the DART the official student news source ofst. teresa's academy | kansas city, mo

undie the tree gift drive | 5

volunteer agencies | 28

The Dart examines consumerism from its inception as it affects the planet, leaves developing countries poor and creates a culture of disposability in the STA community. story on page 18

photo illustrations by VIOLET COWDIN and MAGGIE KNOX

consumedconsumed

2015-2016DART STAFF

AdviserBrad LewisEditors-in-ChiefMary HilliardMaggie KnoxTorie Richardson

WEBManaging EditorAudrey CarrollScheduling EditorMadi WinfieldCopy EditorAlex DavisPhotography/Multimedia EditorKat MediavillaSocial Media ManagerBridget JonesSocial Media EditorsZoe Butler, Lily Manning

PRINTDesign EditorMackenzie O'GuinVisual IllustratorEleanor GreverPhotography EditorMaddy MedinaPage DesignersMaggie Knox, Alex Frisch, Anna Hafner, Katherine Green, Clare Kenney, Bridget Jones, Christina Kirk, Violet Cowdin, Mackenzie O'Guin, Linden O'Brien-Williams, Helen Wheatley, Meg Thompson, MaryMichael Hough, Torie Richardson, Madi Winfield

COPYManaging EditorMaryMichael HoughNews Editor Katherine GreenFeatures EditorLinden O'Brien-Williams Opinion EditorHelen WheatleySports EditorElsa Feigenbaum

Staff PhotographersKate Scofield, Cassie Hayes, Libby Hutchison, Paige PowellStaff WritersMeredith Mulhern, Katie Donnellan,Gwyn Doran, Jeannie O'Flaherty,Victoria Cahoon, Claire Molloy

2 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Dear Readers,This cover of the Dart simply reads

consumed," the perfect word to accompany our cover story about the destructive cycle of consumerism at STA. Not only do we partake in and encourage consumerism, but we are continually enthralled by it. The psychological need for material goods overwhelms our society and has infiltrated the STA community.

Think about it. How many times have you dropped $20 on a lululemon headband when you could buy a dozen generic ones for the same price? As a culture, we have decided that lululemon is the most elite brand of headband. But in reality, why should a brand even matter? Its just a headband. And if a new and better version of the lululemon headband came out, we would all feel compelled to purchase that one and disregard the old and out of style edition. We want the newest, the best and the coolest--this is consumerism at the STA level, but it plays out in more extreme forms throughout society. Read the article on page 18 and our editorial board's opinion of the issue on page 22.

The centerspread itself explores the detrimental impact consumerism has on many aspects of life, including our unquenchable desire for satisfaction through material possessions, the destruction of the environment, and the oppression of developing countries. We felt this was an important issue to

address during the upcoming holiday season because instead of focusing on what to ask for or what to buy others, we should all set aside time to appreciate our many blessings and give back to those without them.

Other than our exploration of consumerism, this issue contains a feature story on page 15 that investigates the prevalence of so-called "study drugs," both at STA and area schools. As finals loom on our schedules for the coming weeks, we thought that an in-depth look at the effects of these drugs would help students stay safe.

Lastly, we profiled a few local service agencies that need volunteers over this winter break. On page 29, take a look at the organizations and use your time off from school as an opportunity to help our dear neighbors.

In addition, remember to stay tuned to DartNewsOnline and our social media accounts for holiday reviews, activities and giveaways.

As always, let us know what you think! Have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Stars!

3cover designed by Maggie Knox | page designed by Alex Frisch

Monthly Question

4 | New

s | dancin

g w

ith th

e stars replaced w

ith raffel co

ntest

8 | Star Spo

tligh

t | Isabel Fitzpatrick: pastry chef

15 | Features | n

ot bein

g cath

olic at a cath

olic sch

oo

l

18 | Co

ver Sto

ry | the causes an

d effects o

f con

sumerism

22 | Ma

in ed

| studen

ts sho

uld be aw

are of w

ealth

23 | A&

E | artist of th

e issue: lizt hag

an m

akeup artist

24 | Perspec

tives | prom

oted

con

form

ism at sta

26 | Sports | stud

ents play po

rts outsid

e of sta

30 | La

st Loo

k | Ch

ristmas an

d D

IY gift g

uide

compiled by CHRISTINA KIRK | page designer

10 | R

eview

s | Pizzaeria locale: a lo

cal prize

If you could live in the shoes of any person (living or dead)

for a day, who would you choose?

The Dart vol. 75

Id be a judge on Cupcake Wars because Id get to eat cupcakes all day.

freshman olivia swinney

Id like to stand in the shoes of Thomas Jefferson for one day to understand how some-one who could write all men are created equal reconciled that with being an actual slave owner.

teacher steven himes I would probably pick Danny Devito because hes a really amazing actor. I really admire his comedy work.

junior caterina derousse

28 | co

mm

un

ty | Volun

teer oppurtun

ities over break 23

8

28

5 15

18

4 december 2015ISSUE 4

Table of

Contents

4 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

NEWS

EditorialPolicies

Ownership and SponsorshipDartNewsOnline and the Dart are cre-ated by the student newspaper staff and are maintained and published by general operating funds of St. Teresas Academy, a Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Dart-NewsOnline and the Dart will not publish opinions that contradict the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic church, whether on

a diocesan or world-wide level.

Editorial PolicyThe staff of DartNewsOnline and the Dart are subject to prior review by the St. Te-resas Academy administrative team in circumstances that concern Catholic doc-trine, student safety or illegal behavior. DartNewsOnline and the Dart will not publish reviews of student work or per-formances. Personal columns reflect the opinions of the writer, not necessarily the

staff or school.

Letters & Reader Interaction Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage the community to post comments on the website. Letters to the editors can be sent in the following ways: in person to Brad Lewis in Donnelly room 204; by mail to St. Teresas Academy, Attn: Brad Lewis, 5600 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64113; by email to blewis@stteresasacademy.org or to dartpaper@gmail.com. DartNewsOn-line and the Dart staff reserve the right to

edit or shorten letters for publication.

Comment PolicyDartNewsOnline and the Dart encourage readers to comment on all posts. Howev-er, DartNewsOnline and the Dart reserve the right to monitor and edit all comments on DartNewsOnline. Comments that dis-agree with the editorial policy will not be

published.Photo Use Policy

Photo illustrations are conceptual pho-tos that combine drawing and photogra-phy. All photos on the website are free for public use. If a reader is interested in high-quality copies of photos, please email DartNewsOnline at dartpaper@

gmail.com.Corrections Policy

DartNewsOnline and the Dart will publish corrections as soon as possible after the

error is discovered.

teachers get pied for senior class

american pie Senior Hallie Ryan smashes a pie into science teacher Mary Montag's face during the new senior fundraiser Nov. 23. photo by MADDY MEDINA

The senior class held a Pie Throw Nov. 23 to raise money for their prom and class gift, veering from the Dancing With The Stars fundraiser held for the past 3 years.

According to STA science teacher and senior class moderator Sarah Stranz, the plan at the beginning of the year was to continue with Dancing With The Stars as the senior fundraiser. Due to a lack of volunteers and the time commitment required, planners decided to try something new this year.

The senior class was not quite interested in the idea [of Dancing With The Stars] and wanted to mix it up, Stranz said. So they decided to come up with a new idea.

According to Stranz, she has found over the past 5 years as a senior moderator is the likelihood of a rotation in fundraisers, believing Dancing With The Stars would return in the coming years.

I think that each class wants to do something a little bit different, Stranz said. They dont always want to do the same thing every year because it loses its excitement.

To participate in the Pie Smash, students first bought raffle tickets for 50 cents apiece. During both activities of Nov. 23 students who had their ticket drawn received the opportunity to smash a whipped cream pie in one of their teachers faces.

I think my girl, junior Kayton Froeschl, had some pent up hostilities, said history teacher Craig Whitney after being pied.

According to Stranz, it was important to choose a fundraiser that was relatively simple. The Pie Smash allowed for an activity during the school day, and something the entire school could be interested in. Stranz also thinks the more laid back style of the event made teachers that were more reserved or unable to make the previous time commitment more willing to participate.

What is nice about a raffle is you can sell as many tickets as possible, Stranz said. It just depends on how enthused the seniors get and how enthused the rest of the school gets. If they are really interested, they will sell more tickets.

Stranz believes Dancing With The Stars will return in the coming years.

However, many whipped cream pies later, the Pie Smash brought in a little over $700. H

by ELSA FEIGENBAUM sports copy editor

Lack of interest in dancing contest yields to new event.

5page designed by Anna Hafner

"Undie the tree" replaces shining star gift drive by TORIE RICHARDSON | editor-in-chief

Instead of hosting the Shining Star Gift Drive this year, Community Service Club will be collecting underwear for a drive they have named Undie the Tree. The drive will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, according to Campus Minister Meredith Snyder. The change comes after Catholic Charities expressed that corporate businesses had met the need for the Shining Star Drive, but a need for clean underwear remained.

What [Catholic Charities] really needed was for us to help with a collection of underwear and diapers...some of those more basic things that essentially arent as fun to buy, Snyder said.

In past years, advisory members teamed up to buy gifts for families in need through Christmas Shining Star, Catholic Charities annual campaign. Last year, St. Teresas helped serve 108 children, according to Snyder.

There was definitely a generous response, Snyder said.

Though Snyder said the Community Service Club was disappointed about the switch from the usually-successful Shining Stars Drive, they decided to host the underwear drive after reflecting on their purpose, according to Snyder.

I think Community Service Club is open to what the need is, Snyder said. Well continue to be open to meeting the need in the future. If thats with underwear then thats what well do. I think part of being people of service is asking what is the need? and not assuming that we know what that is.

Community Service Club members were not the only students disappointed by the change this year. Science teacher Mary Montag said she and her advisory, which has participated in the Christmas drive every year and adopted four stars for the drive last year, was, at first,

Community Service Club col-lected underwear this year for Catholic Charities.

deck the halls | Freshmen Maggie Vasquez, from left, Kate Euston and Caroline Franke decorate a Christmas tree in the front hall of M&A Nov. 30. photo by ANNA HAFNERdisappointed about the switch as well.

I completely get the initial disappointment that in terms of how we can help that were only giving more essential things, Montag said. Because you know [when] youre providing toys and clothes for little kids, theres also so much more - its an enjoyable way to give.

While Community Service Club co-president and STA senior Caitlin OToole agreed with Snyder that the main goal of Community Service Club is to give whats needed, she also agreed with Montag that the underwear drive may seem less fun than previous drives. She and other club members, OToole said, are still kind of scared that people wont participate.

[The underwear drive] is just kind of less personal, OToole said. Snyder agreed.

Often times when we do a drive for something, we really try to tug on the heartstrings of people to help them be aware of the ways in which we take for granted the things that we have and be mindful of the needs that other people have that are not being met, Snyder said. I think thats going to be self-evident with this drive and so were really just going for the fun component.

According to OToole, Community Service Club tried to figure out how to make the underwear drive fun from the beginning - starting creating a comical name.

There was No Holy Nights, which was funny, OToole said. Undie the Tree won, though, because it was the funniest.

In addition, Community Service Club has made announcements over the intercom endorsing the drive by replacing lyrics in Christmas songs with lyrics about underwear.

The club even considered more extreme measures of promotion.

We thought about wearing underwear over our leggings.but Ms. Snyder said no, OToole said.

Donations from this drive will go to Catholic Charities, which serves men, women and children in the KC Metro area, according to Snyder.

To Montag, STAs years-long relationship is one of the most important things to consider with this drive.

Its fun to do the shopping, Montag said, but it isnt really about us. It really is about the relationship we have with Catholic Charities and filling that need that they have. H

6 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

NEWS

The Kansas City Public School Board plans to close local high school despite new renovations.

The Kansas City Public School Board has made a recommendation to close 90 year old Southwest High School next fall due to the lack of students attending the high school and where these students live.

The closure is part of the Kansas City Public School Districts Master Plan. This plan began in 2013 to improve the school district. Students, parents, community members, and employees were invited to join in developing the Master Plan by completing surveys and attending meetings.

The plan includes closing Southwest along with elementary schools Attucks and Satchel Paige. The board received the school closure information in early November and is still deciding on the recommendation with the help of feedback from families and students of the district.

Interim Superintendent Allan Tunis and the School Board have received feedback that the highest priority is a need for improved teaching and learning. Other feedback included a need for improved extra-curricular

by KATIE DONNELLAN | staff writer activities, program and budget equity, improved transportation services, and customer service.

We are hearing something needs to be done because we dont have enough students to fill all the facilities we currently have, Tunis said. There are questions about which one is the right one.

The District has five high schools below the desired school size of 700-1200 students and eleven elementary schools below the desired school size of 350-600 students.

The proposal was made two years ago because of the number of facilities the district has versus the number of students in these facilities Tunis said. The district hopes to consolidate the schools with struggling numbers to have more resources.

There are currently only 350 students attending Southwest. The buildings capacity is around 1,500 students. In addition, few of the students that attend Southwest live in the neighborhood, and many are traveling across town to school.

The students that we serve are

more centered around Southeast, rather than Southwest, Tunis said.

According to Tunis, despite Southwests great facilities, Southeast was recently renovated both internally and externally. The campus has newer athletic facilities and is located closer to where more students from the district live.

Junior Mary LePique lives down the street from Southwest High School and saw the school reopen in 2010. The school was criticized for behavior problems when it first reopened.

If Southwest closes the neighborhood will be quieter, not that it is loud now, it will just have less traffic and activity, LePique said. As the years since the school reopened have passed, I have noticed less kids skipping school and less cops at the school.

Most students on a map are located around Southeast, so the students currently attending Southwest are traveling farther than they need to. The push for neighborhood schooling in the District will create new District boundaries and better transportation.

Southwest plans to closeschool's out | A banner reading "A Provisionally Accredited School" hangs above the front doors of Southwest High School on Wornall Road in KCMO. Southwest High School was opened in 1925, but is scheduled to close its doors along with two other elementary schools in the Kansas City area. photo by PAIGE POWELL

7page designed by Katherine Green

Though Turkey denies any ties to ISIS, Russia has accused the country of shooting down its warplane near the border of Syria in order to protect oil trade with the Islamic group. The Turkish government has refused to apolo-gize for the incident, claiming the jet entered their airspace.

Human remains were found at the house of Michael A. Jones after the police were called to in-vestigate a domestic disturbance. The body is suspected to belong to Joness son, A.J., who has been missing for an extended period of time.

Each issue, the Dart highlights groundbreaking events in the world, US, Missouri and KC.

The House Budget and Sen-ate Appropriations committees met Nov. 30 looking to find ways to stop Syrian refugees from entering Missouri. Dozens of lawmakers have advised block-ing refugees from Missouri, stat-ing concern over the lenience in the screening process and how this could lead to admitting ter-rorists into the state.

the NEWS FEED

in the world

in missouri

in the u.s.

in kansas city

Robert Lewis Dear is sus-pected to be responsible for 3 deaths in the Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood shooting Nov. 27. Authorities believe Dear was trying to shoot propane tanks located near his car to cause an explosion.

by ELSA FEIGENBAUMsports copy editor

These new boundaries along with a feeder system are efforts to keep more students together from elementary school to middle school to high school to create a community feel and relationships.

In addition to new boundaries, the Districts transportation will be improved. Currently students walk up to six blocks from their house to a bus stop. With the new plan, students would only have to walk to school if they live within half a mile and bus stops would be no more than two blocks from home.

The Southwest building will not be for sale. The District is looking to find a good community partner to use the building.

Our intent is to mothball the building, Tunis said. We want to find good use of all of our facilities that we are not using.

By consolidating the number high school buildings the District will have

more resources. These resources can be used for effectively to make more opportunities available to students at all schools.

We can take those resources into higher priorities, Tunis said. We believe by that consolidation well be able to provide better opportunities for kids, give them what they are looking for and meet their needs more efficiently.

The Kansas City Public School District regained provisional accreditation on August 6, 2014. According to Tunis the District is looking to continue to improve by completing the Master Plan.

I believe that the District is definitely making major improvements not just from an academic standpoint, but from a social perspective for our students, Tunis said. We are not where we want to be yet, we still have improvements to make. I believe these closures do allow us to get where we want quicker. H

Southwest High School's Closing:Step by Step

Sept. - Dec. 2013KCPS conducts technical assessment and community engagement

Nov. 2015 Stakeholders hold engagement meetings

Oct. 2014 - March 2015

Consultant (MGT) conducts technical assessment and community engagement

April 2015 MGT presents recommendations to School Board / Superintendent

May - Oct. 2015KCPS staff reviews / assesses MGT recommendations

Nov. 2015 KCPS staff presents recom-mendations to the School Board

Feb. 2016 Board decision on recommendations

Feb. - Aug. 2016Transition into school year and plan activities / programs (if approved)

Fall 2016Implementation of Master Plan (if approved)

compiled by KATIE DONNELLAN | staff writer

8 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

Star spotlight

When and why did you start cooking?

How did you get your job and what is it like working at Andrs?

When do you get the chance to bake some of your own pastries?

Do you want to be a chef when you get older?

IsabelFitzpatrickSophomore Isabel Fitzpatric talks about her job at Andrs bakery.

Don't forget to check out DNO to see Ellie Grever's illustrations.

story by VICTORIA CAHOON | staff writerphoto by KATE SCOFIELD | staff photographer

"During the week, I dont get to bake a lot unless were having an advisory party or clubs, but I try to bake as much as I can on the weekends, so Ill bake from when we get out school on friday till midnight and same with saturdays when I get out of work. My absolute favorite thing to bake would have to bee chocolate souffls.

"[I started when I was] really little because my mom always liked to cook. She lived in Austria with my grandmother for a long time [when she was young], so she learned different styles of European baking and she passed them on to [my sister and me]. My parents dont bake for a job but it has been a hobby of my mother.

I got my job by going in and asking until it was actually time for them to hire new people. I went in about four times over the course of two years, and I eventually went in at the right time. I plate desserts for the restaurant and put whipped cream rosettes on the deserts, so the servers take around the trays of pastries that I plated. In the morning I help the bakers cut out marzipan and shape them. I just do little tasks for them, [in the future] they said I might get to bake some stuff but I havent been doing that yet.

Yes! I want to own my bakery, thats what my dream job would be. I prefer European baking, so I dont like working with American stuff... It isnt really my forte, it would be more like a French patisserie.

9page designed by Clare Kenney

BITS & PIECES

smashed | Science teacher Renee Blake, left, pies senior class secretary Sophia Cusumano in the face during the new senior class fundraiser in the auditorium Nov. 23. photo by MADDY MEDINA

My life sucks // My life rocks

My family and I were driving on the highway, home from Lawrence, when we hit a deer straight on. Our car was the first of about five that

hit the deer, and the sound was horrifying. Luckily, everyone was okay, except the deer, but our car was completely totalled."- Katherine Cory, sophomore

Im on the National swim-ming team, and that means I have to go to the Virgin Islands twice a month to train. When I go down

there, I train twice a day with my coach. I also train with this guy whos a family friend named Rex, whos gonna be in the Olympics next year. I was even home schooled there for a semester in eighth grade so I could swim. - Kate Lowe, freshman

DAYS OF OURLIVES

compiled by ZOE BUTLER | social media editor

Thats whatshe said

SOphOmore Emilie Blanck@emiblanckWishing that my snapchat score could be added to my Gpa

SENIOR MADDIE SUMMERS@SUMMERSMADDIE1TODAY I ATE FOUR PLATES OF THANKSGIVING FOOD AND THEN WASHED MY HAIR IN THE SCHOOL SINK TWICE. IT'S A GOOD DAY TO BE ME

SENIOR SHELBY SCOTT@SHELBSSTHOOI DON'T KNOW WHY YOU DON'T HAVE FAITH IN ME!" *TRIPS GOING UP THE STAIRS*...NEVERMIND

Each issue, the Dart shares entertaining student tweets.

complied by LILY MANNINGsocial media editor

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE

Only 1 day until Christmas Dance.

Exactly 13 days until the end of first semester.

Exactly 10 days until Finals begin.

Approximately

100 days until spring break.

About140 days until the Walk of Fame.

Exactly170 days until Graduation

And only 173 days until summer break. H

by CLARE KENNEY | page designer

Count down with the Dart to important STA events.

10 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

REVIEWS

by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMSfeatures copy editor

H H H H HPizzeria Locale offers a variety

of Neapolitan Style pizzas on its Classics menu, or an option to build your own with any toppings you could possibly think of. The dough is fresh -- the restaurant makes around 100 pounds of it each day -- and the sauce is inspired by the ripe tomatoes found in Naples, ensuring a strong flavor.

After you order, youll be able to watch your pizza be prepared by the employee behind the glass. As it moves down the assembly line, itll get dressed up how you like and placed in the 1000-degree oven at the end of the line. After two minutes, your pizza will come out of the oven and get placed on the counter to cool down.

As you pay, youll see another menu with inexpensive sides and sweets, salads, and drinks. Your own 11-inch pizza will only cost around $7.00, so as long as you come in equipped with a few dollars, youre bound to eat something you enjoy and maybe experiment with another Italian delicacy.

After you make your way through the line and wait for your pizza com-ing out of the 1000-degree oven to cool down, youll get to do what you actually came to the restaurant to do: eat your food. I opted for my own pepperoni pizza, but the restaurants signatures and the build-your-own option include a variety of simple in-gredients, from meatballs to green ol-ives to fresh basil. Compared to other pizza restaurants greasy and artificial tastes, Pizzeria Locales pizzas are real, light and delicious. The natural mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce on thin crust are a great representa-tion of Neopolitan-style pizza, and as the lady sitting next to me said, the salads are perfect for two to share.H

If youre anything like most of the urban world, youve probably eaten at Chipotle before and enjoyed it. Hopefully this isnt a stretch, but Id guess youve probably eaten pizza before and enjoyed that, too. The thing about pizza, though, is that the usual pizza experience is accompanied with either long waits in a restaurant or awkward encounters with pizza-delivering personnel. So, I offer you the perfect solution to rid yourself of the painful experience of watching a waiter walk by with what you believed to be your own pizza, only to learn that your pepperoni pie is last on the list: Pizzeria Locale.

In January of 1993, co-owners Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patter-son launch arguably the most influential fast-casual restaurant to date: Chipotle Mexican Grill. By the end of 1993, Stuck-ey and Mackinnon-Patterson had already opened 16 other Chipotle locations outside of the original in Denver, Co. Five years later, the entrepreneurs were looking to expand Chipotles success and turned to Kansas City as the location for the first restaurant outside of Colorado.

Come 2011, Chipotles co-owners de-cide to launch Pizzeria Locale in Boulder, Co after their success with the assembly

1. ORDER

2. observe

3. pay

4. enjoy

Pizzeria Locale is a local prize

perfect pepperoni | Pizzeria Locale is new in Kansas City this year. The restaurant is located right next to Chipotle Mexican Grill in Waldo, owned by the same entrepreneurs. photo by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS

line style. According to the KC location Pizzeria Locale manager Chris Deperalta, Kansas Citys support for Chipotle had been one of the strongest locations in the nation. So, when Stuckey and Mackinnon-Patterson decided to take Pizzeria Locale a step further, they once again looked to Kansas City to test the waters.

In July, Pizzeria Locales first location outside of Colorado opened just next door to a Chipotle Mexican Grill on 75th street. The location is perfect, conveniently close to Brookside and in a quickly grow-ing restaurant and bar district in Waldo. For McKinnon-Patterson, Waldo seems like a real neighborhood with the same kind of captivating feeling that we have at our locations in Colorado.

Once you walk in the door, youre greeted with the familiar and enticing smell of Italian food and an open, welcom-ing feel. Similar to Chipotle, youll find an assembly line with ingredients behind the counter toward the back of the restau-rant. A friendly employee might greet you with a smile and an I can take your order when youre ready and youll be ready to start the process.

Just like Chipotles Kansas City journey was successful back in 1998, Pizzeria Locale has been well-received by the community of Kansas City. Not only is Piz-zeria Locale here to stay, but come 2016, they hope to open two more locations in Overland Park.

11page designed by Bridget Jones

by MACKENZIE O'GUINdesign editor

H H H H H

H H H H H

by ALEX FRISCHpage designer

The fear of isolation is ingrained in the human psyche. We are social creatures made to interact with and rely on each other. Alone, everything is infinitely more complex and dangerous. Andy Weir's "The Martian" plays into this fear from the first page. The book follows the story of an astronaut who is stranded on Mars after a space exploration mission goes wrong. He is abandoned by the rest of the crew because they think he is dead. After being left behind, the main character is forced find ways to survive on a Mars base only designed to last for about a month.

This book, while technically sci-fi, is primarily a survival story almost like Robinson Crusoe . Its a man vs. nature novel made exciting by its unique setting. This book kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to imagine the impossibility of surviving in such a hostile environment. The plot of the book is primarily about human perseverance in the face of extreme adversity. Fans of survival stories will enjoy this book.

"The Martians" energy never flagged and was even extremely funny at times. The main character was both likeable and believable. Despite being clearly smarter than an average person was still relatable and

entertaining as a result of using humor to cope with life or death situations.

Part of what made "The Martian" so interesting was the extensive scientific facts throughout the novel. While some elements of the novel were science fiction, many of the details were based on real chemistry, engineering, and even botany. Weir's writing makes the science extremely believable and detailed. Avid science students will find this book very interesting. Its easy to see that Weir put tons of research into his novel. One of the things that makes this novel so interesting is that, although its set a bit in the future , the science is still very relevant with all of the current interest in Mars exploration.

Despite the way this book highlights the many dangers of space exploration it almost makes me wish I could explore myself. I have never taken a course specifically on astrology or outer space, so it was interesting to read a book which focused so heavily on space exploration. I enjoyed reading a book that kindled my interest in areas I previously knew little about. Although the story itself was fictional it contained bits of revelavent science and provided a glimpse of what space exploration may resemble in the near future in way that was entertaining without being overly complicated.H

"The Martian" exceeds expectations

"Know it all:" a soundtrack for

angst, edge, ambition

A teenage girl with a spacey, standoffish demeanor hangs boredly in the corner of a congested house party, worn Converse tapping impatiently on the stained carpet. The air is rank with thick pot smoke, cheap alcohol and the generic pulsation of stereo speakers. Obnoxious laughter cuts through the inaudibility. A boy falls to the ground near a trash can overflowing with smashed beer cans and red Solo cups, sweating and heaving up something acidic.

I did not anticipate falling in love with Alessia Caras debut album Know It All until I was transported into the foreign yet nostalgic portraits of teenhood painted by tracks like Here or Four Pink Walls. Initially, I was offput by the almost bubbly girlishness of Caras contemporary R&B brand, but within the first minute and a half of her nostalgic opening track Seventeen, a trend prevailed: Alessia Cara is wise beyond her years, and she doesnt care who knows it.

Young artists (as well as young people in general) are faced with the complex issue of being old enough to be wise but young enough to have said wisdom discounted by others. Cara

confronts this issue with a fearless elegance in other tracks as well, from jazzy old school jam Outlaws to the albums heart wrenching closer, My Song. With a certain attitude and edginess, Cara demands at nineteen the respect of even the most seasoned artists.

However, this maturity doesnt bog down Caras youthful beats. Ironically, the albums crown jewel, anti-party anthem Here, wouldnt be out of place at the claustrophobically rowdy house party Cara bashes within the song itself. I dont particularly enjoy the bubblegum pop sound of Know It All, but the lyrical content adds the edge needed to keep the songs from becoming entirely hollow.

Suddenly, the scene shifts. The same messy-haired teenager collapses onto an unmade twin-size bed, eyeliner smeared and headphones blaring. She passes the rest of the night staring idly at one of the four bubblegum-colored walls. The beat pulsates comfortingly in her headphones, and she sinks contentedly into her wrinkled comforter in the personal triumph of her latest musical finding--a newly minted R&B singer with an endearing attitude, a freshly debuted idol who also once stared forelornly at her own four pink walls.H

12 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

features

Exploring how non-Catholic students and teachers at STA are affected by the religious

atmosphere.story by GWYN DORAN | staff writer

revealing religion | Junior Eilis Leptien holds up her rosary in the chapel. Leptien was raised with Roman Catholicism and still continues practicing it. photo by CASSIE HAYES

NonSTUDENTS AT

STACatholic

13page designed by Christina Kirk

Looking around, you see other teenage girls with their eyes fixed on the front of the room. They chant loudly in unison, never hesitating in their answers. At their leaders instruc-tion, they sit down, stand up, and respond to him. You feel like an outsider, never knowing what to say and awkwardly mimicking the actions of the others.

This is how freshman Margaux Renee felt at her first all-school mass.

Before attending STA, she had accompanied a friend to mass once, but Catholicism remained foreign to her.

When I first went to Mass, I didn't know what was happening, Renee said.

Even though shes thrown by the unfamiliar setting, Renee is no stranger to religion.

Ive had a lot of exposure to Muslim culture because at my grade school, Academie Lafayette, there were a lot of teachers from Africa and my aunt and uncle are Hindu," Renee said. "My mom was raised as a Jehovahs Witness and teaches at a Jewish high school in Overland Park, so I know a lot about Judaism.

Despite her diverse awareness of religion, Renee said she didnt know anything about Christianity before attending STA. Still, Renee has learned to embrace her theol-ogy classes as an opportunity to broaden her already open-minded

view of religion. I was terrified, Renee said. I

was so confused. Now, theology is my favorite class because Im learn-ing brand new things.

Theology teacher Jennifer Greene said she knows there are non-Catholic students in her class-es, but she refrains from asking.

I dont want to point [non-Cath-olic students] out or make them feel uncomfortable. Greene said.

However, Greene was doubtful this is the best method. She under-stands that non-Catholic students

arent always aware of Catholic routines, leaving them feeling more lost during mass or theology classes.

We start the year immediately with Catholic customs. Greene said. Some students may have no idea what '[St. Joseph] pray for us' is or what it means or why we even pray to the saints. We do need to be careful about that.

Greene acknowledged that the theology department often discusses how to educate students

like Renee, who have no Catholic background, such as proposing a Catholic 101 class for incoming freshmen.

We could offer something where we could at least give those students the context so they can maneuver through Catholic school, Greene said. We tell them what we believe and how it looks.

However, students like Renee with no religious background are rare since most were raised Catholic or attended a Catholic grade school. Junior Sarah Ferron, while sharing her peers religious upbringing, identifies as an atheist.

I never really believed in God, Ferron said. And [attending Saint Thomas More School] made me less religious. It was a very conser-vative and narrow view of religion, and a lot of people arent going to fit that narrow view of religion. Theyll feel like theyre not religious because they dont agree with what they were brought up to believe.

Ferron said the closed-minded atmosphere of her grade school led to a shock when she first experienced STAs more tolerant environment.

I think we do have a liberal education at STA, as far as religion goes, Ferron said. Im sure some people at the school dont like that. But most teenagers will probably want that more open-minded view of faith. I was a little bit surprised because I went to such a conserva-tive grade school, so it was inter-

I was terrified. I was so confused. Now theology is my fa-corite class because I'm leaning brand new things.

freshman Margaux Renee

65.7% are CATHOLIC

11.3% are PROTESTANT

11% are AGNOSTIC

6% are ATHEIST

5% are OTHER RELIGIONS

0.6% are MUSLIM

0.3% are JEWISH

Distribution of Student Religions Religion at STAcompiled by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS

features copy editor

Non

78.7% identify with the religion in which they were raised

21.3% do not iden-tify with the religion in which they were raised

Student's Religious Continuity

of 320

students

14 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

featuresesting to experience this new take on religion.

Greene agreed that high school and grade school theology differ. Some grade schools adopt a light hearted and straightforward view of religion, while others offer a more analytical approach. As a high school theology teacher, she receives students with a wide variety of religious education.

Sometimes we assume there is good teaching of the faith going on, but thats not always true, Greene said. You dont know what youre getting when kids come to class.

Though Ferron does not identify with Catholic values, she acknowledges the benefits accompanying faith-orient-ed education.

If I really was opposed to religion, I wouldnt have attended STA, Ferron said. I think that religion is beautiful and should be celebrated. Im able to learn from theology class without the religious aspect. I can take Social Con-cerns class as a platform to talk about injustices in the world. Im not viewing it as something thats specifically made

for Catholics.Despite her greater insight into

religion, Ferrons atheistic views remain the same.

The religious aspects of STA have not impacted me, she said. Im here to learn and get a good education. Im not here to convert...Religion just isnt something that I have in my life.

Sophomore Natalie Kistler, an active member of the Presbyterian Church, discussed how she approaches edu-cation rooted in Catholicism. When deciding which high school to attend, she considered three Catholic schools and the Pembroke Hill School. Though she wasnt Catholic, she valued the principles of a religious foundation in her education.

I liked the whole aspect of religion at school, Kistler says. I didnt really care about it being Catholic. I just liked the idea of the school being faith-oriented.

Kistler noted that she also saw a difference between how grade schools and high schools approach other religions.

I found that STA is a lot more welcoming to non-Catholic people [than my grade school], Kistler said. I feel like STA doesnt teach specifically Catholic faith, but just faith...You get different perspectives.

Though Renees first time attending mass at STA might have felt awkward, she is far more comfortable with Ca-tholicism now than at the beginning of the year.

I think Ive kept up pretty well...I picked it up and its pretty easy to understand, Renee said. Ive started to memorize certain things. Its nice because I dont take Communion since Im not Catholic, but I get blessed and it feels more welcoming.

A few of Renees friends from her grade school belong to other Christian denominations and also feel unfamiliar with some Catholic customs.

Were all just going through it and being confused together, Renee laughs.H

1. Religion teacher Jennifer Greene, a Catho-lic Christian, holds a bible in her room. 2. Junior Eilis Lep-tien sits in the chapel during a free. Leptien is a practicing Catholic and attends church and a youth group regularly. 3. Senior Amber Brownlee holds up a large wall hanging display-ing the Hindu god, Ganesha. Ganesha is the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles. photos by CASSIE HAYES

1.

3.2.

15pages designed by Christina Kirk and Violet Cowdin

illegala n edgeIts a Wednesday night. Youve just

gotten home from a long practice, youve still got hours of homework ahead of you, and you have a massive history test tomorrow. You are present-ed with two choices: seek the help of a study drug, or do the work on your own.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6.8 percent of high school seniors use Adderall, a prescription drug that is normally used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD. However, students across the country are now using study drugs in order to excel in school.

There are many different options for study drugs, such as Focalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, Adderall and Ritalin. All of these drugs have the same effect on the brain and all contain amphetamine. The amphetamine in the drugs increases the output of the dopamine hormone in the brain, which in turn increases focus.

Along with increasing focus, study drugs can also increase energy, accord-ing to STA senior Holly*.

[Taking Adderall] made me feel re-ally good, Holly said. In about fifteen minutes, I noticed my energy level was boosted and I actually felt like studying for once.

Rockhurst High School senior John*

agrees. I enjoy learning as opposed to hating

it when Im on [Adderall], John said. I write every word down that the teacher says in class, absolutely everything. My attention span is so much better when Im on it.

Besides using the drug for studying and paying attention in class, a growing number of high school students use the drugs in preparation for important tests, finals, and the ACT or SAT.

I took the ACT three times and took [Adderall] before each test, Holly said. Not only do [study drugs] make you hone in on what youre doing, your confidence level is also boosted. I didnt find myself worrying if I couldnt get the answer to a problem. Standardized tests typically weigh me down and I get distracted easily, but when I took the pill, all of those feelings disappeared, I felt like I was a better student.

According to John, taking Adderall caused all of his successes in the past two years.

I bumped my GPA from a 3.2 to a 3.9 from sophomore to junior year, John said. I branched out more and I was varsity in every sport I was in. I met a lot of new people, made a lot of new friends, got in shape and my parents liked where I was going more. Im pretty lazy, so it basically helps me to do the

STORY by MEREDITH MULHERNstaff writer

ILLUSTRATIONS by ELLIE GREVERvisual illustrator

*Names have been changed to protect source's identities.

16 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

features

things I should be doing. While these students feel positively about the

drugs, many studies show that there are several negative side effects that should be taken into ac-count.

According to a study conducted by the Univer-sity of Texas, the use of study drugs poses the risk of causing the user to develop a psychological and physical dependence on them.

Both Holly and John believe that they can stop their usage before they can develop an addiction.

According to Guidance Counselor Amanda John-son, any student that develops an addiction should get help and talk to a counselor.

[An addiction to study drugs] is just like any addiction, youd want to seek professional help, Johnson said. If youre recognizing that your study drug is becom-ing an addiction, thats just like alcohol or any other street drug. You want to make sure youre getting a handle on that, getting it in check and getting help.

Along with running the risk of addiction, students who use study drugs should also take into account the nu-merous negative side effects that come with them.

According to the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, study drugs side effects include aggression, depression, hallucinations, heart attack, painful menstruation, psychosis, stroke, vomiting and sud-den death.

Although John and Holly have had positive experi-ences with study drugs, both have experienced negative side effects as well.

I took [Adderall] on the very first day of [my sports practice], John said. I didnt eat lunch that day, and I almost passed out at practice. You dont sleep very well or at all the night after [you take it], and you get [angry] when people distract you when youre on it.

While Johns negative experience came during an activity outside of a learning environment, Hollys

experience hurt [her] when Adderall was supposed to be helping [her].

The worst thing that happened to me while I was on [study drugs] was during the ACT, Holly said. I got extremely thirsty, and of course they dont let you leave during the test. I started to lose my focus. I had to tell myself to calm down and re-center myself.

When STA junior Heather* took Adderall for a test at school, she encountered similar troubles.

I decided to take [Adderall] because I had a huge test coming up that I had to get a good grade on, Heather said. I had heard of my friends taking [Adderall] and getting positive effects, so I decided

to try it.As she feared might happen,

after Heather took her dose of Adderall, she was hit with vari-ous negative side effects that discouraged her from further use.

[Adderall] made my mind race a mile a minute, Heather said. I could not focus, along with shaking that lasted throughout the entire day. I also couldnt sleep, and was very paranoid and anxious. It was terrible.

According to Sean McCabe, who is a research associate professor at the University of Michigan, Students may not

know the stimulant's documented situations in which a drug might be harmful or recommended precautions or how it may interact with other drugs.

Adderall is considered to be a schedule II drug, meaning that these specific drugs have a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence, ac-cording to the Drug Enforcement Administration, or the DEA.

Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and mor-phine are also on the DEAs list of schedule II drugs.

Despite many doctors and counselors warnings, students continue to take drugs like Adderall and Ritalin to boost their academic performance.

I think students take study drugs because they seem to help most people out even if there are negative aspects, John said. Theyre also really easy to get a hold of.

17page designed by Violet Cowdin

According to the Center for Disease Control, 6.4 million children in America are diagnosed with ADHD and have been prescribed drugs like Adderall. However, instead of having a prescrip-tion, John, Holly and Heather obtained their doses from fellow students that deal the drugs.

My friend was buying Ritalin for finals, Holly said. She asked me if I wanted to buy some, and I said yes. Weirdly, when my friend offered to get me [Ritalin], all of [the negative information I heard about the drugs] seemed to slip my mind.

While Holly may occasionally use study drugs herself to focus more eas-ily, she says she would not encourage others to take Adderall.

[I dont deal study drugs], Holly said. I would never want to be respon-sible for someone else's addiction or problem. I cant say I encourage it since youre technically not supposed to take them if youre not prescribed them.

John agrees, saying, I dont want to encourage everyone [to take study drugs]. [If someone wanted to take study drugs], I would tell them to do their research, tell them to be aware about addiction and the potential punishment if you get caught.

Johnson warns that consequences of taking study drugs not only put stu-dents at risk for an addiction, but the consequences at STA hold the possibil-ity of being severe, ranging from being considered cheating, drug and alcohol use on campus, and deception.

As for teaching STA students about study drug usage, there are no current plans in place, according to Johnson.

[The subject of study drugs] brings up a good point, so that may be some-thing [that counselors] need to look at. [Study drugs are] controlled substanc-es for a reason; theyre very powerful substances. H

drug

ADDERALL ADDICTION

data

- Needing larger doses to feel the drugs effects- Taking the drug despite knowledge of the harm it+is causing- Not being able to finish work without Adderall- Spending COPIOUS AMOUNTS of money TO RECIEVE the drug- Being unable to feel alert without the drug

ALTERNATIVE COVERAGE collected from

the ADDICTION CENTER

18 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

photo by VIOLET COWDIN

con sum er ism con sum er ism

CENTERSPREAD

noun1. a modern movement for the protection of the consumer against useless, inferior, or dangerous, products, misleading advertising, unfair pricing, etc.2. the concept that an expanding consumption of goods is advantageous to the economy 3. the fact or practice of increasing consumption of goods

by HELEN WHEATLEY and JEANNIE O'FLAHERTYopinion copy editor and staff writer

19page designed by Mackenzie O'Guin

Finding the roots of consumerism

Beginning in the 1950s, consumerism found its footing as thousands returned home from World War II to a newfound eagerness to spend, something many companies recognized and capitalized on. The war bolstered the economy, allowing Americans to spend more than ever on things like new appliances and furniture, according to a study by PBS.

Senior Maddie Rubalcava sees con-sumerism as a societal obsession with goods and produce. Theology teacher Robert Tonnies believes it is a culture in which people have a subconscious urge to purchase worldly things. These definitions share the belief the issue of consumerism lies in the actions of buyers. However, by Merriam-Websters definition, consumerism is the protection or promotion of the interests of consum-ers. More simply put, consumerism is the act of making sure buyers get what they want. Why then do individuals assume their actions create the issue? Social Concerns teacher Mike Sanem acknowl-edges consumers hold the power in this system, but credits advertisers for allow-ing our addictive distraction.

Advertisers are very smart about branding, Sanem said. We all attach symbols of meaning to what we own. Advertisers have figured out how to ad-vertise to people who have everything.

Employee of marketing company Ogilvy and Mather Kat Brown believes overconsumption is an issue in our country, but advertising is part of the world we live in and necessary to keep the economy and jobs alive.

I think sometimes there can be a negative view of advertising as an industry, Brown said. I think people see advertisers as going out there and adver-tising people things that they dont need and thats not good advertising. Thats not advertising in its truest form.

Brown believes when a brand or ad-vertiser is working correctly, its providing messaging that reaches a certain need in a persons life.

I havent really come across [selling to people things they dont need] in my career before, because we are usually

looking for a place where there is a need and working to fulfill that need, Brown said.

Instead of advertising, Rubalcava cites materialism as the driving factor behind consumerism. In the American mindset, she says, materialism is a process-- its the idea that the more we have, the more lavish lives we lead. And for many, a lavish lifestyle becomes so desireable we sacrifice what we can to this twisted system, Rubalcava believes.

No one likes feeling left out, Rubalca-va said, So we try to compensate for our omnipresent loneliness by filling it with clothes that make us look like we fit the social standard, and pray that we begin to feel it too.

18 year old Honduran Andrea Bustillo recently moved to the United States when her mother married an American. She finds the root of consumerism in the way Americans value objects.

The problem starts when we forget the value of the things, Bustillo said. We lose the sense of what is an object. We start to belong to the object instead of the object belonging to us.

Bustillo also finds the tendency to par-take in this culture comes from a lack of attention paid to consequences. She says the way people approach the use of their possessions in the nations of America and Honduras is very different.

Were not consumerists in Hondu-ras, Bustillo said. We dont have enough money to be consumers. We have a different mentality: when you buy some-thing, you use it to the point where it breaks, or its useless, and even then you give it to another person. The last thing you would do is throw it away.

While advertising and materialism may pull consumers towards a good or product, this attraction is not enough to keep customers returning regularly. In order to support a growing economy, Americas gross domestic product (GDP) must always be growing. Thus, people must constantly buy new items to sustain the steady economic incline.

Out of this idea came planned obso-lescence: a manufacturing decision made by a company to make products in such

a way that they become out-of-date or useless within a known period of time, according to The Economist. The average purchase lasts six months before it stops being used or is thrown away.

Interiorly, nobody wants to be waste-ful, but we have been distanced from where our waste ends up, Tonnies said. We are encouraged to move from one interest to another at a rate that is liter-ally hurting our attention spans.

Brown, who works in advertising spe-cifically for luxury brands, doesnt come across the idea of planned obsolescence in her work, she says.

[My company] invests in brands that really stand behind what they believe in, and you wont see practices like that, Brown said. There is a degree to which advertising sets trends and I think its important for advertisers to think about what theyre putting out there.

For Sanem, the idea of a disposable culture encompasses the system of con-sumerism: the goods being traded and the people involved in their production.

What if you start throwing away the people who make [the goods]? Sanem said. How do you decide which humans are worthy and which are not?"

For students of St. Teresas Acad-emy, consumerism is present due to its prevalence in teen culture and society. From an education standpoint, many institutions like STA are continuing to value the importance of staying current with technology.

The student experience is increasing-ly important in education and part of that is supplying [students] with things theyre used to from corporations, Sanem said. Education is an industry.

Sanem believes the level of con-sumer awareness at STA is so obvious. Rubalcava states that this awareness is often downplayed because of things like uniforms and lack of makeup worn by students, but it flares up when outside influences are introduced.

I think a lot of people like to pretend STA is special because we aren't very ma-terialistic... but when Teresian or Prom rolls around, all you ever hear is, What

F or generations, children and adults in the first world have partaken in the constant trade of goods. The Friday after Thanksgiving becomes a feeding ground for the American consumer, and Christmas a season of purchase. Many will say weve developed a constant need for bigger, better, brighter, faster and more efficient. But as we dig ourselves deeper into this trade, where does the dark pit finally hit rock bottom? Beyond the iPhone and into the world of poverty and discontent, what is really being traded?

F

consumerism at sTA

20 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

dress are you wearing?, Where are you going for dinner?, Omg post those pics on instagram, Rubalcava said. We complain incessantly about how slow the netbooks are, or how upsettingly slow the internet is, but in reality we are extremely lucky to have laptops.

Sanem finds the symbols of consum-erism as STA, like headbands and cars, are often present because of choice by students. But when it comes to things like technology, he believes its hard and expensive to purchase ethically made products. Tonnies comments on the STA communitys issues as a whole.

We see [consumerist tendencies] in every person, Tonnies said. Nobody is above it. As a school community we could be more conscientious about whether or not certain school functions are encouraging ecological conscious-ness. We could all do better. Catholic Social Teaching demands we do better.

Consequences of consumerism For Americans and laborers alike,

consumerism rarely gratifies. The world of trade, as Sanem describes, is a wide spectrum with consumerism as a dis-traction on one end and consumerism as the degradation on the other.

During the idea's inception in the 50s, Americas national happiness peaked and has been dropping ever since, ac-cording to The Harvard Business Review. Sanem believes wealth and accumula-tion of goods beyond a certain extent makes one less happy than otherwise.

Ultimately, if youre empty, youre just going to keep consuming things because youre empty, and youre going to feel more and more empty the more you consume, Sanem said. [Advertisers] create new needs, and youre basically prescribing your happiness to something that cant make you happy.

Rublcava finds materials create dis-tance between humans.

Happiness is something that only comes through being present for the human moment, Rubalcava said. As we grow more concerned with monetary and proprietary gain, we become less concerned on how we spend moments.

Aside from affecting American happi-ness, consumerism plays into the liveli-hood of underdeveloped nations. Many companies capitalize on their ability to use sweatshops in developing coun-tries for cheap labor increasing profit

at home. Nike is one famous example, brought to light in 2000 through the Behind the Swoosh documentary.

For a foreign laborer, first world consumerism is one of the only things he/she can depend on for steady income-- an income that, for 896 million people worldwide, is below $1.90 a day, according to The World Bank. If laborers depend on this wage to survive, whats the harm done by making goods cheaply in developing countries?

Sanem says our dependence on these goods gratifies a weak central gov-ernment for developing nations. He be-lieves the only way to allow huge corpo-rations to pay workers so little is for the peoples in these nations to desperately need the small wage they would earn. Thus, because of their reliance, its in the favor of consumers and corporations for these nations to remain unstable.

If you go out and buy these things does that mean youre supporting ter-rorism? Sanem said. No, but it means to serve the needs of countries that can have the most, you want Indonesia to have a weak central government so you can pay your workers less.

Honduras is the top producer of cof-fee in Central America, but Bustillo says this production rate causes suffering among people of the country.

You just see the beautiful [product] in the commercial, but you dont know people have suffered in the making of those things, Bustillo said. People have to realize what is happening not only in their country, but other countries.

The effects of consumerism dont die out with each generation. The goods we create and throw away every six months leave a permanent impact on the planet. If every person were to consume the way the average American does, we would need four more earths to supply enough materials, according to The BBC.

We're going to start seeing the effects of climate change and its going to be in lesser developed countries, Sanem said.

Not only will those already suffering suffer more, those of us in developed countries will eventually see the impact of our actions.

Theres an environmental problem that will put our very existence at stake, Tonnies said, and then we will wake up.

The poor are more at risk when it comes to the negative effects of climate change, according to The Economist.

Bustillo knows firsthand the effects con-sumerism has on the land and people of poor countries.

One company was paying nearly nothing to its workers, and using really bad things for the environment, Bustillo said. It was so bad the people working there had children with birth defects.

The future of consumerismIn a world where consumerism is an

institution fixed in our social structure, change is very acute if it occurs. Where our economy depends on continual consumption, the power for change lies in the hands of the consumer.

We've seen companies rise and fall based on the American consumer, Sanem said. And thats the good news-- that this is a people-powered system. If we want to change parts of that system, it has to be people powered.

Bustillo believes change will only start when the individual looks at what purpose goods actually serve in the consumers life.

Something important we dont realize is if you buy a watch that is $300, you see the same time as you would on a watch that is $10, Bustillo said.

For Tonnies, change can only come if individuals convert their minds and thought processes.

Its learning where real happiness comes from, Tonnies said. If you learn that, you can build your life from there. We need to transform peoples minds and hearts, and the system will fix itself.

Sanem, Bustillo and Tonnies agree for one person to end consumerism is impossible, and that the process is a slow one. The three share one main idea: in-dividual change creates systemic change. Sanem says that something magical happens when people cultivate their in-ner values and put them into action.

If you can't fight the system, work the system. One way to work the system of consumerism is to be aware of your ten-dencies, Sanem said. You can choose your values through what you spend money on. You vote with your dollar. When people start demanding it, compa-nies start making it. Lets put pressure on companies to produce more ethically... If everybody chose a middle ground, you would see huge changes. If you did a little, you'd have massive change. H

21page designed by Mackenzie O'Guin

Society of The Dart examines the cost of three consumer goods' production and sale. compiled by MADI WINFIELD web scheduling editorSpending

tee shirt

gmc sierra

COST OF LABOR: $.22 PER HOURCOST OF MANUFACTURE: $8SELLING PRICE: $14

COST OF LABOR: $58 PER HOURCOST OF MANUFACTURE: $45,712SELLING PRICE: $48,055

iPhone 6 plusCOST OF LABOR: $1.62 PER HOURCOST OF MANUFACTURE: $220SELLING PRICE: $749

Statistics courtesy of:Maclean'sWall Street JournalTrue CarChina FileBusiness InsiderIHSInformation Week

consumerism inMEDIA

cosmetic obsession | An STA student tests makeup at H&M during Black Friday shopping Nov. 27. photo illustration by VIOLET COWDIN

The Dart asks students how media promotes consumerism in women.

"There is a heavy market of body and skin care targeted towards women. Now, add endless brands, styles and scents, and you've suddenly opened a world of endless possibility for production and consumption." - Michaela Coleman, junior"We see ourselves in how we look..which comes from our reliance on 'something else' to make us feel good about ourselves, which is the essence of consumerism." - Marin Brown, junior

compiled by MACKENZIE O'GUIN | design editor

MAIN EDright on

TARGET

compiled by LINDEN O'BRIEN-WILLIAMS features copy editor

Fueled by extreme greed, Americans follow Thanksgiving, a holiday made for gratitude, with Black Friday, a day where we trample others in pursuit of a slightly-discounted, newer version of something we already own. Then, a mere month later, we turn to Christmas, a time meant for expressing love to friends and family, into a competition to see who can give the best present.

The American obsession with material goods and services has its place at STA. Regardless of what we want to believe, the constant cycle of buying t-shirts, pay-ing for food and keeping STA's technol-ogy top-notch can be dangerous.

We choose to disregard it all, con-vincing ourselves that our hearts are not guilty of anything. Granted, its not always going to be easy to fix the root of the problem. But we should recognize that the cycle doesnt always show itself: our schools obsessions with the newest iPhone, the cutest lululemon leggings, the comfiest Ugg boots and the cool-est Jeep are perfect examples of times when we choose to be oblivious to the

extra worth and power we give to brand names and large corporations.

Being indifferent and unaware of the effects of a materialistic lifestyle can cause devastating harm to the wellbeing of our community and others.

We should take this season of thank-fulness and giving to realize our luck--were blessed more than we can fathom. But we should not feel bad about being born into well-off families in a wealthy country. Some people are bound to be more rich than others, and thats okay.

However, we should recognize that we are privileged. Realizing our good fortune is essential to noticing the hu-man dignity of all. If we put our excess wealth to good use in aiding the poor and marginalized, well get the biggest bang for our bucks. Our money will be put towards the thing that matters most: humanity. H

22 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

Kellie O'Toolesenior

"STA can be more conscious about ex-cessive spending by taking classes like personal finance and social concerns. Personal finance teaches ways to save

money and social concerns teaches how much we already have compared

to the rest of the world."

Americans should use wealth for

the common goodHow do you think the STA community can be more conscious about excessive

purchasing?

Claire Franeyjunior

"STA has done a lot to make students aware of excessive spending with food

and clothing drives, but maybe we could dedicate a wall or bulletin board towards writing things on it about the

countless things were grateful for. That would be a good reminder of how

abundantly weve been blessed".

Claire Wittsophomore

"Girls seem to think that shopping and spending a bunch of money is in their nature. For me, I always try to pay with cash instead of a debit card because it makes me aware of the actual amount

Im spending."

illustration by ELLIE GREVER | visual illustrator

9 of 9 editors voted in support of this editorial.[ ]

A & E

pages designed by Mackenzie O'Guin and Linden O'Brien-Williams 23

Artist of the Issue:Junior Lizy Hagan stands in the

middle of a crowd at Worlds of Fun. She isnt waiting to get on a rollercoaster or buy a funnel cake. Instead, shes applying makeup and creating the werewolves, witches and zombies that lurk in the fog and jump out to scare passersby at the theme park.

Hagan spends her time outside of school turning fantasy into reality through visual effects makeup. She spent this fall working at Halloween Haunt, fixing up employees makeup to pop out and frighten parkgoers.

[At Halloween Haunt] basically all we use is liquid latex and cotton balls, Hagan said. I rip the cotton balls into different sizes I need and coat the

Junior Lizy Hagan spent this fall working at Halloween Haunt, bringing fantasy to life with visual effects makeup.

by LILY MANNING | social media editor

cotton in liquid latex, that will stick to skin and become 'fake skin' that I can tear apart or rip open or whatever. It dries for three to five minutes then I paint it to match skin color and add other paint to make the skin look bruised or irritated. If I'm using blood, I'll add it last.

Hagan was first introduced to makeup by her sister when she was younger and began using it in eighth grade, but it wasnt until her sophomore year that she really became interested in creating art with makeup.

In fourth grade my sister did my makeup for Halloween," Hagan said. "I was a bumble bee and she put yellow

shimmery stuff on my eyes and ever since then Ive just been fascinated with makeup.

Hagan has done her friends makeup before, but she mainly enjoys practicing on herself. She says she enjoys doing regular makeup more than special effects and would love to continue doing makeup as a career, but she is unsure if it would work out.

I'm not totally sure what I want to do as a career, I've been looking into computer science or programming stuff and engineering but haven't decided yet, Hagan said. Id love to be a makeup artist as my actual career, but obviously Id have to go to college and get a real job first.H

Take a look at her work:Makeup Masterpiecesphotos courtesy of LIZY HAGAN

24 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

PERSPECTIVES AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FIRST HEARTBREAK

I heard someone talking about you today. My ears immediately pricked up when I heard your name, a name I havent heard in at least 4 years. A name I havent uttered since you left me heart broken. I still have your jer-sey, number 23, hanging in my closet. I took it out and wore it last year to prove that I was over you. And I am. But I hear your name and everything comes flooding back.

Its a warm May afternoon, the sun glinting off of the crown on top of the Kauffman Stadium jumbotron, the smell of fresh popcorn wavers in the air, my friend next to me excitedly fidgets in her seat. And then we hear it. Your name.

Starting pitcher, Zaaaaaaaaack Greiiiinnnnkeee!

We stand up and scream our sup-port for you, and then settle down to

watch you pitch yet another stellar game.

Those were the golden days for us, if not the Royals. You were a starting pitcher for Kansas City, and I was your biggest fan. Your Sports Illustrated cover proclaiming BEST PITCHER IN BASEBALL hung proudly in my locker at school. I frequented your games to cheer you on. It all seemed perfect: the best and most gorgeous pitcher in the majors playing with my home-town team. Despite your supermodel girlfriend (now wife) and 12 year age difference, I was determined we would one day fall in love.

Like all young love, it comes to a bit-ter end once the glory days of summer fade into fall. It was December. You were traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. I was crushed. How could the team do this?

And then my young, almost twelve-year-old heart took the hardest blow to date: the news reported that you said you wanted to be traded, to be on a team with a chance to win.

I thought it was the end of the world.

Little did I know, all the self help gurus had it right. Our breakup was for the best.

While you went off to Milwaukee (later to be traded to the Los Angeles Angels and eventually the Dodgers), two relatively unknown players (at the time) made their way to Kansas City:

Shortstop Alcides Escobar and cen-terfielder Lorenzo Cain. Along with the future ALCS MVPs came pitcher Jake Odorizzi. A few years later, Odorizzi was part of the trade to the Tampa Bay Rays that brought All Star closer Wade Davis to Kansas City.

So really Zack, I guess what I should be saying is thank you.

Thanks for breaking my heart. Thanks for focusing solely on the money and not recognizing the strong foundation for a championship team growing in Kansas City. Thanks for mak-ing way for three instrumental players who were key in bringing home the 2015 World Series title to Kansas City.

I saw you pitching the other day, in game five of the NLCS. Your L.A. Dodg-ers lost to the New York Mets, losing the pennant and a shot at facing the Royals in the World Series. I watched you walk off the field, head down.

Its kind of sad, really. Youve got your Cy Young Award, your Golden Glove, even a couple MVP nominations. But theres one thing you dont have, and may never have: a World Series Championship.

Thanks for Escobar, Cain, and by extension, Davis. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the heartbreak. Because I wouldnt trade the feeling of a World Series victory for you back any day. Youre a free agent now, but dont bother coming back to the team that was never good enough for you. H

by MARY HILLIARD | editor-in-chief

MEDIAVILLARICHARDSON SCOFIELD

OTHER COLUMNISTS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE:

JONES

Dear Zack,

25page designed by Helen Wheatley

MORE CAN'T START HERE WITHOUT INDIVIDUALITY

As I unfold the St. Teresas Academy promotional magazine, I see the quintessential Catholic, all-girls high school student. Natural hair color, white socks, plaid skirt touching the knee cap, sweater with the emblem and white collar peeking out. This is the ideal, this is the money maker. This is the mold that we should strive to be. Heaven forbid our donors saw a girl with pink hair and patterned socks on the front of our annual magazine, or one of our students cheering on the soccer team in a tank top.

I understand that we are a private high school and that we will have policies and rules enforced that I may not agree with, yet what seems to be happening at our school is a clear hypocrisy. Our administration boasts its dedication to the empowerment and preparation of its students, yet they force us to be consumeristic

conformists, rather than individual and creative citizens. Administration advertises our voices as influential, but seems deaf to our ideas when we advocate for change.

Stated on the St. Teresas website, under Core Beliefs, the words Through the collaborative effort of the administration, faculty and staff, parents, board of directors, and alumnae, students learn the relationship between freedom and personal responsibility, empowering them to contribute positively to their world.

How are we, as a student body, able to learn the relationship between freedom and personal responsibility if our voices are not even heard? Last year, a policy restricting unnatural colored hair was enforced. There was a fair amount of anger from the student body, and eventually a petition was made, which collected over half the student bodys signatures. This petition, as well as a persuasive essay regarding freedom of expression was brought to administration. The administration responded by stating Our goal is to encourage students to express their individuality through personality, academic or extracurricular achievements, not outward appearances.

Essentially, administration wants us to appear as the polite, sweet, and

harmless Catholic school girl, yet also expects us to go above and beyond societal expectations in all possible realms other than appearance. If I am expected to be a powerful, capable, and independent young woman, then why shouldnt I be able to express myself freely? Especially if the way I choose to express myself is completely harmless. Because if I dont conform, then I will not represent the ideal student for our consumers. Yes, our donors are our consumers, and essentially we are the product. And yes, the way we are disciplined directly correlates with the way our administration wants to profit from us. So why should I expect change when I pressure administration?

As much as I love my school, I want to see us moving forward and being a people of change and growth. I wish we could better live up to the slogans that we boast. What aggravates me is when our administration hides behind their commercial sayings of empowerment and independence, and tells me that I cant wear a tank top on my dress down day. We as a school must realize that in the real world we will be challenged, like we are here, but instead of complying to the consumerist ideals, we in turn must challenge them. I want us to be a community of change, not a community of idealistic conformity. H

by VIOLET COWDIN| page designer

MEDIAVILLA GREVER O'GUIN POWELL MOLLOY

26 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

SPORTS

SENIORSQUAD

The 2015-2016 varsity basketball team consists of one sophomore, two juniors, and six seniors. A self-proclaimed squad, the seniors are a close-knit group. Of the seniors, three have played varsity every year at STA (Grace Kitts, Eleanor Lueke and Ryan Wilkins), and one has already committed to play basketball in college (Ryan Wilkins). They all agree that their goal is to make it to State this year. Get to know this year's

Photos courtesy of Jason Hannah Photography | jasonhannahphotography.comby MARY HILLIARD|editor-in-chief

27page designed by Meg Thompson

Eleanor LuekeGuard"Im looking forward to just getting closer as a team and getting closer with all the girls and getting to State. We like to have fun but we work hard."

Kathleen HerringtonGuard"Im looking forward to playing one last year with everyone and hopefully going to State. Weve played together for so long...so we kind of have to be close to play that long together."

Grace KittsGuard"We have so much fun together and bring out the best in each other so I think well have a very successful season. We like to have fun but at the same time were all serious about basketball."

Gillian CutterForward"I'm really looking forward to seeing how we develop and grow as a team there's so much potential for us...I love all the seniors...We have a lot of chemistry off the court so hopefully it translates on the court as well."

Rachael SkeensForward"Im looking forward to having a great last year with our seniors and our team We really are like a squad...You have to work together and you cant be selfish in basketball, you have to focus more on the team."

Ryan WilkinsPoint Guard"Were going to State, and were going to win State. Were just pretty close, you know? Were just like one big happy family."

28 the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015

COMMUNITY

Volunteeringacross the

Map

1. The Harvesters building, located at 3801 Topping Avenue in Kansas City, works to distribute millions of meals to its agencies each year. According to Harvesters' website, every $1 donated provides three meals. 2. The Bishop Sullivan Center building offers donation dropoff locations in the front of their building. The mural on the side of the walkway reads, "The angel came and touched Elijah and said, 'arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you.' (1 Kings 19: 4-8)". photos by ANNA HAFNER

1.

2.

story by ALEX DAVIS | web editor of copy

29page designed by MaryMichael Hough

According to the Missouri Key Findings Hunger in America Report for 2014, nearly 1.2 million people receive emergency food assistance and other necessities annually through the Missouri food bank network. These programs see per month thousands of people who are poor or homeless and in need of assistance. Many of these programs rely solely on volunteer services. The Hunger in America Report states that 44% of agencies have no full time staff, and that 44% report difficulty in obtaining volunteers. For students looking to spend their holiday break out in the community, the Dart has compiled a list of different organizations needing help this holiday season.

Read more about the following organizations and other agencies in need at dartnewsonline.com

Hands to Hearts9007A W 51st Terr, Merriam 66203www.handstoheartskc.org

Volunteers can help pack BackSnacks, help with the Bookmobile, work at the Clothing Closet, as well as provide donations.

Hands to Hearts is an entirely volunteer non-profit organization. Our greatest asset is vol-unteers with willing hearts who want to make a difference. The volunteer opportunities are many. Come work together for the Good.

Bishop Sullivan Center6435 Truman Road Kansas City, MO 64126www.bishopsullivan.org

Volunteers can work in one of the pantries, as-sist in the offices, and help with job placement

Our mission is to provide basic necessities to people who are unable to do so, and to assist those who are able, to become financially self-sufficient by finding employment.

Harvesters3802 Topping Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64129www.harvesters.org

Volunteers can make food or money donations or volunteer at the Harvesters facility

Since its founding, Harvesters distributes mil-lions of pounds of food to its agencies, bring-ing food directly to the poor. In 2014 alone, Harvesters distributed 39 million meals to those who were hungry in the Kansas - Missouri region.

LAST LOOK

Gift Guide

For Your MomInfinity Scarf From J Crew

$65

For Your SisterNail Polish From Target

$12.99

For Your BrotherCanvas Club Belt

From Vineyard Vines$49.50

the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 201530

Christmascompiled by KATHERINE GREEN | news copy editor

photos compiled by KAT MEDIAVILLA | web editor of photography

For Your DadFace Mug from Uncommongoods

$18

wFor Your best friendPortable Record Player From

Urban Outfitters$98

DIY Your gift guide

For Your MomArm-Knitted Scarf

$14

31page designed by Torie Richardson

For Your boyfriendMen's light Sweatshirt

From Patagonia$99

Want to buy cute gifts without breaking the bank? Visit your local craft or online music store for thoughtful, affordable Christmas presents.compiled by TORIE RICHARDSON | editor-in-chief

For Your bestieCD of your favorite

songs$10

32the Dart | dartnewsonline.com | 4 December 2015 | page designed by Madi Winfield

In the DNOThe Dart Vol. 75

Check out the coverage on dartnewsonline

Elf wanted:

PROJECT BY audrey carroll

battle of theBEST CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Columns by MaryMichael Hough, Mary Hilliard and Jeannie o'flaherty

STA - sion rivalry cheats both schools

column by mackenzie o'guin

DartTube: pie smash

videos by maggie knox and mary hilliard

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

MEDIA

twitter: @dartnewsonlinesnapchat: @dartpaperyoutube: dartnewsonlinevine: @dartnewsonlineinstagram: @dartnewsonlinefacebook: /dartnewsonline

Check the highlighted

accounts daily for a social

media advent calendar by

Madi Winfield

tales of an elf on the go