Ladue Panorama, April 2015, Volume 63, Issue 9 by Ladue Horton Watkins HS

Ladue

Panorama

Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Road • St. Louis, MO 63124 • Volume 63 • Issue 9 • April 3, 2015

news (pg.2)

MEET THE CANDIDATES

features (pg.5)

INDIA TRIP

in-depth (pg.8)

PROM

a&e (pg.11)

WINSLOW’S HOME

opinions (pg.13)

U.S. CITIZENSHIP TEST

sports (pg.14)

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

(Photo by Elyse Mack)

photo (pg.16)

SPRING IN BLOOM

Wingin’ it:

Check out the back cover for a look at a seasonal event hosted by the Butterfly House

(Photo by Sydney Ellis)

2 news

Panorama

April 3, 2015

Missouri officials commit suicide

In the

School State auditor victimized by false advertisements mary xiao w ART EDITOR

KMOV-TV sent a reporter to the high school to film a segment which aired March 5. The piece highlighted the new renovations the district is planning and how it affects the way classes will be taught.

Kindergartner Joey Chen and second-grader Peter O’Shaughnessy were named to the Blues Bookworms All-Stars 2015 list.

Ladue alumna Alice Conway will receive the Legacy of Leadership Award from the St. Louis Society for the Blind & Visually Impaired April 25. Conway, who is visually impaired, attended law school at Washington University St. Louis and works as a lawyer for Monsanto.

Juniors Rasika Sant and Jackie Wong and seniors Benjamin Collinger and Miriam Hauptman qualified for the State Speech and Debate tournament at the district tournament Feb. 27.

Sophomore Michael Burke and juniors Semhar Mekonnen, Simi Falako, Jackson Gould, Malanie Rush and Preston Borrow qualified for the DECA International Tournament after placing at the Missouri State DECA tournament.

According to an article March 5 by the Daily Beast, Hancock grace kim targeted conservative Christian NEWS WRITER donors and the anti-semitism issouri Auditor Republi- sentiments held by some Missouri can and a contender for citizens. In today’s world, it may governor Tom Schweich be viewed as discriminatory to not committed suicide Feb. 16. He support a politician based on his believed he was the victim of a heritage and background. “whisper campaign” that threat“People just tend to gravitate ened his lobby for election, accordtoward others who are similar to ing to an article March 5 by The them in background, ethnicity and Washington Post. Robert Jackson, race, and it can become an issue,” his media director, also committed social studies teacher Robert Snidsuicide March 29, prompting disman said. “Personally, I think you cussion regarding suicide around should vote for the person who has the state. the political values most similar to Merriam-Webster dictionary you, not the person who is most defines a whisper campaign as ethnically like you.” “an effort to spread rumors about An article by The Daily Beast someone in order to hurt that March 5 states that Schweich had person’s reputation.” no concrete evidence to accuse As reported by The Missouri Hancock and could not publicize Times in an article March 8, the purposeful damage he had John Hancock, chairman of the supposedly caused. The article Missouri claims that Republiclose People just tend to gravitate to- his can Party, friend ward others who are similar to Rev. Jack started this by spreadthem in background, ethnicity, Danforth ing a rumor and race, and it can become and warned throug Schweich issue. other Mistwice to souri politi- social studies teacher Robert Snidman refrain cians that from anSchweich was of Jewish descent, nouncing his accusations. It also even though he was a devout Episstated that his narrative was denied copalian. According to a Missouby the press, and his attempt at rinet.com article March 5, it was setting up his own interview was done to deflect political support rejected for lack of substantial from Evangelical republicans. evidence. The article suggested that “Race, religion and heritage Schweich felt strongly abandoned play a really big role in politics,” and alone due to the rumors and sophomore Julia Lieu said. “It’s their malicious intent, which those mostly about getting popularity close to him believe caused him to to be elected to office, so people commit suicide. with similar backgrounds can often “Politicians have a right to what relate more easily to someone who they think. However, the public understands their traditions and also has the same right,” junior beliefs.” STUCO secretary Lucy Jonas said.

“Our country is a democracy and students, can raise awareness and we need people’s voices to shape knowledge about mental health, the system. It’s impossible for the suicide and depression. whole entire country to be coher“It’s one of our biggest units ent in regards to political policies. and we go really in-depth with Though I may not be fully in favor emotional health and mental towards health,” ‘dirty’ health The school itself should be a pretty tactics, teacher safe-to-share school, and I think the they are Alena staff is trying to start a movement unArmavoidstrong where students feel more comfortable.” said. able going to teachers to talk about An “We their problems article talk March - health teacher Alena Armstrong about 5 by suicide The and its Washington Post stated that a different types, its warning signs radio ad targeted Schweich’s and what it is. We talk about ways appearance and skills, possibly to get someone help, mentally and adding on to his feelings of worry emotionally. We go pretty in-depth and helplessness. However, it is un- on that topic just because it’s such known whether or not this ad, or a big element of health, and I think any other criticism that Schweich as a society we tend to skip over it faced from other politicians, played most times.” a large role in his suicide. However, readily available sup“There have been much worse port from peers and trusted adults said about Obama and other is a powerful tool that should be politicians,” Jonas said. “I think comfortable and easily accessible [politicians] need to be strong and for students. Programs such as able to handle the various negative the recently-implemented safe-tocomments and tactics thrown at share initiative aim to provide a them.” protected environment for students Jackson’s suicide occured that need help. nearly a month after Shweich’s in “Programs like the safe-to-share a similar manner. Clayton police program are really essential,” Armfound a written note at the crime strong said. “It’s when teachers scene, although the contents had decide if they want to have a classnot been revealed as of press time, room where they take the responsiaccording to a stltoday.com article bility to help students that feel like March 30. they need to go to a trusted adult. “We’re very aware of the politiThe school itself should be a pretty cal issues surrounding Schweich’s safe-to-share school, and I think death and within a month, we have the staff is trying to start a movethe death of his spokesperson,” ment where students feel more Jefferson Police Capt. Doug Shoecomfortable going to their teachers maker said. “It is our goal and obto talk about problems.” jective to do the best job we can for Friends of Schweich noted that the family. We want to make sure in the days leading up to his suiwe have some level of closure.” cide he seemed more angered than No evidence has been found usual about those criticizing him that links the two suicides to each in the political world, according to other, according to the article. the article. These kind of signs are However, police in Jefferson City just one of the items that the health have already contacted those work- curriculum covers. ing on Schweich’s case in Clayton. In addition to sponsoring the In the wake of his boss’ suicide, health class, the school also proJackson spoke out against those vides counselors, administration who started the rumors that evenand a psychologist so the students tually caused Schweich to commit feel comfortable confiding in them suicide a month prior to his own with issues they are facing. Howevapparent suicide. er, the safe-to-share program builds “Jackson called for the resignaupon an open atmosphere in which tion of Republican state Chairman teachers can be more aware and John Hancock, because of Schinvolved. According to Armstrong, weich’s allegation that Hancock this will help students as they enter had conducted an anti-Semitic their adult lives. ‘whispering campaign’ against “We don’t just educate,” Schweich,” the article said. Armstrong said. “We teach them Many schools have various prohow to apply the knowledge to grams that educate students on the real-life situations. We ask what is topic of suicide and how to prevent that going to look like when [the and recognize its symptoms. A student] grows up, and how can semester of health class, which is [he] become a healthy, productive mandated at the high school for all citizen of society?” v

Panorama

April 3, 2015

news

Hotels allow foreign visitors In the Maternity leave: to stay in order to give birth Nation katie bohnert NEWS WRITER

mmigration and Customs Enforcement officials conducted raids on many hotels that double as maternity wards in California March 3. These establishments house foreign, pregnant women who come to the U.S., typically from China, to have their babies so that their children may become U.S. citizens. This tactic of obtaining citizenship has become known as “maternity tourism.” “Maternity tourism is where an expecting mother comes to the U.S. on a tourism visa to have their child,” freshman Annie Liu, a second generation immigrant from China, said. “Their child is then an American citizen because they were born here.” The mothers want their children to have the option to come to the U.S. if the kids face strife in their country. Issues that could prompt this travel range anywhere from economic or political struggles, to issues with pollution or education, a CNN article March 4 said. The mothers also want their children to receive the benefits that citizens have. “Usually what happens then is the mother and child go back to where they came from, and they then send their child back when they start school or when they’re 21,” Liu said. The expecting mothers are coached on how to get a visa without mentioning pregnancy and are directed to get a tourist package. This ensures that the mothers look like they are coming to the U.S. as a vacation, said the LA Times article. Most of the time, the expectant mothers get a package deal with the maternity tourist companies that are very expensive, costing anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000. With these packages, the families receive care, food, a social security number and a

passport for their unborn child, and in extreme situations, can even receive a visit to a popular U.S. destination like Disneyland. The term often given to these children is “anchor babies” because the families have a child “anchored” to the U.S. and are able to come here or send their child to the U.S. when necessary, the NBC article said. According to the CNN article, because having a child in the U.S. is not illegal, there is little that can be done about these maternity hotels. The raids on many of the establishments simply served to send the message that maternity tourism will not be tolerated. “The appeal for these women is that they want their child to have a better life with more opportunities,” Liu said. “The environment is also healthier and a nicer place to be with better air quality, water and educational benefits.” Many are angered about the situation and feel that it’s unfair for women to visit just to give birth to their children. Liu hopes that action will be taken in order to stop this. “It’s unfair for people to come here illegally only because they have lots of money,” Liu said. “It’s especially unfair to the people who worked really hard to come to this country.” She is not alone in feeling this way. The CNN article said that because maternity tourism is so expensive, it is highly popular among people of wealthy backgrounds who could afford to become a U.S. citizen legally. Birth tourism has proven to be tough to crack down on because it is not illegal to have a child, The LA Times article said. However, it is possible for these women to be convicted of fraud. Most of the time, the hospitals the women go to are told that the families have no insurance and the hospital is left to deal with the cost. According to the NBC article, the package deal the women receive gives them prenatal care and a hospital to go to, and the women

are spread out over a few different hospitals to avoid attracting attention. There is controversy regarding whether these children should get all the educational benefits U.S. citizens receive because the families of the children won’t be taxed and the children won’t have to pay taxes until they have jobs. “Those children will be coming back to get an education here, but they won’t have to pay taxes or anything like a normal U.S. citizen,” Liu said. “If they receive some benefits, then other children who were born here legally won’t get those same benefits.” Liu said she is worried that this growing population will impact the amount of available resources. Many people want the benefits provided to U.S. citizens for their children. “This could possibly affect me indirectly because there’s only so much here, and if the other children get [government benefits] then I won’t,” Liu said. Liu said there is a lot of appeal for women to come here when they receive packages with care and transportation. However, there are still questions about what these children are entitled to when they go back to China. “I think maternity tourism is useless because a child would still have to go back to China once they were born,” Liu said. “It’s unfair to the child because they can’t grow up in America but also wouldn’t have privileges in China.” According to the NBC article, the federal raids on many California maternity hotels are a small step to crack down on birth tourism. These raids hope to send a message to not only the families, but also the hotels and apartments housing these women. “This may not necessarily affect me right now, but maybe in the future if it gets bigger,” freshman and first generation immigrant Kathryn Xu said. “It is unfair because [legal] immigrants had to work for citizenship.” v

mary xiao w ART EDITOR

National Security Agency workers killed one man and hospitalized another March 30. The men had driven an unauthorized vehicle at the agency’s headquarters in Fort Meade, Md.

A man riding a St. Louis public train was beaten March 28 after refusing to give his opinion regarding the controversial Michael Brown grand jury trial.

The prosecuting attorney for Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokar Tsarnaev rested his case March 30 after 15 days of testimony.

Illegal Immigration million children are born to illegal • 6immigrants live in the U.S billion are spent yearly on educating • $52 children of illegal immigrants

ma ry x

iao

ART

percent of adult illegal immigrants • 84 live with a child born in the U.S.

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Indiana Governor Mike Pence authorized a bill March 26 that will allow businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples based on religious freedom.

Pennsylvania police returned a 4-year-old girl to her home at po3 San a.m.Francisco after she had lice found a suitcase boarded a bus by filled in with loose herself order to body parts Jan. 28 buy a “slushie” from after responding to a a local gas station. suspicious 911 call.

4 news

Panorama

April 3, 2015

Restricting access to nuclear weapons

In the

World World leaders negotiate with Iran to regulate uranium mary xiao w ART EDITOR

Germanwings Flight 9525 crashed in the French Alps March 24. French and German prosecutors believe the crash was intentionally caused by the co-pilot, 27-year-old Andreas Lubitz. At least 150 people were killed in the incident.

Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation acquitted Amanda Knox for the murder of Meredith Kercher March 27, finally ending the appeals process.

More than 1.5 million people paid tribute to Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who died March 23 at the age of 91. Many foreign leaders, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, also came to pay their respects.

Guinean President Alpha Conde declared a 45-day “health emergency” due to an Ebola outbreak in parts of the country March 28. The measures enable authorities to restrict travel in western Guinea.

A Turkish court ordered two cartoonists to pay a fine of $2,700 March 25. The court ruled that the speech bubbles and hand gestures in the cartoon were insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

isabella fu NEWS WRITER

resident Obama and other world leaders have developed an agreement that would limit Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. As of press time, negotiators from the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and Iran had until March 31 to establish this deal, according to an article March 8 by The New York Times. The talks focused on restricting Iran’s ability to enrich uranium. These regulations would slow the rate at which the country could create a functional bomb. In exchange for the regulation of uranium, the U.S. and other world powers will ease economic sanctions in Iran. Such restrictions include the ones on the country’s oil exports and banks. The suspension of these sanctions will significantly improve Iran’s economy, according to Iranian officials in a CNN article March 24. A deal could eventually lead to more than half a million barrels of Iranian crude oil heading into the global market, according to an article by The Wall Street Journal March 16. This, in turn, would lower oil prices in the U.S. Obama said this “extraordinarily reasonable deal” will test whether the Islamic nation is serious about resolving the dispute concerning its nuclear program. “My message to you– the people of Iran– is that, together, we have to speak up for the future we seek,” Obama said in a televised Nowruz address March 19. “Our negotiations have made progress, but there are people, in both our countries and beyond, who oppose a diplomatic resolution.” While quite a few Democrats support the negotiation, many Republicans remain skeptical and thus, drafted legislation, which has since been delayed, intended to give Congress a say in whether an agreement would be appropriate. The controversial deal led Speaker Republican John Boehner to extend an invitation to Israeli

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to share his opinions in front of Congress. In Netnyahu’s speech March 3, emphasized his concern for the safety of Israeli citizens. “That deal will not prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said. “It would guarantee that Iran gets those weapons, lots of them.” Senior Miriam Hauptman, who has been following the issue, supports Netanyahu’s view, believing the agreement would endanger Israeli citizens. She said that Iranian nuclear weapons are likely to be used against Israel, since the former group’s leaders have long spoken of their desire to annihilate the country. Furthermore, the deal may also become a threat to international security, as some Iranian groups have funded terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda. “In a country like Iran that is known for its ties to terrorist groups and human rights abuses against women and other groups, a negotiation doesn’t seem like a reliable solution,” Hauptman said. Hauptman’s concerns about Iran’s credibility when it comes to promises about slowing nuclear development are shared by others as well. In general, Israelis believe that Obama’s negotiations with Iran are not strict enough, according to Hauptman. “Israel has and will likely continue to object the prospect of these negotiations,” Hauptman said. “This could easily hurt the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, which has proven vital on both ends for decades.” Israel remains firm on its stance on the issue, but Obama continues to move forward with the talks. However, acccording to an article by The New York Times March 8, Obama said he would definitely “walk away from a bad deal.” “If we are able to verify that in fact they are not developing weapons systems, then there’s a deal to be had,” Obama said. “But that’s going to require them to accept the kind of verification and constraints on their program that so far, at least, they have not been willing to say yes to.”

UNITED TOGETHER w

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He addressed the nuclear power issues within his country and said Iran was committed to peace. (Photo courtesy of Zuma Press/ MCT Campus) CIA Director John Brennan said in a Fox News interview March 22 that no matter the outcome of nuclear talks with Iran, the U.S. will “keep pressure” on the country. He added that the U.S. will continue learning from its past mistakes in future negotiations with Iran and the Islamic world. “And so, what we have to do, whether there’s a deal or not, is to make sure that Iran is not able to continue to destabilize a number of the countries in the region,” Brennan said. Opinions differ among Iranian leaders. Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke out against Iran’s talks with the U.S. in a speech in Tehran March 21. “[The U.S.] insists on putting pressure on our dear people’s economy,” Khamenei said. “Their goal is to put the people against the system, because the politics of America is to create insecurity.” On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad

Havad Zarif has been one of the leading advocates for the deal. According to a Feb. 28 article by The Associated Press, Zarif said the world should not allow Netanyahu to stop the Islamic Republic and world powers from reaching a nuclear deal. “Through scaremongering, falsification, propaganda and creating a false atmosphere even inside other countries, [Israel] is attempting to prevent peace,” Zarif said. In an interview March 5, Zarif said negotiators were very close to reaching an agreement. He added that Iran is currently trying to resolve the problem of rising international hysteria regarding its nuclear capabilities. “The object of this exercise is to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program will always remain peaceful,” Zarif said. “You can either have sanctions and continue to seek that path of confrontation, or try to resolve this issue through negotiation and through an agreement.” v

April 3, 2015

Panorama

news

Meet the board of education candidates

(All information gathered from ladueschools.net; all photos courtesy of Laura Shea)

sophia li

NEWS WRITER

ive candidates will compete for the two available seats on the Ladue Board of Education in an upcoming election April 7. According to the district website, Sheldon Johnson, Sheri Glantz, Nancy Goldstein, Donald Buck II and Kisha Lee spoke at a “Meet the Candidates” night located at Ladue Middle School March 24. During the event, which was supervised by the League of Women Voters, the competitors answered questions from the audience for nearly two hours. Additionally, the candidates described their backgrounds. Johnson holds an accounting degree and worked in real estate for 32 years. He has advised several non-profit organizations such as the National Industries for the Blind and Autism Speaks. Johnson believes the board needs to maintain its budget in order to operate effectively. Glantz spent nine years on the Ladue Board of Education and served two years as president. In addition, she participated with the district Science Curriculum Committee. Glantz believes property taxes, which provide most of the funds for the school, have fallen “flat,” and aims to seek additional sources of revenue. Like Glantz, Goldstein taught elementary, secondary and college students for more than 40 years. Goldstein hopes to improve the science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses in the high school. Buck earned his medical degree from John Hopkins University School of Medicine and currently works as an assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine. Buck would like to ensure that the district is providing the necessary educational foundation for students to succeed. Lee has served on the school district’s Curriculum and Instruction Board Advisory Committee. She aims to upgrade the school’s facilities to accommodate the need for technology in classrooms to prepare students for STEM careers. The two who win will serve on the board for the next three years. v

Nancy Goldstein

“I will push the district to improve our STEM classes,” Goldstein said. “[I will] enhance the professional development programs to give our teachers new tools for improving student achievement and look hard at the effectiveness of the high school building for meeting the demands of 21st century education." v

Sheldon Johnson

Sheri Glantz

“The [board] must maintain a strong financial foundation to operate its facilities efficiently while not losing sight of its purpose to educate its students,” Johnson said.“I look forward to sharing my experience as a Ladue Schools parent, businessman, educational fund raiser and arts supporter, to bring a new perspective to the board.” v

“Our high school is in dire need of updating,” Glantz said. “In order to be congruous with 21st century learning initiatives, our science labs will require renovation, as they are archaic in comparison with today’s educational standards. Supporting and fortifying our STEM program will keep the [district] a top-notch educational institution.” v

Donald Buck II

Kisha Lee

“As with all public school districts, the issues of fiscal responsibility, facilities upgrades, increasing class sizes and educational standards are ever present,” Buck said. “We must provide our teachers with the resources that they need to be at their best. We must provide a curriculum that fosters scholarship without allowing students to fall behind.” v

“I am running because I have seen the educational benefits and opportunities that have been afforded to my children while attending the Ladue School District,” Lee said. “I will utilize my background in public policy to ensure that the district stays on top of proposed legislation targeted towards public education.” v

6 features

Panorama

April 3, 2015

Students against cancer

New club fundraises and gains awareness for cancer lily hauptman FEATURES EDITOR

uperman fights Lex Luthor and Batman fights the Joker, but a new club fights an even greater foe: cancer. Founded by juniors Henok Getahun and Ashwin Govindan, Ladue Students Against Cancer is determined to combat the disease in young patients. “[Getahun] and [Govindan] saw events like Coaches vs. Cancer and wanted to build upon them,” science teacher and sponsor Mark Miller said. “Their hope is to learn more about cancer and raise [funds] to help fight [it].” Getahun and Govindan hope that through joining the club, students will give back to and also learn from the community. They plan on implementing a plan to help those affected by the disease. “Our first goal is to spread awareness of cancers that affect teens, like leukemia and bone sarcoma,” Govindan said. “Our second goal is to fundraise money for kids who have these diseases. Our third goal is to visit kids who have [cancer].”

LSAC members will learn “For the kickball game, we more about cancers that affect want to have one team comprised teenagers through presentations by entirely of teachers,” Getahun guest speakers. The hope is that the said.“It will cost a certain amount club members will be able to share to play and a certain amount to their knowledge with others. watch. It is a fun way of fundrais“In the club, a majority of the ing money.” members know someone who has The club will also give back been affected by cancer,” junior to the community by visiting Hanlu Jin said. “Anything we can teenagers affected by the disease do to help, whether it’s fundraisin hospitals in the area. After they ing, volunteering or being active graduate, Govindan and Getahun in getting our message heard, will hope that fundraising and visiting help us raise awareness for the children will continue. club. In that aspect, I think the club “When we visit the kids, we will [gain] awareness in the school, will see how we can help,” Getaespecially to those who haven’t hun said. “We hope that our club been directly will [raise] affected by We hope that our club will awareness cancer.” how kids [raise] awareness about how about The club are affected [by kids are affected [by cancer] cancer] and to will collect funds by what extent.” and to what extent. organizMiller - junior Henok Getahun ing events strongly besuch as a lieves in allowcar wash, a bracelets sale and a ing the students to make most of teachers vs. students kickball game. the important decisions and plans Getahun and Govindan want the independently. He encourages kickball game to become an annual the student leaders to conduct all event. The money raised from the discussions during meetings so that game will go to St. Louis Chilthey can develop their leadership dren’s Hospital for cancer patients. skills and learn to take charge.

THE GAME PLAN w Preparing for the next meeting, club founders juniors Ashwin Govindan and Henok Getahun work in the library during Ac Lab. “We saw how great a job Dance Marathon did and we thought we could help do something similar to what they did, but more focused on cancer,” Govindan said. “I think their learning comes out of running the club,” Miller said “It’s their club, they need to take it in the direction they want to take it.” Discussions usually center around fundraisers, hospital visits and ways to bring attention to the disease in the school, the district and the community. LSAC members meet the second and last Tuesday of every month in room 247 after school. “I’m most excited to get others to join the club and spread the word,” Jin said. “It’s a magnificent club. The meetings are always

lively and productive, and it’s student led and created.” The members of LSAC think the idea of teenagers reaching out to other teenagers is important for the club to be successful. Through the experience of communicating with a similar age group, Getahun and Govindan believe the members of LSAC will not only learn about cancer, but will also make the individuals who are affected by cancer feel more comfortable and hope to connect with these individuals. “We take a lot for granted being healthy,” Govindan said. “It is really nice to help [others].” v

enter sewing and designing contest Pillows with a purpose: Students through Family and Consumer Sciences class ing, the girls just entered the contest just for fun and to learn word out to students and to parents, so the girls [could] get more about design and craft. While all seventh grade as many votes as possible.” albert liu students had the opportunity to enter, these two Even if they don’t win the competition, Duncan FEATURES WRITER decided to pursue it after finding inspiration for and Zoellner have both learned much about the their designs. t may seem as though a fox and gingerbread man don’t fashion industry through this. The contestants “I came up with this design around Christmas have much in common, but two determined Family and worked hard on their designs and will therefore Consumer Sciences students at the middle school believe time,” Zoellner said. “There were plenty of movies be more prepared for high school level fashion and shows on television about the holidays, so the otherwise. Seventh grade students Eileen Duncan and Kathor art classes. For Duncan and Zoellner, their idea just kind of appeared.” erine Zoellner entered in a national competition, presented tenacity will prepare them for and carry them far Both Zoellner’s and Duncan’s designs were by Haan Crafts, in hopes of having their own personalized in higher level education. displayed on the Haan Sewing Facebook pillow designs added to next year’s sewing kit. “A lesson I learned was to work your page until the voting closed March 30. “The Haan Crafts company chose the finalists from hardest and believe in yourself and As of press time, the results were undesigns submitted by FACS teachers around the country,” have confidence in your design and kown, however, the students middle school FACS teacher Debra Beckrich said. “The what you are doing,” Zoellner said. learned much about both students draw out and color a design that they would like to “Also, have fun with it.” the fashion industry and hard work see as a project offered by Haan Craft in their catalog. The This can also potentially lead the stuthrough this experience. finalists’ designs are shown on the Haan dents to consider careers in the fashion “I am hopeful that these two Crafts Facebook site. Winners are chosen industry more seriously. The contest girls will get the top two votes,” by which design gets the most likes on also awarded a $100 gift certificate to Beckrich said. “I think it would Facebook.” Haan Crafts as a prize to the winner of be exciting for them to see their Students around the nation stepped up to the competition, and a $50 gift certificate designs made sewing projects the challenge and submitted their ideas to the to the students who receive honorable art by katherine zoellner that students around the country company. Zoellner, who entered a gingerbread mentions. can make for years to come.” man design, and Duncan, who entered a fox de“I really hope to gain more confidence about However, the Facebook judging system has sign, have qualified as finalists in the competition. my drawing and designing skills and just overall, great come in the way of the two contestants. As middle This recognition reflects the talent, hard work memories,” Zoellner said. schoolers, they are too young to have Facebook acand dedication that each student has put into The top two designs will appear in the Fall 2015 Haan counts, which made it hard for them to monitor their this competition. Craft catalogues for purchase. More importantly than winstatus in the contest and campaign for votes. “I put a lot of effort into this design, ning, this contest can also attract a student into a fashionHowever, they still found ways to get the down to the color of the buttons and the based career. This can then lead the student to pursue what word out to gain support for their dethread,” Zoellner said. “I worked on this they’re skilled at and like to do. signs, mostly by encouraging friends design until I believed it was perfect.” “The fashion industry is always going to be huge since and family members to vote. The Haan Pillow Design Competition also clothing is one of the basic needs,” fashion teacher Kimberly “It [was] hard for students to vote, since Boyles said. “My hope for students that have a talent in sewhelps students practice and develop enhanced art by ei many middle school students are not old enough ing is for them to continue their love as a hobby or possibly motor skills for sewing. Although jobs in the leen du ncan to be on Facebook,” Beckrich said. “I tried to get the fashion industry require proficiency with sewpursue the fashion industry as a career.” v

Panorama

April 3, 2015

features

Getting wired up for the camera

Broadcast students start online video series katie bry

FEATURES WRITER

nstead of taking notes and listening to lectures in class, senior Jane Nelson and junior Marissa Glantz are making videos for their YouTube channel, “Wired Up,” during school. The students decided to create the channel for their broadcast technology independent study. They wanted to explore the more creative side of journalism and diverge from the hard news they normally report on in their Broadcast Technology II class. “We love making jokes, and we love having a fun time,” Nelson said. “[Glantz] and I decided we wanted to share our fun with everyone and have the whole world see it.” Broadcast technology teacher Don Goble encouraged them to develop a new, creative project for their independent study. However, Glantz and Nelson came up with the idea for a YouTube channel on their own. “We decided to make a YouTube channel and just make it a comedy show because we were just thinking of ways to make our videos more funny,” Glantz said. “There are not a lot of young girls on YouTube so we are just trying something different.” The duo comes up with its own concepts and production schedule and discusses the videos with Goble twice a week. Glantz and Nelson film mostly during their independent study in school, which can prove difficult to do because they only have 90 minutes; however they make an effort to ensure that they get the work finished. The girls then edit the video and upload it every Monday.

“We decided to brighten Mondays because Mondays are terrible,” Nelson said. “We think creating this YouTube channel has been important because we think that comedy is a good way to share a good laugh and make someone’s day brighter.” The videos consist of Nelson and Glantz completing random funny activities: saying words backwards, trying mystery jelly beans, doing a makeup tutorial and more. To think of ideas, they watch other videos for inspiration and then add a twist to it to make it their own. “[Glantz] and [Nelson]’s creative choices aren’t necessarily the ones I would make, but I am not their audience,” said Goble. “This is the YouTube generation, so [they] wanted to tap into that audience.” Broadcast technology independent studies are rarely offered to students, according to Goble. This special privilege allowed them to gain more experience with filming and editing because they have the opportunity to make more videos apart from the ones they normally do in their Broadcast Technology II class. “They are motivated, engaged and driven to succeed at this new project,” Goble said. “From the YouTube channel, to their website, to social media, they are hitting all areas of multimedia while having a lot of fun, which is the goal I have for all of my students.” Throughout the week, they promote the new video on social media. The channel has a twitter account and a website that explains the purpose of the project and includes a short bio of each of the girls. Between their independent study, Broadcast Technology II class and occasional filming during the weekends, the girls have spent a lot of time together. Working on the videos

All about that bass ali gold

FEATURES EDITOR

julia biest

FEATURES EDITOR

oom, crash and bang are sounds normally associated with an accident, but at the Mid-Missouri Percussion Arts Trophy Competition, these sounds are considered anything but accidental. Senior Tyler Christner won the High School Multiple Percussion category at MMPAT March 7. This gave him the chance to participate in a master class taught by Matt Henry, the percussion ensemble director at University of Missouri-St. Louis. During this, Henry gave Christner feedback to help him become a better player. Sophomore Miles Kim placed third in the same category. The percussionists in the competition had the chance to play their solos in front of a crowd and judges who scored the performances. “I practiced a whole lot– sacrificing my grades, social life and basic human necessities,” Kim said. High school students from around the nation signed up in the months leading up to the competition. In the multiple percussion division, the performers used more than one instrument. For example, Christner used eight instruments for his piece, which he started practicing at the end of November. “[I loved] the feeling of relief, after I had finished playing, that I would never have to practice that piece again,” Christner said. To see and hear more of these talented percussionists, students can attend Night of Percussion April 16. v

(Photos courtesy of Miles Kim and Tyler Christner)

TAKE ONE w

Filming a video, senior Jane Nelson and junior Marissa Glantz work on their YouTube Channel during their Broadcast Technology independent study. “Wired up is a YouTube channel that I created with [Glantz] because we wanted to have a fun spin on journalism,” Nelson said. (Photo courtesy of Jane Nelson)

together has helped the two girls strengthen and advance their friendship. “My favorite part of the process is definitely becoming better friends with [Glantz],” Nelson said. “We have definitely grown together as people from this, and our friendship has grown exponentially.” She said they chose the channel’s name to encourage viewers to get excited and pumped up to watch their videos. The videos have gained more than 300 views and the channel has 44 subscribers. “It is just crazy to see that we have already had so much support not only from the school but from places outside the school, too,” Nelson said. “Our goal is to get 500 subscribers by the time we are finished. We are really hoping that people will watch our stuff, like [it] and subscribe.” v

@humansofladue

Everyone in this school has a story to tell. Follow us on Instagram to see more.

“What makes you happiest?” “Well, when I have food, but besides that, when things are going my way and when there is not a lot of conflict in my life. A good way to resolve a conflict is to add all your effort and your work toward resolving a problem. You kind of emotionally attach to resolving that problem because if you don’t, how are you going to solve it if you don’t care about it?”

8 features

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Polls of the People How have you been affected by cancer? Read more about the new club Ladue Students Against Cancer on pg. 6

60 50 40 30 20

19%

10 0

Blue is not only for Ladue

Students lead Autism Awareness Month celebrations haley horowitz FEATURES WRITER

59%

12% I have not been affected

A family member has had cancer

My friend has had cancer

10% I have not been affected

What’s your favorite kind of YouTube video to watch? Read more about a YouTube Channel run by students on pg. 7 Tutorials

Comedy videos

11%

56%

Vlogs

ennies may not look like much sitting in the bottom of a wallet or backpack, but used in the right place, they could change the world. Members of Autism Speaks to Teens provided a use for these stray pennies by running a “penny war” throughout the week of March 30, with proceeds benefitting the organization. The students chose this week for their event, because April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, as decided by the United Nations eight years ago, occurs during this time. On this day, coined by Autism Speaks as “Light it Up Blue Day,” people and organizations gathered to fundraise and further awareness of autism. Autism Speaks to Teens’ mission is to promote the aforementioned activities, especially during April, Autism Awareness month. “Autism Speaks to Teens is a branch of the national organization Autism Speaks,” junior Madeline Billeaud said. “We do several fundraisers throughout the year like our bowling event in September and penny wars in April.” One of the organization’s biggest events is penny wars. During this event, the grades compete with each other to see which could raise the most money. These funds are dedicated to funding autism research and to providing resources to children with autism and their families. “With rising numbers of students being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is important for student peers to build awareness that fosters an inclusive com-

munity,” special school district teacher Katie Ford said. “I feel Ladue students are compassionate towards peers with disabilities, and as a community, we should build awareness with purpose.” The members of the board helped raise awareness throughout the year. They educated the teens of St. Louis about what autism through social media and pamphlets. “I participate because it is an important cause,” vice president junior Alaina Muchnick said. “As a board, we host events and reach out to teens on the spectrum.” The board is always hoping for new people to help join in on its endeavor to bring attention to the disorder. During Autism Awareness Month, the effort is amplified. “It’s important that people learn that people with autism are just like everyone else,” Billeaud said. “We are always looking for new members to provide fresh ideas to the group. If anyone feels that they would like to join and make a difference in autism awareness, they are more than welcome.” One of the board’s priorities is to spread awareness about how to reach out to those affected. They hope to help teens understand that they should make an effort to be educated on the topic. “[People with autism] might take the same classes as you, be interested in the same music as you, but they often get left out or made fun of because they are a little different,” Billeaud said. “I believe if people learn about autism we can make everyone more inclusive. Instead of people seeing a student with autism as different, they will realize they might have a lot in common.” v

Autism is...

9% 5 times more likely to occur in boys than girls

Music videos

April 3, 2015

the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the U.S.

present in 1 of 68 children

(Graphics by piktochart.com; statistics from autismspeaks.org)

24%

What has your favorite state-required class been? Read more about course requirements on pg. 14.

54% 25%

Health

13% 8%

U.S. History

Government

Personal Finance (Statistics based on 331 sampled)

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April 3, 2015

Keep calm and curry on

features

Thanks for the memories Elephant ride, Amer Fort

Students spend spring break in India ali gold

FEATURES EDITOR

hannah frankel FEATURES WRITER

group of students spent spring break in a faraway land, riding towering beasts, visiting castles and eating exotic food. This magical land is called India. The group was supervised by social studies teacher Eric Hahn. Hahn came up with the idea for the trip last year and had been planning and advertising for it ever since then. “Last year, in a lot of the world history classes, I asked students where they would like to go the most,” Hahn said. “India came up as the top choice. It was really a student-driven idea. I’m glad [because] it was a good idea.” Students who did not help select the location quickly found out about it and wanted to learn more. In the end, a group of 14 juniors and seniors signed up to go. “Hahn put up posters one day early in the fall, and you can’t miss a bright orange sign thats says that there’s a trip to India going on,” senior Abigail Miller said. “I was so intrigued. It’s India. You’re never going to get the chance again. It was like the opportunity finally presented itself.” The group went with Education First tours. They visited many places, including two of India’s most bustling cities: New Delhi and Jaipur. “Jaipur was very busy, steeped in Mughal architecture and history,” Hahn said. “It had all of [the] things it is known for, like the jewelry and leather work factories. [It was] colorful. I would have difficulty describing Jaipur to anybody. It’s incredible.”

In New Delhi, the students saw modern cars trapped in traffic as well as carts on dirt roads. Seeing these different sides of the city opened the travellers eyes’. “There are many pictures that I have, just on my camera, of all the cars just packed behind our bus,” Miller said. “It was so busy and so crazy– people [tried] to cross the street every second. Everything looks like it’s about to run into each other, but it never does. Delhi was really crowded and crazy but also really beautiful. On the side of the roads there were beautiful gardens, winding hills that people were laying on, in contrast with a lot of pollution.” Many of the students wanted to experience a new part of the world and had never been to India. This drove them to sign up. Many of their preconceived ideas about the country were disproved by what the saw on the trip. “In the two cities, Delhi and Jaipur, I initially thought there was going to be more dirt roads and poverty, but there were buildings and shops, and it was bustling,” junior Jordan Smith said. “I felt like my eyes were opened much farther than they have been ever.” Even Hahn, who teaches world history, learned new information on the trip. His previous knowledge about Indian culture was expanded by the sights he saw, the foods he ate and the conversations he had while there. “[India] was definitely different [than what I expected],” Hahn said. “I don’t think there’s any way to know what to expect when visiting a place like India. It was just really different. It was a lot deeper, more varied and richer than I thought it would be as far as culture goes.”

Students also formed many unique memories while on this eye-opening trip. In addition to visiting the cities, the group bonded over sunsets, elephant rides and shopping. The new experiences the students had on the trip taught them about the world and its diversity. “I think everyone needs a chance like this to escape the bubble of the United States,” Miller said. “You don’t realize how much of a bubble you live in until you leave. Especially in a place like India, it’s such a culture shock that everyone needs to experience. It was one amazing thing after another. It was all breathtaking.” The students, who spent a week in the country, visited monumental places including the Taj Mahal and Amer Fort. They made amazing memories and friendships with each other on the tour after spending so much time together. “When we began this trip, there were 14 of us [and] I didn’t really know everyone,” Smith said. “But we decided to go on the roof of a hotel in Jaipur, and it was just a really nice bonding experience.” Hahn believes that through travel, students may obtain perspectives and experiences that can’t be taught in the classroom. He thinks that the success indicates that taking a similar trip in the future would be valuable to the student body. “This was a great trip,” Hahn said. “We happened to have a really good group, the tour was set up well [and] the guide was good. I definitely would consider another trip like this, maybe to another place. It was a lot of fun doing this on spring break. It’s good for the school– we become more global and worldly.” v

Double Take junior Austin Powell

“One Tree Hill” actor James Lafferty

freshman Maayan Gazit

One of the highlights of the trip was when students had the opportunity to ride on the backs of elephants up to Amer Fort, a palace located outside of Jaipur.

City rickshaw tours, Jaipur The group took rickshaws, small two-wheeled passenger carts, around the city of Jaipur and observed the local daily life. It also witnessed the city’s culture and diversity.

Hotel rooftop sunset, Jaipur The group members had one of their favorite bonding experiences of the trip on the rooftop of their hotel in Jaipur, where they talked and watched a sunset.

Elementary school visit, Jaipur The headmaster showed the students around. They met students and then they drank tea and talked about the differences between the American and Indian school systems.

Taj Mahal, Agra On the last day of the trip, students spent sunrise visiting the Taj Mahal. The massive, marble monument is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is located in Agra, India. (Photos by Eva Grench)

We scoured the halls in search of Ladue’s best look-alikes... here’s what we found.

singer Lorde

social studies teacher Shante Lyons

“Grey’s Anatomy” actor Jason George

(Student photos by Julia Biest, Sydney Ellis and Ali Gold; celebrity photos by www.olivesofoblivion.com, flavorofwire.com and collaborationsworkshop.com)

10 in-depth

Panorama

April 3, 2015

Seas the night hayden hunt IN-DEPTH EDITOR

audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

A look at Prom 2015, the days that lead up to the event and what happens after the dance

YELP: Prom edition David’s Bridal - 10760 Sunset Hills Plaza $$ Located somewhat out of the way, David’s Bridal has a pretty large selection of prom dresses. Although the store specializes in wedding dresses, there are many fun and exciting options for prom.

Promtroversial Polls It is not okay to drink on prom night. Not applicable (9%) Strongly agree (30%)

Strongly Disagree (19%)

Somewhat Disagree (24%)

Breeze Blow Dry Bar - 9916 Clayton Rd. $$ The perfect look is topped off by a great hairstyle. Breeze Blow Dry Bar can do updos, blowouts, braids and more. They also have makeup artists who will add the final touches.

Somewhat agree (18%)

Prom buses are a good idea for students to go on after prom. Not applicable (11%) Strongly Disagree (10%)

Stallone’s Formal Wear - 9644 Clayton Rd. $$$ For boys wanting to rent a tuxedo, Stallone’s is the perfect store. Located right by the middle school, they have everything to make for a memorable night— jackets, cummerbunds, bow ties and more.

Strongly agree (31%)

Somewhat Disagree (13%) Somewhat agree (35%)

Students should have a designated driver on prom night. Strongly Disagree (5%)

Not applicable (6%)

Somewhat Disagree (4%)

Nordstrom - 1453 Saint Louis Galleria $$ Nordstrom is a great place to find shoes. Although the large selection of heels and flats can be overwhelming, the attendants do a good job of helping you navigate the store.

Somewhat agree (15%) Strongly agree (70%)

Breathalyzers should be used at prom.

Paperdolls Boutique - 7700 Delmar Blvd. $ This funky boutique offers many options for prom dresses. There’s a variety of dresses ranging in length, style and color. The employees are happy to help customers find the perfect dress. (Photos by Sydney Ellis)

Not applicable (6%) Strongly Disagree (23%)

Somewhat Disagree (17%)

Strongly agree (25%)

Somewhat agree (29%) Results based on a sample of 176 juniors and seniors.

Panorama

April 3, 2015

in-depth

April 18th Agenda

Party Planner

Boys

Girls

A sit-down with STUCO junior class vice president Rachel Avery

Wake up and eat breakfast