2019 - 2020 The Miegian

Vol. 63, Iss. 5 | Bishop Miege High School | 5041 Reinhardt Dr, Roeland Park, KS | July 17, 2020 2 CONTENTS 02 Senior Issue Introduction 04 The Miegian’s COVID-19 Response 06 Collage 08 Seniors and their Bright Futures 12 Collage 14 Featured Seniors 16 Senior Survey 18 Featured Writings 19 Senior Sports 24 Senior Advice & Teacher Memories 26 Farewell Miege 2019-2020 Miegian Staff Maren O’Connell Moira Sutherlin Luke Lazarczyk Editor-in-Chief Senior Issue Co-Editor Sports Editor

Maddy McBride Kaitlin Thrun Isabel Copeland Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer

Sindy Garcia Allison Masilionis Cooper Brandmeyer Staff Writer Staff Designer Staff Photographer 3 Letter from the Editor Maren O’Connell eye-catching and a colorful keepsake granted the beauty of CTRL+Z (undo for each student if they so desire. keys). (Of course technology is often Editor-in-Chief The first step was transitioning unreliable—ahem—sometimes re- from a traditional newspaper to a sulting in an entire deletion of the f you know me, you probably are magazine-type format through the newspaper’s servers. Don’t worry, we aware that I tend to downplay my help of our printing company, Best recovered from this setback.) Iachievements and shrug them off Graphics. Mrs. McCambridge said After receiving a note from Ms. as not being that important. It was she shared that her editor loves the Hartwig at the end of my sophomore no exception when I learned that I smell of the pages, after I walked year, enticing me to join the news- was going to be Editor in Chief for into class raving about the scent. paper through bribery of hot choc- The Miegian for my senior year. Do Guilty as charged, but I did not mind olate, I did not expect this decision not misread me, I was thrilled and the small bit of embarrassment to impact my . However, I immediately started strategizing and that came to me after I learned that am enrolled at K-State, majoring in thinking of what I wanted the de- everything was approved. The most Graphic Design, with a passion for sign to be and achieve—but I didn’t important part of the plan of mod- creativity and leadership. My senior immediately think to celebrate or ernizing the newspaper was final- year in newspaper gave me so much even tell my parents. Even now, I ized, and I could finally focus on more than I ever planned for and I have had to condition myself to take fonts, color themes, and the overall would not change the journey that credit for the work I have completed design of the newspaper. led me down this path for anything throughout the year. This position I cannot imagine the amount in the world. has taught me to be more confident of hours I have spent on the Ado- Throughout this past school and not be afraid to be “bossy,” a be software this year alone, but I year, we have published four is- word largely only used for women in enjoyed nearly every second of it. sues total. I was looking forward leadership roles. Graphic design fits my creative brain to completing the senior issue This year has been a year of an perfectly; I thrive on having all the with my newspaper staff because it exponential amount of learning for elements laid out before me and was going to be the issue we were me. I learned how to lead a staff then set my mind to begin arranging planning to have the most fun in and figure out what kind of leader I things. My mind is restless when it designing and writing pieces. Then wanted to be; I experimented with comes to artistic planning. I still quarantine happened and the last designs and learned how to recover have a passion for traditional art, two issues were postponed and I was from unexpected problems; I dis- but I usually make mistakes because heartbroken. I made it my mission covered new software that will soon I don’t like waiting and sketching, to still hand out a senior newspa- become my career and continued to and just plan to figure out how to per, because quarantine took away develop my artistic style. I came into solve the problems as they come the finality students desired at the the position having a strong idea of (because they always do). When it end of the school year. I am hoping what I wanted to turn The Miegian comes to graphic design, I am able— that the newspaper Moira Suther- into. even encouraged most times—to lin and I spent hours designing this In past years, from my obser- make mistakes because that is when summer is a welcome keepsake for vations, students would rarely take new ideas emerge. In the graph- each student. I hope everyone feels the time to look through each issue ic design world, no alteration is a they are represented throughout once they were handed out in Faith promise. It is a possibility because the pages, and they can look back in Family (a sad truth that even I have you can very easily go back and try future years and remember the cha- to own up to). My main goal was to something new out with little to otic circumstances of Miege’s loving elevate the design to make it more no problem; I will never take for class of 2020.

| issue design by Maren O’Connell | senior issue designers: Maren O’Connell and Moira Sutherlin | cover photos from Miegian archives | collage photos courtesy of Liv Alvarado, Maddy Bohon, Nayeli Garcia, Ariacna Martinez-Andrade, Maddy McBride, Dustin McCasland, Morgan McNally, Elena Nguyen, Payton Nies, Moira Sutherlin, Matthew Virgil, Kate Winklhofer 4 Miegian’s coronavirus Reasons I still had a good senior year Moira Sutherlin I was able to dress up fancy, stuff my happened. face with expensive food, and strut my I’ve made so many memories from Staff Writer mediocre dance moves three times. the musical and play, and couldn’t imag- Fall/Winter Sports Sadly, students ine a senior year without them. nfortunately, our senior year was were not able to attend spring sports Teacher’s Assistant Although it was rudely interrupted by the coronavi- games. It was worse for spring athletes cut short, I still got to be a teacher’s assi- Urus, which caused us to finish the rest when their season was over before it even tant for Campus Ministry (CMT) most of of our year online. This was devastating started. the year. Students can only TA when they for the senior class; we were so sad to Luckily, I was still able to scream and are a senior, and it was one of the best hear we would be missing all of the ex- cheer at games. For example, the Rock- decisions I have ever made. citing senior activities that happen at the hurst-Miege football game, which was the Kairos Unfortunately, the April end of the year. most highly anticipated, intense game Kairos had to be canceled, but four Kairos While it is sad we missed so much, I I’ve been to at Miege. managed to happen. still had a good senior year. These are my Musical/Play Right before spring I was part of K-65, and it was a really reasons why: break, I was able to become a director for eye-opening experience for me. It helped Three Dances Although we were not One Acts, which was supposed to perform me become close with people I barely able to attend my favorite dance — prom in April. I was heartbroken to hear it was talked to before. I do not regret going at — we still had the 80’s mixer, Homecom- canceled, but I was thankful that our all, and highly recommend it to every ing, and Sadies. fall musical and winter play had already underclassman. 2020: the year of the unknown

Cooper Brandmeyer out a friend during a sad time in do miss it. Seeing everybody there their life. was something special to see, Staff Photographer I let the negatives of my life seeing everyone eagerly counting tear me apart. That’s why I put it down the days until graduation. or me, the year of 2020 was upon myself to help others. That is Even if 85 percent of us were unknown; I was walking into it why I was admitted to a University already consumed by senioritis, we Fcompletely blind. of program that will allow all had one common goal and that Whether it was my mom deal- me to work in the medical field was to walk across that stage with ing with breast cancer, or whether eventually. each other and shake Mr. Salis- it was college coming right around 2020 was going in the right bury’s hand one last time. the corner, 2020 was completely direction I would say, but that’s And now, as I’m typing this up in the air from there on out. I when the news of the coronavirus paper, I feel like we’re back into took it upon myself to make some- took the world by storm. being in the unknown and that thing out of it. I remember getting the news. scares us. I started focusing on not my- My mom called me and said I I can say this though: we can self but more of others. It was all would not be allowed to come really go up from here, it all de- to me about getting outside of home for a month when I got back pends on us. something I was so safe in. from spring break. I was in Gulf So, make the best out of this I began with challenging Shores, Alabama, then. time with family, because we will myself to answer the few questions The fact of missing school be back to life sooner than you a teacher might ask and helping makes me wonder who I am, but I think. 5 Miegian’s coronavirus first-hand musings I implore you: listen to the CDC Kaitlin Thrun upset than anything else was people Personally, I think that it’s more ignoring the “shelter-in-place” order important to stay home and stop the Staff Writer and doing whatever they want. Watch- virus from spreading than going to ing teenagers having no regard for the hang out with my friends. he coronavirus has taken a lot health of their parents or grandpar- Many people live with a grand- from the senior class of 2020. For ents sickens me. parent or a parent that doesn’t have Tsome, they missed out on their I was not been able to see my great health. They cannot afford to prom and gradution. mother for over a week because get it. Lucky for us, Bishop Miege has she had suspected symptoms of Look at my situation. Don’t be been kind enough to reschedule both COVID-19. selfish. Protect the elderly. Protect the our prom and graduation. She got tested, and on Monday, people you love. However, there is one thing we all March 30, we learned that she had You can still go on walks and bike missed out on — the rest of our senior coronavirus. rides, but don’t deliberately put peo- year. My dad could not see his wife, and ple at risk because you got bored and It makes me sad. It makes me it broke his heart. wanted to see your friend. frustrated, but that’s no one’s fault in He wanted to be there for her, but This is bigger than you missing particular. if he contracted the virus, there was a your friend. This is bigger than all of However, what made me more real possibility he could die. us. My celebrated last day of Miege

maddy mcbride they always begin with unimportant McCambridge’s room and said good- moments that are sprinkled with vital bye. Staff Writer information to the plot. That’s how I was talking with a friend’s father March 12th felt. as the news played behind me. Groups turned 18 on March 12th, 2020. Un- An APGoPo class sang me “Happy over 1000 were not allowed, and people officially the final day of my senior Birthday” (sped up, because “Happy were arguing that it should be lowered. Iyear at Bishop Miege High School. Birthday” is not a sad song). I joked that graduation would no Historically, I had never had Mr. Wilcox then announced that longer be taking place. That could school on my birthday, so it’s no sur- Kansas City had officially been put into never happen. This is only going to last prise that I wasn’t super excited about a state of emergency. This marked the a couple of weeks. the way the chips had fallen. In the beginning of a seeming devolution. Rockhurst had then released they end, I am so thankful that this was the I sat in the herd competitions would finish the year online. Saint way it had ended up. when the West Virginia and Chicago Teresa’s Academy would follow suit I got to see all of the people who mission trips were canceled; events not long after that. The next day prom cared about me. People that I did not many of my friends looked forward to was postponed. My cosmetology school know extremely well went out of their all year, every year. interviews were canceled. way to wish me a happy birthday. In a I shoved my purse to the brim with Three days after that, everything very real sense, those may have been every textbook. Just in case. It probably was indefinitely canceled. I didn’t get the last words I will ever trade with wasn’t gonna happen. Bishop Miege to say goodbye, but I did get Happy them. would never cancel. I collected around Birthdays, and I am at least grateful for For those who enjoy horror movies, eight reusable coffee cups from Mrs. that. 6 7 8

MoiraSeniors Sutherlin make plans for Senior Issue Co-Editor Best Buds hen Kevin Hannon first saw Thomas Beland in their first grade Spanish class, Beland had a bloody nose Wwhen he was asked to say the prayer. Now, 12 years later, they are best friends and starting next fall, they will be roommates at KU. Beland and Hannon have been friends since their early days in grade school at John Paul II. Hannon, who will major in strategic communications, said his relationship has stayed strong with Beland because of his humor. “We never fight. It’s a joking, funny relationship,” Han- non said. “We’re different enough from each other, so we don’t compare ourselves. There’s no competition.” Beland and Hannon have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Beland, who is majoring in mechanical engineering, remembers in fifth grade when he pulled Han- non’s seat from under him when he was about to sit down, and he fell on the floor. He says they know each other so well, which is the reason they decided to become roommates at KU. Beauty Queen “We’re similar in the way we live,” Beland said. “I’ve ed, pink, purple, blue, and teal are just a few of the known him for so long so I figured it’d be better than living colors senior Emily Long has dyed her hair. This cre- with a stranger.” Rativity is why Long is choosing to go to cosmetology Hannon said he is excited to room with Beland, because school. Long plans on attending a year-long program in he has a mini fridge, but also because he’ll have more time January of 2021. She likes to experiment with hair, not just to be with his friend. on herself, but on her friends too. “I’m excited because it means it’s another four years I “I like to cut, dye, bleach, style mine and my friends’ get to spend with one of the funniest people I know,” Han- hair any chance I can get,” Long said. non said. Long remembers her interest towards transforming hair began in middle school when she would dye her own hair, and the passion for styling other people’s began during her junior year of high school. “I like transforming people’s hair because it makes them happy and it tends to boost their mood when they may be feeling down.” Long’s desire to go to cosmetology school was inspired by a friend who graduated cosmetology school and became a hairdresser. She said she hopes to achieve this herself. “Seeing her do hair was really interesting,” Long said. “I became confident that it was what I wanted to do too.” After graduating from cosmetology school, Long plans on becoming a hair color specialist, and one day manage her own salon. “I want to be a hair specialist because I hate the make- up aspect of cosmetology, but I love doing hair,’’ Long said. 9 their bright futures Star Student he minimum amount of service hours required for seniors is 80 hours, but senior Kate Winklhofer has over T600. Winklhofer has the most service hours in the senior class, and over 500 of her service hours are direct corporal works of mercy. She has done a variety of service, such as coaching a 6th grade CYO team, tutoring at St. Agnes, and has gone on the Chicago mission trip twice. Winklhofer’s favorite activity to do for service is volunteering at Camp Barnabas, which is a camp for kids and adults with special needs. “Camp has been the most rewarding of all my service experiences by far,” Winklhofer said. Winklhofer does not do all of the extra service hours for no reason. She likes to see the effect it has on others. “It is important to do acts of service because it is very rewarding to see the impact that you can have on people,” Winklhofer said. “You get the opportunity to show others that you care for them and their well-being.” Winklhofer likes volunteering because she does service that she finds enjoyable. She has advice for anyone looking for service hours. Family Business “Don’t just do it because you need the hours, try to find enior Thomas George is deciding to pursue a career something that you enjoy doing. If you are passionate about path he “fell in love with” —construction. the work you are doing, it stops being work,” Winklhofer said. S George’s family owns a franchise that focuses on “Also, go to Camp Barnabas. It will be the most impactful remodeling UPS stores. He helps his family renovate the week of your life.” stores by doing tasks such as taking furniture apart, painting the store, and putting electricity in. He even did these jobs overnight and found it difficult to make it to school the next day. “The hardest part is working through the night to get the job done before I go back home and go back to school,” George said. The coronavirus has not hindered his gaining of experi- ence over the summer. “We’re still working and getting jobs regularly,” George said. “With us working after-open hours, there is significantly less risk for the crew to contract the coronavirus.” No matter the struggles he faces, George still wants to help his family with the business after high school and work towards his master electricians license. The license allows him to pull permits on electrical plans for commercial build- ings, and install every aspect of electricity. After gaining his license, he wants to move on to bigger things. “I hope to achieve building big hotels, big apartments, and bigger buildings,” George said. “It was always a big dream of mine to be able to say ‘I built that’ and have that pass on | photos by Cooper Brandmeyer through generations of my family as the building stands.” 10 Class of 2020

Avila University Olivia Mitchell Baker University Antonio Salas Ella Albright Elena Nguyen Grace Brandl Megan Schleimer Leah Knoop Gail VanWalleghem JCCC David Lauterwasser Katie Wolfe Olivea Alvarado Ariacna Martinez- Andrade Tyler Marchand Nathaniel Becker Maddy McBride Maddy Bohon Nicole Njogu California Baptist University Jacob Brinkman Connell McKeown JohnJoe Lopez II Marie Clingan Alice Oropeza Jahmari Cross Karina Rivera Michael Deitchman Christiana Ruiz Colorado State University Nayeli Garcia Benjamin Sandy Colin McDonald Rachel Gomez Isabella Sanz Elizabeth Hinkle Stephanie Schmalz Columbia College Emily Long Molly Mayberry Kansas Christian College University Trenton Mandl Jadon Lewis Kansas City Art Institute Employment George Mendez Charles Gannaway Thomas George K-State Gap year Patrick Cashman William Nolke Jackson Burris Hudson Pflumm Joey Fuss Maren O’Connell Sara Gallo Shannon Holtsclaw Stacy Ritz Luke Lazarczyk Sawyer Shutts Grambling State University Daniel Morrissey Matthew Virgil Alyncia Mack Smith Lincoln University Harvard University James Jackson Brian Burns Loyola University New Orleans Houston University Kaitlin Thrun Jackson Rone Marquette University UMKC 11 Benjamin Coffman Angela Arrieta Morgan McNally Diana Brown Koby Murphy Katie Cardarella Stailey Olmstead Maryville University Aimee Grajeda Connor Rush Mollie Morfeld University of Arizona Metropolitan Community College Garrett Hagen Noah Kuester Juliette Garcia Rojas University of Arkansas MidAmerica Nazarene University Catherine Eshelbrenner Paul Masoner Brianna Moylan University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Military A’Zariah Burgin Acel Copeland Ryan Wattenberg Luis Moen University of California San Diego Tony Liu Missouri Western State University University of Central Florida Brison Cobbins Ashton Verhulst Northwest Missouri State University Hannah Bennett DeAunte Parker University of Central Missouri Emma Klein Jack Olsen Haley Hart Zeke Romine Thomas Muxlow Sydney Messick Ja’Quan Stevenson University of Dallas Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School Morgan Phelan Matthew Ong University of Kansas Penn Valley Community College Tennile Allen Jackson Merryfield Naomi Ortiz Caroline Schwarz Nicholas Barber Sam Mitchell Izabella Baska Payton Nies Pittsburg State University Cooper Brandmeyer Joe Nordling Thomas Beland Barret Pearson Salvador Barr Dylan Kovac Eric Choi Heriberto Robles Ryan FitzGerald Skyler Pankey Jake Conklin Victor Rodriguez Henry Corp George Ruf Princeton University Kate Davoren Jake Ryan Mason Weber Connor Doble Moira Sutherlin JCCC Richard Estell Jr. Katie Taylor Quincy University Nicholas Fahlstrom Andrea Martinez Villarreal Grant Fussell Kevin Hannon Noulin Voravong Gabriela Herrera Lauren Wheeler Regis University Javier Loredo Kate Winklhofer Sean McCarty Madeline Wolf Frances Gibson Daniel Stroade University of Miami Rochester Institution of Technology Kelsey Walls Aleksandr Kilfoyle Rockhurst University University of Minnesota Noelia Olivares Isabella Vergara Daniel Jackson Kansas Christian College Diego Olivas University of Missouri-Columbia Saint Louis University Allison Masilionis Jack Weixeldorfer Kansas City Art Institute Josie Rinella Sophia Stram Joseph Okafor Michael Welsh Savannah College of Art and Design Vivian Owens Ella Wille Renee Howard University of Notre Dame K-State Molly Lynn South Dakota State Max VanMeter University of Oklahoma Dustin McCasland Texas Christian University Johanna Quigley Wichita State University Molly Donegan Truman State University Evan Galbraith Kyle Ivey Delaney O’Byrne Other Tulane University Mason Epps Nathaniel Winkelbauer Rishi Rattan Thinh Nguyen Yi Zhai 12 13 14 Tiny versus Tall 1. How tall are you? 5. Are there any daily struggle you have with your 2. What’s the best thing about your height? height? 6. What is your shoe size? 3. What’s an issue you always run 7. How tall are your parents? into with your height? 8. What is one question that you always get asked that 4. If you could change your height, bothers you? would you, and why? 9. What is a memory you have due to your height? Tyler Marchand 1. 6’7” 2. My favorite thing about my height is using short people as an arm- rest. 3. Short doorways 4. Nope. I love my height where it’s at. 5. I have to squat down every morning to be able to see my face in the mirror. 6. My shoe size varies between 13 and 14. 7. My mom is 5’10” and dad is 6’2.” 8. How’s the weather up there? 9. My favorite memory of my height is when I dunked for the first time in seventh grade. Isabella Vergara 1. 4’9” 2. I can easily squeeze through crowds. 3. I always get elbowed in the face or people run into me because they can’t see me. 4. I wouldn’t change my height because I love being short. 5. A struggle I deal with daily is reaching things in high places. 6. I am 5.5 in women’s shoes. 7. My dad is 5’6” and my mom is 4’10.” 8. It’s not a question, but it bothers me when people say “Oh sorry, I didn’t see you down there” or “Wow, you’re really short.” 9. A memory I have from my height was when I went to the grocery store Tallest senior Tyler Marchand and shortest senior and couldn’t reach something on the top shelf so I stood on one of the | photo by Isabella Vergara stand back to back. shelves but it broke. I left because I was too embarassed to clean it up. Cooper Brandmeyer 15 Johanna Quigley S “I’ve improved in my confidence in my- self and in my abilities. When I entered high school I thought there was no way E I was good enough to study acting in college, and now that’s exactly what I’m N doing!” I Richard Estell Jr. “Personally, I’ve mentally improved O in patience and responsibility. As a young freshman, I was very one dimensional and didn’t put myself in R other people’s shoes.”

Naomi Ortiz G “Over the past four years, I have grown a lot mentally and socially. Coming into Miege I was very nervous and shy but L four years later and my whole mindset has changed and I’ve finally learned to be myself, which has allowed myself to O make new friends.” W George Ruf “I’ve improved my self control. All U throughout grade school and some of high school I was extremely hyper and had trouble controlling myself. I P still remember 7th grade year when I jumped from desk to desk pretending I S was Spider Man.” 16 Miegian staff survey What genre has been your favorite TV show during quarantine? reality 14.3% drama 28.6% sports 14.3% comedy 42.9%

What has been your favorite snack during quarantine? chips 85.7%

candy 14.3%

| survey spread by Maren O’Connell | results from the 7 seniors on the Miegian staff 17 What has been your favorite TV show during lockdown? 90 Day Fiancé Moira Sutherlin

Grey’s Anatomy Maddy McBride The Good Place Maren O’Connell

What has been the latest time you’ve slept in until during quarantine?

F is for Family Cooper Brandmeyer

Gossip Girl Allison Masilionis

The Office Kaitlin Thrun

Impractical Jokers 12-1 57.1% 9-10 14.3% Luke Lazarczyk later 14.3% 11-12 14.3% 18 Calling all of the geeks and gamers Katie Taylor was born into the world more than a nomenon? decade ago —but I’m not here to docu- Minecraft taps into mankind’s most Guest Writer ment Minecraft’s deep and effervescent primal instincts: surviving in Mother history, nor am I particularly interest- Nature’s deepest depths and living in n expansive, candescent field ed in delving into its popularity today. tune with her environment by creating of crystal clear water glimmers My sweet geeks and gamers, I want to a home limited only by one’s imagina- Aunder the beaming sun. Waves tion. Because more so than a miner, roll into a coastline of pale sand. a crafter, a survivor —one in Mine- Behind me is a vibrant forest, a craft is an artist. The game places picturesque mountain range, and primitive qualities of reality into an any other majestic landscape that endless sandbox of a world; this is calls this world home. I exist free of what creates its magnetic pull, the responsibilities, of time; urgency is siren song of any gamer. nonexistent, and I am guided only Quite simply, Minecraft is in- by my whims. finite. Just like it’s boundless worlds No, I’m not on some lavish, far- and limitless fun, the game exists away vacation. I’m sitting right at within a realm untouched by the home, like hundreds of millions of rules of our universe. It is a blank other Americans currently self-iso- Senior Katie Taylor (photoshopped) stands in canvas of cosmic proportions; it lating during these trying times. the comforting caresses of Minecraft’s rolling is up to you and me to pick up our Unless you’ve been living under hills. | photo courtesy of Katie Taylor paintbrushes and build something a rock —or, as we in the biz call beautiful. I can’t speak for everyone, it, cobblestone —you have at least a dig deeper. How exactly is it that such but when push comes to shove and semblance of an idea as to what Mine- simple ideas as mining and crafting pickaxe strikes stone, I know where I’ll craft is. This sweet gaming ambrosia have grown into an international phe- be in my times of need. The cultural resurgence of ‘Avatar’ Sara Gallo have the ability to “bend” or control one while intimidating, are quite humanized of the four elements —water, earth, fire, and have rational motivation for acting Guest Writer and air —to their will, with the Avatar against the protagonists. Each character being the only one to control all four that is introduced has a distinct personal- nless you have been living under simultaneously. The series comprising ity, and each contributes so much to the a rock or just hate anything good, three “books” follows waterbender Katara plot. The vivacious characters paired with Uthere is a good chance you have and her brother, Sokka, as they follow Av- the witty dialogue and the phenomenal revisited, first time visited or at least atar Aang all over their world as he tries vocal performances make the characters encountered Avatar: The Last Airbender to master all elements in order to defeat truly feel alive and easy to understand or sometime recently. Having hit streaming the Fire Lord, the one responsible for identify with. service Netflix on May 15, there has been the war. Although this seems like a basic If you want to learn how to write a a cultural resurgence surrounding the set-up, the execution of this is what really near perfect story, I highly recommend titular show. And rightfully so, everything solidifies this show as one of the greatest this show. And if you are one of those about this series works in such a spe- series ever. people who will not watch something cial way that can be enjoyed by any and Something people do not usually because it’s a cartoon —here’s your medal everyone. expect to see in a “kid’s show” is strong for being too cool, congratulations. You The story itself is very simple: two and complex character writing, which is are missing out on such an artistic show siblings uncover a seemingly young boy something extremely present in Avatar that has influenced at least two gener- frozen in an iceberg. However, they soon and one of the best attributes of it. Not ations. Anyone wanting to watch this realize that the boy is the key to ending only is the main protagonist likeable, series for the first time, I hope you enjoy a hundred year long feud between the he is flawed and directly parallels one it. And trust me, the worst part about fin- conquering Fire Nation and the rest of of the antagonists in the series, the son ishing it is that you will never be able to the world. In their world, certain people of the Fire Lord. The antagonists also, experience it for the first time ever again. The hole in a sports fanatic’s life 19 Luke Lazarczyk been finding ways to help my need This excitement created by the NFL has for sports. I have been doing multiple helped not only myself but many other Sports Editor things: watching player highlights, sports fans. reading up on past games and playoffs, Sports fans lost a ton of potential ife at the moment has been very having sports arguments with my broth- enjoyment in the past couple of weeks. difficult for everyone. COVID-19 has er, preparing for my dynasty fantasy Starting with the cancellation of the Lcreated a new danger in our lives football league, and watching classic NBA, the season was about to head into and has taken away many of the simple games from the NFL, NBA, and NCAAB. the playoffs and excitement was heating things in our lives. For myself, one of At one point, I went onto Youtube to up around the league. Worst of all, for the hardest adjustments has to be a life watch game two of the 1993 NBA Finals myself, March Madness was canceled without sports. between the Suns and the Bulls. and took away some of the best sports Sports are a big deal in my life. There has been one thing keeping moments that happen every year. Out of Before the pandemic, every day I would most of my sports attention helping to all the playoffs and tournaments, March be watching a game or checking up on distract myself from the sadness that Madness has always been my favorite. games that have been played throughout is currently going on in the world. The Trying to create the perfect bracket, the day. With the growing pandemic, ev- NFL free agency cycle and draft were and then watch many underdog teams ery sports league has canceled all games not stopped, as many big-time players surprise the country has been a yearly and left us with no sports to watch. This changed teams and changed the com- tradition that has been difficult to lose. has left a big hole in my daily life, which plete dynamic of the league for the I am continuing to work on ways to find has left me struggling to fill that void. next season, especially Tom Brady, who ways to enjoy sports until life is set back In the past couple of weeks, I have signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. to normal. Reminiscing about boys’ Luke Lazarczyk state, the worst part about losing the year. Hanging out with the guys (Daniel season is losing the experience with the Stroade, Javier Lorendo, Patrick Cash- Sports Editor team. Every day after school, no matter man, Evan Acuff, and Andrew Ladwig) how my day was going, I always knew was such a great time. Having our tour- OVID-19 has made life very dif- I had tennis practice afterward. Every nament in Pratt, Kansas, we were able to ficult and has taken away many practice was a new time for me to enjoy spend nine hours in the car with Coach Cthings for many people, including time with the tennis lads. No matter if Don and enjoy the ride. In my state myself. One of the biggest consequences it was enjoying the games we played, experience, I did not play well with two for me personally has been my lost ten- messing around in between drills, or jok- losses, but it was great to see the team nis season. With school being canceled, ingly trash-talking each other, practice play above expectations and almost land all spring sports also ended prematurely, was always an enjoyable experience for a trophy. The three days of driving and which has taken away my last year of me. watching insane amounts of tennis were tennis for Bishop Miege. The team always made my matches one of my favorite experiences from Going into the season, I had many way more entertaining and was always Bishop Miege. things I was looking forward to. , very supportive. In any match or tour- Luckily for myself and my fellow the team this year was in a great posi- nament, I could always depend on my senior teammates, we have been given tion to compete for the 4A state title, teammates to cheer me on. No matter the opportunity to play in a socially something Bishop Miege has not done in if I was playing great or I was getting distanced tournament on July 25th and over 30 years. After our fourth-place fin- destroyed by someone way better than 26th. It won’t be the same, but it is still a ish last year, I felt very confident in the me, I could look over across the fence chance to finish off my Miege tennis ca- team that we could take first this season. and see my teammates giving me a sign reer. Looking at my soon- to-be finished Having this opportunity taken away of encouragement or give a laugh if I did tennis career, I will always cherish the from us was very upsetting, especially something stupid. great times on the team and will always since most of us will never have another Out of my three years and a few appreciate my teammates and coaches chance to compete in a state match. weeks of my tennis career, my favorite who helped make tennis a great part of Besides missing the chance to win memories come from our state-run last my life. 20 Seniors’ last Luke Lazarczyk Sports Editor or seniors Morgan McNally and Katie Wolfe, softball has been a Fpart of their Bishop Miege lives since the beginning. Both McNally and Wolfe have been playing on the Stags’ softball varsity squad starting their freshman year. With the emer- gence of COVID-19, their final softball season together was cut short as well as the school year. Both Wolfe and McNally said they were very disap- pointed that it was all over. “When I found out the season was over, I was more than sad,” Wolfe said. “I was looking forward to my senior Seniors Morgan McNally and Katie Wolfe pose in the dugout before a game. season and getting to play with my | photo courtesy of Katie Wolfe favorite people.” have my senior season but glad that I season that they wish they could have McNally had similar feelings about at least got to see everyone for a few experienced. the cancellation of the season, but was practices before it ended,” McNally “I believe I missed out most on happy that there was some time as a said. making memories with the best team team beforehand. The senior duo had special mo- ever,” Wolfe said. “When I learned the season was ments they were ready for during the McNally had a specific moment over, I was sad that I wouldn’t get to that she was looking forward to, to finish off her softball career at Miege “I believe I missed out most on se- nior night because I had been looking forward to it and it would have been a nice way to end my softball career,” McNally said. Playing since freshman year, Morgan and Katie have seen many different senior leaders throughout the years. Before the season ended, both girls were making sure to be good leaders for the Stags with the roster looking to be full of underclassmen. “In leading the team, I plan to show them the plays we run and the enthusiasm we should play with during games and practices,” McNally said. Wolfe’s idea to lead the team in- volved keeping team morale at a high and making sure everyone is motivat- Senior Morgan McNally checks the book before heading back out to the field to ed. play second base. | photo by Katie Wolfe “I plan to stay passionate and 21 season cut too short

Wolfe prepares at first base to field the ball at a Miege home game during her junior year. | photo by Maggie Lennox encourage my teammates to work hard “My favorite memories of softball makes it a lot more fun to mess with at this season,” Wolfe said. are all the girls always being so nice times that I can be bored.” Heading into the season, the two and we always bond really well,” Wolfe Wolfe has also enjoyed the team- seniors were looking forward to enjoy- said. mates four year run on the team ing the season with each other and the McNally has also been playing together, and is thankful for having rest of the team. varsity since her freshman year and has Morgan as a teammate. “I look forward to getting to know enjoyed traditions the team has built “Morgan is always super nice and everyone who is joining the team,” in her time playing for the Stags. funny and always keeps me motivated McNally said. “I am also excited to “My favorite memories have been to play hard for the team,” Wolfe said. have fun with the people I have been when we get pizza before our away Knowing their time together as playing with these past four years.” games,” McNally said. “The people teammates are over, both McNally and Wolfe was similarly expecting to have made it a lot more fun on the Wolfe felt they had great times togeth- have an exciting year with her team- team.” er and that their time together on the mates. Being Wolfe’s teammate for four diamond was well spent. “I look forward to playing with all years, McNally has not only had mo- “My time as a teammate of Katie’s the girls and being a leader,” Wolfe ments to enjoy the time with the team, was always fun because she can always said. but has also been able to appreciate make me laugh and has been really en- Wolfe has enjoyed her time on the having Wolfe as a teammate for her tertaining to mess with during games varsity softball team since freshman entire Bishop Miege softball career. and practices,” McNally said. “She was year and has been a part of finding “Katie always makes it a lot more one of the reasons I looked forward to moments to enjoy her teammates’ fun when I get mad or upset and makes the softball season because she made it company. me feel better,” McNally said. “She also so much more fun. ” 22 Future college athletes Luke Lazarczyk Sports Editor

ith the current pandemic, there have been many changes in Wdaily life that have caused many to make adjustments. One of those changes is the shift sports has taken, not only professionally, but also locally and collegiately. Even though the sports season came to an unexpected close, there are many seniors who will be able to continue their career beyond high school. Miege has 16 senior athletes playing at the col- legiate level across six different sports, including A’Zariah Burgin cheering at Pine Bluff in Arkansas. Burgin is now going to cheer colle- giately, but cheering was not her initial plan heading into college. “I’ve always envisioned myself Cheerleader A’Zariah Burgin performs at a football game with the dance team. going to college for track,” Burgin said. | photo by Katie Wolfe “However, when I started cheering in high school, I knew that I would want to out his recruitment process, Burns “It had affected my training quite continue in college.” received interest from many schools, for a bit over the past month with all gyms During Burgin’s time at Miege, her either scholarship or preferred walk on. being closed and not being able to do favorite times cheering were under the “I ended up receiving 16 offers, the normal workouts to get prepared Friday night lights supporting the Stags’ mostly from Missouri Valley and Ivy for the fall,” Burns said. “I have tried to football team. league schools and a few preferred walk- be creative with finding different things “I love the high spirits and energy on offers from some larger schools,” around the house to use for weights, but from the student section,” Burgin said. Burns said. “It was not until I actually also have continued to run and stay in “Seeing all the action on the field from visited the school and the city around shape that way. ” the sidelines is all very exciting.” the campus and then also meeting the It has been discussed by many Burgin was expecting to go into coaches and current players that really people about the upcoming fall sports tryouts after the school year in May, helped me make my decision.” season for collegiate sports in the next but due to COVID-19, those tryouts Burns had many options heading few months. Burns realizes the possibili- were suspended. Even with these recent into his decision, but Harvard had an ty of the season moving and is preparing events, Burgin is still excited to be ready advantage due to the Burns’ family past. for possible options. to continue her cheering career at Ar- “My dad played football at Har- “If the season was to be canceled kansas Pine Bluff. vard, so I had been up there and walked entirely and the fall semester be taught “I will always miss cheering on the around Boston a couple times and online alternatives such as taking a gap Stags, but soon I will be cheering on the always really liked the city as well as the year have been discussed with my par- Lions,” Burgin said. school itself,” Burns said. ents and coaches,” Burns said. “Another The football team, which Burgin en- The recent quarantine has shut possibility is that the season gets moved joyed cheering for, is sending many play- down all gyms and possible places back to the spring, which I would prefer, ers to the collegiate level, including left to work out. Burns has tried to work but also would lead to a quick transition tackle Brian Burns. Burns will be playing through these difficulties to stay in from the spring season into the follow- football at Harvard University. Through- shape. ing fall season. ” this pandemic go away then I’m all for it,” 2020 23 Moylan said. With the closures of all gyms, Moylan Commitments knows that these circumstances are not beneficial to her start of her collegiate A’Zariah Burgin career. University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff “I think not having access to a gym and not being able to practice with my Brian Burns club team might affect my preparedness,” Harvard University Moylan said. “Also, with no access to a weight room I could definitely fall behind Brison Cobbins the other girls.” Even with these tough issues, Moylan Missouri Western University has made sure to find ways to try to stay in form and avoid being rusty. Grant Fussell “I can always hit the ball against a Quincy University wall or play with my family or even just do ball handling on my own,” Moylan Daniel Jackson said. Minnesota University Moylan said she is ready for her Volleyball player Brianna Moylan spikes volleyball career for the Pioneers to begin Trenton Mandl the ball at the opposing team. | photo and is happy for the opportunity. courtesy of Brianna Moylan “I was so incredibly excited to get the Kansas Christian College opportunity and felt like all my hard work Another athlete who could be affect- had finally paid off,” Moylan said. Tyler Marchand ed by the movement of the fall sports is Moylan said she is looking forward to Benedictine College volleyball player, Brianna Moylan. Moylan the opportunity that volleyball will give has recently committed to MidAmerica her in college to further add to her colle- Molly Mayberry Nazarene University and said she under- giate experience. Columbia University stands how the season can be affected. “I think I’m most excited to meet “I think it would really stink if the new friends and be in such a close-knit Brianna Moylan season got moved because I’m really community while also playing the sport I MidAmerica Nazarene University looking forward to it, but if it will help love,” Moylan said. Diego Olivas Rockhurst University DeAunte Parker Northwest Missouri State Rishi Rattan Tulane University Sophia Stram St. Louis University Max VanMeter South Dakota State University Ashton Verhulst University of Central Florida Mason Weber Left tackle Brian Burns defends his quarterback from the Aquinas team. | photo by Katie Wolfe Princeton University 24 Wise words of wisdom Ashton Verhulst: “Get involved in Ben Coffman: “If the ACT doesn’t Connor Doble: “Work hard and as much stuff as possible, because high fit you, take the SAT as it might be a get homework done. I know it may take school will be over before you know better fit and gives you more time. Just time and not be fun, but homework it, and so many people leave Miege work hard for the next few years. You makes up a ton of points throughout wishing they had participated in more. do not have much time to excel in high the year. Make sure to go to as many Take part in different activities, clubs, school, so do your best now to invest in sporting events as possible and do the teams, dances, sporting events, classes, your future.” cheers when you go. Overall, just enjoy or anything else you have the slightest your time at Miege while you still have interest in because I guarantee you Connor Rush: “Work hard and be it because it goes by fast.” won’t regret it.” patient with teachers. Have as much fun as you can with your friends because Molly Donegan: “Work hard to try Thomas Beland: “Don’t be afraid time goes by fast. Make as many con- and get good grades. I wish I had tried to talk to your teachers. The teachers nections as possible and strive to be the harder my freshman and sophomore genuinely want the best for you.” best at everything you do. Be the best year of high school. You may not realize ‘you’ you can be and do not worry about it, but these grades will ultimately af- Delaney O’Byrne: “The best thing what anyone thinks about you as long fect your GPA. If you work hard and get you could do as a lower classman would as you are always trying to improve.” good grades, it will be very beneficial to be involving yourself in as much as you and your future. Good grades can you can and try out different interests. Sam Mitchell: “Go to every sports also help you receive college scholar- It’s really cool how much Miege offers game you can. You might not know ships, and help you get into the college for kids to be involved in and there are when your last one will be, so enjoy it you want.” endless opportunities to make new while it lasts.” friendships. Also, don’t stress yourself Nick Fahlstrom: “No matter how out too much, but put in some effort.” Payton Nies: “High school is a lot hard life can be, just remember that you harder than people tell you it is. Not will always have friends and family to A’Zariah Burgin: “My advice to the the schoolwork — that’s about the same support you through your hard times.” lower classmen would be to get in- — socially, mentally, and emotionally volved with the school, try new things, it can be extremely taxing. The best Grace Brandl: “My advice would be and meet new people.” advice I can give is to push through the to go to school not scared of what oth- hard stuff and to make sure you take ers think about you because odds are, Kevin Hannon: “Make the most of time alone to pursue the things you they are too worried about what others your high school experience. Don’t be enjoy. Enjoy being a kid while you can think about what others think of them.” afraid to go out of your comfort zone. It and explore who you want to be.” is always good to try new things.” Hudson Pflumm: “Do the work Jake Ryan: “Find positivity out early, whatever it may be — it will pay Ariacna Martinez-Andrade: “En- of everything that you do and do not off in the end.” joy high school, do your work, have fun, be afraid to try something new. High and don’t worry too much. It’s gone school is a time to learn how to change Daniel Stroade: “Take advantage before you know it.” and adapt to what life throws at you. of all the resources that are offered at Know that you are not in it alone and Miege. Get involved and most of all, be Ella Albright: “Do not be afraid accept help from those around you that a leader. Start strong, do not get behind, to join a club or sport, it’s no harm to care about you.” and don’t forget to have fun as your join and you’ll regret it if you don’t try. years in high school fly by fast. Go Stags Don’t be afraid to talk to someone you Sydney Messick: “Don’t take Go!” don’t know, because you’re all going to anything for granted. It goes by quicker be best friends by senior year. This is than you would think, so enjoy your Elena Nguyen: “Don’t be afraid to a time to meet new people, get out of time and get as involved as you can be- stand up and be vocal for your ideas. your comfort zone and have fun while cause that is the best part and you will One good idea can change a mediocre doing it. Don’t hold back, just go for it!” regret not doing it more.” project to an outstanding one.” 25 Teachers’ farewells When I think of this class it brings a smile to my face. Lots of crazy moments that involved lots of laughter...snake clap in freshman biology...kind of weird, kind of cool moments in anatomy. Crazy moments that made me grow...fresh- man first hour biology...you know who you are! Watching young freshmen turn into mature seniors. All these moments and many more lead to a proud Mama Reed! | Ms. Reed

“ I will miss seeing all of you walking through the hallways. I will miss you “ stopping by my room to say hello, even after you’re no longer in my class. I will miss watching you do your thing - theater, choir, sports, debate, forensics, robotics, and everything else. I will miss your leadership - you have great lead- ers. I will miss your spirit... Now I am excited to watch you go out to all the places you’re going and set the world on fire with your amazing gifts! “ | Mr. Dessert “ I think one of my favorite memories is bittersweet. The Concert Chorale sang for Mrs. Salisbury’s wake and funeral. Despite the heartbreaking circumstanc- es, this choir sang with such heart, it was felt throughout the congregation. They gave it 100% with love and compassion, I was moved and so very proud! The choir of 2019-2020 has such great senior leaders who I am very fond of!

| Mrs. Christie

“ My favorite memory is watching Kyle Ivey drive the our T-shirt launching “ robot all the way from North Campus with its headlights on for the first time. The look on his face was great, but the looks on the faces of the people driving by on Reinhardt was better. Graduation is always a bittersweet experience for me, because I know I’ll never know most of these graduates as well as I do at that moment ever again. And many of them are pretty cool people. | Mr. Anderson

“ This senior class will always be special and unique to me: my last class of Freshman “ Homeroom, the first class to have a speech requirement for graduation (so every senior planning to graduate has been in my classroom for at least one class), and my last class of AP English Language students. I have had more direct contact with this class than any other in my 33 years at Miege, and 98% of the time that has been amazing contact! This is a class filled with compassion, humor, wit, and strength! “ | Mrs. Reynolds “ 26 27