story by Maureen Burns

Michelle T. Johnson

The Dart: Did you go to STA?

Johnson: I did. I graduated in 1982.

The Dart: What class do you teach?

Johnson: I am one of the coordinators in the new writing center that opens the week of Labor Day. I will be coordinating and running the writing center with English teacher Diane Hirner.

The Dart: What got you started in writing?

Johnson: I’ve just always been a writer probably going back to when I was your age. In my life, I’ve been a journalist, I’ve written nonfiction books, I’ve been a columnist, and I’m a playwright. So I’ve always been a writer.

The Dart: Are you from Kansas City?

Johnson: I’m from Kansas City, Kansas.

The Dart: What are you most excited for this year at STA?

Johnson: I’m excited about helping girls be excited and get excited about writing. Writing is my love and my passion, in addition to other things I’ve done in life. I’ve been a journalist and I’ve been an attorney, but writing has always come first. And I want to help nurture that in girls who know in their hearts that they’re writers, but being a high school student may not always feed that love.

Jennifer Quick

The Dart: Did you go to STA?

Quick: I did not go to STA.

The Dart: What class do you teach?

Quick: I teach three different classes- Advanced World Literature, World Literature, and Speech.

The Dart: Do you help coach any sports or a moderator for any clubs?

Quick: I am going to cosponsor Spirit Club.

The Dart: Are you from Kansas City?

Quick: I am from Kansas City.

The Dart: What are you most excited for this year at STA?

Quick: I am excited to become part of the culture, and my overall goal is [with] students who
I have that are so vital to creating change whether it is political landscapes or social justice, just helping them find their voice and learn how to use it most effectively to create change. So, in speech or world literature, helping them become better communicators to create change in the world.

The Dart: What is your favorite spot in KC?

Quick: Definitely the Nelson Atkins Museum. I am a volunteer tour guide and just went through the training. And I just find that no matter the whirlwind of the day, no matter the season, I go inside and just automatically feel calm.

Andrew Boland

The Dart: What class do you teach?

Boland: I teach Gospels & Christology and Theology & Film.

The Dart: Do you help coach any sports or a moderator for any clubs?

Boland: I coach cross country and basketball, and I just became the moderator for philosophy club.

The Dart: Are you from Kansas City and if not where are you from?

Boland: No, I am originally from St. Louis.

The Dart: What are you most excited for this year at STA?

Boland: Really just getting to know everybody and just being a part of the community.

The Dart: What is your favorite spot in KC?

Boland: My favorite spot in Kansas City is Minor Park.

Laura Reynolds

The Dart: Did you go to STA?

Reynolds: No, I did not personally come here.

The Dart: What class do you teach?

Reynolds: I teach Algebra I.

The Dart: Do you help coach any sports or a moderator for any clubs?

Reynolds: I do moderate SCO (Student Community Organization).

The Dart: Are you from Kansas City and if not where are you from?

Reynolds: I’m originally from Springfield, Missouri, but I went to Rockhurst University for college, so I came here.

The Dart: What are you most excited for this year at STA?

Reynolds: I’m excited about being a high school teacher. I’ve always taught middle school, and this freshman class seems like they’re really ready to learn and they’re excited to be here. So, I’m ready to see what they grow into.

The Dart: How long did you teach middle school for?

Reynolds: Nine years, so this is my tenth year teaching.

The Dart: What is your favorite spot in KC?

Reynolds: My house.

Maddie Lueke

The Dart: Did you go to STA ?

Lueke: I went to St. Teresa’s.

The Dart: What year did you graduate?

Lueke: I graduated in 2011.

The Dart: What class do you teach?

Lueke: I teach A.P. Environmental Science, and I’m also student teaching biology this semester.

The Dart: Who are you student teaching with?

Lueke: Mrs. Stranz.

The Dart: Do you help coach any sports?

Lueke: I coach freshman volleyball, and I am also going to coach freshman basketball.

The Dart: Are you from Kansas City and if not where are you from?

Lueke: Yes, I am from KC.

The Dart: What are you most excited for this year at STA?

Lueke: I think I’m excited to get involved with the students more and to get to know different students more. Just because one of the things I valued the most when I was here was the relationships I made with teachers. So, I’m really excited to get to make that connection with some of my own students.

The Dart: Favorite spot in KC?

Lueke: My front porch is my favorite spot in Kansas City. I like to sit out there in the mornings and at night, and just kind of relax with my puppy and unwind.

Maria Lopez

The Dart: Did you go to STA or know anyone that came here?

Lopez: No, I don’t know anyone from STA. I actually moved to the area 6 months ago.

The Dart: What class do you teach?

Lopez: I’m teaching Spanish I and Spanish II.

The Dart: Do you help coach any sports or a moderator for any clubs?

Lopez: I’m in charge of World Cultures Club.

The Dart: Are you from Kansas City and if not where are you from?

Lopez: I’m from Lima, Peru. I moved to the U. S. 4 years ago. My husband is in the military, so we moved kind of a little bit around Seattle, Oklahoma, then Florida and now here, Kansas City.

The Dart: What are you most excited for this year at STA?

Lopez: Just getting to know my students better. Building that relationship with my coworkers as well and just learning.

The Dart: Favorite spot in KC?

Lopez: The Country Club Plaza.

Casey O’Flaherty

The Dart: Did you go to STA or know anyone that came here?

O’Flaherty: I went to STA, and my sister and cousins went here. One of my cousins, Jeanne, is a senior this year. It’s fun to see her in the halls!

The Dart: What class do you teach?

O’Flaherty: I teach World History, Sociology and Psychology.

The Dart: Do you help coach any sports or a moderator for any clubs?

O’Flaherty: I moderate SADD(Students Against Destructive Decisions) club. I played golf in high school here, so I’d like to help out maybe next year!

The Dart: Are you from Kansas City and if not where are you from?

O’Flaherty: I grew up in KC, went to college here, and the only time I left was to get a masters in Dublin, Ireland. I can’t stay away!

The Dart: What are you most excited for this year at STA?

O’Flaherty: I’m most excited to get to know all the students in my classes, and to go through all the fun events here I remember as a student. Really excited for the auction skit!

The Dart: Favorite spot in KC?

O’Flaherty: My favorite spot in KC definitely depends on the weather, and I love KC in the fall. Sitting outside with a hot cup of coffee when it’s cold outside and the leaves are turning is my favorite place to be.