Ladue Panorama December 2013, Volume 62, Issue 5

panorama Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Road • St. Louis, MO 63124 • Volume 62 • Issue 5 • December 2, 2013

A&E “Catching Fire” [pg. 13]

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honor societies [pg. 8]

PHOTO

seasonal activities [pg. 10]

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editor-in-chief

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FEATURES

OPINIONS

gun control [pg. 16]

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NEWS mock trial [pg. 4]

SPORTS

fall wrap-up [pg. 17]

editor-in-chief

LADUE MUSIC AWARDS (Photo by Warren Biest)

LADUE MUSIC AWARDS

LADUE MUSI

ARDS

(Photo courtesy of Warner Music Group)

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n tribute to the American Music Awards held Nov. 24, we scoured Ladue for our very own homegrown musicians. From students to alumni, we found three faces of fresh talent: almunus Brandyn Burnette, sophomore Sema Dibooglu and junior Joe Schlesinger.

Burnette, who was first discovered by former “American Idol” judge and songwriter Kara Dioguardi, antici-

(Photo by Sammy Leary)

pates the release of his first album early next year. However, this up-andcoming artist hasn’t forgotten where he came from: our very own halls.

“I would play my songs during Ac Lab for friends and jam in Mrs. Burmeister’s room before and after musical and play rehearsals,” Burnette said.

Since age 13, Burnette knew he wanted to be a musician, composing

his first song about his sister’s departure to college. Similarly, Dibooglu first explored her musical passion through a lullaby for her brother.

“If I am in the right time at the right place, then I would like to pursue music as a career,” Dibooglu said. “If it doesn’t happen, I will still pursue it as a hobby [but] music will always be a part of my life in some way.”

(Photo by Jeanne Wilkinson) While Dibooglu looks to potentially develop her music into a career after releasing her first single on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify, Schlesinger treats music as a way of life. Though he enjoys producing weekly music projects on Facebook and reverbnation.com, Schlesinger isn’t motivated by the prospect of fame.

“I only began to immerse myself in music completely in January

because Brianna had just joined our band, and she was really pretty, and so I wanted to really impress her,” Schlesinger said. “Playing every song on our set list made me realize just how much I love music.”

No matter what the future has in story for these aspiring musicians, Ladue will always applaud the tunes they leave behind. « (Continued on pg. 20)

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NEWS

LOWDOWN Science Olympiad team members announced Freshman Alex Tan, sophomores Tom Liu, Rasika Sant and Ezra Umen, juniors Brian Jiang, Yang Liu, Alli Loynd and Michael Prablek, and seniors Chloe An, Enze Chen, Emily Chu, Jialin Ding, Ben Zhang, Eric Zhu and Toby Zhu were selected as as members of the 2013-2014 Ladue Science Olympiad team. Sophomores Royce Dong and Logan Paige were selected as alternates.

All-Suburban Orchestra Freshmen Olivia Jurgiel and Alex Tan, sophomores Abby Bauer, Royce Dong and Caitlin Hawkins, juniors Juliann Bi, Anthony Deng and Iris Yang and seniors Emily Chu, Jialin Ding, Claire Paddock and Stella Schindler were named members of AllSuburban Orchestra.

National German Olympiad Junior Miriam Hauptman reached the national level for the International Gernan Language Olympiad. Miriam is one of 12 students chosen to compete in the national level Out of the 80 initial students.

Students who advance to the international level will travel to Frankfurt, Germany to compete.

Broadcast Journalism awards Ladue View finished eighth in the nation for the National Scholastic Press Association’s 2013 “Best of Show.” Individual winners included a national honorable mention in the Broadcast News Package category for sophomore Steele Stewart. Junior Lillian Donahue also earned an “Excellent” rating for her Public Service Announcement.

December 2, 2013

The question of achievement Various students organizations such as STRIDE aim to promote affirmative development amongst minorities “It’s a system— it’s not just one factor that’s controlling African American achievement in the news editor school,” Sevier said. “It’s the educational system, it’s things kids are experiencing outside of school, pressures they feel coming from outside as well as here are currently no African American inside of school.” students enrolled in Advanced Placement Rather than focusing solely on academic develCalculus BC. Nor are there any enrolled in opment, Sevier AP Physics Mechanics or Electricity and Magnetism either. While the number of African Americans hopes to provide social support enrolled in AP classes has doubled over the past as well. Sevier, decade, according to the College Board, African who attended Americans represented 14.6 percent of total high St. Louis Public school students but made up less than four percent Schools, said of students who scored a 3 or better on at least one that growAP exam. ing up in an This disproportionate number was reflected in environment that social studies teacher Robert Good’s classroom. fostered her inGood, who formerly taught AP United States Hisdividual success tory, saw a decreasing amount of minority students allowed her to taking his class each year. In his last year teaching do well in high AP US to a class of 28 students, only one student school. was African American.

“A lot of Af“I started saying, ‘Well what’s going on, what’s rican Americans, happening?’ And what I found out was it coordidepending on nated with when we put AP World as a sophomore where they come offering,” Good said. “A bunch of students started from, might feel taking AP World, but a lot of very highly capable, that they’re at high achieving African American students weren’t a disadvantage, taking it, and so because they didn’t get into the AP but we want to track, then they decided they just didn’t go on, and be giving them by the time it got to AP US senior year I just didn’t a sense of selfsee as many that were in that track.” worth, giving In order to combat this lack of representation, them a sense Good founded the organization STRIDE to provide of pride, giving them a sense of determination to support to African American and Latino students, want to do better and to do better,” Sevier said. “It’s who are typically underrepresented in AP classes, transforming academics as well as self.” and to create an academic community that fosters The positive example of teachers like Sevier has enrollment into AP courses. Rather than working on greatly impacted students such as sophomore and the principles of affirmative action, Good identifies STRIDE member Simi Falako. For Falako, having the program as working on the ideas of affirmative an influential African American teacher such as development. Affirmative development is a relaSevier is especially motivating. tively new concept, often credited to authors and “When you see positive black role models professors Edmund Gordon and Beatrice Bridglall. who’ve done While affirmawell you can tive action say, ‘Oh I can is defined as achieve that simply taking I teach in public schools because it’s status, too,’ factors such as the only place where everybody comes because it race, sex and together...It means that if the African doesn’t feel national origin impossible into considerAmerican population of this school is any more,” ation in areas 18 percent, 18 percent of AP classes Falako said. of employment, should be African American students.

Both Good education and and Sevier business, af- social studies teacher Robert Good agree that a firmative develcommon issue opment aims to facing minorities is the ability to fully feel a part foster achievement in students of underrepresented of the classroom. Good has witnessed this in his groups. According to Gordon and Bridglall, affirmative development “attempts to address how we African American Studies class, where he noticed normally outspoken white students often become can deliberately develop academic ability in those quiet and reserved upon suddenly being the minorchildren who are not raised under conditions that ity in the room. predispose them to develop high levels of academic “You can get lonely— you know how it is in AP ability.”

World when you get your test back and you got a Good and French teacher Cemohn Sevier, who 63 and you’re like, ‘I studied seven hours and I got also serves as a mentor in various minority support a 63?’” Good said. “And so if you don’t feel like groups in school, see affirmative development as an effective way to tackle minority achievement due to you’ve got a lot of your people around you, and if you’re carrying an idea that maybe people like me its complex nature.

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don’t succeed in this, without support you might say, ‘I’m not going to mess with this.’”

Falako agrees that one can often feel lost or alone if he or she is the only minority student in the class, and she enjoys having the STRIDE community for support. Although many point to financial status as being a more telling indicator of success than race, both Falako and Good note that often times wealthy minorities still feel very separate from the majority and experience the same emotions as minorities with lower financial status.

“Even affluent African Americans students and affluent Latino students, affluent Jewish students often times will have experiences in school that sap at their motivation,” Good said.

“If I’m in a majority white environment, everything I see is a mirror. Because everything that’s in the curriculum, art by TING DING everything that’s there is reflecting me back.

But for a lot of students, it’s like looking through a window. So I need to be able to look through windows, and I also need to see mirrors. Well, for African American students a lot of what they’re getting is windows and not mirrors. Affluent students, that’s still affecting them. But there is an intersection.”

Falako has personally felt these windows in the classroom. She said that before coming to Ladue, teachers often expected less of her but through her hard work ethic she was able to surprise them.

Falako hopes that her peers will see her success in the classroom as something to motivate them by, and she hopes to encourage and aid them using what she has learned.

“I feel that I could help by helping students and showing them, ‘This is the reason why you should stay in school, this is the reason why you should stay motivated’ because there are so many opportunities for us out there,” Falako said. “And being African American is not a disadvantage, it’s an advantage.”

According to Good and Falako, a healthy mixture of members of one’s own race as well as members of other classes, backgrounds and races that reflect the school population is necessary for an ideal classroom setting. In order to be the model for others, Good wants to see this reflected in Ladue.

“I teach in public schools because it’s the only place where everybody comes together. I want to see equity in the school,” Good said. “And so what does equity in the school mean? It means that if the African American population of this school is 18 percent, 18 percent of AP classes should be African American students.” «

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December 2, 2013

NEWS

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Meant for mentors

Danforth mentoring program provides hands-on scientific experience and the best ways to control invasive species including plants, pests and pathogens.” news writer Meetings with the mentors are intended to foster a deeper interest in science and to allow students to independently research or a group of selected students, a period of scientific and discover new scientific findings and for mentors to give helpresearch and discovery has just begun. The Danforth Plant ful guidance. The Danforth Plant Science Center also provides Science Center mentor program aims to allow students to students with the materials needed to conduct their research. explore fields that pertain to their scientific environment.

“Students are often able to work in laboratories and participate The program offers an opportunity for interested applicants to in authentic research or develop a project that reflects their own form an intellectual interface with professional scientists at the interests, and they can discuss current science issues and new Danforth Plant Science Center from November through March. emerging technologies with scientists,” Woodford-Thomas said.

Applications were due late September, and selections were made However, it is not a complete deviation from the classes in mid-October. The program is currently entering its fourth year. school. The mentoring program may also reinforce any material “Students get a sense for what ‘a day in the life of a scientist’ that the mentees are currently learning in their science courses. is really like,” Terry Woodford-Thomas, the Director of Science “Personally, I like the idea of it. I think it’s great for students Education and Outreach at Danforth and co-originator of the to have any exposure to applications of what we’re doing in mentoring program, said. “I especially like meeting new students class,” chemistry teacher Marina Smallwood said. who are bright and creative, and have a deep interest in pursuing The center was founded on the basis of independent, nonprofit science as a possible career choice.” scientific research. Its founder, William H. Danforth, harbored the The liaison starts with a tour of the Danforth Plant Science goal of increasing community empowerment, improving living Center and an introductory meeting between the students and pro- conditions and developing higher qualities of life through focusfessors. Throughing on plant-based research out the five such as biotechnology and month program, Students are often able to work in laboratories agriculture. Danforth is himself the students a retired physician and former and participate in authentic research or devel- chancellor of Washington Uniand professors will engage in op a project that reflects their own interests, versity in St. Louis. electronic comThe program provides an and they can discuss current science issues and munication and opportunity for students to work new emerging technologies with scientists. monthly faceclosely with scientists without to-face meetings - co-originator of program Terry Woodford-Thomas having to apply for a paid posito explore and tion. discuss their scientific areas of interest. Junior Hile Ermias cur“We have a limited number of paid positions for high school rently participates as a mentee in the program. students, age 16 and above, to come into our laboratories or work Nov. 4, an introductory meeting was held for the participants in the field, with our scientists,” Woodford-Thomas said. “These and Nov. 18 they were given a tour of the center. This gave stuare usually funded by state and federal research grants.” dents a chance to explore the different projects and research the For the students at the middle and high schools, the mentoring center is conducting. program is a hands-on experience and connection to the greater “Different students can explore different topics with their community and world of science. Most of the fields are applicable mentor,” Ermias said. “I am currently exploring topics including to pertinent areas of modern industry. the various ways in which plant science can prevent malnutrition, “[The program’s purpose is to] expose students to some of ways in which we can develop crops in marginal environments, the work that happens in industry: primarily agriculture-based,

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MEASURE UP • Working carefully, junior and Danforth

Plant Science Center mentee Hile Ermias works in a lab. (Photo

by Danielle Thompson) biotechnology-based,” said Smallwood. “A lot of the times, students don’t even know some of the careers that are out there, so I think exposure to that is definitely a plus.”

An informal discussion will be held at the Ladue Education Foundation Community Breakfast where students will have an opportunity to present their research methods and findings to their teachers, mentors and fellow participants.

“The presentations are very informal,” Woodford-Thomas said. “Students may lead a discussion, give a short power point talk or offer a science demonstration.”

At the end of the program, students will not only have discovered new learning in their scientific field of interest but also achieved a memorable and engaging academic experience. It will serve as a helpful intellectual asset for years to come.

“Friendships develop between mentors and students that can last for several years. Mentors are often asked by students to write reference letters for college applications and job applications, and to give students advice on future education and career choices,” said Woodford-Thomas. «

WHAT IN THE WORLD? Bentonville, Ark.

Philippines World Bank offers $500 million loan to the Philippines in the wake of the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

Walmart CEO and president Mike Duke is replaced by Doug McMillon in the wake of a bribery scandal.

New Haven, Conn.

Kiev, Ukraine

Yale University students were put on lockdown Nov. 25 in order to investigate an armed gunman on campus. Read more about gun control on page 16.

Over 100,000 protestors gather in Kiev over president Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to suspend association talks with the European Union.

This is the largest protest in the country since the Orange Revolution.

Indonesia and Australia Indonesian-Australian tensions have thicked after Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s decision to reduce military cooperation with Australia after Australia’s alleged phone-taping activities. art by AUDREY KOCHER

panorama 4 Mock trial tackles new case: NEWS

December 2, 2013

Brings in lawyers to assist with tough dispute news writer

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his year, the Mock Trial team will tackle an issue like never before. For the first time, the group has plans to argue how much money the injured party of the case should be rewarded.

The case is about a jail guard who is attacked while on duty.

This event raises questions of whether the state is at fault for negligence and not properly employing enough jail guards.

“This year we have quite a complicated problem,” social studies teacher Robert Snidman said. “[It’s] more complicated than I have ever seen before, so we are bringing in a lawyer to volunteer to help us address these technical issues that we’ve never really had to address before.”

Michael Loynd, a private attorney who deals with corporate litigation, will bring both his expertise as a practicing lawyer, as well as personal Mock Trial experience to the team. Loynd was a lead attorney on his high school Mock Trial team which won several rounds.

“The case calls for teams to discuss percentage of fault and come up with a number for the amount of damages to be recovered,” social studies teacher Jeff Miller said. “We have never seen a case like this and are grateful to Mr. Loynd for sharing his knowledge with the team.”

The team collectively believes that knowing the case very well is the key to success this year. By practicing every Monday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the team will strive to be as prepared as they can be for their rounds.

“Nine times out of 10, the attorney who is most prepared, who most understands the case and can project confidence and authority to the jury is the one who wins,” Loynd said. “The facts are

the facts, so it is the attorney’s job to fully understand the facts and communicate them properly to the jury. I hope to edit and focus the team’s direct and cross examination approaches, inform them about legal nuances, techniques, and how to evaluate and present a case before a jury.”

Despite the loss of many veteran members, the team hopes to make up ground with the plethora of resources available to them.

They also hope skill will make up for a lack of experience.

“The new trial will be fun, exciting and full of surprises,” senior Sam Picus said. “I will use my four years of Mock Trial experience to lead the team to success. My goal is to win state.”

In order for the team to qualify for state, it must place in the top half of the St. Louis region during the regional round robin in March. Usually that means the team must place in the top eight.

“Clayton is our number one rival, and we have had some tough trials with them, especially last year,” Miller said. “Parkway North is also always tough and is coached by former Ladue people. The key will be for our team to gel. We lost a lot of seniors last year and we need the new team to build chemistry quickly. We consistently field one of the more talented teams in the competition. With commitment and chemistry we can achieve our goals.”

The team’s coaches will be much more vital this year in transitioning the team smoothly. With many members being first time participants, they look to the guidance of the coaches to develop their skills and succeed in rounds.

“We have a rather new team this year so people have less experience,” senior Emily Chu said. “However, we have awesome coaches, and I think we have some great potential for success.”

Besides their goals of winning state, many members hope to grow individually from their experience on the team. Through their hours of practice, they hope to succeed as a team as well as learn more about themselves. Participants believe that being a

Debate tournament benefits foundation

THE JUDGE • Paying close attention, six-year-old Joey Goldwasser judges competitors in the storytelling portion of the LNI debate tournament.

“I judged a round of Congress and Joey judged storytelling,” Jim Goldwasser said. “I was truly amazed by the amount of support that the students gave me.”

The LNI debate tournament was dedicated to Joey Goldwasser, who is battling cancer. (Photo by Sydney Ellis) news editor

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adue’s debate team hosted it’s 47th annual student-run Ladue Novice Invitational.

This year, the theme of the event was “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

The tournament benefitted the Jason Motte Foundation, an organi-

zation headed by Cardinals pitcher Jason Motte, with the mission to provide comfort, support and care to families affected by cancer. Donations were made in honor of Joey Goldwasser, history teacher Jim Goldwasser’s six-year-old son who is currently battling cancer.

Joey Goldwasser was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a disease which riddled 6,070 victims

LAYING DOWN THE LAW• Working on the case, private attorney Michael Loynd discusses techniques with Mock Trial members. “I hope to edit and focus the team’s direct and cross examination approaches,” Loynd said. “[I hope to] inform them about legal nuances, techniques, and how to evaluate and present a case before a jury.” The Mock Trial team hopes to qualify to state this year. (Photo by Emma Weller) part of Mock Trial helps them prepare for a career in law, while building stage presence and confidence.

“I hope Mock Trial will allow me to become a better public speaker,” sophomore Rasika Sant said. “Being able to communicate your ideas effectively is important, no matter what career you end up choosing.”

The team welcomes any student from any background. Unlike athletic teams and many other activities, students can begin participation in Mock Trial at any time.

“New people are welcome all the time,” Snidman said. “If you are a senior great, freshmen are welcome, and they will get to participate on the same level that a first time senior will participate. One goal that we have always met is that everybody gets to play, and that’s important that everybody has the opportunity to go one round.” «

Annual Ladue Novice Invitational raises donations for the Jason Motte Foundation in honor of Ladue family

across the United States in 2013. Joey wasser family was actually present began preparing for the event several Goldwasser, a first-grader at Conway and active at the debate. Jim Goldmonths in advance. Once they had Elementary School, loves reading, wasser judged a round of Congress, selected the theme and charity, details Minecraft and, of course, the St. while Joey Goldwasser helped judge had to be planned out as to how the Louis Cardinals. the storytelling portion of the tournatheme would be carried out.

“Joey’s oncologists’ office is at ment. And the warmth the Goldwas“We all dressed up in cardinals the Cardinals Kids Cancer Center at sers have received from the Ladue attire, and we had baseball jerseys Mercy Hospital,” Jim Goldwasser community reaches far beyond just instead of t-shirts for our team shirts,” said. “Much of the office looks as if the dedication of this tournament. senior Katie Campbell said. “We had you were inside Busch Stadium. This “The faculty and staff have been a raffle for Cardinals [memorabilia], summer, he began to follow baseball incredibly supportive and generand our trophies [had baseball players and watched the World Series with ous,” Jim Goldwasser said. “They on them].” me.” prepared a huge care package for our In addition to planning small To gain donations, a raffle and family. The administration has been details, students also planned the penny war were held at the logistical side of the tournatournament, with a grand total ment. Students scheduled of $350 raised. The Jason This was the best tournament all of the rounds, created Motte Foundation was selected since I started at Ladue. [The] diagrams of the rooms and by the student leaders of the figured out where all of the students absolutely amazed me desks should be put back after tournament due to the fact that the organization holds a spewith their leadership, hard work the tournament, and cleaned cial place in the Goldwassers’ up afterwards. and dedication to the team. hearts, since Joey Goldwasser “This was the best tournawas able to meet Motte while ment since I started at Ladue,” - Molly Beck he was receiving treatment. social studies teacher and de“Joey met Jason Motte at bate coach Molly Beck said. the doctors’ office,” Goldwasser said. very flexible so that I can be there for “This group of students absolutely “Motte brought John Jay, Allen Craig my son. I was truly amazed by the amazed me with their leadership, hard and Fredbird. Motte’s wife encouramount of support that the students work and dedication. I am so proud to aged Joey to pull his beard.” gave me.” be their coach and feel lucky to work Not only was there a donation The tournament was run comwith such awesome students on a made in Joey’s honor, but the Goldpletely by Ladue debate students, who daily basis.” «

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December 2, 2013

NEWS

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Former early childhood property under contract PulteGroup purchases former LECC grounds for commercial development news writer

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LADUE NO LONGER • Situated on Clayton Rd., the former Ladue Early Childhood Property is currently under contract with PulteGroup, a residential developer. “PulteGroup made the most attractive financial offer to the district for the type of development which the Frontenac community would find acceptable,” Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner said. The community objected to commercial development of the property. (Photo by Sammy Leary)

he Ladue Early Childhood Center property is under contract with the PulteGroup, a residential developer.

The City of Frontenac made it clear that they did not approve of commercial development for that area, because building a higher residential population remains a goal for the community.

According to Susan Dielmann, Director of Communications, PulteGroup is a residential developer which normally builds homes on their properties.

They have developed many areas, including Windsor Creek in Fairview Heights and The Estates at Town and Country Crossing in Chesterfield, amongst many other neighborhoods around the United States.

“PulteGroup made the most attractive financial offer to the district for the type of development which the Frontenac community would find acceptable,” Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner said. “Significant objections exist in the community to commercial development of this property.

Commercial development would require rezoning and is not likely to be approved by the City of Frontenac.”

It is unknown at this point what will happen to the property once PulteGroup officially takes it over. The City of Frontenac has not confirmed their approval.

Citizens of the Ladue School District can look forward

to hearing more news and updates on the PulteGroup sale within the upcoming months.

“Specific plans have not been presented to or approved by the City of Frontenac,” Board of Education President Jeff Kopolow said. “However, it is anticipated to be a fully residential development. Currently, the developer is considering all residential options possible for the property.”

The property, spanning 9.05 acres, has been the site of several other schools before LECC. The most recent was Wright Elementary school, which occupied the space until 1982.

Wright Elementary School was annexed by Ladue in 1949, along with Olivette Elementary School District, Spoede Elementary School District and the Huntleigh School District.” «

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FEATURES

December 2, 2013

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Yin and Yang ’Tis the season... W h an d S a a ra

inter break is almost here. Thank goodness, right?

Soon we will be permitted to lounge around, enjoy free time and watch TV to our hearts’ content. However, as we anticipate the days until freedom, we inevitably count down to one of the worst times of the year: finals week. Everyone knows finals are stressful. Not only do many classes require you to recall information from August, but they can make or break your grade. It is crucial to prepare for this week and feel confident going into testing. If you don’t know where to begin or need some new strategies, check out how your peers study and try out some of their methods. Here are some tips that may just help you hold on to your grades and sanity during finals week. «

What is your favorite way to study?

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80% ofltstipuleden prefer mu s choice exam

art by AUDREY KOCHER

50%

The final straw

like to ith study w ic s mu

features editor

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(This column reflects the opinion of the writer.)

Practice problems 25% Teaching others 7% Re-reading the textbook 27% Flashcards 16% Don’t study 14%

72% like to study alone

Others 11%

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Study Hotspots

ith the term coming to an end, students are beginning to fall into the monotonous routine that everyone dreads in early December. My biggest enemy is my alarm clock and that whole “breakfast is the most important meal of the day because you haven’t eaten in about 10 hours” concept isn’t even an issue for me anymore because I find myself going to bed, only to wake up four or five hours later.

But one thing many students don’t take into consideration is how the teachers feel. Especially in this mid-school year slump, teachers may begin to feel unappreciated and any little thing may tick them off. Consider these pet peeves that seem to irk your teachers next time you’re feeling irritable.

1. When you miss class and then waltz in the next day, nonchalantly asking, “Did we do anything?” I’m sorry but as much as you’d like to believe that all learning comes to a halt when you are absent, I must inform you that you are mistaken. What do you think happens when the teacher calls roll and there’s a moment of silence? The teacher scans the room with a concerned look and then exclaims, “Class, Johnny isn’t here! I guess we’ll have to hold off on this lesson plan until he takes his time and decides he’s ready to come to class.” To be frank, get off your high horse and stop skipping class.

2. When people ask, “Is this going to be on the test?

Often times, students ask this with the hopes that the teacher will say no and then they can check out completely. However, the purpose of a teacher is not to spoon feed you curriculum on a silver platter, solely to prepare you for a silly test. As important as tests seem, in the grand scheme of things they aren’t everything. Regardless of whether or not you will be tested on the subject, you should pay attention.

3. When students call their teachers by the wrong name. This is just flat-out rude. Many teachers teach multiple classes with more than a hundred students, yet they never seemed to forget your name. If they can learn more than a hundred names, you can learn eight.

4. When students ask repeatedly if something has been graded. Like you, teachers have lives outside of school. If there is a test in the last class on Friday, don’t come in on Monday pestering your teachers about why the grade has not been entered into Infinite Campus yet. Did it ever dawn on you that they may have important things going on in their lives as well? Teachers try their very best to enter grades in a timely matter but when there are upwards of a hundred tests to grade, it’s going to take more than one day.

5. When students stop trying. Why should teachers care about your grades if you don’t? Although the temptation of slacking off seems too difficult to resist, think about the big picture. Resist the urge to give up and you will be happier with your overall grade in the future.

So even though school may be the last place you want to be, keep in mind these irksome behaviors that start to sink in mid-school year. Doing so will keep your teachers off of your back and further your educational experience as a whole. «

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23% like to study with classmat es

% like to study with their pare nts 2% like to study with a tutor

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(Statistics based off of 228 students surveyed)

“I like being where other people are studying because when I see other people working, I feel like I have to work, too.”

- junior Christine Yan

“They have great food, free Wi-Fi, and it’s super close. It has a very comfortable ambiance. It’s not too loud but not too quiet either.”

- senior Vivian Phung

Saint Louis County Public Library

Saint Louis Bread Co. Starbucks

“I like to study at Starbucks because it offers me a quiet, productive and comforting environment that helps drive me to success.”

- sophomore Jason Weber

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Coffee with a shot of science

Students expand their knowledge about science careers through Teen Science Café “[Meetings] present the unique experience of interacting with scientists, inventors or engineers who are experts in their fields and can show you what working in their field entails,” Malkova said. “The whole event is very interactive... and informative so ome students feel that what they learn in school has no anyone who has any interest in science should come.” real world application, and this makes them reluctant The cafés themselves focus on a different topic each month.

November’s topic was meth lab cleanup, and a past topic to learn. But with Teen Science Café, scientific knowledge is combined with fun activities to encourage focused on the conservation of nature. The presenter talked about the difference that students can make students’ curiosity in the field. Junior Dasha Malkova and sophomore Huayu Gao participate in this program. right at home.

“Usually a café is centered around a field of science “The presenter talked about turtle tracking in and an expert from that field is invited to participate Forest Park,” Malkova said. “The presentation and lead an interactive program for about an hour,” really went in depth and showed how people can Malkova said. “Afterwards there are thought provoksave animals from around the world, from elephants ing discussions and activities while in Africa to turtles in Forest Park, by just food is served.” tracking them and observing their migration patterns.”

Malkova and Gao, along with other high school students, are Former Ladue student, sophomore youth leaders on the Teen LeaderOlivia Long, who now goes to John Burroughs High School, is also a member of the ship Team of Teen Science Café.

This team plans out the itinerary Teen Science Café. She found out about the program through an email from the Academy and meets one to two times per month. Gao got involved in the Teen of Science.

Leadership Team when her mom recommended “What’s great about the cafés is that they are the opportunity to her this past summer. Malkova designed by teens, for teens,” Long said. “The topics are always very interesting and I encourage found the program while looking for science related, out-of-school activities. Malkova considers it everyone to come check them out.”

Gao also enjoys many things about the program. appealing because the program involves a combination art by ASHLEY TURNER She loves organizing the meetings and then seeing of both leadership and science.

Teens who come to the meetings are exposed to new these plans put into action. knowledge and ideas, courtesy of the guest speakers. These guest “You learn a lot of leadership and planning skills,” Gao said.

“It is a good experience that can really improve your people speakers are recruited by the Youth Leaders. The teens do the skills.” « bulk of the organizing and planning. features writer

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FEATURES

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What you didn’t know about...

Jonah Krueger

(Photo by Jenna Shanker)

December 2, 2013

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching English?

A: [I love] getting to see the development of student writing quality and ownership over the course of a class. When students start the semester reluctant to share and can hardly wait for me to read their latest paper by the end, I consider that a small success of its own.

Q: What’s your favorite piece of literature and why?

A: “A Confederacy of Dunces,” by John Kennedy Toole. It’s one of those books that makes the people sitting near me at the airport move away because of my wild fits of laughter.

Q: If you could be one of the characters in a book who would you be?

A: Charlie Bucket, because of his humble beginnings, the wealth of creative resources he inherits from Willy Wonka and realistically, who wouldn’t want to hang out with the Oompa Loompas?

Q: Team Peeta or Team Gale?

A: Team Peeta, I like baking and art (although I’m not very talented with frosting).

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FEATURES

December 2, 2013

Back in black Band and orchestra perfor m together at annual fall concert features editor

features editor

(Photo by Jenna Shanker)

B

ows hover slightly above silky strings while cool mouthpieces lift to players’ lips. The performers hold their breath until the conductor, with a large swish of his hands, breaks the silence.

The annual fall concert took place Nov. 21 in the Performing Arts Center. In addition to individual performances from the band, orchestra and percussion ensemble, the three groups collaborated to create a spectacular finale. This arrangement mimics a professional full orchestra.

“What was really special about last nights concert was the combination of orchestra and the winds ensemble,” sophomore Reis Rosenbloom said. “Everyone played really well, and I think that the students really practiced to put on a good show.”

Students from both groups gave up their Ac Lab multiple times to rehearse together. This allowed the players to become accustomed to the other instruments and new style of music.

“The music is more dramatic,” junior Yuxiao Li said. “It’s more exciting and showy [when we play together].”

The opportunity to perform together enhanced the performers’ musical experiences. The audience also had a positive reaction to this arrangement.

“We made the audience freeze in their tracks for about 15 seconds at the end of ‘October,’” band director Aaron Lehde said. “They were stunned. It was done, and we just held them in silence, and then finally someone was like ‘that was amazing’ and started clapping. Also, at the very end when the orchestra was charging towards the end, it just lit the audience on fire.” «

Bringing honor to us all

Spanish and social studies honor societies take off features writer

N

o matter what interest a student wants to pursue, there is a club, program or organization dedicated to providing opportunities in this area. Two new organizations, the National Spanish Honor Society and Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society, give students the chance to participate in service projects and expand their knowledge of the subject.

Spanish teacher Maritza Sloan started the society with the help of Spanish teacher Jan Magers.

The sponsors wanted to enhance students’ cultural awareness through service.

“The society’s goal is to connect Spanish-speaking students with each other,” junior Hannah Jacks said. “It allows us to engage in the Spanish culture outside of school as well.”

The 31 members of the society meet at least twice a month where they learn more about Spanish culture. The society also engages in bonding activities such as pajama parties and ice cream socials.

The society tutors students from the middle school and students in Spanish I, II and III. This opportunity improves the Spanish-speaking skills of those who learn and those who teach.

“We tutor lower level Spanish students,” sophomore Alaina Muchnick said. “This is important for their learning and ours. It is a great opportunity to get to know other students and practice Spanish.”

Students must be in Spanish IV or above and maintain a GPA of at least an A- in all four years of Spanish in order to participate. They must also complete four hours of service each semester.

“Currently we are working at the Ronald McDonald House and will start volunteering with the Spanish-speaking children who live there,” Jacks said.

These children come to the United States in order to get medical help. Volunteers assist the children and at the same time improve their Spanishspeaking skills.

“We’re planning on doing any activity that helps the kids at the house feel better about themselves and their conditions,” junior Yoav Kadan said.

“We’ll read books in Spanish, help them learn English since most of them are from Spanish-speaking countries and possibly host birthday parties for those who are away from home during their birthday.”

The social studies department also launched an honor society this year called Rho Kappa. Social studies teacher Christopher Saxton heard about this society while grading AP tests over the summer.

Members must have had four semesters of history and a 3.7 GPA. The club plans to tutor students during homework club after school and volunteer at the Missouri Historical Society.

“We thought it would be a great way for students to extend their culture of social studies beyond the classroom,” social studies teacher Mike Hill said. «

VIVA LA VIDA • Sophomore Caitlin Hawkins receives her Spanish honor society

badge from club sponsor, Maritza Sloan. The club strives to serve the local Latino community while also enriching student participants’ cultural awareness. (Photo by Sydney Ellis)

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December 2, 2013

FEATURES

9

MAN’S BEST FRIEND • Indy, sophomore Preston Barrow’s dog, cuts through the water during the Speed Retrieve competition. During this event, the dog is timed while it swims from the dock to the other end of the pool to retrieve a toy. The pair received third place at the DockDogs World Championships in this event last year. “We were the underdogs but then in the finals we showed what true team work is,” Barrow said. “It was amazing.” (Photo courtesy of Preston Barrow)

Air Buddy: features writer

S

ophomore Preston Barrow constantly hears the sound of dogs barking and water splashing because of his favorite extracurricular: dog-training.

Barrow trains and competes in canine aquatics competitions with his dog Indy, a four-year-old golden retriever. Although they have only been competing for about a year and a half, they placed fourth for best youth team in the world this year according to the DockDogs Worldwide rankings.

People and dogs from all over the world compete in DockDogs competitions. Gateway DockDogs is the local branch of DockDogs that Barrow participates in. While Gateway events are solely for practice and enjoyment, DockDogs Worldwide events decide international rankings.

Sophomore earns worldwide recognition by participating in dog training competitions

After all the training that Barrow to the master division. At last year’s Barrow and his mom heard about World Championships, they received the sport from one of her co-workers and Indy have gone through together, they have become much closer. Their second place in the youth competition and decided to watch an event. He and third place in Speed Retrieve. relationship is stronger than most petthought that Indy would be good at it Barrow’s success has brought him owner bonds. and took him out to a lake to give it worldwide recognition.

“When people ask me who my a shot.

“Preston’s dog Indy is a wonder“I went in the water with [Indy] closest friend is, I say Indy,” Barrow a few times, and finally he was able said. “I talk to him about everything ful golden retriever,” president of Big Muddy DockDogs in to go in on his own,” Barrow Columbia, Mo., Becky said. “He got the hang of it When people ask me who my Berger said. “[Barrow] is really fast.” closest friend is, I say Indy. I talk a great competitor.”

Barrow takes Indy out to the Gateway training dock The DockDogs comto him about everything and even munity is a very easy-goat Canine Country Kennels though he doesn’t reply with ing, supportive environregularly during the season. words, I know he is listening.” ment. Everyone is friendly Training lasts from February until the World Championships -sophomore Preston Barrow and enjoys competing in the event. in November. It consists of and even though he doesn’t reply with “I love seeing all sorts of people running and walking with Indy, pracwords, I know he is listening.” and all sorts of dogs,” Barrow said. ticing retrieving toys from the water “Everyone [at the events] loves dogs, This bond has proven to be strong and jumping off the dock. enough to make the two a force to and we all help each other out.”

“It’s just like any other sport,” Besides hosting fun events, DockBarrow said. “You have to work be reckoned with at competitions. them out and keep building up the After a few events in the novice Dogs helps build their competitors’ division, Barrow and Indy moved up character. The experience has taught muscles.”

“

#DoubleTake

Panorama scoured the school for students who resemble famous entertainers... Here are the results:

senior Reid Cytron

Derek Hough from ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”

junior Mariam Salib

Barrow tools he will likely rely on for the rest of his life. “[Preston’s] training and caring for Indy [have] made him more responsible,” Barrow’s mom, Karen Barrow said. “This sport has built his confidence and developed him into a mentor for adults and children.”

The organization is a great place for the development of kids and adults alike. Less than three percent of participants are under the age of 16, however.

“I always love getting new people, seeing them enjoy it, [and] seeing their dog have fun,” Barrow said. “We love getting more people to come out because they get hooked on it.”

Barrow is very devoted to sport himself and hopes to continue practicing and competing for years to come.

“This experience is really for [Indy],” Barrow said. “I’m having fun with him and it’s just a good time all around.” «

Know someone who should be in the double take?

Scan the QR code or visit laduetoday.com/doubletake to submit your suggestions!

Ashton Kutcher from Adelaide Kane from the sophomore Alex Hahn “No Strings Attached” CW’s “Reign” (Student photos by Sammy Leary; celebrity photos by mormonwiki.com, justjaredjr.com, poptower.com)

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PHOTO

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December 2, 2013

Crafts and

Fun holiday treats to sta photo editor

Holiday Co What you’ll need: Old socks in a variety of patterns and colors Felt in corresponding colors Pom-poms, buttons, stickers and other decorations Hot glue gun and sticks Fabric scissors Directions: 1. Choose a sock and cut a segment the size of a coffee sleeve. Measure the correct size by holding a paper coffee sleeve on top of the sock, or just eyeball it.

3. Choose a felt color that coordinates with the sock,

Perfect Hot Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients: 6 cups apple cider or apple juice 1/4 cup real maple syrup 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 6 whole allspice berries 1 orange peel, cut into strips 1 lemon peel, cut into strips A spice bag or 4” square of cheesecloth and 6” of kitchen string Directions: 1. Combine juice or cider and syrup in a medium saucepan. (A pasta pot worked well for us!)

2. Put cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries and citrus peel strips in the spice bag. If using cheesecloth, put the above ingredients in the center of the cloth, gather up the edges, and tie off the bun-

dle with kitchen string. If you find yourself without kitchen string, (we did) a thin strip of cheesecloth keeps the spices equally well contained.

3. Put the spice bundle into the saucepan and place it over medium heat for five to ten minutes.

The cider should get very hot, but do not let it boil.

4. Remove the cider from the heat and the spice bundle from the cider. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.

Makes approximately six cups of cider.

For the apple cups, selectect six firm, mediumsized apples. Cut off the top and remove the inside of the apple with a melon-baller. Be careful not to over-do it; you will need a thick wall of apple left on the sides and bottom to hold the cider well. « (Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com)

December 2, 2013

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11

d Cooking

art the season off right photo editor

offee Sleeves and cut two squares the size of the sleeve.

4. Glue the felt squares to either side of the inside of the sock. This will create insulation to prevent your hands from burning.

5. Embellish the sock with decorations to create a custom look.

Tips: 1. Buy holiday socks on sale after the holidays.

2. Use old socks missing their mate.

3. Buy reusable coffee cups at Starbucks and save 10 cents on every cup of coffee. ÂŤ (Craft courtesy of Bettter Homes and Gardens)

Easy to Make Hot Cocoa Cookies Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup marshmallow cream Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cover baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed for three to five minutes, or until light and fluffy.

3. Add egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated.

4. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt

together in a large bowl.

5. Turn mixer speed to low; add the flour mixture in two batches and beat until just incorporated.

6. Split the dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a day.

7. Using one piece of dough at a time, dust the dough, rolling pin and surface you plan to roll on generously with flour and roll out until about 1/8 inch thick.

8. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to baking sheets. Be sure to make two of each shape so that each cookie has a pair to sandwich.

9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until edges dry and tops slightly darkened.

10. Let the cookies cool five minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks until cooled completely, around 15 minutes.

11. Spread the marshmallow cream on coordinating cookies, and sandwich them together. ÂŤ (Recipe Courtesy of foodnetwork.com)

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A&E

December 2, 2013

St. Louis Manifesto news editor

Many native St. Louisans tire of the city’s perceived monotony. With this section, we aim to shed light off the beaten path and to help people discover St. Louis anew. Countless field trips and family outings to the Arch or Forest Park dilute the splendor of these actually impressive attractions. After a lifetime of the same old things, we long for the excitement of newness. St. Louis Manifesto aims to showcase the city’s hidden gems. «

This month: The CENTRAL WEST END (All photos by Alli Loynd)

A QUEEN WITHIN

World Chess Hall of Fame 4652 Maryland Ave

I

n chess, the queen is often seen as symbol of ultimate power and strength, capable of bending tradition and defining an era.

Aspects of the queen figure in chess and fashion come together in the World Chess Hall of Fame’s most recent exhibit, A Queen Within: Adorned Achetypes, Fashion and Chess. The exhibit especially focuses on the designs of Alexander McQueen, housing some of his most famous pieces such as his Isabella Blow dress. Hussein Chalayan’s iconic bubble dress makes an appearance, as well as a gown from Viktor & Rolf’s classic Cutting Edge Couture collection. The exhibit is arranged in the form of Jungian archetypes of the queen, such as The Sage, Magician, Explorer and Heroine. Elaborately crafted couture designs meld with these archetypes, drawing parallels between the queen figure in both chess and fashion. The result is a magical fantasy world of re-imagined couture fashion that amazes with each turn. «

LEFT BANK BOOKS

6225 Delmar Blvd

L

eft Bank Books puts the world at your fingertips. The independently owned bookstore offers an expansive array of both used and new books, from local authors to bestsellers. The store has over 200 author events every year, houses book discussion groups and ardently supports other local businesses. Staff suggestions and favorite books line the front of the store, and Left Bank’s quaint decor, overflowing shelves and the store cat, Captain Nemo, add to the cozy ambiance. «

GRINGO

398 N Euclid Ave

W

hile St. Louis temperatures begin to plunge well below freezing, you can still find a piece of summer at GRINGO. The brightly colored decor and vibrant Spanish paintings aim to elicit feelings of being in a ‘re-imagined mid-century Baja surf lodge,’ a far cry from the typical dark caves of winter restaurants past.

GRINGO’s menu never ceases to surprise, as it is filled with unique twists to typical Mexican favorites. For the adventurous, there are octopus and grasshopper tacos, complete with guacamole freshly made right at your table. Vegetarians can have their choice of tofu Mexican dishes while rich desserts such as Mexican cola cake and paletas— homemade popsicles— top it off. «

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December 2, 2013

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Downtown restaurant serves delicious treats

Fountain at Locust boasts a variety of world-class cuisine a&e writer

I

t is my hypothesis that world peace shall be achieved if anything made by The Fountain on Locust gets shoved into the mouths of enemies worldwide. Their sandwiches, soups and ice creams have the power to bring anyone and everyone together in a shower of love and good eats.

Bordering SLU’s campus, the handpainted Art Deco main dining room feels as if you’ve been invited to one of Jay Gatsby’s infamous parties, which is fitting since The Fountain was originally built as a showroom for high performance luxury sedans in 1916.

By the time we got there, all the good tables were taken, so we were unfortunately seated at the worst table in the house right by the door, where a blinding light shined on my face the entire time, but these are the sorts of things that occasionally happen at walk-in only restaurants.

On the first Thursday of every month, The Fountain puts on “Burlesque Bingo.” I still don’t know the details of that, but it’ll be something to look forward to in the future when I return.

The staff were all young and very friendly and seemed almost as if they were plucked out of the Loop to work there, all fun and interesting. Our waiter was enormously attentive and knowledgeable and treated us like adults (yeah, teenagers go out to dinner too, guys!), which was a refreshing change from the customarily “meh” service I’ve received in the past from other locations.

The menu is chock full of interesting choices, and it changes all of the time. For example, they make 47 different kinds of soup, but only a few are displayed at a time. Each day of the week has its own special dish, which Thursday’s, the Moroccan Pot Pie, happened to be one of the entrees we ordered.

The pot pie had as much delightful personality to it as you’d think for something Moroccan. It was a true cornucopia of exotic flavors, and certainly not your’s, your mother’s, or your grandmother’s pot pie, unless they’re Moroccan, of course. Made with chicken breast, vegetables, peanuts, secret spices and a super puffy pastry crust, this pot pie can belong to you for $8.99 on Thursdays only.

This girl is on fire: news editor

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or two and a half hours on Friday evening, I was transported to a magical world full of blood-thirsty apes, murderous children and fervent romance. “The Hunger Games” companion film, “Catching Fire,” lived up to and exceeded its predecessor in regards to special effects, quality of acting and degree of relatability.

The Fountain is renowned for its sandwiches and because of that, their menu delivers the customer the toughest choice of his life. We ended up ordering the Blackhawk for $8.25, a marvelous dish with Angus Beef, roasted red pepper and a goat cheese, olive oil, garlic and basil spread with lettuce and tomato on Vienna rolls, and a side of their Signature Polish Dill Pickle Soup for only $2 extra.

The sandwich was heavenly. You could taste the freshness of it. It was like they were growing the produce and slaughtering the cows right there behind the bar. The goat cheese was my favorite part. Being Greek, you’re automatically programmed to love the distinct taste of goat cheese while in the womb.

I loved the dill pickle soup, which was a brand new experience for me. The soup isn’t as farfetched as you’d think given the name. It was actually a potato-based soup, and not the product of hundreds of mashed and blended Polish pickles.

The night then came to dessert time, which was an even harder decision to make than the sandwiches.We were limited by what desserts we could order since the majority of them contained various adult beverages, which I will definitely come back for in the future since they sounded delicious, like the ice cream martinis. But us high school kids still did well.

We first chose the Coconut Almond Joy for $5.99 special drizzled with their house hot fudge topped with whipped cream.

Although I’m always hesitant to try anything with coconut, this dessert transported me to a tropical island vacation. It was so good, as was the other dessert we ordered, the Standing Banana Split for $6.99.

“Standing” just means that it’s in a tall glass instead of a traditional boat dish, and the dessert was nothing like any traditional banana split I’ve ever had. With chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream with real whipped cream, crushed strawberries, hot fudge and a bruléed banana, it reinvigorated my love for the classic American dessert. I tried to not let any of it escape me, embarrassingly scraping the bottom of the glass with my spoon to extract every last bit of ice cream wonder. I swear, if you tasted it, you wouldn’t blame me.

I implore you to take an evening and go down to The Fountain on Locust. It has a little something to please everybody, as

evidenced by the diverse array of patrons, from little old ladies to energetic toddlers. I have no doubt that it will exceed your expectations, as it did for me, and I promise you’ll leave happier than when you came in. «

ICE CREAM, YOU SCREAM • Located at 3037

Locust Street, The Fountain on Locust serves up delectable dinners and desserts alike. The Standing Banana Split is a twist on a classic and doesn’t fail to impress. (Photo by Andrew Tsiaklides)

Hunger Games sequel impresses thanks to amazing actors and spectacular effects Having read the books and seen the first movie, I had high expectations for the second film, which is centered on Katniss’ tumultuous life following her victory at the 74th annual Hunger Games. Katniss becomes the symbol of a grassroots rebellion which results in revolts in all 12 districts. As a punishment for her rousing of the rebellion, Katniss must compete in the Hunger Games once again, this time with 23 past victors as contestants.

The first thing I noticed about the movie was that it appeared to have stepped up its budget from the last film. Everything was bigger and better - the Capitol, the scenery, the costumes. I was especially impressed with the arena effects.

The poisonous fog with its realistic yet morbid blisters, the crazed monkeys with their attacks and flood of bloody rain all were extremely well-done. Personally, my favorite part of the film was the scene in which the jabberjays, small black birds, mimicked the screams of loved ones, terrifying Katniss and her new allies to the point of passing out.

The same incredible cast also returned, including Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth.

HUNGRY FOR MORE • Stepping out of the elevator,

Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, and Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, apprehensively await their departure into the arena.

The movie did a superb job of balancing themes of love and the fragility of life with the post-apocalyptic setting, perhaps even exceeding its predecessor. (Courtesy Murray Close/MCT)

Inter-character relations which had arisen in the first film deepened and blossomed in the second. From the districts’ yearning for a better life, to the hatred between President Snow and Katniss, to the love between the tributes, the whole film was propelled by raw, emotional appeal.

It is incredible that this post-apocalyptic film can make you think about the brevity of life and what you would do to protect someone that you love. The film’s recurring themes of deception, rebellion and devotion showed through in every aspect. Lawrence especially embodied these three elements through her defiant and persistent personality.

Although the plotline, centered on post-apocalyptic America and its corrupt government, would generally be hard to relate to, the quality of acting and interwoven universal themes made it an almost timeless film. Emphasis on familial love and independency made the film both relatable and believable, specifically Katniss’ relationship with her young sister, Prim.

The special effects and and acting are beyond incredible. I honestly felt the entire time as if I were a part of the film, competing alongside Katniss.

The film brought in a total of $161 million in its U.S. opening weekend, making it the biggest November debut ever and the fourth-biggest all-time. When a movie breaks these types of records, you know it’s a movie worth seeing.

So go buy your ticket, because “Catching Fire” was not just another dumb film adaptation, or a cliched love triangle film, but an artistic statement. «

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OPINIONS

Annie-way...

art by AUDREY KOCHER

An offer you can’t refuse opinions editor

I

t was love at first sight. Well, first viewing.

The first time I watched “The Godfather” was about two years ago when I was home sick with the flu. There wasn’t much to do besides sit on the couch, sneeze, and scour the TV channels for something interesting to watch. I stumbled upon a movie channel that was showing the entire Godfather trilogy in order. Congested, tired, and feverish, I figured that now was as good a time as any to embark on a viewing odyssey that would last upwards of nine hours.

Now, perhaps you might think that a 17 year-old girl wouldn’t really relate to a tale of the Italian mafia in the 1950s.

But as I watched the saga unfold on my screen, it resonated with me more than any movie (excluding, perhaps, “Clueless”) ever had. Granted, I’ve never woken up to a horse’s head in my bed or engaged in a shootout, but what I found so compelling were the themes of the film. Themes of the importance of family, themes of redemption, themes of tragedy. And above all else, the theme of loyalty.

What is loyalty? Sure, it’s defined as faithfulness, dependability. But it’s more than that. Loyalty is a lifestyle. It’s allegiance to something greater than you, be it your family, friends, country, or even a particular cause. And when I look around at the world today, I find that it’s something we are severely lacking.

That’s not to say, of course, that we are a society of disloyal maniacs. But there is an overwhelming sense of apathy permeating our culture. Unfortunately, it is becoming rare to see people take a stand for what they believe in. This isn’t surprising though, for if they do, they risk being deemed “overzealous” or “way too enthusiastic.” Especially for teenagers, the safest place to be is right in the middle of the spectrum, not too passionate about anything. We have no loyalty one way or another. Is that really the way we want to be?

Loyalty to people is another area in which we must grow.

Now, I don’t believe in unconditional loyalty. Like respect, it must be earned. Also like respect, it can be lost. For example, I’m very loyal to my sister, but if it were revealed that she was secretly a serial killer, that would change our dynamic a little bit. But as long as she continues to be a generally good person who is kind to me, I’m going to act the same back to her, because I know that it’s important.

Of course, society’s problems aren’t all regarding loyalty.

As a whole, we humans tend to be cynical creatures, now more than ever. Perhaps if we take inventory of all that we are proud of, grateful for, in awe of, that would put a little bit of the spark back. After all, passion is the driving force behind all great achievements, so if we can have easier access to it, imagine the great leaps and bounds we will make.

Now back to “The Godfather.” Besides teaching us to “leave the gun, take the cannoli,” it is a lesson in human behavior. No, we shouldn’t let our emotions get too entwined with our day-to-day living, because that only leads to trouble (Sonny Corleone at the tollbooth, for instance). But if we can become a bit more in tune with them, we can and will accomplish great things.

So take some time for introspection, on the subject of loyalty and the nature of emotions. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Now that’s an offer you can’t refuse. « (This column reflects the opinion of the writer.)

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December 2, 2013

Staff EDITORIAL Students must resist temptation to cheat and plagiarize As the old cliché goes, when you cheat, It’s an epidemic. It’s infecting every high school in America. And you’re really cheating yourself. Sure, its corny, but it is rooted in truth. The very the consequences are dire. What is it? reason we attend school is to learn and gain knowledge. So why bypass that step?

Cheating. Granted, the temptaMost students would answer that they would tion to cheat is a human foible, inherent in all of us. It is up to us, only cheat or plagiarize as a last resort. The fact is that, particularly in high school, the then, to learn to resist that urge.

And it’s not just limited to motivation to succeed sometimes outweighs teenagers. No, cheating and plathe motivation to do the right thing. It is up to students themselves decide which side of the giarism don’t discriminate based on age or status. Many notable, moral spectrum they would like to end up on.

There are also those who cheat or plagiarize successful, influential people have fallen victim merely to avoid doing any substantial work. They fail to to the temptation to cheat or use work that is not their own. Recently, Kentucky senator Rand recognize the irony that it often requires more effort to art by MATTHEW HOOPER cheat then it does to just do the work. In the first place, Paul has dealt with a major plagiarism scandal. one must scour for information, either online or on another Many of his speeches have now been removed from student’s paper (that occasionally may not even be correct). his website, after it was discovered that he lifted Even if a person was to get away with using the work of some of them from, among other sources, Wikipedia.

Really, our high school environment is no different. We are all someone else, they must devote time and energy to covering up looking for ways to advance ourselves. All of us are looking to that fact, ensuring that they won’t get caught. Why go to all this trouble when you could just crack open a book? earn good grades, get into a good college, get a good job. But at Even in our exceptional school, cheating happens. We all see what cost?

Take cheating on tests for example. In today’s world more than it, we all know the perpetrators, the boys in the back row glancing at their phones or the girls in the corner whispering covertly ever, it is incredibly easy to quickly google an essay question, then take furtive glances down at your phone as you scribble to one another. The people who cheat certainly know who they down your findings. Or to have your friend in the same class last are. Perhaps the teachers may not be aware. But other students hour text you the answers to the true false quiz. Or even to merely certainly are. And really, it’s time things changed. « glance over at your neighbor’s sheet. It’s all so simple.

(Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama staff.)

Staff EDITORIAL

Ladue is being unfairly portrayed in the media Ladue Horton Watkins High School is considered one of the best schools in around. Our school district was ranked first by Newsweek for best public schools in Missouri.

Although our school is considered prestigious, we are constantly criticized by media and portrayed as a school of troublemakers. In the past three years, the Ladue School District has been targeted by the media on multiple occasions.

In 2011, Ladue was spotlighted by the reaction of a mother whose daughter was affected by the “senior list.” Local newspapers and television stations pounced on the opportunity to scrutinize our school. The Huffington Post quoted an administrator as saying, “Well it’s kind of just a tradition, it’s been going on for a really long time. There’s not much we can do to stop it.”

In reality, the administration at our school was investigating the problem and eventually found the students responsible. An administrator later said,“Students at our high school at times make some pretty poor decisions.” They were trying to promote to the media that students at Ladue are not actually bad kids, some just act irresponsibly.

The next year, KSDK released a story about another incident of bullying at our school. The story was titled “Ladue Investigates Ugly List” and covered an Instagram profile that featured photos and demeaning comments of students who attend the Ladue School District.

Although the news story mainly displayed inappropriate behavior by students, it later presented how Ladue students were the ones who exposed the problem to the school’s administration. Ladue students showed responsibility by reporting the account and commenting on the pictures with disapproval. Both stories served as a means to amplify the national bullying epidemic. However, the Ladue connection helped bring reader attention to the issue.

Upon conducting a Google search for Ladue High School, the first thing that appears is an article by Fox 2 News entitled, “Suburban teens texting for drugs.” The article on Fox discusses a Ladue student who died of an oxycontin overdose. However, the

article focuses intensely on Ladue High School and the amount of drug use at the school. It buries the fact that the drug problem affects suburban schools as a whole. Ladue is not the only school that has problem with their students and drugs.

So why does the media target us? Ladue is ranked very competitively as one of the elite public high schools in the St. Louis County. We are not a bad school but rather a school where students are held to a higher standard, which has the unfortunate art by JULIANN BI effect of magnifying our mistakes. art by JULIANN BI Although some actions by students may reflect poor judgement and inappropriate behavior, the majority of our students are intelligent individuals who have hard working attitudes. The grades and test scores that are earned by Ladue students reflect the responsibility and emphasis on academic importance that the school has taught them.

Ladue, like many high schools in America, has some students who make poor decisions. Inevitably, the teenage journey is going to involve some bumps along the way. The fact remains, however, that overall Ladue Horton Watkins High School is full of bright students who will follow the right path. « (Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama staff.)

panorama

December 2, 2013

Taking down the wall

OPINIONS

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The Fig Picture

Firewall blocks important, appropriate sites opinions writer

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ccording to the American Civil Liberties Union’s website, aclu.org, many public schools use web filtering software to block students’ access to pornographic websites in accordance with federal law. Unfortunately, many of the most commonly used web filtering software packages include a special category for websites that contain information about LGBT issues and organizations, even though the websites are not sexually explicit in any way.

Ladue School District uses a firewall, like all other public schools in the nation, to block websites from student access that they deem inappropriate. Although the purpose of the firewall is to protect students from harmful material, in specific cases it unnecessarily blocks appropriate websites of the and discriminates against important viewpoints.

After viewing several of the LGBT websites that are blocked by the filter, no distasteful and unhealthy information was found. The main page of the LGBT Center of St. Louis website states their mission: “The goal of the LGBT Center of St. Louis is to to provide a safe and welcoming space, resources and support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and allied community of The Gateway City and its surrounding areas through education, empowerment, outreach, and community building.” Is any of this information so harmful or disruptive to learning that this website should be blocked by the firewall?

It seems as though the information provided is a safe and valuable resource for students seeking information on the LGBT community. There is no reason those websites, or any with a minority viewpoint, should be blocked by the firewall.

Obviously, certain websites, such as Facebook and Twitter should be blocked because they distract students from learning.

But in other cases, especially for LGBT websites, the firewall is inappropriate and unjustified.

Ladue recently made the decision to unblock YouTube. However, YouTube is home to millions of objectionable videos that schools should actually be censoring. Where is the line drawn on what is acceptable for high schoolers to view? Subjectivity plays a huge role in distinguishing blockable websites. Similarly, what Panorama is produced 10 times per school year by the journalism class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School « 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63124 « (314)-993-6447 ext. 5463 « www. laduetoday.com Panorama strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. The publication aims to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among readers.

Panorama welcomes and encourages letters to the editors.

Ideally, Panorama accurately represents the issues most important to readers and should serve as a public forum for all students, staff and community members.

Therefore, letters voicing readers’ opinions strengthen the paper. Please bring signed letters to Room 216 or email them to panorama@ladueschools. net. Panorama reserves the right to edit submissions as long as the original intent remains unaltered. «

parents see as unsuitable may vary widely from household to household. Who’s to say teens shouldn’t be looking at something? In other words, if a website is blocked by the firewall, the administration is stating that the website’s content is inappropriate for students. Is the administration trying to say that websites that contain information about LGBT issues are inappropriate?

A study conducted by the Electronic Frontier Foundation entitled “Internet Blocking In Public Schools” presents a very truthful point, stating, “as the Internet grows, determining which web pages contain content for which the government may legitimately require schools to block becomes more complex and difficult.”

Due to the countless number of websites, which is exponentially increasing every day, schools aren’t able to sift through every website and block whichever ones they wish. In fact, some commercial internet blocking software even blocks sites directly related to curriculum because it is too hard for the software to be programmed to sift through everything. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, “for every web page blocked as advertised, blocking software blocks one or more web pages inappropriately, either because the web pages are miscategorized or because the web pages, while correctly categorized, do not merit blocking.”

It may not seem like a big deal that the firewall blocks seemingly unimportant websites, but this inappropriate censorship sends a deeper message: students shouldn’t be able to access LBGT-issues websites at school. There is no rationale behind the administration’s senseless ban. It’s offensive to say that LGBT issues are inappropriate for students.

The administration could easily solve this problem if it reexamined the websites blocked by the firewall and established new criteria for blocking. Why hasn’t this happened yet? It’s time for the administration to change its firewall policies so it does not overstep its bounds in Internet censorship. At some point, the firewall is more of a nuisance and an impediment to accessing important information, than a tool to protect students and keep them on track.

It is clear that some websites are inappropriately blocked.

Students should have access to these materials online while in school. To block access to them is a blatant disservice to the student body. « SPORTS EDITORS Aaron Bry Jason Kaplan

(Photo by Jillian Proehl)

ART EDITORS Audrey Kocher Ashley Turner

BUSINESS MANAGERS Andrew Cherrick Nick Nash

WEB MASTER Warren Biest

WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Justin Cole

PLEASE RECYCLE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Chloe An Emily Biest A&E Editors Karen Figenshau Charlie Garside

Features Editors Sarah Jacob Sabrina Medler News Editors Ali Gold Alli Loynd

Opinions Editors Annie Cohen Mike Figenshau PHOTO EDITORS Elyse Mack Jeanne Wilkinson

WEB EDITORS Yoav Kadan Rachel Wagner-Muns Sarah Kessel WRITERS Juliann Bi Will Deutch Salim Douaihy Hannah Frankel Levi Greenberg Hayden Hunt

Jacob Jacob Bram Levy Michael Petersen Hannah Schwartz Janey Sheth Hannah Snidman Andrew Tsiaklides WEB WRITER Henok Getahun

PHOTOGRAPHERS Sydney Ellis Sammy Leary Magda Lijowska Jessica Puyo Jenna Shanker Danielle Thompson Emma Weller ARTISTS Juliann Bi Ting Ding Matthew Hooper Mary Xiao Elaine Zhang Eric Zhu ADVISER Jillian Proehl

art by AUDREY KOCHER

The Real World opinions editor

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couldn’t believe it.

“Dude, you don’t know how to fold laundry?”

“Nope. My mom never taught me how.”

“OK, fine. That’s crazy, but why don’t you just start the machine? I’ll teach you how to fold later.”

“I don’t know how to do that, either.”

“There are instructions on the machine!”

I was astonished that my roommate, a nationally-renowned debate whiz, couldn’t use the laundry machine in the residence hall. Instead of meeting competent, college-ready students at Stanford’s summer debate camp, I met incompetent kids who wouldn’t be able to live independently. These kids had gotten near-perfect SAT scores as freshmen, taken several AP classes and won prestigious debate tournaments, but didn’t know how to live without their parents.

It’s not just debate kids, though. What about the grown man who gets fired from his upper management position for sexual harassment or the college student who can’t exercise fiscal discipline? All too often, high school graduates struggle in the real world, whether it be in college or in their careers.

To address this, secondary education needs to increase its emphasis on practical skills for living in the 21st century.

Students spend so much time in school learning things that they will rarely use in their professional lives. Although it’s great to have an extensive knowledge of chemistry, American literature and European history, only three courses are required for graduation from Ladue: government, United States history and personal finance. The problem is that school districts assume that students will learn other important skills on their own and thus do not require more courses for graduation. Being smart, especially just “book-smart,” isn’t everything. Success is predicated on one’s ability to function as a contributing member of society, and unfortunately, high school doesn’t completely prepare students for the real world.

At 18, some graduates are just as clueless as 10-year-olds are.

High school needs to be less about difficult courses and more about everyday living. There should be classes that will help students obtain and retain jobs. It would be great if high schoolers could take classes called “Political Correctness in the 21st Century” or “Appropriate Behavior in the Workplace.” Classes in lighter subjects would be helpful, too. What about “Introduction to Dating,” or “Essential Pop Culture Studies?” Some students might be able to understand that a line from “Anchorman” is blatantly offensive and inappropriate, but would they be able to recognize that it’s from a movie? Classes like these would be fun and interesting, but also extremely helpful and practical. Being “book-smart” does not suffice in the real world.

High school will never be able to completely prepare students for independent living, but it could fortify its effort with simple classes aimed at helping students transition from high school to college and beyond, where they will live, study, and work on their own, without tons of disciplinary figures or their parents. It’s sad to see brilliant young minds not know how to change a tire, make a deposit at the bank, do coin laundry or even respect their coworkers. Most mistakes adults make are preventable. High school graduates should know how to act and live as adults, because under the law, they are adults. It’s time to challenge what is considered important in secondary education and adopt a more practicable, timeless curriculum. « (This column reflects the opinion of the writer.)

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OPINIONS

panorama

December 2, 2013

GUNNING FOR A SOLUTION

What is best way to approach the issue of gun control?

Close loopholes with more background checks, ban assault-style weapons opinions writer

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urning on the news shouldn’t be a disappointment, yet it seems like television stations are always covering horrible situations of violence that do not appear to be slowing in frequency. Although some smaller instances of gun violence cannot be stopped by government action, carefully constructed legislation can protect innocent people from becoming victims of mass shootings.

Many people deny that increasing background checks would solve any problems, claiming that these extra steps only prevent innocent people from being able to easily purchase guns and that criminals will get their hands on guns anyway. However, this view could technically apply to any law in the country that can potentially be broken by criminals. Just because criminals disobey laws doesn’t mean that laws themselves have no use. Laws may be inconvenient for responsible citizens because they create more red tape around guns, but this is a small consequence when compared to what would happen if it were too easy for violent people to procure weapons.

In fact, many people with no intention of killing others have found they can make a hefty sum of money selling guns to those who cannot pass existing background checks, without having the gun traced back to them. Closing this loophole with expanded background checks would trace the gun back to the individual who bought it in the first place and prevent them from buying more guns in the future and trafficking them to the very people who should not have them. Transparency in the gun purchasing process would make it easier to keep track of firearms.

Promote gun safety instead of focusing solely on restrictions and regulations opinions writer

In addition, states with weaker gun laws become the source of interstate trafficking to states with higher gun security. A study by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Policy and Research found that “states without universal background check laws had 30 percent higher levels of exporting across state lines guns that were later recovered from criminals.”

When Missouri repealed the permit-to-purchase licensing and private handgun sale background checks law in 2007, the number of gun-related homicides in Missouri increased 25 percent, even though the national rate declined by 10 percent. In addition, Missouri police recovered twice as many guns that had been purchased and used in criminal activity within an extremely short period of time, suggesting that they had been bought with a violent use in mind.

While the Second Amendment establishes the right to bear arms, certain weapons should be more “bearable” than others.

Semi-automatic assault weapons did not exist at the time of the Constitution’s drafting and ratification, so obviously no mention of whether or not these should be available to citizens exists. these crimes are either stolen or transferred illegally. Restraining the legal purchase of firearms only lessens the protection of lawabiding citizens, while giving an upper hand to those who obtain firearms illegally. Taking away public access to guns provides no solution, because the real problem lays beyond the weapon itself.

Assailants will get guns regardless of our country’s gun policy.

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he United States has the highest per capita incidence of firearm related deaths amongst all industrialized nations.

Recent events such as the Washington Navy Yard and Los Angeles International Airport shootings have brought these issues to the center stage of American politics and have sparked much debate over our nation’s current gun laws. While many disagree about what exactly should be done, the need to address one of America’s most prominent and complicated issues is now more apparent than ever.

For some the answer is simple: “common sense gun control laws,” which ban automatic and semiautomatic assault-style weapons, limit magazine size and close the “gun show loophole.” But will simply restricting the purchase, production and ownership of such weapons and accessories fix the problem at hand? Most certainly not. Such laws only restrict those who legally obtain firearms, and will have no real affect on those who smuggle weapons or buy them illegally on the black market. Those who commit violent crimes using firearms will rarely obtain such firearms legally; many of the guns used in

Access is not the issue.

Think of all the crimes committed by people who stole weapons from family members or friends. The roots of American gun violence are mental illness and art by ERIC ZHU a lack of safety. Society should focus on these two issues rather than try to substantially limit lawawbiding citizens’ access to firearms.

A recent Gallup Poll conducted in September 2013 shows that 48 percent of Americans identified the “failure of the mental health systems to identify individuals who are a danger to others” as a leading contributing factor to such violence. Society’s failure to properly address and

How would the Founding Fathers feel about citizens owning military-grade weapons designed for swift, large-scale assault?

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2013, introduced by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, would have prohibited the “sale, transfer, manufacturing and importation” of a number of assault weapons that make events like the Newtown, Conn., and Aurora, Colo. shootings much more devastating. The ban would have protected both antique guns and various sporting guns, but banned others that have the ability to quickly fire off many more rounds than other guns without reloading. Unfortunately, the bill was defeated by a vote of 40 to 60 in the Senate. Decreasing the prevalence of arms like this in our society can significantly decrease the number of deaths as a result of mass shootings by slowing down the killer.

Gun control stands among other national issues that walk a fine line between liberty and pub-

art by STEELE STEWART

lic security. As unfortunate as it is that a small number of criminals can chip away at the rights of the everyday citizen, it would be better to experience more difficulty in purchasing guns than to experience events like those in the Navy Yard, Newtown and Aurora.

Everyone has the right to live. «

treat mental illness has a direct correlation with the rising occurrence of gun violence, especially in mass shootings. The recent Washington Navy Yard and Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings serve only to highlight this unfortunate reality. Aaron Alexis, the gunman at Washington Navy Yard, had shown signs of mental instability long before the tragic shootingt. He sought help and reported feelings of paranoia and voices within his head, but received no further psychiatric evaluation. Intensive screening and monitoring for mental health issues could prevent those at risk from potentially harming others or themselves. Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook shooter, was believed to have a personality disorder. Early intervention is necessary in order to prevent such violent crimes. Improved access to mental health resources could prevent shootings.

Having approximately nine guns for every 10 residents, the United States ranks first in guns per capita among all other countries in the world. America’s gun culture has roots that trace back to the birth of the nation. Guns have played a critical role in shaping the American Frontier and, in essence, the American identity. Guns have become so ingrained into our culture that it is impossible to remove them entirely. Society needs to focus on gun safety instead of trying to eliminating guns in their entirety.

Guns have always been available, but mass shootings have only recently become more frequent and common. Simply having guns does not equate to gun violence.

Instead of eliminating guns, it would be more beneficial to promote gun safety. The best way to protect gun owners and all those around them is to make sure that those who do own guns are properly trained in operating their weapons. Mandatory training and licensing would help to ensure that those legally obtaining weapons are responsible and capable. Guns will never go away, but we can make the gun culture safer.

To address the rising rates of violence, it is important to look past guns alone. The lethality of a firearm is not decided by the physical weapon itself but rather by the individual wielding the weapon. Until society changes its views, it will remain stuck in this environment of senseless violence. «

panorama

December 4, 2013

Boys Soccer sports writer

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his year’s soccer team not only put in hard work, but met and exceeded the expectations they set for themselves, becoming one of the best teams in Ladue history. Only losing three players from last season, the Rams came into this season already in stride.

“We felt like this was our year,” senior Eric Stuber said. “We returned so many talented kids, and we knew we had a special group coming back.”

Senior Eric Petersen was another staple for the senior-filled team. As the team captain, he entered the season with fierce determination and confidence.

“We knew that we had a solid group of players, especially on defense,” Petersen said. “Eric Stuber and I suggested at the end of last season that we should have a summer fitness/skills camp to try and get an edge for the season,” Petersen said.

The senior leadership of this year’s team cannot be overstated. For Petersen, being team leader was a shared responsibility.

“We had a lot of upperclassmen on the team,” Petersen said.

“Most of the team knew how to act on the field and at practice, making my job relatively easy.”

Coaches Matt Prange and Dave Aronberg were another cog in the winning machine that was Ladue soccer this year. Aronberg gives a great deal of credit to senior leaders for making this season one to remember.

“This was one of the most senior-laden teams we’ve ever had,” Aronberg said. “When you have guys working within the same system for four years, it helps. As coaches, they make our jobs a lot easier.”

Another important aspect of winning games was the stout defense the Rams had all year, allowing only 13 goals in 27 games.

The defensive unit was led by Stuber, who tied former goalkeeper Mark Pais, who also played soccer at Saint Louis University, this season for the record of 17 shutouts in a season and 28 in a career.

Stuber gives a good deal of the credit to his teammates.

“As the goalie, you have to be able to see the field and direct the defense,” Stuber said. “People are following your lead most of the time. Having the defense do so well all year really helped me out.”

While talent will make any team good, only hard work can make a team great. According to Aronberg, the 2013 team followed this equation.

“

This team was very good, but I’ve never seen a work ethic like these guys had. After a big win, we’d try to give them the day off, and the team leaders often insisted on having practice.

SPORTS

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takes. But I really didn’t feel like we were that out-matched. We had a lot of chances to win the game. It was a 0-0 game at half.

We fought right to the very end.”

Despite a disappointing season-ending loss, the members of this team will look back with fond memories. This was a record breaking year, for both individual players and from the perspective of the team.

“We had a historic season,” Petersen said. “We broke records. We had our first outright conference championship, a district championship, our first sectional championship, the most goals in team history in a season, the most wins and the least amount of goals allowed in a season. That’s pretty impressive.”

Petersen said.

While the dream season may have come to an end, the historic run by the 2013 boys soccer team will long stand as one of the best seasons in Ladue history. «

- coach Dave Aronberg “We had so many kids put in work in the preseason, probably more guys than we have ever had do so,” Aronberg said. “This team was very good, but I’ve never seen a work ethic like these guys had. After a big win, we’d try to give them the day off, and the team leaders often insisted on having practice. Those are the kind of things that made us special this year.”

Despite having a historic season, it all came to an end in the state quarterfinals against St. Dominic, a team from St. Charles that was ranked fourth nationally. The Rams lost 2-0.

“The St. Dominic game was tough,” Aronberg said. “Sometimes, it was like playing against robots; they rarely made mis-

SOPHOMORE SENSATION• Using his body to

shield off a defender, sophomore Christopher Naunheim works to keep possession of the ball. Naunheim was one of the key underclassmen contributors on the team. He will be a highly important player in the future. (Photo by Jessica Puyo)

FALL SPORTS WRAP UP A look at just a few of the highly succesful fall sports teams

Girls Field Hockey

STICK IT • Fending of the competition, freshman Neely Lochmoeller runs a ball up the field during a game against John Burroughs. (Photo by Danielle Thompson) sports writer

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he girls field hockey team has come to the end of their fall season. This year the girls had an impressive record of 16 wins and eight loses.

Their season began with the Gateway Classic on Labor Day weekend. Ladue won its first game against Holland Hall 5-1 but unfortunately lost the second game. Over the course of the season the girls had some great upsets such as their win against John Burroughs.

“One of the most exciting parts of this year was beating John Burroughs during the regular season,” math teacher and coach Barbara Dwyer said.

Toward the middle of their season, the team hit a rough spot.

They had faced some tough teams and lost a couple of games in a row. The team’s lack of depth on the field forced coach Barbara Dwyer to pull up several players from junior varsity.

“Our losing streak was a mental obstacle more than a physical one,” senior Grace Waldman said.

During the month of October, the team decided to hold a Play 4 the Cure game against local rival MICDS. Ladue ended up losing the game 3-0, but the game was a great experience for all the players.

“Although we didn’t take home the [win], the field hockey team had an amazing time kicking cancer’s butt,” sophomore Lucy Jones said.

The purpose of this special match was not to see who was the better team, but to raise donations that were later given to aid cancer research. The game was dedicated to parents of players on the team that were currently going through cancer treatment. In all, the team raised $600 in donations and in profits from selling pink shirts and bracelets.

“It was one of the highlights of the season for me, seeing all the pink on the field and in the stands. The school staff and parents were very supportive,” Dwyer said.

The team later moved on to their postseason, the Midwest tournament. The team first beat Parkway West, then later moved on to what would be one of the most exciting matches of the entire season. It was Ladue versus Ursuline, the winner of which would advance to the elite eight of the tournament. After a long scoreless regulation game, Ladue went on to two overtimes, and eventually a one on one shootout. The team prevailed though, winning the game and advancing to the elite eight. However that was as far as Ladue would get in the Midwest tournament, losing their next match to MICDS. Overall the team finished impressively at second place in the public school conference, with its only loss to Marquette. The girls hope to build off the strong season next year. «

Boys’ and Girls’ XC

RUN, BRIAN, RUN • Beginning his kick toward the

finish line, junior Brian Jiang pushes to finish strong. Both the girls and boys cross country teams had successful seasons. The boys sent two runners to state, junior George Garner and senior Drew Hutchens. The girls were able to qualify for state as a team.

They placed 10th in Class 4A. This year, there were more than 50 runners on the girls’ team and more than 40 on the boys’ squad.

Combined, cross country is one of the most popular sport at Ladue in terms of participants. (Photo by Jeanne Wilkinson)

panorama 18 Winter is coming: a look into the mid-year sports SPORTS

December 2, 2013

boys basketball

sports writer

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POWER POINT • While dribbling with his right hand, senior Cornell Johnston uses his other arm and hand to call plays and instruct his teammates. (Photo by Magda Lijowska)

fter winning back-to-back conference championships for the last two years, this year’s boy’s basketball team is ready to repeat their success.

Because the team only lost one starter from last year’s lineup, the players feel like they have a good shot at having another successful season.

“Our expectations are the same…,” coach Chad Anderson said. “We have our main core of players back from last year so we have very high expectations.”

Losing only three seniors from last year’s final roster, many of the players on last year’s team plan on playing again this season.

They are looking to make a deep playoff run.

Anderson preaches to the squad to leave it all out on the floor.

He believes that hard work will lead the team to where they want to be.

“Our thought process this season is to give maximum effort in practice and in games, and to display good character amongst each other and our opponents,” Anderson said. “If we do these [two] things, we will get good results. We are working towards being conference champs for the [third] year in a row and make a solid run in the playoffs.”

Although the team only lost three seniors from its roster, it lost its tallest player: alum, Austin Dague. This loss has left the team extremely undersized.

“We are going to be a little more guard oriented,” senior captain Connor Spirtas said. “With the [lack] of height we are going to have to make up with speed.”

This year’s captains, Spirtas, senior Andrew Maddock, and senior Cornell Johnston, are expected to help guide the team. The captains lead by example.

“The captains have helped give me a lot of confidence since I’ve been brought up,” sophomore Mark Rogers said. “They’ve let me know, even though I’m younger, that I can still play with the older, bigger guys.”

Coaches Anderson, Endalk Kassa and Dave Aronberg, also play a critical role in the development of the team. Many players have responded well to their constructive criticism.

“The coaches help teach me something new every single day,” Rogers said. “If I do something wrong they don’t yell but they stop and give me tips on how to do something better.”

With these pointers, Rogers and other underclassmen can develop into better players and carry the team in years to come.

However, in order to do well this season, the team must develop strong dynamics.

After losing their final game to Chaminade last year, the team is ready for redemption. They look to use the close game as motivation to work harder in practice and learn from the experience.

“They are a very talented team that we want another crack at,” Rogers said.

From offseason workouts to open gyms, hours of preparation has been put in to get ready for the beginning of the season.

Anderson and the team hopes the hard work pays off. «

girls swimming sports writer

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fter breaking records and sending a student all the way to state, the girls swim team is ready to come back and start their new winter season. Last season, the girls placed fourth in their conference, competing in 17 meets.

A year ago, junior Christine Yan made it to state in the 100 meter breaststroke in which she placed 12th overall. In addition, she qualified for the 200 meter individual medley, that requires the participant to swim all four main strokes in one race. Yan also broke the school record for 100 meter breaststroke.

“Freshman year I had missed the state cut for the 100 breaststroke by less than a tenth of a second,” junior Christine Yan said. “But that made me more determined to smash the standard this year.”

Last season the girls received a new coach, requiring them to adapt to new training ideas and concepts. Two new coaches will add their expertise this season. Because of the frequent changes, the team lacked organized preseason training to get the swimmers prepared for the upcoming season but the girls are looking to overcome that obstacle.

“We have new coaches again this year, so I think readjusting will be a challenge,” senior Lizzie Green said.

“This will be the third set of coaches

wrestling

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in my four years on the team.”

Another problem the team faces this season is the empty gaps left by graduated seniors.

“We lost almost half our team, but we had a great number of freshman come to the meeting so hopefully they will make up for the [other] of swimmers,” sophomore Julia Tackes said.

With all obstacles aside, the team is most looking forward to having all their returning swimmers improve by dropping their times and hopefully sending more swimmers to compete in the conference finals and at the state level. The team’s first meet takes place at home Dec. 10 against Oakville. The girls hope to start the season strong with a win to propel them into a successful season. «

BUTTERFLY EFFECT • While inhaling deeply, senior Sophie Lustman maintains a fundamental butterfly stroke, often referred to as the hardest main swimming stroke to master. (Photo by Jeanne Wilkinson)

PINNED • Pinning his teammate to the ground, junior Sami Abrahim takes down sophomore Shakh Hasanov. (Photo by Jenna Shanker)

“I train like I’m in second place so I can beat whoever’s better than me,” senior Maffitt Rallo said. “In order for our team to do well, everyone has to play their part and help train one another.”

Despite support from their teammates, wrestling remains largely an independent sport.

“I like wrestling because it’s a sport that’s about the individual,” senior Jonas Miller-Stockie said. “If I win or lose a match, it’s because what I’ve put into it.”

Because of the sport’s independent nature, it is important for team leaders to instill motivation into their teammates Coach Kevin Clawson is looking to captains Rallo, juniors Justin Espinosa and Siraj Hassan to lead the team this season.

“We lost a great group of seniors last year, their leadership features editor will be tough to replace but our current captains are stepping up to the challenge,” Clawson said. “All of these guys work uring the offseason, wrestlers can constantly be found in extremely hard and lead by example on and off the mat. Their the weight room or running stairs. The team hopes that dedication to wrestling is amazing. I can’t wait to see how successful they are this season.” « this work will help in their upcoming season.

panorama

December 2, 2013

SPORTS

Seniorless squad

Senior Sit-down

A young team that is modest in size is ready for a successful season sports writer

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height,” junior Cate Meyer said.

Speed is a focal point for this season. What they lack in height, they hope to make up in fast play.

“This year we plan on being a much quicker team, we are planning on moving the ball quicker,” junior Jelissa Puckett said. “And being quicker overall. I think we are much more athletic.”

Instead of dwelling on what they don’t have, the team looks to make it up with other abilities. They know this not an excuse.

“Our biggest obstacle is definitely our lack of height and any main post players but that can’t be an excuse so we’re going to have to work through it,” Meyer said.

Dockery believes aggression is the key to success. He has implemented

fter a third straight conference championship, the girls basketball team is looking to make it a fourth.

Last’s year’s team had a very successful season with an impressive 18-8 record. But after a loss against Nerinx in the second round of districts last year, coach Cord Dockery is ready for the team to take the next step and improve off last year’s finish.

“Our goal every year is to win the conference and to make it out of our district into sectionals,” Dockery said.

The team graduated six seniors this past season. The team does not have any seniors, leaving the team young, but they are still ready to win right away.

Our biggest obstacle is our “This is the youngest team I have ever had on a lack of height and any main varsity team and probably the post players but that can’t be smallest,” Dockery said. “We an excuse so we’re going to have seven sophomores right now with four juniors. Last have to work through it. year we had six seniors with - junior Cate Meyer a lot of varsity experience and quite a bit more size.”

The lack of size is an obstacle the plays and techniques to take advanteam must overcome. Their tallest tage of the kind of team he has. player is five foot nine.

“We are really changing a lot of “Last year we had four people things around this year both offrom 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-3 so we fensively and defensively to try and have to change our game plan to a better utilize our size and ability,” faster pace because we don’t have the Dockery said. “We are really going to

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Each month, Panorama sits down with a senior athlete. December’s athlete is Drew Hutchens from the boys’ cross country team.

JUNIOR DRIBBLE •

While keeping her head up, junior Olivia Grimm dribbles the ball looking for an open teammate. Grimm is one of the many young players on the varsity team. This will be Grimm’s third year playing basketball for Ladue. (Photo by Danielle Thompson)

try to get up and extend our defense and play more of [an] attacking style offense with trying to push it up the floor quickly and getting to the rim.”

Dockery has helped the team improve in every practice and game. His extensive coaching experience and knowledge of the game have given him the ability to teach the players.

“The coaches are great, Doc is a great guy, he knows how to coach us,” Puckett said. “And we recently got a new assistant coach [and] she has brought many of her skills from [the division one] level to Ladue.”

Puckett believes that this team can achieve anything they set their eyes on. Their success will be based on how much they want it.

“Our main obstacle is ourselves,” Puckett said. “If we want to win, we will.”

The team plays many tough opponents and will participate in difficult tournaments this season. However, they are ready for the challenge that is ahead. “[The game] I’m always looking forward to [is the] conference game every year,” Meyer said. “But I’m especially looking forward to more the difficult teams we’re going to have to face like Parkway North and Visitation.”

This year’s schedule will challenge the team to perform their best.

Rivalry games are ones that the team always looks forward to.

“Definitely the Clayton game of course, beating them is always fun,” Puckett said in reference to her favorite matchup.

The team opens the season in the Fox tournament starting Dec. 2. The team looks to start the season off with a bang with a tournament victory. «

Aaron Bry: What was your greatest individual moment of success this season?

DH: I was very proud of my performance at districts, where I won in Class 4 and I reached my goal of breaking 16 minutes.

AB: What is your pre-race routine?

DH: I like to listen to music.

Then once I start my stretching I just like to talk to my teammates so I can get an idea of their goals for the race.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Drop your plans and hitch a ride to go cheer on your Rams at these must-see matchups:

• Dec. 6 & 7 - Wrestling Tournament @ Burroughs • • Dec. 10 - Boys Basketball vs. Brentwood @ Ladue • Dec. 13 - Girls Basketball vs. Parkway North @ North • Dec. 21 - Girls Swimming @ Lindbergh Invitational Visit http://laduetoday.com/calendar-test/ for more upcoming events.

(Photo by Elyse Mack)

AB: How were you able to impact the team as a captain?

DH: I had a very positive experience as a captain. The other captain, Zach [Levens], was unable to run for most of the season so I stepped up and was the main captain. I worked hard to include everyone on the team and reached out to my teammates who looked like they weren’t being included.

panorama

PHOTO FAMOUS • After shooting a YouTube mash-

up cover of “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me” by Hunter Hayes, Brandyn Burnette poses with Hayes to his right and Jason Mraz to his left. (Photo courtesy of Warner Music Group)

editor-in-chief

them down and make use of them,” Dibooglu said. “The first song I ever wrote was a lullaby to my baby bother when I was about 8 years old. I wrote ‘I Am No Longer’ because I was mad at someone, and what better way to show that I was no longer mad than to write a song?”

The release of her song has created an onslaught of positive response from both family and friends. Sophomore Jackie Wong finds Dibooglu’s progress in the past year both exciting and inspiring.

“It’s not often one can say that she is friends with someone who has released her own song,” Wong said.

“Seeing Sema so content by doing what she loves always reminds me to take time for things I enjoy.”

Dibooglu looks forward to releasing her first album in the near future.

In the meantime, Dibooglu knows music will always stay as an important part of her life.

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or many Ladue students, Brandyn Burnette’s story is inspiring proof of how alumni can achieve their dreams.

Yet for sophomore Sema Dibooglu, Burnette’s story is the dream.

“I was probably in elementary school when I first knew I wanted to be involved in music,” Dibooglu said. “Music has always been a passion for me, allowing me to express myself through it.”

After picking up the acoustic guitar as well as the violin, Dibooglu has now translated her musical passion into singing and composing with the release of her first single, “I Am No Longer,” on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

“I make up tunes all the time and thought it was time to write

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ecently, Atlantic Records released a YouTube mash-up version of country singing sensation Hunter Hayes’ hit “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me.” In a letterman jacket reminiscent of high school, Ladue alumnus Brandyn Burnette sings alongside Hayes. However, his musical career did not start, nor will it end, with this video.

After signing with Warner Brothers Records, Burnette will release his first single, “Thanks For Nothing,” and his debut extended play in early 2014. For now, his YouTube channel with 13 covers stands as a testament to his talent.

“Some say the hardest part about being an artist is getting signed and gaining a platform for the world to pay attention to your music,” Burnette said. “ I feel like although getting signed to a label is hard, getting your music released once you’re signed is even harder.”

Burnette’s path to signing with a major label was far from simple, and he has overcome many obstacles along the way. His musical education both in and out of high school largely impacted where he is today.

“I attended [New York University] myself after graduating from Ladue on full scholarship for musical theater,” Burnette

A SINGER BY NAME • Mid-chorus, junior Joe Schlesinger strums his guitar to the lyrics of Beatles’ classic “Hey Jude.” (Photo by Jeanne Wilkinson)

“I’ve seen many people make a difference with their music, and I hope to do so as well,” Dibooglu said.

“In the near future, I plan on releasing my first album - hopefully soon. I will keep writing songs and won’t ever give up on singing.”

Dibooglu hasn’t simply emerged in the internet world through her singing, however. Diagnosed in first grade, Dibooglu suffers from a condition known as Celiac disease. When a person with celiac consumes gluten, the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine and prevents nutrient absorption. Despite this allergy, Dibooglu maintains a positive attitude towards her condition.

“When I first found out about Sema’s allergy, I thought that Sema’s life would be tough, but Sema handles her food allergy so positively that she doesn’t let it get the best of her,” Wong said. “If anything, Sema has allowed her allergy to enhance her life

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by successfully creating a gluten-free blog.”

Through her blog “Eat without Gluten,” Dibooglu hopes to raise awareness about the disease and help others struggling with the same condition with easy-to-make recipes. Dibooglu also recently released her first YouTube video on how to make gluten-free, homemade apple sauce as an extension of her blog.

“There are many people out there struggling with their diets,” Dibooglu said. “I’m here to make sure they know it is not that hard to eat glutenfree; these days there are so many options out there.” «

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said. “ I guess that’s where I really started developing as a maturing performer and artist. [One] of my first career affirming events [was] probably when I won first place in the NYU talent show – the same talent show Lady Gaga performed in three years prior to me and won third place. Buzz started building around campus, and I eventually started playing shows around the New York City area.”

Burnette was very involved with music and theater at Ladue. From middle school onward, he took choir classes and auditioned for many plays and musicals. His senior year, he played a lead role in two shows. Burnette even developed some of his first songs in room 222, the musical haven overseen by choir teacher Tom Lowery.

“Brandon hung out in the choir room a lot,” Lowery said.

“I remember him spending a lot of time practicing – he was always at a piano. I could always count on him to know his music and be prepared for rehearsals.”

Burnette looked to his teachers at Ladue and other role models to guide him on his journey. For current students who would like to find a career in the arts, he has a few words of advice.

“Knowing who is in your corner, surrounding yourself with like-minded yet harsh critics is important,” Burnette said. “I feel like to grow as an artist you need these obstacles. And those who make it out of them with motivation and conviction are bound to succeed.” «

hose of us cranking out essays or studying for tests each weekend can be assured at least one study break: junior Joe Schlesinger’s weekly musical project, posted on his Facebook wall and reverbnation.com.

Since August, Schlesinger has posted at more than 15 videos. What started as a simple video of him singing and playing guitar has evolved into songs created on Garage Band, most with more than 30 layers of vocal harmonization, guitar, piano and drum backing that require up to 20 hours of work.

“It starts with many hours of listening to whatever song I’m going to do, so that I can know the song by heart, backwards and forwards,” Schlesinger said. “I try to study the song and know every single little nuance… I love harmonies.

I believe harmonies are what make songs stand out more than any other aspect of music. After those, I go back and add the finishing touches, and just try to polish it all up.”

Schlesinger posted his first video, a cover of “Hallelujah”

by Leonard Cohen, this summer. To his surprise, the video did not simply fade away into the oblivion of photos and status updates on his friends’ newsfeeds.

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JAMMIN’ AWAY • Clutch-

ing her headphones, Sema Dibooglu takes a break from singing for the camera. Dibooglu recently released her first single and is working on her first album. (Photo by Sammy Leary)

“The reactions I received were a lot greater in number than I had ever expected, varying from ‘Joe, let’s be honest, you’ve got a great voice, and you should keep doing what you’re doing there, but you need to stop playing guitar, because it kind of sucks’ to ‘Holy crap, Joe, that was really good! Who would have known,’” Schlesinger said.

Schlesinger formed a band, Streets of Gold, in October 2012, and they performed their first show at Blueberry Hill in May. Their set list includes music ranging from The Script to 3 Doors Down to Selena Gomez. Although many band members have changed since the band’s inception, its sound has stayed the same.

“He is a great musician,” fellow band member Callum Docherty said. “[He is] very open minded to try new things. I feel like he mixes his personality in with his music, making it that much better.”

Whether he is with his band or playing in front of a webcam, Schlesinger is truly captivated by his music. He has hopes of one day working in the music industry, perhaps as a sound engineer, a sound editor or a producer. “[Music is] more than just a hobby, it’s pretty much my entire life,” Schlesinger said. “It’s what has gotten me through every tough situation in my life. It’s a release. It’s what makes me able to get out of bed every morning... Music is the one thing in my life that I am truly passionate about.” «