Pilot
Magazine
Photo Credit: Lauren Leuke
Table of Contents
Feature
Illustrating Lindbergh- 10-11 Behind the Cloud of Smoke- 14-15
News Setting Higher Standards- 4 Big Steps- 5 The Business of Victory- 6 Saving for the Future- 7 Acting in a Different Role- 8 Thoughts on Mental Health- 12 The Slow Death of Boy Scouts- 16 Cooling Down and Warming Up- 18 Guide to Prom 2020- 19
Opinion The Climate Crisis- 9 A Look into the IB Diploma- 13
More stories online at lindberghlookup.com
2
Contents
3.23.20
Pilot Staff
Abigail Wagner Emi Huelskoetter Emily Crancer Miles Sauer Jessie Hensel Ricky Schodl Brett Behrens Charles Boehme Joshua Hezel Jack LeClerc Dom Marino Jordan Mayberry Amelia Means Hunter Poole Abigail Spree Jack Ward Alex Wurl
Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Web Editor Web Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer
Pilot Policy
Pilot is a monthly newsmagazine published by students enrolled in the Pilot Publications class at Lindbergh High School, 5000 Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri, 63126. The publications office is located in Room 129. Opinions of Pilot writers or the Editorial Board are not reflective of the opinions of the staff as a whole, the Pilot, or the administration. The Pilot welcomes responses and letters to the editors. These may be submitted by email to lhspilot@ lindberghschools.ws or by signed letters brought to Room 129. The Pilot reserves the right to edit submissions as long as their original intent remains unaltered, and to refuse to print material for any reason the Editors in Chief and adviser deem appropriate. More stories can be found online at lindberghlookup.com.
The 2019-20 Pilot Newsmagazine Staff Photo Credit: Mrs. Hoisington
Letter From the Editors Welcome back from spring break! In this issue, we are covering a wide spread of different issues and news, from the controversies of marijuana legalization and the climate crisis across the United States, to new information on Lindbergh’s upcoming prom and spring sports season, to a look at the connected issues of mental health in the student body and the benefits of the IB program. We’re also excited to present some pieces created by Lindbergh’s art program that highlight familiar pictures of our school in a different way. Thank you for reading the Pilot, and good luck as we enter fourth quarter! Abigail Wagner and Emi Huelskoetter Pilot Editors-in-Chief
The Cover Story
This month’s cover is a collage of pictures from one of March’s biggest Lindbergh events- the 1920’s-themed Spring Fling, held on March 7th in the Lindbergh High School Gym. This event was put on by STUCO Photo Credit: Lauren Leuke
Contents 3.23.20
3
Setting Higher Standards Students and staff discuss Lindbergh’s future shift to standards-based grading RICKY SCHODL
Staff Writer
Megan Roegner (English Department)
Eric Cochran (Principal)
“One thing I do is that when I give students assessments like a paper or presentation, I break down grades into the standards or skills that have been taught. So kids won’t get one overall essay score, they’ll get four or five different scores, that one might be about theme, one might be about their use of evidence, or about their use of language, and all of those things are put into SIS separately so students and parents can see how they scored on specific skills. Another thing I do to implement standards based grading is to allow students the opportunity to revise a lot of their assessments, especially essays. I think ultimately I would love it if grades weren’t a thing at all. I don’t think SIS is the biggest obstacle, I think it is all the emotional baggage that grades carry like we interpret them or students do, and I did too as a student, and I interpret them as being some sort or reflection as me as a person or my character instead of just an assessment of a certain skill.”
“It’s a problem when you have students who are being given the idea that they’re doing well when they’re not. And so the argument, I think, for standards based grading is that a lot of grades [in the current system are] because people are really good at playing school, a lot of it is measuring behavior as much as it is measuring mastery of content. [For example,] I do my homework all the time. So therefore, I get good grades. Does it mean that I’m learning anything [or] that... it means that I’m turning [in] my homework. And that doesn’t mean that [turning in homework is] not important. Effort and punctuality and all those things are still important, I think, for success. So, for example, there are a lot of students who walk away from Lindbergh High School and every high school in America, I would argue, who get the traditional A, B, C, D, and F. Those grades are often more a measurement of that students’ ability to play school than it is necessarily an evaluation of whether they’re ready to read and write at the college level. So for example, I remember, this is still back when I was a teacher here about 10 years ago, there was this huge report that came out that said a high percentage of our kids who were going to Meramec Community College were arriving, and they had A’s in their classes, but they couldn’t read or write or do math at a college level.”
What is Standards Based Grading? “In education, the term standardsbased refers to systems of instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting that are based on students demonstrating understanding or mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education.” (Glossary of Education Reform)
4
News
3.23.20
Megan Tennessen (12) “I like it in most aspects, because I feel like it’s more focused on improving your own skill rather than just trying to get an assignment done with and turning it in for points. So in English we’re able to revise things, which I think would be important for all classes to be able to do, rather than just take a test, turn it in, and not really learn from it. In some of my classes, we’re able to actually learn from it and get some points back from it after learning the subject better. It’s more stressful for a lot of students because they have high expectations, or their parents have high expectations of them to get an A, but then if the highest grade they can get is a 95% in the A-range of 90-100, that makes it kind of difficult to get an A, so you have to put some more time and effort in.”
The standards students are graded on in their social studies classes. For at least one full unit in the semester, a few teachers in the department, including Lisa Manson (History Department), have decided to experiment with standards-based grading. “In SBG your grade should reflect what degree you have mastered and applied the content and/or skills for that class,” Manson said. Photo Credit: Lisa Manson
BIG STEPS Math Building Scheduled to Come Down This Summer ALEX WURL
Staff Writer
L
indbergh’s math building planning process has proven to be alternative of outdoor trailers. has been gradually lengthy. There are many obstacles “I was looking forward to breaking down. It has that Administration is dealing it, getting out of my classroom,” stood independently from the with. Thomas said. main building for 60 years, and “I was told they did not have This new method would it shows. From the apparent permits,” Larua Thomas (Math cause teachers to utilize their cracks to the rain leaks, the math Department) said. limited space more wisely in order building is in need of a revamping. This creates a spacing to keep the learning environment Lindbergh’s new campus problem since the main buildings as beneficial as possible. The will have a utilities building that are all packed with classes already. floating classroom method may extends off of Gym 2. In order to The math building does not cause some unease with teachers get this new extension at the beginning of the built, the construction school year, but Dr. “My guess is you won’t see the next team will need to have a Cochran believes that this large crane on site. This math building come down until transition will benefit the crane best fits where the students in the long run. the summer,” math building stands. “You can see Because of these (students) are begging Dr. Cochran said. issues, plans to take down for spaces to learn the math building during more comfortable than the summer are being formed. A have the capacity to house all of sitting on the floor (in the halls),” construction company has been Lindbergh’s math classes, so there Cochran said. contacted for blueprinting, but are already some classes being It can be extremely difficult taking down the math building taught in the main building, such to house a proper education comes with a catch. All of the as AP Statistics. while simultaneously building classes in the math building will The math teachers are being a bigger and better campus, have to relocate. kept in contact regarding the plans but Dr. Cochran and his fellow It is still not quite known for the math building, and the administrators are putting great when the construction will start. “floating teacher” idea has been thought into making this balance “I suspect it [the math received fairly well, considering the as easy and student-friendly as building] will be possible. here until the end of the [school] year,” said Dr. Eric Cochran (Head Principal). The construction The math building stands before a gloomy sky and beside a News leafless tree. Photo Credit: Alex Wurl
3.23.20
5
The Business of Victory
Lindbergh’s secret to success at FBLA and DECA competitions BRETT BEHRENS
D
ECA and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) are clubs offered at Lindbergh that provide students the opportunity to practice their business skills and compete in competitions. The clubs are available to any student enrolled in a business education course. This past month, both clubs went to competitions at Saint Louis University on back-toback days for competitions that each lasted longer than the entirety of a school day. At the competition, students can compete either individually or in teams of two. They choose the category that they would like to participate in, and they are given a business scenario and must present their solutions to a judge who scores them. Lindbergh took 41 students to the district DECA competition, and 36 of those students won a trophy or medallion. FBLA took 21 students to the district competition, with over half winning medallions. This is indicative of great success at both FBLA and DECA competitions. Students believe that this success is largely a result of classwork and teachers, as opposed to independent preparation. Aaron Schaff (12), an IB Business Management student, believes that Lindbergh’s success at these competitions is due to its business and finance classes. “It’s actually nothing to do with any preparation that we do. It’s all about the class itself, that’s what prepared us,” Schaff said. These classes led to Schaff winning first place in his DECA finance competition, while also getting second and fifth place in banking systems and insurance at FBLA. His first place victory at DECA demonstrates that even first-time competitors can have great success.
6
News
3.23.20
Staff Writer
In addition, DECA officer Sarah Bavlsik (12) credits Lindbergh’s teachers for the club’s success. “Stortzum and Pincus are really good teachers, and they really make sure the students get [the topics] down
“Stortzum and Pincus are really good teachers, and they really make sure the students get [the topics] down and encourage them,” ~ Sarah Bavlsik, 12 ~
and encourage them,” Bavlsik said. Members of DECA and FBLA are not forced to compete either, so those who do compete generally put a fair amount of care and effort into their performance. The success of students in these competitions is not quickly forgotten either. Students perceive these clubs as of professional conduct, such as attire and manners, that contributes to their overall score.
a way to help them prepare for their future careers, especially if those careers are business-related. However, every student can benefit from the practice of professional conduct, such as attire and manners, that contributes to their overall score. FBLA and DECA medal winner Kyle Karnuth (12) believes that participating in these clubs will help prepare him for his future career. “[It will help] especially with knowledge in economics, and just learning to present information to people. You kind of have to put a presentation together very quickly, and I think that’s an effective skill, to be able to present an idea,” Karnuth said. Thus, even though the clubs are fun and relaxed, they can help teach students important real world skills that they will be able to apply in the future. Looking forward, the students who qualified for state at their competitions will be hoping to advance to DECA internationals in Nashville, Tennessee, and to FBLA nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah. It appears as though Lindbergh has a good chance of being well-represented at these competitions.
Lindbergh’s DECA medallion and trophy winners show off their awards after the district competition at St. Louis University on February 11, 2020. Photo Credit: Mrs. Pincus
Acting in a Different Role JOSHUA HEZEL Staff Writer
To watch fellow students create and perform art is inspiring in itself, and every spring Lindbergh High School allows a handful of students in the theater program to show off their directing prowess to the student body via the Senior Directed One Acts. Lindbergh presents the One Acts not only to show off what the students can do, but also because these students in the theater program want to do it. Students in the thespian society at Lindbergh wait diligently for their chance to maybe direct a One Act their senior year. One student director, Meghan Bilderback (12), shared that being a director her senior year is something that she has yearned for ever since her freshman year. One important aspect directors consider during the process of putting on these One Acts is choosing the production they want to use to fully express their artistic ideas. This year, directors have chosen a mid-century noir styled mystery, a fourth-wall-breaking comedy, and an extremely serious look into the implications and effects of mental health on youth in the 21st century. One student did not choose their story for the style, but rather the artistic merit they found in it. “By displaying this play [Dr. Faustus], I hope to peak interest in not only his form of theatre, but an entire gateway into a new form of emotional and psychological thought.” said Gabe Mead (12). With every theatrical production, the cast and crew face difficulties. These students are not professional directors and for many of them, this is their first time in this role. One production, “Vega” by Jerzy Gwiazdowsk, deals with themes of suicide, mental illness, and toxic relationships, so it presents
very unique challenges. “A prominent difficulty we have had with the show is trying to accurately portray those affected by suicide. It is such a touchy issue and so impactful on the lives of many that we want to do it justice.” said Lauren Petersen (12). How the audience reacts to a show is not the only difficulty a director can face. In some plays, the cast struggles purely with the way they must speak in the show, like the mid-Atlantic accent needed for the production, “Murder by Midnight” by Jeff Goode, or the Elizabethan language used in “Dr. Faustus” by Chistopher Marlowe. One of the One Acts really struggled with how to fully present the aesthetic of the production to the audience. “One difficulty is the use of the “Mid-Atlantic” accent in our one act. We are currently working with our actors to perfect the accent and make sure they sound presentable. Other difficulties include the colorscheme as everything is in black and white or grayscale. Andrew and I want the feel of a 1940’s Noir film, so we are using face paint, grey, black and white clothing, and a greyscale set to give off the illusion that everything looks like an old black and white film,” said Bilderback. The One Acts allow for students to realize themselves in a new role and in turn gives the students the experience they will need if they want to continue in the world of theater. Whether the students want to become professional actors, set designers, directors, or any other occupational role in theater, Lindbergh’s theater program can help them find that. One student director put it best. “I want to go into theatre and film, so this experience is invaluable” said Brian Perniciaro (12).
The One Acts that will be on display: “Boise, Idaho” A couple meets at a cafe. All is normal until they realize they are being narrated. “Vega” A group of three friends who meet up to perform a breakup ritual for their friend Rena, who has just gone through a tough breakup and is in a very fragile mental state. The three characters, Rena, Amber and Carter, have been friends for years, but since their shared clown business failed, their relationship seems to have taken a large shift. Rena, trying to put her life back together after attempting to commit suicide, has decided to bring together her friends to participate in a “love burial” ritual after her breakup. However, the typical ceremony takes a turn as the friends are confronted with the toxicity of their relationship and its impact on Rena. “Murder By Midnight” The one act is about wanna-be-tough-guy Dick Piston, a hotel detective. It’s 10 minutes until he’s off the clock when a distressed woman comes into his office asking for him to solve the case of her husband’s murder. He has 10 minutes to crack the case before he has to refer her to the day shift. “The Tragical History of John Faustus” The story of a mid-1500s genius, that has learned everything there is to know about the world, and decides that he has nothing better to do in life than to sell his soul to Lucifer. In exchange, he is given a demon named Mephisopholis, who grants him absolute power for 24 years. Time passes, and he becomes apathetic to humanity. So as the 24th year comes around, he cries and screams as he is dragged into hell by his closest News friends: Satan and his 3.23.20 demons.
7
$aving W
Future
for the
RICKY SCHODL Staff Writer ith the average cost for in-state schools sitting at Karnuth said. With the rise of online banking, there are many apps $20,770 and nonprofit private schools at $46,950, out there for budgeting. They allow people to see the bigger students are looking now more than ever to save for college. While not every student attends college picture of their spending. after high school, many have jobs which require money “I’d recommend Mint; it’s an Intuit app. One tip for just saving your money is when you go out with friends, management skills. Saving now could mean less debt later, your friends aren’t going to judge you if you don’t buy regardless of whether a person pursues higher education. anything, and if they do, they’re not your friends. Know One student, Kyle Karnuth (12), is on the Saint Louis Federal Reserve Board of your money and where to spend it. It’s “Know your money and your money not theirs,” Karnuth said. Directors. This group of students from Saving money does not just high schools all across Saint Louis learn where to spend it,” include but can also include making safe about the role of the Federal Reserve in ~ Kyle Karnuth, 12 ~ the nation’s economy and speak about investments that give returns. The gain from these types of investments is not personal finance. Along with the topic of huge, but still a way to make a small amount of money. personal finance, Karnuth gave some advice for his peers. Senior Taylar Headrick (12) uses the app RobinHood “The first thing you need to do is either make a to invest small amounts of money into safe investments. budgeting spreadsheet or get a budgeting app. It’s not so “I wanted to try and get money that I would not much a big deal about not spending, it’s just understanding have to do a lot of work for and use it to grow my savings. where your money is going. So if you’re spending $200 on I discovered the app through YouTube videos,” Headrick food, it’s just something you need to be aware of. Once you’re aware of it, it becomes much easier to solve,” said.
How else do LHS students save? “I only keep a certain amount in cash and the rest I put in my bank account. I also try to do things like hike with friends instead of going out to eat,” ~ Zoe Kohrs, 9~
8
News
3.23.20
“ I direct deposit in savings account, and I don’t buy anything if I’m not sure if I like it or can’t decide between two things,” ~ Nicole Plein, 12 ~
“My coins are in a jar on my dresser, and cash and paychecks go to my savings account at the bank,” ~ Ailey McDonnell, 11 ~
“I only take out the money I need and try to reuse things as much as possible,” ~ Parker Herbst, 10 ~
The Climate Crisis
Why individual change won’t save us from the coming catastrophe
CHARLES BOEHME he last decade, more specifically the last few years, have been dominated by debates and protests over climate change. According to the Carbon Majors, continuing to produce green-house gasses at the current rate will increase the global average temperature by 4C, causing massive ecological collapse and famine across the world. Many people have turned towards ways of reducing their own carbon footprint. These efforts to affect change on an individual level, while noble, are ultimately pointless.
T
CO2 emissions from a Ford Fusion early in the morning. The average car will produce about 6 tons of carbon dioxide a year. Photo Credit: Charles Boehme In recent years, electric cars have gained popularity, hailed by their manufacturers as an environmentally clean alternative to fossil fuel powered cars. The process of mining materials for electric car batteries, along with the increase in emissions during production and their reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuels causes them to only slightly decrease carbon emissions compared to a standard car. Not just cars, but increasing dependence on public transportation, will most likely do little to reduce global emissions. Increased construction and usage of public transit will require more energy. Energy, that again, is taken from sources that rely on the burning of fossil fuels. By no means does this mean public transportation is a waste of time, but that just public transit is not enough. In the realm of diets, vegetarianism and veganism may also seem like an environmentally friendly alternative to the standard animal based diet of most Americans. Many Americans seem to believe this, based on a Harris poll from 2015 vegetarianism has increased from about 1% in 1971 to 3.8% in 2015. The benefits of vegetarianism may be overblown though, a 2010 study by the World Wildlife Fund found that production of tofu expends roughly the same amount of greenhouse gasses as cattle. Another study by Progress in Industrial Ecology found that ceasing the production of all animal products would only see a 7% drop in greenhouse gasses. Big, but not enough to turn things around.
Staff Writer “You can be vegetarian or vegan, but I don’t know if that necessarily helps as much as just governments coming together to stop it,” Daria Nastasia (12) said. The question, then, is how is climate change combated, and is there a source the problem can be attacked from? The answer, in the simplest of terms, is the fossil fuel industry. Information gathered from a Carbon Tracker Study conducted in 2015 states 71% of global greenhouse gas are contributed by just 100 energy companies around the world. Some of the top polluters include Aramco at 4.5%, National Iranian Oil Co at 2.28% and Exxon Mobil Corp at 1.98%. These companies make up the largest exporters of coal and oil in the world. They have also gone relatively unregulated for the majority of their history. “The 1%, big corporations, and the agriculture industry,” Lily Franck (11) said was responsible for climate change. The failure to properly regulate large fossil fuel companies while investing little into clean sources of energy is the main reason we are caught in the current predicament. Fracking, one of the most environmentally harmful forms of fossil fuel extraction is only illegal in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maryland. On top of that, coal and natural gas burning plants create 65% of the U.S.’ power and make up to 76% of greenhouse gases, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Cleaner sources of energy, like nuclear and hydroelectric, only make up 19.7% and 6.5% of the power grid, respectively. Currently, the only major piece of legislation in the U.S. that would significantly decrease fossil fuel output is the Green New Deal, a loose collection of laws and agencies that would seek to eliminate fossil fuel dependence and create jobs for out of work energy laborers. The Green New Deal would seek to replace fossil fuel plants with cleaner alternatives such as solar, hydroelectric and nuclear. At the moment, though, it seems unlikely to pass, with many representatives from both sides receiving large campaign donations from energy companies. “I think that it’s definitely going to take more reform, but it has to start with baby steps and everybody realizing that there is an issue. Then, we can band together to take strides that will actually make a difference like the green new deal and stuff like that,” Franck said. Eliminating all fossil fuel burning plants from the United States would eliminate 11.27% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Historically, the U.S. has also served as a leader of trends around the world. An unshackling of fossil fuels and energy in the U.S. would most likely lead to many of America’s allies adopting similar policies. Cutting fossil fuels from U.S. energy production would also cause significant harm to global fuel companies, weakening their stranglehold on the global economy and allowing other countries to more easily transition to clean forms of Opinion energy.
3.23.20
9
Illustrating LHS Art students were asked to take pictures of the high school and transform them into interesting, eye-catching illustrations and backgrounds.
10
Feature 3.23.20
Lindbergh These images are the results of their work.
Feature 3.23.20
11
Thoughts on Mental Health
Have you ever struggled with mental health problems?
25%- No
75%- Yes MILES SAUER
Staff Writer
JESSIE HENSEL
Staff Writer
Mental health among adolescents is a big issue in the United States. According to the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), “1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.” Awareness for mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, have been put under a major spotlight online and many people nationwide have become more public about the struggles they’re facing. With this whirlwind of awareness for mental health issues, how are Lindbergh students faring? According to a poll consisting of 133 LHS students, 101 reported dealing with mental health problems, representing roughly 76% of students surveyed. Some, like Megan Tenessen (12), shared their personal struggles. “I deal with obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety. A close family member of mine has schizophrenia. While I don’t have this specifically, it still affects me every day... My OCD impacts my stress level and anxiety. I, occasionally, will have trouble leaving the house because of the compulsive need to check things (like outlets or the stove), and feeling that if I don’t, the house could burn down. Anxiety and depression can make motivation to complete school work difficult and impact the way I approach stressful school events or tests. It can be very overwhelming and difficult to go to school in an unhappy anxious state of mind. My depression was worst about a year ago but has gotten much better through help,” Tenessen said Londynn Indigo (12) has had their own tough experiences with mental health. “I struggle with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive News compulsive disorder, paranoia, trichotillomania, dermatillomania, 3.23.20 and restrictive eating disorder… It can
12
75% of students at LHS reported that they have struggled with mental health issues and 95% of students know somebody who struggles with mental health.
often be hard for me to get through a school day. I struggle to get my school work done because I often feel such a deep apathy towards my entire existence that I just can’t bring myself to do anything. I have lost a lot of friends because when I get into an anxious or depressed state, it can be hard on those around me. I get upset over small things. People don’t always understand why I do things or don’t do things, so it can cause conflict with people,” Indigo said. Even among those who had not previously experienced mental health issues, 96 percent of students surveyed know others at Lindbergh High School with mental health struggles. For those with and without mental illness, the question was posed- “On a scale of 1-5, how well do you think the school accommodates those struggling with mental illness?” Responses were mixed. More students chose a 3, or “average” level of accomodations, than any other response, closely followed by a 2, or “below average” level of accomodations. Students also took the time to comment on why they believed their answer was the most accurate to the resources offered. “I think the new schedule has reduced a lot of stress for most students and more conversations are happening, which is productive. However, something else can always be done; the progress should never stop,” one student said. Another student commented, “[Lindbergh] has no functional resources. I received more help from friends than the counselors.” For those who are seeking help to deal with mental health outside school outreach, CHADS club is a group which tries to bring counseling and education about mental health to those who are interested and can help those struggling.
A Look into the IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is an impressive award given to the best and brightest students. It gives students a better chance at getting into prestigious colleges and looks glamorous on resumes. Or does it? This greatly sought after title may not be as beneficial as students think, especially considering the immense stress and workload that IB students are put under. Senior Justine Gacho (12) said she chose to pursue the IB diploma because of the curriculum it offered. “The IB diploma is actually kind of the reason I went to Lindbergh. I liked the idea of having a curriculum that was all encompassing and that I could be able to do liberal arts in addition to everything else. It turns out it’s basically extra work on top of the AP course load, which shouldn’t be the way it is,” said Gacho. A main principle of the International Baccalaureate is for students to receive a global education and be able to think of an international level, applying what they’ve learned to worldwide issues. Many IB students are also familiar with this global perspective due to the fact that 80% of senior IB candidates this year are immigrants or children of immigrants. “I think being the child of an immigrant helps a lot because in a lot
JESSIE HENSEL
Staff Writer
of the classes you have to apply global aspects to the topic in order to get good grades and being from a background where I have other cultures to use it helps me with my papers, and I can draw on my own experiences,” said Karen Guo (12), an IB candidate whose parents both came to the United States from China. However, despite the beneficial international approach the curriculum gives students. the IB system at Lindbergh is not as helpful as many students think it will be when it comes to college.
“I think the work grinds away at your soul,” ~ Justine Gacho, 12 ~ “I think what a lot of IB students find is, speaking to them after graduation, that they think it’s a waste of time because half of these universities don’t take the IB credits. I knew that coming in so maybe I just hated myself,” joked Gacho, speaking about how IB tends to not help diploma receivers in their higher education. On top of the lack of support IB gives its diploma recipients in college, the
- Complete all aspects in the core; write an extended essay of 4,000 words, take the Theory of Knowlege class, show creativity, activity, and service - Complete IB English, an IB social studies course, IB mathematics, IB science, and an IB second language - Choose a sixth IB subject to study from the category of arts and electives -Complete at least 3 higher level IB tests
All of the 2019-20 IB Diploma candidates
intense workload is often a major stressor for students. IB students will spend anywhere from four to eight hours per night on their homework, which is not good for a student’s mental health. “I think the work grinds away at your soul. I think the hardest part about it is that individually the work is not hard, but after all these years of freaking out over work, it gets to be so much, and at some point you need to learn how to ask for help and that you don’t have to spend every single night getting stressed [and] sick over all this work because it’s not worth it,” said Gacho. After learning all of the hardships that IB candidates go through, one question remains: Is it all worth it? “IB is worth it for me. It has gotten me many scholarships and has really helped me increase my global awareness. The work is tough and it’s a lot of stress but it is still valuable to me,” said Daria Nastasia (12).
IB Diploma Requirements
Opinion
3.23.20
13
Behind the Cloud of Smoke
A look inside the complex issue of federal marijuana legalization AMELIA MEANS
This new year marked an important date in Illinois’ legislative history. On January 1, 2020, Illinois began recreational sales of marijuana, after legalizing medicinal sales in 2013. With recreational legalization talk in Missouri, and the first medical dispensaries set to open in the spring, according to St. Louis Public Radio, there are many unresolved issues associated with legalization. Lindbergh health teacher Atom Zuniga answered a few questions regarding the topic of recent and foreshadowed marijuana legalization. Zuniga discussed two of the most common concerns related to legalization of the drug: recurring health issues and possible exposure of minors. “People need to be fully knowledgeable on this substance before consuming,” Zuniga said of his biggest concern. “While there was a lot of misinformation being spread [about marijuana] ...some of those side effects Feature are very real...While it does not possess the physically addicting factors of other schedule 1 drugs, like cocaine or 3.23.20 heroin, it is still psychologically
14
Staff Writer
addictive, and you can still develop respiratory issues. It can be very detrimental to people who suffer from mental illness since it is a psychoactive substance,” Zuniga said. The need to be more fully knowledgeable about marijuana is also often an argument against its legalization, at least in the short term. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden even said more is needed on determining whether or not it was a “gateway drug,” according to USA Today. His stance is similar to that of D.A.R.E., a program designed to help keep students off drugs and alcohol. The program, which long believed that marijuana was a gateway drug, now states on their website that “more research [needs] to be done,” (D.A.R.E.). So why isn’t this research being done? Simply put, because federally it was considered more dangerous than meth and as dangerous as heroin being classified as a schedule I narcotic up until 2012, and any research conducted on the drug was intensely regulated and costly, according to an article published in the New York Times.
That fact put together with the longtime stigma of marijuana being associated with more dangerous activities such as violence and crime, as presented on DrugWarFacts.com, makes it much harder to reeducate people. But, advocates for legalization are attempting to change these stereotypes. “In several respects, even sugar poses more of a threat to our nation’s health than pot,” said Dr. David L Nathan, a clinical psychiatrist and president of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation: a group of pediatricians and health professionals that advocate for marijuana legalization, citing a 2012 study in his CNN op-ed the next year. This isn’t to say the substance is harmless. Advocates against legalising marijuana support the argument that if federalized legally, the nation’s youth will be over exposed to a substance that can be addictive and increase one’s symptoms of mental illness as in a poll conducted by Pew Research Center. The statistics gathered by the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey showed that in states that legalized marijuana recreationally, the number of teenagers who reported consuming the drug decreased. Doctors have hypothesized about why this may be, and one theory is that parents are taking extra precautions in educating their children, as well as that it is harder for teens to acquire marijuana because of dispensaries putting dealers out of business and age verification laws accoring an article published by CNN. Per Zuniga, marijuana is a psychoactive substance that can be mentally addicting. Forty percent of Americans are suspected to show symptoms of anxiety disorder alone, according to Time Magazine, and those suffering from anxiety and other fairly common mental illnesses may have their symptoms worsened with using the substance. Studies done by the CDC showed that around six people a day die from alcohol poisoning, around 88,000 a year. Conversely, no one in the United States has ever died of a marijuana overdose. U.S. Representative Steve Cohen phrased
it at a hearing in 2014 as “people don’t smoke marijuana and beat up their wives and girlfriends.” However, 40% of all violent crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol, according to the American Alcohol Addiction Center. Despite this, every 37 seconds in the United States, someone is placed in handcuffs for possession of marijuana, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU also states that nine out of ten adults in America don’t support jail time for possessing and using small amounts of marijuana. The enforcement of these laws is taxing the government a significant amount. Just incarcerating marijuana offenders costs $600 million annually, according to the New York Times. The total spent which would include the costs of police, judicial and legal expenses is estimated to be at least nearly $2 billion annually. Federally legalizing the drug would save the government money with less annual arrests for marijuana charges, along with tax revenue from sales. Cannabis analytics company New Frontier even suggests the federal legalization will generate over $130 billion in tax revenue by 2025. Money from marijuana sales has been used to generate revenue towards homelessness programs and major funding for public schools in Colorado, where use is legal. There was also a decrease in crime noticed in areas once dispensaries were opened, contributing to that is the increased security and pedestrians walking around, according to the Chicago Sun Times. But, as Zuniga pointed out, with new legalizations comes additional concerns, especially regarding people’s safety. “If it were to be legalized, it would need to be regulated and monitored and restricted in order to insure people aren’t abusing the drug, minors do not have access to it and those who do choose to consume are doing so responsibly,” said Zuniga.
Feature statista.com
3.23.20
15
The Slow Death of Boy Scouts Financial troubles and lawsuits mark an uncertain future for the American institution CHARLES BOEHME
S
couts BSA, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, have filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amidst mounting legal cases of sexual abuse. The bankruptcy comes after years of declining membership and an income drought. Chapter 11 bankruptcy will allow Scouts BSA to restructure while also being able to avoid all legal cases and debts. On a local level, scouting will continue as councils and units operate independently from the national organization In recent years, Scouts BSA has gained attention for allowing members of the LGBTQ community and women to become scouts. Both these changes came after years of campaigning by the relevant groups to open up membership. This move was not met without pushback though, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which made up 20% of all registered scouts, announced they would be cutting ties with Scouts BSA and forming their own alternative scouting based organization. Local Eagle Scout Jerrid Rolfe (12) offered his opinion on allowing women and LGBTQ people to join BSA. “I support it. I think that Scouts is a great organization that has a lot to offer, and I get why people would be hesitant to allow those types of people in Boy Scouts but I think that it is a great organization that has something to offer to everyone,” Rolfe said. Lawsuits first materialized after eight states and the District of Columbia passed “revival” laws. These laws create a brief period in which sexual abuse cases that had reached the end of their statute of limitations could be filed, including both criminal and civil cases. Shortly after the passing of these laws, Philadelphia lawyer Stewart Eisenburg formed the legal consulting organization Abused in Scouting and has said that over 800 men have contacted him planning on suing Scouts BSA.
16
News
3.23.20
Staff Writer
In 2012, Scouts BSA was forced by court order to release over 14,000 pages of documents detailing sexual abuse dating from 1965 to 1985. These documents, nicknamed the “perversion files” were used by Scouts BSA to remove and prevent the reentry of abusers, yet a third of the cases were never reported to police. The files also show that Scouts BSA never informed the parents of those abused, at times actively working with police to silence allegations. Scouts BSA has refused to release documents compiled after 1985 and are currently in the process of appealing court orders to do such. An official apology has been issued by Scouts BSA and they have encouraged others who have been abused in the past to come forward. But seeming resistance towards further probing into the organizations records in the form of lengthy legal appeals and recent restructuring attempts have cast doubts on how transparent they are actually being. “In scouting, I think there needs to be major restructuring of the organization to eliminate this problem,” said Andrew Crutcher (12), a scout since first grade. Lindbergh has numerous scout troops it sponsors, among those being troops 580, 721 & 25. Many students in the Lindbergh district are currently or were at one time members of scouts. Both Crutcher and Rolfe expressed sadness by the recent news. “I think it’s a real shame. Since scouts is a localized organization what you get depends a lot on who you are local leaders are. I’ve had pretty strong leaders when I was in scouts and that led to a lot of positive things for me but I think it’s a shame there have been so many cases throughout the nation that have been popping up recently,” Rolfe said.
Event Spotlight Musicthon
Musicthon is a 36-hour music fest that will start on Friday, April 3rd at 6:30 AM and will run until 6:30 PM on Saturday, April 4th. Musicthon will be held in the Old Cafeteria throughout its day-and-a-half long run, including during school hours on April 3rd. Student music groups, including individual performers and bands, have signed up for time slots lasting 30 minutes each throughout the day and night. This allows for a wide variety of genres and sounds as students perform the music they love. All money raised during Musicthon will be donated to “Alex’s Lemonade Stand,� a charity that supports childhood cancer research. Musicthon is a free event, and all students are welcome to come and listen at any time during the event.
Cooling Down and Warming Up Looking at Lindbergh’s winter sports teams and what’s to come in the spring
W
DOMINIC MARINO Staff Writer hile it is highly encouraged to attend Lindbergh sporting events as either a student, staff member, or an outside fan, it is almost impossible to keep up with all the school’s sports teams. In case keeping up with these events or making it to every Lindbergh Flyers 2020 squads’ game just doesn’t fit into that crazy daily schedules, this recap of the Flyers winter sports season can be the perfect resort to catch up on all those missed games.
JACK WARD Staff Writer no other girls that I would want to lose or win with other than them,” Ella Wolfard (10) said. The boys, in the same situation, finished the regular season 9-16 as well. A down year so far is fair, but the season doesn’t have to end on a tough regular season. The boys beat Fox in the district semi-finals and will soon battle for the district title against the Mehlville Panthers. The girls swim team, the Lady Flyers, finished with a tough record, but had plenty of positives. They won 2 meets as a whole team, and took 16th in state while having 11 state qualifiers, Bayley Helfrich (12), Madigan White (12), Emily Natsch (12), Kaitlyn Crancer (12), Mera Feltenstein (11), Rachel Newberry (11), Kyra Josse (10), Lily Krueger (10), Ali Shaver (9), Lauren Howitt (9), and Chloe Ake (9)! The team represented Lindbergh Swimming proudly and launched a great building point for next year’s group. The winter teams had plenty of positives this season and a couple have a chance to keep going as the basketball program has not finished their season. Look for all programs to build off the seasons they had this year and be ready for the upcoming The boys JV basketball team breaks the huddle as they lead 2021 campaigns. Fox 10-5 in the second quarter “ Our performance may not have the best outcome as shown in our record, but I think our team is one of the most Here at Lindbergh, the wrestling program had a great season. hardworking teams out there. We always make sure to give The boys team finished with one state medalist, James 110% effort,” Wolfard said. Homfeld (11) and another state qualifier, Matthew Ludwig (10). As winter sports come to an end, athletes around This is Homfeld’s third state medal and Ludwig’s first time Lindbergh are gearing up for the spring season. The different qualifying for state as a sophomore. Overall, the boys wrestling sports are Baseball, Boys Golf, Girls Soccer, Boys Tennis, Girls squad finished with the record of 27-17, 10 games over .500. Track, Boys Track, Boys Volleyball, Water Polo and Rugby. The girls wrestling team also had a highly successful Although rugby is not sponsored by Lindbergh, the team is season. Not only did the girls finish with made up of 20 Lindbergh athletes. “ Overall I rate this an above 500 record as well, the team had Many athletes are not only three state qualifiers: Kaylin Homfeld (9), anticipating playing their sport, but also season about a 7 out of Earthis Pascua (12), and Hailey Shuman building the future of their programs 10. There were times I (12). More positives from the season are throughout the season. the girls participated in their first all girls This season the girls soccer team struggled, and so did my tournament, which displays the gaining will get to play on Lindbergh’s brand new team, but we also proved turf field. The new turf field is a huge step popularity in the sport. Many are excited ourselves by qualifying for up for Lindbergh sports and should offer about what’s in store for next season. While the varsity basketball season a smoother playing experience for the state,” for both girls and boys are still being athletes. ~Matthew Ludwig (10)~ played out, there’s still much to be said Players are also making goals for about the regular season from both themselves for this season, with many squads. looking to achieve at the highest levels in The girls varsity teams struggled a their sport. bit this year posting a 9-16 record in the regular season. While “I want to make it to at least the final four in state,” Clay this wasn’t the expectation from this team, the girls still have Wieter (12) said. time to string some wins in districts and as far as they can in While athletes are out on the field or the court striving the playoffs. for success, they hope their fans will come out and show their “I would give the season an 8/10, support. not a full 10 because we don’t have the News winning season that we want, but I know I speak for everyone on the team, there’s 3.23.20
18
Guide to Prom 2020
6-time prom coordinator Joshua Piontek (English Department) offers the essentials. ABIGAIL SPREE
Staff Writer
Q&A Where is prom located this year?
St. Louis Union Station What is the theme this year?
Golden Gala What is the parking situation at Union Station? Price? Valet?
Parking is provided. There is a huge lot located right next to the main entrance where everyone will come in. There’s also valet parking provided. Students can valet for free. It’s included in the price of the ticket. What time does prom start? How early can students arrive?
Kids usually start showing up around 6 or 6:30 to line up. Will there be a place for students to put their shoes if they don’t wish to wear them?
Because it’s a tabled and seating dinner event people will usually leave their shoes at the table. Is there a dress code for prom?
We typically don’t have issues with dress code at prom. Can you bring a purse to prom?
Prom Night Schedule • • • •
Yes. We will check purses and jackets.
7:00 Enter 7:15-7:30 Get seated at tables and release for the buffet table by table 8:00 Prom Court (usually takes 15-20 minutes) and then dancing for the rest of the night 11:00 Prom ends
Prom Menu • •
Piontek’s Prom Advice • • • •
Ladies, it’s not the end of the world if someone shows up with the same dress as you. It just means you have good taste. If you think you can pull off a white tux, you really should check with me first, and I will tell you if you can or not. Bring a pair of collapsible flats or flip flops so you’re not barefoot. Birkenstocks work well, too! Come into it with a positive attitude!
• • • • • • •
Caesar Salad Individual Tomato and Mozzarella Salad in Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olive Artichoke and Salami Salad Assorted Gourmet Pizzas Toasted Ravioli in a Marinara Sauce Vegetable Ravioli in a light tomato broth, basil, and olive oil (Vegan and Vegetarian Option) Penne Pasta with Chicken, Peas, and Parmeasan in a pesto sauce Garlic Breadsticks Assorted desserts
News 3.23.20
19
For more stories and information on upcoming events, visit...
lindberghlookup.com
March- April 2020 Monday
Sunday
23
Tuesday
Wednesday
24
25
31
1
Thursday
Saturday
Friday
26
27
28
2
3
4
National Puppy Day 29
30
5
6
7
April Fools Day
8
9
National Student Athlete Day 12
13 Easter
19
No School 20
National Cheese Fries Day
Senior One- Acts 10 Special Olympics
14 Night of Jazz 7 pm
15
21
22
16
11
No School 17
18 Prom
23 Earth Day
24
25 National Telephone Day
