A ticket for a couple cost $120, and if bought later, the  price rose to $145. While the Prep News realizes that the high cost of the tickets may be necessary for the current setup, we believe a re-evaluation of our Prom may be needed.

Currently, the high price of the tickets can be attributed to the cost of renting out the Doubletree Hotel and the dinner provided at the dance, according to Mr. Rick Staihr, senior class moderator. Having the dinner at the dance is convenient, and although it may add to the cost of the tickets, in the end, going out for dinner and paying for a separate ticket can add up to the same amount.

However, there’s no reason that the total cost should add up to $120. St. Teresa’s Academy Prom cost half the price at $60 and included dinner. And it’s not like it was held at the local Super 8 Motel; the dance took place at theLittle Theatre in Downtown Kansas City, Mo.

The Prep News suggests that Rockhurst considers other venues to hold Prom, which may be less expensive. It’s absurd to ask students to spend $120 for one night of entertainment, when it could very well be held at a more reasonable rate.

Duende. The roots of the word connect with Spanish art, one of Mr. Michael Dierks’ loves, but the true translation means much more. Having soul. A heightened sense of emotion. Expression. Authenticity. A word that symbolizes so much to Mr. Dierks, that he taught in his early Spanish classes and still holds onto as a synonym for perfection, in reality, personifies his journey. From humble beginnings on summer road trips with his family as a child, to being the most involved adult at Rockhurst, Mr. Michael Dierks has lived a duende experience to the fullest.

He started on a single-semester assignment as an assistant database coordinator, teacher of one Spanish class, and assistant coach for the cross-country team. Seventeen years after that one semester commitment, he is the moderator of the Prep News, head coach of two varsity sports, and chairman of the arts department. The original Maestro always finds comfort and looks forward to the inexpressible duende moments of life.

Change of plans

“He was going to be a doctor. That’s what he wanted to do when he went to Notre Dame,” Mrs. Sue Dierks, Mr. Dierks’s mother, said.

Throughout the course of the majority of his young life from St. Ann’s grade school, to Rockhurst, and as a pre-med major at the University of Notre Dame, Mr. Dierks had always assumed he would eventually go to medical school. However, his medical classes could not match the passion that his Spanish classes evoked, and he elected to stay at Notre Dame the summer after his junior year to pursue a double major in pre-med and Spanish.

“I was doing well in my classes, I sat for the MCAT, but I just was not motivated. I absolutely hated it, and I decided right then that I was not going to medical school. That was the first time in my life where I put experience over performance, I was always looking for a passion,” Mr. Dierks said.

Invigorated by his classes focusing on the intellectual and cultural nature of Spanish, from analysis of 16^th century Spanish poetry, to the works of Velasquez and Goya, Mr. Dierks decided to continue his Spanish education by participating in a service immersion trip in Quito, Ecuador. There was only one problem: the program did not begin until January of 1996.

“I really thought those six months would be a great time to be back with my family and friends since I was away at college in Indiana. Little did I know it would be a longer and more life-changing homecoming,” Mr. Dierks said.

Encouraged by his father, Mr. Dierks agreed to meet with Rockhurst’s new president, Fr. Tom Pesci, in August of 1995. He agreed to spend one semester serving as an assistant database coordinator and teaching one section of freshman Spanish. Thirty-four semesters later, he is still here.

“In October there was an opening as alumni director, so I had to make the decision then if I wanted to do shelve my plans to go abroad and stay at Rockhurst with a full time job. I really felt passionate about working with the kids; teaching Spanish and coaching cross country, and ever since then it has been my priority to pursue the things I am passionate about until I’m not passionate about them anymore,” Mr. Dierks said.

A new challenge

“I was clueless. If I would have known it was that good I probably would have been pretty intimidated,” Mr. Dierks said.

When Mr. Mark Bubalo, moderator of the Prep News for 18 years, announced he was leaving Rockhurst in the spring of 1999, the highly decorated newspaper was left without a teacher. Mr. Tom Murphy, then principal, suggested Mr. Dierks, a man with no experience or training in newspaper, as a potential replacement.

“I said something to the effect of are you crazy when he brought it up, then kept walking. I ended up sitting down with him and Bubalo. It was not rocket science they just needed someone who would work hard and be committed. I loved teaching Spanish but I was ready for a new challenge,” Mr. Dierks said.

From August of 1999 to May of 2012, Mr. Dierks has taught every student, read every story, and edited every page that has ever gone to print. Under his guidance, the paper has been recognized as “All-Missouri” every year, the highest honor the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association can bestow, and has received the highest level of recognition from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and American Scholastic Press Association at the national level, ranking the paper consistently among the best in the nation.

The paper’s widespread success has embodied the mold of its understated moderator; it is not “rocket science,” it requires talented students willing to push themselves, and a talented moderator who will push them even further.

“He is the most demanding teacher I’ve ever had in any education class ever,” Mr. Scott Miller, class of 2007 and former editor-in-chief of the Prep News, said.

This assertion reflects the core of Mr. Dierks’ character: asking only that his students and athletes put in as much effort into their responsibilities as he does himself. Admittedly though, the level of intensity he brings to any of his respective projects seems unmatchable.

“No one puts as much effort into Rockhurst as Dierks. He is simply incapable of settling for anything less than the very best, which is why he pushes himself and his kids so hard,” Mr. Steve Yanda, Rockhurst class of 2005 and former writer for the Prep News, said.

Such devotion to his responsibilities is merely a continuation of Mr. Dierks’ ruthless lifelong pursuit for what makes him fulfills his passions. For that indescribable moment of connection. For duende.

“The most invigorating moment for me is when everything clicks. When all of a sudden the pages come together, or when a kid comes back with a rewrite and finally gets it. It’s that moment that makes it all worthwhile,” Mr. Dierks said.

One step at a time

As a student, Mr. Dierks ran track and cross-country under Dr. Jorge Taracido. After walking on to the Notre Dame track team, he returned as an assistant coach in both programs in 1995.

When Dr. Taracido retired from the head-coaching role, Mr. Dierks assumed the reigns of cross-country in 1999. Runners were impressed with his unique ability to connect with each runner personally.

“When I came back from an injury to run varsity at sectionals, he pulled me aside after the race and told me how proud he was of me.  To this day, it’s one of my fondest memories of high school.  However, when I didn’t have my best performances, particularly at sectionals my senior year of cross country, he made sure I knew that his pride in me was because of the effort I had given and the person I had become, not some hardware I may or may not have earned as a runner,” Mr. Matthew Clifford, class of 2005, said.

This compassionate pursuit of excellence has enabled Coach Dierks to take the cross-country team to new heights. Last November, he helped lead the team to hang its first banner, taking second place at the state meet and shattering record times.

“It amazes me how committed Coach Dierks is to his runners. He plans out everybody’s training schedule even though half of the team might not do it. But he cares that much. He wants to give everyone the tools to succeed,” senior Zach Herriott, cross-country team captain, said.

His journey as track team coach took a different route.  After five years as an assistant, he took over as head coach in 2002.  Team members were disappointed when he spontaneously decided to step away from the track program in 2004. He returned as head coach in 2009 after the short hiatus.

“You have to really think about is something going to add value or take it away from your life. I had to step out of track because of that, because it took value out of my life at that time,” Mr. Dierks said.

His expectations of greatness have an enduring effect that keeps his students coming back long after high school is over.

“Even though I have graduated my relationship with him hasn’t changed at all. I still feel that close bond of athlete-to-coach but it has really switched to a friendship, Mr. Robbie Haden, class of 2007, said. “We have a lot in common and he’s just an all-around great guy, a great person to talk to. ”

His influence spans beyond the walls of Rockhurst and allows those around him to experience the unspoken duende moments that have made his career and life so rewarding.

“It is probably not often said this way but I look up to my brother even though he is younger.  He followed his heart into teaching not knowing what a gift it was going to be to him.  His connection and the example he has given to thousands of students and athletes through the years helps me want to set a better example for those I interact with.  ‘Men for Others’ is not just a slogan but a way of life that Mike embodies but more importantly instills in others,” Mr. Chris Dierks said,brother.

“Age 16 and 17, I was really struggling, and I wanted to quit tennis…I didn’t want to play college tennis for sure. ” Wells said.

Not only had his own intense and rigorous schedule become too much, his personal tennis academy called Topspin Academy, which he started summer of freshman year only added fire to what would eventually lead to a burnout. However, after taking a month off the summer going into his junior year, Wells realized that tennis was a necessary part of his life. And when he returned to the court, the fun came back.

Like so many kids heading into the summer of their freshman year, Wells needed a job. Motivated by his love for tennis and the need for some cash in his pocket, Wells started his own tennis clinics.

“I realized people charged outrageous prices, and I offered clinics for cheap that first summer,” Wells said.

Starting the academy was less than glamorous. Wells had to create flyers, send hundreds of emails, go door-to-door throughout his neighborhood handing out the flyers, and face hundreds of denials. The majority of his small clientele for the first year were members from his Parish and friends of his family. Although the clinic went through its rough moments, it managed to attract 25 members in the first year; a number that would dramatically rise in the next couple years.

“He learned a lot about communication skills, and how important instant communication with the parents is,” Mrs. Joan Wells, his mother said.

As Wells took Topsin into its third year, he faced his biggest challenge yet—too much growth. 150 kids, 7 coaches, and 2 sites led to the lack of quality in the clinics. At the same time, he was experiencing problems in his own game.

After telling his mom he wanted to “take a break” from tennis, his parents told him if he wanted to ever continue playing, it was his responsibility to sign up for his own tournaments. After seeing an annual big tournament pass by on the calendar, which included the Creighton coach in attendance, Wells realized he had to continue playing; tennis was a part of him.

Now back on the court, Wells has learned the balance necessary to succeed. His clinic will include only 45 kids this summer, and, as a senior on the varsity tennis team his game is thriving. Playing number one doubles with senior Sam Crawford, the duo have managed to win the Blue Valley  Northwest Tournament, St. Joe’s Tournament, and Park HIll Tournament, and now have their eye on State.

Not only that, but Wells will be fulfilling a goal that he had dreamed of  since he was a tall, gangly middle school kid on the tennis court: play division one tennis in college. Before he reaches Creighton, though, he has one more goal in mind—put on 15 pounds before the fall: a task that will not require quite as much balancing.

“I feel very honored to receive the award and to be recognized among my classmates…because I know there are a lot of guys in the class that work just as hard as I do at this school and they don’t receive the same recognition,” Stanley said.

During Stanley’s four years as a student at Rockhurst, he has been heavily involved in several activities. His all around ability to be a straight A student, four year varsity athlete and state champion, as well as a coordinator for the freshmen retreat and a rector on March’s Kairos retreat are what has made Tyler the perfect candidate to receive this award.

“After all the hard work he has put into his Rockhurst career, he deserves this award more than anyone I can think of,” senior Andrew Swetnam said.

A new position is being added in the service department for next year. Junior Peter Bosma will serve as the student Service Coordinator for the 2012-2013 school year.

The position of Service Coordinator will assist Mr. Marvin Grilliot with various service- oriented events such as service projects, mission trips, and the TIE retreat. Bosma will also be expected to be the voice for the students in Student Government meetings in matters like Mission Week and Harvest Food Drive.

Mr. Grilliot selected Bosma for the position based off of his experiences with him on the Nicaragua mission trip.

“I hope that I will be able to bring the spirit of service up a little bit at Rockhurst. We have a lot of kids doing the bare minimum hours and even more kids who are trying to pass things like mowing their grandparent’s lawn as community service. Mr. Grilliot and I both want students to do a wider variety of community service and to step outside of their comfort zone, at least a little,” Bosma said.

The team is now preparing for a playoff push. After a loss in districts to Raymore Peculiar last year, the team is looking to players like senior Andy Cheray, division one recruit, and senior Mitch Degraw.

After traveling to places like St. Louis, Mo and Fayetteville, Ar, the team feels ready to take on the challenge of the upcoming games.

“It definitely gives us an advantage when we go into districts. Most of the teams around here play the same teams over and over, but if you want to play the best teams, sometimes you have to travel,” DeGraw said.

The team came into the season ranked fifth because of the strong group of returning lettermen with varsity experience, a quality that the team hopes to capitalize on in the coming weeks.

“We’ve got a team that has executed with the small ball part of baseball, and I think that’ll get us ready for pressure situations in the playoffs,” Mr. Jim DeGraw, head varsity baseball coach, said.

The team’s highlight this year was a 5-game win streak in which four of the games were wins away from home.

“Turning around [the season] in the second half of the year was probably a great highlight,” senior Pete Sorrentino, varsity catcher, said.

District Playoffs begin on May 14 at Belton High School, where the Hawklets will face Harrisonville.

“Receiving this award is such an honor—one that I never even imagined. I’m extremely grateful to all those who I’ve worked with these past four years, and I look forward to giving the graduation address to my fellow classmates,” Laird said.

Among other things, Laird was heavily involved in the freshman retreat this year along with fellow award winner, senior Tyler Stanley. He was also a Kairos retreat leader on this year’s April retreat. These and all of Laird’s activities throughout the four years he attended Rockhurst made him the perfect candidate for this Jesuit award.

“I knew Charlie would receive some sort of award this year…he has done so much for the school that it wouldn’t have felt right if he wasn’t acknowledged for it,” senior Wyatt Kernell said.

1. When your second uncle, six times removed tells you how tall you’ve gotten? Just nod your head in agreement. Yeah, he hasn’t seen you since you were five. Of course you’re taller. Whatever, it’s easier just to act like you haven’t heard that one before.

2. Aw, grandma, you shouldn’t have! No, you really shouldn’t have. I know this beautiful sweater was knitted with love, but I’m just not sure how it’s supposed to fit into my college wardrobe of polos and button-ups. What’s in the other box? Oh, a matching pair of socks. I shouldn’t have asked. Time to work on my look of feigned surprise.

3. Your phone goes off. It’s a Facebook notification. Oh cool, Kelly invited you to her grad party! Oh, wait you don’t know anybody named Kelly… Better click the “maybe attending” button. Perfect, now Kelly doesn’t think you’re a bad friend.

4. Get ready for the graduation cards. Because nothing conveys your relatives’ love for you better than a pre-written Hallmark card with 20 bucks inside. They sure do know a way to a grad’s heart.

5. When announcements come around, don’t expect everyone to “politely refrain from all applause until all the names are called”. If your family is anything like mine, get ready to enjoy or be embarrassed by some cheers one your name is called.

6. Smile, and say cheese. It’s your big day, so who isn’t going to want a picture. Modify your workouts this week to make them more smile-intensive. You’re going to need it for the picture-thon that is to ensue. Besides, soak it all in. It’s your big day, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

At the bottom of all this pomp and circumstance lies one truth; our families are there to support us on our big day, and all of these special quirks are their way of showing how much they care.

Senior leadership has been a key factor to the success of the track team this year, a generally uncharacteristic trait of the track team, notorious for having few senior participants.  Leaders like senior Kit Linscott and the rest of the sprinter core has really propelled the team forward according to Mr. Michael Dierks, head varsity track coach. Because of rigorous nature of the sport and its training regimen, seniors typically skip out on their last season.

“For me, it more about the commitment I have made over the last three years, so I just wanted to finish out something I started,” Linscott said

Looking forward to districts a major objective for the track team is to get all of the relays to advance. Advancing relays will give more runners the opportunity to race at the next level. The distance races however will be very competitive; according to Coach Dierks even the runners that won’t qualify to advance would easily advance in any other district across the state.

The goals for the post season, according to Coach Dierks, are primarily to break personal records, secondarily to place in the top 8 teams, and the tertiary goal is to place top 4. But the ultimate goal is to competitive as possible in the state meet, which depends on the number of qualifiers the team will see coming out of districts.