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v o i c e
the student newspaper of St. Joseph’s Academy since 1983
Vol. 28, No. 4 St. Louis, Missouri ~ December 2010 online at www.stjosephacademy.org
the
Sheer generosity
For the second time in two years, students
and staff donated to those suffering medical hair
loss through the Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful
Lengths programs. Campus Ministry organized
the event with Jocelyn Popit as the point person.
stylists from the Look After Hair Company donated
their services.
Cutting took place on Nov. 18, and was one
of the high points of Mission Week. Local media
was on hand and provided both television and
newspaper coverage.
Sophomores Haley Kavanaugh and Molly
Zuniga donate their hair.
Students
Kate Beckham
Sarah Biggs
Lexi Boschert
Lauren Brandon
Claire Brown
Gabrielle Bucchino
Lauren Budd
Sarah Cleeland
Rachael Dehner
Lori Deibel
Jenna DeWoskin
Coleen Donovan
Sarah Edmond
Allison Englage
Abby Fiala
Casey Fogarty
Camille Fox
Jennifer Garamella
Corinne Geekie
Kathryn Geoffroy
Careen Ghazal
Catherine Gloss
Betty Goodwin
Stephanie Goodwin
Bridget Gordinier
Hannah Gorris
Natalie Gower
Lauren Gresham
Gabrielle Guard
Maddie Hanlen
Clare Hannick
Delaney Hannigan
Ali Hartweger
Laura Hays
Carolyn Heger
Catherine Hennessey
Sarah Hogland
Madeline Houston
Libby Hudson
Emily Jaeger
Sarah Jennewein
Meg Johnson
Haley Kavanaugh
Abby Kielty
Allison Knopp
Jessica Laughlin
Maria Latham
Kit Malvern
Chela Mancuso
Michelle Marchiony
Elizabeth Mathews
Maddie McCormick
Maureen Mehan
Susie Meskill
Meghan Messina
Kristen Meyer
Becca Miller
Alex Mohs
Katie O’Dea
Sophie Ojile
Demetria Panopoulos
Kelsey Patrick
Kelly Powderly
Katie Prosperi
Jessica Prost
Caitlin Quirin
Carley Quirin
Sarah Raney
Taylor Revling
Olivia Ricci
Meghan Ruzicka
Natalie Saracino
Paige Sauerburger
Susie Schmank
Emily Schmidt
Emily Schwendeman
Lily Shanahan
Grace Sibbits
Sheila Siemer
Elaina Simon
Taylor Smith
Paige Spence
Sarah Strothkamp
Kelly Torrence
Tatum VanDam
Meredith Wegner
Andrea Wheeler
Becca Wilkes
Natalie Willis
Catherine Wolf
Megan Won
Bridget Yaeger
Molly Zuniga
Faculty / Staff
Nan Anders
Karen Davis
Sarah Modde
Russ Toquinto
Seniors win Penny Queen competition
Another successful Mission Week raises
almost $50,000 for the dear neighbor
By Colleen Hagan
Another successful
Mission Week has
come and gone. Through
selling clothes and food,
hosting themed parties,
and selling items at the
garage sale, the community
raised a cash
total of $48,399.95.
Senior Julie Zielinski
was crowned
Penny Queen. Her class
raised $27,430.53 (including
service hours
and the phonathon), for
a per capita of $189.18.
Zielinski said, “Every
class did a great job. I
loved the spirit that the
seniors showed, and I
really felt the deisre to
help others displayed.”
Freshman Penny
Queen candidate Katie
Hayes comments on her
experience, “My favorite
part about representing
my class as Penny
Queen was dancing in
the Talent Show. It
Angels win State, living up to pre-season rank
By Katie Greaves
The volleyball
team ended their amazing
season by winning
the State championship
on Nov 6 in Kansas
City, defeating Lee’s
Summit West in straight
games. The second was
a nail-biter, with a final
score of 31-29.
According to
sophomore Alyssa Jensen,
“Winning State
was the perfect end to
a great season. It was
definitely an event that
none of us will ever
forget.”
St. Joe also beat
Ozark High School, the
2009 State Champions,
and Incarnate Word,
who, senior Cat Mc-
Grath said, are “always
consistent teams, but
very beatable when we
play our game.” The
competition at State
was “tough as always,”
said McGrath, but “we
attacked the other teams
from the start and never
let down.”
St. Joe, ranked
number one in the na-
was so fun, and I had a
great time picking out
my crazy Waka Waka
outfit!”
The Angels also
raised funds through
serving the dear neighbor
without distinction
on Service Sunday
as well as through the
annual alumnae phonathon.
Service Sunday
increased the grand total
by $2205.00. Students
working the phonathon
raised an additional
$2730.00 toward their
class totals.
Siemer said of the
week, “The best part
was coming together
with my class and seeing
everyone being able
to work together. I think
the sophomore class did
really well and got into
spirit.”
Principal Sr. Pat
Dunphy said about MW
2010, “It was really a
community effort. I am
tion at the start of the
season, entered the tournament
with a target on
their backs. Jensen said,
“Every team brought
their A game when they
played us.”
Winning State
took hard work from
every member of the
team, and Jensen attributes
their success
Representing their classes are Penny Queen senior Julie Zielinski, junior
Kara Kieffer, sophomore Sheila Siemer and freshman Katie Hayes.
happy to see the growth
and integration of fun,
fundraising and serving
the dear neighbor without
distinction.”
Junior class Penny
Queen candidate
Kara Kieffer is already
looking forward to next
year: “My hopes are
to the fact that, “We
really pulled together
as a team and worked as
a whole. On the court,
you could tell that every
single one of our
team members wanted
to win that championship
match, and you
could see in our eyes,
the motivation and the
determination to let
that it will be just as fun
as this year and that we
will be able to continue
to help the missions.”
The Juniors raised
$13,182.05 (all inclusive)
for a per capita
of $102.98; the Sophomores,
$10, 082.83 (all
inclusive) for a per cap-
nothing hit the floor on
our side.”
The Angels could
not have had a better
season, and Coach Karen
Davis says, “I’m
very proud of the whole
team, of their work
ethic and their dedication.
The team came
together as a group,
and it showed and paid
ita of $60.02, and the
Freshmen, $4,369.54
(all inclusive) for a per
capita of $34.11.
Due to a lack of
interest, the dance was
cancelled and the Penny
Queen crowned following
the Faculty Show.
off at the end of the
season.”
McGrath, looking
back on the last
four seasons, says,
“I couldn’t imagine a
better ending to my
four years playing St.
Joe volleyball. Winning
State with the coaches
and teammates that I
love was amazing.”

News and Views 2 December 2010 voice
From the Editor-in-Chief Commentary
Readers Talk
Festival of lights makes
Christmas each year
By Coleen Donovan
For most people the beginning of the holiday season
is marked by the colorful sale signs in store windows,
the smell of winter in the air, or
the warm familiar feeling that
Christmas is approaching. My
holiday season, however, begins
when there is plenty of turkey
still on the table.
Growing up I never realized
how elaborate, or rather
obsessive, my grandparents were
about Christmas. Their eccentric
display of holiday joy was my
normal. And I am so lucky it
still is.
The anticipation starts the
same way every year. About a week before Thanksgiving,
new twinkle light boxes start appearing throughout
my grandparents’ house. There may also be some talk of
minorly changing an outside display, but nothing is greatly
discussed until Thursday night. Thursday night is when the
logistics are hammered out, such as what time will we start
and who will be assigned what task.
It usually breaks down like this: my grandpa, uncles
and older boy cousins will be outside on blow-up and roof
duty. It isn’t unusual for them to brave the end of November
weather all day resurrecting the 10 to 13 blow-ups and thousands
of twinkle light sets. My grandma, older girl cousins
and I take charge of carefully unboxing and setting up the
hundreds of figurines, snow globes and nutcrackers. The
middle girl cousins watch the little boy cousins to ensure
that they do not get hurt or get in anyone’s way. This system
has become finely tuned over the years and is executed with
few to no tears or shattered holiday paraphernalia.
Now, when I say over the years, I do not mean recently
my grandparents decided to indulge their celebratory needs.
This festival of lights has been a long time coming, and I
love that this is my family’s thing. I love that anytime we see
cars slow down to take in the view or people pull over and
take pictures in our wonderland. I love that my uncle created
a radio station to correspond with the lighted archway.
But most of all, I never take for granted that this
explosion of merriment is done out of pure love - my
grandparents’ pure love to see my family’s Christmas
spirit renewed each year. Black Friday has become our own
pseudo-holiday, and although the day is long and a hassle,
my holiday would not be the same without it.
Remembering a special gift
By Felecia Noguera
Sock’em boppers, senior Abby Klatch
Crocodile Hunters DVD with Steve Erwin,
senior Lizzy Dulle
My puppy dog, Clancy, junior Madeline Murphy
Going to Florida, sophomore Emily Stamer
Tickets to Bon Jovi in Kansas City, sophomore
Monica Valli
Gator golf, sophomore Susie Schmank
A onesie, sophomore Bailey Wenkel
A white fluffy puppy, freshman Alison Wagner
A green bike without training wheels when I was
seven, freshman Jackie Benz
The Voice
Editor-in-Chief: Coleen Donovan
News Editors: Nicole Esser and Annie Weber
Features Editors: Maria Latham and Sarah Karchunas
Sports Editors: Stephanie Wehmeier and Katie Greaves
Photo Editors: Colleen Hagan and Carolyn Heger
Adviser: Jeanne Wilson
The Voice is published monthly during the school year.
All articles and photographs can only be reprinted with
the permission of The Voice. The Voice welcomes letters
to the editor, but will not print letters submitted
anonymously. The paper also appears online at www.
stjosephacademy.org.
The Voice welcomes advertising. Interested businesses
and individuals may contact The Voice for rates and
deadlines at jwilson@stjosephacademy.org or at 314-
965-7205, ext. 508.
Remembering John
Lennon after 30 years
By Hillary Fitz
John Lennon – musician, composer, producer, activist,
artist, writer and inspiration to the world. Dec. 8 was the
thirtieth anniversary of his death, and many are mourning
the loss of such an inspiring musician, yet celebrating the
enormous impact this man had on the lives of so many
people. This year, he would be turning 70 years old and
probably would have been happy to know that his music
and his message still live on. His message inspired people
to rebel against the societal norm, fight for change and help
create a peaceful world. His music revolutionized popular
music of the second half of the twentieth century.
Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940
during World War II. His artistic talent was evident as a
child. He was inspired by American rock ‘n’ roll music and
musicians, such as Elvis Presley. Lennon teamed up with
friend Paul McCartney in 1957, forming one of the most
famous music partnerships in history. In 1960, they formed
the Beatles, the band that would take the world by storm. A
year later, they added George Harrison to the group, and in
1961, Ringo Starr. Their first single, Love Me Do, became an
instant hit in Britain. In 1964, they landed in the U.S. with
a bang, appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show and launching a
revolutionary movement in American music culture, what is
known as the “British Invasion” – the assimilation of British
Rock into the everyday ears of American youth.
In 1970, however, Lennon left the group and began his
work as a solo artist. In 1971, he created the Imagine album,
which was instantly popular. Lennon and his wife, Yoko
Ono, became famous for their anti-Vietnam tours, where
they proclaimed a message of pacifism to the world. This
ideal of peace was a recurring theme in much of his music,
and his message touched the hearts of many and inspired
people to work hard to achieve ideals of peace, harmony
and community. He was shot by a crazed gunman in 1980
outside his home in the Dakota in New York City, but this
man would not kill his legacy. He continues to impact the
hearts and minds of people around the world to this day.
Senior Katie Moore associates John Lennon, “first with
the Beatles, but also his movement for peace, and all of his
contributions to help end world conflict.”
Students employ various
strategies for exams
By Emily Howald
Christmas break is almost here, but before the fun and
relaxation can begin, something else has to happen: exam
week. This year, exams are Dec. 15-17. “You can always
tell it’s exam week when everyone starts freaking out and
saying how stressed they are,” says junior Megan Davis.
So, what is the best way to prepare for exams? Guidance
counselor Cely Kaup says, “It all starts with getting the
right attitude.” According to Kaup, it is important to “think
positive, plan your time, find a system that works for you
and find a good place to study.”
A lot of students have a specific area designated for
studying. Sophomore Andrea Wheeler studies for exams “in
my room, and it must be quiet, or else I will not remember
a single thing that I study.” While the absolute silence
method may work for some, others find organization in
chaotic surroundings, like junior Maggie Urschler, who
studies “in the busiest room in my house, which is usually
the kitchen. I cannot study in dead silence.” On the other
hand, senior Elizabeth Gloss, likes many other students,
prefers the library to study.
Along with finding the perfect study spot, many St.
Joe girls have their own strategies for organizing their
materials. Some of the most popular methods are making
flashcards and huge multi-page study guides, color-coding
notes, drawing pictures and visuals, or even making songs
or rhymes to help remember important information. “I prefer
to make flashcards for all my classes; it is a great way
to study and ensure I know the information,” says junior
Lauren Jacobsmeyer.
In addition to their personal strategies, a few simple
tips can also help students better their chances on exams.
Students and guidance counselors agree that not cramming
the night before the exam, getting a good night’s sleep of
eight to nine hours, and eating a protein-filled breakfast
equals a recipe for exam success!
For more information on how to combat stress during
exam week and test taking tips, visit the school’s guidance
folder on your desktop or the guidance office.
What is on your
Christmas list?
By Kasey Viviani
“A Snuggie for my cat
Belle Belle.”
-senior Emily Jaeger
“A pony.”
-junior Elise Ames
“A new car.”
-sophomore
Nikka Bazzetta
“A castle so I can be a
princess.”
-freshman Sarah Thuet
“All of my family to be
together.”
-art teacher Barb Ahrens
“A Tiffany’s necklace.”
-senior Colleen Hudson
“A never ending stash
of Laffy Taffy.”
-junior Morgan Stock
“A car.”
-sophomore
Leslie Brugger
“TOMS shoes.”
-freshman
Maggie Baddock
“A Kindle reader and
an ipad.”
-business teacher
Mary Jackson

voice December 2010 News 3
Father-Daughter Banquet honors a
special relationship
STUCO officers combine
funny with serious as they
prepare their speeches
By Annie Weber
Instead of stressing over their dads’ crazy dance
moves, some girls will be fretting over their speeches
at this year’s Father Daughter Banquet on Jan. 14. As
tradition goes, the senior Student Council officers each
give a speech about their dad. These speeches are a way
for each girl to thank her dad for his love and guidance
and to highlight the importance of the father-daughter
relationship.
This year’s speeches will cover a range of topics.
Recording secretary Kasey Viviani says she will be writing
a speech that is a “collection of funny and sentimental
stories about my dad,” whereas corresponding secretary
Nikki Hinkebein will give a speech about “how my dad
loves me all the time no matter what I do, such as how I
got in car accidents and received a lot of tickets, but he
still keeps loving me.”
Vice-president Kathryn Yeager said, “St. Joe’s
Father-Daughter Dance is always really special to me,
but this year will be more meaningful because I will be
giving a speech about my dad.” The STUCO girls agree
that they really appreciate this chance to show their dads
how much they mean to them.
This is a sentimental time for most seniors, as it
will be their last banquet. President Caitlin Cowlen is
“nervous, because I’ll probably cry.”
Besides the speeches, the officers are excited for the
dance, itself. Treasurer Emily Jaeger is “really looking
forward to Father-Daughter as it is my last one. It will be
a night I’ll never forget, since I’ll be spending the entire
night with the most important male figure in my life!”
Dads seem to have high expectations for the event
as well. Mark Jaeger says, “I love spending time with my
daughter and seeing other dads trying to dance. I also can’t
wait to see Emily give a speech.” Thomas Yeager states, “I
am very excited to hear my daughter Kathryn speak at the
Father-Daughter banquet this year. I will be the proudest
dad in the room. Plus, when Kathryn gives her speech,
I get to hear what she thinks about me!” Mark Viviani
thinks it will be “the funniest night of the year.”
Angels live Christmas
spirit through service
By Maggie Urschler
Christmas time is the time of year many people become
overwhelmingly generous. During the holiday season,
people volunteer, donate to charity or do anything they can
to help out those less fortunate. At St. Joe, Angel Outreach
continues its St. Joe Serves on the Second program on the
second of December and January. But new this year, “Angel
Outreach is sending gifts to Camp Avery, a home for boys
between the ages of 11 and 18 in difficult situations,” said
Angel Outreach coordinator Jane Garvin.
Outside of St. Joe, students have a variety of plans to
serve the dear neighbor. Junior Maddie Scheidt is hoping
to “sing Christmas carols to collect donations for charity,”
while junior Abby Fiala is going to “continue volunteering
at Children’s Hospital every week.” Sophomore Catherine
Gloss said her family participates in the Adopt-a-Family
Project through her parish. A lot of parishes sponsor
this holiday program through which people provide food,
clothing, toys and household items, and help with rent and
utilities. “They are usually single mothers,” Gloss said.
“This year my family has a 24 year old mother with three
kids, ages 11, eight and two. We go shopping for them and
buy them anything they need.” Sophomore Maggie Rabenberg
said that last year, “My mom and I volunteered at the
Ronald McDonald House, and they have a huge room full
of donated presents where the kids can ‘shop’ for toys and
pick out presents to give to other family members.”
St. Joe is all about “Not I, but We” and through Christmas
service, students and faculty, whether school sponsored
or not, are living out the school motto. No matter what seems
to be happening this holiday season, there are always many
opportunities to help out those in need.
For the Davidson
family, it’s the final of 14
memorable occasions
By Marie Davidson
When I was in eighth grade, my dad came into my
room one morning and wrote “364 Days!!” on my bulletin
board. I didn’t have to ask what he was referring to; I knew
it was only one more year until I got to attend the much
anticipated Father-Daughter Dance for the first time.
My dad doesn’t just like the Father-Daughter Dance,
he lives for it. It is his favorite night of the year without
a doubt. Once the school year begins, he cannot wait for
the night. His favorite part of the experience? “The anticipation.
Especially the week before, when I can pump
you girls up about it coming up and how much fun we are
going to have,” he says.
He has been to his fair share of dances, 13 to be
exact. He attended his first in 1998 when my oldest sister
Ann was a freshman at the Academy and has not missed
one year since. Four years later, he went with my sister
Kathy, and four years after, that my sister Nancy had her
first dance. When I was a freshman, he got to be the proud
dad of two daughters at the dance. This year will be his
fourteenth, and last, Father-Daughter, as I am his youngest
daughter and will graduate this year.
You might think that the dance would get old after
14 years, but this is impossible for my dad. He says that
he enjoys the dance every year and that it never gets old
because “it is a difference experience with every one of
my girls.” He says he is “super sad” because “it is the
end of an era.”
Once the school year begins, he cannot wait for
the night and insists that we practice dancing so that “he
doesn’t show me up too much on the dance floor.” From
the first song until the last, we are on the floor dancing
the night away. This year will be the fourth and last time
that he gets to sport the famous St Joe plaid cummerbund
with his tux. What are his plans for this year’s dance? “I
plan to have as much fun as you can at a dance…without
getting arrested.” Going to the dance with my dad, I have
no doubt in the world that this will come true.
Speech team leads the
league after first meet
By Abby Fiala
The speech team has started off the year with a bang,
taking first place at the Christian International Speech
League Tournament that took place at SJA on Oct. 24.
The speech team is filled with talented girls who love what
they’re doing. A little unfamiliar with the world of speech
and performing? Drama teacher and coach John Vullo
puts it simply: “The speech team is a fun, competitive,
creative team. It allows girls to work on their communication
skills.”
At the Oct. 24 meet, blue ribbons were awarded to junior
Mary Cate O’Brien for poetry, sophomore Rachel Dalske
for humorous/serious interpretation, senior Maria Latham
and sophomore Trudy Wurm for duet acting, and sophomore
Casey Bertelsman and freshman Katie Hayes for storytelling.
Winning red ribbons were junior Laura Seaman for both poetry
and prose, junior Emily O’Hanlon for serious/humorous
interpretation, senior Kathryn Geoffroy for extemporaneous
speaking, sophomore Sarah Raney and freshman Mickaela
Schutte for original oratory, and Latham for radio.
Vullo has high hopes for the Angels, noting that “last
year we placed third. We hope to improve on that this year.
So far, so good!” Latham agrees, stating, “We’ve got a really
solid team of talented, dedicated girls this year.”
At press time, the girls were preparing for the next
competition shortly after returning from Thanksgiving break.
The success of the team can be linked back to how much
the girls love what they’re doing. Latham loves “having a
structured setting in which to let the drama flow! Working
with Mr. Vullo and other SJA girls and meeting up with
competitors from other schools at the meets is also fun.”
YIGsters distinguish
themselves again at
annual convention
By Nicole Esser
Fifty-eight Angels traveled to Jefferson City for the
Missouri Youth in Government Convention Nov. 11-13.
Students presented their bills and cases. The judicial
case was “extremely interesting this year,” said attorney
senior Emily Deason. “It was all about this guy, Brian
Johnson, who was trying to sue the school he taught at for
illegal termination. The case could very easily have gone
either way as there was a ton of information.”
Many girls took on leadership roles this year, as well.
Seniors Ellie Heffernan and Morgan Chapman and junior
Melissa Powers worked as committee chair persons within
the House, while seniors Rachel Thompson and Niki Esser,
as well as juniors Mary Cate O’Brien and Kacie Isaacson,
were Supreme Court judges within the judicial branch. All
in all, it was a great year. YIG adviser Karen Morgan held
nightly “snaps” meetings to celebrate the ups and downs of
the days. “Think Legally Blonde,” she said.
Senior Libby Curtis’s bill (formed with the help of
senior Taylor Hanson, who could not attend the convention)
was one of the few that passed through the Senate and the
House. “The bill was to establish paternity leave, a paid
leave for new fathers,” said Curtis. “I’m really proud of
both those girls that won awards and those that did not,”
Chapman said, and pointed out another high point of the
convention for the Angels: “Ellie actually was awarded with
Best Committee Chair Person.” Legislative leader Heffernan
said, “It’s just so amazing. Mary Cate O’Brien was voted
Chief Justice for next year, Niki and Rachel got Best Judges,
Kelsey Thompson and her partner won the moot trial, and
Nora Salmon was awarded Best New Attorney, and both
Nora and Kelsey are freshmen.”
Additionally, junior Laura Seaman, St. Joe’s lone
Print Press representative, won Most Determined Reporter,
sophomores Carolyn Heger and Sonya Naemi won Best
Researched Bill, and sophomore Casey Bertelsman served
as Speak of the Novice House. The biggest deal of all,
though, junior Maddie Murphy campaigned for and was
voted Attorney General for next year. Rachel Thompson,
delegation leader, said, “I think we really took the convention
by storm.” Morgan agreed, stating, “We did awesome.
I was so proud of the girls. They really took charge.”
photo by Sonya Naemi
Junior Maddie Murphy campaigns for Attorney General.
Running unopposed, she won her bid.
You know it’s exam time
when . . .
By Abby Carlson
“My mom tells me to study, but instead I take naps.”
sophomore Madison McGuinness
“Everyone is making boxes full of notecards.” junior
Carly Ochs,
“I can actually sit still for a minimum of an hour.”
junior Libby Potter
“You see everyone in the hallway freaking out.”
sophomore Casey Bertelsman
“You’re shaking because all you’ve had to drink is
Starbucks.” junior Monica Macheca
“The parking lots are full at seven in the morning.”
sophomre Annie Niemann
“I look for my calculator.” sophomore Becca Wilkes
“People are studying in the lunch line.” junior Abby
Distler
“Teachers start cramming their students.” sophomore
Corinne Geekie
“Flashcards everywhere!” junior Haley Schneider

News 4 December 2010 voice
Angels on a Mission
In honor of the fiftieth anniversary of Mission Week,
five former Penny Queens joined the Monday morning
kick off assembly. Lined up in order of graduation year
starting with the 1970s, they represented four decades.
Above: Juniors Kate Bergamini, Joy McNulty and Mary
Sharp work the check out line at Saturday’s garage sale.
Seniors Julie Zielinski and Sally Purcell work the
Alumnae Phonathon to earn money for their class.
Freshmen officers Lexi Gorman, Kathryn Hennon, Valerie
Jose and Kathryn Goessling sell their class t-shirt.
Dodgeball team juniors Monica Hewitt, Colleen Conway,
Courtney Brooks, Maureen Mehan and Laura Hays take
second in the class competition.
Tech tools and toys top many Christmas lists
Tech’s top eight
By Megan Hennon
X-BOX KINECT
What it is: new addition to Xbox 360 that allows you to
control a game by tracking your full-body movement. It
also allows for voice control.
Where you can find it: Wal-Mart, Target, GameStop
Price: starting at $399
AMAZON KINDLE
What it is: a handheld wireless reading device that can
hold up to 3,500 books, includes a dictionary lookup,
and has a battery life that lasts up to one month before
needing a charge.
Where you can find it: Amazon.com
Price: starting at $139
APPLE iPOD TOUCH
What it is: a touch screen MP3 player that can hold
music, apps, games, videos, pictures and more.
Where you can find it: Wal-Mart, Target, Apple Store
Price range: $229 - $399
APPLE iPAD
What it is: can do just about anything a computer can,
and it is a flat, touch screen device with easy access to
apps for pictures, video, email, and notes.
Where you can find it: Wal-Mart, Target, Apple Store
Price: starting at $499
APPLE iPHONE 4
What it is: new and improved iPhone that doubles as a
touch screen phone and an ipod
Where you can find it: Wal-Mart, Target, Apple,
AT&T
Price: starting at $199
TOMTOM START SATELLITE NAVIGATION
SYSTEM
What it is: Portable touch screen GPS for your car.
Where you can find it: Wal-Mart, Target
Price range: $89 - $319
FLIP ULTRA HD POCKET CAMCORDER
What it is: HD camcorder, captures up to 120 minutes
of video, plugs directly into a computer for easy uploading
Where you can find it: Wal-Mart, Target
Price range: $149 - $199
New Angel Food Club is
about sharing company
and a meal
By Kara Kieffer
Sharing food and stories is the focus of one of SJA’s
newest clubs. The Angel Food Club is run by Sr. Marianne
Keana and theology teacher Santa Cuddihee. Once a month
the club gathers in the Theology Resource Room on a block
day and eats pizza and enjoys spending time together.
Junior Melissa Powers says she thought the club “was
a really fun idea” and enjoys “when we share stories and
eat.” Powers believes the club is different in that “there
is really no set agenda; there is time to talk, and it is very
relaxed.”
After an overwhelming response for leadership positions,
students take turns leading the meetings. Freshmen
and sophomores meet during early lunch, while juniors and
seniors meet during late lunch. Juniors Marissa Kramer and
Caitlin Bequette led November’s meeting. Kramer read the
story of the Rainbow Fish, tying it into Mission Week and
giving what we have to help others “shine.” Kramer says
she and Bequette came up with the idea because “it’s just
such a great story. It’s fabulous. And it’s not just for little
kids; this story has a message truly relevant to Mission
Week as well.”
Angel Food plans on doing more than meeting and
sharing; they are planning a mass. Members will be greeters,
ushers and readers. Bequette is excited for the mass,
stating, “No one really knows about our club, and this is
the perfect way to show it off.”
By Megan Hennon
Christmas 2010 is just around the corner, and everyone
wants to know what is at the top of your “Santa list”.
The race is on to give the best gifts this holiday season,
and for many people, that’s something high tech. For kids,
teens and even adults, this might include a pocket-sized
MP3 player or ebook without pages to turn. What are this
year’s most wanted items?
One exciting new gaming system tops the tech list
at number one. St. Joe tech director Travis Rogers predicts
that “Kinect will be huge!” Senior Rachel Thompson
agrees, saying, “I think the most popular gift this year will
be Xbox Kinect.” This new invention for Xbox 360 senses
the player’s body movement, so there is no need for a
handheld controller.
Many other popular tech items this year belong to
Apple. Freshman Liz Staed believes a favorite will be “the
iPod because music makes everyone happy.” Dave Farrar
of the tech department adds, “Depending on how much
people spend, the iPhone 4, iPad and Blue Ray players will
be pretty popular.”
As the texting trend has skyrocketed over the past
few years, a popular demand has pushed the latest cell
phones into the top tech gifts list as well. “I think the new
4G Blackberry touch screen will be a popular gift because
all my friends want one,” says junior Molly Keeven. However,
the Apple iPad makes the top of sophomore Maggie
Rabenberg’s personal wish list.
There’s no denying that technology has contributed
to the Christmas spirit this season.
St. Joe students are
among the buyers out
on THE shopping day
By Meghan Turnure
Is Black Friday still THE shopping day of the year?
The thousands of shoppers that rushed to every door-buster
at all hours of the night after their Thanksgiving meal to get
their hands on every deal would say so. Since the 1970s, the
term “Black Friday” has been the signature name for the
famous shopping excursion following Thanksgiving Day,
which traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas
shopping season. It is a day on which shoppers can find
some kind of deal on just about anything they are looking
for. Huge discounts, free giveaways, endless lines, frantic
customers. Black Friday has it all!
Several St. Joe students made sure they were among
the many anxious shoppers on this wild bargain chase.
Senior Marie Davidson said it is a tradition for the Davidson
women (her mom, three sisters and herself) to go
shopping every year at West County Mall. They got to the
mall around 7 a.m. and were there for about three hours.
“The lines actually weren’t terrible. We found a lot of good
deals and bought mostly clothes. It was a really fun day to
bond with my mom and sisters since everyone was home
for break. We’re definitely going to continue this tradition!”
Davidson said.
Although some Angels had never experienced Black
Friday before this year, they couldn’t wait to be a part of
it. Sophomore Anna Marchiony has always wanted to be
a Black Friday shopper. “My sister, mom and I went out
at 3 a.m. to Target and the mall. My dad thought we were
insane!” Marchiony said. Senior Chelsea Spalt was also
new to Black Friday. “It’s a new tradition my four cousins
and I decided to start this year!” Spalt said. They tried to
get to as many store openings as possible. Their schedule
was 12 a.m. Old Navy, 3 a.m. Kohl’s, 4 a.m. Macy’s, 5
a.m. Gordman’s and 6 a.m. Chesterfield Mall. “It was the
craziest and most stressful but fun shopping experience I
have ever had to this day, and trust me, I have had many
shopping days,” Spalt explained.
One “lucky” student got to experience Black Friday
from a worker’s point of view. Senior Alex Hinkebein is a
Kohl’s sales associate at the Ellisville location on Manchester
and worked on Black Friday from 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Hinkebein has never shopped on Black Friday, and this was
her first time working on this chaotic day. “It wasn’t too bad
because everyone who works in the store was there. There
were a lot of crazy people, but I actually had fun because
there were so many people there that I could talk to and
help,” Hinkebein said.
To these shoppers and many others, Black Friday
obviously remains the most important shopping day. Will
you join them next year?

voice December 2010 Features 5
St. Louis history is alive and well at
Bellefontaine and Calvary cemeteries
By Maria Latham
Any proud St. Louisan knows that our fair city has
a lot to offer in the way of history, culture and entertainment.
During winter break, some students may even choose
to visit a few of the more well-trodden sites, such as the
Science Center, the City Museum or the many wonders of
Forest Park. But there is one St. Louis gem which, though
often overlooked, can also make for a lively afternoon -
the sprawling burial grounds of Bellefontaine and Calvary
cemeteries.
Located adjacently on West Florissant Avenue in
North St. Louis, Bellefontaine and Calvary, which together
comprise 791 acres of gravesites, were founded in 1849 and
1857, respectively. While Bellefontaine was incorporated
by a group of prominent St. Louis businessmen as a nonsectarian
burial ground, Calvary is its Catholic counterpart,
administered by the Archdiocese.
An afternoon can be spent wandering these hallowed
grounds in search of the gravesites of quite a few persons of
historical note, both to the St. Louis area and to the United
States at large.
Perhaps the most prominent resident of Bellefontaine
is William Clark (1770-1838), co-captain with his friend
Meriwether Lewis of the famed Corps of Discovery. Sara
Teasdale (1884-1933), nationally-acclaimed poet and the
recipient of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, is also
interred there. Several names important to St. Louis in
particular can also be found on graves and tombs at Bellefontaine,
including those of the well-known Busch and
ill-fated Lemp brewing families.
The short walk over to Cavalry yields a similar trea-
photos by Maria Latham
Visitors to Civil War general William Tecumseh
Sherman’s grave in Calvary leave pennies.
The weeping angel scupture is perhaps Calvary’s most
famous monument.
sure trove of names. There, one can track down the likes of
Dred Scott (1799-1858), the slave who sued unsuccessfully
for his freedom in the Supreme Court; William Tecumseh
Sherman (1820-1891), the Civil War Union general and
famed local American novelist Kate Chopin (1851-1904).
Although the dates on the crumbling tombstones
create a sense of history which is practically tangible, it is
far from the sole glory of this vast necropolis. Many of the
monuments, sculptures and tombs make for truly stunning
pieces of art, leaving the visitor with a lasting impression
not only of the aesthetic beauty, but of the emotion which
was poured into many of these memorials. “To my loving
wife,” reads the scroll in the hand of one stately winged
statue. Another, perhaps Calvary’s most famous, depicts an
angelic figure bent over the top of a gravestone in grief, a
sprig of stone ivy forever falling from an outstretched hand.
Veiled columns, obelisks, stone urns and religious icons add
layers of symbolism to the landscape, while figures both
human and ethereal, imperial and humble, triumphant and
grieving, captivate both the eye and the imagination.
Visiting hours at Bellefontaine are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Calvary, with guidebooks and
maps of prominent gravesites available at each.
Angels on a Mission
Face to face
Honored to play any role, just give Emily Burns an audience
By Sara Fox
You may never have met Emily Burns, senior, but
you have probably heard her. She has been in seven theater
productions at St. Joe, her favorites, playing Alice in Alice
in Wonderland and Grizabella in Cats. She is a member of
Frontenacs, attended the Missouri Fine Arts Academy and
has been a member of All-District and All-State choirs.
Q: When did realize you wanted to go into the performance
arts?
A: When I was eight. I auditioned for my first play at a
community college, and I loved every moment of it. When
I got to high school, I questioned going into performing arts,
thinking about pursuing a career with a stable, well-paying
job. Then I realized that it didn’t matter. As long I was
performing, I would be the happiest person ever.
Q: What kinds of classes/lessons do you take?
A: I take voice lessons and participate in as many master
classes as I can. In a master class, a singer can either learn
by watching other people singing for the visiting teacher
or participate to sing. I prefer to participate, because each
master class is unique, and I always walk away with a great
experience and a new mind. I also take dance lessons and
visit an acting coach every so often.
Q: What do you do to prepare before each show?
A: I try to stay as healthy as possible - to eat healthy, get
enough sleep and take any measures to avoid infection. I also
read and reread my lines or lyrics, so when I am onstage,
I will never have to worry about forgetting the words; the
words should be engraved in my mind and come naturally.
Also, I work on the songs with teachers to get different
opinions and improve the song as much as I can. Dancing
in shows can be stressful to the body if you don’t stretch.
Every night I do stretches to help make my body more flexible
and to relieve stress and tension.
Q: What is the most rewarding feeling you get from
performing on stage?
A: This may sound selfish, but I love the attention. Not the
praise and applauses, but that when I am performing for an
audience, I have a chance to demand their attention and tell
my story, to share my feelings. I have played roles before
that appeal specifically to younger audiences. When young
kids are inspired by character and want to be like me or
simply want to take a picture, I am honored.
Q: Which roles (if any) have you played where you were
able to see yourself in the character?
A: When I am on stage, I am myself in a way. I personalize
each character and connect him or her with my life. I am
able to bring the character to life and make the character
real, and the character is able to bring out a part of my true
self. I cannot point out a specific role.
Q: What advice could you give someone who wants to
get into performance in high school?
A: I recommend every person to try performing in high
school. For me, it was the way that I let go and was able to
break out of my shell. I found my true passion and career
path. Even though that might not be the case for many other
people, I’m sure that everyone will discover something new
about themselves. I have built so many social skills from
performing. How often does one get to stand in the spotlight
and express him or herself? It’s a unique chance to grow
and develop for a high school student.
Jocelyn Popit, Mary Lou Zlatic, Leigh Edmonston and
Stephanie Lancaster perform in the Faculty Show.
Molly LoPiccolo, Bailey Wenkel and Betty Goodwin
(above) and Abby Gallagher (below) dazzle the audience
in the senior sponsored Music for the Missions Concert.
photos by Monica Berner
Q: What roles would you like to play in the future?
A: I would love to play a role that is the exact opposite of
my personality. It would be a challenge for me to relate
to, but I know that finding a character like that would help
me grow in so many ways, as a performer and as a real
person. But honestly, I would be honored to play any role
that I am given.
Q: Have you made any college plans yet?
A: I plan on studying for a B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
in Musical Theatre. I have looked at so many schools, but
I have really taken an interest in Webster University and
University of Cincinnati: Cincinnati Conservatory of Music,
both very challenging schools.
One of Emily Burns’s favorite roles has been that of
Grizabella in Cats this past October.

Features 6 December 2010 voice
Life and Times
Treasured holiday
traditions shelter us
from the cold
By Sarah Karchunas
I admit it, I have a Christmas addiction. Beginning
in August, I start the countdown on my desk calendar
until the start of the Christmas season, which begins
approximately six minutes after the last trick-or-treater
leaves our door on Halloween night. Once November
hits, I erupt into full blown holiday cheer. I find some
obscure website that endlessly plays songs of the Nativity,
Santa Claus and snow storms. The Christmas
tree is promptly erected a week into November and the
ornaments soon follow. Happiness is defined for me as
the moment I walk into Target and spot those light-up,
motion-detecting lawn reindeer in the back aisle or the
first time my peppermint hot chocolate is handed to me
in a red cup covered with snowflakes.
There are so many things I love about Christmastime.
My favorite thing could be the Salvation Army
men ringing the red bells outside the grocery store, or
the insane outdoor Christmas decorations that we drive
past each day as we weave through our neighborhood.
It might be the face of someone who’s received a homemade
gift, or the constant Christmas specials playing on
ABC Family for the “25 Days of Christmas.”
Though I love all of Christmastime, my favorite
part is Christmas Eve. Every Christmas Eve, we get
dressed up and take a family picture before heading to
Mass. On the way home we stop at Michaels, which is
so completely unusual on Christmas Eve that you could
see anything from a lady lying on the floor checking to
see if her cookie jar is level to a girl screaming, “Where
is my pig?”
When we get back, we use Grandma Betty’s
secret recipe to make sugar cookie dough, then spend
extensive time using Christmas cutouts to shape it and
then frosting and sprinkling the shapes to try to create
the greatest cookie ever- to leave for Santa, of course.
On completion of the great cookie contest, we make
Grinch Punch, a delicious green drink which comes from
a family recipe so secret that it could never be revealed
in print. Later, sitting on the couch by a roaring fire, Dad
reads The Night before Christmas complete with sound
effects. The night ends with a midnight viewing of It’s a
Wonderful Life, which lasts about 18 minutes due to my
mother insisting that we fast forward all the depressing
parts, which is pretty much the whole movie up until the
last eight minutes.
I think the reason I love Christmas Eve so much
is because of the rich family traditions it holds. I think
traditions with family or friends give us stability in an
ever-changing world. It doesn’t matter if I’m waiting
to get my bedtime extended or waiting to get college
acceptance letters, George Bailey still never seems to
understand how important his life is (until the last eight
minutes of the movie), and the children never awake from
the visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads. Tradition
is the thread that holds together changing families
and provides refuge from difficult circumstances. No
matter how silly or weird they are, traditions are what
make our families unique, and they guarantee us that at
least one part of this holiday season will once again be
full of good tidings.
By Carolyn Heger
Since the holiday season is upon us, one of the only
subjects we can think about is food, food and more food.
Every family has its own favorite, mouthwatering holiday
dish, ranging from the typical, like stuffing, to the unusual,
such as pumpkin cheesecake. Although many of the SJA
families enjoy the traditional holiday fare, particularly
mashed potatoes, some prefer the out-of-the-ordinary foods.
Regardless of how common these foods are, each of the
dishes has a special tradition unique to the families which
prepare them for their holiday meals.
Many families have a special way of preparing the
traditional mashed potatoes. “My favorite dish is my mom’s
mashed potatoes. They taste like deliciousness,” said sophomore
Mary Cain. “Party potatoes, mashed potatoes with
cheese in them, are a cheesy sensation. My aunt makes
them for Christmas night every year. They’re like a little
bite of happiness,” Allison Herrmann describes.
“I like the mashed potatoes that my grandmother
Award winning toys
are mix of old and new
By Kathleen Kickham
As children get their lists ready for Santa to check
twice, parents looking for the perfect gift often turn to resources
such as Good Housekeeping magazine for what’s
worthwhile this year.
For children age three to five Good Housekeeping
recommends the Leapster Explorer, which lets children
choose from among games, books and videos and includes
a touch screen and pen. Good Housekeeping also recommends
a traditional toy, a grocery cart called the iPlay’s
Shop ‘n Cart. Young children can also start their science
education with the Learning Resource’s Primary Science
Set. The set helps children learn about science while having
fun with basic experiments, such as using lemon juice to
make pennies shiny. Chris Bird, a toy expert who appears
often on Live with Regis and Kelly, recommends the Tonka
Chuck & Friends Stunt Park. Woolworths’ Top 10 Toys
for 2010 suggests Baby Annabell, a doll that reacts to her
environment like a real baby would.
Three-year-old Orla Fogarty came up with her own
gift idea, “a flying horse.” Sister, kindergartener Clara Fogarty,
five, wants “a Barbie doll”, but not the one with the
video. Woolworths labeled the Barbie Video Girl as one
of the toy trends for Christmas 2010. It features a camera
on the front that takes video of the child and shows it on
the doll’s back. Crayola Model Magic Presto Dots makes
bumpy creatures by molding foam to a form.
Little fashionistas will love the Bandai’s Harumika, a
set that includes fabrics and trims to style the child’s dolls.
For the five to eight year old age group, Good Housekeeping
also likes the ThinkGeek Electronic Guitar Shirt, a shirt
with a guitar on it that kids can play. Another high-tech toy
featured as one of Woolworth’s top 10 toys is the VTech
Kidizoom Video Camera, advertised as a perfect starter
camera for young children. Maeve Fogarty, first grade,
wants a popular high tech gift, “a DS’. She would also like
some Silly Rings and Silly Necklaces.
Topping Good Housekeeping’s list for boys eight and
above is the Tonka Garage Ricochet RC, which can flip and
keep racing, and speed over small objects. Air Hogs Hawk
Eye Helicopter is also high on their list. The magazine recommends
The Wild Science Perfect Perfume Laboratory for
girls. The best toy award for a unisex gift went to Hasbro
Bop-It! Bounce, which Good Housekeeping describes as an
old-fashioned game combined with new electronics.
What is your New Year’s
resolution?
By Libby Garner
Kathy Schoor, science teacher: Be the best role model
for my seniors.
Delphine Williams, art teacher: Kill the pizza guy.
Emma Mitchell: It’s always to stop drinking soda, but
I never do it.
Caitlin Cowlen, senior: Creation. And to put my
artistic ideas into action.
Meredith Wilson, senior: I really honestly am trying
to think right now and I don’t know.
Chelsea Spalt, senior: Go to Mizzou more.
Claire Champion, junior: Not spend money on fast food.
Maureen Mehan, junior: Respect my mom and dad.
Sarah Ruppe, freshman: Go to church every Sunday.
Sarah Thuet, freshman: Be nice to my sister.
Favorite recipes pass down through family
prepares,” freshman Sarah Ruppe stated. “They are buttery,
creamy and delicious.” Senior Hailey Hearst also cited potatoes
as her favorite, “my grandma’s mashed potatoes, since
no mashed potatoes are like hers. She’s just special.”
Other students list a favorite family dessert. “I really
like the apple pie that my grandma bakes each year for
Thanksgiving and Christmas. The pie has a crunchy crust
with cinnamon on it,” junior Kara Kieffer explained. “It’s
my favorite dish because it’s really good, and we have it
every year. My grandma’s apple pie has become a traditional
favorite in my family.”
“I love pumpkin cheesecake. My niece makes it for
Thanksgiving each year. It’s creamy, rich and tasty,” theology
teacher Santa Cuddihee said. “I adore it because I love
cheesecake, but I have it so little because it’s so unhealthy.
I also love the pumpkin flavor in everything.” If you want
to make this special treat, Cuddihee recommends Paula
Deen’s recipe, which can be found on the Food Network’s
website at www.foodnetwork.com.
The Book Nook
Story of woman behind
HeLa makes for
compelling reading
By Kathryn Geoffroy
The New York Times
best-selling book The Immortal
Life of Henrietta
Lacks tells the story of an African
American woman born
in 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia,
and the cells that changed
medicine. In 1951, at the
age of 30, Henrietta was
diagnosed with cervical cancer
and was treated at Johns
Hopkins, a medical center
established to help the poor in Baltimore. However,
Henrietta’s treatment had far-reaching consequences that
she never anticipated. Her doctor performed a biopsy
without her consent, saving cells from the cancerous tissue.
Tissue specialist at Hopkins, George Gey, cultured
the samples to create a cell line that would grow and
divide indefinitely. When Henrietta died months later,
her immortal cells, called HeLa cells, lived on in Gey’s
lab, unknown to her and her family.
What happened to Henrietta in the 1950s was
only the beginning. The cells are still alive today, having
been critical in scientific investigations over time
in everything from the creation of the polio vaccine to
the development of treatments for cancer and AIDS.
However, Henrietta’s life and story live on beyond the
cells and their historic contributions to science.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by journalist
Rebecca Skloot is unique in that it explores not only the
scientific, but also the ethical and personal impact of the
HeLa cells. Many parts of the book are written from
Skloot’s personal experience, as she tries to gather information
about Henrietta’s life, both mortal and immortal.
Henrietta’s family is also a large focus, especially her
daughter Deborah and son Zakariyya, who are toddlers
when their mother dies and are strongly affected by
her death and cells. The family is taken advantage of,
due to their lack of knowledge and formal education,
as well as the ethical standards for medical care at the
time. When they finally learn of HeLa 20 years later,
they are struggling to make ends meet as companies
make absurd profits from the cells their mother never
knew were taken.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks provides
a unique perspective on an event that is critical in the
development of medicine and science, raising questions
about how much personal harm we are willing to inflict
in the name of innovation.
Carpool of the Month
By Maddie Scheidt
Members: juniors Sara Nuelle (driver) and Meghan Messina,
sophomore Megan Dougherty and sophomore Lauren
Nuelle
Ride: 2005 Black Chevy Equinox
Music: They love listening to z107.7. They especially
enjoy songs from Ke$ha and Justin Beber (at least Lauren
does).
Rituals: The group goes to McDonalds after school whenever
they’re hungry. On half days, they enjoy going out for
lunch to many different places, “…or sometimes we just go
to McDonalds,” said Dougherty.
Group Bonding: “We always see weird things in our
carpool,” laughs Nuelle, including “a guy combing his
mustache and a lady dancing to Indian music.”

voice December 2010 Features 7
Movie review
Latest Harry movie
lives up to the hype
By Jennifer Lane and Sarah Cobb
Millions of muggles get excited each time a new
Harry Potter movie comes out, and some even put on their
Hogwarts uniforms. On Nov. 19, at midnight, it was the
beginning of the end for Harry Potter fans. The first of two
movies based on the seventh book, Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows, was released.
The Des Peres theater played the movie on four
screens at midnight and did something new this year – instead
of waiting in line in the lobby, everyone waited in the
theater for hours before the movie started. Excited fans
counted down, shouting out how many minutes left until
midnight. When the movie finally started, many cheered,
and, of course, at the end, it got a standing ovation.
The movie covers up to Chapter 24, about two-thirds
of the way through the book, ending with the death of a beloved
character. It does an excellent job of showing magical
trio Harry, Ron and Hermione waiting around and searching
for Horcruxes instead of the usual homework at Hogwarts.
The trio are truly growing up, falling in love and dealing
with much scarier things than Professor Snape’s class. The
title of the movie is also explained as they learn what the
“Deathly Hallows” are and what they mean.
As any true Harry Potter fan will argue, the movie is
nowhere near as great as the book. Nothing is as magical
as actually reading the books, themselves, but the movies
are amazing and have their own special things about them.
They are funny, but the characters are much more in depth
in the books. While a lot is necessarily left out of the movie,
it makes up for that with brilliant performance from Daniel
Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. It’s a good thing
the seventh book is split into two movies, because there’s no
way all of the important stuff could have fit into one movie
without making it five hours long.
Potter fans who have seen part one are eagerly awaiting
part two of the book. There is already a Facebook event
for it with over 700 people signed up to attend as of Dec.
1. July 15, 2011, will be a bittersweet day; the very end of
Harry Potter – no more books, no more movies – but amazing
to see how people respond to the final installment.
Athletes look at many factors before signing
on the dotted line
By Kate Ruppe
Every year student athletes at St. Joe commit to colleges
and universities around the country. Athletes begin
their search for the right school as early as freshman and
sophomore years and eventually make their decision for
various reasons by the time senior year comes to an end.
How do students at St. Joe go about their search?
Louisiana State University volleyball signee Helen Boyle
began by talking with coaches interested in recruiting her so
that she could learn more about their programs. “Depending
on where the schools were, I went on visits and decided if I
liked the girls on the team and the school,” Boyle said.
Soccer player Abbey Stock’s search was a little different.
“I always wanted to go to Saint Louis University
because of the academics, which made my choice easy,”
Stock said. Stock talked to the coaches and visited campus,
but was sure that Saint Louis University was her pick.
Krista Meghini, a Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
volleyball signee, said, “I made videos of me playing,
called and emailed coaches, and played in showcase
tournaments.” Menghini was looking for a big school,
close to home.
After visits, talks with coaches and meeting the team,
athletes decide which school fits them best. Drake soccer
signee Tori Flynn liked the girls on the team and their style
of play. She feels she will fit in well with the program.
Future Southern Illinois University softball player
Meredith Wilson likes bigger schools. After visiting several,
Wilson said, “SIU-Carbondale has the academic program
I am looking for.”
Boyle found exactly what she was looking for at
LSU. She wanted a school in the south, but also with the
right fit with the coaches and girls on the team, and a big
athletic program. “Everything I’m looking for happened to
be there,” Boyle said.
Not all athletes decide that Division I athletics is right
for them. Division II and III and NAIA are other options
for athletes looking for a different experience. Division I
athletes have the biggest time and travel commitment and
more pressure all around. Division II and Division III allow
more free time, but a big commitment is still made.
Volleyball player Emily Jaeger is one of nine athletes to
participate in the year’s first signing ceremony, Nov. 10.
Cat McGrath, looking for a school in the south, committed
to Emory University in Atlanta, which has a D-III
volleyball program. “I wanted a social life, and Emory
offered the academics I want in college,” McGrath said.
McGrath wants to study accounting or graphic design and
does not want volleyball to take up every second of her
time, which went into making her decision.
High school coaches often play a role in helping
athletes with exposure and communication with college
coaches. Volleyball coach Karen Davis begins with her
athletes during their sophomore year. She maps out steps
for the athlete to follow, including creating a contact list of
schools. Davis contacts the coaches on the list and takes
their calls as well. She continues to relay communication
throughout the athlete’s junior and senior year.
Every athlete’s college search is different. From big
universities to small private colleges, they find their place
for the next four years of their life.
Editor’s note: Writer senior Kate Ruppe will sign to play
basketball, but is still weighing her options.

Sports 8 December 2010 voice
Cross country runs its way to third place
finish at State in best showing ever
By Kathryn Yeager
The cross country team had its best finish ever with
a historic third place at State, run in Jefferson City Nov. 6.
The Angels, with 131 points, finished behind Lee’s Summit
West, who took first with 52 points, and West Plains at
second with 118. St. Louis rival Nerinx finished behind the
Angels at fifth with 187 points.
Coach Walker Yane was extremely pleased with his
team’s finish, stating, “Coming in I was fairly confident
we would make it to State. I was not expecting a top four
finish, but once we won Sectionals, I grew more confident.
Getting third at State was great, a big deal!” In honor of
his team’s win, Yane shaved his head.
The Angels will lose their top runner senior Krista
Menghini next year, who took tenth in the State meet as
an individual. With a time of 18:57.17, Menghini was a
key part in the Angels’ spectacular finish. However, with
remaining talent, such as sophomores Caity Most, who
placed twenty-ninth with a time of 19:42.95; Lucy May,
at forty-eighth with a time of 20:02.19, and Lexi Boschert,
By Maggie Rabenberg
The Varsity racquetball team started off the season
with a new coaching staff and a lot of fresh new faces. First
time coach and St. Joe alum Cindy Burman said, “It is crazy
taking over a team for the first time, but it is also a lot of
fun! I am just learning as I go and am extremely thankful
for Ms. Postal and our other volunteers!”
The team started practice the first weekend of October
and had Sunday and Monday practices for an entire month
before tryouts even began.
Although the team started the year with a 3-4 loss to
Notre Dame, the season still looks promising. Seed 4 junior
Natalie Dowd, Seed 5 senior Grace Zuniga and Seed 6 junior
Anna Haas are responsible for the three wins. Seed 1 junior
Victoria Haas was disappointed not to have a win in the
first match but proud of her teammates’ success.
The Varsity doubles team of sophomores Natalie
Saracino and Libby Hudson started the season with a loss,
but with high expectations for the season to come. “The
first match was a toughie. We lost pretty bad, but it was our
first time ever playing together, and we’re learning,” said
Hudson on partnering with Saracino. “It’s fun to play with
Natalie; she’s great, and we can laugh if we make a mistake
because we know sooner or later we both will, so it’s not
too much pressure. We just support one another.”
The JV3 Ladder League team has 10 new players:
nine sophomores and one junior. After two weeks
of play, sophomore Madison McGuinness was ranked
fifth, having posted four wins in six matches. “I’m super
excited about my ranking because it is the first year that I
By Kathryn Yeager
The Varsity basketball team started off the season with
two strong wins in its own Turkey Day Shootout Tournament.
The Angels’ first game was against Althoff Catholic
on Nov. 26, whom they defeated 69-38. Coach Julie Matheny
had confidence in the team from the get go, saying,
“The 2010 -2011 team has senior strength and leadership!
I think we have more speed and depth on the team and will
be able to run our opponents down.” They continued doing
exactly that on Nov. 27 against Pacific, defeating the
visiting team 61-39.
This year’s Varsity consists of 12 players, half of
whom are seniors. They are grateful for the return of Sam
Stirmlinger, who played Varsity for St. Joe her freshman
year, but transferred to Lafayette for her sophomore year.
She returned last year, but, as Matheny explains, “Due to
the MSHAA transfer regulations, Sam had to play subvarsity
last year for St. Joe.” Matheny is pleased to have
Stirmlinger back on her roster, referring to her as “an oldie
but a goodie” and looking forward to her “taking the helm
as our point guard.” Stirmlinger shares Coach’s excitement,
stating, “Being able to play on Varsity again is a feeling
that I can’t describe. I am so happy, and I love our team
so much. We have unreal chemistry, and I am very excited
for this season.”
Chemistry is definitely one of the Angels’ strong
The team qualifies for State with their win at Sectionals.
who placed sixty-third with a time of 20:20.91, the Angels
will return next year more confident than ever.
New coach and players build on experience in
hard fought first matches of the season
am playing racquetball,”
said McGuinness on her
newfound talent.
The team has a long
season ahead of them.
The Varsity and doubles
teams competed in the
Top Seed and Doubles
Tournament over Thanksgiving
break. Most of the
team was out of town, so
one of the JV players was
needed to step up and fill
in the last Varsity spot.
The team played well,
even though their only
win came from Hudson
and Saracino. Their first
full team tournament, the
Winter Rollout Tournament,
was the first weekend
in December.
“I think that the
team plays together extremely
well and shows
immense potential to
photo by Maggie Rabenberg
Varsity doubles player
sophomore Libby Hudson
winds up a forehand.
grow and turn into one of the top teams in the league,” said
Burman. “I am most excited to see all the ladies improve
as the season goes on, and, of course, I am excited for us
to participate in State and Nationals!”
points. Captain senior Kate Ruppe describes the team well,
saying, “We’re together all day at school, then all night
at practice. We become a family throughout the season.”
Matheny agrees with Stirmlinger and Ruppe on the camaraderie
of the team, saying, “The chemistry in the locker
room is full of positive energy and a commitment to be the
best every day.”
The team has been practicing daily in order to prepare
for their first non-tournament match up, an away game at
Ursuline on Dec. 7. Though they will take the season game
by game, the team is already focused on the ultimate goal:
State. Matheny challenges her team always to keep that in
mind, explaining, “Our expectations are the same every year
- State Championship! We need to stay healthy and continue
to get better with each and every practice and game.” Ruppe
shares Matheny’s high expectations, stating, “The whole
team has the same mindset that we’re going to work hard
all season to achieve our goals.”
Overall, this year’s team is looking better and stronger
than ever. With the leadership of Ruppe, Stirmingler and
fellow seniors Nikki Hinkebein, Sophie Calcaterra, Tori
Magaletta and Brittany Millsap, this season is one to watch.
However, the seniors don’t take all of the credit. Ruppe
explains, “It is nice having six seniors because we get a
lot of leadership, but not all the leadership comes from us.
Everyone on the team has a leadership role.”
Swimmers take their
mark led by talented
veterans
By Stephanie Wehmeier
The swim and dive team has its sights set on another
successful season. After winning conference last year and
representing the school exceptionally well at State in February,
the team returns ready to work hard and focus on the
challenges ahead.
Despite the loss of several key seniors to graduation,
Coach Khannie Dastgah is confident in the talent of the entire
team, including a crop of freshmen. “I’m really excited
about the season. We have a lot of strong swimmers, and
we have a couple of new freshmen that will really help our
lineup,” stated Dastgah.
Among the team leaders are juniors Julia Herbig in
the 50 freestyle and 100 free, and Katja Miller in the 100
backstroke and 100 butterfly. Also returning are last year’s
State contenders, in addition to Herbig and Miller, sophomores
Meghan Glogoza and Claire Sauer, juniors Lauren
Jacobsmeyer, Erica Shurmer and Jenna Osterholt, and
seniors Shae Oca and Annie Weber.
As practices got underway, the whole team understood
that to uphold their reputation as a very talented and spirited
team, they must be willing to work hard. “Preseason looks
pretty good so far, but we need to work a little harder to
get to where we should be,” explained Miller. Indeed, the
grueling three hour practices are exhausting, yet the team
understands that the hard work now will pay off as the season
progresses. “We will definitely be prepared for all of our
meets with our usual intense training,” said Oca.
Dastgah knows the key lies in a team effort, not just
with a few individuals. “We’ll see after our first couple
meets what kind of depth we have, which is key for another
Conference win and strong showing at State, which is the
goal that we are shooting for,” she stated.
This combined with a winning attitude will surely direct
the Angels toward success. The team has high expectations
not only to perform to the best of their abilities but also
to be known as the most energetic team in the state. Loud
cheers are a must because they are an intimidation factor
and because they pump up the entire team, encouraging each
member to perform at her best. “I’m really excited for this
season, especially because this year’s freshmen seem really
enthusiastic and excited to be on the team,” said Oca.
The Angels’ first meet was on Dec. 7 against Incarnate
Word. Other upcoming meets should prepare the team for
St. Joe’s biggest rivals later in the season. These include
the Dec. 10 Marquette Relays and the Dec. 15 meet against
Parkway South and Parkway North. This final December
meet is the Angels’ first tri-meet.
Once back from Christmas break, the team will compete
in a tough schedule, especially against rivals Villa and
MICDS, the latter of which is always a strong competitor
for the Conference title. Looking forward to these meets,
the Angels are gearing up for one successful season.
Angels boast winning combination of chemistry, leadership and speed
Thanks to this leadership and the team’s drive to succeed,
Matheny says, “This year’s team is one of the most
talented teams I have coached. We would love to follow up
where our volleyball team left off... just keep the banners
coming! It would be wonderful to send this senior class off
to college with new ‘rings’!”
photo by Meredith Wegner
Senior Kate Ruppe looks for the open player in the
Turkey Day Shootout. The Angels won both contests in
the weekend event.