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b news dartnewsonline.comthe dart H st. teresa’s academy H 12 may 2011

Theater program sets stage for college

shining stars H Senior Ryan Tucker, left, and senior Katie Pautler pose for a photo in the Quad during one of their last days at STA. Both Tucker and Pautler will attend Stephens College for its theater program next year. Photo by KIRSTY McGHIE

Consistently ranked among the Princeton Review’s top 10 best colleges for its theater program, Stephens College has attracted a number of STA students in the past few years. According to STA theater director and Stephens alumna Shana Prentiss, students who have taken part in STA’s theater program must be willing to apply themselves and dedicate their time to Stephens’ intense course.

“[Stephens runs] a very intense program,” Prentiss said. “It’s not for people who think, ‘Oh, theater would be fun.’ You really have to be committed to theater. It’s time-intensive.”

Senior Katie Pautler will attend Stephens next fall to pursue a major in technical theater. She discussed her options with Prentiss before making the final decision.

“When deciding between Stephens and William Jewell [College], I talked it through with Prentiss,” Pautler said. “She told me it was a really great theater program, and if I went there, I would be really busy, but really happy.”

Stephens was established in 1833 in downtown Columbia. In 2005, Stephens also established a School of Performing Arts out of the existing theater, dance, film, television and radio programs. The theater pro-gram alone puts on 10 shows a year.

“You are constantly working, if not on stage, then on crew or on scenes,” Prentiss said. “[Stephens] is

not something I recommend to someone if they’re not totally sure this is something they want to do with their life.”

While many know Stephens for its all-girl envi-ronment, a number of male apprentices usually partici-pate in the theater program. However, the dorms still house girls only.

“I loved the all-girls environment,” Prentiss said. “There were guys around, but I loved living in dorms with girls only. It was a fun atmosphere.”

In addition to experiencing an all-girls environ-ment at STA similar to the one in Stephens’ dorms, Pautler also believes that STA’s theater program helped her make her final college decision and gave her an idea of what to expect at Stephens.

“Just being in the [STA] musical this year made me want to [do theater in college],” Pautler said. “And Stephens was the best theater program I could find.”

Current Stephens student and STA alumna Kath-leen Bryant also believes that STA’s theater program encouraged her to apply for Stephens.

“Theater was a very big part of my life at STA,” Bryant said in an e-mail interview. “When I think of high school, I think of after school rehearsals and numerous weekends, free periods and activity periods working on the sets and running lines with girls and Mrs. Prentiss. I was also very lucky to be surrounded by extremely talented and creative girls who not only were excellent actors but set designers as well.”

Like Prentiss, Bryant, who plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in performing arts and possibly costume design, describes the program as extremely rigorous and time-consuming.

“If our teachers tell us we will be released at 7:43 p.m., we will be released at 7:43, not a minute later or sooner,” Bryant said. “Sometimes girls go almost an

entire year without seeing their home or families. We are often told here, ‘Sleep when you are unemployed.’ But when working on something that interests you and that you love, the sacrifices you make are not always that big of a deal.”

Because of this intensity, Prentiss hopes that girls will take careful consideration before choosing Ste-phens, but she highly recommends it to girls who know they want theater to be a major part of their lives.

“I loved [Stephens],” Prentiss said. “It was a won-derful program, and I want everyone to go there.”

Bryant also loves Stephens, not only for its pro-gram, but for the dedicated people she works with.

“The creativity that circulates this campus is out of this world,” Bryant said. “There are some pretty radical people here who have an amazing sense of indi-viduality. I love being able to exist around these people to feed my creativity. To this school and my friends, I am important, and that is truly a remarkable thing to be.” H contact Chelsea Birchmier at cbirchmier@dartnewsonline.com

STA’s valedictorian, Sarah Moran, will attend Barnard College in New York City next year. She has not yet decided on a major. Moran’s cumulative GPA at STA was 101.09 percent. Moran spent an average of about two hours a night on homework.

STA’s salutatorian, Libby O’Neil, will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass. next year. She plans to double major in aerospace and mechanical engineering. O’Neil has won four gold medals on all four of her national Latin Exams, and is receiving an Oxford Classical Dictionary from the NJCL for her efforts. O’Neil spent an average of three hours on homework each night.

Moran O’Neil

Valedictorian, salutatorianreveal study habits, future plans

Stephens studentsSTA students who have attended Stephens College in recent years:

2008: Stephanie Chapman, Kathleen Bryant

2009: Anna Gillcrist

2011: Katie Pautler, Ryan Tucker

source: Shana Prentiss

compiled by CHELSEA BIRCHMIER

STA theater director Shana Prentiss recommends Stephens College to dedicated students

story by CHELSEA BIRCHMIERweb copy editor

Senior Catherine Arensberg was elect-ed Academy Woman April 26 at the academic awards assembly. The Academy Woman is nominated by fellow seniors, as well as faculty and staff. After the nomination votes are counted, the top three (this year four) students are named as nomi-nees. Then, faculty, staff and seniors are given the chance to vote again for the winner.

“It isn’t so much the title Academy Woman that is so special,” Arensberg said. “It’s being nomi-nated by my senior class that is such an honor.”

Arensberg

2011 Academy Woman shares response to recent nomination

Seniors to play college sports

Gray

Miller

SoccerSenior Caroline

Gray will play soccer at University of Nebraska Lincoln next year.

“[I am excited] to improve my skills [at Nebraska],” Gray said. “These players are the best of the best.”

While she has played varsity soccer at STA for four years, Gray believes the greatest challenge she will face with college soccer is keeping fit and eating right in order to stay in shape for daily practices.

After playing for the STA varsity soccer team for four years, senior Cele Fryer will play soccer at Drake University next year. Although she looks forward to the elite level of competition and travel experiences, Fryer knows there will be some challenges in playing college soccer.

“I think [the greatest challenges] will prob-ably be the 5 a.m. workouts everyday and keep-ing up with schoolwork,” she said.

Fryer will have practice three times a day and will travel almost every week.

RowingSenior Leah Miller

will be rowing at Ohio State University next year. According to Miller, there were only four recruits for the team this year from across the US and overseas. After row-ing for the Kansas City Rowing Club for over two years, Miller looks forward most to the competitive atmosphere of college rowing.

“[I am most excited for] just being on a team that is surrounded by a competitive environment and ready to win,” Miller said.

The Ohio State University rowing crew is among the top 15 Crews in the Nation and have placed well at the NCAA Championship for the past 11 years, accord-ing to Miller. Miller will have practice twice every day except for Sundays.

Seniors to expand high school talents to college in sports, academicscompiled by SARA MEURERin the mix editor

Fryer

opinion cdartnewsonline.com the dart H st. teresa’s academy H 12 may 2011

Leaving our hearts with the DartJust a little farewell to the Dart staffers

Throughout the last four years, the Dart has be-come St. Teresa’s for me. They are forever the same and constantly interchangeable and it’s because this paper has become the most defining aspect of this school. Mac computers and Google docs have become the most important technologies out of dozens of fancy new toys. D203 has become the most important place out of three brick buildings and a (formerly) beautiful Quad. The 32 girls (and 1 boy) that make up this paper have become my family out of over 500 students and teachers I love.

Morgan and Madalyne: It’s just us three, living in the same suite at Mizzou, wowing everyone with our superior skills in j-school, rushing the same sorority, holding hands and being best friends forever. Oh wait, that’s sophomore year after Morgan transfers.

Which, believe it or not, is going to happen because I love you both more than you will ever know and because I physically can’t imagine a newspaper without both of you on it. Newspaper equals us three together, always and forever. It’s been us three since sophomore year and together, we’ve made this paper what it is. We’ve grown from little sophomores responsible for beat briefs and terribly scared of Caroline Quinn to seniors who know who they are and what they want, for both ourselves and the Dart. I’m so insanely proud of both of you and everything we’ve accomplished. You’ve become two of my best friends throughout the last three years and all I can say is thank you for everything.

Morgs, you’ve been the best partner in crime this year that I could have ever asked for. No one but us understands the ridiculous, literally thou-sands of hours we’ve put in, the ridiculous amount of work we’ve done and the ridiculous amount of stress we’ve felt. But, at the same time, no one but us understands how every second of editing, every tough decision, every single moment was completely worth it. It’s us, at midnight on Tuesdays, so tired we’re laughing about nothing that makes it worth it. It’s shrieking and crying at NSPA because we’re so surprised we won best of show. It’s the morbid stories about walking alone in dark that we laugh at. It’s telling Sister Joan five more minutes every five minutes when we know we’re going to be at school for at least another hour. It’s making plans to go to Anaheim instead of prom. It’s ironically having a 33.33% percent in newspaper class. It’s every day. It’s every moment.

Mr. Thomas: We call you Dad, and honestly, there have been some days that I’ve actually spent more

time with you than my real father. You know me better than any teacher at this school and I respect you as an educator, an advisor, a parent and a person more than anyone. Thank you for giving me the cour-age to speak my mind and the belief that what I have to say actually means something.

You’ve been there from the start of it all. You’ve been there since I was an eighth-grader at freshmen registration—an over-eager over-achiever deter-mined to write for the paper. You’ve been there since that night when I marched my frizzy-haired, awk-ward, 13-year-old self over to where you were stand-ing, handed you a purple binder with “Megan Schaff’s Portfolio” written on it, looked you straight in the eye and told you that I wanted to write for the Dart.

You’ve been there for four years, thousands and thousands of hours, countless stories, bagel sandwich parties, a few missed deadlines, laughs, cries, trials and tribulations and some very tough decisions. Through it all, you’ve helped me stay that determined girl. I know who I am and what I want to do, and, Dad, I can definitely attribute some of that to you.

This paper has progressed from a general interest to a passion to something I’ve put my whole heart and soul into. Journalism has become my future and you all have become my family. So, thank you Mr. Thomas, Morgan, Madalyne, Katie, Chelsea, Christina, Kate, Celia, Cassie, Laura, Hannah, Rowan, Kathleen and Sara. Thank you Cele, Kirsty, Sarah, Taylor and Kara. Thank you Betsy, Cara, Allison, Katie and Nikki. Thank you Emily, Lane, Emily, Lucia, Mary, Emma, Rachel and Abby. Thank you for being my dad, my sis-ters and my best friends for the past year. And thank you for becoming my future. I love you all. H contact Megan Schaff at mschaff@dartnewsonline.com

She checked in with her adviser at 7:27 a.m. her very first day of freshman year. She glanced down at her schedule; Spanish was first. As she paced through the halls of M&A, she frantically replayed the events of yesterday’s orientation, trying to remember which room exactly was the Spanish room. Found it.

She sat down in the classroom, waiting for roll to be called. Of course her last name was pronounced wrong. She laughed. Typical.

Soon, she discov-ered what she was learning in class wasn’t nearly as important as who she was learning it with.

She learned that being smart is cool, that Waldo Pizza trumps all, that the administration is always on her side. She learned to love herself, to feel confi-dent in her own skin. She learned it didn’t matter that she came to school with acne and unwashed hair—her friends think she’s beautiful anyway.

She checked in at exactly 7:47 a.m. her very last day of senior year. She begged her adviser not to count her late, it was the last day she’d ever check in and she already had tons of tardies.

She sprinted outside with the “seniors, seniors!” chant ringing in her ears. She looked around at the girls surrounding her. They had become a unit: they laughed together, cried to-gether, lived together for the past four years.

One year of netbooks, two main buildings, three summers, four years and five dances later, it was the last day of school.

She thought back to her very first day of freshman year. That feeling of innocence flooded her system. She’s come so far since then. She inhaled, vowing never to forget this sacred mo-ment.

She is you.She is me.She is us.And she’s going to miss this place. H contact

Morgan Said at msaid@dartnewsonline.com

300 WORDS: the more things change . . .Modeled after Brady Dennis’ original 300 words, this series captures people and moments in 300 words; no more, no less

opinion by MORGAN SAIDeditor-in-chief

Said

opinion by MADALYNE BIRDcenterspread editor

opinion by MEGAN SCHAFFmanaging editor of print

This is it, everyone. The moment I know you all have been waiting for: my farewell to the Dart. I don’t know what to say to not make this one of those generic senior farewell columns, but sadly it is. There are only a few things and people that I will miss from my time at STA.

I’ll miss Morgan Said, our leader who likes to call herself mom, which makes me slightly uncomfort-able. So instead, I prefer to think of her as a sister. I’ll miss our late night phone calls that start out about newspaper and end with a random conversation about how we are going to get back at the Rockhurst boys at the Prep News. Or a late night sleepover at her house where she falls asleep during our heart-to-hearts. Sorry I bore you, Ms. Joy. But really Shmorgs, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do without you next year. It’s really not too late to change your mind and meet Meg and I at MU.

As I sit here writing this column, I find myself having what I like to call a Megan Schaff moment. Some hair tugging, eye-rolling and lastly the uttered phrase, “I just can’t do this right now,” has slipped from my lips. I won’t miss you though Megan, because you’re going to school with me next year. We can re-hash this conversation about missing you in four years.

I’ll miss Laura Neenan passing around song request lists, so that she can heighten the “mood” at a publication night. Stay golden, Ponyboy.

I’ll miss Kirsty McGhie, the friendly neighbor girl who lives down my street, who often creepily cor-rects me by starting sentences with “erm... actually...” in “that” voice.

I’ll miss Cassie Redlingshafer, cherishing the few moments where she actually showed up to class.

I’ll miss Kathleen Hough who I refer to as a Sour Patch Kid because first she’s sour, then she’s sweet. She jokingly (but not really) greets me in class with a threat to chop off my hair, only to lean over minutes later with a one-armed hug and say, “I love you.” ...Sometimes I really don’t think you do, Kathleen. kjuohgiyfvrt6fv86rfvt8gyb7yhb... She just did that to my computer while attacking me.

I’ll miss Cele Fryer “reporting live” for her vlog on DNO.

I’ll miss Sarah Wirtz who takes time out of her weekends to take senior pictures of me, merely because she is a good friend.

I’ll miss Taylor Woodruff, who helps me take pictures when I have no idea what I’m doing.

I’ll miss Betsy Tampke, always prepared with a sarcastic comment from behind the student Mac laptop that she has claimed as her own.

I’ll miss Kara Pruitt, who spent an hour and thirty minutes posing for a photo for the front page in freezing cold rain. Sorry again, Kara.

I’ll miss my talented Dart staff: each and everyone of you is the best of the best. WE ARE TREMENDOUS.

And of course, I’ll miss Mr. Thomas, the patriarch of my second family and my mentor for four years. Words cannot express how grateful I am for the op-portunities that he has given all of us. I can only hope that one day I will love my future career as much as he loves his.

Nowhere will I ever find a place like STA. Like Catherine Arensberg said, I will be one of those crazy women who chase after a girl in the coveted tartan plaid. I might even ask her to baby sit, just because she is an Academy girl. H contact Madalyne Bird at mbird@dartnewsonline.com

we are tremendous H The Dart staff poses for a group picture outside of Donnelly Hall during a publication night. Photo by ERIC THOMAS

d class of 2011

Shelby Kuhns: Pittsburg State ULauren Laudan: Texas Christian UMaddie Lundgren: Colorado State UClare Magers: U of

Missouri Kansas City

Meredith Koch : Simpson CollegeTaylor Kramer: U of Missouri ColumbiaLilly Kraus: U of Missouri

ColumbiaKarson Kuhlmann: U of

Missouri Columbia

Molly Kenney: U of Notre DameLibby Kieffer: Rockhurst U Keara Kinney: Truman

State and Paul MitchellMichaela Knittel: Rhode

Island School of Design

Kathleen Hough: U of Notre DameRebecca Hupp: Rockhurst UTessa Jianas: U of OklahomaMontaya Jones: U of Missouri Columbia

Aubree Hawkins: Iowa State UDagny Heinsohn: Pittsburg State UJade Hernandez: Rockhurst UMaggie Holt: Iowa State U

Holly Grant: U of KansasCaroline Gray: U of Nebraska LincolnMargaret Haake: U of ArkansasMeghan Harper: Creighton U

Sara Gassman: Baker UEmy Gatapia: Pittsburg State ULindsay Girardeau:

Tulane UVictoria Godfrey: U of Arkansas

Gina Franken: Missouri State UCele Fryer: Drake UHayden Fudemberg:

Webster USophia Garozzo: U of Arkansas

Katarina Fitzpatrick: Mercyhurst College

Alexa Fowlkes: U of KansasMary Franke: Marquette UAly Franken: Kansas State U

Ellie Edelman: Kansas State U

Rachel Edmonds: U of ArkansasElise Ferron: U of

Missouri ColumbiaMelody Finn: Creighton U

Colleen Corcoran: Xavier UEmily Cox: U ofMissouri

Kansas CitySam Cusumano: U of

ArkansasMary Kate Duffy: Kansas State U

Alex Christian: Texas Christian U

Clare Cirocco: Wayne State U

Alison Clauss: U of New Hampshire

Kelly Clay: U of Nebraska Lincoln

Jsssica Bullington: U of Nebraska Lincoln

Zoe Busey: Pittsburg State UCate Castleman: Saint Louis UCydney Chibnall: Hobart &

William Smith College

Madalyne Bird: U of Missouri Columbia

Grace Bisbee: U of Missouri Columbia

Maria Blando: Kansas State UClare Bowen: Webster U

Catherine Arensberg: U of DaytonEmily Baker: Miami U, OxfordMorgan Barrett: U of KansasAlexandra Beineman: U of Arkansas

Maggie Bradford: Pittsburg State UDominique Brawner: U of

Missouri ColumbiaJordan Brown: Regis UKirby Buckley: U of

Missouri Kansas City

e

Kristen Wieliczka: Seattle USarah Wirtz: U of ArkansasTaylor Woodruff: U of KansasChloe Zinn: Pittsburg State U

Paige Vondemkamp: U of ArkansasSarah Waller: Truman State UAmy Wendland: St. Olaf CollegeAnna White: Saint Louis U

Alysa Turner: Seton Hall URiley Uecker: U of KansasClaire VanAsdale: Villanova UElizabeth Vater: Gonzaga U

Betsy Tampke: U of KansasAddie Thompson:

Georgetown UEvan Thompson: William Jewel CollegeRyan Tucker: Stephens College

Meagan Stoops: Gonzaga UEmily Strickland: U of Notre DameAlex Stucky: Simpson CollegeAlex Stueve: Missouri State U

Sarah Schulte: U of Minnesota Twin Cities

Lauren Scott: U of Missouri Columbia

Sue Seemani: Columbia UEmma Steck: College of

Saint Benedict

Cassie Redlingshafer: U of DenverDemi Ribaste: Loyala U of ChicagoMaggy Roth: Kansas State UMorgan Said: U of Kansas

Kara Pruitt: U of Missouri Kansas City

Nina Raimo: Avila U

Elle Rauch: Colorado State UAnna Rayburn: U of Missouri Kansas City

Leah Miller: Ohio StateAnna Mincher: Benedictine College Sarah Moran: Barnard CollegeAlison Mundy: U of California-San

Diego

Eilene McSorley: Missouri State UAnna McTygue: U of Nebraska LincolnMolly Meagher: Kansas State UCasey Miller: Texas Christian U

Claire McDonald: Seattle Pacific UKristen McEneany: U of

Missouri Kansas CityKirsty McGhie: U of DenverAlyson McNaghten: U of Arkansas

Maria Maluenda: U of TampaLaura Martin: Florida State U Beth McBee: Northern Michigan UKatie McCalla: Undecided

Marissa Naggi: Saint Louis ULaura Neenan: U of KansasMolly O’Boyle: Southern

Illinois U EdwardsvilleBrittany O’Brien: U of

Missouri Columbia

Libby O’Neil: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Clare Odegard: gap yearKate Passantino: Kansas State UKatie Pautler: Stephens

College

Elise Pavicic: Seattle UCourtney Peterson: Saint Louis UMaura Porter: Beloit CollegeMegan Porterfield: Southern Methodist U

Megan Schaff: U of Missouri ColumbiaSamantha Scheuler: U of Missouri ColumbiaJenny Schorgl: Creighton UMegan Schrader: U of

Missouri Columbia

Behind the scenes: making the college decision103 seniors answered a survey about their college decisions. Below are their responses along with scholarship information

When did they make their college decision?

- before senior year: 6 percent

- August to November of senior year: 9 percent

- December to January of senior year: 20 percent

- February to March of senior year: 25 percent

- April of senior year: 40 percentScholarships

- 80 percent of the class has received 1 or more merit based scholarships

- totaling $2.6 million for their freshmen year

Top 5 majors1. Undecided2. Psychology3. Nursing4. Biology5. Business

Kairos

42% attending a private college/university

25% attending a Catholic college/university

Top 5 most influential people at STA1. Ms. Reznicek

2. Ms. Dunlay

3. Ms. Montag

4. Ms. Blake

Mr. Whitney (tie)

Class of 2011 130 graduates

campout

tailgate

pranks

theme fridays graduation

father-daughter dance-off

Average ACT score

26

service week

college essays

privileges

600+ applications submitted

Prom

traveling kilt

cap & gown Top 5 collegesUniversity of Missouri Columbia

University of Arkansas

University of Kansas

Kansas State University

Pittsburg State Universitytied with University of Missouri Kansas City

60 different colleges/universities

powderpuffmother-daughter

fashion showclass day

skip day

student productions

tunnel

academy woman

student ambassadors

salutatorian

valedictorian

dancing with the stars

world faiths

US government

writing

roses

WA

NEIA

KS MO

AR

5

75

23 37

9

Top 5 represented

states

college courses

early outs

feasts

parking lot

big sister

officers

scholarships

plaid

exemptions from finals

mortar board & tassel

gifts

advisory parties

critter

compiled by ALLISON FITTSmanaging editor of copy

Seniors not pictured:Maddie Lueke: Saint Louis U

Sierra Stanton: U of Central Missouri

fourth floor

college visits

AmurikuhMr. Fast

Mikey Needleman

Waldo pizzachapel

construction

Moodle

netties

Heartbreak warfare

dartnewsonline.com

In three days, STA seniors will be graduating high school, ending one chapter in their lives and beginning a new one: college. College brings new classmates, new teachers, new friends and new boys.

For some girls, starting college also brings the decision whether to continue dating their boy-friend, or to break up.

Senior Megan Porterfield and Rockhurst High School senior Paul Massali plan to continue dating. Porterfield and Massali, who have been dating since last June, have decided to date college. However, because Porterfield is attending Southern Method-ist University in Dallas, Tex., and Massali is attend-ing the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., their relationship will change.

According to Massali, besides a few out of town trips, there have only been one or two days since their junior ring dance last April when they have not seen each other. Although they plan to visit each other at least once a month in college, Massali said the long distance will not be easy.

“We are pretty much together all the time so I don’t know what it is like [without her],” Massali said.

Although Massali was at first unsure about stay-ing together, he felt more confident about making the long distance relationship work after he visited KU.

“I was pretty skeptical about the whole long distance relationship until I actually went to KU and became pretty good friends with this girl whose boyfriend is actually back in San Diego where she is from,” Massali said. “Until then I was not sure whether we should stay together or not, but I knew I couldn’t lose her.”

Be-cause they will go from spending much of their time together to being far apart, Porterfield and Massali tried to distance themselves from each other. They tried not seeing each other as much, but according to Porter-field, that did not work.

“We talked about this summer maybe we should step back a little bit but now we have the philosophy that we will just spend as much time together as we can,” Porterfield said.

Although many of their friends told them to break up, be friends with one another in college and get back together after college, they decided to stay together.

“I couldn’t just be friends with him,” Porter-field explained. “I can’t talk to him without having these feelings.”

Even though they are going to continue dating, they both realize there will be other guys and girls around them. However, Massali said he trusts Porterfield and knows he does not need to worry about her.

“I guess I’ll have to work on letting go, but not letting go completely, but letting her have her free-

dom,” Mas-sali said.

“Let-ting go” includes not being together as often. The first week apart is going to be the hard-est, according to both Porterfield and Massali, but they hope all the distractions at school will make it easier. In the end, Massali thinks the long distance will be good for their relationship.

“Once it is all said and done after college, [having a long distance relationship] will definitely bring us closer together,” Massali said. H

The age old adage “if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be” has kept many relationships

strong and has brought many people together. But what happens when “meant to be”

is eight hours apart? For senior Paige Vondemkamp and Rockhurst High School senior Jack Keller, this question led to

their decision to split up when they attend college this fall, after dating

since the spring of 2008. According to Vondemkamp, they have known for

a while they were going to split up because of the distance between their colleges. Vondemkamp plans on attending the University of

Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., and Keller, Belmont University

in Nashville, Ten.“We have kind of known

that we probably weren’t going to stay together in

college,” Vondemkamp said. “If we went to closer schools, then

I think we would definitely stay together, but since

our schools are like eight hours

away, its kind of unrealistic to date in col-

lege.”Al-

though they will

physi-cally

be far

away, they are still going to remain close. According to Keller, they will talk all the time and when they come home on breaks, they will spend time together. Because they will remain close, the choice to get back together is there if they do not like being apart.

“If we end up not liking it after a month or two [in college], we can then get back together because we have been talking the whole time and staying close,” Keller explained.

Even though they will remain close by talking and seeing each other on breaks, according to Vondemkamp, physically being apart in college will still be difficult.

“I think for me its like losing my best friend kind of,” Vondemkamp said. “It’s just going to be hard not having that one person I can always depend on and just kind of being on my own.”

However, Vondemkamp is going to Arkansas with some of her friends who will be there if she wants to talk about her relationship with Keller. According to Von-demkamp, her decision to split with Keller was a factor in deciding to room with STA senior Rachel Edmonds at Arkansas. Edmonds is also splitting up with a long-term boyfriend for college.

“I thought it would be really good because we will be going through the same thing,” Vondemkamp said. “If I do get upset, I think she will be really understanding and I can do the same thing for her if it’s ever an issue.”

Although Keller will not have the same support system Vondemkamp will have, he feels he has nothing to worry about. According to Keller, their relationship has been easy with few problems. Keller believed the decision to split up was best because he had reservations about long distance relationships.

“There is too much that can go wrong with long distance relationships in college,” Keller said.

While they will not know how this split will affect them or whether they will get back together until they go to college this fall, Vondemkamp said she is trying to stay positive about it and think of it as a learning experience.

“I think it will be good just since we are so used to being together, I will just get to figure out more about myself,” Vondemkamp said. “I guess we will just have to see if it ends up being positive or negative.” H contact Christina Barton at cbarton@dartnewsonline.com

high school sweethearts H Senior Paige Vondemkamp and boyfriend Jack Keller share a laugh while hanging out May 5. The couple decided to break up in college after having dated for three years. Photo by KATIE McCOMBS

love is in the air H Senior Megan Porterfield glances at her boyfriend Paul Massali while relaxing on Megan’s bed. May 1. The pair has chosen to stay together while attending different colleges. Photo by KATIE McCOMBS

story by CHRISTINA BARTONfeatures editor

f lifestyles

Gra

phic b

y CA

RA

McC

LAIN

As college approaches, seniors must decide whether or not to

continue their current relationships

the dart H st. teresa’s academy H 12 may 2011

in the mix gdartnewsonline.com the dart H st. teresa’s academy H 12 may 2011

“Hey, STA.” It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in Ms. Dolan’s advisory on my first day of high school, listening to midday announcements for the first time. I would have never imagined that four, very short years later, I would be sitting here, on my netty, pouring out my heart and soul in my farewell to STA.

I can’t believe it’s all over. I can’t believe that I now have to say: “I went to St. Teresa’s Academy” rather than my usual, proud “I go to St. Teresa’s Academy” every time someone comments on my class ring. I’ll miss putting on my tartan plaid skirt every morning, and searching for my black sweater in the trunk of my car on formal uniform days. I’ll miss Chick-fil-A Fridays, star cookies, and having a freshman in my advisory pretend she has a shadow so I can enjoy some Waldo pizza (sorry, Mrs. Hudnall). I’ll miss hanging out in Drummond’s office and answering the phone in Berardi’s. I’ll miss screaming “WHAT DO WE EAT?” as a Spartan or avaSTAR at all the Sion games. I’ll miss snuggling with Critter in Zahner. I’ll miss trick-or-treating in Nan’s Cave and playing with Terry and Joan. I’ll miss crawling around the tunnel under Donnelly. I’ll miss changing “in the mix” to “in da mixx.” I’ll miss Mr. Thomas changing “in da mixx” back to “in the mix” before we export.

I’ll miss not having to shave my legs or shower on a regular basis. I’ll miss singing “Alleluia” out the 3rd floor of M & A open window. I’ll miss even more seeing the faces of girls in the quad when they see me singing “Alleluia” out the open window. I’ll miss sneaking up to the graffiti room, nuggeting girls’ backpacks while they’re in the bathroom and reading Sophia Garozzo’s old SBRs at advisory parties. I’ll miss walking into Mr. Fast’s class every Friday and asking: “Can we just mess around?” I’ll miss prank calling Mr. Fast in my frees. I’ll miss watching Mr. Fast’s reactions to Betsy Tampke’s farts during class. I’ll just say it—I’ll miss Mr. Fast.

I’ll miss those philosophical discussions about how gingers will be the next discriminated group and how public schools are just so...weird. I’ll miss running around with Little Cletus. I’ll miss laughing out loud with Ms. Dolan. I’ll miss Student Productions, Dancing with the Stars, Spain trips, cross country rides to State, eating grapes off the vine at lacrosse games and morning tailgates.

I’ll miss senior vs. junior kick ball games. I’ll miss yard days. I’ll miss attempting to crowd surf at Mikey Needleman concerts. I’ll miss watching the entire student body jam to “Black and Yellow” and “Party at STA.” I’ll miss the inspiring teachers who have made me want to come to school everyday and learn. I’ll miss kissing and hugging the seal on my last day of high school. But most of all, I’ll miss the genuine friendships, the support system, the sisterhood. I’ll miss the love that every student has for the school and for each other. I’ll miss you, STA. I love you, STA. So long, STA. H

I’m back! I know you all thought you were rid of me, but the Dart thought I should come back to share the infinite wisdom I’ve gained in the past year of college. I’ve missed this, so thank you for the opportunity.

Nine things seniors should know before going to college:1. You should come to SLU. I know it’s a little

late for this advice, but props to those of you who figured it out on your own—you’re obvi-ously the smartest of your class.

2. To have a good roommate, you have to be a good roommate. Living with someone outside of your family, whether a friend or complete stranger, will be a challenge no mat-

ter what. But you have to realize that if your roommate has tendencies that annoy the crap out of you, you definitely have your faults too. You have to give as much respect as you want to receive. Personal space is a thing of the past, so get over it, chill out and you’ll be fine. Take it from me, my roommate went to Sion (ew) and we still somehow managed not to kill each other.

3. Call your parents! They raised you, remem-ber?

4. Go to class. Really, seriously, you should go to class. It is very easy to skip an 8 a.m. lecture that doesn’t take roll, but that sweet extra hour of sleep in the morning doesn’t seem so sweet when it comes to studying for a test. Or try calculating the ridiculous amount your parents are paying for every hour you do or do not attend. Whatever your motivation is, please go to class, okay? Just saying.

5. Books are expensive. On that note, everything is expensive. Amazon.com is your friend, and your school’s bookstore is your enemy. By the

way, does anyone want to buy a psychology book?

6. Pack your costume box. Speaking of number 5, even trips to Goodwill can get expensive. Don’t ask me what theme party will require you to have your pumpkin costume from first grade, but you’re going to want it. Bring it all.

7. Keep in touch. This one is obvious, but very important. I highly recommend a Facebook group among your friends—it’s the perfect way to keep communication going. Also, don’t worry about reuniting with your friends. I know it seems scary to split up, but once you’re together again, it will be like you nev-er left. It’s okay that you don’t know every detail about everyone’s life at college, so try not to focus on all the new things. Embrace the common ground and enjoy reminiscing about the best four years of your life at STA.

8. Read DartNewsOnline. It’s the last connec-tion you have to the beautiful school that I promise you will miss like crazy next year.

9. Go to class. H

Former star’s advice to seniorsAlumna Rosie Hodes offers tips to seniors as they begin their first year away from STAstory by ROSIE HODESformer editor-in-chief

Top 6: I wish that I would have...

6. Socialized more“There are so many people this year who I have become friends with that I never talked to until this year. If I would have talked to them earlier I would have been friends with them for so much longer.”

Keara Kinney, senior

3. Been in a production“I wish I had been in a theater production to show off aspiring talent for acting. Actually, I’m too afraid because I have, or had, a terrible stage fright.”

Clare Magers, senior

4. Ran for a class office“I wanted to be [a class officer] because I really like STA and I really like talking about STA and about how cool it is.”

Kristen Wieliczka, senior

1. Stayed in one club“That way I could have gotten to know more of the upper upperclassmen or people in my grade. It would have been great to have been in a club freshmen year to meet new people.

Chloe Zinn, senior

2. Killed my netbook“I would have killed my netbook (if I hadn’t had to pay an extra $600 for it) because the screen is too small, and mine started to randomly not allow me onto the internet. Thanks administration.” Laura Martin, senior

compiled by RACHEL TOVAR

freeze frame H Seniors block off students traversing the Quad during passing period their last day of school. The seniors began the day tailgating in the parking lot, then spent passing periods freezing in the Quad. Photo by KATIE HYDE

Senior Kathleen Hough givesher final final farewell before leaving her second home at STA

story by KATHLEEN HOUGHin the mix editor

I’m not readyto say bye to my sisters, my home

5. Originally chosen STA“I wish I had chosen to go to STA all four years because I feel that I missed out on the first semester that introduced us to the sisterhood. ” Meghan Harper, senior

h last look the dart H st. teresa’s academy H 12 may 2011 dartnewsonline.com

Black&Bellow

1. bring it on H Senior Alyson McNaghten screams her support for the Stars from the shoulders of fellow senior Betsy Tampke. 2. go get ‘em H Senior Caroline Gray receives the hand-off from senior Alexa Fowlkes. 3. goofin’ around H Senior Rachel Edmonds messes around as she waits for a play to start. 4. fired up H Senior Riley Uecker cheers on the Pow-derpuff game from the side-lines in a vintage cheerleading uniform.5. time out H After being tackled by Sion, senior Lauren Scott takes a private moment. 6. dog pile H The Stars and Storm pile up in pursuit of a loose ball. 7. game face H Senior Col-leen Corcoran prepares for the next play. 8. keepin’ it real H Senior Megan Schrader watches from the sidelines as the JVDT performs a halftime show.9. eye of the tiger H Seniors Elle Rauch, left, and Jordan Brown show their team spirit before the annual Powderpuff game. Photos by HANNAH WOLF

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St. Teresa’s Academy seniors participated in the Powderpuff football game April 17 at Leawood Middle School. The game is played annually against seniors from Notre Dame de Sion High School. The Sion Storm defeated the Stars by one touchdown.