THE
R MIRROR Volume 46 Number 6 ~ April 2016 ~ De Smet Jesuit High School ~ 233 N. New Ballas Rd. ~St. Louis, MO 63141
“
It was what I had been waiting for; to just be able to kick the ball again with my leg. It was all I wanted.
” Page 6
--Patrickson Jean
College Beyond Without The Price
Cheaper College Opportunies Abound Across The Ocean In Germany Mario Ghazal Staff Writer Germany has found a way to attract undergraduate students to study in their country; free tuition. All a student has to pay for is living costs and a semester ticket that covers transportation and costs no more than $250. The estimated total is $11,000 per year, in contrast to U.S. universities which, on average for the 2015-2016 school year, asked for $32,405 for one year of tuition. A student can study in Germany only knowing English. Anyone applying for an international course can enroll without having to demonstrate their proficiency in German, substituting the German language for English instead.
Quality
The quality of education is highly rated, with 11 German universities ranking in the world’s top 200 universities, according to the QS World University Rankings®. Germany also grants easy access to other cultural and historic cities in Europe. It only takes a few train tickets to arrive in Paris, London, Barcelona or Rome. Studying in Germany requires that a student is ready to cross the Atlantic into Europe. “It is a big step, travelling literally across the world,” college counselor Will Gunn said. “It really takes you out of the rhythm of your life. Your family is not going to be moving to Germany with you, nor are your friends likely to. It’s not the kind of thing you can undertake lightly.”
Painting A Legacy
Job Opportunities
Photo by David Goodwillie
Senior Creates Mural To Commemorate Art Career Thomas Horak Staff Writer A mural can depict many things, and senior Alex Trunko hopes to inspire new and current students through his painting. “It is really exciting to have my own mural,” Trunko said. “My inspiration for starting the mural is my De Smet experience as a whole. That is where I got a lot of my ideas.” Trunko is painting a mural on the first floor new wing and it is planned to be finished by the end of the year. The mural will be a picture of a student walking into a painting and taking a risk. Trunko wants the mural to stand for something
more and inspire students. “It is supposed to be symbolic of a student’s journey through high school,” Trunko said. “The mural will stand as a message to all students to set an example for our journey through high school and encourage people to take risks.” The mural will showcase the culmination of four years in the art department. “It will showcase his level quality and type of projects that these students do,” art teacher Laurie Kohler said. “He has had a real world presence.” Trunko had to propose the budget and idea for the mural to the administrators, teachers, and the president to get his mural approved. Trunko started the design at the
beginning of the year. He said he is looking forward to its completion to top off his high school career. “I will be able to make my mark on the school,” Trunko said, “with something that will stay here even after I graduate.”
entertainment
‘The Jungle Book’ Review
Disney’s newest movie evokes sense of wonder, nostalgia from audience page 8
Courtesy of Disney Studios
Photo by David Goodwillie
Job opportunities after studying depend on whether a student wishes to return to America or stay and work in Europe. “It could be very difficult, potentially, coming back from a different country’s educational system,” Gunn said, “if you were going to come back into the US and get a job here.” Job opportunities are more available in Germany than in the USA. A report from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany shows that Germany has a youth unemployment rate of 7.7%, compared to the U.S. at 10.9%. Go to desmetmirror.com for more information about costs, requirements, programs, and application. Visit Top Universities for statistics, rankings, and other programs about universities in Germany and across the European Union. “I like the idea of people going abroad whenever or for almost any possible reason,” Gunn said. “I can think of very few things that you can do with your life than going out and seeing the rest of the world, seeing how people live and how they’re different, but more importantly the same. I think this is an outstanding opportunity for anybody looking to study abroad.”
news Students Experiment With Classroom Of Future page 2
opinions Staff dissects highs, lows of school year page 3
feature Commemorating The Class Of 2016 pages 4-5
sports Brothers Join Forces On Lacrosse Field page 7
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2
MIRROR R
NEWS
News Briefs Z-Space Visits De Smet
Research company Z-Space showcased potential educational uses for their virtual reality technology to a limited number of students on April 11. The company’s bus parked in the Emerson Lobby parking lot, where students and teachers were able to have hands-on time with the computers. “[Z-Space] is developing software that allows students to really grasp concepts that they might not have been able to without having that 3D virtual software,” sales director Brooke Charion said. “I really do think that it’s changing education and really engaging for students. It’s a lot more exciting than just learning about it and not being able to really experience it.” Students are able to conduct a wide range of activities, including dissections and physics experiments. There are over 300 schools that use a Z-Space lab. “In the real world, there are many complications that sometimes make understanding physics harder,” physics teacher Gene Bender said. “So it’s nice at times to remove friction and simplify the world, and you can do that in the virtual environment.” While mostly science classes visited the bus, Charion believes it could be used in other areas of the classroom. This includes an art program called Leopoly, where students have a virtual ball of clay and are able to create sculptures using the stylus. Users can then bring their creation into the real world using a 3D printer.
Modern Classroom School Taking Steps To Create Twenty-First Century Learning Environment
Photo by David Goodwillie
-Stephen Baxendale, Editor-in-Chief
English teacher Nick Dressler teaches students during period 1. The school is testing their effectiveness in creating a more engaged work environment.
Joe Cafazza Sports Editor
The school is renting new desks in a couple of rooms in an effort to modernize the classroom atmosphere. The desks are in rooms 215 with English teacher Nick Dressler and room 207 with learning consultant Dave Stewart. “The school was trying to get [the desks] to test them out to use them as a collaborative tool,” Dressler said, “getting away from the traditional desks, you put in rows angling more towards students collaborating Photo by Ray Stewart
Sophomore Cameron Rush uses the virtual reality demo on the Z-Space bus.
Boeing Competition The Engineering Club will compete in the Boeing Engineering Glider Challenge on May 6 at Washington University. Students were tasked with building a glider using any materials except pre-built parts. Students presented their gliders to Boeing representatives on April 21 before the final competition. “It’s essentially a challenge sponsored by Boeing and Wash. U where teams around the metro-area work to compete and build a glider,” co-officer of the Engineering Club Matt Carroll said. “Eventually it all culminates into throwing the glider and seeing who has the best one.” There are three different groups: one judges the glider based on distance, the second tries to put as much payload in a certain area as possible and a third group has to drop as much payload as possible in center court. “I’m hoping to have a good time while learning a little bit about aviation,” Carroll said. “I’m having a good time and enjoying it with my friends. Being able to present is one of the requirements down at Boeing, so it’s just good for building communication skills.” -Stephen Baxendale, Editor-in-Chief
What’s Up 6 7 9 10 15 18 19 20
May
APRIL 2016
Senior Prom Freshman and Sophomore Spring Dance Last Day of Junior Projects Special Olympics Graduation Science/History Exams English/Foreign Language Exams Math/Theology Exams
with each other as opposed to students just repeating what teachers tell them.” These desks are noticeably different from the current desks in most other rooms around the building. They are designed to be able to swivel and roll around with wheels on the bottom. There is also a well area under the chair of the desk which provides a convenient place for students to store their backpacks. “I’m testing them out because I already like to do a lot of group work,” Dressler said. “I really like the speed and ease with which we can get into different
structures and groups. Getting into groups is easy; changing groups is easy.” The biggest pros of the new desks are the mobility and the ability to swivel back and forth between talking to a group and looking up to listen to the teacher or look at the board. Dressler expressed that there are some problems with students rolling around and bumping into each other rather than paying attention, but also said that similar problems also come with the traditional desks where students find other ways to become sidetracked from class.
Senior Wins Trip To China
Government Program Funds Seven-Week Trip To Study Abroad Stephen Baxendale Editor-in-Chief
After being accepted by the National Security Initiative for Youth (NSLI), Senior Matt Wemhoener will live in Zhuhai, China this summer to learn both the language and culture. Four to five hours each day, Wemhoener will attend Mandarin classes to improve his grasp on the language. “When you go to a country and are completely immersed in it, it’s something very biological,” Wemhoener said. “Just hearing it everywhere, there’s something in your brain that just sort of clicks. Even though I’ve only taken a year and half of classes, I think it will greatly improve my dialogue.” The NSLI is a state-sponsored organization that provides merit scholarships for eligible high school students or recent high school graduates. The mission is to send students to improve their cultural and linguistic knowledge to help prepare them to be global leaders. The program pays for 100 percent of the expenses, including transportation and housing. He will be staying with a foster family during his time there. “A big part of it is just trying to see living in a society that’s been a civilization for so long, and just seeing the different philosophies with everyday life and how that affects a high schooler,” Wemhoener said. “When all you learn is from the internet, and while you can learn a lot, you
“
Even though De Smet has opportunities, there are so many more opportunities to do these things than you realize.
”
-Matt Wemhoener
Photo by David Goodwillie
Senior Matt Wemhoener will be studying in Zhuhai, China from June through July. The trip is fully-funded by the NSLI.
have a pretty short ceiling until you go there and really experience it. I’m really looking forward to learning authentically what it’s like there.” Wemhoener applied at the beginning of last year, completing a variety of paperwork to prepare for the application. “I’d heard about a lot of kids who had done this and they all said to do everything yourself and be ultra-prepared for when you present the idea to your parents because then your parents will see that you’ll be able to handle this,” Wemhoener said. “So I filled out all of the information and did my essays, then I told my parents, and they were very supportive of it.” Wemhoener hopes that more students will try to seize similar opportunities. “I would encourage others to do as much of these types of things as they can, because even though De Smet has opportunities, there are so many more opportunities to do these things than you realize,” Wemhoener said. “Even though you may think it’s weird or too far off of an idea, but it’s really a lot more within grasp than it seems.”
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MIRROR R
APRIL 2016
OPINIONS
STATE
3
Staff Editorial
OF THE
SCHOOL
Staff Addresses Highs, Lows Of Year
The 2015-2016 school year has been one of extraordinary change and advancement. This is, in fact, one of the best times to be at De Smet. Promising change came when Corey Quinn assumed his role as president of the school at the beginning of the year, and it has continued to come ever since. The changes made, such as a new logo, coaches, weight room, and tricked out buses, have been to improve the high school experience of the student body. The faculty has and continues to build the foundation of the school’s future based on what students want and need. The school as a whole has come a long way since the start of the year, but still have some ways to go. Diversity Many students feel that the community needs to increase ideological and, most of all, cultural diversity. One anonymous student suggested not only reaching out to the students, but also alumni, saying, “We should see what [alumni] think could have been better about diversity when they were here, and if we have changed any of it. If we haven’t, then there is potentially something to fix.” Others hoped to see teachers discuss modern issues in the classroom more frequently in the future; issues other than Donald Trump. Updates This year was lacking in new technology introduced to the curriculum, however many are looking forward to future plans. Greatest of the trials this year is the costly modern classroom. Hoping to create a more involved atmosphere, it takes a new approach to the typical, dull classrooms. The student body craves similar new additions to average school life and updates to parts of the school that benefit every student. Building Community Lastly, the community has grown significantly this year and needs to keep doing so. This is an area where students feel most passionate about. The school needs to interact with the outside community more. To do so, clubs and organizations need to plan with other schools, giving those school’s students a reason to come here besides theatre and scholar bowl. For example, events such as an official summer carnival could help the school interact more with the surrounding community in ways other than service. By embracing and interacting with the community around the school, more opportunities for fun events will arise, increasing school spirit. To involve the student body in school events, the faculty must do more than just develop cool sports posters and fancy logos; they must create more events to attach those posters and logos to. Overall, the state of the school has drastically improved over the last year, and the future is promising. In order to improve the school, the faculty must continue to address the student body in order to determine the best path of the school. If the goal is to make the school more attractive, then the students are the best consultants to turn to.
What would you do if you were
Principal?
the
“I would create a day before exams that gives students a lot of time to see their teachers and ask questions about the material.” --Matthew Dunn, 9 “I would develop a test planner so that teachers could schedule tests so that students would not end up having several tests in one day.” --Clayton Kruse, 9 “I would make it a priority to make our after school events more appealing. A lot of the stuff is dull so no one goes to them. Unique themes, cool clothes, or fun music is all it takes most of the time.” --Zachary Barebo, 10 “Quarter zips would be allowed. From what I’ve seen, a lot of us have nice clothes, some nicer than De Smet apparel, that we are not allowed to wear in the halls.” --Matthew Meyer, 11
Cartoon by Darrian Sandoz
Students Should Be More Eco-Friendly
by climate change were from developing countries that have contributed least to global carbon emission. Developing countries do not have Regardless of your stance on global access to resources needed to protect and warming, everybody should be recycling rebuild themselves after a devastating as a citizen of Earth. Recycling is a quick natural disaster. In numerous speeches and easy way to reduce the detrimental and published writings, Pope Francis energy that is used for production of has called for more care of creation and other wasteful products. even said “there is a clear, definitive Production and other polluting factors and ineluctable ethical imperative to such as transportation are increasing act.” Recycling is a clear, definitive and the amount of harmful gases in the ineluctable way to ensure companies do atmosphere. These gasses in return are not produce as many harmful materials causing the global temperature to rise. and also reduce the size of landfills. Rising temperatures cause a change in Choosing not to recycle increases the weather patterns, which have devastating amount of trash that just sits in landfills. effects such as more natural disasters Some of these items like glass never and problems in agriculture. decompose and many of the items that These problems do not disrupt the life of are put in landfills take hundreds of years everyone, but those who are affected are to decompose. While “environmental usually the ones who contribute the least. justice” may be nonexistent to some and In 2012 alone, natural disaster-related daunting to others, paying more attention damages cost $100 billion and affected to where you put your trash is small way 125 million people worldwide. Over 90% to ensure you do not end up living next to of those persons most severely affected a landfill.
Ray Stewart Managing Editor
New Desks Prove Helpful Preston Kingery Guest Writer
Principal Trevor Bonat has decided to allow students in English teacher Nick Dressler’s classes to try out a new form of desk. The students in his period one English class seem to be in favor of the desks, but they are not without their faults. While there are two new types of desks being tried out, the one being looked at for most classrooms has wheels to move around, a movable desk top, elbow rests just big enough to be comfortable and a space underneath to hold your backpack. The desks allow easy movement to help classmates switch into groups or pods quicker, but also allow you to move around if you can’t see the board or hear the teacher. The desks, however, do have their issues. The desk tops are rather unstable; the space underneath is rather small, some backpacks do not fit and lunchboxes and computers are out of the question; and the desk tops are at an awkward space. Certain students had issues with the desk top either being too far or too close. These issues are minimal and easily fixed, with a basket on the back of the chair and a larger or more stable desk top for example, and overall they improve the class experience. They do not prove to be too much of a distraction. The rotation of the desk is harmless and an easy outlet for energy as opposed to tapping your foot or talking. Before implemented, the desks need a few tweaks, but are much better than the old fashioned grade-school style stationary desks.
R MIRROR 233 North New Ballas St. Louis, MO 63141 Volume 46, Issue 6 Adviser
Kevin Berns
Editor-in-Chief
Stephen Baxendale
Staff
Ray Stewart- Managing Editor Brendan Johnson- Opinions Editor Joe Cafazza- Sports Editor David Goodwillie- Photo Editor Alex Kramer- News Editor Patrick McHugh- News Editor Alex Hejna- Entertainment Editor Drew Brown- Web Editor Doug Dolan- Staff Writer Mario Ghazal- Staff Writer Zack Hilboldt- Staff Writer Thomas Horak- Staff Writer Sam Sowash- Staff Writer Jacob Young- Staff Writer Danny Reardon- Staff Writer The goals of The Mirror, as De Smet Jesuit’s official student newspaper, are to provide accurate information in the spirit of responsible journalism, to entertain and to offer a forum of ideas of students, parents, graduates, faculty and administrators. Bylined commentaries represent the opinions of their writers; they do not necessarily express the views of the administration, faculty, student body or The Mirror staff and its adviser. Editorials without bylines represent the opinions of the editors and staff. At least threefourths of the majority of the staff is needed for an article to be considered an opinion of the paper. The Mirror welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be limited to 500 words and should be submitted to the publications office in Room 212. All letters must be signed, but names may be withheld upon request.
For more information visit our website at www.desmetmirror.com
4
FAREWELL SENIORS
R MIRROR
APRIL 2016
MEN OF THE YEAR
Photo by David Goodwillie
COLE ARNOLD
NICK CHIAPEL
SEAN CHRISTMAN
DOUG DOLAN
AUSTIN GLASS
nICK HAWKINS
WILL HORMBERG
LEONARD JONES
joe peetz
RAY STEWART
jACKSON ULLMANN
chris zeugin
Photo by Nick Plassmeyer
Photo by David Goodwillie
Photo by Nick Plassmeyer
Photo by David Goodwillie
Photo by Nick Plassmeyer
Photo by Adam Craig
Photo by David Goodwillie
Photo by David Goodwillie
Photo by Adam Craig
Photo by Adam Craig
Photo by Jack Hummel
Photo by Adam Craig
DEAR CLASS OF 2016,
I cannot believe our four years together are over. These past four years we have grown together in so many ways. The sense of community amongst the Class of 2016 is unparalleled. I am extremely proud to be a part of such a talented and creative class. From watching DeAndre dominate
Spartanball at Odyssey I to watching Joe Kohlmann kill it at Mom Prom, we have tons of memorable experiences. We have coined phrases and broken records. I am confident that our impression on De Smet will last forever. I am proud to be your class president but even more proud to be
your class mate. Each of you is unique and possesses talents unlike anyone else. Each of you in one way or another is significantly better as a result of your time here. It is my hope that you all continue to be men of integrity, service and leadership. It is my hope that each of you know that you
possess a gift that cannot be found in anyone else. Continue to use your gifts and talents when you start college this fall. Regardless where you are going next year, I am proud of each and every one of you. Good luck with all of your future endeavors boys! –Ray Stewart
For more information visit our website at www.desmetmirror.com
R MIRROR
APRIL 2016
FAREWELL SENIORS
REFLECTING ON THE PAST FOUR YEARS
FIVE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS
1.)
“Attending De Smet for the past four years, changed my life. It allowed me to reach out to people , who had the best intentions for me, when I needed help. It challenged me to grow socially, being one of the few African Americans in the school. I learned how to have integrity and to value the time of others.”
2.) Photo by Adam
5
Photo courtsey of Spartan Olympiad
Craig
-Shawn Taylor
“De Smet has been nothing but greatness for me. It has been a place for me to get over my insecurities, to meet all kinds of amazing people, and to even grow spiritually. The community is wonderful and most of the teachers leave me looking forward to their classes.” -Conner Groves
THEIR FAVORITE TEACHER Based on a poll of 69 seniors
3.)
Mr. Dan Likos (Math)
o Phot
iad lymp tan O r a p fS se y o
t cour
Photo cour tsey
of Lifetouc h
4.)
5.) 1. The Parkway North Fence 2. DJ Consz at Fr./Soph. Formal 3. Freshman Odyssey I 4. Mom Prom 2016 5. Special Olympics Photo courtsey of Spartan Olympiad
Photo by David Goodwillie
“[Mr. Likos]has a really vast knowledge of what he is teaching and makes the class fun with his humor. Overall he is one of the best teachers here.” -Colin Muhr
WHO’S CHANGED WHO’S THE SAME LOOK-A-LIKES 2012
Paul Fuchs
2016
Photo courtsey of Spartan Olympiad
2012
Photo courtsey of Cilento
Chad Cruz
2016
Photo courtsey of Spartan Olympiad
Photo courtsey of Cilento
2012
Eric Vails
Photo courtsey of Spartan Olympiad
2016
Photo courtsey of Cilento
DeAndre Hayes 2012
Photo courtsey of Spartan Olympiad
2016
Photo courtsey of Cilento
Tommy Bonderer
Daniel Radcliffe
Photo by David Goodwillie
Photo courtsey of Getty Images
Ryan Stanger
Chris Farley
Photo by David Goodwillie
Photo courtsey of Getty Images
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6
MIRROR R
FEATURES
Recalling Memories Through Soccer
Sophomore Reminisces About How Soccer Reminds Him Of His Time In Haiti Drew Brown Web Editor
Running down the field, sophomore Patrickson Jean goes to shoot. As he strikes the ball, a pain goes up his leg. The pain brings him back to growing up in Haiti. When Jean lived in Haiti he would play soccer with his friends in a small park in his neighborhood. The field was not full of thick, green grass, but that did not matter to Jean and his friends when they were juggling and doing tricks with the soccer ball. “That was our little place where we could just kick around and do tricks,” Jean said. “It was where we could hang around with our friends playing a sport we all love.” Then January 12, 2010, Jean’s life took a drastic turn when Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. “I was just chilling in my house when it happened and I didn’t even know what it was” Jean said, “I thought it was some kind of motor.” His suddenly found his leg crushed in the rubble. He needed intense treatment. At the hospital, doctors decided the medical care he needed could not be found in Haiti, so Jean was sent to St. Louis. After his treatment he could not walk for 27 months, but soccer still lingered in his mind. “I really wanted to go back to playing soccer,” Jean said. “I would juggle in my head a lot, just juggling the ball in my head was all I could do.” From 6th to 8th grade Jean would have to come back to St. Louis every summer for rehab and medical checkups on his progress. During one of his trips, he was offered the opportunity to come to De Smet by Fr. Walley Sidney, the President of the school at the time. Jean gladly accepted. “It was kind of mixed feelings because I knew I was going to be here for educational purposes” Jean said, “but at the same time I was sad because I was leaving my family behind and I would not be able to see them for nine months.” Now, Jean is back playing the sport he loves after not being able to play for just over two full years. “It was what I had been waiting for; to just be able to kick the ball again with my leg,” Jean said. “It was all I wanted.”
Lunch By The Hundreds Brendan Johnson lot of fun getting to know and joke around with the Opinions Editor boys.”
With the food just set out under the heat lamps, the De Smet lunch staff waits at their positions for the bell. When it sounds, a slight rumble can be heard and the faint voices of students down the hall quickly grow louder as they stampede towards their lunch. The lunch staff waits with smiles on their faces, like ecstatic deer in the headlights. “To me, that bell means ‘show time,’” Food Service Consultants Manager Felicie Van De Riet said. “I get out there and all of a sudden I feel invigorated.” Many confuse the lunch staff as school employees; however they are employed by Food Service Consultants, a catering company, under the management and supervision of Van De Riet, who has served the school for over 30 years. “I get more out of my job here than I could have ever given,” Van De Riet said. “I have a
Patrickson Jean is reminded of his time in Haiti by playing his favorite sport.
Behind the scenes, the staff is a welloiled machine, with each person having specified roles, from hot sandwiches to pastas. The system allows them to function as efficiently as possible. Kathleen Baldi has been serving students at the school since 2010, and did so at St. Joseph’s Academy before. “If you have ever worked in a restaurant then you know that it’s always give and take,” Baldi said. “You always have your set job, but that’s not the only thing you are doing; you are doing whatever needs to be done to get that food out there.” When the bell rings and part of the school swarms into the cafeteria, each individual is not just another face to the lunch staff. “Seeing the boys come out every day is my best way of entertainment,” Van de Riet said. “It’s amusing having all the
Photo by Kevin Berns
The Food Service Consultants prepare hundreds of pounds of food per day and have fun while doing it.
boys come through my line, and I love when they do.” Van De Riet takes pride in the fact that she orders and has her staff cook the best food she can find. “I always purchase what I would be proud to serve. There is no cutting corners; only the best,” Van de Reit said. “I want [the students] to have the best.” Serving food to a school of more than 800 students and faculty is not an easy task. Going
through the motions of serving them can be stressful at times for the staff, but the majority of the Food Service Consultants can attribute their survival to one thing: a sense of humor. “If you don’t take this job with a sense of humor, you will never make through it,” Baldi said. “It’s stressful in the back always making sure everything is ready. Like most job’s, if humor isn’t a part of it, things just won’t work out.”
Top Lunch Items Ordered Daily
100 lbs.
Photo by David Goodwillie
APRIL 2016
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
55 lbs.
Potatoes
48 lbs.
Grilled Chicken Breast
24 lbs.
Mozzarella sticks
10 lbs.
Mac and Cheese
A Future In Politics
Junior Aspires To Be A Politician Patrick McHugh News Editor Junior Michael Sei is a busy individual involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. He plays baseball, does tech crew for the theatre, works in DSPN, and one day hopes to shape the future. Of the many career paths, Sei has set his sights on politics. “I enjoy politics because it allows me to be me,” Sei said. “I get to stand up for what I believe in and see the world the way that I would want it.” As some politicians are set in their ways, Sei hopes to be open to the various viewpoints and
opinions that he will be met with. “With politics you are able to put yourself into the shoes of others,” Sei said. “If you listen to many others and allow them to express their opinions you will be exposed to a lot of ideas you may not have been exposed to otherwise.” Sei’s experiences in DSPN has helped prepare him for some aspects of a political career. “Doing DSPN allows me in the future to deal with what newspaper does with telling a story.” Sei said. “This allows me to convey the thoughts of others.” One of Sei’s biggest inspirations to join politics is not a historical or modern political figure, but a De Smet alumni Eric Schmitt.
“He really is a politician that has stood up for what he believes in,” Sei said. “I aspire to be like him and make a difference in other people’s lives.” Sei is unsure what the political landscape will look like in the future, but is looking forward to what he will accomplish in the future. “As scary as it sounds, I have no clue where the politics of America will be when I graduate college,” Sei said. “I think it will be wherever it is supposed to be and I am eager to deal with the issues of the time.”
Photo by Christian Weishaar
Michael Sei is eager to get into the political field and fight for what he believes in.
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R MIRROR
APRIL 2016
Band Of Brothers
SPORTS
Play Like a Girl
Math Teacher Reminds Rugby Team That Girls Play Too Jacob Young Staff Writer
Front row: Paul Weber, Dylan Radke, Colin Brown, Back row: Mike Weber, Derek Radke, Drew Brown
Alex Kramer News Editor Knowing a brother is on the field with a player can boost morale and motivate, especially when it’s an older brother ready to critique any mistakes. This year, the lacrosse team has three sets of brothers playing together on the varsity level: Colin and Drew Brown, Dylan and Derek Radke and Paul and Mike Weber. Sophomore midfielder Colin Brown feels that having his brother on the team with him is important. “Overall, it’s a good experience having an older brother on the team to push me to get better,” Colin Brown said, “but it’s annoying sometimes because he pushes you harder than other players.” On the other hand,
sophomore attack Paul Weber doesn’t notice a change in his game with his older defenseman brother on the field with him. “I don’t really think about it that much,” said Paul Weber. Being on other ends of the field, Paul and Mike Weber never play hand in hand with each other in games. Much like the Weber brothers, freshman goalie Dylan Radke can’t play side by side with his brother Derek who is an attack. “Though we don’t play at each other’s sides, I definitely play better when he’s on the field with me,” said Dylan Radke. Colin and Drew Brown are both midfielders, giving them the ability to push each other to the next level of capability. “We grew up playing lacrosse together our whole lives, so it’s like playing in the backyard,” Colin Brown
said. “He preaches the same things that he usually does to help me get better. It’s very easy for him to tell me what I’m doing wrong. Sometimes, he’s a little hard on me.” Varsity head coach Joe Douglas sees having three pairs of brothers on the team as an advantage. “I think it pushes guys to be leaders,” Douglas said. “When having a younger brother on the team, you naturally become more of a leader. At the same time, if you’re the younger brother, you immediately have someone to follow or look up to and push yourself to be better than.” Although it may be frustrating to be pushed harder than usual by another player, all three younger brothers greatly benefit from their older brothers playing together with them.
Championship Duo Doug Dolan Staff Writer Freshman Matthew Dubuque has the potential to make State this year, along side a junior PJ Panasar. “They have more experience playing in tournaments, even Dubuque; he comes very well accomplished with his skill
Photo by Kevin Berns
P.J. Panasar talks with his doubles partner Matthew Dubuque.
Photo by David Goodwillie
set,” varsity tennis coach David Boland said. “They have taken that challenge and been competitive with everyone; what sets them apart is their skills and experience.” The duo will partner on a doubles team shooting to place at the State match. “Yes, they can place,” Boland said. “We are in one of the most difficult sectionals and if we can get past our sectional, there is a very good chance we can stand on the podium, which is at least sixth place at State.” The other doubles team is junior Andrew Wessel and sophomore Andrew Selkirk. “Both of those doubles teams have been getting stronger throughout the season and playing very well both as the four individuals and also as doubles teams,” Boland said. “It’s hard to say what can happen, but I like our chances.” The tennis team is in a conference with Marquette, Lafayette, Parkway West,
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Playing like a girl has taken a new meaning for precalculus teacher Madeline Schissel. Looking for a way to spend her time during her sophomore year in college, she decided to pick up rugby. She found her passion clashing with other athletes on the field, and now shares her experience with the rugby team. “Having a female work and share her experience with the rugby team is new for a lot of guys,” Schissel said. “There’s no more using the phrase played like a girl for them now because they’ve learned that a girl played.” Rugby is a physical sport where the goal is to get one player holding the ball across the goal line for a try (touchdown) worth five points. “At first is was a little awkward, having a girl teach one of the most physical sports,” sophomore Jon Dizon said. “Now we are used to having her in drills and helping around; she’s one of the guys.” Schissel will join in on practice when they are
in pre-game mode and running phases, or ingame scenarios. Schissel plays defense. “If people really aren’t doing their work,” Schissel said, “or doing the things they do out on the field, that will be evident and I will do something about it.” Schissel continues to build her coaching resume, which includes the girls division of Regis Jesuit high school and her playing days at Stone Hill University. “Coach Schissel has great experience due to her playing at the college level,” freshman Mike Cross said. “It gives us players greater respect for her, knowing that she just played and coached at that higher level”. At practice, Schissel builds on her coaching skills as well, learning not about the game, but how to be a better coach. She tries to pick up tips from the veteran coaches. “When you are a teacher, you pick up on how solutions to a problem make the whole equation work,” Schissel said, “I look for what makes all the rules work in rugby by learning from the veteran coaches.”
Photo courtesy of Madeline Schissel
Schissel fights through a tackle as she trys to advance the ball for Stonehill College.
Parkway South and Eureka. “Everyone is loaded with talented players, they are very deep,” Boland said. “We have some good players too, but when you are fighting against so many other teams that are very good and deep, it makes it tough to get past them.” In doubles, the players must have chemistry or they will not succeed. One of the best doubles team in the world, Bob and Mike Bryan, are brothers; they win because of their chemistry. “I have used every pairing,” Boland said. “I have switched it up over the season, and that is one thing, there is chemistry between all of those guys. They all get along, they are all friends.” With no seniors on the team, Boland is using this year as a learning experience. “The wins are nice, but I’m trying to learn more from the losses,” Boland said. “If we can come back better and stronger, then we will be a better team next year.
Varsity Rankings 1. P.J. Panasar 2. Matthew Dubuque 3. Andrew Wessel 4. Jermey Selkirk
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R MIRROR
ENTERTAINMENT
April 2016
‘The Jungle Book’ Review Danny Reardon Staff Writer In Disney’s newest version of “The Jungle Book,” I expected another abysmal remake for a classic childhood film. Throughout the entirety of the movie, Jon Favreau’s depiction of the original conveys nostalgic emotions every step of the way. Set in a forest, a young man-cub named Mowgli flees the jungles after being sought after by a tiger named Shere Khan, voiced by Idris Elba. On his way back to the human village, Mowgli comes in contact with many different animals including Baloo the bear, King Louie the gigantic orangutan, and many others. Mowgli is played by the young Neel Sethi who
landed this breakout role as his second movie. His expression are exceptional and he does a fantastic job in the movie, acting alongside CGIcreated animals. Elba and Christopher Walken both were great voice actors for the antagonists in the movie. Bill Murray, who voiced the lazy and comedic Baloo, and Ben Kingsley, who voiced a calmer more father-like figure Bagheera, both have fitting roles. One of the best things about the movie was how brilliantly the CGI (computer generated image) was portrayed. The animal’s appearance and movements couldn’t have mimicked real life animal movements better. When Shere Khan was first introduced into the movie, he immediately brought chills to audiences and continued to for the rest of the movie. The jawdropping scenes all had Shere Khan present.
The plot of the most recent Jungle Book had a couple of miniscule changes from the original from 1967. King Louie was the most changed character of the movie. He went from being a comedic, happy orangutan, to an extinct gigantopithecus. The new CGI version of the movie made sure to keep in the catchy songs “Bear Necessities” and “I Wan’na Be like You.” “The Jungle Book” clearly appeals to a younger audience, but doesn’t fail to give the older audience a scare too. The movie is rated PG so the movie is appropriate for most ages as well. This movie is great if you like to reminisce on the best childhood films of the past.
Courtesy of Disney Studios
Summer Movies: Winners And Losers Movies To See “Warcraft”
Compiled by Alex Hejna, Entertainment Editor
“Angry Bird” Release: May 20
Release: June 10
2.
Courtesy of bbc.com
Courtesy of moviepilot.com
WarCraft is a fantasy/adventure film involving human and orcs that fight to preserve their civilizations. It is the first of a couple of movie video games to come this year, based off the incredibly popular MMO, World Of WarCraft. The last few video game based movies, such as Hitman, Tomb Raider, and Mortal Kombat, fluked. The trailer for War Craft, however, looked very promising.
“Finding Dory” Release: June 17
Finding Dory is the sequel to Pixar’s “Finding Nemo”. It features Dory reunited with her family and the adventure that follows. This is a sequel every Pixar fan has been waiting for since 2003 when the first one was released. All the people that were kids when this movie was surely be back to see its sequel.
“Jason Bourne” Release: July 29
There is little that people know about the new “Jason Bourne” movie, but past successes have built up widespread anticipation. The series’ original director returns with Matt Damon in the leading role. The trailer has showed a lot of great footage without giving away to much, and demonstrated exactly the original Bourne trilogy is so loved. Courtesy of joblo.com
Movies To Avoid
The angry birds app was big awhile ago so now they decided to make a movie about it for some reason. Though its a kids movie, many will still go to see it. If audiences find some way to enjoy Angry Birds, however, then all moviegoers can look forward to a Candy Crush movie too in later years.
2.
“The Purge: Election Year” Release: July 1
The Purge: Election Year has a story that no one cares about and has the same concept of one day a year all crime is legal. So this movie like the other two will make a good amount at the box office but it will still disappoint people and leave them wanting more.
“Ghostbusters” Release: July 15
Ghostbusters is another hollywood remake that not many were asking for. The newest movie features an all female cast, which is an interesting twist, but and the trailer was cringe-worthy. The jokes are not funny and many that loved the original movies are disappointed with the first look of the movie. This seemingly lazy remake is bound to Courtesy of Columbia Pictures let down fans of the original Ghostbusters. Poll Results
Favorite Places to kick back
Brendan Johnson Opinions Editor
destinrealityfirm.com
Destin Destin, Florida
TOP PLACES TO VISIT THIS SUMMER From St. Louis
Courtesy of youtube.com
Destin is one of the most popular vacationing spots in Florida. The Emerald Coast, as some call it, has white sands and crystal clear waters in store for weary families looking to get away. The best part, there are a variety of places to stay and a multitude of price ranges, whether your family decides to stay Gulf side or Bay side; they all have a great time in store.
expedia.com
Branson
Branson, Missouri Just a short, four-hour car ride away, Branson is one of the corniest, yet most lovable tourist attractions in Missouri. The family-friendly environment has welcomed tourist for years, offering memorable experiences for unbeatable prices. From the unique museums and award winning theme parks, to the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, Branson has something for everyone.
destination360.com
Michigan
sandusky.oh.us
Sandusky
Lake Michigan
Sandusky, Ohio
Many are well aware of Lake Michigan from the breath-taking TV and radio commercials often played. The lake is a great freshwater substitute for the ocean. A trip to the lake is a must when visiting Michigan in general. With a myriad of beautiful sights to take in and outdoor activities there is always more to do. A visit to this great lake is one that is bound to please.
Along the shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky is the ideal location for Summer thrill-seekers. The worldrenowned Cedar Point amusement park is reason enough to take a trip. Despite the ungodly long lines, the theme park is a Six Flags times ten. After an eight hour car drive from St. Louis, it and many of the other Sandusky wonders will be readily available.
Sunny Beaches 52.1% Nature 14.5% Ski Slopes 14.5% Busy City 13.9% Other 5%
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