almost

MiegianA BISHOP MIEGE HIGH SCHOOL PUBLICATION summer 2008

When Bishop Miege science teacher Alan Thomas (left) fast facts borrowed a pulse oximeter for a class FAITH IN demonstration, ACTION sophomore Patrick The Campus Moore (middle) Ministry noticed something Program involves unusually wrong when it was his turn more than 300 to measure his heart students. rate. A quick follow-up Miege was a by school nurse Maura leader nine Peterson (right) led to a series of events years ago in that may have saved establishing Patrick’s life. spring break alternatives for Photo by Elaina its students by Generally, The Leaven organizing March service trips to venues all over the country. Miegians have such a strong The Miege Miracle reputation of responding During a class project, sophomore discovered a life-threatening heart condition to the needs of others that It all ended like a made-for-TV movie. someone having a higher heart rate when they’ve the National But it began simply, on April 2, like any other day been running and are breathing heavily. But Patrick Relief Network in the life of Miege sophomore Patrick Moore. was just sitting there in class, and I knew his heart has contacted He drove to school, went to classes, talked to rate should not have been that high.” Miege to put together friends – the usual. In his anatomy and physiology Thomas walked Moore down to the school nurse trips to help hurricane Iclass that day, the lesson was on heart rates. Maura Peterson, who took his heart rate again and victims. Typically, science teacher Alan Thomas taught his tried several ways to see if it would go down at all. students to measure their heart rate the usual way: It didn’t. So Peterson notified his parents and RESPECT: pressing two fingers to the pulse point on the wrist. sent the teen – still feeling fine – straight home. TAUGHT But on a whim that day, Thomas had borrowed “Patrick’s heart rate was extremely significant, but AND the school nurses’s pulse oximeter to measure the we didn’t know what was causing it,” Peterson said. PRACTICED students’ heart rates instead. When it was Patrick’s She was so concerned she called the Moores again Miege visitors to turn to take his pulse, he wished he’d paid closer to make sure they had followed up with a doctor. the building and attention to Thomas’s instructions. They had, and the next three weeks were a whirl- guest speakers “I was surprised,” Patrick said. “I thought maybe wind of doctor’s appointments, as physicians tried to comment on I’d done something wrong.” determine what was wrong with Patrick’s heart. the high level of His heart rate registered abnormally high – 160 A chest x-ray and an EKG both came back courtesy shown bpm (beats per minute). A normal resting heart rate negative for indications of a heart problem. Then, by the student is usually between 60 and 90 bpm. because Patrick had just returned from a mission body. When Patrick informed his teacher, Thomas was trip to Mexico, doctors considered the chance that he immediately alarmed. “I coach runners,” Thomas said, “so I’m used to CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 freshman focus Sister Martina wins national award Generations of Miege students have BRIEF always known that science teacher Sister BIOGRAPHY Martina Rockers is the cornerstone of ■ Bishop Miege – one of the best teachers Born: April 23, 1926 they’ve ever had and a beautiful example ■ Hometown: Gof commitment to Catholic education. Scipio, Kan. Now the rest of the nation knows it, too. ■ Received by This spring, Sister Martina received Ursulines: 1942 ■ Final vows: 1947 the Catholic Secondary Education Award ■ Undergraduate from the National Catholic Educational degree: St. Association. Mary’s College, The award is one of six presented 1956 ■ Master’s degree: by the association; Sister Martina was Notre Dame, the only classroom teacher to receive 1965 the award this year. It recognizes Sister ■ 1946-1953: Martina’s distinguished service to Queen of the TOP: Sister Martina Holy Rosary Catholic education, which dates back to Rockers () received ■ 1953-1955: St. 1946 when she began teaching at Queen one of six Catholic Ann’s Grade of the Holy Rosary Grade School. She’s Secondary Education School ■ been part of Bishop Miege since the Awards from the Nation- 1956-1957: al Catholic Educational Ursuline school opened 50 years ago, and in 2006, Association in India- Academy she celebrated her 60th year of teaching. napolis this March. ■ 1957-1958: St. Agnes High Along with Miege President Dr. Joe LEFT: Principal Stan Passantino, Principal Stan Herbic and School Herbic, CMT Director ■ 1958-present: Campus Ministry Director Mary Perrini, Mary Perrini, Sister Mar- Bishop Miege Sister Martina traveled to Indianapolis in tina and Miege President High School Dr. Joe Passantino. March to receive the award. Why I chose Bishop Miege Last year, choosing the high school for to shift more fun way to enjoy activities that I liked me seemed like an overwhelming task. toward anxiety and and share in the great success of Miege’s Yet after going to open houses and apprehension for sports and extracurricular programs. The shadowing at the local high schools, my the start of high warm atmosphere of Miege’s friendly possible high school choices seemed to school. On the first and diverse student body made it very Lbe narrowed down to just one – Bishop day of orientation, easy for the entire freshman class and me Miege. I was as nervous as to meet a lot of great people and make The interesting and challenging I’d ever been. many amazing friends. academic courses, the strong sports Yet as the weeks The Catholic environment Miege programs, and the strong and undeniable ERIN ALEXANDER continued and I provides gives all of us a great feeling of community among students began to feel more opportunity to grow in our faith through and faculty made Bishop Miege stand comfortable, I realized how happy I was monthly all school Masses and religion out to me for all the right reasons. Even to have chosen Miege. The classes were classes, and put our Christian faith though I was still in eighth grade, I all unique and sometimes challenging, into action through endless service already felt like a welcome member of especially the honors courses, but my opportunities and various mission trips. the Miege community. teachers always were able to help me or the All in all, my first year at Miege has As I graduated from grade school others students whenever we needed it. been great, and I couldn’t be happier to and the start of the my freshman year Participating in activities such as be a Stag. got closer and closer, my feelings started debate, , and soccer were a Erin Alexander, Curé of Ars

2 almost Miegian summer 2008 student scholarships Full-ride scholarships Three seniors earn full scholarships Preparing for college is one of the Three Bishop most stressful times in a student’s life. Miege students received full-ride Scrambling to turn in applications and scholarships writing essays, worrying day and night to their dream if you’ll get into your dream school, schools this year. Pwondering what you’re going to do with From left: Erin Hogan, Drake your life, and asking yourself how the University; Tim heck you’re going to pay for college. Janczewski, St. For many people, college tuition Louis University; is one of the biggest deciding factors and Ellen Albritton, St. determining their school options. For Louis University. three Miege seniors – Ellen Albritton (Bishop DuBourg), Erin Hogan (Visitation) and Tim Janczewski (St. Agnes) – sizable scholarships have Amy Johnson, SLU’s recruitment man- of the graduation speeches at Miege, eliminated any tuition problems. ager for City, was scheduled to visit received a full-tuition scholarship to Janczewski and Albritton received Miege March 10 if either student received Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. full tuition scholarships to Saint Louis the award, but that day came and went This award required a 3.4 GPA and 29 University. The Presidential Scholarship without a visit. The next day, Albritton was ACT score. Hogan was one of 16 students provides $18,000 in tuition and is the away on a German field trip, when Jancze- out of 370 to receive the award. highest award SLU offers. The university wski was called to the Guidance Office. The Drake was Hogan’s first choice gives 20 of these scholarships each year, SLU recruiter had brought good news for university, so the scholarship helped seal and it’s unusual for one school to have both Miegians. the deal on her choice. two students selected. “It was completely unexpected, “I hung up the phone and started After applying and submitting because all the other kids we met were jumping up and down screaming, which additional applications and being just as qualified,” Janczewski said. “It’s a I don’t normally do!” Hogan said. “It’s the interviewed on campus for the huge honor, and it’s great that both of us most excited I’ve been about something scholarship, Janczewski and Albritton would receive it.” in a long time.” waited anxiously to hear from the school. Erin Hogan, who recently gave one By Sarah Plake, Miegian staff writer

CLASS OF 2008 SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS The 232 members of the class of 2008 continued Miege’s tradition of earning impressive scholarship offers, totalling nearly $3 million. That’s an average of nearly $13,000 per student.

summer 2008 almost Miegian 3 student life Freshman celebrates First Communion Usually, your first communion is a big her first Eucharist in front of her new deal, marked by fancy dresses or official classmates, teachers and chaplain at starched robes – the highlight of second Miege. On May 7 during the 7:15 Mass, grade. But for one Miege student, that she was first in line for Communion, milestone of Catholic faith occurred at only a little bit nervous. Her family Uthe end of her freshman year – and she and friends – as well as teachers Nancy chose to celebrate the sacrament before Weber, Steve Koesterer and Campus school one Wednesday in the Miege Ministry Director Mary Perrini – were on chapel. hand to support her. Morgan Robbins (St. Peter’s) had been Morgan is grateful to Fr. Greg baptized at age 9 or 10, and while she Hammes and Mrs. Perrini for their help Miege Chaplain Fr. Greg Hammes and freshman had taken some of the courses required with this process. Mrs. Perrini also helped Morgan Robbins, after her First Communion. to complete her First Communion, she’d Morgan get involved in the Campus never finished. After three years of Ministry Team early on in the year. varsity cheer squad. As she becomes Catholic school – and her first year of “I thought CMT would be a great way more involved in different activities at Miege under her belt – it was determined to meet people and learn about my faith,” Miege, Morgan is finding that her first that she could proceed with the Morgan said. “It’s also a great way to impressions of Bishop Miege were right. sacrament. meet upperclassmen.” “When I shadowed here, I thought the When it came time to choose the This year, she’ll meet even more people were really nice,” she said, “and I location, Morgan wanted to celebrate upperclassmen as a member of the got the sense I would fit in here.”

The Miege Debate team, from left: Erin Hogan (Visitation), Nick Rundle (Curé of Ars), Alyson Germinder (St. Joseph), Danny Hague (St. Peter’s), Isabella Fuentes (Holy Name) and Molly Salisbury (Holy Cross). Debate continues winning tradition The Bishop Miege Debate Team captured second place at State this year, DONKEY BALL AT MIEGE continuing its impressive streak of success. For 11 of the past 12 years, the In April, Miege’s Student Council sponsored Donkey team has placed either first or second in Ball – basketball played while riding donkeys – in the school gym, as a fundraiser. The different State competition. grades each fielded a team, and the faculty suited For 20 years, Coach Melissa Reynolds up as well to perform the tricky task of shooting a has crafted a tradition of excellence her basketball while not being bucked to the gym floor. debate and forensics squads, both of which have received high rankings from the National Forensic League.

4 almost Miegian summer 2008 campus ministry Chaperones on a mission Past parents and alumni return to help with CMT’s program Going on mission trips has become a popular tradition for Bishop Miege stu- dents – a great way to earn service hours, make lasting friendships and help the less fortunate. GBut on every trip, there’s another con- tingent from the Miege community – the chaperones. These people help supervise a group of students and also pitch in their skills and expertise on the cleanup or construction projects. Their commit- ment to these trips often lasts far beyond their direct connection with Miege. It’s not uncommon for alumni – both from recent classes and reaching back 15 or 20 years – to sign up for trips. There are even past parents whose children have long since graduated who keep coming back. Mike Casey, whose son, Tom, gradu- ated in 2003, went on his first trip as a TOP: Parents, students chaperone in 2001. In the five years since and past parents help Tom graduated, Casey has chaperoned on build a house for a family in Reynosa, six trips. Mexico, during a “There’s a need for chaperones, and spring break mission I found it very rewarding,” he said. “You trip. LEFT: Thanks to can start to see the lights go on in the stu- members of the mis- sion trip, 3-month-old dents’ eyes about the importance of what Jose’s allergy to infant they’re doing. At the end of the day, they formula was discov- talk about what they’ve done, and they ered. invariably say they realize how lucky they are and how they have a responsibil- ity to help people. You literally see them dies,” Casey said. thought it would be a good way to spend grow up before your eyes.” “It was one of those added blessings. time with her and get to do something I During the trip to Reynosa, Mexico, I’ve told the kids on the mission trip that had always wanted to do.” over spring break, Casey was part of a for- life is a series of doors, and we’re invited Each year, Miege sends nearly 200 stu- tuitous chain of events. One of the children to walk into them. In each doorway dents on upwards of seven mission trips, in Reynosa, Jose, was about three months where we shake hands with someone plus a series of urban plunges to work old, very small, and suffering from a hor- else, that’s where Christ is – where two or with the less fortunate in large cities. And rible cough. Casey urged Carolyn Ashby, more are gathered in His name.” there’s always a need for chaperones, a nurse who was part of the trip’s overall Jen French, a 2000 Miege gradu- who get to be part of a unique time in organization, to try to get Jose to a doctor. ate, had never gone on a mission trip students’ lives – and who invariably come They discovered that the boy was allergic while she was a student, but this year away with a great appreciation for the to infant formula, and after switching to she signed up to go on the National blessings in their lives. soy milk, he’s been fine. Casey sees the Relief Network trip to help in hurricane- “Every trip has its own flavor to it,” hand of God in play in Jose’s diagnosis. affected areas of the south. said Mary Perrini, director of campus “Had we not been there, maybe “I never went on a mission trip in high ministry. “One of the neatest by-products nobody else goes to that site to help and school and always wished I had,” she of the trips is the outreach – the commu- maybe Carolyn Ashby isn’t there and as a said. “My sister was going on this trip as nity that is built with our kids – and it all result and maybe Jose gets really sick and a senior and they needed more adults. I happens in a week.”

summer 2008 almost Miegian 5 stag achievement

Robotics team 3 students win takes second essay contest The National Center for Fathering sponsors an essay contest each year, at regionals and from nearly 5,500 student essays submitted, there The Stag Robotics Team returned to the were three winners Kansas City Regional FIRST Robotics Tfrom Bishop Miege. Competition in March and came home Sophomore with second place. Lindsey Callahan’s Led by advisers Scott Anderson and (St. Agnes) essay TLezlie Martin, the team designed and team worked hard, and everyone who went won first place built a functioning, competitive robot in to the finals was supportive of our team.” for the 10th grade six weeks this winter. This is the second To view videos of the event, go to division; junior year of the team’s existence; last year, www.more.net/services/videostreaming/ Gabriella Grado LINDSEY CALLAHAN Stag Robotics competed at the national first2008/archives.html. (Holy Name) was competition. a runner-up for the 11th grade division, ROBOTICS TEAM MEMBERS This year, the team came within four and sophomore Nate Ellerman (St. points of qualifying for the national Curt Cebula Barry Preston Peter’s) was a runner-up for the 10th Roberto Gonzales Bridgette Ritter tournament again. Once again, the grade division. experience of working on the robot was Jack Hashman Alisa Schemmel Wai Ho Li Steven Solar The students were honored at a something that team members learned a Kevin Janczewski Nia Swem Kansas City Royals game on June 1 with lot from and enjoyed. Tim Janczewski Connor Terrill their fathers and Miege English teachers Yuki Kato Roxanne Troxell “I think we did a fantastic job,” said Mrs. Fennell and Mrs. Freeland. sophomore Nia Swem. “We got farther Stephanie Lyons Josh Wancura Bridget Murphy Michael Worms than I ever thought we would. Our whole

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

FORENSICS HEADS TO NATIONALS At nationals, Smith placed 14th in the Members of the Bishop Miege country, while Hogan finished in the top Forensics Squad competed in the 31-60 in the nation. Hague and Rundle National Qualifying Tournaments this missed advancing from preliminaries by spring and qualified for nationals in June. just one ballot. Overall, Hogan is ranked The following students qualified for 81st out of more than 93,000 students the National Tournament in Las Vegas: in the country based on points she has Danny Hague (St. Peter’s) and Nick earned in her four years of competition. Rundle (Curé of Ars): 1st place in Public Forum Debate; Erin Hogan (Visitation): REGIONAL AND STATE MUSIC 2nd place in U.S. Extemp; and Keith Eight Miegians received I ratings – the COACH, QUARTERBACK Smith (Sumner): 1st place in Dramatic highest rating possible – at the regional GO TO SHRINE BOWL Interpretation. music festival at Baker University in Miege Head Football Coach Tim Medalists include Tim Janczewski April: Pancha Brown (St. Paul’s), Maria Grunhard and quarterback Brett (St. Agnes): 5th place in Lincoln-Douglas O’Connor (Curé of Ars), Christine Anjard McConniff (St. Pius) were chosen Debate; Kevin Davidson (St. Elizabeth’s): (Holy Cross), Allie Richmeier (Nativity), to participate in the 2008 Kansas 7th place in Oration; Alyson Germinder Shannon Bockwinkel (St. Joseph), Molly Shrine Bowl Game in July. The (St. Joseph): 6th place in Oration; Molly Wessling (John Paul II), Nathan Bauer (St. Shrine Bowl is an all-star football Salisbury (Holy Cross): 6th place in U.S. Paul’s) and Cameron Taylor (Rosedale). game between football athletes on Extemp; Hague: 4th place in International Maria O’Connor went on to receive a I each side of a north-south dividing Extemp; and Rundle: 3rd place in rating for vocal solo at State. line in Kansas. International Extemp.

6 almost Miegian summer 2008 stag achievement Wrestler earns Releford named Wicina trophy Gatorade Player This spring, senior Carlos Rosales of the Year (St. Agnes) received the Wicina Travis Releford (Center) has added Wrestling Trophy. This award is another award to his impressive record presented annually at the Metro Classic, on the Bishop an event featuring the best senior Miege basketball Twrestlers from Kansas against the best team: He has been senior wrestlers from Missouri within Tnamed the Gatorade the Kansas City metropolitan area. Boys’ Basketball The Wicina Trophy was established in $1,000 scholarship along with the trophy. Player of the Year 2000 in honor of Jeffrey Wicina, a former Nominations for the Wicina Trophy are for Kansas. Bishop Miege student who was paralyzed submitted by coaches within the Kansas Releford after an accident in a football game as City area. averaged 24.8 a sophomore in 1983. After his death The Wicina Trophy isn’t the only points and 6.8 TRAVIS RELEFORD in 1999, his family wanted to keep his accolade Rosales has received. He won rebounds per game memory and legacy alive. the Evans Scholarship from the Western in 2007-2008. He was named the Eastern The award goes to a wrestler in the Association, thanks to the five Kansas League’s MVP in 2007 and 2008, Kansas City area who shows excellent years he’s spent working at Indian Hills and he is a returning Class 5A First Team character, has overcome challenges, Country Club. Rosales plans to major in All-State selection. He will play for the displays a strong work ethic and does Pre-Med and go on to receive a medical this fall. well academically. Rosales received a degree. The Gatorade Player of the Year award honors top high school student-athletes in 12 varsity sports. Last fall, senior FOUR STUDENTS TO PLAY AT COLLEGE LEVEL Kathleen Ludwig was named the Kansas Player of the Year.

BASKETBALL TEAMS EARN HONORS The Bishop Miege boys’ and girls’ basketball teams gave Stag fans an exciting season, and now the honors are coming in for coaches and players. In March, the girls’ team captured the substate title and advanced to the 5A Championship tournament. Eleven players were named to the East- ern Kansas League’s All-League teams, and boys’ head coach Rick Zych was named EKL Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year. For the girls’ team, Jessica Raplinger and Ashley Thayer were named to the EKL Second Team. Honorable Mentions: Rosie Youngstrom, Hannah WestHoff, Shandelyn Stewart and Adrianna Maurer. Two volleyball players and two football player from Bishop Miege have signed letters of intent From the boys’ team, Travis Releford to play athletics at the collegiate level. From the volleyball team, Katie O’Connor (Queen of was once again named EKL MVP of the the Holy Rosary) will play for Johnson County Community College, and Jackie Church (Indian year, and Jason Payton made First Team Hills) will play for Florida State University next year. From the football team, quarterback All EKL. Trevor Releford made Second Brett McConniff (St. Pius) will play for next fall, and Sedrick Baskin-Ward (Center) will play for Fort Scott Community College next fall. Team, and Justin McCay and Colin Mulvany were Honorable Mentions.

summer 2008 almost Miegian 7 student involvement Students on the Graveyard S.H.I.F.T. History club members document information on headstones for group project

As field trips go, this was an odd one. Ten Junior Paloma Miegians boarded a bus one overcast day Carmona (Holy Name) took more for a club outing. Their destination: The than 80 photos of St. Joseph Cemetery in Shawnee. gravestones during The students were members of the Graveyard AMiege’s history club, called the Graveyard S.H.I.F.T. field trip to the St. S.H.I.F.T. (Students Helping Identify and Joseph Cemetery Find Tombstones). They weren’t going this spring. Club to the cemetery to simply walk around. members record Armed with notebooks and digital information on headstones and cameras, their mission was to document upload the photos and catalog as many headstones as and text to a possible and upload the information to genealogy Web www.findagrave.com. site. “Our goal is to help memorialize got her history club members into it about they can earn required service hours. people,” said Judi Wollenziehn, the three years ago. The project ended up This year, Mrs. Wollenziehn will be Kincaid Media Center specialist and transforming the name of the club. joined by co-adviser and social studies Graveyard S.H.I.F.T. sponsor. “Due The Web site is an international effort teacher Amy Lukert. They hope to add to factors like acid rain, erosion and with more than 24 million entries, and new recruits to the 15-member group vandalism, the information on these the Graveyard S.H.I.F.T. members aren’t and to expand the club’s mission and stones can be lost.” the only ones in the Kansas City area activities to possibly include cemetery Mrs. Wollenziehn stumbled on the contributing. cleaning and fundraising projects. But findagrave Web site after watching an old “Kids are finding now that when they the findagrave project will remain central movie on television one night. She won- check on a cemetery online, others have to Graveyard S.H.I.F.T. dered if the lead actor was still living, so beaten them to it,” Mrs. Wollenziehn said. “You really get a sense of these people she googled his name, plus “dead or alive.” “Some of the kids are already talking whose names are on the stones and what It led her to findagrave, which is an online about going 20 miles out of town or doing they might have been like during their genealogy tool that visitors can both this on their vacation. It’s very addictive.” dash,” Mrs. Wollenziehn said, referring to search and contribute to. Mrs. Wollen- So far, club members have contributed the dash between date of birth and date ziehn and her husband began document- more than 400 graves to the site; when of death. “It makes you wonder – what ing cemeteries on their own, and then she students do the work on their own time, are you going to do with your dash?”

SECOND GENERATION MIEGIANS CONTINUE THE LEGACY

Nearly 100 current students are second- generation Miegians, accounting for more than 10 percent of the student body. These legacy students are part of a proud 50-year history.

8 almost Miegian summer 2008 freshman focus

Freshman Q&A: Bobby Lacy fast facts ... What activities are you involved in? Honors Algebra I have been involved in soccer, basketball I. They are both An enriching mix of student backgrounds has been a hallmark of and track, and I’ve enjoyed every minute super great Bishop Miege since its inception. of them. I wish I was involved in more teachers and make school clubs, but with so much going on the learning a lot Bill Dunn Jr., a 1966 Miege grad and after school I practically have no time. of fun. a past Miege parent, remembers the It’s really easy to get involved. varied environment Miege enjoyed What was the most when he was a student. He said he memorable event of Why did you choose to attend Bishop Miege? learned a lot from working with people your freshman year? I chose to attend Bishop Miege mainly BOBBY LACY (JPII) from backgrounds other than his own, because of the opportunity to get the best My most and he says it’s been essential to his education possible. The advantage of memorable event was seeing Cameron success. “The manager of the future attending a smaller school is that you pretty Taylor break the backboard with a dunk has to be able to communicate with the much know every freshman and all the in the St. Agnes gym. I enjoyed that a lot, workforce, and to do that he or she has people in your classes. In bigger schools, but I also enjoyed track. I earned a place to be able to work with a wide variety of people,” he said. you may not know all of your classmates. on the varsity track team in the triple jump, so that was very fun. It was a good What was your Shadow Day like? experience for a freshman. OUR INCLUSIVENESS In eighth grade I did not shadow, but I ENCOMPASSES MANY AREAS: What are you looking forward to for your wish I would have. Being a shadow host ■ sophomore year? INCOME LEVELS: Because of our this year, I saw all the fun and advantages affordable tuition and extensive I am pretty excited for sophomore year. of a firsthand look at the school. financial assistance programs, we I’m in a lot of challenging classes so it include families of different income What was your first impression of Miege as a should be exciting. levels. freshman during orientation? What advice do you have for current eighth- ■ ABILITY LEVELS: Miege serves My first impressions were mostly all good. graders about choosing a high school? both ends of the academic spectrum I asked someone where a classroom was, Choose the school that fits you best. and everything in between. The ACT and they helped me. It’s very friendly here. Miege is a great fit for so many different Prep program helps target areas for growth of all students. In addition, kinds of people. The only way to find out What has been your favorite class? course phasing places students in My favorite class so far has been either is if you shadow, so set a date, and visit classes where they are challenged Mrs. Bottoni’s Spanish I or Mr. Kennedy’s me and the rest of us at Bishop Miege. yet still attain success. ■ CO-EDUCATION: As a co- educational school, one of the biggest advantages is that girls and SPELLING BEE WINNERS boys are taught to work together to achieve personal and group goals. Bishop Miege hosted This experience fosters respect and Johnson County cooperation that is essential to their Regional Catholic future careers. Schools Spelling ■ Our Bee in February. CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS: First place went student community represents a mix to Daniel Mitchell of cultural backgrounds: (son of Miege ■ 79% Caucasian math teacher Dave ■ 4.5% African American Mitchell) from St. ■ 2.0% Asian American Agnes, and second ■ 14.6% Hispanic place went to Lauren Schaff from ■ LARGE GEOGRAPHIC AREA: Good Shepherd. Students come from all over the Congratulations to Kansas City metropolitan area these students and because families recognize the to everyone who participated in the educational value of learning to work bee! together with students of various backgrounds.

summer 2008 almost Miegian 9 special events

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 might have contracted a tropical disease. “It was an eight-day period for us that was almost like an episode of ‘House,’” said Bob Moore, Patrick’s father. “We were taking Patrick’s temperature and his heart rate every four hours, trying to figure out if he had some form of rare infection.” One of the few things going right during those long days, said Patrick’s mother, Debbie Moore, was the support the family received from the school. “The entire Miege community was great,” she said. “They sent cards, came to visit Patrick in the hospital, and friends were always bringing food over to the house. We couldn’t even keep up with the sheer volume of e-mails and phone calls from people offering their support.” KU senior Jeremy Case signs the shirt of a young fan during the autograph session before the Finally, a referral to a pediatric cardiac KU Barnstormers basketball game at Bishop Miege on May 10. specialist produced the answers the Moores were looking for: Patrick was diagnosed with ectopic atrial tachycardia. KU Barnstormers at Miege At some point, Patrick’s heart had The KU Barnstormers – seniors Willie Reed (Hickman Mills), Travis formed an extra piece of tissue that had from the national champion men’s Releford (Central) and Colin Zvosec recently become active. The extra tissue basketball team – played seniors from (Shawnee Mission South) from Miege. somehow caused his heart to enlarge. Bishop Miege, St. Thomas Aquinas coached by Miege coach Jeff English. That forced it to work twice as fast to and Bishop Ward on May 10, at Miege. After an autograph session, fans pump as much blood volume as normal, TThe KU Barnstormers are seniors filled nearly all the bleachers in the which accounted for his heart rate. , Sasha Kaun, Miege gym to celebrate the Jayhawks’ Doctors said it would not have been long Rodrick Stewart, and outgoing seniors and catch a glimpse before Patrick would have started showing Brad Witherspoon. The high school of part of the program’s future, as Rel- serious symptoms – if he was lucky. team included Miege seniors Matt eford played against his future team. “When you read about kids who drop VanDyke (St. Joseph), Brian LeSage The KU players and “coach” dead playing sports,” Bob said, “it’s usu- (St. Elizabeth), Colin Mulvany (St. Rodrick Stewart (who was injured) led ally because of this diagnosis or a very Agnes), Jason Payton (Hocker Grove), the Barnstormers to a 104-97 victory. similar one. The only symptom they show at first is an irregular heart rate and most people don’t notice that right away.” would have been easy for us to run out of on heart rates,” Thomas said, “I will tell By the time it’s diagnosed, the heart time or for him to have taken it incor- Patrick’s story as a way to encourage my has usually undergone incredible damage. rectly, and we would not have caught it.” students to pay attention when they mea- “Patrick’s doctor told us that by the But Miege president Dr. Joe Passantino sure their heart rate – to let them know time most people are first seen, over 30 sees it as more than a fluke. how important it is.” percent will go straight to the transplant “I like to call this the ‘Miege miracle’; For his part, Patrick is glad to be enjoy- list,” Bob said. it was really God’s hand at work,” he said. ing his summer and getting ready for his Patrick was one of the lucky ones “Alan, Maura and Patrick’s parents all junior year – all with a clean bill of health. – and he has his science teacher and a followed up and played a role each step “I think this was a really lucky, great school nurse to thank for it. But Thomas of the way in getting Patrick what he situation and I’m very grateful to every- won’t take any credit for what he says needed to be diagnosed and treated. Even one here,” Patrick said. “I don’t know was “a fluke.” though you could look at this situation as what would have happened if this had “I arranged to borrow the pulse oxime- a fluke, it really was everyone doing their not been caught when it was.” ter just the day before,” he said, “and didn’t part that made it happen.” He smiled, paused, then added softly, originally intend for all the students to But neither Thomas nor Peterson con- “I guess I do know.” take their heart rates. And Patrick was one sider “their part” completed yet. Excerpted from the story by Kara of the last students in the class to try it. It “Each year when I teach the lesson Hansen with permission from The Leaven

10 almost Miegian summer 2008 opportunities at miege Beginning Band at Miege Fifth and sixth grade students are invited to join the new Beginning Band program at Bishop Miege during the 2008-2009 school year. This program is not intended to take Faway from grade school band programs. If your grade school offers band, students should definitely join that band. The Bishop Miege Beginning Band program will provide extra practice, allow students to meet other kids from Catholic schools and really get excited about being part of the band.

PROGRAM DETAILS ■ September 2008 – May 2009 ■ Tuesday and Thursday each week that Miege is in session, 4-5 p.m. at the Bishop Miege Music Room ■ PARENT MEETING: Tuesday, Sept. 9, ABOUT DOUG WATTS ■ INSTRUCTOR: Douglas Watts, with 7 p.m. in the Miege Commons. Meet Mr. Watts has 43 years of teaching assistance from advanced Miege Band Teacher Doug Watts and learn all experience – 34 in Missouri and nine at students you need to know about the Beginning Bishop Miege. His bands have performed ■ COST: $50 per semester; $100 total for Band program. Instrument display at every major bowl game in America, the whole year and rental will also be available. including three Rose Bowls, Macy’s ■ BRING: Students will need to bring an ■ FIRST BAND PRACTICE: Thursday, Sept. Parade, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, instrument, the required music book 11. A full schedule will be handed out Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl. They have (can be purchased at the first meeting) with all practice days in September. also performed for four governors, two and a wire music stand. All other ■ QUESTIONS: Doug Watts, 913-262-2700, presidents and many state and national materials will be furnished by Miege. ext. 510. events.

ACT Prep Workshop Passkey provides summer enrichment Give your college-bound junior high Give your student an advantage next year student a jump start with this workshop, with PassKey, an online software program for which provides a condensed overview self-paced instruction for students in grades of the ACT. This two-day workshop is 1-12 in Reading, Writing, Math, Science and ■ designed for students who have never Key English and reading concepts Social Studies. PassKey provides skill-specific ■ Test format tutorials designed by experienced educators. Gtaken the ACT and want some techniques You can sign up whenever you want and set ■ that will help increase their scores. Sample test questions your own schedule throughout the summer. ■ DATES: Tuesday and Wednesday, July Reduce test anxiety 15-16, 2008, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. COST: $40 per student – register online With PassKey, the parent is the instructor at www.alumni.bishopmiege.com/ACT08 – you can assign lessons or diagnostics, PARTICIPANTS: Students entering 8th or customize how instruction is presented and 9th grade in fall 2008 carrying a GPA of Include your $40 check made payable track your student’s progress. Learn more: 3.0 (B average) or higher. to: Bishop Miege High School, 5041 http://passkeylearning.com Reinhardt Drive, Shawnee Mission, KS 66205. Walk-ins are also welcome! COST: $50 per student TOPICS COVERED: There is no registration deadline – sign up ■ Test taking strategies Contact Patti Marnett for more any time this summer! Register online: ■ Key math and science concepts information at 913-262-2701 ext. 226, or www.alumni.bishopmiege.com/passkey08 [email protected]

summer 2008 almost Miegian 11 Open House: Oct. 12 ADMISSIONS CALENDAR IMPORTANT DATES FOR Miege’s Open House on 2008-2009 EIGHTH-GRADERS Sunday, Oct. 12, is a perfect time to discover Bishop 7th/8th Grade Pizza Party: Miege and learn about all Friday, Sept. 19 the wonderful things that Shadow Program: Oct. 2 – April 24 Mmake us unique. Meet our teachers, activity moderators Open House: Sunday, Oct. 12 and coaches, visit with Eighth Grade Day: in November students and parents and High School Placement Test Prep tour our facility. Class: Saturday, Jan. 3 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Placement Test: Saturday, Jan. 10 7th/8th Grade Pizza Party: 8th-grade Shadow Program Friday, Jan. 30 Registration Night: Tuesday, Feb. 17 Through the Bishop Miege Shadow 2008, and runs through April 22, 2009. Program, eighth-grade students are able To schedule your student’s shadow Registration Due: Thursday, Feb. 19 to experience a day at Miege. It is a great day, please call Patti Marnett, Director of opportunity to meet our students and Admissions, at (913) 262-2701, ext. 226, For more information, call Patti Marnett teachers and to see firsthand all we have e-mail [email protected] or at 913-262-2701, ext. 226, or e-mail Tto offer! visit www.bishopmiege.com. One week’s [email protected] The Shadow Program begins Sept. 29, advance notice is requested.

There are still a limited number of spots available in 2008-2009 freshman class at Bishop Miege! Contact Patti Marnett at 913-262-2601, ext. 226, to enroll your student. For calendars, scores, events and news, please visit www.bishopmiege.com

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Kansas City, MO Permit No. 5887

Bishop Miege High School 5401 Reinhardt Drive Shawnee Mission, KS 66205