“Aida” set to bring love story to Aquinas stage Aquinas to story love bring to set “Aida” Inside SHIELD The studentvoiceatSaintThomasAquinas the discern theirvocations, with FatherAndrew to Jeff Thelenspenda day Seniors MaxWilberand Features, Page5 media, Comparing thedifferencesbetweensocial Centerspread, Pages 8-9 www.stasaints.net October 27,2011 Volume 24,Issue3 Overland Park,KS66215 11411 PflummRd. 2 October 27, 2011 Contents Contents News Briefs

Qadaffi killed Students involved in many activi- Libyan Colonel Muammar el-Qadaffi, the dictator who fled from power, was captured and killed by Libyan officials Oct. 20 after fighters seiged Qadaffi’s hometown of Sirte. Qadaffi’s body was displayed ties in and outside of school feel the in the town of Misarta for Libyans to celebrate the end of dictator’s regime. stress of being well-rounded, Turkey Earthquake Campus News, Page 4 A 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook parts of southeastern Turkey on Oct.23, killing near 400 people and injuring almost a thousand people. The epicenter of the quake was located in Ercis, which lies on a major fault line. Once banned by some teachers, Aquinas featured on morning news show Wikipedia is gaining credibilitiy Saint Thomas Aquinas was featured on the weekly Friday-morning “Cool School” segment of the KCTV5 morning news show, Friday Oct. 21. The show highlighted excellence in service, academics and Campus, News, Page 3 extra-curricular activities such as Key Club, Forensics and We The People. 26 Seniors recognized as Kansas Honor Scholars 26 Students at Aquinas were honored as Kansas Honor Scholars at a recepetion Oct. 26 at Olathe Junior Melissa Feuerborn spends East High School. Honors Scholars are those students who rank in the top 10 percent of their senior class. hours everyday training for The awards are given out by the University of Kansas. gymnastics, Various trips offered to students Saint Thomas Aquinas will be offering various trips to several locations throughout the entire Features, Page 6 school year. Spanish students will be traveling to spain this summer, while Japanese club members will fly to Japan to visit our sister school. Mission trips are offered to juniors and sophomores during spring break and seniors will be making a pilgramge to Rome during that time as well. Apple Creator Steve Jobs’s death impacts Aquinas, Upcoming Events Features, Page 7 Oct 28- Volleyball State Activities to do in the fall, Oct 29- Cross Country, Volleyball State Entertainment, Page 11 Oct 30- Open House Oct 31- Halloween, Catholic Charities Canned Reality television does not match up Food Drive Begins to real life, Nov 1- All Saints Day Mass, Priority Opinions, Page 12 Scholarship Deadline for KU/KSU Nov 3,5,6- Fall Musical, “Aida” Preview of State Championship Nov 9- Student Council Town Hall Meeting competitions, Nov 10,11- NO SCHOOL Sports, Page 14 Nov 12- Extravaganza

Campus News October 27, 2011 3 Wikipedia’s credibility questioned Wikipedia

The site “Wikipedia” has Fun Facts taken steps to help prevent fraud in their articles, allow- The wiki software, cre- ing for more credibility. ated by programmer Ward Cunningham, took ALEXIS LEIKER its name from the Ha- Managing/News Editor waiian term “wiki-wiki,” which means quick.

The debate whether to use Wikipedia as a source for school assignments has always been a Wikipedia has no ads. popular topic among students and teachers alike. In past years, teachers have warned students to Bad weather leads to stay away from the site because of doubts on its credibility, but more Wikipedia updates. recently some views have been changed on using Wikipedia as a reasonable source, as long as it’s Wikipedia generates ap- not the primary source. proximatley 684 million According to its own site, Wikipedia is a “free, Web-based, page views each year. collaborative, multilingual ency- Alexis Leiker | The Shield clopedia project supported by the Senior Carly Van Blaricum and freshman Paige Klimas use Wikipedia as a source to research various subjects. nonprofit Wikimedia Founda- about living people, and in some good place to start,” business and but it still has some flaws,” De- The English language tion." It was founded in 2001 by cases, important biographies. It technology teacher Al Miner said. partment head of technology and Wikipedia has more than Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. requires material to be signed Wikipedia also makes sure social studies David Shriver said. Since its beginnings, Wikipedia 3 million articles. off on by an experienced editor that there is a “history” page “I will use it if I want to know has amassed an archive of 18 before it is seen by the general attached to every article so that something really quick, like a million entries in about 279 lan- reader. There is a layer of review every past revision or edit can name of something.” guages and is one of the 10 most to prevent some "edits" from be seen. This makes it easier to Though some students find Members of the Wiki- popular web sites on the Internet. appearing immediately. Founder compare old and new versions, that Wikipedia is easier to use pedia community are The “wiki” technology allows for Jimmy Wales strongly agrees with undo changes that an editor while researching topics, many collaborative, real-time editing. referred to as “Wikipedi- the idea of “flagged revisions.” considers undesirable, or restore are tentative to use it. It works by starting as a ans.” “We have really become lost content. The "Discussion" “It makes me hesitant be- "stub," a first stab at defining a part of the infrastructure of how pages associated with each article cause it’s not professionals writ- topic. Someone then expands it, people get information. There is are used to coordinate work ing it, however, because everyone while another contributor may a serious responsibility we have,” among different editors. Regular is allowed to edit it, people can 31% of Wikipedia read- shrink it again; some edit for style Wales said in an article for the contributors often maintain a correct it if it’s wrong,” senior ers are women. and others edit for typos. New York Times. "watch list" of articles of interest Martha Krattli said. Since it is set up in this style, With about 280 million to them, so that they can easily Some feel that Wikipedia is some teachers do not allow stu- users, it can be understood why keep tabs on all recent changes to better used for information on dents to use Wikipedia as a source many worry about the reliabil- those articles. opinion topics or “hot topic” Wikipedia is ten years because of fear of obtaining infor- ity of Wikipedia. Wikipedia’s Computer programs called subjects. old. mation that is false or written by reliability, though, is actually “Internet Bots” have been used “If you look, you’ll see on someone with low credentials. higher than many people would widely to remove vandalism as Wikipedia that (the article on) The creators of Wikipedia think. Experts found that there soon as it’s made to correct com- George Washington weighs in recognized this problem and took are about four errors per article in mon misspellings and grammar, at 9,892 words, Optimus Prime steps to solve it. One step Wiki- Wikipedia and about three errors or to start articles such as geogra- at 26,119 words, Abe Lincoln at pedia took was initiating the plan per article in Britannica. phy entries in a standard format 14,100, and Steve Jobs at 6,854 of “flagged revisions.” Flagged “I wouldn’t use (Wikipedia) instead of statistical data. words,” Miner said. g revisions are limited to articles Information acquired from onlinemba.com/ as a primary source, but it’s a “Wikipedia is fast and easy, wikipedia 4 October 27,2011 Campus News Keeping up with a well-rounded student

and get into bed around 11. and friends may be necessary Kyle Lickteig PHOEBE BEACHNER The next day and the next day to keep up with such a busy Reporter are instant replays. These are schedule. Everyone’s life in- Year: Junior the typical days a “well-round- volves stress but not everyone ed” student lives. is able to cope well with it. Yet Athletic Activities: Soccer everyday 3:30 – 5 p.m. with at least Get up, go to school for The key is to keep or- those who can always keep two games per week. seven hours, go to practice, get ganized. Cutting out social their head high, keep calm and home around eight, eat dinner, events, unique opportunities, carry on. g do homework, then shower and sometimes close family Job: Quik Trip, but I don’t work during soccer season. Laynie Timmons Extracurricular: Choir School Work: Mostly honors classes, 1 ½ hours nightly, 7 Year: Senior hours of sleep.

Athletic Activities: In the Fall, I have volleyball 3:45- Free Time: Lots of school spirit, I try to attend lots of sports 5:30 p.m. with tournaments on Saturdays and in the games. Spring I run track at 5:30 p.m. then have volleyball 7:30 College: Yes, engineering possibly at K-State, but I won’t play – 9:30 p.m. soccer.

Job: No job, but get paid a monthly allowance to pay for Motivation: My girlfriend Kelsey Ryan. gas. Stress Level: There is no point in stressing out. Stress won’t Extracurricular: Staples and taking photos for the year- help; just move on and get back in the game. g book.

School work: Homework sucks. I’m in all honors classes with homework in at least 2 classes each night. I get home at 5:30 p.m. from volleyball, work on homework till 10 p.m. with a dinner break, and shower right before bed; I get about 7 hours of sleep.

Free Time: Not a lot of free time during the week and none at all during volleyball season. I attend lots of foot- ball games to take pictures for yearbook and Preps KC.

College: Yes, Drury University; playing volleyball while still running track on the side; I like psychology so I want to be a teacher or counselor, perhaps at Aquinas.

Motivation: My parents help out a lot. I’m a perfection- ist. But even if it’s not done perfectly, life will still go on.

Emily Ewert | The Medallion : Depends on the week; I don’t get stressed, Timmons is a hitter on the varsity volley- Stress Level ball team. She plans to continue playing I get tired. g volleyball at Drury Univeristy. Emily Ewert | The Medallion Lickteig plays centerback for the varsity soccer team. Features October 27, 2011 5 A day in the life of Father Andrew Strobl

Ever been curious how Fa- for the next day. Just another day in the life of a priest. g ther Andrew spends his day? The question is answered.

MAX WILBER Freelance Reporter The Schedule 7:10 a.m.: Mass at Wake up, Mass, adoration, Mrs. Hilgers’ class, QuikTrip, Aquinas meeting with Directors of Reli- gious Education, lunch with third 8:10 a.m.: Conversa- graders, I. Donnelly bookstore run, a funeral, and night time tion in Mrs. Hilgers’s meetings make up a day in the class. life of Father Andrew Strobl. Jeff Thelen and I were lucky enough to shadow Father An- 9:20 a.m.: Leave Aqui- drew on Thursday, October 6 to find out what a day in the life of a nas priest entails. The day began with Mass in the chapel at 7:10 am. Im- Photo courtesy of Jeff Thelen 9:25 a.m.: Arrive at mediately following Mass junior Father Andew Strobl stops at QuikTrip for breakfast and gives the gas station a big thumbs up. QuikTrip. Hannah Burkhart joined us for adoration led by Father. The and head out as Father Andrew After Father finishes talking, to sit amongst them. We talked adoration was part of the prayer tells us why QuikTrip is the best a woman comes over to Jeff and to them and discussed how the 9:35 a.m.: Arrive at group that Father leads. place to get breakfast. I. She asks us about everything jello was similar to Spongebob We then stood with Father We head back to Father’s that is going on, and then if we and Patrick from the children’s Prince of Peace Andrew while he greeted stu- home parish, Prince of Peace. are discerning a call to the priest- television show Spongebob dents before class. He leads in, makes some small hood. We immediately tell that Squarepants. After walking around chat- talk with the secretaries before we are trying to decide which Not content with only 10:00 a.m.: DRE ting, theology teacher Mary he enters a frenzied state, trying vocation God would like to place joking around with our lunch meeting Ann Hilgers ushers us into her desperately to remember if he has us in. I tell her that I applied to friends, Father Andrew takes us classroom. She asks Father to a wedding to preside over this the archdiocese and Jeff explains around to see every grade. We speak to her class for a brief mo- week. his current state. After which she stop in for a few minutes and 11:45 a.m.: Lunch ment and they end up discuss- After discovering that the begins to tell us of her son. He talk to each of the classes. Father ing STAPLES, Jewish prayer wedding is not this week, we is a junior at Bishop Miege High high-fives each of the kids, bring- with third graders devotions, and how Hilgers head down to a meeting. The School and he is also considering ing a smile to their faces. photographs. After the private directors of religious education a call to the priesthood. We then depart Prince of 12:10 p.m.: Making conversation, the class begins to from the Archdiocese are gath- Hearing this news brighten Peace for I. Donnelly bookstore discuss current events and they ered to listen to Father speak. our days more than we had on Troost Avenue. Father needed rounds turn on a video. Explaining to Jeff and I that he believed possible. Father Andrew a new Missal for the Aquinas The video produces much has not prepared for this meet- explained that these kinds of Chapel. While down at the book talk in the classroom, which Fa- ing, he still confidently stands in things happen all the time when store Jeff and I have a chance 12:30 p.m.: Leave for ther Andrew adds to, but then re- front of the group. you are a priest. We then moved to question Father about every I. Donnelly alizes we are running late on our The talk goes wonderfully; it to have a free lunch with a group aspect of the priesthood. schedule. We had hoped to be at covers issues facing the directors of third grade students. After dropping Jeff and I QuikTrip by 9:15, but it was past with regard to the sacraments of It was taco day in the cafete- at Aquinas, Father departs for a 2:00 p.m.: Return to 9:15 before we left Aquinas. Reconciliation, Confirmation, ria at Prince of Peace. Apparently funeral that is set to be followed We arrived at QuikTrip ten and the Eucharist. The noisy being with a priest gives you spe- by a group of meetings including Aquinas minutes behind schedule. We directors debate and discuss cial line cutting privileges! The RCIA. After which he has the grab our desired refreshments everything going on. third graders offered us a spot opportunity to relax and prepare 6 October 27, 2011 Features Gymnast Melissa Feurborn strives for perfection

Melissa Feurborn looks at the progress she has made over the last seven years.

MADISON PETRACEK Entertainment Editor

Age nine is a peculiar year to begin gymnastics. Most children start this sport between the ages of three and five. Coming into gymnastics after taking years of Irish dance, young Melissa Feuerborn was already at a disadvantage. Flash forward eight years and Melissa, a junior at Saint Thomas Aquinas, is a level 10 (highest level) gym- nast at Kansas Gymnastics and Cheer (KGDC). Her skill level is equivalent to students who had a six year head start. Melissa’s mom, Monica Feuerborn, enrolled Melissa into gymnastics after Melissa watched a friend’s gymnastics class and said it looked fun. “She just seemed to tumble and do cartwheels a lot so I switched her over (from Irish dance) to gymnastics,” Monica said. Madison Petracek l The Shield Melissa attends gym every Junior Melissa Feuerborn preforms a handstand on the balance beam. Melissa began gymnastics at age nine. She now is at level ten in gymnastics. day, except Sunday, for four hours. Gymnastics requires more for something she wants and I come to every meet, and which- perfect gymnast,” Monica said. said. than being just an athlete. Melissa can see that in her school work,” ever siblings have time, come Melissa’s favorite trick is a Melissa’s other achievements is not only athletic but deter- Monica watch. jaeger, which is a front flip to have included competing at mined, committed, competitive, said. “(Gymnastics) gives me a Even re-catch the bar. Therefore, her Nationals last year and receiving disciplined and a hard worker, Before Melissa’s favorite event is the uneven paral- a special award at a meet from according to her mom. There are sense of accomplishment an event, grandma lel bars. The bars helped her win Olympic gold medalist Nadia also benefits for Melissa outside Melissa and helps me learn time will come Western Nationals in 2010. The Comneci. Nastia Liukin is her of the gym. feels ner- cheer her competition was between her and idol in the world of gymnastics “It gives me a sense of ac- management,” vous, but on. Watch- one other girl. because Liukin and Melissa complishment and helps me learn mostly - Melissa Feuerborn ing from “The other girl had gone have a similar gymnastics style. time management,” Melissa said. excited. the stands, and they posted her scores. Then Dreams of competing in college Monica sees the positive ef- Gymnast “I go Monica Melissa went on the balance are in her mind. fects of gymnastics as well. through the entire routine in my feels anxious every time Melissa beam and I knew it was a higher “I am hoping to get a full- “She’s been able to take real- head before I compete,” Melissa performs. score than that (other) girl based ride scholarship. I have looked at ly good care of her body and she said. “I’m always really nervous on her performance. So when she Ohio State, Missouri and Denver eats healthy as a result of that. Melissa always has support because gymnastics is all about finished her beam routine I was University. I haven’t received any It has given her a tremendous while performing. Her parents perfection. The judges always so happy. I was screaming and scholarship offers… yet,” Melissa work ethic. She works really hard find some flaw. There is rarely a yelling. I was so excited,” Monica said. g Features October 27, 2011 7 Lou Tripp travels the world through program

Through People to People, favorite thing to say is “I got this shopping in Paris,” because not Lou Tripp has been to Italy many people can say that. and many other countries. Q: Where have you been? JACOB DOTTERWEICH Lou: I’ve been to London, Paris, Sports Editor Rome, Florence, Vatican City, Australia and China. Q: Why do you travel? Q: What is the People to People Program? Lou: I travel because I want to. Once I find opportunities, my Lou: People to People is a parents can allow me to go and I program that takes outstanding fundraise for the money. students that have been recom- mended by a teacher to travel Q: Where is the furthest away to other countries to spread you’ve been? understanding and create unity and peace. About 40 people out Lou: China. I went to Shanghai, of about 150 people get in in Beijing and Hong Kong. this part of Kansas and some of Missouri and sometimes one or Q: What was your favorite place? Photo courtesy of Lou Tripp two kids will come from nearby Sophomore Lou Tripp stands on the Great Wall of China. While in China, she also visited Hong Kong, Beijing and states. g Lou: I’ve liked them all. My Shanghai. Steve Jobs dies, leaving his Apple legacy behind Inventor Steve Jobs died was unveiled just one year later. for his relentless pursuit of the now well-known device, the iPod his legacy lies on through his in- After developing a computer future. He was an adept at envi- in 2001. iTunes and OS X, the novations. this month, leaving a major with a graphic interface, Jobs sioning the Next Big Thing and operating system of Macs, were “What always separated impact on Aquinas. took Apple public. bringing a product to market that also released. The iTunes Store Steve Jobs for me from those In 1982, Apple reached $1 met a need people didn’t even sold one million songs in just the who claimed to be his competi- MIKE ESTES billion dollars in revenue. The realize they had,” says Miner. first week. In 2004, Jobs was di- tors was his artistic approach to Macintosh computer went on After his resignation, he agnosed with Pancreatic Cancer technology,” Teacher Craig Ew- Reporter sale in 1984 after a famous Super started Next Inc., a company to and had undergone a secretive ing said. “He would tell me how Bowl commercial was aired. make computers for Universi- surgery. However, in the next the iPad would feel in my hand; On Oct. 15th, Apple Chair- However, not everything went ties. He also purchased Pixar and seven years, Jobs had one of the how the iPhone would talk to man Steve Jobs passed away after the way Jobs had hoped. He was made it the success it is today. biggest companies in the world. me. His gadgets, stores, com- his 7-year battle with pancreatic fired from his own company after Eventually, in 1996, Apple iPod Nano, new Macs, and the puters clean, minimalistic look cancer. Jobs has inspired mil- hiring John Sculley of Pepsico wanted to buy Next for $430 iPhone all brought in millions of always have appealed to me.” lions with his genius in technol- Inc. as CEO of Apple. That same million. Jobs agreed and just one dollars of revenue. To quote Jobs, “Don’t waste ogy. It all started when Jobs and year, Wozniak resigned. Jobs year later, he was “interim” CEO Just when there couldn’t be your time living someone else’s Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak did not let this stop him. He was of Apple. Jobs had successfully any more, behold the iPad. In life.” That is just what Jobs did. worked on computers in the determined to develope the big- been fired from his company, nine months, Apple sold a whop- He strived for his goals and did Homebrew Computer Club. gest and best technology empire built other successful empires, ping 15 million iPads. what he could to accomplish Their small experiments eventu- of all time. and forced himself back into his On Aug 24th Jobs an- them. He changed the world by ally spurned the founding of Computer teacher Al Miner dream job. nounced his resignation as CEO standing by pursuing his dreams Apple Computer in 1976. Apple was also influenced by Steve Although the iMac contin- of Apple and was appointed to and not letting anyone or any- reached a large mile-stone when Jobs. ues to sell, Apple’s “big break” Apple Chairman. The world was thing stop him. g the first personal, color computer “I respected Steve Jobs came when they established a shocked to hear of his death, but 8 October 27, 2011 9

A high school student just got home from school and knows in the back of their mind how much homework they need to finish for tomorrow. But yet, they are somehow drawn to their computer, For the past few years, millions of Facebook profiles have been created laptop, iPad, smart phone or whatever other device they may use. The student finds them self on for teens, adults and even pets, but now Twitter is quickly emerging as the Facebook within a matter of 20 seconds. They start checking their notifications and replying to frontrunner among social media networks. friends’ comments on pictures from last weekend. Then they start “creeping” on random people. In their next step towards Internet domination , Google launched its social network Often viewers see the occasional Facebook status expressing the shame Before the student is able to stop themselves, 25 minutes have gone by wasted. Yes, they site, Google plus, in June 2011. that they joined the Twitter world. Twitter now has 107 million users with seven should have been getting started on that English paper but after all it is really important what is percent of them being high school students. Twitter enables users to locate going on in all their friends’ (and possibly people they barely know) lives. It began with an "invite only" phase, where the only way a person could be admitted people who they know, who they may want to know more about, or someone There is indeed something that makes this social networking site so, for lack of better to the site was through an invite. It was opened to the public in September. they may be a fan of. Celebrities, friends, coaches, schools, bloggers and word, addicting. One of the few to receive an early invite was junior Austin Davis, who got the free many others use Twitter as a quick tool to let others know in a broad sense Facebook was founded in February 2004. According to Facebook’s Factsheet, “The invite because of an app on his phone. He sees some advantages to the site, but some what they are doing or thinking about and to directly contact others. Company’s mission is giving people the power to share and make the world more open and disadvantages as well. Technology teacher and softball coach Christine Orel uses Twitter to com- connected.” A list on mostpopularwebsites.net states that Facebook is the 2nd most visited municate with her softball players. website in the world. "The website doesn't change as often as Facebook does, so it’s more user friendly," “I use it mostly to communicate with the softball team for up to the minute Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg with his college roommates and fellow he said. "But it's not as populated as Facebook. I have six friends on Google plus, com- information on games, practices and meetings,” she said. computer science students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes. The pared to 465 Facebook friends." Many times teens use Twitter to see what their favorite celebrities are website's membership was initially limited by the founders to Harvard students, but was A large difference between Facebook and Google plus is that it allows users to doing, whether it is Lady Gaga (@LadyGaga) who had 14.7 million followers expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League, and Stanford Universi- separate friends into different label "circles." The user can choose to post to only certain at the time of this article, or the Saint Thomas Aquinas account (@STAsaints) ty. It gradually added support for students at various other universities before opening groups if so desired. which has 518 followers. It is essentially a faster way of email that others can to high school students, and, finally, how it currently stands, to anyone over the age see. of 13. There are 2,000 plus employees of the Company and the official headquarter "You can put family in one circle, close friends in another, and classmates in an- Junior Samantha Greig prefers Twitter over Facebook. is in Palo Alto, California. As of 2011, there are 500,000,000 active users. That’s other," Davis said. "That way when you want to post to a specific group it makes it very She said, “I can follow celebrities and see what they're up to. You can fol- one in every 13 people on earth. The average user spends more than 55 minutes easy to select which group you want to post to." low whoever on twitter, [on] Facebook you can only follow people you know.” per day on Facebook, according to website-monitoring.com. Google plus also has an instant messaging service called “messenger,” which al- There are many different terms that are used in the “Twitter world.” When “I honestly probably spend an hour a day on Facebook. If I can’t sleep at lows users to message texts and/or photos with each other. you follow someone, you are subscribing to see what they are doing on a night, then sometimes I’ll get on,” said junior Lauren Huddlestun. Google plus also allows users to use "hangouts," a way for a maximum of ten daily basis or what is on their mind, so it is “socially unacceptable” to follow Facebook affects high school students in a variety of ways. It serves as people to participate in a video chat. Facebook has video chat, but only allows it to one someone whom you are not friends with, unless they are famous. A tweet is a one-stop place for the latest on what’s happening in people’s lives (relation- user at a time. Definitely an advantage for Google plus. a 140 character or less post for what you are doing or thinking about, often ship statuses, recent events attended, etc.), it’s a place to upload media (i.e. containing hashtags. Hashtags are used to associate your tweet into a group of pictures, videos, etc.) and it’s a great tool for communication. Google plus also has the feature for users, if they enjoyed or agree with a particular tweets which all have a similar topic. They make it easier to browse tweets that “People who I was friends with when I was younger, I’m still able to post to +1 something, similar to a "like" on Facebook. contain similar subjects. When you retweet (RT) somebody’s tweet, you are keep in contact with,” said Huddlestun. essentially saying that you agree with what that person says and are re-posting Another disadvantage is that a user has to be 18 years old to have an account. Recent studies performed by Larry Rosen, professor of psychology at their particular tweet. Junior Nick Boyles believes that the age requirement might hinder its growth. California State University found there are negative effects from over- “[Twitter is] just so much fun and I feel that Facebook distracts more than use of the popular website. Rosen found antisocial behavior; narcissism “They need to get rid of the age requirement for them to be as popular as Face- Twitter. There's just too much going on on Facebook. Plus, I absolutely love (excessive self-love) and many other character flaws may be on the rise book,” he said. ‘hashtagging,’” junior Emily Curran said. due to teens overdosing on Facebook. The site plans to open up the site to everyone over 13 years old (the same regula- Twitter also enables their users to personalize their profile pages by al- Facebook is not the only social media powerhouse, Twitter comes tion as Facebook) once they update to the proper safety features. lowing users to pick background pictures, text and hyperlink colors, as well as in at a close second. It is ranked ninth on mostpopularwebsites.net. background and box colors. Another quality of Twitter is that the updates are Some people think that Google plus will eventually become more popular than Some people like the simplicity and overall appearance of Twitter in real time. This means that when a person sends their update, it will imme- Facebook, similar to what happened when Facebook overtook MySpace. Davis, how- more than Facebook. diately show that you have a new tweet at the top of the “home” page. This is ever, disagrees. “I like Twitter because it’s more simple and faster. But I do like one reason why many news corporations use Twitter as a tool to deliver break- "I think Google plus is too similar to Facebook to become as popular," Davis said. ing news before it is even shown on television. News has the ability to spread how you can upload pictures on Facebook,” said Huddlestun. "It may sound cooler to +1 things instead of liking them, though."g quickly once it is posted on Twitter, which is another reason there is the ability Unlike Facebook, Twitter doesn’t change their appearance as to retweet. often. Twitter is different from Facebook in that it is quicker to find information, “I don’t like Facebook’s home screen, it makes it harder to does not have ads, and it enables you to communicate faster by tagging some- navigate,” said Huddlestun. one in a tweet rather than going to their wall. Twitter also makes it easier to find According to a 2010 demographic, 88 percent of all people who or what you want to hear about by having a tab containing different inter- are aware of Facebook and 87 percent of people are aware ests you may have. With 500 million subscribers, Facebook is vastly ahead of of Twitter. g Twitter, but with many high school many high school students switching to the newer site, Facebook could be a thing of the past. g Centerspread 10 October 27, 2011 Entertainment Aida comes to Aquinas With new students in the Aida because of) the incredible amount of vocal talent Aquinas leads and music written by has,” Koehn said. “We have strong vocalists you don’t see in Elton John, Aida is going to regular musicals.” be big. Harrison agreed. “The talent that we have MEGAN LUCAS onstage is phenomenal,” Features Editor Harrison said. “It’s intense, different from most shows,” sophomore Now that Anthony Fortino Kathleen Mitchell said. “It has has left the building, it’s time for modern rock and roll music, a new students to step up in the lot of everything. Anyone would theater department. With new enjoy it.” students in the leads, Aida is set Tickets are on sale now to be Saint Thomas Aquinas’ online for $6. G next big hit. About a Nubian princess, Aida, captured by Egyptians, Aida Dates she falls in love with her captor, Thur., Nov. 3, 7 p.m. who is engaged to an Egyptian princess. Sat., Nov. 5, “It’s a classic love story, only with new characters,” senior 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Mead D’Amore explained. “(The music) is like listening to music Sun., Nov. 6, 7 p.m. on your iPod.” Carole Trickey | The Shield Because of the success of Clockwise from top: Senior Jack Goza stands awkwardly by sopho- West Side Story, performing arts more Kathleen Mitchell and senior Mead D’Amore during a serious Aida Cast scene in Aida. department chairwoman Kim The playbill cover for the Aquinas production of Aida. Harrison wanted to have another AMNERIS Junior Alexis Leikam and sophomore Annie Lind practice dancing to show that would draw in large Catherine Kluempers “My Strongest Suit”. audiences as well. “We always start looking for a musical with a large cast,” RADEMES Harrison said. “We look at Mead D’Amore orcestration, what kids we have that play instruments. We read a AIDA lot of scripts and see shows.” Kathleen Mitchell Aida is the first step for Aquinas theater in a different MEREB direction. The setting is in Egypt, Jack Goza the music is written by Elton John and more “updated and ZOSER modern,” according to Harrison. Andrew Walberg “(One of my favorite songs) is the song at the end of Act 1,” PHARAOH director Hank Koehn said. “It’s a big production number.” Max Wilber Aida is Koehn’s fourth show directed at Aquinas. Previous NEHEBKA shows include The Sound of Noelle McDonald Music, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying AMONASRO and West Side Story. Harry Schaefer “(You should come see Megan Lucas | The Shield Courtesy of Kim Harrison Entertainment October 27,2011 11 Autumn provides many fun and unqiue activities Many local places give students places to hang out with friends and to get away from school.

EMILY SEIB Last Look Editor

Louisburg Cider Mill Activites such as: • pumpkin patch • corn maze • apple cider and other apple drinks Cost: $8 Open Daily For more information visit: http://www.louisburgcidermill. com/

Pumpkin Hollow At Deanna Rose Farmstead Activities such as: • hay maze Photo courtesy of Louisburg Cider Mill’s website • fish for pumpkins The Louisburg Cider Mill grew a wizard themed corn maze this year. Each year the mill picks a new theme for the maze and in the past they have had dragon, • climb a hay pyramid vampire and werewolf themed mazes. • shoot pumpkin hoops • participate in the creepy, KC Pumpkin Patch Haunted Houses crawly snake jump Activities such as: Throughout the Kansas City Area by Cost: $10 at the gate; $8 online • pumpkin picking Full Moon Productions: Open Daily 9 am-5 pm • corn maze $8 • Beast Haunted House For more information viist: • Gourd Gun (shoot pumpkins 1401 W 13th St http://opkansas.com/Events/ into the corn maze) $1 per • Macabre Cinema Haunted House Pumpkin-Hollow shot 1222 W 12th St • Family ping-pong • Edge of Hell Cost: General admission $10 1300 W 12th St Open Seven Days a week • The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe For more information visit: 1100 Santa Fe Photo courtesy of the Edge of Hell website http://www.kcpumpkinpatch. Photo courtesy of KC Pumpkin Patch website • Ghost and Gangster Tour Halloween Haunt com/ 1300 W. 12th St at Worlds of Fun • nine haunt themed attrac- tions Bonfires • live entertainment Have your own Cost $50 bonfire at your house Open Weekends or you can go to For more infromation visit: Shawnee Mission http://www.worldsoffun.com/ Park and use one of public/parks/wof/haunt/index. their fire pits. cfm Photo courtesy of The Beast’s website 12 October 27, 2011 Opinions Trailblazer’s move to 6A could affect rivalry

Gardner Edgerton’s move up in classfication could af- fect games played between Saints and Trailblazers.

BEN GARTLAND Reporter

The rivalry between Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and Gardner-Edgerton High School started when Aquinas beat Gardner-Edgerton twice in the same football season, the last meeting being for a berth in the state title. Since then, the Aquinas and Gardner-Edgerton rivalry has become one of the fiercest in the state, but could it be over as quickly as it started? The new classifications sent out by the Kansas High School Activities Association Baile Winslow | The Medallion in September moved Gardner- Junior quarterback Austin Scherzer runs into a Gardner Edgerton defender during the Oct. 21 game. The game was a district playoff game. With Gardner’s move to 6A, the Saints will not play the Trailblazers in Edgerton up to the 6A districts, meaning they will only face Gardner during Eastern Kansas League play. classification, the division for the top 32 schools with the compared to the Texas games, which lead to a lot of matter in the rivalry, but that it happen in the future, it’s pretty highest enrollment in the state, University and Arkansas animosity felt towards him and actually might be better for the obvious that the rivalry has while Aquinas stayed in the University rivalry back in the Gardner-Edgertom been a great one. Whether the 5A division. This means that 1960s-1980s. They had a heated from Aquinas fans. two schools comes out of the Aquinas and Gardner-Edgerton rivalry, but then Texas joined Starling has “Without him (Starling) it at least two year span of not won’t be in the same district for the Big XII conference, while graduated; however, might return to a more level meeting each other in football football anymore, nor will they Arkansas joined the SEC. Today leaving the question can maintain the rivalry felt be able to face each other in the the rivalry is nowhere near where of will the rivalry playing field,” now remains to be seen, but the playoffs in any sport. it once was, which could be a survive without - Sarah Burgess group of students that attended According to activities crystal ball in terms of the future him. Junior football Aquinas or Gardner-Edgerton director Sarah Burgess, Aquinas of the Aquinas and Gardner- player Ryan Weese Activities Director from 2007-2011 could look back and Gardner-Edgerton will Edgerton rivalry. thinks so. on this rivalry and cherish the not play each other in football Another huge factor in the “The rivalry is memories from it. for the next two years. Instead rivalry was Gardner-Edgerton and will be huge,” Weese said. rivalry. The rivalry may sadly come Aquinas will play Salina-Central. quarterback Bubba Starling. He “Every time we play Gardner it’s “Gardner-Edgerton has a to an end, or it may continue So without means to play each became the face of Gardner- one of the biggest games of the superstar in Bubba Starling,” to thrive, but it is one that will other in the sport that started the Edgerton, the face that Aquinas year. she said. “Without him it might definitely be remembered, good whole rivalry, what will happen fans loved to hate. He almost Activities director Sarah return to a more level playing and bad memories alike. g to the heated rivalry? single-handedly dominated Burgess doesn’t just think that field.” The situation can be Aquinas in the 2009 and 2010 the absence of Starling won’t Regardless of what will Opinions October 27,2011 13 Reality T.V. doesn’t add up Republican Reality Television does not Tiffany’s” in the 1960s provided produce, but I feel, for quality’s both a life and style icon. As sake, there should be fewer Presidential always reflect real life, time has gone on, kid-friendly shows of this genre. Not leading to questionable TV shows such as “The Cosby everyone can become famous Show” from the 1980s and “Full overnight and reality TV seems shows. House” from the 1990s have to make people think they can. Candidates 2012 fallen by the wayside, only to I’m okay without “Keeping Up be replaced by more and more with the Kardashians”, assuming With the election only a year away, Republicans are reality TV, their characters that there are still some decent gearing up to run against democrat and current President Barack providing more controversy than television shows running. Obama. Here are the Candidates in the Election: actual leadership for their fans. Though I don’t Popular culture is a The character Snooki on “Jersey understand it, America seems to Mitt Romney – Former Governor of Massachusetts CAROLE TRICKEY Shore” is the perfect example. love watching train wrecks. All Often referred to as a small, I can hope for now, is that my Centerspread Editor orange oompa loompa, Snooki generation can distinguish the Herman Cain – Former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza provides only drama, mindless difference between reality and babble and trashy, clearly reality TV. g constantly developing identity, scripted, humor. Rick Perry – Governor of Texas at one point or another allowing Reality TV, according the good, the bad and the ugly to Wikipedia, is “a genre of Pros: Michele Bachmann – Congresswoman from Min- to become mainstream; most television programming that • Cheap to pro- nesota commonly for television, music presents purportedly unscripted and fashion. One of the more dramatic or humorous situations, duce recent trends that popular documents actual events and • entertaining? Jon Huntsman – Former U.S. Ambassador to culture has dished out is reality usually features ordinary people China TV. instead of professional actors, Though television has had sometimes in contest.” The a particular grip on people for thing is, though, this title is a Cons: Newt Gingrich – Former Speaker of the U.S. the past few generations, this misnomer, for reality TV never • causes weird- House generation seems to be the seems real and seems to show most impressionable: in a bad ness in culture-- extremist lifestyles more that the Ron Paul – Congressman from Texas way. Though in the first few “ordinary” person’s reality. Not role models? generations with television everyone is “16 and Pregnant” people were influenced as well, and though I have only seen a • unrealistic/odd Rick Santorum – Former Senator from Pennsylva- the people they displayed were few shows, I doubt that there are storylines role models. “I Love Lucy” was nia constant, dramatic arguments all • trashy? a common view in the 1950s the time. as a comedy, and Lucille Ball The cheap production Gary Johnson – Former Governor of New Mexico remained a style icon throughout of reality TV makes it a great its run. Audrey Hepburn, with potential for companies to the release of “Breakfast at Buddy Roemer – Former Louisiana Governor

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 October 27,2011 Sports State tournament preview and wrap-up Girls Tennis Boys/Girls Cross Country Placeed third in state as a team. Natalie Looney recieved second place in singles. Cari Olberding and Morgan Hicks placed fifth in State tournament is at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. doubles. Adreanne Orlanes placed 10th in singles. Boys State Team: Tom Coffin, Brad Kellerman, Luke Gilman, RJ Clark, Daniel Aiken, Jack Lu- ther, Nick Boyles, Matthew Wilderson, Nate Hornung, and Cole Friedman.

Girls State Team: Jennifer Angles, Rachel Mahon, Libby Reazin, Elizabeth Romme, Maddie Girls Golf Hopfinger, Christina Metzger, Ellen Loughman, Bailee Cofer, Kate Drilling, and Becca Hare. Won state as a team with a combined score of 352. Baile Winslow scored 78 and placed first. Jordan Chael scored 89 and placed third. Soccer Volleyball Kelsey Castinado scored 94 and place 13th. Kelsey Ryan scored 96 and placed 17th. State semi-finals are Nov 4. State tournament is Oct 28-29 at the Topeka-Kansas Ashley Root scored 102 and placed 30th. Finals are Nov 5 at Piper High School. Expo Centre. Kristen Zancanelli scored 109 and placed 44th. The first sub-state game is Oct 25.

Rylee Shea | The Medallion Emily Seib | The Shield Senior Morgan Hicks prepares to return a volley in an Oct 15 From left to right: Seniors Megan Spencer, Taylor Fox, Holly Campbell and freshman Carlyle Nusbaum match. Hicks and her doubles partner Cari Olberding placed fifth prepare to return he ball at the Saints at home tournament Oct 15. at state for doubles. Sports October 27, 2011 15 What is New KSHSAA Classifications re- going to leased. Some local schools are the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 2011. sion to the 4A division. school years in October, which With the classification Another notable change happen to among those changing meant that some local schools change, districts also changed is the defending state boys’ athletic classifications were moving classes. for football. Now, Saint Thomas basketball champions, McPher- Gardner-Edgerton was Aquinas will play Turner High son. They dropped from the 5A after the classifications moved up to the 6A class, which School, Harmon High School league down to the 4A league. g our were released in October consists of the top 32 schools in and Bishop Miege High School terms of enrollment. They will instead of Gardner-Edgerton, by the KSHSAA. join the 6A class in all sports Blue Valley and Pittsburgh. except for football this year, and Another local school, Blue banners? BEN GARTLAND they will join 6A next year for Valley West, also changed classi- Saint Thomas Aquinas has accu- Reporter football. fications. They dropped from the Another team moving up to 6A classification to the 5A clas- mulated many banners over the The Kansas High School the 6A class is the Hutchinson sification. Blue Valley Southwest years. They are now held in the Athletics Association released Salt hawks. They were previously moved up from the 4A league to the sports classifications for in the 5A class, the same as Saint the 5A league. Bonner Springs main gym, but space is limited Thomas Aquinas, from 2007- moved down from the 5A divi- and dwindling.

MADISON PETRACEK Entertainment Editor

Over the past 24 years, 91 ban- ners have been mounted in Saint Thomas Aquinas’ main gym: two national championship, 70 state championship, and 20 runner-up banners. “Running out of room is not a bad thing. They are all huge ac- complishments, but we have been spoiled,” director of activities Sarah Burgess said. The faculty has discussed the placement of the banners recently. The plan is to complete the row along the ductwork with three more state championship banners. After those three spots are occupied, the banners will be placed on the next set of overhead ductwork. The next dilemma will arise once the duct work is completely covered. At that point the runner- up banners will be moved from the Baile Winslow | The Medallion back wall of the main gym to the Because of the new KSHSAA classifications, the annual rivalry between Gardener-Edgerton and Aquinas will no longer take place. Gardener-Edgerton has auxiliary gym.g moved up to the 6A classification. They will play all 6A schools this year except in footbal, as seen in the photo from the 10/21 Aquinas Gardener game. 16 October 27,2011 Last Look

Emily Seib | The Shield Reporter Bonyen Lee from KCTV 5 prepares to interview senior Jeff Kraus and President Bill Ford during the Wendy’s Cool School of the week assembly. Ford was awarded the Wendy’s Cool School of the week plaque while Kraus was being interviewed on how Saint Thomas Aquinas students balance school work and extracurriculars.

Emily Seib | The Shield Senior Student Council members Clare Eagan, Holly Campbell, Abby Hill, Brittany Husong, Emily Wheeler, Brogan Moroney and Andrew Brown stop and pose for a picture. StuCo members arrived to school early to check in students to see which class had the most studnt particiaption in the KCTV 5 Cool School assembly.

Emily Seib | The Shield Senior Brie Putthoff holds the Wendy’s Cool School plauque after President Bill Ford recieved it from reporter Bonyen Lee. Cool School’s are chosen for non-athletic acheivements such as Saint Thomas Aquinas service projects.

Emily Seib | The Shield Senior Mead D’Amore wears the drum major hat Emily Seib | The Shield while juniors Molly Carroll and Lindsey Whigham Senior drum major Casey Craig waves a Emily Seib | The Shield keep the crowd excited. Students arrived at 5:30 Saint Thomas Aquinas flag in between song Seniors Cari Olberding, Mary Watts, and Elisa Houlehan show their support of KCTV 5. They made a.m. for the KCTV 5 Cool School assembly. performaces for the KCTV 5 Cool School the signs to try to get on television, but were unsuccessful. Assembly. Craig has been the drum major for the last three years.