Skip to Main Content
News and Publications of Notre Dame de Sion

Sion Student Media

News and Publications of Notre Dame de Sion

Sion Student Media

News and Publications of Notre Dame de Sion

Sion Student Media

Maleah Downton

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief

Favorite Show: Grey's Anatomy

Spirit Animal: Turtle

Guilty Pleasure: Big Brother

Favorite Place to Visit: Las Vegas, Nevada

Favorite Music Artist: Lauryn Hill

All content by Maleah Downton
The senior class kicked off the year with their first senior tradition, the tailgate Aug. 19.

Class of 2020 Photo Gallery Tribute

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief May 4, 2020

Senior Year: 2019-2020 Junior Year: 2018-2019 Sophomore Year: 2017-2018 Freshman Year: 2016-2017

Displayed is the full schedule for this year's virtual AP Exams. All times are listed in central time. It is strongly suggested that students check-in at least 30 minutes prior to their designated start time.

Changes to the AP Tests

Kate Conway, Reporter Apr 29, 2020

Displayed is the full schedule for this year's virtual AP Exams. All times are listed in central time. It is strongly suggested that students check-in at least 30 minutes prior to their designated start...

Report Maggie McKinney's virtual learning workspace was situated on her bed throughout the first week. McKinney always kept her laptop, her AirPods, a scrunchie, writing utensils and her notebooks close by so she wouldn't have to get up during class.

What’s in Your Quarantine Survival Kit?

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Apr 15, 2020

Take the quiz here. Then, respond to the poll below with your quiz results.

covid-19_update

COVID-19 Update

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Apr 12, 2020

As I say goodbye to Sion, due to the closure of in-person classes for the remainder of the year, I reflect back on these past four years. Pictured is my friend group, seniors Maya Scott, Inaya Khan and Tehya Frederick, and I at the color fun event freshman and senior year.

Farewell, Sion. I’ll Miss You.

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Apr 10, 2020

You never know when something is your last time until it is. Leaving school Thursday, March 12, I sped outside of the building as quickly as possible. It was just another day at school. Eager for spring...

The high school campus pictured before school starts.

Online-Learning Extended until April 24

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Mar 21, 2020

BREAKING NEWS Following Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas' announcement of the "stay at home" order March 21, online-learning is extended until April 24, according to President Alicia Kotarba. The...

With a Walking Dead comic thrown in among Harry Potter books, senior Anna Tomka is conflicted as she watches Netlfix.

5 Ways to Pass Time While Social Distancing

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Mar 19, 2020

This past Sunday, March 15, president Alicia Kotarba announced the closing of in-person classes until April 6. This measure follows the actions of many U.S. cities' attempt at curbing the spread of the...

Junior Addie Vance studies for a class. Classes are set to transition to online-learning beginning Tuesday March 24 amid COVID-19 concerns.

Classes Transition to Online-Learning March 24

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Mar 15, 2020

BREAKING NEWS Taking precautions against the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, classes will switch to virtual-learning for the two weeks following Spring Break. In an email sent to students and...

Senior Maya Bair and religion teacher Stephanie Pino-Dressman leads the school in song during the annual reconciliation service March 12.

A Season of Love and Forgiveness

Abbie Sinow, Reporter Mar 14, 2020

Senior Maya Bair and religion teacher Stephanie Pino-Dressman leads the school in song during the annual reconciliation service March 12.

Former Vice President Joe Biden is hosting a rally Saturday, March 7 in Kansas City ahead of Missouri's March 10 democratic primary election.

Biden Comes to Kansas City

Kamryn Rogers, Print Co-Editor-in-Chief Mar 6, 2020

Former Vice President Joe Biden is hosting a rally Saturday, March 7 in Kansas City ahead of Missouri's March 10 democratic primary election.

Senior Allie Dierks registers to vote with the assistance of the League of Women Voters Feb. 24 in the Grande Salle.

Get Registered, It’s Your 19th Amendment Right

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Feb 24, 2020

Senior Dana Kalt registers to vote during senior lunch period Feb. 24 with the League of Women Voters.

In 33 states marijuana is legal for medicinal use and 11 states have legalized it for both recreational and medicinal use.

It’s Time to Right Our Wrongs

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Feb 20, 2020

In 33 states marijuana is legal for medicinal use and 11 states have legalized it for both recreational and medicinal use.

Michael B. Jordan (left) and Jamie Foxx in "Just Mercy." (Warner Brothers Pictures/TNS)

Mercy in the Face of Injustice

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Feb 19, 2020

“Mercy is just when it is rooted in hopefulness and freely given,” activist lawyer Bryan Stevenson wrote in his New York Times Bestselling memoir “Just Mercy.”  Adapted to film by director...

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free confidential resource to anyone in need of help and support or knows someone who is during any mental health crisis. The lifeline is open 24/7.

SOS: Signs of Suicide

Kaitlin Lyman, Reporter Feb 14, 2020

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free confidential resource to anyone in need of help and support or knows someone who is during any mental health crisis. The lifeline is open 24/7.

Maleah Downton '20 received a full-ride scholarship to attend Washington University in St. Louis through the Questbridge 2019 National College Match Dec. 2.

We’ve Reached the Finish Line

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Feb 9, 2020

Maleah Downton '20 received a full-ride scholarship to attend Washington University in St. Louis through the Questbridge 2019 National College Match Dec. 2.

Seniors Maya Scott and Tehya Frederick wait in line at ticketing for the 7:00 p.m. showing of "Just Mercy" Feb. 4. Students were offered the opportunity to attending a free screening of the NAACP Image Award-nominated film in partnership with Rockhurst High School and St. Teresa's Academy.

Night at the Movies: Students Attend Free Screening of “Just Mercy”

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Feb 6, 2020

Senior Tehya Frederick purchased at drink at the concessions at AMC Ward Parkway 14 prior to the free screening of "Just Mercy" Feb. 4. Bryan Stevenson's memoir "Just Mercy" remains apart of English teacher...

Seniors Felicia Knox, Reilly Jackoboice and Logan Dixon join students in cheering 'Go Chiefs!' during the Red Friday tailgate Jan. 31. During all lunch periods, students were invited to the Grande Salle for the tailgate in support of the Kansas City Chiefs' upcoming Super Bowl LIV game. The tailgate consisted of a concession stand, music and games.

Students Get Pumped for Super Bowl LIV

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Feb 1, 2020

[ANISH RAJ/PEXELS]

Unleash the Magic: Legalization and Decriminalization of Magic Mushrooms

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Jan 16, 2020

The way in which naturally occurring drugs are perceived is transforming within the United States. This transformation is for the better. Following behind the push to decriminalize and legalize medicinal...

Sports journalists from around the world visited the school's newspaper staff with Global Ties KC through the International Visitors Leadership Program Nov. 11.

International Sports Journalists Visit Journalism Program

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Nov 14, 2019

Ten female sports journalists, representing all seven continents, visited the Le Journal newspaper staff Nov. 11 with Global Ties KC through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership...

Senior Maya Scott attended Howard University's first year of their residential Entrepreneurship Enrichment Program this past summer.

Business 101

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Oct 3, 2019

Dressed in her best business casual, a black blazer with an angelic white blouse and sleek black slacks, senior Maya Scott presented her proposal: A non-profit in the Kansas City area focusing on educating...

Seniors Caroline Boessen, Emma Edgar and MaryBeth Ismert show each other the letters they wrote to themselves during their Freshman Retreat in 2016. For this year's senior retreat, students spent the night in the high school gym Sept. 16 and received letters they'd written their freshman year.

Senior Retreat Brings Back Memories

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Sep 18, 2019

Sitting off in a corner of the gym, I stare at the envelope in front of me. Bubbly child-like letters ignite a rush of emotions. As I peel open the seal and begin to read the three-year-old letter, it...

Senior Caroline Boessen texts on her phone before school Sept. 11. For the third day of Spirit Week, students participated in the Devils and Angels theme.

Senior Caroline Boessen texts on her phone before school Sept. 11. For the third day of Spirit Week, students participated in the Devils and Angels theme.

Senior Brie Bowes enters her second-hour class with white, feathered angel wings and a halo Sept. 11 for the third day of Spirit Week.

Senior Brie Bowes enters her second-hour class with white, feathered angel wings and a halo Sept. 11 for the third day of Spirit Week.

Prior to school, devil-horned senior Emily Rine chats with friends in the commons Sept 11. Students dressed as either devils or angels for the third day of Spirit Week.

Prior to school, devil-horned senior Emily Rine chats with friends in the commons Sept 11. Students dressed as either devils or angels for the third day of Spirit Week.

dressed in white clothing with a furry halo for Spirit Week theme Devils and Angels, Senior Maddy Anstoetter talks with classmates before her second-hour class Sept 11.

Spirit Week Day 3: Devils and Angels

Sep 12, 2019

dressed in white clothing with a furry halo for Spirit Week theme Devils and Angels, Senior Maddy Anstoetter talks with classmates before her second-hour class Sept 11.

Senior Cristina Peters arrives to her second-hour class dressed as an angel for the Spirit Week theme Devils and Angels Sept. 11.

Senior Cristina Peters arrives to her second-hour class dressed as an angel for the Spirit Week theme Devils and Angels Sept. 11.

Decked out in polka dots, junior Shakyra Wilburn chats with friends before school in the cafeteria Sept. 9. For the start of Spirit Week, students participated in Pattern Day.

Decked out in polka dots, junior Shakyra Wilburn chats with friends before school in the cafeteria Sept. 9. For the start of Spirit Week, students participated in Pattern Day.

Junior Mattie Mills, in her cheetah print shirt, shows off her Pattern Day outfit to  her classmates before school Sept. 9 in the cafeteria. Pattern Day was the first theme for Spirit Week.

Junior Mattie Mills, in her cheetah print shirt, shows off her Pattern Day outfit to her classmates before school Sept. 9 in the cafeteria. Pattern Day was the first theme for Spirit Week.

Freshman Paige Castillo stops by her locker in her black and white striped shirt on her way to class Sept. 9. For the first day of Spirit Week students were encouraged to dress up in various patterns.

Freshman Paige Castillo stops by her locker in her black and white striped shirt on her way to class Sept. 9. For the first day of Spirit Week students were encouraged to dress up in various patterns....

Senior Tehya Frederick laughs at a friend's Pattern Day outfit before school Sept. 9 in the cafeteria. To kick off Spirit Week, students wore patterned clothing for the Pattern Day theme.

Senior Tehya Frederick laughs at a friend's Pattern Day outfit before school Sept. 9 in the cafeteria. To kick off Spirit Week, students wore patterned clothing for the Pattern Day theme.

Alumna Gwyn Powell and sophomore Tyra Frazier performed in last year's Night of One Acts Oct. 3. Night of One Acts auditions for this year are Sept. 4 at 3:45 p.m.

Night of One Acts Auditions Sept. 4

Kate Vankeirsbilck, Reporter Sep 3, 2019

Alumna Gwyn Powell and sophomore Tyra Frazier performed in last year's Night of One Acts Oct. 3. Night of One Acts auditions for this year are Sept. 4 at 3:45 p.m.

NOW: Web Editor-in-Chief senior Maleah Downton and her peer ministry group "The Fine Nines" gather for a photo at this year's feshman retreat Aug. 23.

Freshman Retreat: Then and Now

Maleah Downton, Web Editor-in-Chief Aug 24, 2019

                    As herds of freshmen depart the sunny, yellow buses into the Heartland Retreat Center, I dance...

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaks at an annual Women's History Month reception hosted by Pelosi in the U.S. capitol building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.  This year's event honored the women Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court: Associate Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan. (Allison Shelley/Getty Images/TNS)

Showcasing the Notorious RBG

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Apr 25, 2019

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month concludes, Women’s Awareness Club wrapped up their various activities with a viewing of the 2018 documentary “RBG” April 25 in the library during the late start...

Budding Business

Budding Business

Maleah Downton and Jenna Barackman Apr 20, 2019

As ballots were tallied and votes were secured, Missouri embarked on the first steps for the legalization of marijuana during the Nov. 6 election. With this move, Missouri follows the trend currently flooding...

Actor Jussie Smollett leaves the Leighton Criminal Court building after all charges were dropped in his disorderly conduct case on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Where’s the Accountability?

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Mar 31, 2019

Saturday night, March 30, at the NAACP Image Awards, where nominated actor Jussie Smollett remained a no-show, comedian Chris Rock commented on the alleged hate crime scandal and asked: “What the hell...

Making A Ripple Through Art

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Mar 7, 2019

The day was a normal day; school in the day, babysitting in the afternoon. It was business as usual. However, that changed when sophomore Olivia Overlease decided to check her email. Upon opening the email,...

Respect Diversity Club’s theme for Black History Month was Lift Every Voice. An assembly will be held in March celebrating the theme.

Black History Month Wraps Up

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Mar 3, 2019

Over the month of February, Respect Diversity Club led various activities in an effort to celebrate Black History Month and will host an assembly in March for the whole student body. Preparations for...

Cheer halftime performance at Rockhurst game Oct. 19.

Cheer Takes on Dallas

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Jan 25, 2019

Cheer team will compete in the Medium Novice Performance Divison at Nationals Jan. 26 and 27 in Dallas, Texas. “Our team always amazes me at how fast we can pull things together,” Cheer Captain...

Quick Tips for Finals

Quick Tips for Finals

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Dec 11, 2018

  Finals Week starts next Monday, Dec. 17. World Languages finals will be at 8:00 a.m. on Dec. 17, followed by History finals at 11:00 a.m. The next day, Dec. 18, all Math finals will take place...

Students gather in groups of 10 to create bracelets made of five beads, to symbolize the four different presented faiths and the prayer of music at the interfaith prayer service Nov. 15.  Prayer beads serve as a common shared tradition across a variety of religions.

Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service Emphasizes Interfaith Connections

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Nov 15, 2018

Fuzzy blankets veiled the gym floor at Interfaith Club’s annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service Nov. 15. The service consisted of peer reflections focusing on the theme of rituals and practices as it...

A screenshot of Venmo's Twitter page

Venmo: Convenience Over Security

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Nov 3, 2018

‘Ready, Set, Pay,’ mobile payment service Venmo advertises on its website. Venmo is an app operated by PayPal that is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices. The app provides a ‘simple...

Children and their families wait in line to greet Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton during Halloween festivities at the Governor's Mansion in St. Paul, Minn., on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017. Full-sized candy, apple cider and glow sticks were handed out. (Leila Navidi/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS)

Trick-Or-Treating: How Old Is Too Old?

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Oct 24, 2018

When thinking of Halloween, the first timeless tradition to come to mind is trick-or-treating. The joy and thrill of going door to door dressed in costume, filling your bag to its tipping point with delicious...

Freshmen Tyra Frazier and Olivia Mancina take a bow with Rockhurst sophomore Ian Mulkey following their performance at Night of One Acts Oct. 3.

Night of One Acts: Photo Gallery

Maleah Downton, Editorial Editor Oct 6, 2018

Load More Stories