globe. + MEET CLAYTON’S FRESH FACULTY
pg. 11
+ INSIDE THE FUTURE OF A FOOTBALL MERGER pg. 19
. VOLUME 91 . ISSUE 1 . CLAYTON HIGH SCHOOL. CLAYTON, MO. AUGUST 2019.
2 | SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! The Globe is an entirely self-funded publication. We receive no funding from the school district for printing. Each issue of the Globe costs approximately $2000 to print. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their support of our publication. They make our work possible. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email us at globe@claytonschools.net. ISSUE SPONSORS ($2000 Level) Gail Workman Herbie’s in Clayton
GOLDEN GREYHOUND SPONSORS ($200+ Level) Big Bend Auto Center Center of Clayton Integrity DTLS Landscape Architecture Dale Avenue Pediatrics Windsor Madonna O Cotlar Centene
Yeung Realtors Melissa Clark Clayton Pilates Studio The Thompson Richardson Team St. Louis Suit Company English-to-English Clayton All in Coalition
WORLD TRAVELER SPONSORS ($100+ Level) Northwest Coffee The LaGesse Stanton Family The Sturmoski Family The Abburi Family Jane Cross Eugene Cross Bob and Betsy Cuneo Bob Chapman The Stemmler Family Charlotte de Sauvage Nolting The Curtis Family Sangeeta Khanna and Aseem Sharma The Chung Family Washington University Physicians Allergy & Immunology Clinics Mary and Dick Anthony Robin and Neil Snelling
Christy Hager DDS Ann Sachar Sarah Bernard Dr. James Fehr Dr. Anne Glowinski Angela and Troy Quinn Chandrakant C. Tailor Alex Waldbart Florist Protzel’s Delicatessen Cobblestone Quality Shoe Repair Celsius Cryo-Therapy The Erlin Family Debbie and Andy Schwartz Chandrakant Tailor The Choo-Kang Family The Family of Lary Baker Go Inc. Kay Quinn Malone
3 | CONTENTS
August 2019
13 Saying Hello
Introducing the new Clayton faculty
19 Sports Preview
Check out our Clayton athletes to watch
23 Greyhound Time
Eliot Blackmoore gives his take on the new schedule
Photo by Michael Melinger
globe. STAFF
REPORTERS
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Grace Snelling and Lila Taylor
CHIEF MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Michael Melinger
CHIEF DIGITAL EDITOR Richard Cheng
SENIOR MANAGING EDITORS Ashley Chung Katie He Noor Jerath Sarah Stemmler
SECTION EDITORS Cece Cohen, BREAKING NEWS/ DIGITAL Shane LaGesse & Kaitlyn Tran, NEWS Disha Chatterjee & Sofia Erlin, FEATURE Jimmy Malone, SPORTS Eliot Blackmoore & Danny Choo-Kang, OPINION Siddhi Narayan & Bridget Walsh, REVIEW
COPY EDITOR Lana Xu
PHOTO EDITOR Ella Cueno
PAGE EDITORS Vivian Chen
Naveed Naemi
Josephine Cross
Ruth Pierson
Kate Freedman
Dheera Rathikindi
Sahithya Gokaraju
William Redington
Tallulah Hawley
Anna Sturmoski
Maxwell Keller
Junyi Su
Kaia Mills-Lee
Angela Xiao
Owen Auston-Babcock Isabella Bamnolker Luka Bassnett Emma Baum Sophia Boyd Danny Bui Jenna Bush Rory Carolyn Seraphina Corbo Chloe Creighton Isabelle Cross Sonali Dayal Aaradhya Diwan Hannah Do Paige Espe Tiancheng Fan Thomas Gustafson Alexandra Hagemeister Max Hagemeister Zoey Hall Abigail Hoelscher Wendy Humphreys Sasha Keller Ryan Kerr Daphne Krauschaar Rachel Liang Moriah Lotsoff
Gabrielle McAuley Isaac Millians Ana Mitreva Margret Mooney Sofia Mutis Ruby Nadin Sofia Puerto Reese Quinn Emma Raine Ivy Reed Helena Reuter Maya Richter Ananya Shah Kathryn Smith Samuel Smith Alexandre Snyder Ingrid Stahl Abigail Sucher Daena Talavera Sava Tamanaha Abigail Van Emden Carola Vaqueiro Jessie Wang Summer Williams Elaine Yoo Sophie Yoshino
PHOTOGRAPHERS Lillan Brown Abigail Cooper Elizabeth Cupini Gwen Duplain Davia Goette Whitney Le Hayley Lewis
Mallory Palmer Deborah Park Elise Restemayer Elia Rios Emma Siegel Lauren Wolff
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5 | editors letter As summer draws to a close and we begin our senior year at CHS, we find ourselves looking back on who we were as incoming freshmen and how dramatically we’ve changed. On the first day of freshman year, we walked into the building feeling nervous and out of place. Neither of us knew where any of our classrooms were, and we had to get directions from an upperclassman to our first period English class with Mrs. Hamilton. We made sure to avoid the main staircase on the way because, according to a friend’s brother, it was “only for juniors and seniors” (we later learned that this was completely false). This was the first of many surprises that we encountered that year. Going into high school, I imagined thousands of kids, all bigger and smarter than me, cramming past each other shoulder-to-shoulder between classes. I pictured a crowded New York City street, with seniors yelling, “Hey! I’m walking here!” and no underground subway to escape to. I felt like everyday would be like Black Friday shopping—everyone for themselves. As a result of this warped view of what high school would be, I began to join things left and right: French club, medical club, volunteen, sports and, finally, newspaper. I had a friend who convinced me to sign up along with her. I thought that becoming a part of so many things would help this giant school seem a little bit smaller. I remember having my first story idea. I was speaking up during one of the Globe lunch meetings, and I told Mrs. Sucher-O’Grady that I wanted to try my hand at something about the upcoming Centene construction. She smiled and told me that the Centene project would be the cover story for the issue. I nodded, feeling disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to cover my first idea. That is, until she clarified that no story opportunity was off limits to enthusiastic new writers, and invited me to work on it with a team of upperclassmen. I had never felt more important than when I strutted up to the massive Centene skyscraper, dressed in tights and my mother’s blazer, to interview one of the corporate heads of a Fortune 500 company. My first interview was amazing, and I made friends with several of the once-intimidating upperclassmen. Globe didn’t just make the school smaller; it made me bigger. The experiences that I’ve had on staff have allowed me to feel comfortable talking to strangers or starting up new conversations. Through this community, I found both older and younger peers to look up to and model myself after. Needless to say, Clayton isn’t the disconnected microcosm of a busy city that I expected it to be. My peers work together rather than viewing the failures of others as personal successes. It’s a community of students and faculty alike.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lila Taylor
When I entered freshman year, I expected to be overwhelmed by new stresses and responsibilities. To me, the gap between middle and high school was a monumental thing; high schoolers, according to the mind of an anxious eighth grader, were adults, whereas I was still a child. My imagination was plagued with images of 20 page exams, caffeine-fueled all nighters and a stratified cafeteria class system. And while, realistically, the first few weeks of school were difficult, I quickly discovered that CHS was not the alien landscape that I expected it to be. For starters, academics did not suddenly become an insurmountable challenge. I’ve yet to encounter a normal exam with pages in the double digits, and my bedtime typically lands around 9:30. I have never once pulled an all nighter, and I quit coffee near the beginning of my sophomore year. Most surprisingly, I only ever enter the cafeteria to buy the occasional orange juice, and I certainly wouldn’t be able to break down the social implications of its usual seating arrangements if asked. However, above all, high school has taught me important lessons about myself. In my first year at CHS, I was insecure in my own abilities and, even as I succeeded in most areas, considered my grades and achievements to be lucky flukes. Despite constant proof of the merits of my hard work, my anxiety before tests was almost paralyzing and I was perpetually convinced that I had failed. It took comforting words from Mrs. Hamilton, pats on the back from my tennis coach, Rich, encouraging pretest speeches from Mrs. Dobbert and support from many others to convince me that my efforts were good enough. These people have truly shifted the lens through which I view myself and my capabilities. Looking back on my growth over these four years, I see the transformation of a nervous and diffident eighth grader into a self-assured adult. I think less about tests, allow myself to feel pride in my achievements and focus more on aspects of my life that truly interest me.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Grace Snelling
TRUMP TALKS President Donald Trump calls out a reporter after waving a printed copy of his Mexico-America agreement in front of the press pool. After his comments, Trump boarded Marine One to Joint Base Andrews, which would begin his trip to Iowa for a rally on June 11, 2019.
Chief Multimedia Editor MICHAEL MELINGER
news & notes SHANE LAGESSE | KAITLYN TRAN NEWS SECTION EDITORS
shifting schedules Passing periods will now be 5 minutes instead of four, there is an added 15-minute break between the second and third period and on the last Wednesday of each month, there will be an additional 30-minute period for Clayton Conversations: student-led, building-wide discussions on varying topics.
national tragedies
clayton construction
vend mo’ The vending machines in the cafeteria have been restocked for the year with new snacks. Some of the updated selections include mini M&Ms, Skittles, white cheddar Cheez-its and Oreos.
dems debate
A major shooting occurred in El Paso, Texas on August 3 in a Walmart. The gunman, Patrick Crusius, shot and killed 22 people, leaving over two dozen with injuries. The shooting is being considered as a possible hate crime.
Less than 15 hours later, another shooting occurred in Dayton, Ohio on August 4. Nine victims died in the shooting and 27 were left injured. The gunman was 24-year-old Connor Stephen Betts.
kashmir conflict On August 5, 2019, India revoked a constitutional article which once granted the contested territory of Kashmir autonomy to make its own laws. This marks tensions escalating even further between India and Pakistan.
The historic Shanley building on 7800 Maryland Ave. is set for demolition and is to be replaced by a $270 million development. The building was completed in 1936 and received recognition for being the first International Style building in the Midwest and winning a silver award at the 1937 Paris Exhibition. Due to its historical significance, preservationists have protested its demolition.
Percentage polling for Democratic candidates as of August 14th. The candidates listed are those who have qualified for the third Democratic debate in Houston, Texas on Sept. 12th and 13th. Biden still leads in the polls after both democratic debates. In the first debate, Harris attacked Biden on his past record on busing, while in the second debate, Booker targeted Biden on his voting record for criminal justice reform. After the second night, Warren improved in her favorability polling, while Harris dropped in polls. Progressive candidates Sanders and Warren combated attacks from more moderate candidates on topics such as healthcare.
At the intersection of Hanley and Clayton, 7651 Clayton Road, a $120 million senior living development, is currently under construction and is expected to be finished in the spring of 2021. Clarendale Clayton is a 13-story development that will include 281 residences.
library’s new chapter St. Louis County Library - Mid County Branch plans to reopen in early September after closing in November 2017 upon completion of renovations.
9 | FEATURE
the apple doesn’t fall far Two Clayton sisters band together, creating a musical group which has now reached a moment of fame. MICHAEL MELINGER | CHIEF MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Even before Lily Ibur had graduated high school, she had decided that it was going to be music or nothing at all, and she wasn’t going to do it alone. Ibur and her sister, Bella, began their musical careers at early ages, taking after their parents, who are both artists. Fostering that love for music, Lily set her sights on attending music school after graduating from Clayton through the Collaborative School. The girls, now known as Rubi, have garnered tens of millions of plays on their new single ‘Jeans’. And no, they weren’t discovered on YouTube, nor did they win America’s Got Talent. Instead, through a lengthy path, and one that was largely unbeknownst to the artists themselves, that landed their song in one of the biggest ad campaigns of 2018. Rewind to a random afternoon in a local Trader Joe’s, in between the fresh avocados and
two buck chuck, when artists Bella and Lily got a life changing call from their manager. Five days later, their music was sharing the stage with the likes of Billie Ellish, Logic and even Elvis Presley. “We thought they were pulling a prank on us because it just didn’t seem real to us. Can you prove this? We weren’t allowed to tell anyone,” Bella said. However, this wasn’t exactly the news of the day for their producer, Andy Rosen. Rosen met the girls a year or two earlier and had since masterminded the entire effort, from demo track to the remastered instrumental version that ended up in the ad. “I listen to their music, which was cool. They seemed super talented and I saw that St. Louis [connection] and I was like, God, I gotta do it,” Rosen said. Rosen, who lived in University City until the
age of 14 before moving to a ski valley in Utah, bought his first guitar at a local shop here in St. Louis. Majoring in sociology in college and now entering his forties, Rosen reconnected with his artistic side later in life. Initially drawn to these artists for their music, but more so now due to their shared love of the Lou, Rosen invited the girls out for a studio session. Not more then five minutes post-brunch and sitting down on the couch in Rosen’s studio did Bella rattle off the first lyrics of ‘Jeans’. “I’m a little curvier. I was always into [Lily’s] jeans because they were really cute and I sit down and I was like these don’t fit me,” Bella said, “These jeans too tight, too skinny for me. And I was like, that is the first line of our song.” The song, although not about skinny jeans, began to come to shape by the end of the day. Rosen had constructed a simple baseline
10 | FEATURE through an iPad app and about half the song had been written. As the girls come home to the 314, Rosen kept mixing. He created several versions, including one that incorporated jazz elements. With a total of three trips to L.A., Bella and Lily had created a final demo, and then: nothing. The demo just sat there, unreleased. “So, after a certain amount of time, I asked their manager ‘Hey, can I just kind of send this song around? I have someone that pitches music for film and tv and commercials.’ And the manager was like ‘Yeah, absolutely.’ ... I give it to the guy. He says ‘Thank You.’ I don’t hear anything for a long time. I don’t even think about it,” Rosen said. Rosen and the girls toyed with releasing it, thinking about what could they do with the song. Nothing happened. Days. Weeks. Months. Even a year went by. Radio silence. “One afternoon, I got an email from the person that pitches my music and he says ‘Hey, do you have the stems for the song?’” Rosen said. Not knowing what it was for, the stems were sent and once again, radio silence. “We kinda just put it on the back burner, like okay nothings gonna happen with this song. Let’s just move on,” Lily said. Rosen’s middle-man reached back out again, but this time he had better news to share. “He reaches out again and was like ‘Hey, remember that thing I reached out to you about a month ago, that was actually for Apple. And, um, they would like to talk to you?’ And of course, I will do anything,” Rosen said. Then the real work began. Rosen didn’t actually make the trek up and down the Pacific coast from Palo Alto, where Apple is based, and back home to L.A.. Instead, through a vast number of emails, the piece came together in a phantasmagoria of nerves and excitement. As Apple’s notoriously closed-mouth began to fade, the commercial formed. Rosen had finally learned which product the ad was designed for, and a release date became imminent. “It was like, ‘Alright, this is good. It’s locked in. It’s going next week.’, it was really fast,” Rosen said. “One of our managers, Lisa, was like, “Hey, are you guys in a place where you can sit down and chill for a second?” We’re like, “Yeah, what’s going on?”, and they were like, “You got the deal,” and we’re just like, “Okay, cool.” And they were like, “No, this is for Apple.” And we’re like, “What the F, this is crazy,” Bella said. After nearly dropping dead in the Trader Joe’s aisle, the girls started to spread the news amongst their friends and family. As the ad aired live and the girls huddled around the live stream, they watched their song ignite the launch of Apple’s newest product, the Apple Card.
Left - Album art for ‘Jeans’. Above - Bella and Lily of Rubi with Andy Rosen (Center), the producer of ‘Jeans” during a trip to L.A. Photos from Bella and Lily Ibur.
fresh faculty meet the new full-time faculty at CHS
bradford buck LILA TAYLOR | EDITOR IN CHIEF
“I love learning myself. And I thought there was no better way than to do something that literally causes you to learn something new every day,” said Bradford Buck, new CHS science teacher. “I was in a career working for a technology company,” Buck said. “And I worked in undergraduate or graduate research. In a cancer biology lab, a lot of [my work] was repetitive. With teaching, you might be teaching some of the same content, but you never teach it the same way. Your classroom is never the same. I love that variability. I love that change. I love the relationships.” While the changes that come with teaching drew Buck in, some of his own high school teachers inspired him to fall in love with science. “My high school science teacher was one of them,” Buck said. “I already liked science, but they made me love science. I think when people come to moments of realization and they make connections, it’s really cool to see that process happen. I find it very exciting as well, when I make new connections and I learn something or change my perspective on something. It’s always a cool moment. So
with teaching, you see that all the time.” Buck’s passion for science transfers into other subjects as well. If he wasn’t able to teach science, his second choice would be art. “I was almost an art major in college,” Buck said. “I still like to incorporate a lot of art into science because I find nature to be incredibly beautiful. And I love microscopy, mainly because you could know what something looks like for your entire life, but when you put it under a microscope, it almost seems alien at first. Up close, things look completely different than you would expect.” And if Buck wasn’t able to teach at all, his unexpected alternative would be flying: helicopters, for that matter. “I’ve always wanted to fly helicopters,” Buck said. “I’m very fascinated by the aerodynamics of helicopters and how they exist as a machine. It’s a really incredible kind of invention and use of physics. And technically, it shouldn’t even work the way that it does. There’s so many aspects of it. So mixing that and the freedom of flying, as well as the uses of helicopters for ambulances, I would probably be a life flight pilot. And it’s still my goal to to learn to fly a helicopter.”
Before becoming a teacher, as well as a helicopter fanatic, Buck attended University of Mary Washington for his undergrad. “It’s a small liberal arts school in Fredericksburg, Virginia, which I loved,” Buck said. “I was able to play division three lacrosse for a couple years, and then dropped that because it was tanking my grades. College athletics is a huge time commitment, and I was definitely not going to be a professional lacrosse player.” After leaving college, Buck worked in biotech for three years, growing viruses and making media for bacteria. After a while, he decided to go back to school. “I got into a PhD program in University of Alabama at Birmingham. I was in that for about four years before I realized it was going to be another four years, and then potentially another two after that,” Buck said. “And at that point, I realized my love for teaching. I dropped out of that PhD program and got a masters in biomedical sciences. Making the decision to teach at the high school level, or secondary in general, was terrifying. But it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
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danielle duhadway GRACE SNELLING | EDITOR IN CHIEF
In middle school, incoming CHS history teacher Danielle DuHadway wasn’t a great student. She disliked reading and felt like her writing didn’t measure up to that of her peers. Classes seemed difficult, English was uninteresting and school just hadn’t clicked for her. That is, until she took World History in her freshman year of high school. “It wasn’t until [that time in my life] that I felt like I was capable and that I could do things, and that was probably because of my history teacher,” DuHadway said. “He really believed in me. Ever since then, I totally changed my outlook on school and fully embraced learning. It really changed the course of my life. Which is crazy, to think that one person can have such a large influence on someone else. That was a big reason that I became a teacher, the idea that I could help others.” Before taking this class, DuHadway didn’t have much interest in history. Afterwards, she wanted to learn as much about social studies as possible before senior year. Her love for the subject continued into her time at Truman State University, despite the fact that she was majoring in science. By junior year, however, she realized that she was following in the academic footsteps of her family members instead of
pursuing her true passion: teaching. After finishing four years at Truman, DuHadway enrolled in classes at UMSL to receive her masters in education. Simultaneously to taking classes there, she acted as a teaching assistant for one of her professors, which allowed her to gain some experience with teaching first-hand (though much of her time was spent grading). From there, DuHadway became a student teacher at Lindbergh High School, where she was subsequently employed for eight years. Her job proved to be even more rewarding than she had initially expected. “Teaching exceeded my expectations,” DuHadway said. “I didn’t think that I would learn as much as my students. I had this preconceived idea of teaching as like, ‘I know a lot of things, and I’m going to teach it all to the students,’ and that was going to be the dynamic of the relationship. But I ended up learning way more from my students.” According to DuHadway, this ability to gain knowledge and perspective from her students is what motivates her to grow as an educator. “I’ve been teaching for almost a decade now, and I’m not done learning. I learn something every year, and that’s what makes teaching so fun.
You don’t have to do the same thing year after year, day after day. That’s why I think teaching is the best job in the world,” DuHadway said. Her classroom experience has also shaped and changed DuHadway’s philosophy of teaching. Today, her main focus is on her students’ individual needs and wants. She hopes to instill in each child a sense of their own capability and independence in pursuing the topics that interest them. One of the main reasons that DuHadway decided to teach at CHS was the knowledge that its students are confident in themselves as learners. “[I wanted to come to Clayton] because I know that the students are really empowered and have so much opportunity,” DuHadway said. “I think that students here are willing to take risks in order to embrace those opportunities. I really wanted to be a part of that. Clayton is a really special place because you have a lot of resources that other schools don’t have. Knowing that there’s this atmosphere of academic excellence, but at the same time having a student body that’s engaged in so many different things, it sounded like something that I would really like. I think it’s going to be an awesome year.”
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amy doyle SARA STEMMLER | SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR Passionate. Caring. Fun-loving. These are three words incoming history teacher Amy Doyle would use to describe herself. After spending 19 years in the Rockwood School District, 17 of which were spent at Marquette High School, Doyle is set to teach US and World History to rising ninth and tenth graders. While reputation contributed to her interest in CHS, size and involvement in social justice, a passion she shares with students, were also instrumental in her decision, and these two go hand-in-hand. “There is a deep sense of ‘other’ in Clayton that certainly existed at Rockwood, but it’s such a big district that it’s harder to have that feeling that you’re a part of something bigger than yourself,” Doyle said. “At a smaller school, it’s easier to get that feeling of ‘we’re all in this together’.” Apart from this involvement in social justice, Doyle’s first impressions include CHS students who are “well-rounded, very driven to do well, but also like to have fun and be the young adults that they are.” Doyle also appreciates the recent amplifica-
tion of the district’s commitment to equity. This effort, combined with the small school setting, are indicators of the bonds she hopes to make. “I’m coming from a very large district. In my own educational background, I came from a very small high school, so I’m excited to get back into a smaller school where you get to form relationships with almost everyone, and meet a lot of people. It’s going to be fun for me,” Doyle said. If she herself was a CHS student, Doyle said one could find her playing sports such as softball, soccer and basketball as she did in high school, but also in activities such as Model UN and Speech and Debate. “That’s really where my passion lies now: making a difference with my word,” Doyle said. Doyle hopes to do just this within her role as a teacher, a determination she made as a mere junior in high school. “I had a history teacher my junior year of high school that was amazing. She was one of those teachers that cared about me first and then cared about the content,” Doyle said. “I’ll never forget; It was an American History class, and there was a test I didn’t do really well on. I was
stressed -- I played three sports in high school -- there was just a ton of stuff going on, and she wrote on my test ‘Hey, is everything okay? This isn’t like you.’ That kind of care and concern for me as a person drew me into wanting to become a teacher.” In terms of history, specifically, Doyle truly enjoys discussing the nature of humans. “I talk about history as the human experience -- what it means to be human. It’s something that we can all relate to because we’re all trying to trudge through this life and make the best of it. That is where my passion lies,” Doyle said. While Doyle spent her summer traveling far and wide to places like Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Vienna, she also looks forward to relaxed afternoons complete with an ice cream cone along Clayton’s strip of Demun. While moving districts is undoubtedly accompanied by vast changes, Doyle is welcoming the months ahead. “I loved my students at Marquette. I didn’t leave because I was unhappy, so I’m excited about the prospect of meeting more people. And change. Change is good.”
14 The ability to interpret contemporary issues within the context of history is a powerful asset, and new CHS history teacher La Shauna Aningo seeks to help students confront present-day issues with a strong education rooted in history. “I want to create an environment where students can examine different perspectives and topics in history while making connections to current events,” Aningo said. “I want to assist students in seeing continuity and change over time and grasping how connected we are to the past.” Before arriving at CHS, Aningo taught at Normandy High School, St. Louis Community College at the Meramec campus and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. While she has not always taught social studies, Aningo found that history is “embedded in everything we learn.” With this mindset, Aningo plans to enrich Clayton students with a holistic perspective of history in her World & US History II and African American Studies courses. An important component in Aningo’s curricula will be critical thinking skills. “I believe as a teacher it is imperative to foster analysis, problem-solving and decision making in the classroom,” Aningo said. “Students need opportunities to learn to manage the extensive amount of information they are forced to grapple with daily. Part of my goal as a teacher is to assist students in learning these skills through the lens of social studies.” As a new teacher at CHS, Aningo looks forward to becoming a member of Clayton’s community. On the subject of her goals with her new students, Aningo said, “My focus this year is on building rapport with my students and creating a positive learning environment in my classroom.” Aningo looks forward to instilling an excellent foundation in social studies and building robust relationships with her students. “I want to assist students in academic success, and I look forward to many great conversations about history.”
la shauna aningo RICHARD CHENG | CHIEF DIGITAL EDITOR
daniel dorsey ELLA CUNEO | PHOTO EDITOR
“One time I was just sitting there teaching, and I see Dorsey running. He’s running and there is another teacher chasing him, because they were the last two left,” Jennifer Swift, a math teacher at CHS, said of a memorable game of Assassin, a Lindbergh High School tradition in which members of the math department would attempt to assassinate other teachers by placing a sticker on them. During his 23 years at Lindbergh, Daniel Dorsey worked with a number of current CHS teachers (including Swift) before deciding to make the switch himself this coming fall. “He was sneaky, he would hide in people’s closets and their rooms, and under their desks,” Swift said. “When he has a challenge, he takes it on whole-heartedly.” This year, Dorsey is excited to get to know CHS. Inspired by his high school teachers at St. Louis University High School, Dorsey decided to become a math teacher. In high school, he enjoyed working on his school newspaper and yearbook, as well as running cross country. For the 2019/2020 school year, Dorsey will teach Algebra II, Honors Algebra and Trigonometry and Geometry. Coming from a school with a large student body, Dorsey was struck by the tight-knit community aspect that a small district offers. He also appreciates that despite high academic expectations for Clayton students, the focus remains on the students’ mental health. Dorsey believes that one of the biggest issues with schools today is students’ emotional wellness. “I hope [my students] know that I want to respect their abilities to be thinkers. I don’t want to just spoon-feed information,” Dorsey said. “I want to respect them enough as a learner to recognize that they are capable of making their own connections.”
michelle kondracki
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DISHA CHATTERJEE | FEATURE EDITOR
Many people share a common belief, often stemming from horror stories of trigonometry that bring them to tears, that math is reserved for textbooks, classes and the minds of “math people” only. Michelle Kondracki is not one of them. Kondracki has been a math teacher for four years, and her teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that the world is not split into “math people” and “not-math people”; rather, all students innately have the capability of conquering the challenging subject. “I believe that we as humans are naturally mathematical, and studying math can help explain the world around us,” Kondracki said. People are often quick to say they don’t understand math, but Kondracki tries hard to make all her students realize they can learn it, and hopefully enjoy it a little. Even if it’s just one chapter, she strives to reach this goal every year. While she knew she wanted to pursue the general profession of teaching, Kondracki was uncertain about what subject specifically at first. However, she soon found a clear answer. “I had some really inspirational teachers who believed in me. I didn’t think I would ever
be a math teacher, and then had teachers say, ‘Oh, you can teach math!’ Believing in myself, as cliche as it may seem, I realized that math can be a lot of fun and I can help other people.” Besides having inspirational teachers who gave her the confidence to pursue this profession, she also harbors a natural love for the subject. She values the objectivitiy of the subject, the idea that teachers cannot misinterpret what a student says or disagree with them. Instead, she enjoys that math is a problem solving process. “[It’s] the idea of working towards a solution. I feel like I’m a natural problem solver, so having a problem to solve is really fun for me... I like that there is usually a correct answer-- but always multiple ways to find it,” Kondracki said. Kondracki attended community college for two years through Missouri’s A+ program, then went on to graduate from UMSL, earning a BS and MA in Mathematics as well a BSED in Secondary Education Mathematics before becoming a teacher. Prior to teaching at CHS this year, Kondracki was an educator at a private Roman Catholic secondary school for women called Incarnate Word Academy, located in a
suburb of St. Louis. However, after four years, Kondracki decided to search for a new teaching opportunity. “I wanted to make the switch from working in a private school to a public school, but I also wanted a school that is doing great things-- so Clayton was perfect,” she said. Kondracki’s beliefs on being a teacher as a whole extend past the act of grading her students. She explains that it entails nurturing each student and aiding them in their journeys as not only students, but people as well. “I believe that teaching is much more than grades and standards, but, perhaps most importantly, is about growth as an individual and as a learner,” Kondracki said. When asked about a favorite teaching story, Kondracki didn’t have a specific example in mind. However, she went on to explain that she truly enjoys the day-to-day interactions she has with her students. She’s always looking to build relationships with her students. “It’s the little moments that I get to see all the individuality of my students that makes me love teaching,” Kondracki said.
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dana augustine KATIE HE | SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
“Part of the interview process was coming in and teaching, and I remember coming to this school and walking through the halls. The vibe of the school was a lot different. I felt like this place was a place of learning, and that people here for the most part are here to learn,” new CHS English teacher Dana Augustine said. Augustine had been teaching for six years in San Diego and Florissant, Missouri before deciding to come to Clayton. According to Augustine, teaching English interests her for a number of reasons. “Especially with English, I think that there are a lot of important and interesting things you can talk about with high schoolers,” Augustine said. “High school is such an important part of your education. It is right before you are on your own. So I just think that it is a super important time to have someone who cares about you first of all, but also second of all, have a space to explore your values and what is important to you.” At CHS, she will be teaching College Prep English 3 and 4 to juniors and seniors. She looks forward to exploring different literary perspectives with her junior classes, as well as navigating the wide range of choice afforded to seniors in English. Outside of school, Augustine enjoys several hobbies. “I like learning about yoga and like practicing yoga, but I don’t work at a studio,” Augustine said. “I started reading a book called ‘The Body Keeps The Score’ and it is about things that happen in your life that your body physically stores, especially when it is something traumatic, and how that affects how your brain communicates with your body. The way all of it works together is super interesting and important for us to know as individuals and me as a teacher, and it’s a good reminder that everybody is going through stuff that affects you in ways that you can’t always control.” Overall, Augustine hopes to promote a healthy and supportive environment in her classroom. “I am excited to see all my students and just become apart of the community,” Augustine said.
“I have always loved to read and write. The English language is so rich and nuanced. I love discovering new worlds and possibilities through literature,” incoming CHS English teacher Raychelle Martin said. A St. Louis native, Martin is transferring to the Clayton English Department after 14 years in the Ferguson-Florissant District. “Clayton has the diversity, autonomy and support I was looking for to continue my teaching career,” Martin said. Martin strives not only to create rich lesson plans that encourage discussion and growth as a writer, but also to develop life-long connections with her students. “I believe all students are capable of meeting high expectations if they are given the right support,” Martin said. “I believe all students deserve a quality education. I believe in teaching the whole student.” This dedication has led to strong student-teacher relationships that go beyond her classrooms. “I have attended many weddings, baby showers and graduations of former students. I have a few former students who I now consider very close friends. I still mentor and encourage my former students. They inspire me daily,” Martin said. Social media has played a key role in allowing Martin to keep in touch with students who have graduated. However, her strong online presence is not limited to these connections. In addition to previously running a fashion blog and hosting a fashion show, she has used platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to launch an organization called FATshionably Correct. Through the site, she works to “inspire plus-size women to dress, look and feel their best.” Martin has been able to use a traditional love of English to support positive change through modern platforms like social media. Her passionate energy is sure to find a welcome home within the walls of CHS English classes.
raychelle martin NOOR JERATH | SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
joseph schoen
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SOFIA ERLIN | FEATURE EDITOR
“My mother says I was singing before I was speaking in full sentences. The first song that I ever sang was Silent Night. I was 18-months -old when I first started singing, so I was able to hear a tune and might not have the exact words correctly but I could sing the tune,” new Clayton High School music teacher Joseph Schoen said. Music has always been an important aspect of Schoen’s life. However, he did not originally plan to have a career in music. The St. Louis native earned a degree in broadcast journalism from Webster University. “I was aspired to sing professionally, and then when I worked for Royal Caribbean, I became a vocal director and music director for the company,” said Shoen. “But I was really young and I didn’t feel like it was right for me at the time. [I] got a job in television reporting and news reporting in Texas; it just didn’t feel right.”
Soon after returning to St. Louis to pursue music, Schoen realized he wanted to become a music teacher. This school year will be Schoen’s 11th year teaching and first year in the Clayton School District. He is excited to help direct the musical this year, as well as coach the various choirs and teach AP music theory and piano. “I’m sort of a nerd when it comes to music theory. I love the math of it. It’s absolutely opposite of the artistry of being a musician,” Schoen said. Schoen’s greatest goal is to help grow the choir program at CHS. “I want to see our choir program be as strong as the rest of the instrumental program,” Schoen said. While he spends most of his day surrounded by choral music, he enjoys listening to a wide variety of music, including rock and pop.
“I do have a secret obsession with like, late 90s pop. So Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child,” Schoen said. He also enjoys listening to musical theatre and is excited to work with the theatre department. “I would love [CHS] to do Ragtime and Mamma Mia… and then there’re shows that obviously, when they become available, might be interesting to see if we can put them on,” Schoen said. Schoen is excited to help the chorus program flourish as well as help more students with their musical journeys. “I just hope everybody has an open mind about the way that I teach,” said Shoen. “I’m pretty easily approachable, but I have a pretty high standard with regards to my expectations. I haven’t been more excited about teaching than I have this year since I started teaching 11 years ago.”
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buddy sodemann ASHLEY CHUNG | SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
“Take care of yourself, take care of each other, take care of this place.” This is how Buddy Sodemann describes his teaching philosophy. A former basketball player and coach, Sodemann will be bringing his experience in the sport and in teaching to CHS this fall. Sodemann’s career as a basketball player and coach has taken him all around the world, including destinations like San Marino and Hawaii. Before teaching at Clayton, Sodemann taught for two years at Northwest High School, and he also taught Coaching Theory classes at Loras College. Although Sodemann is new to the CHS staff, this will be his second year with the Clayton School District. Last year, Sodemann was a PE teacher at Glenridge Elementary, as well as the assistant coach to the CHS boys’ varsity basketball team. Although Sodemann looks forward to teaching at CHS, especially a new class called Strength Training and Endurance, his enthusiasm moves beyond the classroom. He pushes for students to “get involved in physical activity, physical fitness and our physical education classes beyond the required ones.” He believes that exercise can be a great stress reliever and an enjoyable activity for anyone. As Sodemann was once a well-rounded high school student himself, he advises students to balance their lives and find time to pursue their interests. Within his own classes, he hopes to create a comfortable environment that will push students to challenge themselves and give their best efforts. In return, he plans to put his best foot forward each day as well. “I want my students to know that they’re always going to get the best version of me,” Sodemann said. As the school year draws closer, Sodemann looks forward to coming to the high school and getting to learn the traditions of Clayton. He hopes students will get to know and interact with him. “I’m excited to be a greyhound!”
Claire Miller first discovered her love for teaching through plastic tote boxes. By combining a spark of creativity with keen ingenuity, Miller and her childhood best friend flipped tote boxes upside down to create makeshift desks, transforming a dull storage item into the foundation of a classroom. Equipped with a full-size whiteboard, the duo became versed in the ways of teaching, and Miller cites this as her first venture into her blossoming interest in teaching. Years later, in high school, Miller would develop a strong passion for English. “During my sophomore year, I realized I wanted to teach English. The teacher I had was so compassionate but had high expectations for us, which was a lovely combination,” Miller said. Inspired by her own English teacher’s dedication, Miller chose teaching as a career, and has been teaching for about five years. However, her career has also spanned outside of traditional classrooms. “I student-taught with Fort Zumwalt and have taught in Northeast Missouri schools, as well as teaching at an in-patient rehab facility for teenagers and working with international university students,” Miller said. By stepping outside of the conventional classroom, Miller has gained a variety of new perspectives, especially during her time teaching at a rehabilitation facility. “When I worked with students in rehab, I focused on critical literacy and self-care,” Miller said. “We read the poem ‘Joey’ by Neil Hilborn and discussed access to medical care. Their engagement and insight with a topic that was so close to them stands out as a really radical moment in my career.” As an incoming teacher, Miller will bring a noteworthy point of view to the CHS English curriculum. She is eager to join the English department, especially because of the conferencing program, which drew her to Clayton. Miller spent this summer attending a few shows, along with teaching summer school and spending valuable time with family and friends. With the end of the summer and the school year closely approaching, Miller feels enthusiastic about starting her time in the district. “I’m so excited to be a part of Clayton.”
claire miller KAITLYN TRAN | NEWS SECTION EDITOR
Photo by Michael Melinger
JIMMY MALONE | SPORTS SECTION EDITOR CECE COHEN | BREAKING NEWS EDITOR
19 | SPORTS
FOOTBALL Players to watch: Tyler Sucher Jalen Williams Ahmad Weston
2018-2019 Record: 5-5
Goal: To improve on 5-5 record and make a run in the playoffs.
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL Players to watch: Sophia Boyd Sarah Taylor Izze Brown
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY Players to watch:
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY Players to watch:
BOYS’ SOCCER Players to watch: Andrew Matheny Rohan Tripathy Dillon Flynn Clark Boeger
2018-2019 Record: 18-2-1
Goal: To build off of last year’s success and win the district championship.
GIRLS’ FIELD HOCKEY Players to watch:
George Gelzer Emilio Rosas-Linhard Milan Patel
Ruby Gallegos Camilla Meyers Gabrielle McAuley
Ingrid Stahl Jelani Christmas Khaylie Ross
N/A
N/A
4-11
2018-2019 Record: 2018-2019 Record: 2018-2019 Record: 2018-2019 Record: 11-10
Goal: To improve on last year’s record and play as a team.
GIRLS’ SOFTBALL Players to watch:
Goal:
Goal:
Goal:
To improve on last year’s 5th place district finish.
To build on last season’s success with the entire team returning
To row as a team and improve on last year’s record
GIRLS’ TENNIS Players to watch:
GIRLS’ GOLF BOYS’ SWIMMING Players to watch: Players to watch:
Avery Kleinhenz Anya Thigpen Grace Lai
Dana Anderson Saniya Sah Sara Stemmler
Hutton Murdoch Koji Barrette Ben Evra
Sophie Thompson Ella Zimmerman Regan Wade
11-11
N/A
N/A
N/A
Goal:
Goal:
Goal:
To work hard and have fun.
To have a good mentality on the court.
Goal:
2018-2019 Record: 2018-2019 Record: 2018-2019 Record: 2018-2019 Record: To win conference for a second year in a row.
To beat Ladue.
20 | SPORTS
merger mishap
The proposed football co-op with Maplewood Richmond-Heights was not approved for this season JIMMY MALONE | SPORTS SECTION EDITOR CECE COHEN | BREAKING NEWS EDITOR “It’s not about anyone but the kids. If we have an opportunity at Clayton to allow for other students in other communities to play a sport they’re passionate about, the answer is absolutely,” first year Athletic Director Steve Hutson said. A proposed merger of the Clayton High School and Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School (MRH) football programs fell through this summer after the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Board failed to approve the merger, which is sometimes referred to as the co-op. The process began with former CHS Athletic Director Bob Bone, who worked with the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and the MRH athletic department to put together the planned merger. “Bob Bone did a fantastic job putting together some information of what it would look like to do a co-op with another school specific to football,” Hutson said. “The team would use our [Clayton] school colors, Maplewood would just have to provide transportation to Gay Field for games and practices.” First, the co-op had to be approved by MSHSAA. It met all of MSHSAA’s requirements and was able to move forward. Next, it had to be approved by the Clayton School Board, and, finally, by the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School Board. The Clayton Board of Education approved the merger. However, the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School Board did not make a decision. “Maplewood wanted more information specific to the co-op,” Hutson said. “Our superintendent Dr. Doherty, Dr. Gutchewsky [CHS principal] and Bob Bone came together and put some really nice documents together to answer any questions they might have had. They then sent that over to their superintendent.” A month later, the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Board continued the conversation at their June board meeting. “We were hoping that they were going to approve the co-op, and be able to roll it out this season,” Hutson said. “But again, they tabled the conversation. They didn’t vote for it, but they didn’t vote against it. Essentially, it’s
21 | SPORTS not going to happen for this upcoming year.” The merger looked to solve problems with both schools’ football programs. In 2015, Maplewood-Richmond Heights ended their football program because of a lack of participation. The co-op would give interested students at MRH the opportunity to play the sport. Clayton has experienced similar problems with fielding a team in recent years, with last year’s team having about 30 players. “In the early 2000s, we had almost 100 students dressing out for football,” said Hutson. “The data shows those numbers continue to decline all the way up until last year. Now we’re hoping to get those numbers to go up as we move into next year.” As the new athletic director, one of Hutson’s goals is to increase interest in football and other sports. The plan is to recruit students from Wydown Middle School to play sports, especially football, when they
transition to CHS. “We want to provide opportunities for students to go into classrooms at the middle school so they can learn about the programs with some of the coaches. We’ve experimented with the idea of scheduling a football practice at Wydown, so after school kids can go to the field and our football team will be there holding the practice,” Hutson said.
of practice, which is much different than the 30 we had last year.” Although the team has experienced some adversity and uncertainty throughout the offseason, they seem eager to start the season. “We have a lot of talented guys coming out this year so we’re optimistic about having success,” senior quarterback Tyler Sucher said. Even though the co-op was not approved this year, a potential merger could still happen in the future, whether that be with Maplewood-Richmond Heights or another school. “If we decide to pursue a co-op, we will put a formalized plan together. When we approach other schools, we would have the data and the knowledge to answer any questions they may have to better the possibility of a board approval on both sides,” Hutson said. “Whether we pull off a co-op with another school district or not, I feel like our numbers are now trending the other way.”
“Right now, they’ve projected around 40 or more students will be dressing out for the first day of practice, which is much different than the 30 we had last year.”
Despite the failed co-op with Maplewood, the football team has had an increase in student athletes this year. “I’m extremely proud of coach Barnes and the coaching staff,” Hutson said. “Right now, they’ve projected around 40 or more students will be dressing out for the first day
Photos from Globe archives
22 | REVIEW
tropical smoothie cafe
Exploring a new restaurant and smoothie cafe in Clayton BRIDGET WALSH | REVIEW SECTION CO-EDITOR SIDDHI NARAYAN | REVIEW SECTION CO-EDITOR Summer in St. Louis is extremely hot. The sun is glaring, the air is humid and the Shaw Park pool is packed to the brim. As a result, many people crave a cold treat to cool themselves down, something fruity and fresh-which is why countless patrons seek out the comfort of a smoothie during the stifling heat. From Smoothie King to Rootbound, there are abundant options for smoothie-loving souls. Now, with the opening of Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Carondelet, there are even more. Offering smoothies, wraps, bowls and sandwiches, this health-conscious eatery has made its debut in Clayton. Color is the first thing we noticed when walking into the store. Between the eye-catching chairs, menus and walls, the restaurant screams vibrancy and life. The initial smell is not of fruit or smoothies, but of sandwiches, providing an almost homey feel, similar to walking into a cozy café. The seating, however, is not as inviting as it would be in a coffee shop or café designed for a lengthy stay. This store seems to be directed towards people who have a quick break from work or school to eat quickly and leave. Although it is equipped with Wi-Fi and outlets, we could not imagine ourselves settling in here to work on a long project or crank out an essay. Initially, we were expecting to walk in and see a case full of pastries or some sort of baked good, something that could be taken to go quickly, but the menu is full of food that needs to be prepared. Between smoothies, sandwiches, paninis and quesadillas, this restaurant seems is very similar to Crazy Bowls and Wraps. We ordered two smoothies: the Blueberry Bliss and the Beach Bum. We were slightly shocked by the price of the smoothies-each one was about $6, significantly more expensive than other smoothie competitors. However, when the smoothies were brought to us, we understood their pricing. The cups were massive, holding 24 oz of liquid each. It was almost too much, and we were disappointed by the fact there weren’t different sizing and pricing options. As we were faced by the formidable smoothies, we decided to try them immediately. We started with the
Photo by Ella Cuneo Blueberry Bliss. The Blueberry Bliss was a mixture of blueberries, strawberries and bananas. The smoothie had a deep purple color, similar to the color of fresh blueberries, which was enticing. When we tried the smoothie, however, it unfortunately wasn’t anything special. Although the taste of blueberries came through, it was almost watery and didn’t strike us as particularly unique. It seemed like an average smoothie-- something you could get at any smoothie shop in St. Louis for the same or better quality. Next, we tried the Beach Bum. This smoothie consisted of dark chocolate, strawberries, and bananas. The color was similar to that of milk chocolate, with an almost red-ish tint. After taking a sip, we were pleasantly surprised by the taste of the smoothie. It was tart, but the sweetness and the bitterness of the chocolate still came through. Neither the chocolate taste nor the strawberry taste was too overpowering, and they complemented each other well. Chocolate and strawberries are a quintessential pairing, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe did it right. The restaurant also serves breakfast, but the options are limited. While they have an extensive menu of all other categories, their breakfast includes 3 choices: an average
breakfast burrito, a peanut butter-banana crunch flatbread and a southwest wrap. The only one of these we could not easily make at home was the southwest wrap. Looking at the lunch menu, all of the choices seemed typical to any sandwich or lunch joint, boasting options like the Cuban or the Caesar salad wrap. Although we did not try the sandwiches, we failed to see what is special about them compared to any other restaurant in Clayton. One of the best qualities of the café is the workers. All friendly, helpful and generally outgoing, they seem like people that would recognize their regulars. The music in the store is upbeat and happy, but mostly geared towards young people. There are several businesses surrounding the café, as well as office buildings and one hotel. In the hour that we sat in the store, from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M., there was not the hustle and bustle that we would expect of a popular restaurant. While this restaurant is fine for a quick bite or a morning smoothie if you’re not hungry, we cannot see anything that would entice us to become regulars here or remember it to recommend to others. There is nothing wrong with the restaurant, but nothing that would keep customers craving either.
23 | OPINION
a climate under construction TITLE OF STATISTIC ELIOT BLACKMOORE | OPINION SECTION EDITOR
Photo by Ella Cuneo Weak school districts rarely consider the student. Average districts advance the student competitively. Exceptional districts further the student holistically. To teach virtue over minutiae, the nature of an exceptional district overcomes the classroom to permeate cultural facets of the student experience. Every school district affects school climate through policy, but it is only the successful districts that have a vision for the structure of the student experience. The School District of Clayton is copiously transparent with its vision: to be an institution which develops leaders who shape the world through independence, creativity and critical thinking. To reach this end, the School District of Clayton aspires to demonstrate innovation and adaptability. This value was on full display when the district decided to reorganize Clayton High School’s daily schedule to better meet the needs of the students.
Recently, Clayton High School has gotten flak for prizing student competitive achievement over mental health. This contention was not unwarranted. Clayton High School students have long commented on student surveys that competitive cultural contaminants pose a serious threat to healthy learning. “The feedback we received from students was that the pace of the day was pretty brutal,” said Dr. Gutchewsky, CHS principal. After consulting multiple student panels and the Clayton High School faculty, Dr. Gutchewsky lengthened passing periods by a minute and included a 15-minute break between 2nd and 3rd period. “It’s a small change,” said Gutchewsky, “but I think it’s significant in that it shows that we’re aware of Clayton’s competitive environment and we’re looking for ways to address mental wellness in our building. It’s one thing to be rigorous; it’s another thing to be abusive.” Although the changed schedule addresses
stress during school hours, Clayton’s climate is hardly a well-oiled machine. Students experience harsh pressures from difficult classes, college admissions, and external organizations. These influences can benefit the student academically, but more often than not, they cripple the student’s developing emotional and social stature. “We want kids to be involved in athletics. We want kids to be involved in speech and debate. We want kids to be involved in robotics. But if kids are having six hours of homework a night, that’s not going to be tenable,” said Gutchewsky. Clayton’s climate is defined by its essential component: students. Addressing ingrained cultural aspects of the student experience is an uphill battle, but Gutchewsky and the rest of the School District of Clayton seem committed to improving Clayton wholistically. Clayton is far from perfect, but, as Gutchewsky noted, “it’s a work in progress.”