Dart Dec. 12 2025 issue

14-15

16-17 Columns 18-19

DEAR READER,

Merry Christmas and Happy Finals! It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of the first semester. We will miss our readers over break!

As a Christmas present, we are proud to give you the third 2025-2026 issue of The Dart “Yule” be sorry if you “miss(tletoe)” this issue!

Starting off strong with some holiday cheer, Rue captures beautiful ornaments on page 4 and 5.

“Home Alone” is not the only robbery you will encounter this season; read on page 6 for Stella’s break down of the infamous heist of the Louvre. On page 7, Callie analyzes the ground-breaking wins of the November 7 election day, including that of a certain charismatic New Yorker.

Are you going to the see “The Nutcracker” this year? I know we are after reading pages 8 and 9, where you’ll find Jo and Teagan’s Star Spotlight, showcasing all of the impressive STArs that perform in the ballet.

Before making your finishing touches on your Christmas list, be sure to read Anna M.’s story on page 10 about the new app, Giftful.

Feeling a little Grinchy this season? We’ve got a story for you! Turn to page 11 to read Kennedi’s story on the evolution of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”

Listening to Christmas music might just cure anyone’s Grinch-y attitude, so be sure to read Paloma’s review of Christmas covers on page 12. She’s even provided the link to a playlist of her holiday faves!

Don’t forget the sweets! For a reading snack, grab a Hershey’s Kiss. On page 13, Addi will tell you which seasonal flavor is the best.

On page 14 and 15, Anna S. and Julia highlight the most important part of this time of year: acts of service. If you start today, you can follow their 12 Acts of Christmas each day, leading right up to Christmas.

Of course, what is Christmas without a fun seasonal drink? On page 16, Joelle ranks the best holiday drinks around town.

Make sure to put crayons and markers on your Christmas list, because Marcella may convince you to start a coloring hobby in her column on page 17. And in Wynnie’s case, she may want to put them on her birthday list, because the dates are so close. Read more about her “Double December” on page 17 too.

If you feel extra “Cheery” during Christmas time, you may want turn to pages 18 and 19 to read Birdie’s story on the school’s new Pom Squad. Page 19 also features a profile on senior Amelia Winkeler, a stellar Starfish with a unique tie to the team.

Already looking forward to going back to school in January? Well, on page 20, Katherine previews amazing interim courses, one of which is led by an inspiring student, and emphasizes the importance of student-led interims.

In this cold weather we are definitely thankful for our auction sweatpants, but how did last month’s event go? On page 21, Siena gives a rundown on the results of the fun night.

And finally, don’t forget to hang your stockings! On page 23, Lauren shares stocking stuffer ideas that “sleigh.”

Good luck on finals, Merry Christmas and happy new year from The Dart!

Holiday Spirit is all around us!

MADE FOR December

ornaments capture the spirt of the season

THE HEIST AND HOLIDAYS

Viral rumors, fake mugshots and real jewels: How the Louvre heist captured the internet’s imagination

Story by Stella Baska | Editor-In-Chief

This holiday season, the thieves from “Home Alone,” Harry Lyme and Marv Murchins, may look a little familiar. After all, this past fall, one particular heist captured the public’s eye.

On October 19, the Louvre was robbed. Several French crown jewels were stolen, including tiaras, broaches and necklaces dating back to the early 1800s. The thieves were dressed as construction workers and snuck up to the Balcon De Charles IX (a balcony window leading to the Apollo Gallery) by a furniture lift. They used a disc cutter to open the windows, and then smashed display cases and threatened guards using their “construction” tools. Oddly, they escaped on scooters. The robbery only took six to eight minutes.

By October 31, four suspects were already arrested. The first two are both men in their 30s, and were caught just before one of them planned to travel to Algeria and the other to Mali. The other two, a man and woman in their mid-30s, were arrested on a later date.

Because this is a high profile and developing case, authorities haven’t released much information about the suspects, but the public has ran wild with rumors.

On TikTok, mugshot photos of fake criminals circulated the internet. Faked mugshots of “Gossip Girl” actor Chace Crawford and Florida choreographer Stefan Dolbashian have gone viral, romanticizing fictional robbers.

Many people fell for these mugshots and they gained a following for being attractive. These fake Louvre robbers could be compared to Luigi Mangione, the accused assassin of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare. In both instances the suspected criminals gained cult-like followings because of their looks — despite their crimes.

Photos of a fake detective on scene also spread online. Despite his traditional detective wear — a cap, academic coat and vest — the photo was fake. It was just a picture of a fashionable French teenager near the Louvre.

With the public scrambling to find details on the case and even fictionalizing some of its aspects, the story’s real new developments can be confusing and chaotic when mixed with pop culture.

One reason the public may be so enthralled with this case is through the media produced around heists and robberies. Movies like the “Oceans” franchise or “Inception” circulate around heists, while most superhero or crime-solving movies also feature a bank robbery. There are thousands of books about solving mysteries, like robberies, and many popular rap songs about thievery, like The Notorious B.I.G’s “Gimme the Loot.”

The holiday season alone, which is supposed to promote themes of generosity, contrarily have depicted infamous buglers. The iconic movie, “Home Alone” follows a boy protecting his house from two robbers by using funny and clever booby traps. The Grinch’s whole motive is to “steal Christmas” by taking people’s presents. There are even Christmas heist movies, like “Holiday Heist,” “Jingle Bell Heist” and “Christmas Break In.”

As the holidays go on, developments still continue on the Louvre case.

While police are still investigating who else may be associated with the crime and trials have been postponed to April 2026, the Louvre staff has worked to update security.

After being under fire for supposedly setting a video surveillance password to be “Louvre,” security staffers have set up more cameras throughout the museum and implemented new programs.

Along with adding around 100 cameras, Louvre security is continuing to implement a $933 million infrastructure and security improvement plan that was established earlier this year, ironically before the robbery. B

Firsts at the BALLOT BOX

Election day brings notable firsts in local and state leadership

Story by Callahan Weber | Staff Writer

This year’s Nov. 7th election day gave way for voters to show us some things we have never seen before.

Among one of the most well-known politicians recently elected was New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Born in Uganda, Mamdani has caught the public eye as being the first-ever Muslim mayor of NYC. This political choice seems to demonstrate a significant shift for voters, given the city’s history with the destruction of the twin towers led by the Middle Eastern terrorist group, Al-Qaeda in 2001.

Not only did this event affect the views of New Yorkers, but of Americans as a whole. From 2001 to 2025, there has been a considerable rise in both passive and violent discrimination against people of Middle Eastern descent. The election of Democrat Mamdani shows a shift in the culture of NYC. Not only is he Islam, but he is also affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America. While this is not the first time that New York has elected a socialist, it is rare, making Mamdani even more of a hot topic nationwide.

This year’s election day also gave great headway for women in politics; Abigail Spanberger was voted as the first female governor of Virginia and Christal Watson was elected as mayor of Wyandotte county, making her the first female African American mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. Historically, women and minorities have not been represented proportionally in elected office, although the 15th amendment giving African American people the right to vote was passed in 1870, and the 19th amendment giving

women the right to vote was passed in 1920. Prior to these events, neither parties were allowed to participate in politics in any way. Throughout our history there have been cases of women and African Americans holding office; however, some states still have holes in their representation. Historically, only 51 women have served as governor in 31 states and there has never been a Black female mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. Spanberger is writing history by making it 32 states and 52 women.

November 7th also gave headway for people of the LGBTQ+ community in politics. While not being the first transgender mayor, Democrat Erica Dusso was elected as the first transgender woman mayor of Downingtown, a town of about 8,000 40 miles west of Philadelphia. There have been a small number of openly queer people being represented in political positions; however, it is still a relatively new concept to the United States. B

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former U.S. Rep.

takes the stage during her election-night rally at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Nov. 4 in Richmond. Spanberger defeated Republican gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become the first female governor in the commonwealth’s history. (Win McNamee/Getty Images/TNS)

Story by Jo Marshall | Photography Editor and Teagan Carnahan | Staff Writer

STARring in The Nutcracker!

Victoria Zaborny

Rebecca Hiles

How long have you been involved with the KC Ballet Nutcracker performance?

This is my 10th year. I started in third grade and continued since. It requires very late rehearsals so starting at eight was right for me.

What role(s) will you perform this year?

This year I am an angel during Act Two in the Land of Sweets, which will be en pointe. I am also part of the Snow Choir that sings at the end of Act One.

Describe your history with ballet.

I started dancing at the age of two and started at Kansas City Ballet School (KCB) when I was five. Since middle school, I’ve been spending more time at KCB than at real school. I am also lucky to be a member of the Kansas City Youth Ballet Company. I do a lot of different dance styles, but dancing en pointe is my favorite

How do you balance the rehearsal schedule/performances with other commitments?

Extreme time management is my friend. I’ve never lived my life any other way than I do now, so it doesn’t feel weird. Since age eight, I’ve had Nutcracker every year and needed to work ahead in school. While other kids may be out having fun on the weekends, I’m dancing. I work part-time as a teaching assistant at KCB, which makes scheduling work easier as I’m there anyway. Balance is challenging and I work hard to get it all done.

What is your favorite memory from The Nutcracker?

My favorite memories are from the years when things came together and I was cast in a role that I had really wanted, so I could use the dance skills I had worked so hard at. The two years that I was cast in the Party Scene were so memorable. This year I was very excited to be cast as an Angel, where I get the chance to be on stage dancing en pointe for a good period of time.

What is a common misconception about ballet?

The biggest misconception is that it’s not a sport. It is a sport. You are putting your entire bodyweight on top of a block in a shoe and dancing. The work that goes into being able to dance en pointe is extremely time consuming. The goal is that the audience see us happily and gently gliding through the air, without looking like it’s tiring or hard on the body.

How long have you been involved with the KC Ballet Nutcracker performance?

This is my third year overall. This is the first year I will be performing in the Nutcracker since starting high school, due to not being cast because of height issues. As a girl, the taller you are, the harder it is to be cast in the Nutcracker.

What role(s) will you perform this year?

This year I am a reindeer.

Describe your history with ballet.

I’ve been dancing since I was five. I started at the KCB in sixth grade. KBC is a classically trained ballet school, and when I joined, I wasn’t classically trained. I started at a level made for girls two years younger than me, but I was determined to move up to a level with girls my age. I moved up in one year instead of the usual two, which led me to the Advanced/Pre-Professional level today!

How do you balance the rehearsal schedule/performances with other commitments?

It took time to learn time management, but I try to get school work done early when I have extra time. I ask for extensions if necessary. I think it’s important to reach out to teachers if you need help, and usually they are very understanding! If I have other commitments that coincide with my rehearsals or performance, I usually cannot attend them or arrive late. Once you are cast in a show, you cannot miss any rehearsals or performances unless you are sick or have an emergency.

What is your favorite memory from The Nutcracker?

I have so many! A lot of them are from years past when I was a soldier. I met two of my reallygood friends during Nutcracker, and I cherish those memories together playing M.A.S.H. while waiting for our turn to perform or crazily running all over the dressing room with our tights over our shoulders… it’s a long story.

What is a common misconception about ballet?

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding ballet, and the one that means the most to me is the idea that ballet is not for everyone. It is for everyone. Anyone can attend a ballet class, no matter the age or skill. Even if dancing is not your thing, ballet is meant to be seen and is such a great thing to watch. It brings people together and opens your eyes to an art form full of beautiful dancing and music.

Mary Clare Stanislav Illy Dyer Beale Cecelia Stanislav

How long have you been involved with the KC Ballet Nutcracker performance?

I have been in five Nutcracker shows which is about five years .

What role(s) will you perform this year? This year I am a party boy.

Describe your history with ballet.

I have done ballet since I was around three or four years old. I did take a short break around fourth and fifth grade but in total I’ve done ballet for around 10 years.

How do you balance the rehearsal schedule/ performances with other commitments? The way I balance my schedule with schoolwork and other commitments is by using really good time management. I try to get all my homework done at school or right when I get home and I’m willing to skip a couple classes if I need to for commitments but doing Ballet five days a week can be hard on my social life.

What is your favorite memory from The Nutcracker?

I really enjoyed getting to work with my friends from class as well as meeting company members. Company members are always so kind to the student performers and make it such a welcoming environment.

What is a common misconception about ballet?

That it’s easy. Most people talk ballet up to being pretty on stage, but it takes a lot more strength than people realize.

How long have you been involved with the KC Ballet Nutcracker performance?

I have been involved with the Nutcracker at KC Ballet for four years now. I absolutely love it.

What role(s) will you perform this year?

This year I am a tea child.

Describe your history with ballet.

This will be my fifth year doing ballet. Before doing ballet, I did competitive gymnastics. Gymnastics gave me a good background of skills, which made transitioning to dance easy.

How do you balance the rehearsal schedule/ performances with other commitments? I balance my commitments by giving myself time to relax. With Nutcracker rehearsals going on right now, I not only have regular dance class, but also rehearsal until around 10 pm. Sometimes it is overwhelming, but I make sure to give myself grace.

What is your favorite memory from The Nutcracker?

My favorite tradition is doing Secret Santa with our cast every year. It is super fun to arrive at the theater and receive a gift.

What is a common misconception about ballet?

A common misconception I see about ballet is that it is not a sport. I disagree because it takes a lot of time, athleticism and effort.

How long have you been involved with the KC Ballet Nutcracker performance?

This will be my ninth year in the Nutcracker!

What role(s) will you perform this year?

This year I am a Matroyshka!

Describe your history with ballet.

Ballet has been part of my life since I was three! I’ve danced at KCB my whole life, but I was watching Kansas City Ballet productions years before I was in my first Nutcracker.

How do you balance the rehearsal schedule/performances with other commitments?

I use time management, good habits and responsibility. I take almost all of November and December off work, because of performance and rehearsal schedules along with my normal ballet classes. I’ve gotten good at making sure I prioritize school and try to balance everything. It is definitely hard, especially after coming home exhausted from a long rehearsal or ballet class at 9 pm while still needing to do homework. Thankfully, the last couple weeks of Nutcracker shows happen over Christmas break, which makes it a lot easier to get rest and be less overwhelmed!

What is your favorite memory from The Nutcracker?

Definitely our theatre rehearsals and run throughs with the company. We hang out at Kauffman and watch the other cast. It’s super cool to see it all come together. Performances are also fun memories, I hang out with my best friends backstage and get to go onstage and perform with the symphony. It is an unreal and unique feeling!

What is a common misconception about ballet?

How long have you been involved with the KC Ballet Nutcracker performance?

I have been involved since 2015 when I was six.

What role(s) will you perform this year? This year I am a Matroyshka.

Describe your history with ballet. I’ve been dancing at KCB since I was three.

How do you balance the rehearsal schedule/ performances with other commitments?

It’s definitely challenging. I use my free and activity periods at school efficiently, and set aside enough

time to get everything done. I make sure I have personal time to myself as well.

What is a favorite memory or moment you have from The Nutcracker?

My favorite memory is the first time I was ever on stage during the first Nutcracker I ever did. It was such a new experience, one that I’ll never forget.

What is a common misconception about ballet?

A common misconception is that it’s easy or doesn’t take a lot of work. In reality we’re working really hard every day at the studio, and it’s very athletic and hard.

I think people think it’s easy, but it is extremely physically and mentally demanding. It is definitely not as glamorous as people may think, but it all ends up worth it when you get the opportunity to be onstage.

Gift Goals gift goals

The Solution to Gift Giving

Feature by Anna Mudd | Staff Writer

Everyone’s favorite holiday activity is right around the corner…making Christmas lists! Every year, people young and old gather their wants and needs and put them into a list to send to their family and friends, and of course to Santa. But is there an easier way to do this other than just writing them down on paper?

The answer is “Yes!” The app Giftful is a perfect way to make wish lists, not just for Christmas but for any occasion. This app allows users to add items easily by pasting a link from any website. Once a link is pasted, the app then automatically detects all of the details of the product including the price, brand, name and image. The app also keeps up with price trends and updates an item’s price if it goes up or down.

Some other features on this app include the ability to claim items from someone’s list anonymously. Friends and family shopping for a recipient can look at their Giftful list and claim an item they are planning to get them without them knowing. The app also allows users to find their friends, follow them and put items from one person’s list onto their own.

The app came out in 2019 but it recently has gained much popularity, especially at STA. Sophomore Nora Bond is a devoted user and truly recommends the app.

“Giftful has made making wish lists so much more fun,” Bond said. “I love that it will link the product, allow you to put notes like what size you want and take care of the picture and the price without you having to plug it in. It is also nice to see what you are wanting all in one place.”

Giftful is not just great for the users making the lists but it also benefits users’ family and friends shopping for them.

“I let all my friends follow me on Giftful and send my lists to my family for Christmas and my birthday,” Bond said. “My family thinks it’s an awesome way to see all the things I want, which sometimes may be a lot! I also think it makes it easy for them to be able to click on the link and get to the exact website.”

With an app like Giftful, usually one would think that there would be a good alternative or a downside to it but that is not the case.

“Honestly, there is nothing in the app I really dislike and I don’t have any recommendations for other list- making platforms because this app is just truly amazing” Bond said.

While this app may just seem like a fun way to pass time during the holidays, it solves a big problem around this time of year, which is the stress of gift giving. When buying a loved one a gift or receiving one, it is always hard to figure out exactly what someone wants. And, no one wants to experience that awkward moment of receiving something that will never be used, which is why Giftful is the perfect solution to taking some of that holiday stress off.

So, as Giftful continues to grow and spread it shows that gift giving and wanting can be easy and effortless with the click of a finger. B

merry grinchmas

How the Grinch Stole Our Hearts

Feature by Kennedi Fritz | News Editor

You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel. You’re as cuddly as a cactus. You’re as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch.”

Just about all of us have all heard the famous lyrics of the 1966 Christmas classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” but what does this sensation truly mean to the Christmas season?

Several movies have been adapted around the Grinch character, which has its origins in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a book written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss and published by Random House in 1957. One adaptation goes even as far as a horror parody called “The Mean One,” which is definitely not family- friendly. Nonetheless, whether you love Jim Carey’s live-action film from the 2000s, Illumination’s “The Grinch” or you stick by the original children’s book by Dr. Seuss, there is a version suitable for everyone’s holiday feels.

It may seem like nothing beats the original, as everything released up until this point stems from the source material that was published in 1957. The Christmas feeling is definitely captured in Seuss’s storytelling as he was originally inspired to write the book after a difficult holidayseason. Seuss was then able to create the story after observing the increasing commercialization of Christmas. From this iconic story, he has given the beloved masterpiece we know today, creating something that would become a holiday hit for generations.

Although the book was first, the 1966 cartoon may be the reason why “The Grinch” is so well-known today. The score for the TV special included 60 musicians playing a 34-piece orchestra with a 12-voice choir, which contributed to the beloved songs like, “Welcome Christmas,” “Trim up the Tree” and, of course, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

Junior Lilli Benben showed her Christmas spirit with the classic cartoon.

“The Grinch is my favorite because it’s such a classic and reminds me of my childhood,” Benben said. “It really shows Christmas spirit and how it can make even the saddest people happy.”

Nostalgia flows through the live action film as Jim Carey steals the screen with his performance as the grumpy and charismatic antagonist in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Taylor Momsen got her breakout role as the sweet-hearted Cindy Lou Who. The movie is filled with creative one-liners and famous quotes, making it a must-see movie during the Christmas season.

Actors Carey and Momsen, who starred in the 2000 film, recently reunited on the red carpet at the Rock & Roll Hall Fame Induction Ceremony last month.

In 2018, Illumination Studios released “The Grinch,” becoming the most recent of the adaptions. The beloved characters are reimagined, taking a new form of animation. This time around, Cindy Lou and her friends try to capture Santa in means to help her overworked mother, while the Grinch remains the grumpy antagonist; voice actor Benedict Cumberbatch brings the green creature to life in a new and different way.

An anonymous sophomore expressed her love for “The Grinch.”

“It’s a classic,” she said. “I’ve been watching with my family and little cousins for years.”

To mark the 25th anniversary of the 2000 live action film, there will be a special release of the movie starting today, December 12th.

No matter your favorite iteration of the classic, “The Grinch” is undoubtably a Christmas phenomenon, so grab your cocoa and dive into the franchise! B

I

CHRISTMAS COMPARISONS

found some unexpected gems in the massive archives of existing Christmas music.

Story by Paloma Greim | Staff Writer

Christmas and the holiday season clearly inspire the music industry; in the United States, its revenue is estimated to be a whopping 177 million dollars. People love the music for a reason. It represents more than a season–the nostalgia and warmth of Christmas is something people invest in all year round. Many different artists have tried their luck at the medium, to varying degrees of success. I decided to review different versions of one of my favorite classics, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”. Can Christmas and musical experimentation mix?

Read on to find out!

Judy Garland

The orchestra immediately envelops the listener in a comfortable softness: a short prelude to Garland’s signature vibrato. Her voice is unforced and graceful as it reveals the melody; though it is not lengthy, it is certainly in no rush. As the original performance, this heartfelt standard is unchallenged in its efficiency in getting me in the holiday

Phoebe Bridgers

A guitar plucks the low intro amidst a ghostly flow of sound, combining into an unintelligible aura of melancholy. Bridger’s voice drifts in a mournful slide as it floats above the deeper instrumental. The combination of tones has a striking effect; Bridgers contrasts the familiar with the otherworldly in a truly original interpretation of the classic. This song sounds like a hazy memory, the ultimate testament to nostalgia.

Twisted Sister

In the first few seconds, a raw acoustic rendition is interrupted by another voice: “What is this crap?” The singer responds: “I see what you mean…We never play anything

nice and easy.” The drums pick up in the background, and the words “We play things nice and twisted!” are screamed before electric guitar cuts in. The loud yet uncomplicated accompaniment lacks the necessary subtlety to support such iconic lyrics. Though I became less reluctant as its intensity picked up, I was not satisfied with this version. Nothing about it felt original enough to justify its unusual nature.

The Muppets and John Denver

The simplicity of the piano is charming in its simple introduction of the tune. There is a sort of concise clarity about this version, as it is not even two minutes long. Denver’s smooth tone contrasts well with the gruffness of the Muppet; rather than being an obnoxious mockery of the classic, it comes across as charming and silly. This is a childish and sweet version that I liked more than I expected to.

Overall, I liked Phoebe Bridger’s version the best. I think it had the perfect amount of production; rather than being a hazy mush of sound, she succeeded in creating an ethereally reflective version of an iconic song. Whatever your favorite Christmas song is, I urge you to look into alternative interpretations, because they certainly exist!

Scan the Q.R. code to see what else I’m listening to this Christmas.

Thanks for reading! B

HERSHEY’S

IHoliday Edition

Ranking Hershey’s most festive flavors

Story by Addison Moylan | Staff Writer

set out to taste-test a variety of the seasonal and classic Kisses. From minty to sweet, there are so many options to choose from. While most deserve a spot in the candy dish, a few are better left on the shelf this holiday season. Here’s my honest breakdown of each flavor.

1. Mint truffle is definitely my favorite Kiss. The combination of dark chocolate and green mint reminds me of the classic Andes Mint. While all the other Kisses were either milk or white, the dark chocolate made this flavor most memorable and delicious.

2. Sugar cookie was a close second, offering a yummy and sweet flavor. The colorful sprinkles inside the white chocolate Kiss gave it a slight crunch, which I enjoyed. It reminds me of the cutout sugar cookies my family and I make every year for Christmas.

3. While it may seem boring, the original is my third favorite. Its subtly sweet smell, smooth texture and classic milk chocolate taste is simple yet fulfilling. The signature Kiss is a tried and true -- you cannot go wrong.

4. Candy cane comes in fourth, but is not one to miss. The strong smell of peppermint and sweet yet cooling taste is distinctively festive. Flakes of peppermint throughout the smooth white chocolate gave it a slight crunch, which I enjoyed.

5. Just after opening the snickerdoodle package, my nose was met with a candle-like smell of cinnamon and sugar. I was unsure about tasting it because of how overpowering the scent was. Luckily, I gave it a try! It tastes just like a classic snickerdoodle cookie and was actually pretty yummy.

6. The Hugs Kiss has a fun zebra-like design that is also mimicked on the wrapper. I think it is overly sweet, however, and the white chocolate dominated the milk chocolate taste. This flavor did not wow me.

7. While I am always up for a cup of hot chocolate, the hot cocoa Kiss didn’t satisfy my taste buds. It has a slight marshmallow texture on the inside, which is unexpected. The aftertaste is awfully artificial and fake although the brown foil packaging is different from the rest.

8. If you take away one thing, don’t try the cherry cordial Kiss -- you will regret it. The smooth pink filling is unpleasant and has a taste similar to cough syrup. Gross! B

12 DAYS OF kindness

Kindness is so important during the holidays. Try at least one of these acts of kindness this holiday season to make someone’s day.

12 Shovel a neighbor’s driveway. Donate to an animal shelter. Make Christmas cards for the elderly. Donate old toys. Bring in someone’s trash bins. Donate to food banks/pantries. Hold the door. Smile at someone. Give to an angel tree. Compliment someone. Pray for someone. Make meals/ desserts for food kitchens.

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The DART | Feature | Designed

It may be the most wonderful time of the year. . .for you. The holidays can be one of the hardest times of the year for the less fortunate. Now more than ever is the time to give to your community.

Dropping temperatures, increasing costs and declining mental health take their toll on already struggling people. During the holidays in Kansas City, high temperatures drop around 50 degrees from summer to winter. Natural gas prices are rising, too. These factors, combined with poor insulation, have increased energy costs by a lot.

According to Tetra, a home services company, “If you’re in the Northeast or Midwest, your [gas] bills could exceed $1,000.”

Director of Campus Ministry Renee Schultz acknowledges the struggles the less fortunate face due to the weather and recognizes the importance of service.

“There’s a lot of different factors that maybe the holidays themselves aren’t the cause of, but just with it being colder out and all that definitely makes it important to serve,” Schultz said.

Imagine being alone in the cold with no family to be with. This is the harsh reality for many across Kansas City. Most people are surrounded by their families in warm homes full of food and joy, but some don’t receive this luxury, which takes a substantial mental toll.

The holidays are portrayed as happy and filled with loved ones, but for the people who spend them alone, the time can be very dehumanizing, causing feelings of being unvalued and unwanted. Using your free time over the holidays to go volunteer helps restore the feeling of being valued. This is what the holidays are all about--especially at a Catholic school. And with schools being on break, students have extra free time to serve their communi-

Julia Schwaller

ties.

Schultz gave TheDart a list of some of the best ways to serve in the Kansas City community. She listed Journey to New Life, Operation Breakthrough, Ronald McDonald House and Troost 39.

In addition, according to KC Today, Harvesters, Hope House, Ability KC and KC Pet Project are some of the best organizations to volunteer for in Kansas City

Donating time and money is not the only way to serve your community, however. Small acts of kindness like a smile or holding the door could brighten someone’s day and be a mental service to them. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

We all want the holiday season to be a time of rest, health and joy--your support of others makes this happen. There are some great ways to give that can be more affordable and will lift someone’s spirits, like making cards or cooking for someone.

As a Catholic school, the teachings of Jesus remind the student body that the greatest among us are the servants. He demonstrated that through His works on Earth. He noted that service to others is the same as serving Him. The Bible gives us even more ways to serve through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. The Corporal Works of Mercy are physical things you can do to help people like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked or sheltering the homeless. The Spiritual Works of Mercy are the faith-based services you can give to comfort the afflicted, instruct the ignorant or forgive offenses.

Remember that service is important yearround, but your help is especially valuable during the holiday season. Spread joy and kindness, and, as we say at STA, love the dear neighbor without distinction. B

A season of

GIVING

This holiday season, there are so many ways to give back to the community. Be the change people need this winter.

Story by Anna Salinardi | Opinions and Social Media Editor and Julia Schwaller | Design

Christmas In a Cup

This

years best seasonal drinks

Column by Joelle Bouillette | Staff Writer

With the start of the holidays, what’s better than kicking off your day with a delicious, festive beverage? Here’s some drinks you should look out for this season.

Let’s start with Starbucks: the Iced Sugar Cookie Latte is back and better than ever! This seasonal latte is made with Starbucks Blonde Espresso with sugar cookie flavored syrup and a milk of your choice, topped with a delicious cold foam and green and red sprinkles. This my personal favorite on the Starbucks Christmas menu because it tastes like a cookie in a cup. Overall, I rate this drink a 10/10. The sprinkles add a satisfying crunch that makes for the perfect texture.

Another fan favorite is the Iced Gingerbread Chai Tea Latte, which consists of chai concentrate, milk, gingerbread syrup and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. This drink tastes very similar to the beloved Pumpkin Spice Chai, but instead of fall flavors you get a taste of winter. I give this drink a 8.5/10.

Next up is Dutch Bros. The Mistletoe Rebel is an energy drink with raspberry and pomegranate topped with a green glitter glaze. The drink can be ordered as iced, blended or as a lemonade, which is a non-caffeinated version. Personally, I like the lemonade version because it adds a twist that the energy drink does not give. I rate this drink a 9.3/10.

Another good option is the Candy Cane Mocha. This drink is an espresso with peppermint syrup, chocolate milk, and Dutch Bros’ signature Soft Top with candy cane sprinkles on top. This beverage is perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint. Wrapping up, I rate this delicious treat a 8/10.

And finally, the drinks from 7 Brew: The Brew Frost 7 is made with sparkling water, blue raspberry, coconut and vanilla flavors topped with heavy cream and cold foam. If preferred, you can substitute the sparkling water for lemonade. This drink is very similar to the regular 7 Fizz but differs due to the combination of blue raspberry, coconut and vanilla.

The next beverage is called Pecan Pie Brave. It’s made with espresso, Irish cream, salted caramel and the limited-time almond Roca flavor. This drink is perfect for transitioning from Thanksgiving and fall vibes to the Christmas spirit!

The last one I’m going to write about from 7 Brew is the Santa Cookie Mocha, which is similar to the other mochas but is made with steamed milk, white chocolate and almond Roca syrup. This drink is by far the best mocha because not only is it a chocolate treat, but it also tastes like cookies. I rate this drink a 10/10.

With all the snow we’ve already had this holiday season, going out to one of these places may not be practical, but you can still get into the holiday spirit with other fun drinks that you can make at home! One way is to set up a hot cocoa bar. All you need is Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa mix, either hot milk or water and other toppings of your choice. My top picks are whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings and a candy cane or two. And lastly, you could make an at home swig bar. The things you need for this include a soda like Dr. Pepper, Coke or Sprite, syrups like cherry, raspberry or peach, creamer and cold foam. These are both great ideas to do with your friends while you’re bored! B

Color Me Calm

How coloring turns my world from chaos to calm

Column by Marcella Buckley | Social Media Writer

Coloring: it seems so simple, silly or even easy, one might say. While those things may be true, to me, it is so much more than that. Anytime when I feel overwhelmed, bored or I’m watching a show, coloring always seems like the right option.

When I first got introduced into coloring, I immediately fell in love with the endless color options, no pressure to be perfect, no expectations--it was just a paper with a design and some markers. This freedom allows me to relax, put things into perspective and let everything unfold peacefully.

As much as I love coloring, I am strangely picky about it: I only like color by number activities. Whenever I have to pick out my own colors, I tend to get overwhelmed and overthink my decisions, worrying about ruining the whole page. This then leads me to get stressed, which leads me back to coloring!

Coloring has changed my perspective in many ways. I used to think there was no solution to whenever I was feeling overwhelmed; however, after I was introduced to coloring, I found I was wrong about this. Whenever I’m feeling the need to color and calm down, I put on my lamp, sit at my desk, put on my favorite music and start to color.

Now, here’s a little tip from the pro: I get my coloring pages from either Amazon or Barnes & Noble; they each have a wide variety of coloring pages to fit exactly what I’m looking for and neither have ever failed me! They are usually around $15 for a whole packet of papers--a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Next up, you’ll need some markers. I recommend either going to an art store or Amazon and look for some nice acrylic markers, which are usually around $30. I know that’s a little pricey for some markers, but trust me, it will be worth it!

My tip for everyone who is maybe just coloring for fun, feeling stressed or just because, is to not take advantage of that moment. Put yourself in perspective, think about what feels right; sometimes I don’t want to think about my day ahead of me, so I use coloring as a mini escape from my head. However, coloring can also just be something I’m doing when I’m bored or need to put my life into perspective and think about the days coming ahead of me.

As silly as this all may seem, coloring truly does have an effect on me: it puts any situation into perspective and gives me a moment to think or distance myself away from reality for a little while. B

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My Double December

My birthday in December always comes wrapped up in holiday lights, celebrations, and the chaos of the season.

Column by Wynnie Sprague | Features Editor

My grandma has always told me that everyone puts up lights on their houses and fills their front yards with pretty decorations just for me. When I was little, I believed her completely. I’d sit in the back seat of the car, staring out the window at the sparkling lights and glowing reindeer, absolutely convinced that the world had agreed to celebrate my birthday early. And honestly, I loved that feeling—this idea that I was somehow special because my birthday fell exactly 11 days before Christmas. It felt magical, like the calendar itself had been designed in my favor.

People still ask me if I enjoy having my birthday so close to Christmas, usually with this sympathetic tone like they’re expecting me to complain about shared gifts or being overlooked. But my answer has always been a resounding “yes.” Over the years my reasoning has shifted, but for the past few birthdays, it’s been the same: once the post-birthday sadness hits, that tiny drop in excitement you feel when the day is over, I don’t have to stay in it for long. Christmas is right there, waiting for me like a second celebration I don’t even have to earn. It’s this built-in emotional safety net I’ve grown to appreciate. Now, how I feel once Christmas is over… well, that’s a different story. The slump that comes after December 25th is a steep one, and not even grandma’s stories of twinkling lights being “for me” can save me from that yearly crash.

Ever since I started high school, my birthday has landed smack in the middle of finals week. On paper, that sounds awful, stressful, chaotic--definitely not ideal for celebrating anything. And yes, it is stressful. Studying for finals is not exactly the backdrop you dream of for your special day. But at the same time, I’ve come to secretly enjoy it. There’s something oddly fun about walking into school on my birthday and seeing all my friends, even if they’re stressed and running on caffeine and two hours of sleep. I don’t have to sit through a full day of classes, and the shorter schedule makes the whole day feel lighter, almost festive in its own way. Everyone is already counting down to break, buzzing with nervous energy and holiday anticipation, so my birthday becomes this little moment of brightness in the middle of the chaos. In a strange way, it feels fitting that my birthday is surrounded by lights, by pressure, by celebration and by the kind of magic that only December can pull off. B

CHEERS forSTA

A breakdown of STA’s new Pom Squad!

Story by Birdie Clune | Staff Writer

We got spirit, yes we do! We got spirit, how ‘bout you?

One way several St. Teresa’s Academy students are showing their school spirit is through the introduction of a new Pom Squad. You’ll find them cheering on the Stars this winter at the varsity basketball games. The Pom Squad’s founding member, Savanna Love, is excited to show support for STA athletes and hopes to bring even more school spirit to St. Teresa’s Academy. Here, Love talks about her vision for the Pom Squad:

Q: Why did you decide that STA needs a pom squad?

A: When I was in middle school, I cheered, and I was the cheer captain, which I loved because I really loved cheering for people. So, it just didn’t make sense to me why we didn’t have a cheer team if we are an all-girls school. Then, I thought maybe we could have a team too. My freshman and sophomore year, I tried to pitch it and got denied, so I tried again to get it my senior year. I thought this year we could do it, and they approved it under the name of a Pom squad instead of cheer squad. And so I just think it would be a really cool way to have a uniformed school spirit just to show some extra support. And to have just the look of like a cheer squad, something professional that’s always there.

Q: How would you describe the pom squad?

A: It’s going to be a standing cheer squad, so that means we do cheers in the stands where the bleachers are, and on the sides of the court. We won’t be doing any halftime performances: that’s where the dance team comes in. And we would be cheering along with the Spirit Club to encourage the basketball team.

Q: What kind of events will the squad be cheering for?

A: Varsity basketball games only, currently. Going forward, we would like to expand into other sports for different seasons, but right now, it’s only varsity basketball games.

Q: What kind of commitment is pom squad?

A: We essentially would like to have two practices a week: after school, most likely, or in between, but probably after school. Then for the varsity games; the commitment is that you are present. That’s probably the biggest thing, we can’t be a squad if there’s nobody there. So as long as there are people there and you’re willing and dedicated to being uniform and in sync, that’s probably the most important part. It’s one thing to cheer for people, but it’s another thing to do it in uniformity, and that’s together, synchronized. One mind, one body.

Q: Why would you recommend joining?

A: It’s fun. And you get to wear really cute uniforms. So I think everyone would like to be a part of that.B

Winter Sports

All of the upcoming sports events you don’t want to miss.

Q: A:

Athlete of The Issue Amelia Winkeler

How long have you been swimming?

I've been a swimmer all four years at STA, but before that, I was on a neighborhood swim team with my brother and my sister. I swam for six years, then stopped for two or three, and then I got back into it.

Q: A: Q: A:

What do you love most about swim?

What I love most about swim is the fact that I get to do it with my dad. I feel like many people don't have the opportunity to have their parent as a coach. Additionally, it's a great sport to keep your body and mind disciplined. I also love that it's both mentally and physically challenging.

What is it like having your dad as a coach?

I feel like there are ups and downs to it, because, as I tell everybody, he stops being our coach when you leave the pool deck, but he keeps being my coach the entire time. So it's that I constantly have him critiquing me, even at home, but I also get an extra bond with him. B

Entering

With interim week just around the corner, director of innovation Kelly Finn and MJ Van Dyke touch on the importance of student-led Interim courses.

Story by Katherine Campbell | Staff Writer

A look atLast Year

After a fun-filled Christmas break, many students dread the week when they must finally return to school. But here at STA, the joy of break extends a little longer. The time of Interim falls the week after winter break ends; St. Teresa’s director of innovation Kelly Finn shares what the program is and how it started.

“Interim week was launched in 2018 with the intention for giving teachers (and now students) opportunities to tap into a personal passion and then develop a course that they facilitate for the students at St Teresa’s,” Finn said. “The goal is to take learning outside the four walls of the traditional classroom.”

In recent years, the program has adapted to include courses that are coled by students.

“There have been different iterations of [student-led interims], and it kind of evolved organically in the early stages of the program,” Finn said. “Sometimes, teachers would just informally ask students who were interested, who helped co-lead either particular lessons or even sometimes the whole class. So when I took over the management of [the program] about three or four years ago, one of my primary goals was to give students those leadership opportunities.”

Although student-led interims might not seem like they have a significant impact on the program, Finn reflects on their importance and effects.

“The effect of interim is just so cool, like when I watch students first conceptualize an idea and tap into something that they care about,” Finn said. “If we’re wanting to share something that we feel passionate about, we’re so much more energized and motivated. Watching a student think about how [they] can share that with others is a really transformational and powerful process. Developing an interim class hits on so many of the competencies that we encourage through our portrait of a graduate, and I think it’s something that can distinguish an STA student from a competitive student in all kinds of college applications. Those qualities and characteristics that you’re developing can help you evolve and grow to be successful in so many situations.”

Part of the reason student-led interims became a reality was because of STA’s commitment students and their ideas.

“I think we rarely say ‘no’ to a student’s idea,” Finn said. “We want students to be successful, so we try to put in support mechanisms to help create realities. I could think of the immigration walk that happened recently or the anti-gun violence rally. Those were student ideas, and our administration didn’t step up and say, ‘No, you can’t do that.’ They said, ‘how do we give you a framework to be successful? And how do we give you the adult support that you need, but also still give you autonomy to develop the idea?’ [The creative process] is coming from your teenage perspective, and it’s not coming from our adult perspective. It’s got to be that balance and that partnership.”

While interim week approaches, the community continues to encourage student leadership, like for MJ Van Dyke, whose interview isonpage21 B

Q-and-A with MJ Van Dyke, an Interim Course student leader

Q: Why did you decide to lead your own interim?

A: I decided to lead my own interim because I thought it would be really fun to talk about something that I’m interested in and tell other people about it. And also, I feel like it will look good on college applications.

Q: Why are you so passionate about this topic/area you’re focusing on?

A: I’m really passionate about this because throughout my whole life, inclusion has been a prominent aspect. Also, over the summer, I went to PALS, and that really made it a key value in my day-to-day life, trying to make everyone else feel included.

Q: Explain what your interim is and what PALS is too.

A: My interim is [about] the importance of inclusion and how it makes communities better when everyone feels like they’re welcome. PALS is a camp for people with Down syndrome. I was a volunteer, so I got paired one on one with a person with Down syndrome. And that was really great. It’s really fun.

Q: What do you think the effect of student-led interims is? How do you think it effects interims as a whole?

A: I think it’s cool because sometimes, it’s better to hear about something from your classmates opposed to a teacher. It’s like a new version of learning, and it can help you gain new perspectives that you didn’t know about before.

Q: Would you rather be leading an interim or participating in one?

A: After this year, I think participating in one because it’s pretty stressful to lead one. Even though I gained the experience of leading one, it’s just nice to sit back and relax a little and learn about other things.

Q: Could you kind of explain what the process has been like, leading your own interim?

A: It started out in September. Ms. Finn sent out a form to fill out if you wanted to lead [an interim], and [it included] all the budgeting and stuff. So, you had to do that. Then they paired you with a teacher. You don’t really get an option to choose who your teacher is, they just kind of choose that for you. I got paired with Ms. Boggess, and she’s really nice. From there on, we meet once a week-ish, to try and figure out the final details before interim finally happens.

Q: What advice do you have to for people interested in interim week leadership opportunities at STA?

A: It seems scary, but it’s not that scary. Just as long as you’re trying your best and you’re really interested in what you’re doing, you can do it. Just believe in yourself.B

AUCTION RECAP

The STA Strong Auction was a recent hit. Here is a run-down on the special night.

Story by Siena Logan | Staff Writer

From the skit sweatpants to the cute puppy, there are still signs of the STA auction everywhere on campus. The event occurred on November 14, where members of the community gathered to support STA through bids and ticket purchases.

The new STA winter sweatpants made their first debut in the auction skit on October 24th. Themed “Gilmore Girls,” the skit featured a number of our favorite STA teachers, including Olivia Mattlock as Lorelai and Maggie Young as Rory.

The design of the auction sweatpants this year was a classic grey print with navy writing. On the right leg of the sweatpants Molle Auto Group is written and on the left leg Stars is written to represent our appreciation for the donation of our auction raffle car.

The auction car this year, donated to STA by Molle Auto Group, was a white 2025 Chevrolet Trax RS model. Each student was tasked with selling 15 tickets to earn their sweatpants and potentially win a car.

The event was a success, with the total donations coming in at over $1 million, which is the largest the event has ever raised. The highest and most active bid during the night came on tickets to an MU vs KU rivalry game at the T-Mobile Center; the tickets ended up going for $15,000.

Cute but costly, the sweet auction puppy went for $11,000, with bids going back and forth between parents charmed by the brown pup. As a mini-ultra golden doodle, the puppy attracted most of the attention on campus with its light brown fur and white dipped paws.

While the auction venue was dazzling, it required a lot effort and hard work to achieve.

“It was just a little hectic,” Sarah Ralph, director of events and donor relations said. “But we had a great team this year and great volunteers so it was good!”

As always, the auction was themed “STA strong” with a new tagline “Sisterhood Rings True,” emphasizing the connections and support that we have in our community.

The auction is a constant reminder of the privileges we have and the strong support that we have from our community to STA. As advertised throughout STA, the quote, “Love thy dear neighbor” perfectly represents the importance of the auction to the STA community. B

K I N G S T U F F E R S Rhode

Advisor

Dianne Hirner

the DART | December 12 , 2025 2025-26

DART STAFF

Editors-In-Chief

Stella Baska

Cassie Hallier

Features Editor

Wynnie Sprague

Design Editors

Lauren Rando

Julia Schwaller

COVER DESIGN BY

Cassie Hallier | Editor-In-Chief

Ownership and Sponsorship

Opinions Editor

Anna Salinardi

Photography Editor

Jo Marshall

News Editor

Kennedi Fritz

Social Media Editors

Jo Marshall

Marcella Buckley

Anna Salinardi

Staff Writers

Addi Moylan

Callahan Weber

Joelle Bouillette

Katherine Campbell

Teagan Carnahan

Birdie Clune

Siena Logan

Rue Khasai

Anna Mudd

Maya Zitariuk

Paloma Greim

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