2016 senior issue

The Shield

Commemorative Senior Issue | May 2016

2016

Don’t let Rule 52 hold you back.Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215

913-319-2460

The Shield

Editor-in-ChiefAlex Kinnan

AdviserMatt Hallauer

ReportersAnnie Gellott

Hagan MarozasAnsley Reynolds

Seth Walker

Managing EditorDaniel Petracek

Social Media EditorsConnor Ragan

Olivia Rode

Freelance ReportersBecca Haeusser

Ezri KilleenMia Power

Luke DohertyKat Schartz

MISSION STATEMENTThe Shield is a newspaper sponsored

by Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and produced by its students to provide information, entertainment, and open forum, as well as a learning experience for its staff members. The goal of The Shield’s staff is to meet professional journalism standards.

Staff members are responsible for the content of the newspaper and strive

to report news accurately, objectively, and completely. The Shield is an open

forum for student expression and aims to communicate the concerns of the student body as well as the

faculty, staff, and Aquinas communityADVERTISING

The Shield sells advertisements to help with publication costs. All ads will be subject to the same scrutiny as stories. The Shield will not print

any obscenities or any ads promoting products illegal to those under the age

of 18. For advertising, please call (913) 319-2460, send an email to [email protected], or visit

www.stasaints.net/shield

SUBSCRIPTIONSSubscriptions to The Shield are $3

per issue. Subscriptions can be sent to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School c/o Matt Hallauer. Digital subscriptions

are free and sent via email monthy. Orders can be sent to

[email protected]

LETTER POLICYLetters may be accepted by The

Shield, provided that they are signed and do not contain libelous

statements. The Shield reserves the right to edit the letters for grammar, obscenity, or space consideration,

and also reserves the right to not print a letter.

The Shield Online

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@aquinasgameday Sports scores and alerts.

Facebookfacebook.com/stashield

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issue 10 volume 28

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Copy EditorEllie Heit

Senior EditorsOlivia Rode

Connor RaganAlex Wagner

Senior Tribute The Senior Issue

Alex Kinnan

Daniel Petracek

Ellie Heit

Connor RaganOlivia Rode

Alex Wagner

Luke Doherty

Social Media Editor Olivia will be attending Rockhurst University in the fall and is majoring in Biology. “Passions of the Saints” was her favorite piece in her time at The Shield.

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Social Media Editor Connor will be attending the University of Kansas in the fall and is majoring in Broadcast Journalism. “Protect this House” was his favorite piece in his time at The Shield.

Copy Editor Ellie will be attending Kansas State University in the fall and is majoring in Social Work. “The Next Generation of Believers” was her favorite piece in her time at The Shield.

Senior Editor Alex will be attending the University of Kansas in the fall and is majoring in Accounting. “Hawks and Saints an Unlikely Friendship” was his favorite piece in his time at The Shield.

Senior Editor Luke will be attending the University of Kansas in the fall and is majoring in Business and Law. “Global Warning” was his favorite piece in his time at The Shield.

Editor-in-Chief Alex will be attending Kansas State University in the fall and is majoring in Architecture. “Big Brother will be Watching You” was his favorite piece in his time at The Shield.

Managing Editor Daniel will be attending The University of Norte Dame in the fall and is majoring in Engineering. “Season of Champions” was his favorite piece in his time at The Shield.

Don’t let Rule 52 hold you back.

Senior Sendoff The Senior Issue

The seniors of The Shield staff would like to give the juniors some advice on senior year. Senior year is the best time of your life, but goes by really quick. Start the year off right, don’t settle on anything. Senior year goes by too quick to say “I wish I would’ve gone to that soccer game,” or “I wish I had tried harder to collect cans.” You only have so many opportunities left in your high school career, you don’t have any second chances now.

Read and keep The Shield, to look back at all the fun you had in high school. However while a senior, don’t dwell on the past, better things are to come if you believe they will. Enjoy

every day you have and don’t have a negative attitude towards anything. Go on Kairos, open new doors, see things in a new light.

Where you are now is where you are meant to be. Enjoy the little things and always find something to look forward to each day. Always heat up your cookie, don’t cut corners. Enjoy the privileges of being a senior, eat outside in the courtyard at lunch.

Be active at Aquinas, go to games get in the front row, pose for Michele Gress. Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you don’t become involved now, you will regret it later. Minimize regrets, if possible. Support

Student Council (even if they lie about frockets), go to mixers, dances and plays. Be proud to be a Saint. Be proud to be leaders of our school.

BY THE SENIOR SHIELD STAFF

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This editorial is the opinion of the majority of the senior Shield Staff.

Live it Up, Juniors

Editor’s Letter The Senior Issue

I took charge of a school newspaper during a time when the printed news and school newspapers themselves were marked for dead as utterly useless. However thanks to the enthusiasm of our student body and school community we have killed that preconception. The Aquinas community has not only kept The Shield alive but has let it truly thrive. Since 2014, our staff has almost quadrupled. We have expanded our digital footprint and done our best to form content around investigative journalism and less on small breaking stories. We have pushed the bounds of our founding mission, to be “much more than a newspaper.” This motto and vision paired with an active community was what lead to this success.

Being “much more than an

newspaper” is something our staff has lived out every day, through commitment to pushing for policy changes, expanding our digital forums and sparking important discussions among students. Understanding that The Shield is much more than just a monthly student newspaper is how we have been able to let this publication flourish.

Throughout this year I have been very proud to stand behind the reporters of this newspaper.

There are two pieces however that I am particularly proud of. The first was our January editorial titled “End the Ban on Cellphones,” which our staff began debating the first class of the second semester. This is why this editorial sets itself apart from the others in the sheer amount of time that was spent debating The Shield’s official opinion on it. After nearly two weeks of debating, our staff came to an agreement that could reach a majority vote and

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One Last Thing

Understanding that The Shield is much more than just a

monthly student newspaper is how we have been able to

let this publication f lourish.

Editor’s Letter The Senior Issue

what we came up with is a new policy that I believe actually makes sense. The second piece was our loudest story of the year. Our February feature “Acceptance” which addressed how students are accepted at Aquinas based on everything from affluence to sexual orientation. I have great pride in this piece because it took nearly two months to make a reality. All of our reporters contributed to this report as well. We collectively debated interview questions, quotes to include and how to present it to our readers. The final product is one that I think addresses some of the most important issues of our time in a tasteful way.

I want to thank all of our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers for supporting us this year and in years past. A

big thank you to Aquinas, it is because of their support that we have been able to bring you a Shield that is truly fearless. Catholic schools unlike public ones are allowed to censor their student publications. However in my time as editor I have never seen a story censored by the school. It is thanks to Dr. Ford and the administration that we had the freedom to bring up issues to our fellow peers and to show just how good journalism can be. Thanks to our critiques, in my two years with The Shield, I have received my fair share of critiques and complaints. Criticism is at the cornerstone of good journalism and holding us accountable is how we know what we do does matter.

I have loved absolutely every moment I have spent being a part of this newspaper.

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1049

Number of Shielders in 2012




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Photo Courtesy The Shield ArchivesFebruary’s Acceptance at Aquinas (left) and January’s

End the ban on cell phones editorial (right).

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AwardsIn 2015, The Shield was

named a First Class publication by the National Scholastic

Press Association with Marks of Distinction for coverage, content, writing and editing.

Special ThanksThe Shield would like to

extend its warmest thanks to Michele Gress, for her photography of the many

schools events that the Shield could not cover. You make The

Shield and this school all the better.

On The CoverCover features members

of the Class of 2016.

Alex Kinnan Editor-in-ChiefThe Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield

The Shield has always been my way to “give something back to Aquinas.” Covering the Saints is a real gift. I want to thank my entire staff for their dedication and hard work. Without them I would be lost.

I want to thank all of Saint Thomas Aquinas for giving us truly amazing stories to tell and truly great people to cover. Thank you finally to my fellow seniors for trusting me with The Shield this year. The Shield is an Aquinas tradition and what it says

matters. Thank you for your support this past year. It has been an honor reporting for you.

The Memories The Senior Issue 2016

Freshman

2012 - In a back and forth football game, Aquinas spoiled Blue Valley West’s homecoming with a dramatic 38-35 finish that required three overtime periods. For many in the class of 2016, this was one of the first great memories as Saints.

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Layout by Connor RaganPhotos courtesy of Michele Gress

Sophomore

2013 - Students stormed the court as the Saints came back to beat St. James in their gym, 65-59. It was one of the first times the two

schools had ever played each other in boys’ basketball, marking the start of “The Holy War.” The overtime win advanced Aquinas further

into the state playoffs.

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The Memories The Senior Issue 2016

Junior

2014 - For the past few years, the Aquinas community puts on fundraising efforts to support great causes. The 2014 edition

showcased “Troop Out,” raising money for America’s soldiers, as well as a 4-0 thrashing of St. James’ boys soccer team in the opening

game of the season.

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Layout by Connor RaganPhotos courtesy of Michele Gress

Senior

2015 - A matchup between Aquinas and St. James on the football field had been anticipated for years. In 2015, that dream became reality. However, what was expected to be a close game turned into a blowout,

and the Saints bounced the Thunder out of the playoffs, 42-7.

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21the reports Gus Koehle

r

Hayden King

Thomas Killilea

Mitchell Jansen

Johanna Hocevar

Kevin Henderson

Daniel Goza

Quinn Burson

Allie Bostwick

TRANSFORMATIONTUESDAY#

21the reportsMelanie Murray

Abby McCormick

Matthew Malir

Patrick Lacy

Cole Younger

McKenna Sneed

Regan Pittman

Karter Odermann

Jennifer Nguyen

From freshman yearto senior year

by Mia Power

2012 2013

A Days 7:50-2:50Even 7:50-2:50 Odd 8:20-2:50

Lunch Room Cookies $1.25

Most Memorable Frosh Couple

Ryan Caragher + Gabbie Vestal

Government shutdown October 1-16, 2013

2014 2015 2016

BYOD 12

11

10

9

8

1

BY ANSLEY REYNOLDS

Lunch room cookies $1.50

Class of 2016 graduates

Then and Now

Eat an Aquinas cookie out of the microwave

Sing the Alma Mater after a sporting event

Ride a bike to school

Register to vote

Ask a stranger to sign your yearbook

Buy a college sweatshirt from the school you’re attending

Tell your favorite teacher how much they mean to you

Attend prom

Attend Kairos

Join a club

Dress in theme at a sporting event

Thank everyone who helped you in your four years

Go to at least one sporting event for each sport

Survive Greg Wilson’s Latin I class

Attend morning Mass in the chapel

Try every entree in the cafeteria

Attend at least one musical or play

Sit with a new group of people at lunch

Say ‘yes’ to everything for one day

Go 24 hours without internet, phone or TV

BY L

UKE

DO

HER

TY

AND

ALE

X W

AGN

ER

2016 Senior Bucket ListHow Many Have You Completed?

The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willingness to learn is a choice. #BadManCurran

Luke Curran

There’s a reason every upperclassman’s advice is always get involved and do as much as you can. Four years fly by and the most common regret at the end is not enjoying everything your time here has to offer. Get some friends and go to the games, clubs, and events; or go alone and find new friends there! Just don’t wish this time away. I know the future is exciting but these are the last few years you get to spend with your family and the kids you’ve grown up with—don’t take it for granted. So be involved, happy and grateful. Your memories at Aquinas will be some of your favorite, so make them great!

Morgan McEnroe

Aquinas is a pretty special place, and your time here will be over before you know it. It’s important to make the most of the experience by getting involved and taking risks. Even though it can be scary, I’ve never regretted putting myself out there or trying something new - you won’t either. Be Bold. Go Saints.

Patrick Lacy

Lexi StukelKeep your mind open to new opportunities and new people.

Get involved! As cliche as it sounds, it’s crucial to make the most out of high school. If you have any hesitation in trying out for any sport or joining any club, just do it! It doesn’t matter whether your friends are doing it or not, just do what you want to do! You’ll eventually meet so many new people who share similar interests as you. I also want to tell the underclassmen to break the cliques. I know it may seem that everyone is in their groups right now but if you step outside your bubble and get to know other people, it’s amazing. By just saying hi to more people in the hallway and just reaching out to others, you’ll definitely grow a lot closer to your class. I mean after all, you’re spending four years with these people, you should at least get to know everyone. Everything is better when it’s a class united.

Jenni Nguyen

Molly DrewAlways try and be front row to the Friday night football games your senior year, total game changer.

My advice to underclassmen is start taking the ACT sooner than later, go on Kairos, go to all the mixers and schools dances you can, try and challenge yourself senior year but also know that your brain turns to mush after spring break, stay on the good side of teachers, buy yourself a cookie every once in a while, go out of your way to say something nice to someone who you may not talk to every day, everyone is struggling so don’t feel like you are alone. Know that you can talk to people.

Senior AdviceBY SETH WALKER

from The Medallion’s senior superlative winners.

John Viso

ACT:score

average

25 32:or higher

students who scored

24APPLICATIONS:

sent out by each student

average number of

3.5UNIQUE:

COLLEGES APPLIED TO

MOST

-Boston Conservatory-California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo-Carthage College -The Catholic University of America-University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music-Coastal Carolina University-Colorado School of Mines-Eckerd College-Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach-Georgia Institute of Technology-Hawaii Pacific University-College of the Holy Cross-The King’s College-Pace University, New York City-Pomona College-Sarah Lawrence College-St. Ambrose University-St. John’s University - Queens Campus-St. Olaf College-United States Naval Academy-Webster University

FRESHMAN YEAR:SOPHOMORE YEAR:

JUNIOR YEAR:SENIOR YEAR:

TARDIES DRESS CODEREFERRALS

DRESS CODEWARNINGS

237 20 31241 18 32

284 56386 27

5958

college

BY H

AGAN

MAR

OZA

S

Best of Twitter The Senior Issue

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Twitter @AllieKosterNot a bad way to end my basketball career.Twitter @HunterBrownI like to use Facebook. I said it.

Twitter @MarySestiAfter math test: On this paper Write your name, how you think you did, and something you want me to know about you.

Twitter @EmmaFergusonKelsey texting and driving.Me adding backs to my Birkenstocks.Jack parking ilegally.Called out.

Twitter @MarieSchellIf Leo can finally win an Oscar you can text back.

Twitter @EllenHodesseniors of Aquinas: are we going to allow back room deals and shady tshirt suppliers to take our money and lie to us?? no! #FrocketGate2015

Twitter @ReidEssmyerI NEED TO BORROW A PRINTER

Twitter @MaryKMcCannaJust filled out the FAFSA 10/10 would not recommend.

Twitter @MorganMcEnroeSenior Year.

Viso in Lights

Choosing a college for senior John Viso was a process unlike any other. However, after a tedious audition process, Viso’s dream is just beyond the horizon.

Viso had originally planned on majoring in musical theatre in college. In order to do this, he had to go through multiple rounds of extremely selective auditions. He started by applying to 12 colleges and then proceeded to audition at six.

“The schools I looked at were Pace University in New York, Point Park University in Pittsburgh, University of Oklahoma, an acting school in Liverpool, England called LIPA [Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts], Viterbo University in Wisconsin, and Ball State

University. All these schools are the cream of the crop for musical theatre,” Viso said.

These schools are known for being some of the best musical

theatre schools, which is why they accept between six to 20 new people each year. The University of Oklahoma is a top five program for musical theatre, making it one of the most selective in the nation.

“I had to have two songs

prepared, two monologues, and had a dance call. Most of the schools just had one round of auditions but Oklahoma. I made it to their final round of callbacks and they had 1,500 people audition initially, but they only call back 150 [people],” Viso said.

Viso made the top eight percent at his auditions, but unfortunately it was not enough. However, Ball State University came back to him with an offer too good to refuse. Instead of getting a B.F.A. in musical theatre, he would get a B.A. in theatrical studies.

“When I got my rejections I was kind of put down, but Ball State came back to me with this offer to do something that wasn’t in my original track, but I am a very firm believer that things happen for

BY ANNIE GELLOTT

28

People The Senior Issue

“I am a very firm believer that everything happens for

a reason.”

John VisoSenior

a reason. I think there will be opportunities that come from this that people submerged in their musical theatre won’t get,” Viso said.

In theatrical studies, Viso can pick and choose his classes, rather than have a very structured curriculum that he would have had in musical theatre. This major also focuses on playwriting and casting, which Viso pointed out that he’s always had an interest in.

Viso explained, “I plan on having a B.A. in theatrical studies,

with an emphasis on casting, and I will also audition for a dance minor.”

Ball State University describes the theatrical studies major as, “Intended for academically advanced students who want a broad-based study of the theatre discipline and who may then pursue interests in playwriting, management, dramaturgy, or theatre history/criticism.”

This is not the end of John’s stage career, though. Ball State is allowing Viso to re-audition for

the musical theatre program, and he can still audition to be on the main-stage production.

John has big plans for the future; he is planning on re-auditioning for the musical theatre major, he would like to audition for national tours, cruise lines, and Disney shows to build up experience and further hs career.

Junior Annie Gellott is a reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Daniel Petracek.

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Photos courtesy of John Viso Photos on page 36 show John Viso in Children of Eden and Bring It On the Musical. Photos on page 37 show Viso on college visits to Liverpool

Institute of Performing Arts and University of Oklahoma.

The People The Senior Issue

Senior Daniel Goza has lead a very interesting life, from living in New Zealand to participating in multiple school activities including scholars bowl, show choir, science club, the musical, and track and field. However, one thing about this senior makes him stand out above the rest: his calculator.

It started last fall, when a math teacher told Goza that he could not use his calculator on a test. The teacher said it was “because you won’t have your calculator with you all the time,” Goza said.

Goza took this to heart and wanted to prove his math teacher wrong, so he started taking his calculator with him everywhere.

Goza first took it with him on a trip this past fall with his family to Disney World, where he took a picture of him with his calculator to prove to his friends that he brought it.

Goza has not stopped carrying his calculator around since. His calculator, Gerald, as it has been affectionately named, has been to Notre Dame in Indiana, Italy and Disney World to name a few. Goza said he has never forgotten to bring his calculator anywhere, but that prom was one of his favorites.

He said with all the chaos that Prom brings, his friends thought that he would either forget to bring it or would at least lose it at some

point during the night. Goza plans on bringing his calculator up for senior Mass and to graduation.

“He knows when and how to add levity to a class or situation,” English teacher Craig Ewing said about Goza.

“I hope at least one other person starts taking their calculator everywhere,” said Goza, “It would be hilarious to come visit my little siblings and see someone with their TI-84 in their pocket.”

Not only is Goza a calculator enthusiast, but he is a fan of gymnastics as well. Goza did gymnastics for about ten years in three different parts of the world: New Zealand, The US states of

BY ALEX WAGNER

30

He’s Gozan Places

Left Goza and his mother take the first picture with his calculator in Disney World. He had to prove to some friends he at it with him.

RightGoza and his

calculator take a journey to the

musical “Calculus.”

31

BelowGoza and his

calculator enjoy eating Easter

brunch with his family.

He has seven siblings.

AboveGoza’s

calculator makes it to “Touchdown Jesus” in South Bend, Indiana, home of Notre

Dame.

AboveGoza brings his calculator along with him

to his track meet.

New Zealand, the US states of Georgia and Kansas.

During Goza’s eventful gymnastic career, while on the high bar, he got 12 staples in his head and some deep suture stitches when he was 13 years old.

“I pulled in too much on a double-back dismount and whacked my head,” Goza said.

Even after his head injury,

Goza still competed at the highest level. He qualified for nationals, but could not attend due to his shoulder injury. His favorite tumbling stunt before the injury, was a triple back flip from the rod floor into a foam pit. Unfortunately, he had to stop because of two shoulder surgeries.

Goza plans to attend the University of Notre Dame to study

Bioengineering or something similar.

“The opportunities that Notre Dame have to offer are incredible… I have had family go there for years, and know it will be a good fit for me.” He will no doubt have Gerald by his side.

Photos courtesy of Daniel Goza

Senior Alex Wagner is a editor for The Shield. This story was edited by Ellie Heit.


Senior Kristina Colling has been involved in numerous activities throughout her high school career.

When Kristina Colling walked down the red carpet on Freshman Orientation Day, she was terrified. She didn’t know anyone and the massive amount of seniors there shocked her.

Colling said, “I felt appreciated, since they were all upperclassmen and were welcoming me as a freshman.”

Colling ran cross country, played basketball, and was on the junior varsity soccer team as a freshman. She met many friends during summer runs whom she stayed friends with all the way through high school.

“Sports helped me meet more people and feel like a part of something instead of just going through freshman year scared,” Colling said.

By her sophomore year, Colling was still on the basketball team and she was playing varsity soccer. She was even able to score the winning penalty kick in one of their games.

Junior year, Colling was only able to play soccer for half of the season due to an injury. It was junior year that she got involved with Big Sis, Little Sis, which she became the co-president of this year.

This year, Colling has been actively involved in Big Sis, Little Sis. She was also able to play the first few games of the soccer season before she, again, was injured and out for the season. She has loved senior year, being

in the spotlight and not in the shadows anymore.

Her favorite high school memory was sending Mr. Brown off to Afghanistan.

“It was just so nice of the school to come together and put this on for one of our teachers,” Colling said. “It just showed how amazing our community is and the love we have for everyone.”

Colling seems to have this love for everyone as well.

Natalie Hickman, a friend of

BY BECCA HAEUSSER

32

Finding her Colling

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Junior Becca Haeusser is a freelance reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Daniel Petracek.

Photos courtesy of Michele GressPhoto on page 32 shows the seniors before the Pink Out game on April

22. Photo on page 33 is Colling during the first game of this season.

Colling’s, said, “Kristina is all around a fun person to be around. She is energetic and always puts her all into whatever she is doing. Her ability to stay strong and determined through any difficulty is something I look up to her for and a way I strive to be like her. Kristina is just a happy, go-with-the-flow, spirited person who is always willing to share a smile and I am so lucky to be able to call her one of my good friends.”

Marie Schell, another friend, had similar sentiments. “Kristina has lots of energy so she’s a lot of fun to be around,” Schell said. “She’s the type of person who will be there for you no matter what and would

do anything for her friends. She’s just a great person to be around and she always brightens my day.”

Colling’s advice to underclassmen is to “Step out of your comfort zone, even if you don’t think you can and keep working hard because it will all be worth it in the end.”

Colling has loved every minute of Aquinas but she is excited to start a new chapter in her life. She will be attending the University of Central Missouri to play soccer and major in physical therapy.


At almost any Aquinas event, you can expect to see the familiar, friendly face of Jenni Nguyen.

Senior Jenni Nguyen may not be the loudest, rowdiest Saint, but she is definitely a treasured member of the Aquinas community.

Nguyen has made a lasting impression on her peers with her remarkable kindness and involvement in the Saint Thomas Aquinas community.

“I’ve never come across anyone who didn’t love Jenni, and I think so much of that comes down to her sincerity,” journalism teacher Matthew Hallauer said. “She’s just a really nice kid and I think everyone believes in her, and whatever she says they know it’s from the heart.”

The girl that started at Aquinas in 2016 has grown drastically into the woman that will walk at graduation this year.

“I was still in that awkward

phase, when I didn’t know whether I should go [to events] or not. I wasn’t super involved,” Nguyen said in reference to her early days at Aquinas.

Nguyen did not waste away her time at Aquinas, she used it to develop into the person she is today.

“When I look back at my time at Aquinas it’s insane how much I’ve grown, from freshman year when I was that girl who sat in the back of the classroom and didn’t talk to this year, when I really came out of my shell. I was on homecoming court which I would have never seen in a thousand years. Just seeing my progression from freshman to senior year, I see Aquinas has really made me the person I am today,” Nguyen said.

What really transformed Nguyen’s experience at Aquinas was getting involved, and she did so largely because of The Medallion.

“Yearbook is a huge part of why I got involved at Aquinas. With yearbook I went to almost

every sporting event to take pictures, and after that I went on my own and became super involved,” She said.

Her journey to joining the staff of The Medallion started in Hallauer’s Honors Journalistic Composition class.

Hallauer said, “You could just tell she had a positive attitude and you could always tell how much she was thinking. She doesn’t say a whole lot, but you can tell she puts a lot of thought into what she says. I could tell that during J-Comp, even now that she is the boss she can talk as much as she wants, but she doesn’t like to say a whole lot, and that’s really effective, because everyone listens when she does talk.”

After the completion of Hallauer’s class, Nguyen decided to continue her journalistic experience into yearbook.

“I really like photography and design, and from there I decided to give yearbook a try

BY KAT SCHARTZ

34

All She Does is Nguyen

Photo by Mary K McCanna | The MedallionSenior Jenni Nguyen walks in the Homecoming Procession with her parents John and Julie

Nguyen on October 2. Jenni was nominated for the 2015-2016 Homecoming Court.

35

junior year. I got to be super involved with the school through yearbook, and from there I decided to continue on through senior year.”

As a member of the yearbook staff, Nguyen was always at Aquinas events, taking pictures and experiencing the community so that she could create her spreads for The Medallion. Her work as a junior and the impression she made on her peers lead to her taking on the role of editor-in-chief senior year.

Hallauer said, “One girl ran against her for chief, and that girl even said ‘my mom told me I had to, but Jenni would be better.’ That was kind of the way that everyone looked at it: Mary K leads Key Club, Isabel leads StuCo. Other girls have leadership skills, but everybody said Jenni’s the best. So there wasn’t really any doubt at the end of the year who was going to be the chief.”

Along with helping her to get even further involved in the Aquinas community, her experience as EIC this year has yielded her great friendships.

She said, “The three other seniors on staff, Isabel Kemp, Mary K McCanna and Liz Miller, I wouldn’t be as close with them, which is cool because they are some of the closest people I know.”

Nguyen didn’t only get involved by going to games and dances, but she let her interest in design and photography lead her to join another student publication, Pieces.

“Last year I thought why not try it out, so I went to a meeting and after that I got really involved. I thought it was really cool to see the student body be a part of something, in their own pieces and in their own writings.” Nguyen said “especially this year as a senior, getting to see other seniors’ pieces, seeing what you normally wouldn’t

expect from some people.” Nguyen will be leaving the

halls of Aquinas to continue her education at the University of Kansas. However for someone as involved as she is and as in love with Aquinas as she is, the parting is bittersweet.

Nguyen said, “I’m excited for what the future holds in college, but as everyone is counting down the days, it’s surprising and saddening that these are the only amount of days I have left with these people. It’s conflicting because I’m ready to move onto the the next chapter of my life, but I’m so sad to leave these people and this place I’ve called home for four years. Over the past few years I’ve really found myself through these people and I’ve really felt like I belong.”

Kat Schartz is a freelance reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Ellie Heit.


BY DANIEL PETRACEK

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Charting New Waters

One of Aquinas’ most beloved and admired teachers is walking away from the classroom.

Photo by Alex Kinnan | The Shield(from pg. 36) Waters shares a smile with her Honors English IV class as they read “The Importance

of Being Earnest,” a play by Oscar Wilde. Waters said she most enjoys teaching seniors.

Kobe Bryant is not the only great to call it a career this year. English Department Chairwoman Sue Waters is retiring after her 42nd year of teaching.

Waters has been at Aquinas since its beginning, 28 years ago. This year, she only taught Honors English IV for seniors, but throughout her time at Aquinas, she has taught all english courses, excluding regular freshmen and honors juniors.

Waters has had 2016 in mind for her retirement for the last three to four years. Prior to her teaching job at Aquinas, Waters taught at multiple high schools, including Bishop Miege High School, where she spent seven years. “So that means that I have been in high school for 46 years,” Waters said.

Heading into college, Waters said that there was one thing she knew she didn’t want to do, and that was to be a teacher. She was inspired by a journalism teacher in college, however, and her feelings changed. She also believes that her mother, who was also a high school English teacher, had something to do with her career path.

Over her 28 years, Waters noted the focus on technology to be the most significant change at Aquinas.

“But the really important things have not changed, and those things are what made me want to be a teacher for 42 years,” Waters said. “For sure it’s the very best job in the world, the entire world.”

Though she may be the one in charge of the classroom, Waters understands that the focus should not be on the teacher, but instead the students.

“My best days are not days where I think ‘I taught like crazy today.’ My best days are days when I can say, “They learned like crazy today!’” Waters said.

“Teaching is helping kids figure out what they know... and what they can do. I love it when kids say, ‘I didn’t think I could do that, but now I can do that.’”

When asked about her favorite memory, Waters said, “I can’t do it. I can’t say that because there have been many, many terrific things, and when I look back, I know I am very lucky because there have been so many things that I couldn’t pick the best.”

“In 42 years, I’ve had some bad days, but I’ve never had a string of bad days, and I’ve never had a bad week, and I’ve for sure never had a bad year, so I’ve been very lucky. On those bad days, thank God for good friends.”

“One of the reasons I have had such a good teaching career is because I have always had the best administrators, strong and supportive. And for 35 years I’ve been blessed to work in Catholic schools.”

Waters plans to work on “getting her life organized again” with her first year off. Her kids and grandkids live in town, so she will spend much time with them, as well as her husband. She said she doesn’t have any big plans for the future, but is interested in being a florist.

Senior Daniel Petracek is the managing editor for The Shield. This story was edited by Ellie Heit.

37

“For sure it’s the very best job in the world,

the entire world.”

Sue WatersEnglish Department

Chairwoman

The Plans The Senior Issue

In recent years, taking a gap year between high school and college has become increasingly popular among students.

For years, there was one norm for graduated high school seniors: spend the summer after graduation having fun, and then go off to start four years of college in the fall. But the newest high school generation has a new idea; some of the students have decided that taking a year between their final year of high school and their inaugural year of college to pursue other passions is in their best interests. And they could be right.

Taking a gap year has been proven to have a slew of benefits. According to the American Gap Association, students who take a gap year will have higher grade point averages in college. Additionally, a survey that the AGA ran showed that almost 100 percent of students who took a gap year said that it helped them develop as a person, increased their maturity, and increased their self confidence.

Generally, the trend in gap years has risen in the years since 2007. This is the same year that the USA Gap Year Fairs were founded by Dynamo Internship Year, a

United States gap year program. The fairs were aimed at raising awareness for gap years and informing students of programs for gap years.

Although they may have started this way, gap years are no longer for students to just relax at home, maybe working, or maybe just laying on the couch. Gap years are now opportunities for students to be involved with a number of different programs.

Even though going straight to college after senior year may still be the norm at Saint Thomas Aquinas, one student is taking a different path. Senior Wesley Weissend plans to take a gap year after his graduation to pursue a year in a program.

“My dad had told me about the organization [National Outdoor Leadership School] a long time ago and I looked into during one of their classic month long courses in the summer,” Weissend said. His original plan was just to do a program in the summer before his freshman year of college.

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers programs for varying amounts of time, ranging from one month to one “year,” which actually spans 185 days. The NOLS describes their mission as “to be the leading

source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment.” The goal of their programs is to teach their students about wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence, and give them the devices to be able to lead their own expeditions in the world.

“While deciding what course I wanted to do, I came across their Year in Patagonia course,” Weissend said. “I hadn’t really thought about taking a gap year before finding the Year in Patagonia, but after, I couldn’t get the thought out of my head.”

The program will take place in NOLS Patagonia, which is in the Aysen Region of Chile. It is a working farm that is near the city of Coyhaique. The program offers to teach the students are wide variety of skills, including wilderness medicine, sea kayaking, and rock climbing. The program also professes to have a strong focus in the Spanish language and cultural interaction.

“After I get back, I am going to try to use the skills I will learn on the trip to lead backpacking and/or hiking trips or maybe as a park ranger for the National Park Service,” Weissend said.

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Filling the GapBY EZRI KILLEEN

The program also offers optional credit hours to both college and high school students. College students are offered 27 hours, including two biology hours and four leadership techniques hours. Weissend plans on taking the credit hours.

Although sometimes parents can be weary of students taking a gap year, Weissend’s parents had no fear. “Both of my parents traveled before, during, and after college and had amazing experiences, so they were totally supportive of me traveling,” Weissend said.

Most parents that are against gap years are usually afraid that their student won’t ever go to college. On the contrary, statistics show that nine out of ten students start college after their gap year. Weissend plans to go to college the semester after he gets back, in the fall of 2017.

“I have talked with a lot of people in and out of college who really regret not taking a year after high school to do something they love, so that solidified my want to go on the Year in Patagonia course,” Weissend said. “I came to the realization that I might not have the opportunity to do such an incredible adventure again in my life, so I might as well take the opportunity now.”

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Map courtesy of The Patagonian Foundation | Graphic by Ezri KilleenA map of the region of Patagonia, featuring Weissend’s travel route.

Weissend starts his journey on October 15, 2016.

Junior Ezri Killeen is a freelance reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Daniel Petracek.

Best of Instagram The Senior Issue

The Final Last Look

Instagram: @PatrickLacyYes, I anchor for ESPN on the side

Instagram: @JackLindAll cans on deck

Instagram: @MeganRyanTook your mom to Crown Town with 800,000 of my closest friends

Instagram: @JakeBarrWe did some sports. And also did points. Like 4 of them.

Instagram: @MeganHolzmeisterWelcome Pledges

Best of Instagram The Senior Issue

Instagram: @SeanBensonThis picture suits us well

Instagram: @PJHopfingerLook at all the little children I adopted #fam

Instagram: @RyanCaragherMom Prom is my favorite dance of the year

Instagram: @MeghanKindle

Hey Parker, I gotta question.

WHAT ARE THOSE?!

Instagram: @SamanthaHilderhofIt takes balls to play golf

Shutterfly: @MicheleGressSeniors cheer as they complete their final Dinner Theatre rehearsal.

The Students’ Voice.Much More Than a Newspaper.

The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield

2016 senior issue

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