PCH Corral April 2017

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Debate team qualifies members to State pg. 4 Celebrate Central brings diverse topics to school day pg. 5

New district protocol prohibits food sharing in hopes of reducing allergic reactions in schools

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April 7, 2017

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CONTENTS

Key moments from the talent show pg. 4 Dodgeball highlights pg. 6 LGBTQ students tell their story pg. 9 Faces of PCH Archer’s Atmosphere: Chipotle or pg. 10-11 Qdoba? pg. 18

Athletes to watch this spring p. 19

Photos of the

Issue

Junior Jayden Mitchell serves food at the French Toast Feast on March 3.

Junior Adam Kneznekoff puts the finishing touches on his french toast at the French Toast Feast on March 3.

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teens should be taught to be responsible for their own health STAFF EDITORIAL CORRAL STAFF

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ealing with food allergies is, no doubt, a taxing task. It takes immense care and constant caution to make sure everything one eats or drinks is safe. Moving through the world -- and high school -- with a food allergy undeniably presents challenges.

But Parkway has taken over that challenge in creating a protocol for next school year to keep students from sharing food in a full-class environment in the hope of reducing the number of serious allergic reactions that occur during school hours.

No one should have to go through the terrifying experience of an anaphylactic shock.

Yet, if it is bound to happen somewhere, sometime, a school might be the best place for it -- when teens are surrounded by adults and peers who may recognize the symptoms, and they is never more than five minutes away from a trained nurse with an office stocked up on EpiPens.

Additionally, high school students who are aware they have

“No one should have to go through the terrifying experience of an anaphylactic shock. Yet, if it is bound to happen somewhere, sometime -- a school might be the best place for it.”

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certain allergies represent a group of individuals that possess decision-making capabilities.

Acting as if administrators, teachers, and other students are collectively responsible for their health would be a shortcoming in offering necessary opportunities for students to learn responsibility.

After all, if students are not open to advocating for themselves in really important conditions -- like ones especially relating to their well-being and health --- then there is little doubt that these individuals will be ineffective in advocating for themselves in higher education, the workplace and relationships.

The new protocol, aimed at providing extra protection for students with severe allergies, helps students in all the wrong ways, creating a culture where we become convinced that we are not liable for our own problems or own condition. To put it simply, this is dangerous -- and not just in terms of food allergies.

The real world doesn’t have an allergy policy, and restaurants, public places and even the food processed in factories are not necessarily safe for people who have allergies. Sheltering high school students does not teach them that they are the only one who can protect themselves in these situations by speaking up in asking about the ingredients in what they are eating or special ordering their meal.

Regardless of how widely or narrowly this rule is enforced once implemented, it still only helps students from the beginning of the day until a half hour after school ends.

Then they face the un-allergy-protected world

“The real world doesn’t have an allergy policy, and restaurants, public places and even the food processed in factories are not necessarily safe for people who have allergies.”

and can graduate high school unaware of what to do to ensure their own safety and well-being.

With this level of hand-holding, students have been educated in everything except the one thing they need the most.

High school students should be responsible for what they consume, taking the medicine they need every morning, catching the bus on time, remembering their lunch: These are all things that a 14-plusyear-old person must learn to handle.

We can’t go through our whole lives having our parents, teachers and the school administration making sure we don’t stub our toe while walking down the street.

Everyone needs to start learning self-sufficiency, even if we need to set ourselves a phone alarm to remind us that “Susan’s granola bar might have peanuts in it.”

Most have their allergies for life, and it’s about time students grow up and start advocating for themselves because it’s not going to go away anytime soon.

Yays:

Neighs:

IT’S SPRING!

Three more weeks of school before AP tests...Happy studying!

Seven more Mondays to go, folks.

SIX more weeks before finals!

Spring sports are off on a great start.

When athletes never know what to dress for @stlweather

Good luck to All-State participants towards the end of the month.

We have no more Late-Start days this school year, we are going to miss sleeping in.

Congrats to debate qualifiers, you’re going to kill it at state!

We are now entering allergy season...Don’t forget to bring the allergy medicine!

Prom is going to blast off in 3...

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PCH CORRAL Editor-in-Chief Kayla Benjamin Managing Editor Noah Weidner Features Editor Libby Archer Sports Editor Liad Lerner

Entertainment Editor Evan Mogley Social Media Manager Libby Archer Staff Writers Sophie Baron Sam Benoist Jessie Goldberg Jenna Lazaroff Garrett Lierman Madeline Lee Roya Porshahidy Brett Smith Athena Stamos Adviser Ms. Tara Stepanek

The Corral is a student-written, edited and produced publication of Parkway Central High School, 369 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017; 314-4157978.

The Corral is given away free of charge to students and faculty. Subscriptions and patronships for one year may be purchased, starting at $20.

The goal of this publication is to provide accurate, informative and entertaining information in the true spirit of responsible journalism and to operate as an open forum for students, faculty, administrators and parents.

The Corral is created on Hewlett-Packard computers using Adobe Creative Suite 6 and is published by Missourian Publishing.

Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the majority of the staff. Signed columns and artwork reflect the views of that individual.

The staff appreciates comments and suggestions. Letters to the editor, guest editorials and other correspondence are encouraged but must be signed. The Corral reserves the right to publish or refrain from publishing, as well as edit, all submitted material.

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News in Brief

Debate members advance to state Athena Stamos staff writer

S Photo courtesy of Gina Caruso

SENIOR WOMEN HELP VETERAN CELEBRATE

Seniors Lexi Ecker, Devon Ware, Abby Judd, Kylee Bruchhof and Paige Wallis traveled to a nursing home on March 21 to help a World War II veteran celebrate his 100th birthday.

Sponsor Gina Caruso coordinated the celebration with members of the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight organization.

CASH 4 CANCER DRIVE UPS DONATIONS

The annual Cash 4 Cancer drive yielded $860.78 for Friends of Kids with Cancer, more than $200 more than students donated last school year. Part of the donation increase may have been due to the incentive of Mr. Nathan Wilson or Mr. Jonathan Gunasingham shaving their heads if $1,250 were raised for one of them -a brainstorm of event chair and junior Uchral Tsolmonkhuu.

Project Help will coordinate a shoe drive for the Shoeman Water Project this month.

WINTER GUARD WRAPS SEASON WITH HONORS

The Winter Guard placed 3rd at the Mid Continent Color Guard Association Championships in Nixa, Mo., on April 1. The team competed in the Regional A division, scoring an 84.44 and winning the Design Caption.

even members of the debate team are preparing for the state tournament which they qualified for on March 4.

“Quite honestly, I was not expecting to qualify to state but during our rounds everything went right,” junior and second-time qualifier Shaunak Mailarpwar said.

The seven members include senior Kayla Benjamin, junior Abby Flynn, senior Jennifer Heiman, senior Ariella Mahoney, junior Shaunak Mailarpwar, junior Emily Pfau and senior Maddy Scannell. Not only did seven members qualify, but Heiman and Scannell, seniors and fourth-year participants of the debate team qualified for state three times in a row in previous years.

Also, Flynn and Mahoney both qualified in Duo Interpretation together and they also both qualified in Policy and Dramatic Interpretation, respectively.

“It was very exciting; we put in a lot of work,” Heiman said. “We put more work in this topic by far. And to see this all pay off, it was very emotional for me.”

Even though excitement comes with achieving a goal in debate, to reach that goal many members are put into a lot of stressful situations.

“The worst time is right before you go into a round and you know if that team is really good-that is probably the worst feeling,” junior and second-time qualifier Flynn said. “The build-up is horrendous, and at the end you’re finally free.”

In order to prepare for Districts, Scannell and Heiman would read everything and take pieces

of evidence from their research -- a total of 125 pages. This process is known as “cutting cards.” As stressful of a process as this is, the girls acknowledge that it is easier to do as partners.

“The good thing about this year is having close friend to relax a little bit and have fun with,” Scannell said.

Pfau, junior and second-time qualifier said that she has a better understanding of society and the different problems that Americans face as a result of joining debate.

“Most debaters are like-minded, but it is a great environment to discuss and openly talk about opposing viewpoints,” Pfau said.

To Heiman, that is the most enjoyable part of debate.

“Almost every topic I’ve come out with a less strong idea to believe,” Heiman said. “You lose your own personal opinion so you’re unsure what you believe because you see the evidence so clearly.”

Mailarpwar agrees.

“I have formulated new opinions on topics that I learn about which makes me have a different perspective in the world,” Mailarpwar said.

In preparation for State, the qualifying members will be working primarily on their speaking and presentation, according to speech and debate coach Rob Proffitt,

Senior Kayla Benjmain, junior Emily Pfau, senior Jennifer Heiman, senior Maddy Scannell, coach Robert Proffitt, junior Abby Flynn, junior Shaunak Mailarpwar and senior Ariella Mahoney qualify for the State debate tournament on March 4.

Scannell and Heiman, with Proffitt, placed first in Public Forum at Districts.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Heiman.

who has been coaching for 11 years.

The State tournament is on April 21-22 in Springfield, Mo.

Solo and Ensemble participants head to All-state Solos Junior Hannah Rivas performs at the Big Band Dance on Saturday, April 1. Rivas is one of 31 students to receive an Honor I rating at the Solo and Ensemble Festival in March and gets to compete at the State level at the end of this month. Photo by Tara Stepanek

Athena Stamos staff writer

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and, choir and orchestra members participated in the Solo and Ensemble Festival that took place at school on March 3-4. Students who received an Honor I rating qualified to be adjudicated at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival at the University of Missouri on April 29.

Thirty-one PCH students qualified for State with solo performances; 23 students in addition to many of those who prepared solos qualified with an ensemble.

Josh Adams, trombone & cello Amy An, cello Courtney Berghoff, string bass Anthony Blatter, vocal Dom Doray, violin Will Harold, vocal Claire Huang, violin Lauren Johns, vocal Jessica Li, violin Liya Liu, violin Anusha Manjunath, violin

Luke Mankovich, clarinet & alto saxophone Mercedes McGonigle, clarinet April Moon, violin Hannah Rivas, bass Nikolai Sarnytsky, trumpet Nirumpama Shanbhag, flute Mugdha Sinha, violin Sydney Smith, vocal Jackson Sniff, vocal Tori Strege, cello

Catherine Suchko, cello Eric Sun, violin Brian Tang, violin Charlie Wang, violin Jane Wang, flute Jonathan Yn, violin Sean Yn, violin Ashley Zhou, cello Alex Zhuravel, cello Sophie Zucker, cello

Ensembles Mixed Woodwind Trio Jeremy Alport, Kathryn Manion, Abby Peevers Percussion Ensemble Kyle Folsom, Casey Goodman, James Kim

SSA Sextet Aletha Bastin, Angelica Gorban, Amy Morgan, Paulina Runge, Ariana Stein, Marissa Wright Vocal Ensemble Libby Archer, Felina Deck, Emily Miller, Will Harold, Alex Kaiser, Katy McCormick, Luis Ocampo

Vocal Ensemble Anthony Blatter, Chase Coleman, Dom Doray, Sydney Hirsch, Lauren Johns, Samantha Schneiderman, Hannah Steinmann, Lily Sueoka

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day of speeches informs, educates, celebrates Sophie Baron & Jenna lazaroff staff writers

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rom the fight against heroin to how to treat people with disabilities, students throughout the school got a chance to attend sessions on March 24 to learn, acknowledge and accept all types of culture and backgrounds that are prevalent in the community.

Throughout the day students learned and gained a new perspective on topics that are not usually covered at school.

“They deviated from the traditional math or science lesson and taught us more life lessons that are important for everyone,” junior Agustin Barcellona said.

While some of these presentations were led by public speakers, others were led by students.

“Our school club, Best Buddies, was asked to give a presentation, and we gladly accepted,” junior and presenter Matthew Oppenheim said. Oppenheim and his peers presented on “Spread the Word to End the Word,” focusing on the acceptance of students with disabilities.

The different types of speakers added legitimacy and variety to the day. Because these presenters had in-depth knowledge, the information was primarily delivered accurately.

“I enjoyed it because they were presented by either experts or students who had first-hand knowledge on the subjects, which made them very interesting and reliable,” junior Vindhya Yanamadala said.

On a normal day, a student will encounter lessons on math, science, grammar -- the list goes on. Rarely is there a day dedicated to cultural awareness and celebrating diversity.

“My favorite was the sexual assault one because it’s something that I think people should know more about,” sophomore Kate Durfee said.

There is no doubt that this event impacted the participants and offered a new attitude about the different people and cultures they experience every single day. Despite this, the day was long and it can be difficult for a student to sit through presentations all day.

“I thought it was worth the time to open up students to new cultures and ideas, however I don’t think it should have been all day,” senior Sara Stecher said.

Class participation in the event was not mandatory and therefore there were a few, though not many, classes that did not get to fully experience the day.

“Maybe make it a day completely devoted to Celebrate Central, because I know that some people didn’t get to go because their teachers wouldn’t let them; but I know that’s hard to control,” freshman Lexie Lander said. “Overall, it was so good.”

Although there was a wide variety of topics -- from religion, to gun violence, to LGBTQ -- one of the most popular presentations was the one on heroin. The speaker was a former police officer who witnessed heroin overdose first hand.

“My favorite presentation was the one about heroin,” Lander said. “The speaker did an amazing job delivering information and connecting to the students on a personal level. Anyone who was lucky enough to see that presentation would agree that it was powerful and engaging.”

Not only was each presentation unique, but they also offered a better understanding of the daily life of other students at our school.

“The ESOL one really showed what life was like at PCH for kids in ESOL and how the PCH community can work to make it more welcoming and inclusive,” junior Krishny Karunanandaa said.

Each topic provided a different perspective and was meant

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For more cool photos, check out www.parkwaynews.net/corral

1. Juniors Mackenzie Canoy and Carlye Hansen work on their poverty simulation while a presenter observes. “They put us in the situation so we knew what it’s like to be in poverty,” Canoy said. Photo by Tara Stepanek

to teach students and faculty about the diversity and different backgrounds that take place at school.

“I personally enjoyed the Syrian presentation because it really opened your eyes to the daily struggles people in other environments and I liked that the presenter was genuinely invested in the topic,” Stecher said.

2. The Best Buddies program led a presentation to Spread the Word to End the Word.

“Our presentation was about social inclusion of students with special needs,” junior Matthew Oppenheim said. “We also focused on the need to spread the word to end the use of the R word.” Photo by Jessie Goldberg 3. The LGBQT Panel of senior Mya Petty, junior Jenna Librach, junior Andrew Bennett and senior TJ Cotton sits awaiting questions from their peer students. “It was interesting to get to ask students at our own school, anything without having to be worried about their response,” sophomore Danni Schneiderman said. Photo by Liad Lerner

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1. Sophomore Grant Young follows through on a fast throw at the teachers’ team at the annual dodgeball tournament on March 2. Photo by Devon Ware 2. Flashing a grin at the camera, student council member and freshman Jacob Stone sets up the dodgeballs for a new game.

Photo by Kayla Benjamin 3. The facial expressions of juniors Mitch Broddon and Alex Kaiser match their gameday attire. Photo by Kayla Benjamin 4. Along with senior teammates Zach Goldberg and Josh Hylan, senior Noah Prelutsky prepares to fire off another dodgeball. Photo Kayla Benjamin 5. Seniors JR Robinson and Anthony Blatter taunt the teacher team. Photo by Kayla Benjamin

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6. Juniors Alyson Muehlman and Phoebe Wolkowitz celebrate a good game.

Photo by Devon Ware 7. As the last man standing on the teacher’s team, teacher Rob Proffitt prepares to dodge a throw from senior Will Harold.

Photo by Devon Ware 8. Junior Daniel Roman and teacher Jonathan Gunasingham collide in a rush for the center line of dodgeballs. Photo by Kayla Benjamin 9. Seniors Morgan Brody and Rebecca Davis let their dodgeballs fly. Photo by Kayla Benjamin

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Dodge podge kayla benjamin editor-in-chief

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march on

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2. Seniors Jacob Morton and Ki Jang play a piano duet while James Kim turns pages. Photo by Erik Lucy 3. Junior Jacob Safron belts out “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse at the Talent Show.

Photo by Erik Lucy 4. Juniors Arther Green and Jordan Lander coordinate their attire for the Prom Fashion Show during lunch on March 22. Photo

by Liad Lerner 5. Sophomore Megan Baris sings “Moon and the Moon” at the Talent Show.

Photo by Erik Lucy 6. Juniors Mark Diekroeger and Melissa Finn complete a choreographed spin for the Prom Fashion Show.

7. Juniors Daniel Roman and Phoebe Wolkowitz do a hip bump while showing off their Prom attire.

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8. Junior Eric Gershilevich shows off his white tailcoat during the Prom Fashion Show.

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1. Preparing to start her routine, junior Dorothy Davis dances at the Talent Show on March 31. Photo

by Erik Lucy

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ESOL students face barriers in assimilating Daihana jimenez staff writer

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SOL students face barriers that prevent them from developing a sense of belonging in Central. Many ESOL students believe that this is due to the lack of attention and help they received from some teachers and non-ESOL students. “Most of the time it feels like ESOL students are being set apart from the rest of the school,� freshmen Juan Daniel Palacios said.

Palacios acknowledges that being an ESOL student has been difficult. Everyday he struggles, confronting the language barrier that prevents him from becoming more comfortable speaking English with other non-ESOL students. “At first, I didn’t understand English very well but even if I’m more comfortable speaking English now, I still feel like I can’t have an actual conversation,� Palacios said.

ESOL students have to learn to read, write, speak and understand the English language and how to use it in the classroom.

They also have to try to get to same academic level as classmates who were born in America. All of this happens while adapting to a new culture and trying to make friends, making it harder for them to feel comfortable and accepted. “It was difficult because I don’t understand a lot of people and felt weird and uncomfortable around them,� Freshmen Eddy Puente said.

Not being able to communicate and understand other students has affected the fundamental goals that many other ESOL students want to achieve: learning to be part of a normal school environment, to know, and to understand others. “Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong because I’m not Ameri-

can,� senior Saif Alrashid said.

Percent of ESOl students from around the The fear of rejection decreases the world that attend central chance of developing a sense of belonging.

Alrashid believes that looking different and not being born in the United States is the main reason why many like him don’t develop a sense of belonging in school. “I would really like to talk and spend time with other non-ESOL students, but I don’t know a lot of English so I’m afraid that if I speak I will be judged by the way I talk,� Palacios said.

In reaction to hostile environments, students have created alliances with other ESOL students because they feel more comfortable speaking English. “I feel more comfortable sitting with them, we understand each other because Mexico China India South Bangladesh Jordan Vietnam Pakistan Syria Uzbekistan we have the same culture,� junior Ahmad Lozi said.

(4%) (3%) (12%) (11%) (9%) Korea (5%) (4%) (3%) (3%) Some ESOL students know that it is (6%) up to each other to be accepted by others, kind of just separate us from the rest of the class,� junior Andi convincing them that they are the same even Puente said. if they dress differently or talk differently.

ESOL teachers Erin Rauch and Stacy Stibal believe teachers “You got to try and not be afraid of words not sounding could also help motivate the students to share ideas and points right, you just can’t give up,� junior Bryan J. Hernandez said. of view within the group. This provides the opportunity for the ESOL students confront serious difficulties in participating in student to become more comfortable in classrooms. a conversation or expressing an opinion with non-ESOL students “We need to include ESOL students more in school events which is why many believe it’s important for teachers and classand activities; we have to insist and make American kids and mates to help them overcome their fears. teachers want to make a difference,� Stibal said. “Some teachers try to help but when doing group work, they

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the good, the bad and the weird of piercings

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libby archer

Features editor

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iercings may be all the rage, but not everyone’s experience end up the way they imagine.

Piercings show a responsibility for your body and the ability to alter it as you wish. Since you have to be 18 to get any piercings without your parents present, the piercings you get show your rising adulthood. For five students, their piercing provided them with a story to tell for years to come.

let ’er rip

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ally Kim risked the life of her nose piercing doing an everyday task. “I was washing then drying my face and the towel caught my nose piercing and my ripped it out,� Kim said. “This all happened before school, like 6:45. I was trying to put the ring back in for 30 minutes and was crying and freaking out because I thought that it would close if I didn’t get it back in. I had to go to school with a open hole in my face.

When I came back home, I shoved a needle in the piercing hole in my nose, and it luckily wasn’t closed. So then I tried to shove my piercing in, but it still wouldn’t go in. So my grandma was like, ‘Yo let me try.’ So I let her, and she got it in. My nose piercing was really infected.�

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hloe Appel was very nervous about getting her belly button pierced. “As soon as they pierced it, I stood up looked in the mirror said, ‘It’s so cute,’ and then said I feel light-headed,� Appel said. “Next thing I knew I woke up on the ground.

They let me lay on the ground and gave me a Popsicle.�

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pierce together, stay together

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or Ashley Gould and Mollie Weinberg, a bond with cheer coach Peyton Bond isn’t just skin deep anymore. “Mollie and I had wanted to get our bellybuttons pierced for so long,� Gould said. “We had this conversation with each other and in front of our coach one day. She chimed in, encouraging us to get our belly buttons pierced. She even said she would get hers done with us. So two days later we all went to the tattoo and piercing shop and got it done. Mollie first, me second and Peyton last.

She even said she was going to go last, so we didn’t chicken out.�

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crooked Catastrophe

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allie Haugen lived every person’s worst nightmare when going in to get a piercing. “I don’t know exactly how it ended up crooked,� Haugen said. “The guy who pierced it didn’t use a clamp, so I guess that’s why.

And I was pretty upset once I realized it was crooked since I had been looking forward to getting it done for a while and spent so much money to get it done.�

Haugen got her belly button re-pierced shortly after she let the crooked hole heal.

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Gender norms shift through lgbtq+ community Madeline Lee staff writer

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ithin the LGBT+ community there is a wide range of adjectives to describe someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. Most people go their entire lives not questioning their personal genders or pronouns, but for others it gets a bit more complicated.

“In elementary and middle school I was the person who was like ‘I’m not like other girls’,” junior Lee G.* said. “Then I was like, ‘maybe it’s because I’m not a girl.’”

G. identifies as non-binary, or not identifying as the male or female gender. People who are non-binary often use they/them pronouns or fluctuate between she and he pronouns depending on that person’s individual preferences.

“I think as a little kid I was always wanting to be like ‘Mulan,’” G. said. “She didn’t have to be a girl and I don’t want to either. I want to be an in between things.”

G. realized that they were non-binary in about the 8th grade, but has always felt as though they were different.

“I struggled a ton as a middle schooler just trying to figure out how I felt,” G. said. “In the small school I used to go to, nobody was out, being gay or trans was taboo.”

In school, ordinary things such as using the bathroom or changing in the locker rooms can become a struggle for a person who is struggling with their gender identity.

“I used to be really uncomfortable with my chest so I avoided locker rooms and running at all costs,” G. said.

The internet provides people with connections to others that they would otherwise not be able to talk or connect with, and allows communities to form based on a common variable, such as the LGBT community.

“Until I discovered the internet I was pretty lonely and just confused,” G. said. “For a while I just assumed that I was just going to die alone.”

Through YouTube, Tumblr and other social media platforms, G. was able to connect with the LGBT community. G.’s connection with like-minded persons has also translated to school life with their involvement in Gay-Straight Alliance.

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“Parkway Central is a really accepting environment, so I feel that I can be myself and be accepted and loved,” G. said.

Like G., freshman Lee Foust also identifies as non-binary, or gender neutral, but has stopped attending GSA meetings since they were involved with the musical.

“I don’t really feel super traditionally masculine or feminine,” Foust said. “Not in a features sense but just in a grey area.

I never really feel strongly one way or another.”

Foust began to realize they were non-binary in 7th grade through the social media platform Tumblr while searching through different tags.

“My views on gender are a bit different than other people at this school,” Foust said. “I don’t care, so I don’t push [my beliefs] at people and I don’t get angry. If someone’s not comfortable with it I just don’t bring it up.”

When choosing to go by Lee, Foust took the last part of their birth name, -ley. However, Foust still goes by the birth-name around parents and family.

“Since I live in a pretty socially liberal part of the country and world, things haven’t felt much different,” Foust said. “People are generally very accepting around this area, and those that aren’t I don’t take too personally since it is their personal beliefs and not my concern.”

While G. and Foust identify as non-binary, others such as senior Jeremy Fink identify as transgender. Fink was born with female sex organs but identifies as male.

“I started taking testosterone around November, the day before Thanksgiving,” Fink said. “I was so thankful. I’ve started growing facial hair and my voice has gotten deeper.”

Fink began to identify as other than female in high school, but the process of identifying as transgender was slower.

“I was very gradual and hesitant,” Fink said. “Then I went through junior year, a tough year where I defined what I was and figured it out.”

Fink came out to friends and family that year, and came out

to his mother about a year ago.

“I wrote her a letter,” Fink said. “She’s done a lot to try to educate herself about it, but she still doesn’t use Jeremy or he/ him pronouns. It’s a lot for her and my stepdad.”

Fink came out to teachers by sending them an email, but has not come out at work.

“When it comes to other people, especially strangers, I worry about it; just not as much because I physically pass since I transitioned,” Fink said. “But there’s always a fear, anxiety, disgusting feelings. Sometimes I approach it, sometimes I don’t.”

Fink’s therapist describes the coming out process like having a baby; it takes time and is full of emotions.

“I just told my grandma,” Fink said. “It’s scary having to go out and say that, but part of it is relieving when there’s nothing bad.”

Fink must take a self-administered testosterone shot every Wednesday and uses he/him pronouns.

“I wasn’t happy before,” Fink said. “I am much better off now having gone through all of this.” *Last names have been omitted to protect students who may not be public with their identity

Senior one-acts give actors the ability to go behind the scene Libby archer Feature editor

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enior One-Acts bring an exciting way for senior actors to switch roles for their final production and really feel the stress of putting on and directing a show.

This year there are only two seniors taking part in this new experience. To even have a chance to be chosen as one of the directors you need to have taken Actors Studio 1, Actors Studio 2, Tech Theater and do a lot of work during the summer to prepare for the show. These intense prerequisites have swayed people away from taking part in Senior One-Acts.

Senior Emily Kang is having romantic comedy “Mandy Dear” brought to life after months of preparation.

“Being the director, it’s still a fun experience but it’s also way more work,” Kang said. “I not only have to run the rehearsals and coach the actors, but I also need to do most of the tech stuff myself.”

Kang has acted in one-acts the last three years but directing one is causing a lot more stress and hard work than acting.

“At the end of the day, the work is all worth it because I love watching my cast grow and the show come together,” Kang said. “It’s definitely a super rewarding experience.”

“Mandy Dear” is about a journalist named Molly who writes an advice column, and when she receives a letter from someone

she assumes is her ex-boyfriend she responds with knowingly had nothing to base her directing and casting off of. It was a bad advice. She later finds out that the author of the letter was completely new experience for her, but she felt comfortable actually a man named Bryan who followed Molly’s advice and because of assistance from drama teacher Nicole Voss. got broken up with because of it. The story follows Bryan con“I think I thought that I would just be able to be a good fronting Molly and the two getting director naturally... but that is not the to know each other. case,” Cockerham said. “Having always “We were so lucky to have so been an actor, it has been really hard many talented people audition,” getting on the other side of a show Kang said. “It was all about finding and trying to make a show rather than chemistry, not about whether or not just perform it.” someone’s ‘good.’”

Cockerham’s one-act is called “Lila She and the other director senior on the Wall,” and is about a reporter Riley Cockerham held auditions who is following a story about women after school one day and had the who were on the verge of suicide and participants perform “cold reads,” then saw the face of Jesus. The play where they were put in groups, follows the reporter, Lila, and her handed scripts that they had never camera man, Carl, as these religious seen, and given five minutes to women go on tour and Carl tries to rehearse and perform it for the bring faith back into Lila’s life. directors. The directors would then “One of the big themes in the Senior Anthony Blatter and Junior Ariana Stein get directions from senior move around the group and look for Emily Kang during “Mandy Dear” rehearsal. show is finding the essence of living chemistry between different people to despite all the pain we experience, and decide who to pick.

I think, especially at this time in our world, that everyone needs “I really just relied on my gut for this part, and whoever to be reminded of that,” Cockerham said. made me “feel” the show during their readings,” Cockerham said.

Senior One-Acts will be performed April 12 during the day Cockerham has never acted in a one-act before so she really and the following night at 7 for $5.

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a face in the crowd Disability does not stop anna montaldo Eileen Chang guest writer

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Math teacher Sarah Reeves grades tests during her plan period. Photo by Kayla Benjamin

Teacher dedicated to students logan potts guest writer

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arah Reeves is a math teacher who is very dedicated with helping students learn and grow, and is a part of a very dedicated math staff teacher staff.

She loves her job and she has been interested in teaching for a while and teaching is in her family because her mom was a teacher too.

“My mom was a teacher, so my sister and I always used to play house,” Reeves said.

She really started to have an interest in teaching when she was in seventh grade. “I really liked the movie ‘Dead Poet’s Society,’ and Mr. Keating really moved me and inspired me,” Reeves said.

Reeves uses two teaching methods that she believes are very effective. She uses the typical method of standing up at the classroom and going over notes and teaching kids how to solve problems, and she sits students in specific spots, so they can work together and learn from each other.

“Sometimes, kids learn better from other kids than they do with their actual teacher,” Reeves said.

Reeves loves teaching because her students can always put a smile on her face.

“I never get bored and never feel the typical Monday effects,” Reeves said. “The kids always keep it interesting. I never know what to expect.”

Fellow math teacher Rick Halteman said that Reeves’s former students are always prepared when they come to his class from her class, and he knows how much she -- and his other math colleagues -- cares about the kids who learn in her classroom.

“I have never worked in a math department with a more caring and qualified group of teachers,” Halteman said. “This translates into most students liking most of their teachers.”

nna Montaldo doesn’t let her disability stop her, from socializing and doing her schoolwork, even with all the obstacles.

“I’m a normal human being,” Montaldo, a freshman, said. “If you want to talk to me, and get to know me, then wonderful. I want to know you too.”

Montaldo was born with Cerebral Palsy, a disability that affects the brain and nervous system. The nerve damage limits the person’s motor skills.

People with Cerebral Palsy have difficulty with posture, walking and other movements. There are many variations to Cerebral Palsy.

Montaldo has a physical disability but no mental disabilities. Montaldo uses a blue walker to get around the school, and she gets many curious stares from her fellow students.

“People walk by me, and I hear them ask, ‘What is wrong with her?’”

Montaldo said. “I don’t know what to think -- it doesn’t really bother me anymore since it happens so much.”

Whenever Montaldo goes out, she said she often sees people who don’t know how to react to her disability. Some will stare, and some will avoid eye contact. She also has had many people that will talk down to her due to her disability.

“I wish people would just go up to me and ask me,” Montaldo said. “I think people need to have more awareness about disabilities. Just because I have a walker doesn’t mean I can’t understand what you are saying.”

Montaldo said she hopes to find a way to educate others about kids with disabilities. She is currently working on a book about the topic.

She also would like to use YouTube to teach an audience about disabilities and how people with no disabilities should treat people with disabilities.

Montaldo wants to be a teacher for kids with disabilities in the future.

Lindsey Weatherby, one of the teachers that works with special education students in the school, has been working with Montaldo since the beginning of the school year.

Freshman Anna Montaldo wants to be known as someone who is “Anna knows what not defined by her disability. Photo by Gerald Lenoir she wants, what she needs to do, and she does it,” Weatherby said. “She has a lot of self-advocacy. If she doesn’t want or need anything, she will speak up for herself in a very polite way.”

Montaldo does what she can to not . She loves communicating with all of her friends and making plans together. She is still the typical high school student, and refuses to be discouraged by her obstacles that come with having Cerebral Palsy.

“My disability is not who I am,” Montaldo said.

Inspired esol teacher mediates cultures, languages yael avni guest writer

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anting to teach since she was in high school, Kathryn Ott has been a first- and third-level ESOL teacher at school for seven years.

Ott was inspired by her German teacher and wanted to become a teacher herself.

“I knew I wanted to teach since high school,” Ott said.

Ott graduated from college in December, and there were not many work opportunities available for her. She aimed toward teaching German but started her way in school as an ESOL teacher assistant and loved it.

Having such a good experience she decided to stay in this area.

“I just fell in love,” Ott said.

When Ott worked with ESOL students, she said she felt that she was contributing more, doing good, facing more challenges and was happy she ran into this job.

“In German class, students want help, but they don’t need it,” Ott said.

“Unlike ESOL students, who need my help.”

ESOL teaching requires a lot of work and patience, as each student’s language and cultural needs are different. Ott readjusts the way she teaches annually because every class is different with different students from different countries and each have different learning habits.

Ott likes to prepare a working plan and follow it. But as ESOL teacher flexibility is needed, being able to change along the way toward the students’ needs.

“It is hard sometimes,” Ott said. “When I have a plan, I like to follow it.”

Ott experiences a lot of challenges with her students because they are trying to get used to American culture as well as studying the English language.

Students often ask things that for her don’t make sense, and she has to try to decipher their questions. Other times she is trying to break down misconceptions students have about other cultures.

Ms. Kathryn Ott prepares an activity for her ESOL math students.

Photo by Liad Lerner

“I had some Arabic students that believed all Chinese people are ninjas,” Ott said.

Abigail Perez, one of Ott’s third-level ESOL students, likes being in Ott’s class. Perez said that she feels comfortable to say her opinion and ask for help and that Ott has helped her a lot and challenged her throughout the two years she was in her class.

“Mrs. Ott is the kind of person that likes to help you,” Perez said. “I feel good in her class. I feel confident to talk and that makes me happy.”

Ott believes that if anyone who wants to become an ESOL teacher must make sure they want that for the right reasons.

Throughout Ott’s studies she ran into people with intentions to become ESOL teachers just to travel around the world, not to teach.

“You must be open-minded and welcome a diverse group of students,” Ott said.

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pch community shares character, talents that define what makes them unique SENIOR WINS LOCAL SCIENCE FAIR CONTEST AGAIN LIBBY ARCHER FEATURES EDITOR

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enior Jessica Sun won first place in the Honors Division of the Academy of Science St. Louis Science Fair, a contest she has competed in annually since elementary school.

Sun’s parents convinced her to start competing in these science fairs when she was in elementary school because of her love of science. As she has grown older, her interests and skills narrowed into specific fields, such as biology.

“I’ve always been interested in science, specifically cancer,” Sun said. “I wanted to research treatments.”

Sun’s award-winning science fair project this year aimed to “cure cancer,” she said. To do this, she and her labmates collaborated to design a better way to treat lymphoma, a disease that attacks the lymph nodes, spleen and other aspects of the lymphatic system -- a disease which is dangerous because it makes it almost impossible to fight off other diseases and infections.

“We designed a tool to knock down BCL6, a protein, at the genetic level,” Sun said.

To get her research, Sun worked in two separate labs. One was more independent and the other was with graduate students from Washington University.

“I was a semi-finalist for the Siemens competition,” Sun said. She explained that this meant her project was in the top 300 of submissions.

This is not the first time Sun has received accolades for her work in the field of science. Sophomore year, Sun flew out to Pittsburgh after getting second place at the same fair she competed in this year, and last year Sun also won first place after co-writing a story for the Journal of Biomedical Optics.

“She’s very passionate about what she does,” Sun’s advisor Lee Johnson said. “She’s done a very good job putting everything together and she’s doing really well.”

Sun enjoys the extra science work and plans on majoring in Biology, starting next year.

Jessica Sun presents her presentation on the topic of curing lymphoma, a form of cancer, at the Honors Division Academy of Science St. Louis Science Fair.

Photo courtesy the Academy of Science-St. Louis. Photo courtesy of Jessica Sun

Freshman takes on 13.1 mile challenge matthew chen guest writer

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ue to his passion for running, Jackson Sniff will be taking on his first half marathon on April 9 with the Students on the Go! program offered at school.

“For a long time I’ve really wanted to get into long distance running, but I never really had the opportunity or commitment to follow through,” Sniff said. “Then I heard about Students on the Go! at the beginning of the year, and I thought it would be a really good way to get into it. I’ve been running seriously since about November.”

This long-time desire to begin running started with his mother’s involvement in running as well as his short time in a middle school running program.

“My mom ran a lot when she was younger, so that made me want to get started and try it out,” Sniff said. “I also did cross country one year in middle school, but I never went any farther with that -- although I really wish I would have.”

The Students on the Go! program includes short runs during the week after school as well as a long run every Saturday morning. Students from around the St. Louis area participate with their schools to train for the half marathon on April 9.

Even though Sniff is a new runner, he feels that he is ready for the challenge.

“I definitely think that I’m preparing well for it,” Sniff said.

“Most weekdays I went to the training, and I went to all of the long runs.”

Since starting, running has become a big part of his life, and he is excited about everything he has learned about himself through this experience -- and everything he has yet to learn.

“My favorite part about running I think is just challenging myself,” he said. “When you’re out there and you’re running a new distance, you don’t really know what to expect.”

Another thing that Sniff didn’t expect from doing this program was how many positive relationships he would build with everyone else on the squad. While this was not Sniff’s main reason for joining, it is just another thing for him to love about the sport.

“When I started, I was nervous and excited at the same time,” Sniff said. “It was a new group of people, but once I started getting into it, it got a lot easier because everyone wanted to help each other get better and to be able to do the half marathon.”

Even though the program will be ending soon, this is not the last time Sniff will be seen running. He plans on continuing his commitment to the sport even after the half marathon and wants to come back to the program next year.

“I definitely think that I will do Students on the Go! again,” Sniff said. It’s been a great experience, and I think that I will keep running in between sports seasons and whenever I get the chance.”

Ryan Sellers, a friend of Sniff’s, believes that the lessons of hard work and determination Sniff has learned from this experience will be very helpful later on in his future.

“Jackson wants to be in the Air Force when he grows up, and I know that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to get there,” Sellers said. “So I think learning these lessons now will help him a lot with that.”

Currently, Sniff is on the school’s water polo team, so he goes to practice instead of the Students on the Go! training. However, he still believes that it will help him with the race.

Preparing to run his first half marathon on Sunday, freshman Jackson Sniff has found a love of running. Photo by Gerald Lenoir

“Water polo is similar to running. There is a lot of cardiovascular activity involved,” Sniff said. “You have to use your legs a lot to tread water.”

Although this will be his first big running race, and he is not currently running on the weekdays, Sniff is still ecstatic about this big step in his running career, and confident in his abilities.

“I’m very, very excited,” Sniff said. “I can’t wait, and it feels too long away.”

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April 7, 2017

evading

emergenc A

n accidental bite from a peanut butter-filled granola bar sent freshman Marneece Howard to the emergency room on March 27 -- but she’s not the only one.

Eight cases of anaphylactic shock. Eight ER visits. Eight possibilities for tragedy. Just this school year, there have been eight severe food allergy incidents in Parkway, and starting next year, the district will follow a new protocol designed to combat this growing number. The new rules prevent sharing food unless it’s ordered from Parkway Food Services.

“It’s a huge culture change, so it’s hard,” Robin Wallin, Parkway director of Health Services, said. “But when we’re talking about possibly losing a student, it feels important -- vital.”

In the effort to promote safer schools, the new district protocol targets one specific practice: food sharing. More than half of the 18 allergy incidents in Parkway in the last two and a half years have been due to sharing food.

“Sharing increases risks,” Wallin said. “There’s going to be accidental exposure no matter what we do, but the one thing we can control is the sharing.”

Teachers and students from across the district agree that this change will not be an easy one, and not everyone feels that the policy will be worth the trade-off, arguing that it replaces the community and convenience of sharing food for the possible protection of students with allergies.

“Of all the things that I’m going to be worried about in my classroom, it’s not going to be if the kids are exchanging food – it’s going to be if they’re learning,” math teacher Heather Beal said.

The district hosted a panel in April 2016 to address the rapidly-growing food allergy rates in children. Now Parkway is taking stronger action, pressured by soaring numbers of students with allergies: Since 2008, the number of Parkway students with reported food allergies has tripled, even as the total number of students has remained stagnant.

This trend is in no way isolated to Parkway, or even to Chesterfield.

Autoimmune diseases, including food allergies, are on the rise all over America, according to Wallin.

This trend may particularly threaten teenagers. The risk of death from anaphylactic shock is highest between the ages of 15 and 21. Additionally, Wallin says that adolescents face peer pressure that makes avoiding allergens at school difficult.

She described a recent situation in which a high school student did not want to feel ostracized at a class party and thus decided to eat food which she suspected might contain allergens; it did, and the student ended up in the hospital.

“There are some real challenges for teens making decisions,” Wallin said. “I think we need to create an environment that is safe.”

Anaphylactic shock: an extreme, often life-threatening allergic reaction

The new protocols are still in the drafting stage, with students and staff still encouraged to send the district feedback, but a document sent out to teachers in February outlines the proposal.

“If we do this and it doesn’t [reduce allergy incidents], then we’ll reevaluate,” Wallin said.

The rules outlined in the proposal prohibit the use of food to celebrate birthdays and holidays, sale of food during school hours, and any classwide sharing of food brought from outside of the school cafeteria. The document strongly discourages consumption of any food in classrooms and requires teachers to inform the nurse and their students’ parents of any food activities -- from holiday celebrations in language classes to onion labs in biology -- at least a week in advance. As of now, Wallin said, the district is not sure how it is going to handle food sales.

These rules would, under this proposal, last until half an hour after the end of the school day, allowing wiggle room for some after-school activities to share food but preventing group breakfasts or parent-provided snacks for field trips.

“Because the protocol kicks in at 12:01 a.m. on a school day and runs till the end of the school day, it affects marching band,” band director Doug Hoover said. “You can’t get together before school to have a breakfast or even share fruit.”

Many teachers already have taken other steps to cope with food allergies in their classes and activities.

“I am not unaware or insensitive to the dietary requirements of many of our kids,” Hoover said. “We list things that parents can provide that we know are peanut-free, allergen-free, and all of our parents and staff are hyper-aware of things that would show up that might contain peanuts.”

For some, the end of food sharing is about more than snack time; it may represent a major social shift.

“We build community frequently through when we are able to eat together,” Hoover said. “I also think that we’re in a high school, and high school students should and can assume some responsibility for their health.”

Additional logistical problems come up for groups like marching band.

For one performance, the band had practice at 6:30 a.m. and a performance that started at noon; there was no time for lunch in between. To solve this problem, band parents donated fruit, multi-grain bars, juice, and other snacks to sustain the students. But the new rules may make these arrangements more difficult in one of two directions: 1) at best, expensive; 2) at worst, impossible.

“As I read the protocol, that wouldn’t be allowed unless we somehow contracted it through the Food Services department,” Hoover said. “I have no idea what the costs through Food Services are going to be, but when parents are donating the fruit and providing stuff, it’s not an out-of-pocket cost for the kids or the program.”

Though schools aren’t required by the district to follow the new protocol

Half of the incidents of allergic reactions in the district were preventable.

until next year, some administrators decided to implement the protocol this semester.

Parkway South High School’s test run with the rules have had mixed results, with many students dismayed by the changes, particularly the outlawing of ac lab parties.

“We all kind of hate it,” South High sophomore Drew Whiteaker said. “It seem most of the students.”

According to Whiteaker, his ac lab would take preca ing in food, checking to make sure that any allergies we From his point of view, the prohibition on food sharing the only way to deal with increasing student allergies.

“It’s the easiest way to solve it, but I don’t think it’s solve it,” Whiteaker said. “I would even be OK with inc as to what food people can bring in for ac lab. As just a I don’t think it’s worth it. I think there’s probably other problem.”

Students aren’t the only ones who mourn the loss of “I did find that having celebrations in ac lab with fo way to bond everyone together, to find a way to connec and homework,” South High physics teacher Sharon Kan very sad if there’s no leeway in this policy to allow thin But the fun food-related activities aren’t the only con have about the protocols. Many teachers utilize food in a way to further engage in the subject. For example, che Renell Brown uses ice cream for one lab about states of res for one about limiting reactants.

“It gives them a different way of looking at the conc the concepts more interesting, so they actually want to d “It gives them something to look forward to when they’r seme S run comm situa Kang told food ricul at th seme A are a it’s a to us

“High scho students s and can as some resp for their h --Doug Ho band direc

“There are some real challenges for teens making decisions. We need to create an environment that is safe.”

-- Robin Wallin, Parkway director of Health Services

cover story

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As long as parents aware, Kang said, almost always OK se food as part of

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n response to exploding numbers of students with food allergies and multiple close-call allergy incidents, Parkway plans to implement protocols next year that put a stop to class-wide food sharing. That means no more ac lab parties, cupcake birthday celebrations, or math class “Pie Days.” But district administrators think it is worth it to keep kids safe.

kayla benjamin editor-in-chief

a lesson.

“Our administration has been very supportive as we’ve tried to figure it out,” Kang said. “Our principals have gone back and said ‘OK, we need to rethink some of the rules.’”

South High Principal Patrice Aitch could not be reached for comment.

Like Whiteaker, Kang feels that there are nuanced and individual ways to keep high school students with allergies safe without sacrificing food sharing entirely.

“I worry that we’re getting too bubble-wrapping of everyone to protect them when just a little bit of common sense and communication can avoid some of these problems,” Kang said. “I think we can find good common ground and have good communication and still have the kind of community that a party with food can create.”

Both Hoover and Kang share the view that high school students’ safety needs are different from those of younger students, and that the rules should take that into account. For example, one of the recommendations the district gave teachers for replacing food celebrations with other fun rewards was to give students an extra recess -- a suggestion that does not apply to high schools.

“I would hope that there would be some recognition that a first grader is fundamentally different than a freshman in high school, and our freshman are fundamentally different than our seniors,” Kang said. “We want to protect the students, but as a high school we want our students to learn how to advocate for themselves.”

The ban on sharing can only account for class-wide situations. According to Whiteaker, students at South High still often share at lunch and among their own friend groups during the day; they just can no longer bring in something for the whole class.

“I think you can tell teachers that they can’t give kids food, but you can’t tell students they can’t give food to another kid,” Beal said.

Marneece Howard’s story demonstrates the dangers of food sharing, but not necessarily in a way that could be prevented by the new protocol.

Last year, as an eighth grader, Howard found out she had become allergic to nuts after eating a chocolate candy with a hazelnut in the middle. Not knowing about her allergy, she waited almost too long to get help from the nurse. Face swelling and throat closing up, Howard needed six shots of epinephrine to save her life.

This year, she is more careful, but she still shares food. After tasting the peanut butter in her friend’s granola bar, Howard quickly spit out the mouthful. But it was enough to cause her tongue to swell, so she immediately went to the nurse for a shot from an EpiPen and the subsequent required trip to the hospital. But she takes full responsibility for the accident and doesn’t think the district should prohibit food sharing.

“I should’ve never eaten his stuff without reading everything fully,” Howard said. “But I don’t think [the district] should do it, because a lot of people like sharing food.”

Allergy

Incidence: breaking down the numbers

3 middle schoolers 8 elementary schoolers

1 staff member

8 high schoolers

Age breakdown of the 20 incidents in Parkway in the last 2.5 years

Total food allergy incidents in the last two and a half years

Americans age 1521 have the highest risk of death from anaphylactic shock.

2008: 340 Parkway students with documented food allergies 2017: 1,123 Parkway students with documented food allergies

Total food allergy incidents this school year

Source: Robin Wallin, Parkway director of Health Services

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entertainment

Spot the difference: Streaming services SAM BENOIST GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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t’s no secret that children, teens, adults, and even the elderly are music crazy. With all the different cultures, ideas, and styles going around, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be. But with all of this music there has to be an organized way to stream and listen. We took the top four services -- Apple Music, SoundCloud, YouTube Red, and Spotify -- and compared every inch, nook, and cranny so that you can decide the best option for yourself based on cost, library, and community.

Enjoy!

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Spring Fashion is here ROya Porshahidy staff writer

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pring is technically here, with the weather transitioning to more warm temperatures it also means changing from the heavy sweaters and coats of winter to the lightweight, flowy outfits of spring.

The excitement for spring is real over here. but also the excitement comes for more freedom on what you want to wear.

You can still wear your winter sweaters, but you can also wear shorts, or dresses, instead of the same leggings or jeans everyday to shield away from the cold. I personally like to wear an oversized Adidas or plain sweatshirt with some shorts or leggings if it’s cold.

There are many different ways you can style a spring outfit. You can throw on a sweater with some shorts, or wear a dress with a light cardigan over it. Spring outfits are simple to style, you can basically wear anything in your closet and make it into a cute spring outfit. I recommend a thrifted sweater with some simple shorts from Pacsun or Forever 21.

With spring you get the rain. Lots of rain. That can make you dread planning a fancy outfit that will just get ruined by the rain. I usually wear black leggings that I get from Target, pairing it with plain black or white hooded jacket that can protect me from the rain and still look cute.

Along with the rain, spring break, and spring outfits, you get spring cleaning!

You would think only moms spring clean, but a lot of people organize their rooms and closets to coincide with spring.I usually take all my heavy winter clothes that I know for sure that I won’t wear and put it in the back of my closet and bring all the spring and summer clothes and move it up, so I don’t have to search endlessly through all my clothes to find one t-shirt from last spring.

With all of spring coming at us in full gear, the excitement of transitioning into spring outfits will always be the most exciting part of spring for me. The many ways you can pick and choose different outfits and accommodate some of your winter clothes and summer clothes and create a new spring outfit is always fun.

“I gradually go from jeans to jogging pants to shorts, jeans are perfect for the winter for the cold, jogging pants help me transition to spring, as they’re warm but cool at the same time, lastly, I go to shorts for the warm days, and viola! You have a perfect transition.” said sophmore Kaleb Thomas.

“Short sleeves, shorts if it’s warm enough if not then for sure leggings or jeans, and maybe I even throw on a jacket or a sweatshirt.” said freshman Autmn Goldsby.

youtube or tv: who watches what more?

Brett Smith staff writer

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rowing up, I watched a lot of television. I fell in love with various cartoons from the early 2000’s such as “Johnny Bravo” and “Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends,” as well as watching older shows like “The Brady Bunch” and “M*A*S*H.” In my opinion, TV today is nothing like it has been for the last few decades. And while there are many good shows that are airing, there are, however, more and more bad shows making their way onto your channel guide. Television ruled the world for many years, and still remains very successful.

However, in 2005 a space pod from a dying planet crashed into the web servers, and delivered to the world a blessing. And that blessing was YouTube.

What started out as a small and fun way to create and share videos with friends, YouTube has quickly blown up into popularity. According to Tubular Insights, there are approximately 500 hours of video uploaded every minute, and as the state and popularity of YouTube continues to skyrocket, there is a problem that comes with it. You see, with more and more being published onto YouTube, it draws users to its website and mobile app constantly. There is never a moment in the day where someone isn’t online browsing videos to their heart’s content. In a survey done by Social Media Today, “68% of those asked said they watched more video content from Youtube than any other platform.”

To some people, there is no use for TV when there is YouTube. If you want news coverage, go online and there seems to be an endless supply of information at your disposal. If you want sports, then look no further than YouTube for all the touchdowns and free throws that you desire. And when it comes to entertainment, there is nowhere else that has as much variety than YouTube. Skits, parodies, original songs, and so much more

are all available. And many tune in to create content on the website, as you can make money by making popular videos. It is a very free and friendly environment where you can be yourself and publish what you enjoy, especially as you venture into various Comment Sections. Being open to the community, anyone is able upload content to the website.

The way that you decide what to watch between YouTube and TV is almost the same as choosing what you want to eat.

Frozen Lasagna or McDonalds?

My 600lb Life or Rosanna Pansino?

It is you who decides what to watch, and it is the companies’ job to try and get you to choose them instead of the competition. And it would appear that YouTube attracts the majority, as in a study from Variety, young viewers watch 2.5 more Internet Video than TV. But that does not mean that everyone chooses to watch YouTube and ditch the television networks provided. There is a growing use of and dependence on YouTube in our community. There is less and less need of TV for some individuals that take up all of their free tuning in to what the website has to offer. And to be honest, I hardly tune into TV anymore myself. I mostly nowadays use my time on YouTube, watching news stories and also show

episodes daily.

There are, of course, reasons that more choose YouTube instead of television.

You can watch YouTube anywhere and anytime, while television is glued to your house depending on your cable company. And there’s another reason, perhaps the most crucial: YouTube is FREE. With TV, you have to pay for cable and the channels that come with it, while with YouTube you can tune in at anytime without worrying about paying any viewer fees, unless you are using YouTube Red, the premium version. It is also more open to be a part of. If you want to be a YouTuber, you just have to start making content. It is a fun and easy way to contribute in your community.

To someone, each of these options is the best choice; it all depends on who you ask. There might never be a definite answer. Sure, there can be charts that draw out the majority, but there would still not be a definitive response to this question. And besides, what is wrong with using both? Lots of people, including myself, use both YouTube and TV daily. And even if I were to use one WAY more than the other, which I do, I still take advantage of having a TV set in my living room. I can surf the channels for TV’s latest dramas, while also surfing the web for more 1000 degree knife videos. So, which is better: YouTube or TV? You decide.

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entertainment

April 7, 2017

password protection essential as Keller’s computing corner district fights malware outbreak the gist of the new switch NOAH WEIDNER MANAGING EDITOR

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student’s email sent out a malware-infested email on March 27 to a large sum of students, teachers and administrators on the Parkway Google Apps & Gmail service with a link, that if clicked, would download a data-stealing virus to the device being used.

Jason Rooks, Parkway director of technology and innovation, and the Parkway tech department quickly investigated and did damage control to see it that the malware outbreak was contained.

“To help stop the spread of the malware we suspended user's account as soon as they were detected as spreading the malware,” Rooks said. “We also tried to block all connections to the malicious external systems associated with the malware.”

Rooks notes that the efforts came quick enough to avoid large-scale damages to users.

“At this point there were maybe six people directly affected,” Rooks said. The tech department sent out an email requesting that any people who clicked the link in the “infected email” contact the tech department for assistance.

The source of the malware, according to Rooks, came from a school administrator in another district.

From there, it’s presumed that infected users’ emails sent out even more copies of the virus.

“The best thing the Parkway community can do is to be aware of the basic protection rules,” Rooks said. “Don’t open strange email attachments. Use

“Don’t open strange email attachments. Use strong passwords and change them regularly.”

-- Jason Rooks, Parkway director of technology and innovation

strong passwords and change them regularly.

Don’t blindly click on links unless you know where it goes. Those basic behaviors would go a long way to protecting the district.”

Web giant Google recommends changing your password every six months. A “strong password” is 10 characters with numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and various characters. These requirements for passwords are mandatory whenever you change your password on Parkway’s servers or Google Apps.

A support representative for Google explains that they actively try to prevent spam or malware from being spread on their service. However, when links to malware or malicious content are contrived from internal sources, like in the case of the emails sent in Parkway, there is little they can do to handle that.

In a time where technology is so omnipresent in our lives, it has become common for websites or services to be hacked. However, this outbreak within the district, and in other school districts, highlights the reality that viruses and hacks can affect anyone.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” Rooks said.

“All it takes is one person doing the wrong thing to put everyone else at risk.”

CHS Social Reform Club Interested in social conflict and reform?

For two years, CHS students along with a social studies teacher, Mr. Aaron Bashirian, have been working on developing a curriculum to help students better understand the causes of social conflict and the process that leads society to reform. This curriculum is currently being used in Mr. Cameron Poole’s Contemporary Issues class.

Any students interested in participating should contact Will Harold, Anthony Blatter, Aaron Bashirian or Cameron Poole

by EMAIL or IN PERSON for more details.

sam keller guest writer

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he Nintendo Switch recently released in the United States with fairly high reviews, but there are some very concerning complaints about the Switch.

Let’s start with the positives: firstly you have Zelda Breath of the Wild, which was released on March 3 and has been met with lots of praise and enthusiasm.

This game is, one of few, available on the new console and also available on the Wii U. The Switch also incorporates a new modular design which allows it to be used as a tablet, traditional console, or a tablet with separate remotes. It comes with a dock to charge it and play it in console mode.

For tablet mode it comes with a charging cable to charge and play at the

same time.

Of course, with the new modular design there are definite structural design and component problems.

The Joy-Con controllers have been reported to have connectivity problems past 5 feet for some people, but some people haven’t been experiencing this issue.

The Joy-Con controllers are also fairly loose when attached to the tablet and will shift around a little when you play.

The main problem with the system is the fact that there are just so few games for the Switch.

Compare that to the PC, Xbox One, PS4 have thousands of games, the Switch only has 25 games available right now.

I would wait to purchase the Nintendo Switch until more games become available for the new platform.

Entertainment

April 7, 2017

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mogley’s music of the month Evan Mogley

Entertainment Editor

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ollaborations within the music world are a very tricky situation to get right. There is a lot to think about regarding key demographics, the style of the song the pair will make together, and whether they will have good chemistry on the song. A good collaboration can boost an aspiring artist to the break through level of stardom they need. It can also ruin any other chance one has in the music industry.

This month, we take a look at pairs of collaborators who have come together to blend the worlds of EDM and pop radio.

The Chainsmokers have had a remarkable year. From their number one song “Closer,” to winning a Grammy back in February, they have become a Top Forty staple. While they have had continued success… that does not mean everything is gold. “Something Just Like This,” is underwhelming in every sense of the word. A boring instrumental track builds to an unimaginative beat drop. The Chainsmokers have made a lifeless song. It is the same monotoned beats on repeat for 4 minutes. There are no surprises and there is nothing noteworthy. It sounds like they made it to get a few quick bucks. Not to mention lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin.

His voice swims its way through the beginning part of the song, but when it finally breaks through the chorus he is whining. His voice sounds very strained and nasally. Perhaps the only thing that redeems this mess of a song is the lyrics found in Martin’s verses and the pre-chorus which paint a scene of epic adventure. Unfortunately, those lyrics aren’t enough to save it. There were high expectations for this song when it was announced and within a span of 4 minutes Coldplay and The Chainsmokers have utterly broken them.

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New girl, Alessia Cara, who is best known for her songs “Here” and “Scars to Your Beautiful” doing a collab with one of electro’s most well known DJ’s? Very odd. The result? Exceptional. First things first -- Zedd’s production on “Stay” is mesmerizing.

The simple humming intro to precise snaps feel right at home. The most praise worthy part of the song is the chorus. An auto tuned Alessia and a normal Alessia cover the lyrics, building the momentum with a ticking clock in the back to add tension.

It all builds until the finally “Stay” when it breaks down. Zedd truly deserves credit for a much more imaginative production on this track. Now we reach Ms. Cara. Her voice sounds very pleasant on the song and adds a nice emotional layer. What takes away from it is her breath support and the precision of her lyrics. While listening, her inhales are very present throughout the track and with the slurring of some words (rum and cola), it makes the song flawed in a way that seems very fixable. Although there are mistakes to be heard, the overall quality is very good and has given 20-year-old Cara a bigger presence and style in the music world.

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A song that beckons out to the warm sunshine of summer. Calvin Harris has created a smooth and sleek production that is complemented by Frank Ocean’s soothing vocals, and a well-delivered verse by rap duo Migos with “Slide”. Built together with the use of light piano, hand claps, and an almost auto-tuned whistle, Harris has applied the idea that less is more in his production, and it certainly works in his favor. Harris uses the most of his collaborators by not only having Ocean use his regular swooning voice, but distorting Ocean’s voice to use in the introduction and throughout the song with the simple phrase “I might.” Moving from Ocean to Migos, the duo deliver their verse in a rhythm that keeps the steady momentum of the song until it finally bursts into the chorus. Where it falters, perhaps, is Migos lyrical content. I realize that within a party song the point is to have fun, carefree lyrics. It’s understandable. But, with only mediocre lyrics from a duo with this much talent is a little off-putting, especially when Ocean’s lyrics can be read deeper into a questioning of the other person’s sexual exploration. While the lyrics might be a bit of a disappointment, the trio have created a radio-ready bop for the summer, that blends the best of what these collaborators have to offer.

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Selena Gomez currently holds a very interesting place in the music world. A very soft voice that isn’t capable of belting like some of her contemporaries (Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato)- but with a persona that has en-captured the hearts and minds of her many followers, (Gomez being the most followed person on Instagram). She has every quality to be a pop star, except the one thing that pop stars are known for -- their voice. This explains why she would choose to collaborate with Kygo. Kygo takes her (less than stellar) voice and dresses it up like a shiny new diamond, for “It Ain’t Me.” Glossy in the pre-chorus and Gomez’s verses, she navigates them with ease, (even though it still isn’t very strong). Making use of a powerful chorus of backing vocals, a light guitar intro and an integral piano, it blends together to make a pleasant blend of pop electro. Kygo’s wonderful production is unique and refreshing to hear in a crowded room of DJ’s and collaborators. Simply put -- the two have made something much more than what was expected of them.

Even though it is repetitive, and some what boring, it adds a level of intrigue to Gomez’s style as an artist.

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is this a beauty or a beast of a film? brett smith

staff writer he official live action adaptation of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” has recently hit theaters and showed that Disney can create a live action remake worth seeing multiple times “Beauty and the Beast” was one of my favorite Disney films growing up, and like many others, I was very anxious for Disney’s live action interpretation. But while I was excited, I was also a bit nervous. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the live action “Cinderella” or “Maleficent.” However, I was very impressed by “The Jungle Book,” with its great visuals and storytelling.

My worries started to deteriorate when I initially saw the “Beauty and the Beast” cast list. I was surprised that Ian McKellen and Ewan McGregor, of which I am big fans, were cast.

Loving the original, I really did not want this movie to ruin the name of “Beauty and The Beast.” Thankfully, that not was the case in this amazing visual and musical experience.

I immediately fell in love with this film while I was watching it on the IMAX screen. This film has comedy, a wonderful soundtrack and amazing special effects that this film provided.

It brings back the memories and flare of the original while also providing new takes on the story and music.

The performance from this cast was incredible. Emma Watson did a great job portraying Belle, who desires more than what is

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offered inside of her little village she calls home. Along with her fantastic voice, Watson’s acting had you feeling all of the emotions internally that they were presenting on screen.

Dan Stevens blew me away as the film’s Beast. His performance was captivating, powerful and had audiences falling in love with his character. The chemistry between Belle and the Beast is something truly remarkable. Beast is captivating as he sings “Evermore” and just how powerful he is as he sings. His pain start to grow as he sings, and Dan makes it 100 times better with his incredible vocal talent. His compelling performance throughout this song makes one of my favorite numbers in the entire film.

Luke Evans portrays the lovable, lustful hunk Gaston, accompanied by Josh Gad (Olaf in “Frozen”) as Gaston’s right-hand man LeFou. In the musical number “Gaston,” both the vocals and the choreography of the scene keep the audience captivated and in awe, leaving a beautiful impression on the name “Gaston.”

The haunted castle that the Beast lives in is filled with a wonderful cast of fun and interesting characters of talking appliances, such as Ewan McGregor as Lumière and Ian McKellen as Cogsworth. These two, along with the others cursed in the castle, including Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson) and her son Chip (Nathan Mack), make the castle feel full of life and alive. They do a great job of giving the castle character with their charismatic attitudes and wonderful voices, including “Be Our Guest,” which is simply an experience to watch.

“Beauty and the Beast” is an amazing movie. The musical scores are soothing to the ears of every audience member and a combination of great acting and masterful storytelling keeps viewers invested from the time the enchantress’s curse is first cast until the full-ensemble finale.

The star-studded cast is just icing on top of this magical cake.

If you’re looking for a great Disney film and fell in love with the original “Beauty and the Beast” in your childhood, then you will fall in love with Disney’s latest masterpiece.

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entertainment

April 7, 2017

Chipotle and Qdoba face off

Archer's Atmosphere -Dining in Style-

libby archer features editor

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he idea that people can be so passionate about a certain American restaurant opposed to a different, very similar, American restaurant has perplexed me for the past few years, so I decided to put the Qdoba and Chipotle to the test. To get a good comparison, I got the exact same burrito fillings at both places. This review will not be reliable for my meat eaters out there, and I apologize for that. My parents came along, because I am broke, and also got similar meals.

Atmosphere The locations I went to had very different feels to them. We went to the Qdoba in the Valley, which is somewhat new and was quiet with few people. It gave off more of a restaurant vibe instead of fast food. The workers were so nice and very accommodating while letting me write down notes while ordering.

We went to the Chipotle off of Clarkson, which I didn’t love.

The place was very crowded and took about 10 minutes to finally take our order. We went in at around 7:30, so by then I was hangry. The people at Chipotle were also very nice except the chef in the back looked like he wanted to kill one of the women making my burrito.

For atmosphere I am going to have to go with Qdoba. Their lines were shorter and seemed less like fast food.

Size When people say size doesn’t matter, they are lying. I want my burritos to be as big as possible, and both restaurants delivered on that. Qdoba had a larger burrito, but not by much, even though it was in our carry out bag for longer. I’d say these were about the size of baby heads -- or a small puppy. I could’ve wrapped either burrito up with a blanket and taken it to a park and would not have gotten any weird looks.

Qdoba wins again but only by a little bit.

Flavor Qdoba’s ingredients just didn’t taste fresh. The brown rice tasted overcooked, or undercooked, or something because it

didn’t taste too nice. The only difference in ingredients was the addition of the queso at Qdoba, which I think actually hurt the overall flavor of the burrito. It was like taking a fine burrito and putting the school’s plastic-tasting nacho cheese all over it and expecting everyone to be fine with it. I might be just a cheese snob, but I can’t be the only one mad about this.

Chipotle had some bomb lettuce.

That seems like a weird first impression, but they were having a good lettuce day. It tasted fresh and crunchy and dang… that was some good lettuce. They also gave me so much guacamole. I love guac with all my heart, so even though I had to pay extra (which I will address later), it was worth it.

Chipotle’s ingredients tasted fresher overall, winning this category.

This is me enjoying an amazing chipotle burrito in the comfort of my own home.

The size difference might not be that much, but the flavor difference definitely is. The left is from Qdoba and the right is Chipotle.

Price My burritos ended having a $1.30 difference for the exact same burrito. Again, I don’t eat meat, so I don’t know what the difference is for you carnivores out there, but my beany-burrito’s didn’t cost the same, and I think that says more than anything about these restaurants.

Qdoba ended costing more at $7.80, and Chipotle cost $6.30 with guac. I am pretty mad about the fact that Chipotle’s guac cost extra, so this brought the whole establishment down a few notches in my mental calculations, but because they gave me so much more than Qdoba, I have forgiven them. Chipotle seriously gave me twice the amount that Qdoba gave me, which is pretty important for a guac lover like myself.

Chipotle wins for their cheaper burrito even though they charge for guac.

My parents ordering at Qdoba, featuring the very nice workers. Shout out to my rents for financially supporting my food reviews.

Overall The dry rice and plasticy flavored cheese at Qdoba really took a toll on the full eating experience. Qdoba’s little amount of guac left the rice dry, which made by leftovers really gross.

When I spend $7.80 on something, I want it to also taste nice the next day when I bring it to school. Qdoba overall tasted like a normal burrito that I could make at home.

Chipotle didn’t just taste great when I ate the first half, it tasted even better cold the next day. I could taste every ingredient.

Chipotle wins for me overall. If I were to ever spend $6.30 on a burrito again, which I doubt will happen, I will choose Chipotle.

sports

April 7, 2017

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Athletes to

liad lerner sports editor

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Jessie Piles, Girls Lacrosse

Senior Jessie Piles is breaking records this season for the girls lacrosse team. The 10-year player got into lacrosse back in third grade when she would practice with her older brother and has played for two club teams: Rush and 410. “I like that lacrosse is more fast-paced than other sports,” Piles said. Piles plays in the midfield where she can defend and attack, and she also takes the face-off. Last year she scored 37 goals and had four assists, and her 59 career goals are on track to break the school record of 72. “I’m hoping to win a lot more games as a team this season because we have a lot more experience than in years past, and we have some really good freshmen too,” Piles said.

She is most looking forward to the game against Pattonville because she injured her ankle against them last year and wants get revenge. Photo from Corral Archives

Jake Liebman, Boys Tennis

Talia Emch, Girls Soccer

Will Jost, Boys Track

Ben Prywitch, Baseball

Brooke Hilton, Girls Track

Rheanna Morris, Water Polo

Deuce Harris, Boys Golf

Jack Meier, Boys Volleyball

Senior Jake Liebman is confident that the team can make a deep run in the State tournament this season. The three-year player got into tennis because he was looking for a sport that illustrates his personality. “I’m a very dominant person with very few flaws and my [tennis] play style is the same,” Liebman said.

“I love the pain and agony in my enemy’s eyes when I drop a lob perfectly on the baseline.” Tennis is different because the players are either by themselves or with just one other teammate during the matches. “Being the entire team,” as Liebman calls it, can be tough mentally, but he knows the secret to overcoming the challenge. “As long as you believe that your opponent is a piece of garbage compared to you, the game will be easy,” Liebman said. Last year he went 10-3 as the five seed. This year he will be the six seed, and he’s Photo by Kevin Koerner

Senior Will Jost is gearing up for another victorious season on the boys track team. The pole vaulter began his career as a freshman three years ago, and as a junior, he won Districts, got second in Sectionals, and placed 7th at State with a personal best jump of 13 feet, 9 inches. “I was really proud to be on the podium at State but also really nervous because there were a lot of people,” Jost said. Jost’s dad originally suggested the sport to him, and he’s been in love ever since. “I like how unique it is because it’s not every day that you get to jump 15 feet in the air,” Jost said. This season, Jost hopes to jump at least 15 feet and place in the top three at State. Photo from Corral Archives

Freshman Brooke Hilton is making her mark on the girls track team. She has been running competitively for three years and was a standout on the cross country team, running the 5k State race in 20:26. “Cross country was about getting mileage in and building up your stamina for races,” Hilton said. “But with track you’re expected to run faster, and it’s a bit more competitive.”

In her first high school meet she won the 800-meter run and got third in the mile, with times of 2:36 and 5:55 respectively. “I like being able to compete individually but also know that while I’m running, I’m supporting a team that has worked hard with each other,” Hilton said. “You have to be willing to push yourself extremely hard even when it seems impossible.” Hilton wants to drop a lot of time off of her 800m and to contribute to important relays. Photo by Athena Stamos

Freshman Deuce Harris is excited for his first season on the golf team. He has been golfing since he was 2 years old, and he’s been competing in tournaments since he was 4. “I competed at Pinehurst,” Harris said, referring to a national tournament in North Carolina. “It was really fun and I placed in the top 20.”

Unfortunately, a recently broken wrist on his dominant hand prevented Harris from being able to train in preparation for this season. “It was hard because I wasn’t able to swing fully,” Harris said. “But now I’m feeling good, and I’m ready for my first high school season. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.”

Harris’s goal is to make it to the State tournament this year.

Photo courtesy of Deuce Harris

Sophomore Talia Emch is making a name for herself on the girls soccer team. The 12-year player started on varsity last year and also scored two goals and six assists this year for her club team, Lou Fusz. Emch plays on defense, so scoring goals isn’t her main contribution to the team. “It’s different because you’re more worried about stopping the other team from scoring goals instead of scoring them yourself,” Emch said. “Also, there’s a lot of pressure because you’re the last person back before the goalie.” Emch hopes to create more opportunities for her team and to win more tackles and thinks that the team can win Districts this year. Photo courtesy of Talia Emch

Sophomore Ben Prywitch is ready to redeem himself on the mound. Playing for 12 years as a pitcher and an outfielder, Prywitch likes being a pitcher because he likes having control of the game, but he lost that control in a rough first varsity start last year, in which he let up four runs with only one out resulting in an ERA of 84. “I felt like I let the team down,” Prywitch said.

“But it has fueled me to work harder and improve my pitching for this year.” On his club team, the Rawlings Tigers, Prywitch batted a .430 average, hit six triples and pitched around an ERA of 4. He hopes his team can win another District Championship and is most looking forward to playing against Parkway North at Busch Stadium on April 9. “It’s such a cool experience to play there because you are playing on the same field as major league players,” Prywitch said. Photo courtesy of Ben Prywitch

Junior Rheanna Morris is hoping to lead the water polo team to victory this year. Morris started playing water polo after a few friends convinced her to, and this is her second year playing. “I like the team environment we have, and it is a really fun sport,” Morris said. “But it also pushes you to work hard, too.” On the JV team last year Morris scored eight goals, and she is primed to have an even more influential role on the team this year. “I pretty much play wherever I’m needed,” Morris said. “But my favorite place to play is toward the top of the formation, near the goal, because I can still take shots and it is a good place to see everything that’s going on.” This year Morris wants to improve her game and hopes to help her team win Districts.

Photo from Corral Archives

Junior Jack Meier is preparing for success with the boys volleyball team this season. Meier started playing with his club, High Performance, five years ago because he had a lot of cousins on the team. “I like that it is a lot more laid back than any of the other sports I have played,” Meier said. Last year as a setter, Meier was third on the team in assists, and this year he led his club team in assists as well. “Being a setter is a lot of pressure because my teammates rely on me to be accurate with the ball so they can hit it,” Meier said. “But if I mess up, I just move on because no matter how bad I mess up, it’s just one point.” This season, Meier hopes to win the State Championship, and he is most looking forward to the game against Affton, a rematch of last year’s State final. Photo courtesy of Jack Meier

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sports

April 7, 2017

lack of coach puts dance team in peril Sophie Baron staff writer

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n the past three years, the dance team has continued to change due to a change in coach every year. The dedicated participants reflect on this adjustment as they put their next season on halt due to a transformation of the coaching situation yet again.

“No one is exactly sure when we will have a new coach,” sophomore and varsity dancer Katie Kertzman said. “Hopefully soon because our tryouts were supposed to be at the beginning of march but have been postponed indefinitely.”

The coaching change all begun during the 2014-15 school year when the JV coach had a baby and had to leave before the school year started. Later, the JV team went months without a coach until Lindsay Brockmeier stepped up to the position.

The next year, varsity Coach Janell Byrd also decided to end her work with dance team. That is when the most recent coach, Emily Jung took the position of varsity coach while Brockmeier remained at the JV level. Due to this repeated change, members have had to adapt each year.

“Each year I have had to adjust to a new coaching style which has not been the easiest,” junior and varsity captain Shannon Stolte said. “However, it’s a fun experience to work with a fresh face each year.”

The team as a whole has their struggles transitioning from season to season but has been able to learn from it as well.

Although there may be some things to learn from, it has affected the team’s structure.

“As a team, I think it’s also partly struggling to form a bond,” Kertzman said. “However we have had to change some things, understandably, just because different coaches like things different ways and that has forced us to be more flexible and willing to mix things up,” Both varsity and JV are working to find a new coach and have been left in the dust to continue forward and prepare for next season. Although this year is not the first year the program has lost a coach, this time is different as there is not someone to hold the position for JV or varsity.

“When we received the news she quit we weren’t surprised but we were a little upset and honestly confused,” freshman and JV dancer Carly Whay said.

The reason for this constant change in leadership is unknown and quite possibly a coincidence or just plain unfortunate luck.

“Coaching dance team is a large commitment,” Stolte said. “It takes up a lot of time and I think a lot of coaches have left to spend that time on other focuses of their life.”

The role of a dance coach has many different aspects and although the team is looking for certain qualities in a coach, they are willing to try out anyone.

“Every member of the team really just is looking for someone that is excited to coach and is very committed,“ Kertzman said.

“As of now we are definitely willing to give anyone a try.”

Despite the fact that the team is upset about the loss in lead-

The varsity dance team along with varsity and JV coach wait for their flight to Nationals in February. “The coaches gave us many corrections as the could and reminded us that giving it our all is all that mattered at Nationals,” varsity captain Melissa Finn said. Photo courtesy of Melissa Finn

ership, Brockmeier’s guidance has taught and improved the skills and level of readiness for the participants.

“She’s given me a very clear idea about how I’m supposed to behave being on dance team at school and how much dedication and time varsity will take,” Whay said.

Sophomore runner builds off gymnastics background liad Lerner sports editor

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ophomore Eliana Liebman is using her background in gymnastics to become a star in track and field, and based off of her results from last year, it’s working.

“The two sports are actually very similar,” Liebman said. “A lot of what I did in gymnastics can be transferred to what I do now for my field events.”

Liebman was a gymnast at Hi-NRG Gymnastix for nine years from kindergarten to eighth grade and built up a pretty impressive resume there.

“During meets, I got first place on bars a lot, and I got first and second all-around a few times too,” Liebman said.

After eighth grade, though, a build-up of minor injuries and a coaching change had Liebman looking for a new sport to stay active during high school.

“Initially I wasn’t going to do track since I didn’t like running,” Liebman said. “But eventually my friend convinced me to try pole vaulting.”

However, pole vaulting did not end up being the right fit for Liebman and she bounced around the team in search of her best events.

“She had excellent flexibility and an explosive vertical leap right off the bat,” high jump coach Cameron Poole said. “In high jump you either have it or you don’t and right away I knew she had it.”

Long jump and triple jump coach Kathleen Burnett also noticed that Liebman had an immediate skill

for her events, praising her strong core and excellent balance, which allow her to stay upright during her powerful jumps.

Liebman’s skill in these key areas of the events are due, in large part, to her nine years of gymnastics.

“For high jump we do back-flip motions that I did a lot during floor routines,” Liebman said. “For triple jump we do deer runs which was a common warm-up exercise in gymnastics, and long jump is a combination of pike and sheep jumps, which were beam moves.”

The crossover of skills lead to an outstanding season for Liebman, as she broke the school freshman records for the long jump (16’10”) and high jump (4’10”). She made it to Sectionals for the long jump and Districts for the high jump and triple jump.

But she didn’t stop there. She overcame her objection to running and also qualified for State in the 4X200 and the 4X400 relays.

“As a freshman competing in State I felt a lot of pressure but it was really exciting,” Liebman said.

This season, Liebman wants to break the school’s long jump record of 18 feet, and compete in more running events as well. Her coaches have high hopes for the sophomore and think that she has a great opportunity to qualify for State.

“Last year she had to learn the events and she had to learn all of the mental strategies,” Burnett said. “Now she knows the events and she knows the mental part so I’m expecting great things from her.”

Sophomore Eliana Liebman warms up for her relay in the Sectionals meet in Mexico, Missouri on May 21. “Initially I wasn’t going to do track since I didn’t like running,” Liebman said. “But I like it now because I like to win.” Liebman will be hoping to follow up an outstanding freshman season with an even better sophomore one.

Sophomore Eliana Liebman warms up for her relay in the State meet at Washington University in Clayton, Missouri on May 27-28. “As a freshman competing in State I felt a lot of pressure but it was really exciting,” Liebman said.

Liebman will be competing in the upcoming Henle Holmes Invitational on April 12-13 at home. Photos courtesy of Eliana Liebman

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April 7, 2017

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catcher plays key role in team’s success Madeline Lee staff writer

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pitcher and a catcher must have a close connection in order for the baseball team to do well in games, and pitcher Luke Trail and catcher Carter Spradling, both seniors, have just that.

“I would say Carter is one of the best catchers I’ve ever worked with,” Trail said. “We are always together. Even if we aren’t playing, we are side by side in the dugout.”

Trail and Spradling have played together since they started the baseball program their freshman year and they have both been playing the sport since they were each about 5 years old.

They are both members of the varsity baseball team. “[Luke] has really good command of his fastball and has a good curve-ball,” Spradling said. “He can locate both pitches, get them to hit their spots. If you can’t hit the spots, you can’t pitch.”

One of Spradling’s biggest jobs as catcher is to keep the pitcher calm during games while they’re on the mound, and that includes Trail.

“Communication is a big thing,” Spradling said. “Just talking and seeing how they’re feeling that day, what pitches are working that day. I use my hands to tell them to calm down. If they start to get into their head they are going to start getting wild.”

Pitchers and catchers communicate through hand signals throughout most of the game; some signs include holding up a certain number of fingers, bringing both hands up and down. To a pitcher and catcher, that communication is essential in order to have success.

“When you have someone who has the same mindset as you, who understands the game, that makes the game a whole lot easier,” Trail said. “The pitcher and catcher are always talking indirectly through signs, so if they understand the game it makes it a whole lot easier and the results show. “

While the varsity team has only one catcher, baseball requires a rotation of pitchers so that one pitcher does not get too tired or hurt. Sophomore Benjamin Prywitch is one of the varsity pitchers along with Trail. “[Carter] acts like a leader; he makes sure that everyone’s in the game,” Prywitch said. “He can calm me down if I get mad, he can slow the game down.”

A catcher plays a vital role in a pitcher’s game; someone who can keep the pitcher in the right head-space, who can control the game to help out the team, and someone who can manage each play.

“You get the ball every single play,” Spradling said. “You’re like the captain, you’re a leader on the field. Plays stop and end with you.”

(Left side) On deck to bat, Carter Spradling (12) looks on in anticipation as he waits for his turn to hit.

Photo by John Jost.

(Right side) The batter strikes out as Carter Spradling (12) snatches the ball during the 2016 Busch Stadium game. Photo by John Jost.

Varsity boys basketball goes to state for first time in 14 years Garrett Lierman Entertainment editor

T

he boys varsity basketball team made history over spring break by being the first team to go to the State Final Four Tournament in 14 years. Although they lost the semi-final game in Columbia, Mo., on March 16, the road leading up to the game was historic in its own right, taking the boys to a new level of play.

“You had to be smart; you couldn’t make simple mistakes that would cost you the game,” sophomore Jayden Littlejohn said.

In the semi-final game, the boys played against Bolivar, losing 41-63. The next day the boys played against Kearney in the third place game, losing 40-50.

While playing against Bolivar the boys had a serious height disadvantage. The game against Kearney was lost simply based on strategy. Kearney outmaneuvered the boys around the baskets.

“The downfall was not being able to carry out the level of play from the District Tournament.” Ntimba said.

Despite the outcome, the challenges the boys overcame throughout the season were immense.

“One of our players lost his mom,” junior Devin Rice said. “It was really hard to overcome that, but we all played for her.”

During the District Championship, the team was informed that junior Arthur Green’s mother had died. The team had known she was ill and had written her name on their shoes to show support for her battle with cancer. She succumbed to her illness the day before District finals. Still, the boys pulled out a win against MICDS 55-43.

“Our strategy was just to play the same we’ve been playing because that’s what got us there,” senior Francis Ntimba said.

Leading up to the State tournament, Coach Rick Kirby advised the team to continue playing as they had during Districts: making snap decisions and making sure the other teammates knew where to be when that decision was made and focusing on defense.

The dedication of the team went deeper than just following instructions.

Ntimba chose not to go on a family trip to Hawaii to play in the State semi-finals. He stated that his family had been very supportive and had wished the very best for him and the team as a whole.

“I skipped for something extremely important,” Ntimba said, “something I’ll never experience for the rest of my life, with a group of guys I’ll forever call my brothers.”

The trip to the university was exciting for fans and players alike, although for more reasons than the games alone.

“One of the buses for students on the way to Mizzou broke down,” freshman Brooke Lierman said. “It was kind of a mess.”

Around 30 minutes into the ride to Columbia, the lead bus for the fans of the team pulled over followed by it’s compatriot.

The bus was leaking fluid and needed repairs. The students from the lead bus were instructed to move to the following bus. Students crowded four to five people per seat and passed the time by playing loud music on a speaker.

The varsity team took charter buses that were tasked with taking them not only to Columbia but anywhere around the city that they needed to go. When the team arrived at the campus they played video games and relaxed with one another.

“It was fun to go on such a cool journey with my brothers.”

Rice said.

Shooting over the top, junior DeAndre Campbell tries to make a bucket against Bolivar in the State semi-finals on March 16 at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Bolivar held a distinct height advantage over the boys with one player standing over 6 foot, 6 inches tall.

Photo by Kayla Benjamin

22 corRAL Day in the life of a ... counselor April 7, 2017

day in the life

Jessie Goldberg Staff WRiter

“I’m a counselor for students with last names starting with Lb-Ro”

“Students with the last name that starts with A-E”

“All students last names Ru-Z”

“I lived abroad in Belgium from 6th to the middle of 9th grade”

“I like to travel to different states and countries”

“I watch ‘The Bachelor’ and have a daughter who’s about to be two”

“In the morning, I look at emails from teachers and students”

“High school counselors are unique because we help plan for the future”

paul hussmann

“There are four counselors and we’re a team”

priscilla greenwood

lelia flagg

Jenny lange

“Students with last names of F-La” “We bridge the gap from middle school to college” “I’m so used to the unpredictability that it doesn’t throw me”

nana prange

Each day is a new day, especially for our counselors.

From checking email to meeting with students, an entirely scheduled day can be turned upside down. The daily discussion our counselors have reflect the ages of the students.

From conversations about friendships and romantic relationships to college and the future, these conversations frame the our lives as high school students.

Let’s check out what our counselors were doing on Wednesday, March 8.

“I am the Post Secondary and Assessment Counselor” “I work on life beyond PCH, I manage college preparedness tests, I’m the A+ coordinator, and I’m the department chair” “My position doesn’t exist in other Parkway high schools. We created this position because we wanted what was best for our families”

opinions

April 7, 2017

corRAL

23

Distance running demands respect Madeline Lee staff writer

The sports of cross country and distance track running are severely underrated, especially when other people believe that “all we do is run.”

As a cross country and track runner, I get annoyed when people say “all you do is run.” Sure, the sports are based on running and we compete in races, but there is so much more to the sport than that.

Distance running is pushing through the pain you feel after the first mile because you have two more left; distance running is sprinting up hills in order to get up what feels like a mountain; distance running is moving forward even if your shoes are filled with mud and your legs feel like lead; distance running is sprinting the last part of a mile-long race, trying to out-kick the person next to you.

When someone says “all you do is run,” it makes the sport seem easy. Yes, our practices are 90 percent running, but we also lift weights at least twice a week, do ten-minute ab sessions that make you feel like you’re on fire, and push our bodies to the absolute limit.

While other sports are canceled and comfortably inside due to heat, rain, snow, or ice, distance running is outside braving the elements.

Distance running requires speed, strength, and power, it requires profound mental strength. That is not to belittle other sports, but you cannot be weak mentally or physically and do well in the sport.

The varsity girls cross country team at the start of the Hazelwood West Terry Meatheany Invitational. Photo by Athena Stamos.

In addition to degrading the intensity of cross country and track, the rule that states that runners (regardless of gender) cannot run with their shirts off is stupid.

In St. Louis, the weather can easily exceed 80 degrees, overheating is a very real possibility. When running, you take whatever temperature it is outside and add 10-20 degrees in order to find what you should dress like. If it is 80 degrees, that can feel like 100 degrees to a runner.

The cross country and track teams should be able to take their shirts off when they run so that way they can not overheat, feel more comfortable in what little comfort they already have, and push themselves to do the best that they can in workouts

Theatre Myths - Reliable or No? Jessie goldberg staff writer

H

ave you ever heard that technicians leave a light on every time they leave so the theatre ghost doesn’t mess everything up? Have you ever heard that theatre kids never say “Macbeth” in the theater?

Well, I hate to break it to you, but I am a firm believer that these myths are absolutely ridiculous.

Leaving a Light on for the Nonexistent Ghost As a technician for seven years, I have never heard of technicians leaving a light on.

When it’s time to leave, it’s time to leave, and everything is turned off. There’s no reason to leave a light on because no one is going to mess with any of our stuff.

Secondly, have you ever seen a ghost?

No? Well, good, because I don’t think they exist. So, since there are no ghosts known in the world, there are no ghosts that will mess with our technical materials, and thus, no need to leave a light on.

The Unspoken Word is Just a Superstition While I have heard that theatre kids won’t say “Macbeth” in a theater, this myth is truly just a superstition. In other words, if I said “Macbeth” in the theater before one of our performances, I fully believe that it would do nothing to the performance. As theatre students, we are taught to solve all types of problems, under all circum-

stances. Saying the “unspoken word” is not going to change our abilities. Even our adult scenic designer has said “Macbeth” in our theater and our shows have still been phenomenal.

These myths are not worth your time: if you’re interested in theatre, come join us! We’ll prove that these superstitions are just superstitions.

without being inhibited by a piece of clothing.

Now, I understand why the rule was in place. We are teenage students and we do not want to attract the prying eyes of others. However, this is 2017; if we are responsible enough to run on roads without sidewalks then we should be able to use our good judgment and be able to take our shirts off when we need to.

All in all, cross country and track are sports which deserve more respect in terms of how others portray the sport, and how school rules limit the success of athletes.

seniors, we want to hear from you!

It is that time of year again. Tell us where you are going next year by direct messaging our Instagram @pch_corral or Twitter @pchcorral.

Check out the May issue for the list of your responses!

24 corRAL

spotlight

April 7, 2017

Ice, ice,

baby

freshman finds passion in figure skating since age 2 roya porshahidy staff writer

F

reshman Amber Wright has a big passion for figure skating, practicing every day at the rink with her team with strength and resilience to get better.

“Ice skating has been in my life so long that it feels like it’s a part of me, and I don’t know what I would do without it,” Wright said.

Wright’s interest in figure skating started very young, her love for the unique sport growing more every year as she devoted more and more time for the sport and becoming better and better.

“When I was 2 my parents took me to the Mills Mall, and I saw the ice rink there,” Wright said. “I put my face up against the glass watching other people figure skate, so my parents had me do public sessions.”

Just open skating sessions didn’t last long.

“When I was 5, they signed me up for lessons,” Wright said. “Now I’ve been skating for 13 years.”

Her days consist of school and skating, coming home from school and going to practice and still trying to make time for her homework and friends.

But there are some challenges to juggling skating, school, and friends.

“Yes, it conflicts with school and my social life,” Wright said. “Sometimes my friends plan stuff and I can’t go because I either have practice or a competition, and I can’t do activities at school because of it.”

Still, Wright said this routine has become normal.

“I’m used to it now so it doesn’t bother me too much,” Wright said.

While her schedule may seem repetitive, Wright said her love for the sport and the variety of tasks during her skating practice keep it fresh.

“For practices we usually warm up a bit, then we get started with our program and we either keep running through our program the whole practice or we change some things up that need to be changed,” Wright said.

With all the practices, and conflicts, the stress definitely can get to someone. She works through her doubts about skating and works harder.

“I have thought about quitting,” Wright said. “I just never did it because I would be giving up a part of my life.”

Wright said it has helped that her hard work is paying off. Last April she and her team won a national championship. That success, and her love for the sport, keep her going.

“Skating makes me motivated to get up in the morning,” Wright said.

Amber Wright performs with her teammates. Wright juggles school, her social life and skating but says she wouldn’t give up the sport she has grown to love. Photos courtesy of Amber Wright