open the pros and cons of locker partners starts. ” Taylor Holmes Relo’s Chrissy presents and then in high school. “Freshman but on orienta- we go down to the beach for fish To start with the posi- - Becca Hare year you tion we found and chips and star bucks and play tive, there are a few good aspects don’t want Freshman out there was beach cricket and football and of having a locker partner. One to just stay an open locker swim. of them being that more times with your grade school group. right next to ours, so I switched than not students can count on You want to branch out and out. It was perfect because we their partner being there to talk meet new people,” Hare said. “It got to be next to each other but Paola Iacono, Italy: to during the passing periods. is a good way to meet someone still have our own space. We both Students also find it helpful to before school starts.” really liked it,” Kluempers said. “An Italian Christmas is not have their locker partner’s items On the contrary, there Kluempers suggests so different from American’s. available to them. are downsides of locker partners. trying to get your own locker if Usually we make the Christmas “It’s nice because I can When you are forced to share possible. But due to the student- tree on December 8. On Decem- take my partner’s stuff whenever such little space, problems can locker ratio, it is obviously not ber 24 we stay with the family I need. Like if I need her calcula- arise; especially if one student is possible for many students to do and then at midnight we go to tor or a piece of gum,” junior naturally neater than the other. so. the church and on Christmas day Hugo Larsson, Sweden: Katie Johnston said. As far as time, it is hard “You don’t have to we stay with the family eating Having locker partners for both students to be at the worry about taking up too much typical food like torrone, focacce, “What we have done over can also be an opportunity to get locker getting their books, bind- space and you have a lot of free- pandoro, etc. Then the past four years is travel to know someone better. Even ers, etc. so often one person has dom,” Kluempers said. “I like to on New Year’s Eve we stay with instead of doing tradition things. if a student to wait while decorate my locker so I have the friends and we spend the night Last year we went to Thailand is already “I had to move out of my the other freedom to do whatever I want.” dancing and eating.” and celebrated Christmas. friends with gets their Holmes could only Some Swedish traditions are eat- their partner, locker because I needed items. think of one downside for having ing a classic Swedish Christmas when they space from my locker The next her own locker. meal. It has meatballs, sausage, are forced to downside “If we ever have locker potatoes, bread, cheese and ham. share such a partner.” applies twin day then it will be awk- Then at 4 pm we watch Donald small space, - Anonymous mostly to ward,” Holmes said. Duck because on Christmas day it can lead the girls: Lockers are just one in Sweden, Donald Duck was the to a better Drama. If students are in a fight more aspect of the day in a life of first colored TV show ever. Then friendship. with their partner, this can make the high school student. Hope- everyone opens their presents.” For the freshmen who for a very awkward situation. fully for most people, whatever g do not get to choose their locker “I had to move out of their situation, the pros outweigh Ashleigh Woodman, Australia: partners, it is especially a chance my locker because I needed space to get to know someone new. the cons. g from my locker partner,” one “We always go caroling by Freshman Becca Hare Saint Thomas Aquinas student candle light the week before did not know her locker partner said. Christmas and then on Christ- coming into the school year. She A few students are for- mas Eve we drive around and said she probably would have Features December 15, 2011 7 Aquinas graduates offer real college advice Kaity Ali Kruse Katie Lind Chris Wynne Bridget Dupin Herdegen Seton Hall Benedictine Kansas State Johnson University of South Orange, College University County Arkansas NJ Atchison, Manhattan, KS Community Fayetteville, KS College, AR Overland Park KS

Choosing a school Choosing a school Choosing a school Choosing a school Choosing a school “It was difficult because there “I had to start looking earlier “My mom went here and my “My friends were going here; I “I wasn’t ready to decide on a were so many good schools then because I had to look at golf grandparents met here. I love wanted the open option major. specific major and didn’t see the you have influences.” programs as well. I researched small campuses. I love seeing K-State has one of the best in point of going somewhere for small schools like Creighton, people I know walking to classes. country.” general classes. I’d already as- Choosing a major Loyola and Seton. I visited Seton It feels homey. I considered sumed I was going to JCCC for “I am double majoring in me- first and the rest were never as K-State but everything here felt Choosing a major my first year. KU or K-State are chanical engineering and physics good. I get to see a different part family oriented and I love the “Technically I am still open op- too big for me. I like the small with a minor in math. (I want of the country. There’s a nice, community feel.” tion but next semester I am go- class sizes. I’m focusing well on to be) a theoretical physicist but huge separation from home and ing to declare a psychology major school. I chose the classes and will probably end up working for college.” Choosing a major then go to grad school and get a the teachers.” NASA.” “I am doubling in elementary degree in counseling for middle Choosing a major education and special education. or high school.” Choosing a major I’ve thought about working in in- Choosing a roommate “I am majoring in business-unde- “I am double majoring in art and cided. I’m not sure where it will ner cities with kids who struggle music therapy. I want to help “I went potluck and got a room- Choosing a roommate take me. I plan on either law or with poverty.” “I wasn’t supposed to go potluck. people along the lines of what I mate from Texas.” grad school. (I am) toying with It isn’t that bad, it gives you the love. If it can help me, it can help the idea of management.” Choosing a roommate chance to meet new people. You others. “ Whether to join a sorority “I was going to go potluck. can switch your roommates if “I met a ton of people but forgot Choosing a roommate Natalie Bunker and I had always you talk to the RA.” Additional tips: who they were because there “I went potluck. I didn’t know been friends. During registration “I miss my friends but love were so many girls. I rushed anyone here. She’s a volleyball weekend we roomed together Whether to join a fraternity learning new stuff. Knowledge because I wanted to meet girls player that my coach set me up and got along well so we roomed “I joined a frat mostly because I is amazing when you love what because all my friends are guys. with. I love her.” together. She’s awesome and I found myself being bored in the you’re learning. “ (I chose my sorority) because love it. We haven’t had a fight.” dorms, and I chose the one I’m I didn’t have to pretend. They Additional tips currently in because they were “Make sure you’re where you don’t judge. Everyone’s different “I don’t get to see my family or Additional tips Catholic-founded and because want to go. If you’re not happy so everyone fits in. You never friends. It’s easy on Facebook or “There’s always something to be I like the house and all the guys where you are, you’re not going know if rushing is for you until Twitter but it’s hard to keep in done for class like taking notes or are really close. They certainly to be focused on what you’re you do it. You can rush then touch.” reading ahead.” aren’t for everyone. And to join doing.” g drop before joining.” one, all you have to do is apply to “Unless you work for it, it’s hard “Go where your heart tells you rush for it on the website if it’s Additional tips to find time on your own. “ and not where your friends are before the fall semester, and if its “College is freeing but a huge going. If your heart tells you afterward just go over and hang responsibility. You have to be “When you get down to your fi- where you need to be you’ll be out with the guys, and they will able to manage your time.” nal 2-3 choices, you have made it truly happy.” probably offer you a bid, or an so that any choice you will love.” invitation to join.” 8 December 15, 2011 9

7900 block of Outlook Street, 7611 Falmouth Street Prairie Village, Kan. Prairie Village, Kan. s the holidays creep closer, many people decorate their homes to show off their Christmas spirit. HereA are some of the great displays in the Johnson County area. For the past 40 years, Mike Babick has filled This is the 54th year for Lane. his house with Christmas lights and decora- This stop features a full block of homes with tions. His home features Santa’s toy shop, a small traditional and new displays every year. cartoon town on the roof, the , and many other animated androids.

Cornerstone Park 9508 West 117th Street 215 North Center Overland Park, Kan. 9507 Lamar Avenue, Gardner, Kan. 10103 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, Kan. Overland Park, Kan.

This display features 25,000 lights, most of This light show encompasses a whole park, them on the roof of the brightly lit home. This displays Santa’s workshop, a “Jingle Bell shop”, home remains consistent from year to year. where children may visit to create gifts for their Vince & Associates syncs its bright holiday These two homes are better known for display with songs played on the radio station 96.9 parents and thousands of lights. wittiness than for their actual displays. The Rotz FM. family home features a lighted arrow facing their decorated neighbor’s yard with the word “ditto” on it. This is the sign’s third year displayed.

131st Place west of Antioch Road 12708 Pawnee Lane Overland Park, Kan. Leawood, Kan.

The residents of this subdivision have been creating “Christmas Place” every year for the past This home in Leawood South features several 13 years. Instead of individual houses with indi- airplanes ready to take off the roof as well as a

Centerspread vidual themes, this section of the neighborhood helicopter and a large balloon. The Christmas creates an “enchanted forest”. music that accompanies it is played through large speakers that can be heard several houses down.

For more light displays to visit in the area, visit http://www.kansastravel.org/kansascitychristmasdisplays.htm 10 December 15,2011 Entertainment Best and worst Christmas commercials of the season Christmas commercials such to his family up early making weekend of . She round; but either way whether coffee on Christmas Day. lifts ornament weights, wraps you happen to pass by the as Coca-Cola and the Target Hyundai this year has chosen to presents at the speed of light, commercials that make you all Lady are all classics. spotlight YouTube sensations and squawk and squeals at the warm and fuzzy inside for the Commercials singing Christmas tunes with greatest coupons. Also, as if holiday season or the ones that some of their cars; proclaiming the ones on Christmas Day make you want to regret buying Zales Jewrely Store REPORTER NAME “Hyundai Holidays.” Jorge and are not enough, the Missouri a television or radio, you will see Your Title Alexa Narvaez wish everyone Lottery has aired a commercial and hear them either way. G Honda “Feliz Navidad” from the trunk on the radio where all you hear Coca-Cola of a 2012 Santa Fe. And DJ is Christmas carolers “Wishing Folger’s Coffee Dave and Fog and Smog, keeps You a Merry Christmas” that There are two types of Hyundia people in this world, those it hip-hop with a rap about the will not go away until they get who love Christmas and those 2012 Elantra. some lottery tickets. eBay Inc. who do not. There are the ones Target that have Heartwarming commercials So you might be a Missouri Lottery playing year round and have also include Coca-Cola and Christmas “humbug” and could the latest holiday commercials Zales, whose commercials care less for the season or you memorized, word for word. So always seem to lighten the might be a Christmas fanatic of course there also has to be Christmas mood. Coca Cola has that looks forward to it all year the Christmas “humbugs” and chosen to stick to their “Shake “Scrooges” who could care less Up Christmas” in a snow about the “most wonderful time globe advertisement. Zales, the of the year.” “you make me melt” jewelry Dear Santa, store, features a long running But when the tunes and commercial where loved ones all that Christmas joy enter gift each other with beautiful one ear, it has most difficulty diamonds for the holidays. Junior Camille Brewer - nook to make its way out the other during the holiday season. Now what is Christmas Whether it is preset to play on without the terrible sounding Freshman Chris Bollig - basketball shoes your iPod for weeks or you carolers, the children screaming happen to pass by the radio or in the toy aisles, and the most television during a Christmas unwelcome Christmas gifts Senior Brooke Hanna - shoes, shoes, shoes, and a boat commercial, you will see and from relatives, all parading hear them. through your house from your television sets and radios? For Do some commercials example, eBay Inc., a widely Junior Owen Sherlock - pair of Chuck warm the heart and really used website for selling and Taylor shoes spark that Christmas spirit, are buying products from all around some just too overplayed and the world, has decided to run therefore you catch yourself a commercial where a young Sophomore Elena Siscos - socks singing them in your sleep, and girl is singing the “Twelve should have some commercials Days of Christmas”, with a just stayed on the idea board little twist. She starts off well, because they are so annoying? then begins rambling on about Freshman Kenna Bittlecomb - a new laptop she dislikes certain Christmas Some of the most heartwarming gifts from relatives, allowing commercials include business them to quickly purchase off such as Zales Jewelry Stores, of eBay what she really wants. Folgers Coffee, Honda cars, Target, since 2010, has been and as well as Coca-Cola. The running commercials including Folgers Coffee commercial, that the “Target Lady.” A woman first aired in 1985, which they decked out in a Target jumpsuit, keep running today, features prepares herself for Christmas, a boy coming home during as well as the Target Two- the cold winter from college Day Sale that occurs on the Entertainment December 15, 201111 Senior directed play brings challenges Many changes in the stage ready, You’re a Good Man stage crew. production process brought Charlie Brown sticks out because According it is senior directed rather than to Jeffries “[we] challenges to produce adult directed. actually joked “You’re a Good Man, There were other changes to around less the production process on top of because [we] Charlie Brown.” peer directing, such as time and had only three space limitations. weeks until the EMILY SEIB “Being a peer made it a lot show. It was Last Look Editor more difficult to earn respect mostly stressful from actors, pit and stage crew,” since [we] lost Director Max Wilber, senior, one of our Although many of the Saint said. “Challenges to having leads a week Thomas Aquinas productions such a good show with so many before the show run in a similar fashion, with [people] wanting to go so it opened.” adults leading the productions to sold out quickly Wooten agreed. [because of a “Rehearsal small room]. Also with the limited motions whole crew and actions came everyday over with the limited Thanksgiving space.” break from Emily Seib | The Sheild “Wilber 9 to 4, but it Senior Kaitlyn Wallace (Woodstock) scratches sophomore Spencer Gochis’ (Snoopy) belly. The student-run play was directed by Senior Max Wilber. is the hardest came together working person in the last week,” Wooten said. many aspects [to being a I know. He was “It was very stressful. The director there are] coming the driving force short time inspired people to from an acting background. behind the whole get focused on what we needed You don’t see backstage thing. Wilber to do. Every rehearsal had to and out of rehearsal practice did a great job count.” with director. It was very for not having “[We] had rehearsal stressful to put together in professional everyday from 3-5. I would three weeks, but more than training,” senior stay after figuring out stuff [for rewarding [when it came] John Wooten the play] and working with together in the last week,” (Charlie Brown), individuals until 6 then would Wilber said. said. go home to block something, do Charlie Brown offered Senior costume, etc. for at least another the cast a unique chance to Christy Jeffries hour. It was harder than expected be a kid again. (Sally Brown), because you don’t realize how Jeffries said, “I thought said, “[The it was really change is weird] easy [to get into especially when character] because you have been let’s be honest, friends with the I’m a kid at heart. director since Wooten freshman year.” agrees, “It was Aida rehearsed really enjoyable. for two months It brings me back before being ready to being a kid. I’m whereas Charlie a pretty immature Brown had three guy [so] I went into the role weeks, but this Emily Seib | The Shield Emily Seib | The Shield Courtesy of Max Wilber pretty Senior Christy Jefferies sings a song about Senior Mark Carlson (Linus ven Pelt) cuddles with his change did not The “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” poster quickly.” her new philosphies after she receives a D blanket while singing “Blanket and Me” in “You’re a affect the work ethic G used on the facebook invitation. The lead in the play on a paper. The music was written by Good Man Charlie Brown” which premiered Thursday of the cast, pit and was senior John Wooten as Charlie Brown. Clark Gesner. December 1. 12 December 15,2011 Opinions World hunger is possible to end with effort

the fact that it is actually pos- costs of packaging, transport- more of their money on food. These facts aren’t new and sible to end. ing and distributing. This can It is possible to end hunger are relatively easy to achieve, Though it sounds like an be solved by reducing or even in countries. Brazil has cut the it is the promotion of these over-used cliché, in reality it can eliminating transportation costs. number of hungry people in ideas that need to be pushed. be achieved. The first step to The use of new technology their country in half in the last If more people were aware of achieving this is teaching people to create better and more sus- 15 years. It just took the coop- these facts, then the chance of to be conscious of the problem. tainable land in other countries eration of the government and ending world hunger would People have the resources and allows food to be produced in the people. If the government increase dramatically. Organiza- ability to help as of now, but greater quantities and in areas could invest in poor producers tions should be created to show Through the cooperation of taking action is what needs to be closer to where it is needed, and support small-scale farm- that ending world hunger is no promoted. causing a cut in the cost of pro- ers, more food will be able to be longer just a vision. The goal of government, advances in Every day, 24,000 people die duction. This then translates to produced and distributed. these organizations would be to technology, and individual from hunger or a hunger-related lower food prices. These large-scale ideas may make as many people possible disease. The earth actually pro- Some of the world’s poorest seem hard to reach as just an aware of what it takes to stop participation, the goal to end duces enough food for all of its countries are in billions of dol- individual, but it is possible to hunger around the world and world hunger is attainable. inhabitants. lars in debt to more developed play a part in the movement here show them how their different People just do not have countries. This restricts the at Saint Thomas Aquinas. Clubs abilities would help make that ALEXIS LEIKER access to enough food because ability of the under-developed such as Key Club and ICAN change. Managing Editor most of the world’s food is countries’ government to im- allow anyone to get involved and As people become more produced in developed nations prove conditions. If developed take action, whether it’s helping informed and educated on the like the . It’s very countries would forgive even those in our own community or topic, then more action will be People today need to be expensive for other countries to part of this debt, then the poor sending aid to countries around taken to promote the movement more aware of world hunger and obtain this food because of the countries would be able to spend the world. to end world hunger. g The Black Friday obsession needs to end after Thanksgiving where stores Wal-Mart worker was trampled supposed to be. shouldn't. It's a fun little thing typically open at very early (or by a hoard of angry shoppers To the Saint Thomas Aqui- to do during Thanksgiving break very late, depending on your trying to get a good deal on the nas students who go shopping that gets you a head start on point of view) and offer ex- product that they wanted. on Black Friday: I'm not saying Christmas shopping. There's tremely discounted deals on How greedy have we, as that Black Friday in general is nothing wrong with that. high-demand products in order a society, become that people a bad idea. I'm saying that the I'm saying that the obses- to balance their budget for the lose their lives over a product? obsession it has become is what sion, the physical violence, year, or go “into the black.” An innocent worker lost his life is bad. The extremes people take the stampedes, the injuries all What was originally a fun and because of a shopping obsession. to get their hands on the product need to end. When it's just the practical idea has been marred by Then, just this past year, they want have made Black Fri- concept of what Black Friday The massive consequences greed and violence. a woman in California used day dangerous to shoppers. originally was, then it is fine. But stemming from Black Friday The obsession with Black pepper-spray on 20 people sur- There is a better way to what it has become is not some- Friday needs to end. rounding her in line to get their get the marked down products, thing that should be continued. make the need for a change Stores will put out only a hands on a marked-down Xbox through online sales on "Cyber The society in which we apparent. few of an item that is discounted, 360 in order to get an advan- Monday." is live needs to tone down on the and then they wait for the mas- tage in getting her hands on the the internet's version of Black greediness associated with the BEN GARTLAND sive stampede of customers who console. I understand that most Friday, and typically happens the current state of Black Friday. Reporter are far too eager to buy the prod- shoppers aren't like this, but inci- Monday after Thanksgiving. Until the insane levels of uct. While it’s the store’s fault dents like this have become more While it may not be as much greed settle down on Black for instigating the stampede, it’s and more frequent each year. fun to some “hard-core shop- Friday, Cyber Monday should I'll be the first to admit it, the customer’s greedy fault for Our society fails to realize pers,” it's a much better alterna- be the way to go. While it may I'm not someone who likes to starting it in the first place. that the obsession with Black tive than having to dodge elbows not be as much fun as an actual shop. After seeing some of the Surely an item can't be Friday is nothing more than of other eager shoppers trying to store, it's next to impossible to events that happen on Black Fri- worth the risk injury? pure greed. Manhandling other get the same product as yourself. get pepper-sprayed through the day, I’m not sure I want to start. People have even died as a shoppers just to get a product is I'm not saying Black Friday Internet. g “Black Friday” is the day result of Black Friday. In 2008, a not the civilized society we are itself should end. In fact, it Opinions December 15,2011 13 “Occupy” protest bring mixed feelings way banks and the government wealthy individual should have protestors, it is the last resort and operates, not to mention the to pay more taxes to support perfectly acceptable. For already struggling government those who had nothing or little would have to find some way against to do with their success. Most of Although the Occupy move- to create thousands more jobs. the protestors are mad about the ment has gained much media While I agree that these goals bank bailouts, high deficit, and attention, the movement ac- the protesters have can eventu- slow action of Congress. They complishes nothing and has failed ally be achieved, it seems strange are directing their unhappiness to to produce plans to increase jobs that they would ask for this all the wrong area. and help the economy recover at once. from the bad decisions of the They should be protesting in Obama Administration.g Occupy protest has good There have been several Washington, rather than blaming attempts to restart the economy, Nothing can be accom- the banks. Washington politi- intentions, but needs more About “Occupy none of which have been notice- plished when protests turn cians are the ones who instigated support from public ably successful. There is also the the bailouts. Occupy protes- Wall Street” problem of getting people back violent and destruction. tors do a good job at pointing JACOB DOTTERWEICH on their feet, and, once that’s out problems, but they offer no Sports Editor been done, determining who is logical solutions. I do agree when qualified for these jobs the pro- MIKE ESTES they say that the government is Movement began testers want created. Reporter corrupt, but the only way to fix September 17, 2011 Beginning on Sept. 17, that is to take to correct action. thousands of people in New What the Occupy protest- That action is to elect a President Leaderless movement York City and around the world ers want can be done, just not Occupy protestors hope to who lowers taxes, lowers the have come together to protest in the timeframe they expect. that have “occupied” lower the unemployment rate. federal deficit, and creates jobs the growing difference in wealth They need to reconsider the more than 1,600 cities Many protestors jobless them- by doing so. between the upper and middle form in which they want the selves, and rather than try to get worldwide. classes. public (which doesn’t have a I agree with freedom of a job, they protest and contribute high approval rating of the Oc- speech, but when it causes de- These protesters have very to the high unemployment rate. cupy movement) to help them struction to others and property, Inspired by uprisings simple goals that they want to They also favor an equal distribu- reach these goals and get on the it should be stopped. Many achieve by inspiring people to tion of wealth. This is the main in Tunisia and Egypt. protesters’ side. parks throughout the country follow their actions and take a opposition I have to the move- have been badly damaged. For stand. Some goals they hope to ment because, when the wealthy These protesters have had example, the Mayor of New York Slogan is “We are the reach are lowering the unem- are forced to pay more, unem- an idea, they’ve tried to put it threatened to close Zuccotti Park 99%” ployment rate, less government ployment rises. into action, but they need more to clean up after it was badly corruption, better jobs for support of the public and the The rich are owners of busi- polluted, however, the protes- Some protests have everyone and a fairer distribution government to get to what they nesses and are the employers. tors would not leave after being of wealth. want. While I support what they turned violent and If they pay more, there is less warned that they would be forced are trying to accomplish, they have been broken up While these goals are rea- money to pay employees. There out. This resulted in the use of just need to reconsider how to sonable, there would have to be is no reason why a person who tear gas and sound canons. When by police. accomplish it. a complete reconstruction of the has worked hard to become a the police use force to remove Mission Statement the concerns of the student Last Look Editor tisements to help with pub- in Room 212 or a school office. The Shield The Shield is a news- body as well as the faculty, staff Emily Seib lication costs. All ads will be Subscriptions can also be sent paper sponsored by Saint and Aquinas community. subject to the same scrutiny to Saint Thomas Aquinas High Thomas Aquinas High School Entertainment Editor as stories. The Shield will not School c/o Matt Hallauer. Madison Petracek and produced by its students to Adviser print obscenities or any ads provide information, entertain- Letters Policy Matt Hallauer Opinions Editor promoting products illegal to ment and open forum as well Letters may be accepted The student voice Ellen Bertels those under the age of 18. For as a learning experience for the Editor-in-Chief advertising, please call (913) by The Shield, provided that at Saint Thomas Aquinas staff members. The goal of The Cara Oldenhuis Sports Editor 319-2460 or visit our site they are signed and do not Shield’s staff is to meet profes- Jacob Dotterweich online at www.STAsaints.net/ contain libelous statements. The Saint Thomas Aquinas HS sional journalism standards. Managing / Shield. Shield reserves the right to edit 11411 Pflumm Road Staff members are responsible Campus News Editor Reporters the letters for grammar, obscen- Overland Park, KS 66215 for the content of the newspa- Alexis Leiker Phoebe Beachner, Subscriptions ity, or space consideration, and 913-319-2460 per and strive to report news Mike Estes, Ben Gartland, Subscriptions to The Shield also reserves the right to not [email protected] Centerspread Editor Elizabeth Romme accurately, objectively and Carole Trickey are $2 per issue. To subscribe, print a letter. completely. The Shield is an drop off an envelope containing open forum for student expres- Features Editor Advertising your payment labeled with the sion and aims to communicate Megan Lucas The Shield sells adver- subscriber’s name and address 14 December 15,2011 Sports High expectations for girls basketball this year

The young girls team is trying to live up to expectations while looking for leadership.

BEN GARTLAND Reporter

The girls varsity basketball team has a lot of high expectations after going 25-0 last year, but after three games they are 1-2 on the season. “We have a clear lack of lead- ership,” head coach Rick Hetzel said. “We need someone to step up.” This year’s team returns only one starter from last year, sopho- more Tia Weledji. Three seniors, DaShawn Harden, Katie Brown and Nelly Weledji, graduated last year. Then Maggie Harrison, who would have been the team’s only senior, transferred to Blue Valley Northwest. Tia Weledji thinks that because she’s the only returning starter, there are expectations for her to be a leader. Sydney Klimas | The Medallion “It’s really stressful,” she Varsity junior player Haleigh Cindrich grabs a loose ball amidst a crowd of Lancers in the season opening game against Shawnee Mission East. The Saints went on to win the game 64-45. said. According to junior Hunter know we can improve.” They will also have a pair of Thomas, the lack of seniors on the The league schedule com- games against Blue Valley North- Girls Basketball upcoming schedule team inspires the team to be more ing up in west, in which 12/16 Kearny (at Avila Univer- 2/6 @ Bishop Miege intense. the next they will have “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ sity) “We want to show the world couple of to play against 2/9 Blue Valley that we can win state without the months we improve, it’s a matter of former team- 1/2 @ Blue Valley seniors and without last year’s will not ‘when,’” mate Maggie team,” she said. “It’s our time be kind to Harrison, who 2/13 Blue Valley West now.” the young - Rick Hetzel transferred at 1/6 Blue Valley Southwest The team started off the team. Girls basketball head coach the beginning 2/17 Gardner-Edgerton season with a resounding 64-45 They will of this year. 1/10 @ Gardner-Edgerton win over Shawnee Mission East, have two “It will 2/20 @ Blue Valley and then dropped their next two games against Gardner-Edgerton be awkward playing her,” junior 1/12 Bishop Miege Northwest games to Olathe Northwest and (January 10 and February 17), Hunter Thomas said. Blue Valley North respectively. two against rival Bishop Miege “But we know her strengths and 1/24 @ Blue Valley West 2/23 Blue Valley North The early losses didn’t faze head (January 12th and February 6th), weaknesses, which might be an coach Rick Hetzel, however. and two against Blue Valley, advantage.” 1/30 @ Blue Valley South 2/29-3/3 Sub-state “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ we whom they beat in the state title Those games against Blue west improve, it’s a matter of ‘when,’” game last year. Those games Valley Northwest will be on Feb- 2/3 Blue Valley Northwest 3/8-3/10 State Tournament he said. “We knew that the first will take place on January 2 and ruary 3 and February 20. g few games might be difficult, but I February 9. Sports December 15, 2011 15 Senior finds joy in teaching tennis to Special Olympians Senior Christian Boschert program does not involve much time, it has significantly impacted teaches tennis to Special his life. Olympians through his “They (Special Olympians) make me realize how lucky I mentorship program. am,” Logan said. “I enjoy seeing how much they clearly love the sport and the program.” CARA OLDENHUIS Boschert agrees that Ten- Editor-in-Chief nis Buddies has made a strong impact on his life. Christian Boschert, a senior “It is amazing to see how varsity tennis player for Saint much they have improved in a Thomas Aquinas, certainly few months,” Boschert said. “I knows how to play tennis. love seeing how much they look Boschert, however, is learn- forward to practice.” ing how to teach it to Special Not only does Tennis Bud- Olympians through KC Tennis dies give Special Olympians the Buddies, a program founded chance to work on their tennis through Boschert himself. skills, but it also gives them the KC Tennis Buddies was chance to work on their social founded in July after Boschert skills. decided he wanted to give back. “Tennis Buddies gives the Boschert said he founded the athletes a chance to practice program after he experienced a their tennis in a group setting similar type program in Omaha, and meet new friends, develop- Neb. ing both their tennis and social Photo Courtesy of KC Tennis Buddies skills,” Logan said. Christian Boschert practices tennis with one of the Special Olympians involved with his program. KC Tennis Buddies “I thought it was a great pro- gives Special Olympians the chance to practice tennis and build new relationships each week. gram so I wanted to bring it here Boschert agrees that Tennis to Kansas City,” Boschert said. Buddies gives the Special Olym- The program is a tennis pians another social event to look clinic that involves competitive forward to each week. tennis players, who work one- “It (the program) gives on-one with Special Athletes in athletes more time to play and it order to learn the game of tennis. is another social event for them,” KC Tennis Buddies allows the Boschert said. athletes the opportunity to meet In October, KC Tennis once a week at the Overland Park Buddies received a grant from the Racquet Club and work on their Missouri Valley section of the tennis moves while at the same United States Tennis Association time making friendships with in order to fund its indoor court coaches and other people with time at the Overland Park Rac- developmental needs. quet Club. The grant means that Each athlete is paired with Tennis Buddies can expand. one competitive player who Boschert is very humble spends time practicing the game when speaking about his pro- of tennis. During each one-hour gram. Logan said he thinks meeting, the coaches work on Boschert has a big heart for what drills and techniques with the he does. athlete. “He has put a lot of time and The program involves many effort into Tennis Buddies, yet volunteers from around the he is modest about the program’s Kansas City metro area, includ- success,” Logan said.g ing senior Nick Logan and junior Parker Turek. Photo Courtesy of KC Tennis Buddies Boschert poses with some of the Special Olympians involved with KC Tennis Buddies. Boschert founded KC Tennis Bud- Logan, also a varsity dies this year after experiencing a similar program in Omaha, Neb. tennis player, said although the 16 December 15,2011 Last Look

Emily Seib | The Shield Senior Student Council members Megan Teahan (top left), Matthew Biggins (bottom left) and Emily Wheeler (right) dressed up as elves when Santa came and visited.

Emily Seib | The Shield Sally Brown (senior Christy Jeffries) tells Snoopy (sophomore Spencer Gochis) very violently that he is at the bottom of their family’s chain of command. Snoopy responds by giving her a look that makes her run away.

Seniors (from left to right) Marie Gavin, Laynie Timmons, Harry Schaefer, Abby Coplen and Meghan McAllister pause during ‘B’ lunch Emily Seib | The Shield on Dec. 7. Snoopy licks Charlie Brown (senior John Wooten) to show his appreciation Seniors Megan for their friendship toward the end of the musical “Your a Good Man Charlie Teahan and Brown.” Matthew Biggins add to the Christmas cheer by dressing up as elves for Santa.

Megan Lucas | The Shield Seniors Clare Eagan and Matthew Biggins messed around while being elves for Santa’s visit. Santa visits each year so students can have their picture taken with friends. Jacob Dotterweich | The Shield