December PCH Corral

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Parkway Central High School 369 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Volume 59, Issue 3, Dec. 12, 2014

Twitter’s role in Ferguson discussions pg. 3 Girl scout organizes Project Patriot drive pg. 5 Central’s paper usage third in district pg. 7

Adderall: the classroom drug pg. 12

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Dozen students make All-State Orchestra pg. 3

Dec. 12, 2014

“This year the dynamic is completely different.

We have so many people who are coming out for swimming who never have before.”

- senior Carly Beck pg. 21

Upperclassmen partake in shoe society pg. 8

Biannual show features student artists pg. 19

Ice creates travel problems pg. 4 Students begin half marathon program pg. 11 Metal band to produce EP pg. 20 Field hockey develops following pg. 21

Gibby’s food review: Humphrey’s pg. 18

Be on the lookout to find your story featured on Faces of PCH.

Corral News Online at parkwaynews.net/corral

Basketball teams overcome lack of height pg. 22

Holler at us!

Top 5 tweets will be featured next issue.

Follow us at @pchcorral

Dec. 12, 2014

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Students utilize Twitter to voice opinion over Ferguson events

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News in Brief Teachers earn National Board Certification

District partnership wins award

After launching a Community Education partnership in July to expand learning opportunities for all ages, Parkway and Rockwood School District received a 2014 Outstanding Local Government Achievement Award for Exemplary Intergovernmental Collaboration. This is awarded each year by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments to honor projects that contribute to the community.

All-Suburban Music

Twenty-one orchestra and two band students made their respective All-Suburban groups. The 21 orchestra members are the most out of any school in the area. The following list is of the members who made it:

A group of protesters stand on their phones during the first walkout held on Sept. 10, outside of school by the flag pole. Students posted words of support on Twitter and Vines of the walkout on social media. Photo by Piper Rother.

is difficult to express meaning with such few words.

“You have 140 characters to say something about an issue that’s worth so much more than 140 characters,” sophomore Miles Sanders said.

“It’s just not worth all the trouble to get into fights and arguments on Twitter.”

The discussions on Twitter brought up the issue of how the students felt on the shooting of Michael Brown, but they developed into discussions of the people in Ferguson, issues of race and opinions of law enforcement.

“I can’t be mad at other people because everybody is entitled to their own opinion; it’s just sad that this is the world we live in,” Cox-Bradley said.

Although Chesterfield is about 20 miles from Ferguson, many students hold a greater connection than simply what they see on the news or online.

“I grew up in Ferguson, I go to Ferguson every weekend, my grandma lives there,” Cox-Bradley said. “It’s not what people make it out to be; honestly, it’s not the bad place you see on TV, it’s really not.”

Other students also have a strong relations to the events in Ferguson.

“My connection to Ferguson is that I live about 10 minutes away,” Petty said. “It does affect me in a way that it’s close to me in proximity. I also have family and friends that live there.”

Protests and walkouts arise following events in Ferguson

Orchestra Joshua Adams Michelle Augustine Claire Huang Vincent Gao Dagmar Smith Jonathan Yn Xin Zhang Catherine Suchko Annika Eckenrode Ani Gururaj Terrence Huang Krishny Karunanandaa Anusha Manjunath Brian Tang Eva Shanker Lucas Shanker Sharanya Kumar Sean Kim Tori Strege Naomi Urnes Courtney Berghoff Band Joshua Adams Daniel Kim

Teacher of the Year

A group of protesters sign a poster with their words of support during a walkout that took place at noon on Monday, Dec. 1. The students were encouraged to write a phrase or a hashtag such as “#BlackLivesMatter.”

Seniors Corey Fox, Harley Whitehouse and Alec Davison discuss their support of the police officers with principal Tim McCarthy on Thursday, Dec. 4. A rally for law enforcement took place on the track after school.

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Math teachers Melissa Hoorman, science teacher Jen Meyer and PE/Health teacher Terri O’Leary received the National Board Certification. This requires a series of tests and projects that results in a salary raise.

DEAN TRAIL Managing Editor

fter the verdict deciding not to indict officer Darren Wilson, students aiming to voice their opinions took to social media to tell their followers how they felt.

“Twitter helped me voice my opinion because I think it’s hard to speak out about the issue,” sophomore Mya Petty said. “When you’re online, it’s more comfortable and it lets more people hear my opinion. I can’t go up to everyone and tell them how I feel, so it’s easier to use Twitter.”

Discussions between students on Twitter began leading up to St. Louis County’s Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch’s announcement from the grand jury, which stated Wilson would not be tried in the court of law.

“I think I had a good discussion with some people, but with other people, they were just aggressive in the way that they were tweeting at me,” junior Simona Koverman said. “I was trying to be mature about it and just voice my opinion.”

The majority of the Twitter debates were held peacefully, but others went less smoothly.

“I understand that many people’s opinions aren’t the same as mine,” Petty said. “I don’t like when people voice their opinions and they’re disrespectful and they offend people.”

Twitter users replied to others with opposing opinions, sparking contested debate on the issue.

“I was looking at Twitter as an open discussion,” senior Jarrett Cox-Bradley said. “It was me sitting down having conversations with people. They felt what they felt about the situation, and I felt how I felt about the situation.”

Others look at these tweets differently, contesting that using social media isn’t the appropriate way to voice an opinion because it

News

German teacher Amy McMahon was named Teacher of the Year for the building. McMahon was nominated by her colleagues and selected by the faculty.

Virtual Learning

Beginning next fall, students will have the opportunity to complete certain courses entirely online through the district’s virtual learning program. Classes will be limited to 20 students districtwide and can be added to a full courseload or taken in place of an in-school course.

The offered courses are: Personal Finance (2 classes) Health (2 classes) Sociology (1 class) Foundations of Video Game Design (1 class) AP Statistics (1 class) AP Art History (1 class) Sophomore Anthony Blatter leads a chant of “Hands up, don’t shoot” outside of the school’s front doors during the Dec. 1 walkout. “I was spreading awareness for Mike Brown,” Blatter said. Photos by Dean Trail.

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Dec. 12, 2014

Ice day escapades

Did the weather cause you problems getting to school on Monday Dec. 1?

DEAN TRAIL Managing Editor

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Senior Rosie Weber

No

“I just had ankle surgery and I slipped on some ice in the school parking lot and almost broke it again. It hurts really bad.”

30%

Yes

70%

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Senior Caroline Peck

“I was driving to school but was going to stop at Montgomery bank on my way. So I got in the turning lane and when I did, my cart slid on the ice into the lane next to me. I tried to gain control but I couldn’t and my car went in a half circle on Olive, making me face the wrong way. I cried and called my mom. When I calmed down and no cars were coming, I turned back around and went to school.”

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Junior Conner Ripp

“The outer road was completely covered in ice and wasn’t salted at all. Most of the streets in my neighborhood weren’t salted at all. My dad had trouble getting me to school.

Other people that usually drive me did not drive, so I had to ride with my dad.”

“I pulled out of my house, which is on Olive. I was driving to the intersection at River Bend and the light was red, so I slowed down a lot because I knew it was slippery. I was going like .8 miles per hour but I kept sliding and I was going to collide with the car in front of me. I had to turn my car, I ended up horizontal. After the light turned green, I drove on to school.”

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Freshman Eddie Ross

“I was walking off the bus and BOOM I fell on the concrete. I was walking up to the school and BOOM I fell again.”

Junior Cody Van Oppen

“The first problem I had was pulling off onto Conway off of Chesterfield Parkway. My car turned completely sideways in the right turn lane. When I parked in the parking lot, I parked down in the Jewish Center Lot, and my car slid on the ice all the way into the car next to me and put a dent in that persons car.”

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Senior Celine Yn

Junior Amanda Herman

“I was driving to school and my windows was completely iced over, so I had no idea if there were any cars coming. My brakes didn’t work, I couldn’t stop at certain times and it was really scary. I also slipped while walking in.”

Senior Gracie Devasto

“I was walking into school on the median and my crutches couldn’t catch the grip. They slid out from underneath me and I fell off the median on to the ground. The second time I fell, I was walking into my house on the driveway. My crutches got on the ice again, my crutches flew behind me and my foot flew forward so I fell of my butt.”

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Junior Austin Page

“The bus didn’t come the first time so I went home after that for about thirty minutes.

My mom called the school to bring up a bus.

We got to ride with the elementary school, it was the most fun thing ever. I ended up sitting in one of the kids seats and that kid told the bus driver, ‘That older kid is in my seat. Where should I sit?’ The bus driver told the kid he could sit wherever. He looked at me and sat down in the seat next to me. He started talking to the other kids, they all started looking at me weird. When they all got off the bus they said goodbye to me, it was funny.”

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Senior Whitney Vespa

“I was driving with my friend to school and the car wouldn’t stop, so we ended up swerving and driving on the sidewalk.”

Dec. 12, 2014

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Project Patriot collects thousands of items the driving force behind Project Patriot.

“It was Myra’s idea,” Robinson said. “So we’re basically just here to help her, like disore than 5,000 items were donattribute the boxes, and get the word out, and ed to the Veterans Affairs medmake the banners and stuff like that.” ical center at Jefferson Barracks Dotzel said she is proud of the outcome through Project Patriot, a program run by of the project. sophomore Myra Dotzel. Dotzel has a deep “Right now I’m really really busy; I’m connection connection to the military. taking five honors classes, I’m taking piano “Just about every guy on my dad’s side lessons, I have art lessons,” Dotzel said. “De(f the family) has been a veteran,” Dotzel spite all that, I still find time in my day to said. “It’s a big, huge part of my life.” do good, to give back to the community.”

Dotzel is working to get her Girl Scout Dotzel recognizes the need for soldier Myra Dotzel (sixth) worked with a team from ProjectHelp to complete her Project Patriot drive for veterans, including Gold Award, which prompted her to start Rashawn Aldridge, Reina Kim, Uchral Tsolmonkhuu, Haneal Baik, Donald Reen, Lyann Chen, Jessica Volpe, Pujita Ravichanappreciation. the project. dar, Song Vu Nguyen, Udval Tsolmonkhuu and Jorris Robinson. Photo courtesy of Myra Dotzel.

“I think it’s a big issue because people “I feel like I still would’ve done the projjust don’t give them enough credit for what “It’s taking the soldier boxes to a whole different level,” ect without Girl Scouts, but it just wouldn’t they do,” Dotzel said. “They send these soldiers out, and some Tsolmonkhuu said. “It’s not just a certain group of veterans, have been as big,” Dotzel said. of them lose their lives; they lose their health, their families, it’s an overall large population of veterans that we’re targetThe project ran from Nov. 10-21 and there were collecanything, and then they’re supposed to come back and just ing this year.” tion boxes in three locations outside of the school. At Green pick up where they left off. It’s impossible.”

Besides just being bigger than the soldier boxes, Project Trails Elementary 1,771 items were collected, 1,120 at Sam’s Many soldiers find that when they get back home, they Patriot addresses a slightly different issue, because the solClub, 55 at a private business, and 1,215 at Myra’s church. don’t know how to start their lives again after experiencing dier boxes went to active soldiers while fighting, rather than “There was definitely more than I expected to get,” Dotzel war. Recently returned veterans have high risks of homelessstruggling veterans at home. said. “But, the more the merrier!” ness, as well as emotional disorders and suicide.

“The reason that we were so enthusiastic about being Dotzel was not the only one happy about the the flood of “When they come back, it’s like you just plop them back involved in this is because while it’s wonderful to support donations. Even aside from the other locations, the number into society and tell them to be normal again, and they our troops overseas; those men and women come home and of items collected at school -- 1,161 -- was also a pleasant can’t,” Robinson said. don’t always have the resources to really live the type of life surprise.

Veteran care is a continuous need in U.S. society. the rest of us enjoy,” ProjectHelp sponsor Mrs. Laura Lukows“We’ve actually had a lot of donated items, not just a few “I think that [veteran care] will always be a perpetual ki said. “This is something where we could support Myra and here and there,” senior Udval Tsolmonkhuu, co-president of issue, because as long as you keep on sending them overseas really give back to our veterans.”

ProjectHelp said. to war, their problems are never going to end,” Dotzel said.

Project Patriot was important to the student leaders in One reason that the project was able to grow was the aid “We’re always going to need to keep up with them and serve ProjectHelp as well. of ProjectHelp community service group. them as they’ve served us.”

“I feel it’s really important to support our soldiers,” “Project Help, with Mrs. Lukowski and the board of execs, Those involved with Project Patriot said that and other Project Help co-president senior Jorris Robinson said. “I have and all the volunteers were really, really supportive,” Dotzel soldier charities go a long way toward helping out. family members of my own in the Army--retired veterans. said.

“I feel like if a lot of people contribute to the cause, then We always want to do something like this each year, so even ProjectHelp put its donation efforts toward Project Patriot it’s not going to be totally solved, but it will make a big difstudents remember that our freedom has a price.” instead of its usual veteran support project, soldier boxes. ference,” Tsolmonkhuu said.

Despite all the support ProjectHelp gave, Dotzel was still KAYLA BENJAMIN Staff Writer

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Revamped gender-specific talks yield positive feedback KIRK RANDOLPH Entertainment Editor

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evamping a school tradition, the annual “For Men Only” and “For Women Only” talks took place on Nov. 18 and 20, respectively, with a few changes from years prior.

“I used to make it a full-day program for a small group of no more than 25 students,” assistant principal Carletta Harlan said.

“They were given a continental breakfast and lunch. This year we decided to open it up fo the whole school with a few tweaks along the way.”

These changes did not seem to hurt the process, as 50 students attended each talk, and Harlan said she was able to give the sudents the experience of hearing inspirational messages.

“It gave young men and women a chance to talk with peers and adult speakers,” Harlan said. “It let the young people know they could achieve against all odds.”

The speakers consisted mainly of faculty members invited by Harlan.

“Dr. Harlan asked me based on some conversations we had before,” art teacher David Jafari said. “She thought I had an interesting story to tell.”

These faculty members, including Jafari, shared their personal stories to connect to a lesson they wanted to get across to the kids.

“I talked about how I managed to make it from high school to this point in my life,” Jafari said. “I also offered some tips and strategies to help young men.”

Attempting to make this an interactive experience, Harlan added

time at the end of the sessions for what she felt was an important part of the experience.

“After the speakers spoke, we invited kids to ask questions or share stories of their own,” Harlan said. “It was quite emotional and supportive. That was the intent when I first started this program.”

Harlan said she sees the effect on the students.

“At one point in the ‘For Women’ talk, I thought about getting a counselor in there because emotions were so high,” Harlan said.

“Everybody was OK though.”

Jafari, as well as the other speakers such as history teacher Cameron Poole, loved being involved in the event.

“Just knowing that our stories identify with other kids’ thoughts and stories was great,” Poole said.

Poole said he felt that he was doing much more than simply telling a story.

“Some kids look at teachers as not actual people, so it kind of humanizes teachers to say we went through the same things and dealt with the same things that students face on a daily basis,” Poole said.

Students like senior Spencer Kraus had similar feelings about the experience.

“It was interesting to hear their stories,” Kraus said. “All three of the teachers really aren’t as far removed from high school as people think, which makes them easy to relate to.”

Jafari echoed Kraus’s thoughts, noting that many students took a liking to the event.

“Since the talk I’ve had some kids that I had never met before come into my room and ask me some questions looking for suggestions,” Jafari said. “I think some good has already come out of it.”

Students React Senior Caroline Fenton:

“It was really cool to see a side of the teachers outside of school and see that they have experienced things that were going through now so we can talk to them for advice and anything we need.”

Senior Jonny Duqum:

“It’s a good experience because it allows you to understand how others dealt with negativity throughout their life and how they turned their issues into a building block to becoming successful.”

Senior Allie Edelman:

“I originally went because it was going to get me out of class, but it turned out to be something I really enjoyed, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to attend it. The teachers shared some personal stuff that a lot of us girls could relate to, and it was comforting to know that they were once in the same position.”

Senior Taylor Thompson:

“It was cool to see all the girls from different social circles come together and support each other.”

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Stately Photos and captions compiled

by CORRAL STAFF

Dec. 12, 2014

12 players named to all-Missouri group on Dec. 6 with most from one school

Strings

senior Julie Nguyen (viola): “It’s all about getting a range of how much you play, bowing and technique. I went into the audition thinking that was not my best, but you don’t have to play your best because it’s all about managing your stress. If you can get through the experience and learn to calm yourself and calm your nerves, that can help out with other things.” senior Will Crock (violin i), junior Jinghang Zhang (violin ii): “The notes were really easy to learn, but that means it’s easy for everyone else too, so you have to up your standards,” Zhang said. “There is always nervousness with any kind of playing, so the audition was stressful. I made it the past two years so I felt like that increased my chances.”

“This is the third time I’ve been,” Crock said. “Getting to spend four days at Tan-Tar-A with your friends and just playing music is honestly a blast; it’s one of my favorite weekends of the year.”

freshman Anusha Manjunath (violin i): “I honestly didn’t think I was going to get in because I’m a freshman. When I found out I made it, at first I didn’t believe; I thought there was something wrong with the website. Then I refreshed the page, and was like, ‘Oh wow, I really got in.’” junior JP Byrne (bass): “I felt accomplishment when I found out I had made it because I knew the time I spent preparing wasn’t wasted. I hadn’t been in it the past years, even though I auditioned. Even being rejected the first two years helped me become a better musician.”

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Lucas Shanker (cello): “I got first chair which means I am principal of the cello section. It was pretty exciting because I’ve never been principal or anything like that before, so it was cool. I had to prepare a solo and some excerpts.

I practiced like an hour or more every day for it.” junior Gajan Kumar (violin ii): “I practiced for about an hour a day for about three weeks. Usually if you play for other people before your audition it helps a lot. I honestly expected to make it because I’ve made it before.” sophomore Josh Adams (cello): “Since the orchestra is the best of the best in the state, it’s a lot more fun to be in and I get to make more friends. I also auditioned on trombone for state band. So I had the choice between 5th chair trombone and cello. There’s a lot of practicing. I take private lessons with a teacher and practice for an hour. Ideally I’m supposed to practice an hour a day.”

senior Maggie Mueller (viola): “I practiced a lot before I went and worked with my private teacher. This is my second year being in All-State. I’m happy I guess; I was in it last year, so it’s not that big of a deal.” junior Sharanya Kumar (viola), sophomore Amy An (cello), junior Sarah Madsen (cello alternate 1): “It’s not really hard to learn it. You just have to make it really good,” Kumar said. “I wasn’t very nervous because I had a long time to practice and two hours before my audition time.”

“I was really surprised I got in because I knew I didn’t do that well on my audition,” An said.

“I was kind of happy but disappointed too because I made it last year, and I am an alternate this year,” Madsen said.

Dec. 12, 2014

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for

Paying Paper

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7.7M

pieces of paper used by the four high schools

MATT FRISCHER Editor in Chief

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aper. It’s a staple of almost every classroom, a canvas for notes, tests and learning alike.

The Corral talked to Parkway Director of Finance Brian Whittle to get a sense of how much paper is used, both by the school and in the entire district.

Central has the third highest paper usage out of all buildings in the district, placing it as one of three Parkway schools that used more than 2 million pieces of paper in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

All numbers, unless otherwise specified, refer to Central and to the 2013-14 fiscal year.

cartons of paper used

pieces of paper used

$148,379

spent districtwide on paper

$10,254

spent on paper

31M

pieces of paper used by the entire district

$41,481 combined money spent by the four district high schools in one fiscal year

Central’s rank among high schools in amount of paper used, more than only Parkway North

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Dec. 12, 2014

ociety

Members buy, sell and trade shoes through community JEFFREY EIDELMAN and ROBERT SHIFRIN Sports Editor and Staff Writer

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ttempting to get their feet wet in new activities, certain students have discovered a shoe society through Facebook in which people in the St. Louis area can purchase, sell and trade sneakers.

A few Facebook groups pertain to the St. Louis area specifically, and the largest one consists of a few thousand members.

“I’m on there basically daily looking for deals and information on new shoes that are coming out,” senior Jack Lieberman said. “It’s also cool to see the collections that guys have made over the years.”

Some people believe shoes can tell others about their personality, lifestyle and swagger. Lieberman has his own ideas.

“I think it’s a cool way to express yourself,” Lieberman said. “Not a lot of people choose shoes as a way to express your style, and I think it’s a cool way to do it.”

Lieberman has a certain style that he enjoys searching for.

“At first I looked for flashiness and uniqueness, but more recently I’ve looked for comfort,” Lieberman said.

Senior Andrew Kaiser is also a part of the sneaker society. He also looks for specific qualities while interested in shoes.

“I look for the colorway of the shoes, and I don’t to wear anything that’s too ugly or I wouldn’t wear a lot,” Kaiser said. “I look for condition if I’m buying a used shoe; I don’t want anything beat up. I pay atten-

tion to the model of the shoe and if I like the design of it in general.”

Hearing about it from a friend, senior Erick Stephens joined the community a little over a year ago.

Similar to Kaiser and Lieberman, Stephens looks for comfort and style, as well as high top shoes. However, he also enjoys shoes for a different reason.

“I like limited shoes because not everyone can get them,” Stephens said. “It feels good to be the only one with them.”

Stephens also looks up to celebrities, which has slightly sparked his interest in shoes.

“I think shoes are stylish, and I’ve always liked Michael Jordan,” Stephens said. “I think it’s cool to wear the shoes that NBA players are wearing.”

The most Stephens has spent on shoes in this community has been $250 for a pair of Kevin Durants. Lieberman recently purchased a limited edition pair of shoes for about $210. Kaiser has spent $320 on a certain pair yet still doesn’t consider his love of shoes an addiction.

“Shoes are just a hobby; they come last,” Kaiser said. “If I have to pay for something important, shoes come last. It’s just excess money.”

On the Facebook group itself, members must be granted access by an admininistrator. After that, people post pictures of their shoes, including condition and the price they are seeking. Then people will comment if they are interested in buying or perhaps trading.

“I go on it every day mostly,” Kaiser said. “It’s fun to see what people do.”

Photos courtesy of Lieberman, Kaiser and Stephens

Dec. 12, 2014

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Anime Club continues to gain members DANIELLE SEROTA Opinions Editor

Birthday card,” Brown said. “It made my entire life. That was one of the best things I could have ever hoped for.”

Brown has little time left to make new memories with nspired by the morals that amine teaches, Senior Alpin the club. He is graduating early at semester and is making Brown founded the Anime Club first semester last year. plans for who will take over the leadership duties.

Anime is a Japanese style of motion-picture animation, “When I graduate, Rodney Walton is going to take characterized by highly stylized, colorful art, futuristic over for me,” Brown said. “He is going to do a fantastic settings, violence, and sexuality. job ,and I’m really proud of him. I can’t wait for him to “Watching anime as I grew up taught me to be kind take over and show that he is a leader.” to my friends and take care of everyone I love,” Brown Leadership responsibilities include making sure everysaid. “I started Anime Club because I like those ideals and one knows when meetings are, choosing which anime to wanted to share them with everyone else.” watch and screening them for appropriateness, organizing Starting the club was relatively simple, according to the meetings and collecting money, finding new memBrown. He asked permission from assistant principal Mr. bers, and much more.

Travis Fast, asked science teacher Ms. Becky Orth to be Anime Club is always looking for new members and the teacher supervisor and planned the first meeting from invites students to join whether they are habitual viewers there. or are just looking for a new interest.

“The first meeting we only had about eight people,” Some members were already committed anime viewBrown said. “Nowadays we have 20 people on average; it Students view anime after school on Monday, Dec. 1, in Ms. Becky Orth’s room. All students ers, while others had little prior experience before joining usually varies, but we’ve had up to 50 people.” are welcome to come to the weekly viewings immediately following the bell. Photo by the club. Leyman, for example, came to his first meeting Since its start last year, Anime Club has grown in num- Danielle Serota to be with his friends, not expecting to enjoy it as much ber and purpose. as he did. takes part. The club had a Special Olympics booth this year and “People came to me and said that anime was like a sanctuary “I didn’t really have a huge interest in anime before joining plans to continue this event. Club members have also made for them,” Brown said. “The members really enjoy the club.” the club,” Leyman said. “I mean I had watched shows that evsome greater long-term goals.

The club meets every Monday in Orth’s room after school erybody watched like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z, but it wasn’t “We are raising money in order to get club t-shirts,” junior for about one hour. until I joined Anime Club that I got into the less-known stuff.”

Rodney Walton said. “But our ultimate goal, if we can save “Usually at meetings we watch the first episode of any parLeyman encourages all students to try it out, regardless of enough money, is to go to an anime convention.” ticular anime,” sophomore Ian Leyman said. “After we watch experience.

Of his many experiences with the club, Brown said that his the episode, we discuss whether we liked it or not and whether “Really you can just come to one of our meetings and just favorite memory was when the club had a birthday celebration or not we would continue the series at home.” say, ‘Hey, I want to watch some anime today’ and they’ll just be for him last year.

Watching anime is not the only activity in which the club like ‘alright! come on in’,” Leyman said.

“So many people came and they made me a huge Happy

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Math Team sets high goals for season KIRK RANDOLPH Entertainment Editor

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he football field or basketball court is not the only place where groups of students show off teamwork. The math team puts in plenty of work as members strive to reach high goals this year.

“Last year we made state and did well there,” junior Jinghang Zhang said. “After that, some of us went to regionals, and I’m hoping we can do that again.”

A top 10 finish in the state takes a journey to get to, starting with practices.

“Practices happen about twice a month, and they vary in format,” senior Terence Huang said. “If we have an important contest coming up, Mr. Lehmann will give us packets of practice problems to work on. If there’s nothing coming up, we will look at interesting math topics.”

There is some teamwork involved in these practices.

“Sometimes we will meet, do some problems and go over strategies,” Zhang said. “We will go over formulas we may need or ways of problem-solving.”

Once this work is done, the team moves on to competitions that can prove to be challenging.

“There are different rounds of timed tests,” senior Minki Kim said. “There is a set of problems that you have to solve in an hour, and some are team-based. Then there are relays where the first person solves a problem that will help the next person solve theirs.”

This was a similar format to the Excellence of Mathematics competition the team participated in earlier this year at Faust Park.

“We did really well,” Zhang said. “Our school got first place in April and possibly regionals in May. for the freshman, junior and senior teams, and the sophomores Senior members, such as Huang, are excited about the team got second place. We had a lot of people place individually and beyond this year as well. get awards as well.”

“I strongly encourage students, underclassmen especially, While this is just a taste of success, team members expect the to come check us out if you like math, are good at math, are trend to continue as they hold high hopes for the future. looking for something to put on your college app, or just want “Our presence has grown stronger in the school from last to hang with people as ridiculously cool as me,” Huang said. year,” Huang said. “The team was mostly juniors, and we were pretty successful, but this year we’ve got quite a few more members spanning across all grade levels.”

Bigger doesn’t always Shooting for 1st necessarily mean better but, in place in state this case, the team is more than after finishing happy to welcome the extra second a year numbers. ago “We have more experience, which will help, but we also have more underclassmen, freshmen which could be a good thing newcomers because they have more time to practice for the competitions,” teams compete Kim said. in each comproblems max in petiton This leaves the team with each competiton, a lot of excitement heading all varying from into competitions later this individual to relay year, such as the Harvard-MIT format. competition in February, state

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members in total

GSA continues community work despite leadership change KAYLA BENJAMIN Staff Writer

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he Gender-Sexuality Alliance works to educate and make change within and beyond the LGBTQ community.

“I would say the goal of the GSA is to make things better, not just for trans or gay people, but for everyone in general,” GSA member sophomore Evan Goodwin said.

One way that goal is accomplished is through education.

“We do a lot of education things,”past GSA president and senior Sterling Waldman said. “If people ever stop by on a Monday, we might be learning about something, or we might be planning an action to educate.”

Members take pride in being able to discuss LGBTQ topics with knowledge and openness.

“When people say, ‘What does that word even mean?’ we can answer those questions,” Waldman said.

The focus on education comes from a push toward open-mindedness and acceptance of all people.

“Being in the GSA has shown me that there’s more than just As part of its education and awareness gay, straight and bi,” programs and fundraisers, the GSA often sells and displays colorful and humorous current president senior pins. Photo by Kayla Benjamin.

Alpin Brown said. “There’s tons -- there’s a whole spectrum of everything, and it’s all amazing.”

The group also does fundraisers. Most recently, group members sold pins, posters and flowers to contribute to and raise awareness for Transgender Remembrance Day. In addition, the organization works to change rules that are unfair or marginalizing.

“We also do a lot of work on district-level policy,” Waldman said. “A lot of our work is on ‘school pushout,’ which is the policies and practices that push marginalized students out of school. That targets students of color, students with disabilities and, obviously, LGBT students.”

Right now, Parkway is discussing the issue of transgender students using the bathrooms of the gender they identify with. This kind of work is especially relevant in Parkway, where, according to Waldman, approximately 1 in 70 students identify as transgender -- a higher than average percentage.

Parkway’s GSA has won multiple honors, includFreshman Spencer Newberry prepares to take on the role of the GSA’s president next ing a national award from MTV over the summer. semester. Photo by Kayla Benjamin.

Three years ago, there were only about three people at a GSA meeting; now there are 15 to 20 members at Even though Newberry only joined the GSA at the begineach one. And even as Alpin Brown gets ready to graduate a ning of this school year, GSA has already become a big part of semester early, the GSA has big plans to continuing growing.

Newberry’s life.

“I’d love to see more members,” Brown said. “We already “I’m a part of the LGBTQ community, and I respect everyhave a good amount of members, but it’d definitely be cool if one in it,” Newberry said. “And I would like people to have a we had more. And maybe just more people comfortable with safe environment at school.” coming and feeling like they were brave enough to come.”

The GSA also focuses on youth in general, not just LGBTQ Incoming president freshman Spencer Newberry plans for kids and teens. the GSA do keep doing what it has been doing, but do more.

“Especially in this school year, I’ve realized that young “My plans for being president are to raise more awareness,” people have a lot of power,” Waldman said. “They can make Newberry said, “and have more discussions about LGBTQ amazing amounts of change.” stuff.”

Dec. 12, 2014

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Trainees work toward half marathon EMILY SCHENBERG PRODUCTION MANAGER

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articipating with St. Louis Students On The Go!, students are enduring a 20 week training program to run/ walk a half marathon set for April 12, 2015.

“The Go! St. Louis Marathon is recruiting and trying to get a community of runners,” sponsor Ms. Terry O’Leary said. “St. Louis Students On The Go! is a program for 9-12 graders looking to get into a running routine.”

For $25, students get three complimentary entries into major St. Louis running/walking events “Right now there are about 48 students signed up to participate and about 25 actively training,” O’Leary said. “I also have six volunteer assistant teachers which help with training sessions after school.”

Participants and volunteers earn complimentary shoes, race shirts, finisher jackets and more.

“Who wouldn’t want to do this?,” senior Sarah Abraham said.

“You get a ton of free things and some great motivation to be healthy and stay active, which I need.”

Training starts with a 15 minute walk/run and increases each week to condition the trainees for the 13.1 miles.

“I am definitely not a runner,” Abraham said. “I do want to get in better shape, and I was looking for something I could keep up with and help me become more active in the long run.”

Students must attend at least three practices a week. Those who can’t attend can use the “MapMyRun” app to track their distance and time.

“There is so much going on during the week I can’t always make it to the practices,” senior Stephen He said. “I still want to show them that I am keeping up with the training and staying on track, so I use the app to help me do that.”

There are scholarship opportunities available for high school seniors.

“Of course I thought about the scholarship oppor-

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Corral Perks of training for Students on the Go -Free entries into three major races -New shoes -Finishers jacket -Race Shirts -Scholarship Opportunities tunity,” Abraham said. “A lot of us are heading off to college and it would be nice to get that extra boost, but again that is just one of the added bonuses to this program.”

Awards will be presented to the top five ladies and gentlemen for the GO! St. Louis Half Marathon.

“Honestly I am not going for some big award here,” Abraham said.

“I just want to become healthier and find a routine to stay more active.

I’d be very shocked if I won any type of award, I just want to say, ‘Hey, I ran a half marathon.’”

Though this is the first year at Central, the program is a growing community containing over 10 high schools in the St. Louis area already.

“We want to create a community of runners,” O’Leary said. “We hope that each year this program will grow and get more and more students and that we will actually want to run and continue doing so.”

Features

Staying fit during the holidays HANNA WHITEHOUSE News Editor

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s the holidays roll around, opportunities to eat unhealthy foods begin to accumulate. To accommodate for this increase in fat intake, students find many different ways to stay in shape during the holidays.

Go to the Gym

“I like working out cause it’s fun but it’s also a stress reliever. That’s why I first started, and even though my seasons over I still work out now to stay in shape.”

-Senior Rennell Payne

Banta’s Winter Conditioning

“It’s good because I’m a lot more motivated to show up and work hard when I’m running with other people than I am if I’m training on my own.”

-Junior Kara Stark

Freshman Allison Leven and junior Kara Stark warm up on the track during Banta’s Winter Conditioning on Dec. 8. Photo by Dean Trail.

Tae kwon do

“I work on my form and kicking and that helps me prepare for all the food of the holidays. It’s a good way to burn calories.”

-Senior Yun Jun

Dancing

“When I go ballroom dancing I forget about all my problems because I can think about my dance moves and getting them in time with the music. It’s mental and physical.”

-French teacher Ms. Lori Turnage

Participate in a Winter Sport

“My favorite part of swimming is when it’s done because then I can eat a lot.”

-Sophomore Danae Smith

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Dec. 12, 2014

Students utilize Adderall to strengthen scores ROBERT SHIFRIN, KATE MCNEAL and MATT FRISCHER Staff Writer, Features Editor and Editor in Chief

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tilized throughout school for varying reasons, Adderall and its generic counterparts have a consistent, even regular, presence in backpacks.

Prescribed Purpose

The medical use of Adderall is to treat those students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

ADHD is considered common among a wide range of students, often discovered in students who shout out answers, can’t wait their turn and cannot act socially appropriate for their age.

“There are three sets of symptoms, two hyper, one of which is can’t sit still, fidgets and makes noise, and mostly just don’t slow down and think before you act,” child psychiatrist Dr. Scott Trail said. “Socially, with teenagers, one is a lot of stepping on other people’s toes and saying things that offend people, not realizing it, and arguing with their parents. The third symptom is just attention; how long can you focus?, can you retain what you’re reading?, that kind of thing.”

These symptoms were echoed by those that have been diagnosed with ADHD, their struggles focusing proving most prominent.

“I can’t focus on the same thing,” senior Corey Fox said. “Let’s say I’m doing research on the computer: I’ll open up a new tab and go to Facebook in 15 seconds.”

ADHD is a disease not commonly developed in high school but can be diagnosed at different times.

“Theoretically, it’s the way you’re wired from birth,” Trail said. “Depending on how bad the ADHD is, how much of a troublemaker you are in grade school versus just an attention problem, how smart you are to cover for your grades. A small percentage are diagnosed in high school, but most of them have troubles soon enough it’s before then.”

Adderall is a stimulant, a drug that increases activity in the brain, and works to treat ADHD through the brain.

“It’s supposed to increase dopamine levels, affecting the frontal lobes of the brain, which helps with concentrating, filtering incoming sensory information; it helps you focus on one thing instead of whatever else you see and hear,” Trail said. “And then executive functioning, which is the whole memory process of getting from hearing it to

*All student sources in this article are current Parkway Central students.

Some of their names have been changed to protect their identities.

remembering it to getting it to long-term memory.”

Trail is familiar with Adderall and its generic versions, as eight to 10 out of the 15 kids he sees a day “are on ADHD medicines.”

Students who are prescribed the drug seem to feel its intended effects.

“It’s very difficult for me to stay focused, but with the Adderall, it stabilizes what I’m trying to think about,” Fox said. “It allows me to say, ‘I need to do this and I’m going to get it done.’”

Non-prescribed Use

Many take Adderall without being diagnosed with ADHD, most commonly in an effort to better focus at school or while doing homework and studying.

“It’s like steroids for school,” junior James Smith* said. “If you have a lot to do and you know it’s going to take all night, and you know you’re not going to be able to stay focused, you take Adderall and you stay focused through the night.”

Smith takes Adderall about three times a month, for reasons varying from studying for a test to actually taking one.

“On the ACT I didn’t have any time problems because I was never distracted,” Smith said.

Similar to Smith, junior Michael Taylor* takes Adderall as a way to stay focused on his work. Taylor tends to use it more sparingly, taking only two or three times every six months.

“There have been a couple times where I’ve really felt like I have too much on my plate,” Taylor said. “The nights I took it, whether I want to admit it or not, I got more done, and it showed on the results the next day. It’s beneficial for that reason.”

Both Smith and Taylor, along with sophomore Mary Lewis,* acquire the drug easily at school or find other sources.

“It’s kind of easy to get it around school, but I also have access to it at home,” Lewis said.

Similarly, senior Richard Reynolds* gets Adderall from his sister.

“My sister was prescribed Adderall because she has ADHD and when she took

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Societal pressures turn many toward drug use from page 12 it, I saw her doing well in school and getting her work done,” Reynolds said. “It was my personal choice to use it and see if it could help me. Once I saw the positive effect it had, I kept using it.”

Trail does acknowledge the help the drug can provide, and cites times in which it is more helpful.

“If you need it, it’s smarter to do it whenever you’re studying,” Trail said. ”At least for school days, skipping weekends is OK, but I have kids who are resistant to using it and they try and pick and choose.”

While Adderall is meant for focusing, it is not intended for those students without ADHD. “If you do that once every two months, it’s going to make you feel like you had two Red Bulls and help, but if you start to build tolerance to that, by not having ADHD, then it quits working,” Trail said. “Then you need bigger doses, and it doesn’t help anymore. It’s the wrong way to use it.”

Addiction and Abuse Trail labeled Adderall as a Class Two restricted drug, the same class as drugs such as morphine, giving it the potential to be addictive. It can also be abused.

Some students with ADHD disagree with those who lack the disorder, yet take the medication.

“Anyone that is not prescribed Adderall is abusing it,” Fox said. “They don’t need it to study. Someone like me, if I have to study for five hours straight, I can’t. Someone who doesn’t have ADHD, it’s not a problem for them to sit down and study.

They get an extra push that they don’t need.”

Students can abuse the drug in more than one way, though.

“People can use it like speed, just take six or eight or 10 pills, which is like trying to get high on speed,” Trail said. “The other abuse is just using it to try and study, using it for all-nighters.

In general, we’re not writing more prescriptions than we used to. At the high school level, it’s probably not different than it was 10 years ago.”

Adderall’s presence in schools centers on transactions. Generic versions of the drug, for those who are prescribed, tend to run $30-$40 with insurance, according to Fox. These prescribed users are then able to sell it to any non-ADHD student who may want one. One pill, depending on dosage, may be priced at $4-$5 each.

According to Trail, a possible reason for its use in high school by those without a prescription could be due to modern pressures.

“I think today’s world is different as far as expectations,” Trail said. “Everybody’s expected to be college level, got to have grade point averages. Back in the old days, they didn’t pressure everyone to go off to college like they do now. When you fall behind, you get desperate.”

One example of pressure faced by high school students comes with the ACT, a test that is reviewed by universities prior to their acceptances of students.

“The score you get on the ACT will determine what you do the rest of your life,” Fox said. “And if a couple $5 pills can get you two, three, four or even five points higher, than why not take advantage of it?”

Trail cites the drug as a common excuse for high schoolers.

“It’s a trendy thing,” Trail said. “You’re in high school and your grades go down, ‘Oh, I must be ADD, so give me some medicine.’ Those are tricky to figure out.”

While Adderall’s intended use focuses students in the classroom, its side effects impact them outside the classroom as well.

“Messes with appetite, If you take it too late, it’s like caffeine, so you can’t sleep at night,” Trail said. “It can definitely cause moodiness and grumpiness and irritability and anger outbursts. Especially if somebody takes six or seven of them, abusing it, it can make them violent and unreasonable, even combative.”

With students continuing use of Adderall, questions regarding its addictiveness develop. Some believe that it is completely possible to become addicted to Adderall, while others simply find it to be less addictive than other drugs.

‘I think it depends on the person’s mindset, like do they allow themselves to get addicted?” Taylor said. “Or do they view it as a resource that they can take advantage of?”

Reynolds has a different opinion on the addictive qualities of the substance.

“I never saw any harm in it, and it’s not addicting or anything,” Reynolds said.

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Social media provides needed CENTRAL SPEAKS forum for student discourse CORRAL STAFF EDITORIAL

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n image comes to mind: two podiums facing each other, arguments prepared and participants eager for discourse. While such formal debates are not seen frequently in high school, they continue to exist. They’re simply found in a different venue: a virtual one. Political discussion has far from ceased; it is now just found on a phone, held inside a button with a small, blue bird or “F.” Issues in Ferguson have sparked debates across not only the city, but the state, country and world.

Protests and actions from sides supporting all opinions have been put on display, forcing all to form an opinion.

These newly formed opinions have composed Twitter timelines and Facebook news feeds since the initial shooting of Michael Brown on Aug. 9, with possibly the heaviest traffic of posts coming on the day of grand jury announcement, Nov. 24. Prior to, and most notably, following the grand jury’s announcement that the shooter, Officer Darren Wilson, would not be indicted, Twitter and Facebook exploded.

Students with different demographics and varying knowledge of the issue voiced their opinions.

As expected, fights ensued. Some were called racists, others were deemed radicals.

Some even chastised others for having the nerve to voice their vexed opinion.

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educational conversations in which some of the uneducated learned, something not always prominent among students.

While all are encouraged to share their beliefs, some statements on social media clearly crossed an unwritten boundary, developing into cyber hate mail. Unutterable tolerances shamed news feeds in the form of racist comments. Calls for some to “return to Africa” or simply “stay at city schools” scarred the victims and mortified the community as much as statements to “get rid of all the cops.”

Nights of heavy social media discussion can prove similar to warfare, fought by the “keyboard warriors” that develop. Despite the aggressive attacks on these sites, discussing social issues on social media among teenagers often has positive results. These Illustration by Matthew Gibbs discussions open eyes to all opinions, whether it causes angry disagreement Yet, the only wrong tweet, post or stateor provoked thought. ment that developed from that night were Rare are modern forums in which teens those chastising others to be quiet, to swallow are permitted to vocalize their beliefs, not just their beliefs. Social media’s role as an outlet for regurgitate the maxims that their parents or teens to voice their opinions and beliefs proves society want them to say. unreplicable.

Despite its many flaws, social media creates Possibly the most relevant arguments and a zone for high school students to share their discussions came in our own Parkway Central beliefs to their peers, to have a voice, to make a senior Facebook group, a group typically comdifference through their words. prised by far lighter conversations such as skip Keep voicing your opinion, Parkway days and Homecoming themes. Planned events Central. Be proud of what you believe, and and opinions regarding Ferguson were met by be thankful you have a place to openly discuss a dizzying number of wide-ranging opinions. it; just don’t let your freedom of speech be an Sure, ignorance was present, but so were excuse for hate.

the

The Corral is a student-written, edited and produced publication of Parkway Central High School, 369 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017; 314-415-7978.

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.

What do you think of discussions pertaining to controversial issues on social media?

“I think it’s dumb. People just rant about things and voice their opinion without expecting anything in return.

It is not productive.”

- senior Michelle Bennett

“It can be really hurtful to see when people are posting bad things on social media just to be out there when other people are trying to help their community and make positive changes.”

-freshman Dorothy Davis

2014-15 Staff Editor in Chief Matt Frischer

Sports Editor Jeffrey Eidelman

Managing Editor Dean Trail

Entertainment Editor Kirk Randolph

Production Manager Emily Schenberg

Staff Writers Kayla Benjamin Matthew Gibbs Ben Kraizer Piper Rother Robert Shifrin Ashley Wright

News Editor Hanna Whitehouse Features Editor Kate McNeal Opinions Editor Danielle Serota

Business Manager Kathryn Rechenberg Adviser Ms. Tara Stepanek

“A benefit to discussions on social media is that you can lay out your entire opinion clearly in one document without getting interrupted.”

-junior Conlon Smith

“It is bad because things can be taken out of context and people tend to overexaggerate.”

-sophomore Michael Caradine

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yays & NeighS

Our take on today’s news Yays:

Blast those holiday tunes. “All I want for Christmas is an A in Physics.”

Glad to see students opening up and sharing their opinions in person and online.

Congrats to the seven members of the orchestra who just returned from performing at the National Association for Music Education national orchestra, along with the 12 All-State members. Great job representing the Colts!

Seniors are finally starting to settle into next year’s plans. Now onto picking out dorm decorations.

Varsity dance took home 3rd in kick and 4th in pom, while JV placed second in mixed dance and 6th in pom.

Way to go girls!

Neighs:

Finals are right around the corner.

To study or not to study? That is the question.

Powderpuff’s cancelation is definetely a bummer; hopefully the girls will get on the gridiron soon.

Some classes are below freezing and some are hotter than the Sahara desert. What are we supposed to wear, parka or swim suit?

Driving conditions have been slick.

Please no accidents, please no accidents.

- CORRAL STAFF

Dec. 12, 2014

to give back

KATE MCNEAL Features Editor

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It’s that time of year

The holiday season screams charity, whether it be with someone standing outside of Dierberg’s collecting donations for the Salvation Army or clubs and churches sponsoring families in need by collecting Christmas presents. The end of the year is a perfect time to give, especially in the middle of receiving presents.

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Introductions to different people

It’s practically inevitable that while volunteering, the other people participating will mostly be strangers. Giving back is a way to meet law enforcers, business owners and educators, making connections that wouldn’t have been forged otherwise.

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Bigger part of the community

Hours for organizations

No matter where the volunteering takes place, it’s a way to get to know the community better. While doing Rockin’ 4 Relief, there’s an opportunity to become more aware of the justice system’s role in the community.

This opens volunteers’ eyes to a side of the community that might not be seen without participating.

Government classes and practically every honor society require community service hours for a grade or as a requirement for membership. Volunteering is the only way to get those hours, and while the task may seem unpleasant or daunting before starting, it never ends up being as bad as it’s made out to be. It’s always worth it when looking in terms of getting necessary hours.

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Increased knowledge

While researching charities to donate to or through volunteering for an organization, it’s impossible to go through the process without learning something. It could be about the charity and how it benefits others, how to do something new while volunteering or even about personal likes and dislikes.

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Helping others out

Giving up personal time or money to help someone else does more for that person than imaginable: It allows him or her to accomplish, or get closer to accomplishing, a task or goal at hand, which might’ve been impossible without help.

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Junior Max Baron works during Beautification Day on Sept. 27.

“I’ve never helped out the school in such a direct way,” Baron said. “It was an easy and fun way to help out with my friends and get government hours.” Photo by Ashley Wright.

Résumé builder

Colleges love to see well-rounded applicants, and giving up personal time to help out others definitely qualifies as part of being well-rounded. The same applies in job applications: Most employers appreciate those who volunteer because it suggests that they work hard.

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to that of giving something. Whether it’s time and service or donating money to a worthy cause, the feeling after seeing someone else’s happiness trumps that new phone every time.

Giving is better than getting As nice as it is to get a new computer or pair of shoes, the satisfaction received from getting something isn’t comparable

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Work experience

A long with learning something, it’s possible to gain a new type of background or experience through helping out an organization. Any work done, including talking to people to get donations, has benefits in the future while looking for a job. Use it as a good networking opportunity.

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Influencing others to be charitable

People say, “I wanted to help out but I don’t know how,” and when they see their friends and family helping out the way they want to, they finally learn how they can help. Plus, no one can complain about helping others learn how to help others, too.

Opportunities to Volunteer Operation 350:

Meets in Mrs. Beth Karfs’ room on the first and third Tuesday of every month and participates in events like Stream Clean, campus cleanup and garden planting.

ProjectHelp:

Meets every Wednesday after school in Room 403, a student-led service group that educates others in giving their time and developing leadership skills.

Ready Readers:

Not directly affiliated with school, a group of students travel to a preschool on Tuesdays to read to children ages 2-5.

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Acts of seniority hurt athletic programs DEAN TRAIL Managing Editor

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Sometimes freshmen are responsible for carrying much more equipment than the can handle, as illustrated here by freshman Cam Baird. Photo by Dean Trail

etween water duties, carrying equipment and general teasing, underclassmen are given unfair responsibilities on varsity teams. Unfortunately, doing this only hurts team chemistry and overall performance on the field.

As an underclassmen you are already at a disadvantage; if it isn’t height-wise, it is by lack of experience. To be an underclassmen and earn a spot on the varsity team is a challenge and a privilege. It is an exciting experience to learn from the upperclassmen and compete at the highest level, and students from all grades take attention. However, this romantisiced picture of playing varsity as a freshman is usually destroyed within the first five minutes of practice, when the older athletes hand you all of the equipment and water jugs to carry. If you are lucky, there are other underclassmen on the team to split the responsibilities with and keep you company while you fill

water jugs, sit on the end of the bench and share a row with the coaches at the front of the bus.

Coaches and athletes alike justify this phenomenon with the claim that the seniors did it when they were underclassmen too. They suffered once, so now that they are the seniors they should get to reign over the freshman with their senior glory, exercising some sort of twisted tradition. Eventually, this year’s freshman will have the same opportunity, which supposedly makes it OK. Despite this poor attempt to justify ruthless acts of seniority, players must realize that being a senior doesn’t give them the right to torment the younger team members.

Hazing, to any extent, hurts team chemistry.

While today physical hazing may be less prevalent than in the past, even little jokes and tricks can be detrimental. Although having good team chemistry doesn’t directly correlate into the win column, it does help team success. Getting along with teammates makes practices more bearable. It also can help the coaches because they can worry about coaching and not breaking up altercations between teammates. Good team chemistry also helps during close competitions and winning those games because it creates a positive outlook and unselfishness.

Although underclassmen aren’t going to revolt due to their unfair responsibilities, it makes them

feel inferior to the upperclassmen. It is unnecessary to pawn all of the work on the underclassmen on the team. Yes, freshmen are freshmen. But teammates are also teammates, and the freshman made the cut just like every other player on the team.

They made the team because they are exceptional players for their age, not to be the scapegoat for all of the team’s dirty work.

For a few people, the workload can become overwhelming, but divided between the whole team equally, the workload for each athlete is not only fair, but minimal. Take, for example, a typical varsity soccer team with 20 players. If everyone splits the responsibility of carrying the water jug, each player would only have to do it once every ten practices. That is not an overwhelming task, yet carrying the water every time it can be exhausting and aggravating. There is no logical reason why freshmen must carry this responsibility on their own.

Breaking the long-standing tradition of leaving the team chores to the underclassmen wouldn’t be difficult. All it would take is a few upperclassmen to decide that, although they might have been taken advantage of as freshman, it isn’t going to help anyone to force that upon the freshmen this year.

Most effective studying comes when eliminating distractions DANIELLE SEROTA Opinions Editor

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s finals season approaches, students scramble to cram four months of knowledge into one or two nights.

Some lock themselves in their rooms and read the textbook until dawn, while others conglomerate in study groups in the hopes of learning from their peers. The more the merrier, right?

Well, not exactly.

Group study can have many benefits. It gives students the opportunity to discuss topics, share knowledge, ask questions and bounce ideas off of one another. Groups can be a great way to affirm that each component of the curriculum has been reviewed, and none forgotten. Furthermore, studying in groups can help ease pre-test anxiety and during finals’ season when there isn’t a lot of time for socializing, it’s a strategic way to get in time with your friends while still doing the work that needs to be done.

The issue is, as many students know, that the point of a study group is to study, and usually, not a whole lot of this happens.

Students get all their notes together, load up their backpack with textbooks, print out review sheets, and head to Bread Co. to meet their friends feeling like the most prepared, organized student to walk the halls of P-Central thus far. Unfortunately, the glory stops there.

We get to Bread Co. and find ourselves distracted in a whirl of M&M cookies (comfort food is a must), complaints and fears

for the test and pointless small talk in the attempt to avoid the studying itself. Students who have been around the block a few times know this phenomenon very well; suddenly, three hours have passed and all that’s been accomplished is consuming several hundred calories and talking about studying, rather than actually studying.

While three hours is insignificant in the grand scheme of life, in crunch time it can very well mean the difference beIf students want to see a change for the better in the grade books, they should tween a letter grade on the test, and for those borderliners out put down the snacks, turn off their phones, put socializing on hold, and hit the books. Photo by Danielle Serota. there, potentially in the class.

The key to finals studying is time management. During takes more than the simple efforts of printing review sheets and that dreadful week in December, drive through Chesterfield organizing notes -- you must complete the review sheets and and dozens of bedroom lights can be seen turned on into the read the notes too. Rather than being continuously disappointed wee hours. In those moments, when students are downing by their test scores, students must reflect on the pros and cons 5-Hour Energy shots and prying their eyes open to read one last of studying with peers. This may be different for each student, chapter, they swear to never “study” for three hours at Bread and even each study group. But if the cons outweigh the pros, Co. with their classmates again. students must change their studying techniques accordingly.

Despite this truth, many students continue to make the same If insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and mistake repeatedly. The next day they take the test and, in a few expecting a different result, then the large majority of our studays, check Infinite Campus only to be disappointed with the dents are in need of an immediate psych consult. grade on the screen: “I stayed up all night, what more do you If you’re looking to see a change in the grade book this finals want from me?” season, try staying home and studying alone. You know yourself But by the time the next unit rolls around, students forget the best-- what you need to study, how you study best, how the vow they had made to themselves (probably because it had long you need to study for, etc. been made at 2 a.m.), and once again pack their bags and head Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend eight straight hours in to a study group. their room alone studying for a final on America in the early Students continue to sacrifice the time and sleep required of 1900’s, but nobody ever said finals season was supposed to be a successful final exam, but aren’t seeing results. Proper studying fun.

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Dec. 12, 2014

Gibby’s Food Review: Humphrey’s Chicken Wings with Boom Boom sauce: Humphrey’s chicken wings had a normal buffalo sauce option, but it also had a more intriguing option, “BoomBoom Sauce.” This sauce seemed like a Humphrey’s special, so I had to get it. The wing itself had a perfectly crunchy outside with a fluffy and pillowy inside. The sauce was lathered over the wing and the plate, so I dipped plenty. The sauce was sweet and tangy with a kick that might not be suitable for people that don’t like spicy foods. The waitress said it was comparable to Syberg’s sauce, but beside the mustard base and tangy kick, I don’t see the comparison that much. Humphrey’s has a good sauce which is not as good as Syberg’s, but this is still a great chicken wing.

MATTHEW GIBBS Staff Writer

L

ocated on Laclede Avenue on the campus of Saint Louis University lies Humphrey’s Restaurant & Tavern. Humphreys opened in 1976 and has been a hot spot on SLU’s campus ever since. It is known for reasonably priced food and good times, especially if you are of age. They serve generic bar food, but they have a few unique signature items. Humphrey’s has a great atmosphere with TV’s and arcade games dispersed all over. This is a great place to eat and kick back relax and watch a game.

Overall, Humphrey’s is a very good restaurant if you are looking for bar food with a festive, college like atmosphere. It isn’t worth the trip out to SLU for dinner, but if you are watching a Billikens game this winter, you absolutely need to stop by Humphrey’s to be served good food and a good time.

Monte Cristo: The coolest thing on the menu was the Monte Carlo or the Monte Cristo. The Carlo was the turkey option and the Christo was the ham option. I decided to get the Christo option, which has ham. The ham itself was very meaty and juicy, and had a perfect amount of crunch to it. At the bottom of the Italian bread, it had a combination of melted Swiss cheese and melted eggs, which make up the sauce. This sauce was incredible and complimented the ham nicely. I recommend trying either the Monte Carlo or Cristo, it may be a new concept, but it is a risk worth taking.

Humphrey’s Burger: The Humphrey’s This burger came with cheese and mayo on it with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles on the side. I was expecting a generic, thicker patty, but I was more than delighted when they brought out a burger that looked like a steak burger. The patty was crunchy and cooked to perfection. It was complimented warm American cheese and warm mayo, making this a gooey and delectable combination. This burger is better than some Steak n’ Shake burgers.

The 2015 Yearbook is Beyond Definition!

Get yours for $55 at www.yearbookordercenter.com Order Number 17225 Prices go up Jan. 1.

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Dec. 12, 2014

Display

Arts & Entertainment

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on

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Show to feature student artwork

ulminating the semester, the Art Department will once again gather to display work from students in each class for viewing on Monday, Dec. 16.

Presented in the art wing lobby during the school day and from 5-7 p.m., the artwork represents the best of student projects in the disciplines of drawing, painting, ceramics, graphic design, photography and multi-genre works.

Students in the Advanced Placement Studio Art class will display many of their pieces, all of which center around a previously selected course theme.

In past shows, the art teachers have added an interactive component, asking students to record the process for their pieces, a long with their inspiration, for publication online. This digital aspect of the show permitted any viewer to download the art on their phones.

If You Go:

What: Winter Art Show Featuring: Student art

from all grades and

levels of classes When: Monday, Dec. 16

7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

5-7 p.m.

Where: Art Department Admission: Free

Artwork and captions compiled by ASHLEY WRIGHT

senior Taia Rucker, “Abstract Screws”: “This piece was the concept of knowing who you are. I did plain colors and designs. It represents what people think you are versus who you actually are.” junior Nathan Dettlebach, pen sketch: “My inspiration for this particular drawing was the human destruction of nature as our civilization grew. So you go from this pure, natural setting to the first human interaction, which is the log cabin, and then I go to the nuclear power plant, which is the other destruction of nature.”

freshman Dagmar Smith, “Balloon & Hand”: “We were told to draw something that represented us, and I really like drawing people and characters, so I made this drawing of my friends and family members.”

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Arts & Entertainment

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Dec. 12, 2014

RKANGELA HITS HARD Smyre’s band works toward releasing EP

ASHLEY WRIGHT Staff Writer

H

ead pounding, veins pulsing, and fans screaming; feelings junior Stacey Smyre knows too well.

Outside of school, Smyre dedicates time to his band Arkangela, a heavy metal group which consists of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ryan Beck, guitarist Tyler Cobiallas, drummer Jake Vollmer and Smyre on the piano.

Working toward releasing their very first EP, Smyre dedicates much of his time to practicing and hopes to begin playing shows soon. Photo courtesy of Stacey Smyre.

“Ryan Beck had conceived the idea long before I was his friend,” Smyre said. “I moved back to live with my mother around early 2012 and, ironically, the day I got back I woke up to a message from Beck asking if I played drums and if I’d like to come jam with him the following weekend.”

Although the drums weren’t a bad addition, Smyre thought of a different approach that would uniquely separate their band from others.

“The drums didn’t work out, so we figured a piano spot would be a better suit, and on that day is when Arkangela became a reality,” Smyre said.

Like most bands, Arkangela has gone through multiple member changes, trying to solidify their sound before their upcoming Extended Play (EP) Album.

“Since then we’ve added and had to let go many different people,” Smyre said. “We currently have three members and are almost finished with our first release.”

The upcoming EP will not only give Arkangela the publicity they need, but will also help the band refresh their sound.

“Part of the purpose of our upcoming release, other than people being able to listen to our music, is to help us find members that are interested in playing with the band,” Smyre said.

Arkangela plays shows at local venues, giving the band a chance to build their fan base.

“We’ve played at Pops and Fubar many times, The Firebird, a couple places in North County and a couple of basement shows,” Smyre said.

For the members, playing music is a natural passion and being able to see people that appreciate their talents and sound make them proud.

“The shows have been interesting every time,” Smyre said. “It’s a recurring theme that when we play, the people watching stay for our whole set then leave afterwards. I feel bad, but it’s cool to know that these people come for us.”

While playing live shows and meeting fans is an honor for Arkangela, the band puts their touring life on hold to take care of more pressing matters. With the hopes of releasing their new EP and possibly band merchandise, Smyre and the other members dedicate their time, money and hearts to their music.

“We’ve taken a break from playing shows recently; lack of members and also wanting to focus on the album,” Smyre said. “But we want to begin playing live again within the next 6 months.”

Whether you’re interested in finding a new music taste or looking for fresh bands to check out, Arkangela is definitely worth the listen.

finding a balance

“Well the name originated from the idea of an Archangel, but it was realized that the name would look better if it was more symmetrical,” Smyre said. “So an “A” was added to the end of the word and the “ch” was replaced with a “k”. It being spelled as so just looked better and was unique to us.”

“The symbol is meant to represent balance, a long with the concept of ‘As Above, So Below,’” Smyre said. “Plus if you look closely there are two A’s within the symbol, one is upside down and one is right-side up. The only purpose being is to again accentuate the balance within the name and the concept of the EP.”

- = + × - = + × Dean’s movie Rating: + × contest + = × - =math = sponsored by Mu Alpha Theta! - of the month presents solid romantic = ‘Clueless’ comedy from the 90’s + × + ×I = = × + + × = = ×+= +×- = +×-= +×-× 3/5

Mu Alpha Theta presents your first MATH PUZZLE of 2014-2015. By completing the math puzzle with correct answers, students will earn the chance to win prizes at the end of the Spring semester through a raffle.

Prizes will include: St. Louis Bread Company gift cards

Gas station gift cards

PCH Athletic Pass (to all home games next year)

Sophomores and Juniors will be entered to win a free PCH Parking Pass

Each Math Puzzle will present an EASY, MEDIUM, and HARD question related to the same topic. This first puzzle is about Probability and the National College Football Championship. You can begin by going to the link below or scanning the QR code below.

You must be signed in to your Parkwayschools.net Google account to enter the contest. GOOD LUCK!

http://goo.gl/wziO0I

DEAN TRAIL Managing Editor

n a stereotypical romantic comedy from the year 1995, ‘Clueless’ appeals to female audiences much more than male.

The plot follows a cute, wealthy, blonde girl named Cher that lives in Beverly Hills.

Cher’s step brother Josh teases her because she is superficial and doesn’t live a purposeful life.

When Tai, a new girl arrives at her high school, Cher makes it her personal project to rise her to popularity. After a makeover and personality adjustment, Tai rises into the ranks of the popular girls. Now that Tai is popular she wants to pursue Cher’s love interest, Josh leading to a fight between the two friends. Cher decides to do real good deeds like captain a disaster relief fundraiser and ultimately wins Josh over.

This movie is the definition of a chick-flick, romantic comedy. It has relationship drama, gossip, shopping and at the end the girl wins over the guy she was meant to be with. While I was watching it however I didn’t predict that Cher would end up with Josh, it was surprising to say the least. As a self acclaimed masculine teenage guy, it was not as interesting following

all the drama.

Alicia Silverstone played the role of Cher, she did a great job at playing the ditsy yet beautiful, clueless teenager.

Josh was played by Paul Rudd, one of my favorite actors of all-time. My favorite thing about his acting is his dry comedy while staying in a role of a reserved character. He did this wonderfully in this movie, by making his sarcastic, snide comments while playing the bookworm college student. The rest of the cast was solid but didn’t stand out to me. It isn’t too difficult to portray a rich, privileged high schooler so I wasn’t impressed.

‘Clueless’ exceeded my expectations for a romantic comedy but was not a must watch by my standards. As a high school guy, this movie would be fantastic to watch with your girlfriends, not so much with your bros.

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Dec. 12, 2014

Sports

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Girls look to bring field hockey team PIPER ROTHER Staff Writer

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ut of all the schools in the district, Central is the only one that doesn’t have a field hockey team, and some students wish it did.

Lacrosse coach Beth Karfs and her team are looking to start a fall field hockey team.

“We had some interest from current freshmen who asked if we were going to have a team,” Karfs said. “I asked my lacrosse team at the time if anyone was interested, and there was a large group that was, so I thought we’d see how many folks would want to play.”

Freshman Tori Strege plays field hockey and would like a way to be able to play it during the fall season.

“Gateway doesn't do a fall league for high school because it’s a fall sport,” Strege said. “So I don't have any way to play it during that season.”

Having a field hockey team in the fall would help girls who play lacrosse and soccer in the spring.

“I want to be able to work on my skills during the off season,” junior Bobbi Throckmorton said. “Plus it would be many of the same girls who play lacrosse, so it would be fun.”

Throckmorton fears that many girls who say they are inter-

ested won’t actually end up playing.

Lacrosse Field Hockey “I feel like many people > 12 players say they can do it, but once the > 11 players season starts, not that many on the field on the field people will show up,” Throck> Can only > Can make morton said.

One problem with starting have the ball physical contact a new team is field time, for stationary for 3 through checking there are 11 other teams that seconds other players play on the fields in the fall.

“Field time is definitely an > Can play > No offsides issue that we’d have to work behind the goal out as far as where they can go; having the turf helps,” Athletic Director John Theobald said.

With having so many other sports in the fall season, it lessens “The band uses the turf, the number of athletes that are able to play those sports which frees up the band field which could potentially be a place “It stretches the pool of athletes,” Theobald said. “It’s thinfor practice.” ner and everyone is competing for the same kids.”

Another issue is even if there is a team, there may be no one There is an interest list that can be signed in Karfs’ room, to coach.

2110, for those interested in making a field hockey team for the “First we want to know if we have enough people; once we know that there are enough people interested, then we'd start to 2015 fall season. look for a coach,” Karfs said.

VS.

Swim starts season with new faces ROBERT SHIFRIN Staff Writer

F

eaturing a new group of athletes, the girls swim team hopes to maximize its success this season by training as hard as possible.

While swimming is largely based on individual scores, it is still a team sport which requires collaboration and teamwork. Losing many strong seniors from last year, the team will rely on many of its underclassmen and new swimmers to play an important role and contribute this season.

“This year the dynamic is completely different. We have so many people who are coming out for swimming who never have before,” senior captain Carly Beck said. “I’m looking forward to seniors this year and a bunch of the underclassmen stepping up and taking over.”

Many of the girls on last year’s team were close friends, and the new mold of swimmers has been a big change. Winter sports take up a large chunk of the year, and tight relationships often form.

“It’s a little bit different because I was really close to the seniors last year, and I miss them a lot,” sophomore Madison Brown said.

Taking the team’s new makeup into account, the swimmers are looking to figure out their strong suits and use them to their advantage.

As well as succeeding in the pool, the girls hope to form another supportive team this season and have a good time.

“I’m looking forward to out-of-town meets, they’re always fun, and

Sophomore Madison Brown dives into pool for her relay against Affton on Feb. 7.

Brown, a sophomore, qualified for state her freshman year. Photo from Corral Archives.

Captain and senior Carly Beck competes in the freestyle event on Jan. 15 at home.

Photo from Corral Archives.

bonding with my teammates this year,” junior Jamie Goldberg said.

Unlike previous years, the team is only carrying one diver, which may be a disadvantage since most other teams carry at least two divers.

“Being the only diver can be a challenge,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg is the team’s diver, and while her teammates believe that she is very talented, having fewer divers means fewer opportunities for the team to earn points.

Led by Beck and her fellow captain, senior Taylor Burlis, the girls motivate each other to fight through the grind of everyday practice.

With a long season ahead of them, it is essential that the team stays determined and focused.

“When we get a hard set to do and people are complaining, I just try and remind them that even though it’s hard right now, in the end it’ll definitely pay off,” Beck said.

Like most teams, the role of an experienced coach is important for the swim team. The girls credit much of their success to their supportive coaches.

“Mrs. Meyer and Ms. Paul are awesome,” Brown said. “When I’m feeling down about my swimming they make me feel better and push me to do my best.”

For team updates and scores all winter, follow us on Twitter at @pchcorral

22 Sports Teach me how to:

Head in the hole with Aaron Levin

1

Tripod: “My opponent is supposed to sprawl then I tripod up on my head, shoot my knees under me and pick him up.”

2

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Dec. 12, 2014

Girls basketball alters style of play to fit new roster JEFFREY EIDELMAN Sports Editor

E

ntering the season with only two returning players, the girls varsity basketball team comes into the year shorter and less experienced.

“I think anytime you have new personal, you are always looking to change the scheme that you are working with,” head coach Brian Guilfoyle said. “Plays and even drills are different. But it doesn’t mean you change the program philosophy either.”

The scheme last year featured 6’3” star Zoe Wallis, who finished second in blocks in the St. Louis area.

“We do run a more spread out offense than last year,” Guilfoyle said. “That gives the girls opportunities to be faster and more athletic. We also have the ability to press more than in the past because we have greater speed, so we are able to get up and down the court a little quicker. Which is an advantage in order to balance out the disadvantage that you may have in height.”

Returning varsity contributor sophomore Chyna Moore believes that most of the teams points can come off of fast breaks and quick plays.

“The game is going to be a lot faster than last year,” Moore said.

“Last year we had to slow things down because of Zoe. She took more time to get down the court. Her sister Paige has gotten faster and better so she can get down the court with us.”

In his 5th year as varsity head coach, Guilfoyle said he realizes that rebounding is an critical point in the game of basketball.

“Rebounding is always key in basketball,” Guilfoyle said. “I think

that [the players] have to buy into the mentality of working really hard, and if you are a hard worker, that’s half of the battle.”

While his team runs shorter than others, Guilfoyle is optimistic that height doesn’t directly translate result in rebounds.

“It doesn’t matter how tall you are,” Guilfoyle said. “It’s more of the center of gravity and how well you use your body to force the person out of the middle. Also, we have girls with good leaping ability, and even though we not be tall, we can still jump and I think that kind of equalizes it.”

Following in her sisters footsteps, sophomore Paige Wallis believes that there won’t be much of a difference in the focal point of the offense.

“Obviously height is important in sports,” Wallis said. “But I think as long as you change your plays often enough and you know all of them and we play together well, height shouldn’t be a huge issue.”

A long with the loss of height, no healthy seniors causes a possible lack of leadership on the court.

“I think the leadership is going to have to come from the team as a whole because there are no seniors,” Wallis said. “Usually seniors are the leaders on the team or are expected to be, but since we don’t have any I think we are all going to have to be leaders together.”

According to Guilfoyle, the leadership starts with the coaches, and then leads down to the players.

“I think the biggest thing is you are going to see only two returning members on varsity this year,” Guilfoyle said. “They saw a lot of playing time last year so there is a great opportunity for some of the younger players to gain experience.”

Comparing Starting 5 heights Last season

This season

Hip Down: “I grab one of his ankles and hall to my hip so that he can land under me.”

3

Hook the Ankle: “After he’s on the ground I hook the ankle, pop my head out and cover. That’s two points for a reversal.”

PG: Chyna Moore 5’3”

SG: Shannon Flynn 5’4”

SF: Taylor Kennedy 5’5”

PF: Christie Bergesch 5’8”

C: Zoe Wallis 6’3”

PG: Chyna Moore 5’3”

SG: Shannon Flynn 5’6”

SF: Miranda Horn 5’7”

PF: Geena C: Paige Wallis Stephens 6’0” 5’11”

Corral the

Dec. 12, 2014

Sports

Boys basketball team focuses on ‘Battle of the Boards’ MATTHEW GIBBS Staff Writer

C

oming off a successful season that ended in a district championship to eventual state champion CBC, the basketball boys of Central are looking to replicate their success.

Except, there will be big challenges in doing so. There are two returning starters in seniors Jarrett Cox-Bradley and Risaan McKenney, but the big men from last years team all graduated. Ben Mendel, Connor Kraus and conference player of the year Nathan Biggs, who are all 6’4 and over, have all graduated.

“We will miss them immensely, no doubt about it,” coach Rick Kirby said. “Especially on the boards because my biggest concern with this team, above and beyond everything else, is the battle on the boards.”

Kirby’s concern of the battle of the boards will be all about effort.

“This year we are just going to have to rebound as a team,” senior Jarrett Cox-Bradley said. “All 5 of us are going to have to help each other out a lot more this year.”

Erick Stephens, who is 6’0” would be a shooting guard or small forward on most teams, but this year he will be playing some center. Rebounding might be challenging for Stephens, but he also has the same mindset as Cox-Bradley in combating the challenge.

“I try and outwork my opponent,” Stephens said. “I always try and get good positioning in the post and run the floor to get easy buckets.”

While Kirby would prefer 7 foot guys walking around the gym at his dispense, he does understand that lack of height won’t be the worst thing in the world.

“We are trying to figure out right now our big guys, which aren’t really big,” Kirby said. “But I will be real honest with you,

some of my better teams haven’t been real big. Basically it comes down to mental and physical toughness, and it comes down to how well they play together and more than anything else is how they defend.”

Full-court pressing is a strategy that you might see in games this year.

“I’d like to (press),” Kirby said. “Especially early in the year when teams aren’t quite in the flow yet. We do like to get up and pressure. In order to get up and after them at 94 feet and expend a lot of energy, it would be good to have some guys to come off the bench. I’m looking for guys 6, 7, and 8 to allow us to come up and get after guys, because we would be good at that.”

There is a certain mold of players who thrive in pressing scenarios.

“Between Risaan, Jarrett, and DeAndre (Campbell), you’ve got three pretty quick, athletic guards that can cause havoc, they can pester you,” Kirby said.

Comparing Starting 5 heights

Last season

This season

23

St. Louis sports updates Journalist Burwell dies Long-time St. Louis Post-Dispatch sportswriter Brian Burwell recently passed away from a battle with cancer on Dec. 4th, at the age of 59. Burwell started with the Post-Dispatch in 2002 but simultaneously appeared on the Sunday morning ESPN show “The Sports Reporters.” He was rated on of the top 10 sports columnists in the nation in 2007 by the Associated Press. While his work on the field was great, he will also be known for his personality outside of the workforce. He will be missed.

Rams step up defense The St. Louis Rams have shutout their last two opponents, the Washington Redskins and the Oakland Raiders. Beginning with the 4th quarter against the San Diego Chargers, the Rams have scored 83 unanswered points. All-pro defensive end Robert Quinn had zero stacks in the first five games, but now ranks 4th in the NFC in sacks with 10.5. The team has 34 sacks in their last 8 games. According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch beat writer Jim Thomas, that’s the most in the NFL since 1992. The Rams are currently 6-7, and are still in contention for the playoffs. The Cardinals, the Giants, and the Seahawks still remain on the schedule.

Blues sign Brodeur The St. Louis Blues signed 42 year-old and future hall of fame goalie Martin Brodeur after starting goalie Brian Elliot went down with an injury.

Currently, the St. Louis Blues are 18-8-2, atop the Western Conference. 22 year-old Vladimir Tarasenko places third among goal scorers in the league, with 17 goals. Elliot possesses the second best goals against average in the NHL, allowing 1.82 goals a game.

Cards acquire outfielder

PG: Risaan McKenney 5’8”

SG: Jarrett Cox-Bradley 6’0”

SF: Nick Helmbacher 6’1”

PF: Connor Kraus 6’4”

Season-starting stats

3-0 in the Parkway Tip-off tourney

C: Nathan Biggs 6’5”

37

“

Once the game was over it felt great to send the crowd home happy, especially because it was against West.

-Josh Konecek (11)

”

PG: Risaan McKenney 5’8”

points Jarrett Cox-Bradley scored at Parkway South

SG: Jarrett Cox-Bradley 6’0”

SF: DeAndre Campbell 5’11”

“

It feels pretty good. Scoring is nice, I like to score, but what I am more happy about is that we are winning.

I’ll let the individual things come as they come.

-Jarrett Cox-Bradley (12)

”

PF: Josh Konecek 6’1”

C: Erick Stephens 6’0”

4th Jarrett Cox-Bradley’s points-pergame ranking in the St. Louis metro area

For updates on athletics follow the Basketball team on Twitter @DefendToWin, follow the Athletic Department @PCHColts, and the Parkway Central Corral @pchcorral.

It is currently the off-season for the St. Louis Cardinals, so it is the time where the club is trying to upgrade the roster. They did this recently in trading for outfielder Jayson Heyward. Through the trade with the Atlanta Braves, the Cardinals acquired Heyward and relief pitcher Jordan Walden in exchange for starting pitcher Shelby Miller and pitching prospect Tyrell Jenkins. The Cardinals needed for a right fielder after the recent tragic death of Oscar Tavares’s death.

Based on Heywards stellar career so far, he projects to do well for the Cardinals. Also related to Tavares’s death, Cardinals relief pitcher Carlos Martinez will honor Taveres next season by wearing number 18, which formerly belonged Tavares.

SLU adjusts to roster This year, the Saint Louis Billikens are off to a 6-3 start with their two losses coming to a SEC team (Mississippi State) and a loss to the 11th ranked Wichita State. While the start so far is average, this years Billikens team won’t feature some of the best players that lead SLU deep into March Madness the past few years. Dewayne Evans, Robert Loe, and Jordair Jett all graduated after last year, which means that there is a lot of youth on the current roster. The team leader in points is junior Austin McBroom, scoring an average of 11.6 points per game.

24 Spotlight

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Dec. 12, 2014

Sophomore takes lead role in ‘Nutcracker’ ballet KATE MCNEAL Features Editor

I

nstead of dreaming of being on stage in a tutu from a young age, sophomore Sara Berwald’s dancing career began in a more unconventional way: when her parents signed her up for ballet classes to help her clumsiness.

In her ninth year of performing in “The Nutcracker” ballet, Sara is performing as Clara, one of the main characters in the show.

“I think just the feeling of being on stage and being the center of attention is going to be really cool,” Sara said.

Sara dances at the St. Louis Ballet School, where she has been taking classes since first grade and dancing on pointe since fifth grade. Throughout her years of dancing in “The Nutcracker,” she has had many different roles, including a mouse, a party boy, an Angel, a party girl and a lead Polichinelle (clown character). “[The school] always sends out an email for a casting list, and I was at home doing homework, and I checked my email,” Sara said. “I saw that next to my name said, ‘Casted: Clara,’ and I kind of freaked out.”

According to Sara’s older sister, senior Rachel Berwald, receiving the part has been a long-term goal for her sister.

“She’s been wanting this since she was a mouse for her first year,” Rachel said. “It was really exciting.”

Auditions for parts consisted of dancing on pointe and doing steps that coordinated with the part of Clara. There were two groups, one of taller girls and one of shorter girls, with Berwald in the latter.

“Personally I thought I was too old to get it because Clara’s supposed to be a younger girl,” Sara said.

In preparation for the ballet, there are rehearsals on Friday nights and for most of the day on Saturday.

“Friday it’s mostly the party scene, but Saturdays it’s a lot more,” Sara said. “The rehearsals have been a lot of fun.”

Sara will perform in five of the 10 shows, as there is another girl that will play Clara, too.

“Opening night is right during finals, so I’m going to have to be studying at the theater, which will be really tough,” Sara said. “I’m not actually doing the opening show; I’m doing the next day, but still it’s nerve wracking.

Along with the stress of having performances during finals week, Sara has other fears about the performance.

“I could mess up, and I’ve fallen a lot,” Sara said. “I could hurt myself.”

If she were to fall, Sara is ready to bounce back.

“I just get back up and pretend it never happened,” Sara

said.

Along with rehearsals for “The Nutcracker,” Sara has different dance classes six days a week. She has ballet for more than two hours four days a week, one 90-minute ballet class with no dancing on pointe, and one hour of jazz.

Rachel said that she can see the benefits Sara’s dancing has for her.

“It makes her more confident,” Rachel said. “Whenever she dances, you can see how happy she is to be up on stage.

And that really rubs off in her everyday life.”

Although she was not able to continue this year because of her commitment to dance, Sara was also a member of the color guard her freshman year. Junior Jennifer Wayland said that there was a clear effect on her color guard performances due to her prior dance experience.

“She had a really good presence when she performed, even though she hadn’t done color guard before,” Wayland said. “She was really graceful.”

Looking beyond high school, Sara hopes to continue dancing.

“I definitely hope I pursue a career in dancing, but it’s extremely competitive,” Sara said. “I want to dance through college.”

Dancing Queen

Photo courtesy of Sara Berwald, illustration by Kate McNeal