Ladue Panorama February 2013 Volume 61, Issue 6

ladue

panorama ladue horton watkins high school • 1201 s. warson road • st. louis, mo 63124 • volume 61 • issue 6 • february 22, 2013

NEWS tina meier p. 2

FEATURES robotics p. 6

A & E wizard of oz p. 9

OPINIONS combat p. 14

SPORTS basketball p. 15

(photos and art by Elyse Mack and Warren Biest)

MAKE ST. LOUIS POP: SEEING DOWNTOWN IN A NEW LIGHT

2

panorama

NEWS

Tina Meier increases bullying awareness

LOWDOWN Mathletes lead in state competition After four Missouri math league competitions, the Ladue math team leads in the state by 106 points. The team consists of juniors Enze Chen and Stella Schindler and seniors Runpeng Liu and Max Schindler. Max Schindler and Stella Schindler are tied for first place in the individual points category.

Mock Trial teams litigate succesfully The Ladue Mock Trial A and B teams won their first-round trials at the St. Louis County Courthouse, Jan. 29. The A prosecution team consists of juniors Emily Chu and Sam Picus and seniors Jerome Gregory, Sydney Petersen, Harika Upadhyayula, Steve White and Haohang Xu. The B defense team consists of sophomores Sarah Jacob and Alli Loynd, juniors Katy Chang, Rui Chen and Eric Zhu and seniors David Abraham and Jaylahni Pope. The teams will compete in Round 2 at the St. Louis County Courthouse Feb. 26.

DECA students qualify for state competition The following students competed in the DECA Missouri District 8 Career Development Conference and qualified for the state competition: sophomores Austin Burton, Lacey Christ, Benjamin Collinger, Kate Rubin and Kevin Yang, juniors Justin Cole, Hannah Harpole, Jessica Mormol, Nick Nash, Katie O’Brien, Ting Wang, Polly Wong and Wangyang Zhao, and seniors Ben Brotherton, Sydney Fontaine, Runpeng Liu and Steve White. The DECA Missouri District 8 CDC consisted of 13 different school districts in the St. Louis metropolitan area. These students competed in Principles of Business Administration, Individual Series, Team Decision-making and Business Management and Entrepreneurship Events.

DECA adviser and practical arts teacher Frances Erwin led the team. The state competition will be held March 17-19 at the Lake of the Ozarks. Of the 17 students who qualified, 10 will compete at state.

February 22, 2013

Speaker urges students to report harrassment incidents

SPREADING THE WORD • On behalf

of the Megan Meier Foundation, named for her late daughter, Tina Meier speaks at an antibullying assembly in the Performing Arts Center, Jan. 31. Meier encouraged students to report incidents of bullying and to take action against bullies. (photo by Emma Weller) jeetDAS

A

- news writer

nti-bullying activist Tina Meier spoke to high school students about the importance of Internet safety, Jan. 22 and 31. Meier is the founder of the Megan Meier Foundation, a non-profit organization named after Meier’s daughter, who committed suicide after she was cyberbullied over MySpace.

According to the foundation’s website, its mission is to “bring awareness and education and to promote positive change to children, parents and educators in response to the ongoing bullying and cyberbullying in [its] children’s daily environment.” Meier’s hope is to spread her daughter’s story and promote Internet safety until bullying and cyberbullying end.

“Our hope is that students develop an empathetic awareness and understanding of others and are empowered to make a difference,” founda-

tion program manager Nicole Collins said. “We want students to start to develop empathy for one another. A great change can be made with a simple act of just being kind to one another.”

According to the National Association of School Psychologists, bullying is a widespread problem, and more than 13 million American students are bullied in some way every year, making it the most prevalent form of violence young people face. Furthermore, one in five teens who are bullied think about suicide and one in 10 attempt it.

“Victims of bullying often experience many issues as they mature into adulthood such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts,” Collins said. “Additionally, bullies have a higher rate of abusing drugs and alcohol and being incarcerated.”

The assemblies featuring Meier come at a time when the school district has found itself in the spotlight on numerous occasions for bullying incidents, including a derogatory “Senior List,” and more recently, an Instagram account called “Ladue’s Ugliest,” which posted pictures of district students.

“The reality is that our student generation doesn’t believe that they actually are doing anything wrong,” Broadcast Technology and Film Instructor and Megan Meier Foundation board member Don Goble said. “I hear stories about making fun of people, hacking accounts or creating false profiles, using abusive language on social media, getting physical and rough in hallways, blocking stairwells so that kids can’t pass through and overall mistreating people at a humane level.”

Cracking down:

The assembly has had a wide range of reactions from students. Some believe it was an effective measure to jumpstart bullying countermeasures and spread awareness.

“A lot of kids think [bullying] is a joke,” senior Taylor Muntzing said. “But it’s becoming more of an issue and we need to do something about it. People think it won’t happen to them, but it’s just as bad if it happens to other people.”

However, others found that there may be better ways the issue could be confronted. They believe that the problem of bullying needs to be taken on from a different perspective.

“Although a lot of people talk about how people can get help if they’re being bullied, there’s not a lot of work being done in school teaching kids not to bully and how to prevent it,” senior Isabella Benduski said. “We should focus more on how we can change our actions instead of taking those actions for granted.”

Bullying and cyberbullying remain concerns among students and faculty. However, many adults worry that students are not taking action or documenting incidents.

“Bullying, cyberbullying, and quite frankly, mistreatment of students and staff in our school occurs every day,” Goble said. “Does this occur with all students in our school? Absolutely not.

Does it occur more than its reported? Yes. The bullying at our school has been well-documented this year. However, the bullying that occurs everyday that is not documented is also of great concern to me. For those who think this is a middle school problem, they are either in denial or simply not being honest with themselves.” •

Administration enforces new library, parking policies hannahSNIDMAN

- news writer

N

ew library and parking policies have caught the attention of many students and teachers, and each grade had a class assembly Jan. 23 to explain the updated rules.

The new policies were created to encourage quiet study in the library after school, to motivate students to arrive to classes on time, and to prevent illegal street parking in neighborhoods near the high school.

Students are now required to bring their school ID cards to the library after school. If a student does not have his ID, there is a five dollar charge for the librarians to print off a new copy. Some students believe that these rules are unfair and excessive and believe they will struggle to abide by them.

“The library rules are kind of dumb because I don’t carry my school ID around, and the only times I’ve gone to after-school library are because I’ve been stuck at school, and I have to go do homework,” sophomore Erin Wides said. “I’m sure half the kids in the school couldn’t tell you where their school IDs are.”

Although students may be unhappy with the changes, librarians worked with Instructional Technology Coordinator Adam Stirrat and Assistant Principal Mike Tarpey to find a solution.

According to the librarian Michelle Schmitt, students were acting inappropriately in the library and signing in with aliases, so librarians couldn’t trace the students causing trouble.

“Prior to the policies, anyone could go in after school and work and talk, but now students have to show their IDs to get in, and they have to be quieter and more respectful than before,” sophomore Jack Lavey said.

Additionally, the administration has implemented new parking policies. Students must obtain passes to leave campus during the day and show them to a parking supervisor. Seniors with reduced schedules must obtain special passes to show to parking attendants. Furthermore, any students who park in neighborhoods near the high school will be ticketed by the Ladue Police and will forfeit eligibility for parking passes next year.

Many students find these rules bothersome.

“If you accidentally leave something in your car and you need to get it, it’s an inconvenience to get a pass, go to your car, come back in, show the pass and then come back inside,” Lavey said.

SHHHHH! • Librarian Michelle Schmitt

helps junior Audrey Carr borrow a book from the library. The administration implemented new policies to encourage quiet study in the library. Students can only sign in to the library after school if they have their school ID cards. (photo by Julia Novack) Next year, administrators will evaluate students’ eligibility and citizenship to issue permits, as there are fewer spots than drivers. Many teachers feel the policies will benefit the student body.

“I think these new policies will have a positive effect on the student body,” English teacher Wendy Guhr said. “In my opinion, knowing and abiding by guidelines and expectations are life lessons on how to be a good citizen.” •

panorama

February 22, 2013

NEWS

3

Junior at school abroad

Student spends semester in Israel high school apoorvaNORI

- news writer

J

CAVE DIVING • Junior Paige Krug emerges from a cave at Hirbet

Midras, Israel. This area of Israel has over 4,000 caves underground. The caves were used as escape routes, hideouts and arsenals by Jewish refugees during the Bar Kochva Revolt against Rome. “I’ve been wanting to go to Israel my whole life,” Krug said. (photo courtesy of Alexander Muss High School in Israel program)

unior and Jewish Student Union member Paige Krug is spending this semester in Israel as a part of the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program. Krug has taken part in cultural expierences and being selected for the AMHSI program was another pivotal moment in Krug’s religious life.

AMHSI strives to enhance the cultural identity of Jewish teens and strengthen their bonds to their homeland, Israel. However, Krug’s bond to the Jewish community existed well before this semester.

Throughout her high school career, Krug has been an active participant in and volunteer for the Ladue Jewish Student Union.

“She is a wonderful person and this is a very exciting time in her life,” JSU sponsor Rabbi Carnie Rose said. “We are delighted that she is in the land of the Jewish people and exploring the history of our

people and also the current reality of the state of Israel so its really a wonderful time and we are really delighted.”

A large part of the Jewish tradition is to travel to Israel and to experience, first hand, the history and culture of the homeland. Taking a journey to Israel seemed to be the appropriate next step in Krug’s cultural and religious life after years of being an active participant in her temple, Congregation B’nai Amoona and becoming a Bat Mitzvah.

“I’ve been wanting to go to Israel my whole life,” Krug said. “My dad went when he was in high school and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

Additionally, AMHSI takes pride in the fact that it has fostered over 40 years of educational excellence and has been responsible for transforming the lives of over 20,000 alumni globally. Students participating in AMHSI are also eligible for six transferable college credits.

“This is no ordinary trip,” CEO of AMHSI Eiran Gazit said on the organizations website. “This is a journey

throughout the land of Israel but also a journey through Jewish history, culture, community and identity.”

Furthermore, the AMHSI semester trip will last for 14 weeks and consists of taking part in a four day hike across Israel from the Mediterranean Sea and embarking on a historical trip to Poland. Though her family and friends are supportive, they do miss her. “[Paige] has always been really involved with JSU,” junior Emily Binger said. “I am really proud of her and happy for her but I already miss her a lot.”

As far as her plans after coming back to the United States, Krug plans to develop a presentation for her sociology class. She hopes to bring with her a part of her native homeland culture.

“I hope to learn how it differs from our culture and how it impacts Jewish peoples’ lives and if I meet [Israeli] natives and become very close with them, I would love to keep in contact with them,” Krug said. •

Group lobbies for comprehensive sex education in public schools Teen Advocates for Sexual Health travels to the capital jacobJACOB

- news editor

T

The group wants to achieve this benchmark by training teachers to educate on sexual education. They view the topic as equally important as standard subjects like history and science.

“TASH’s motto is ‘Ignorance Is Nobody’s Ally.’ All teens deserve full information,” TASH program director Judy Lipsitz said. “And teachers should be trained to teach sexuality education just as they are trained to teach math and English.”

In addition to get schools to provide comprehensive sex education, TASH also pushes parents to provide a dialogue with their kids. TASH wants to overcome the social taboo sex has in society and emphasize the importance of talking about such sensitive issues.

“Many parents fear that talking about sex only encourages their children to have sex,” Lipsitz said. “All scientific studies have proven this to be wrong. The more parents talk, the more teens tend to be sexually healthy, safe and make responsible choices.”

een Advocates for Sexual Health lobbied in Jefferson City seeking comprehensive sex education in public schools Feb. 12. TASH aims to inform teenagers on topics such as relationships and available contraceptive options.

The group consists of 47 students, selected through an application process, representing 18 public, private and city high schools in the St. Louis area. The group meets bimonthly on art by AUDREY KOCHER Wednesday from 4:45 pm. to 7 p.m. It discusses various issues such as sexual orientation and discrimination and recruits any St. Louis area high-school students grades nine to 12 who “There is a bill that will be sprouting up soon for Missouri would be committed to attending the meetings. [that is sponsored by Democratic Representative Clem Smith] “Most people mistakenly believe that a comprehensive sex to get comprehensive and medically accurate sex-education in education is just about sexual behavior,” junior Katy Chang high schools,” senior Kathryn Weiss said. said. “In actuality, what TASH hopes to Critics of TASH contend that by providing increased achieve is a system in which students can be sexual education will encourage more teens to have sex. informed of and discuss abstinence, sexual TASH believes teens are already engaging These are issues that run deep within the veins of our However, orientation, contraception, gender, pregin sexual activity and would benefit greatly from sex society. According to [the National Institutes of Health], education. They argue it is in teenagers human nature to nancy, relationships, values, sexual anatomy and physiology.”

American teens have rates of pregnancy and [Sexu- act in a irresponsible manner.

Additionally, TASH plans to educate are issues that run deep within the veins of ally Transmitted Infections] that are two to seven times our“These students on the emotional and social implisociety,” Chang said. “There’s also the fact that higher than other industrialized nations. cations of sexual activity. They argue that hormones are at a peak during adolescence, and teens -junior Katy Chang are highly susceptible to risky behavior. Thus, the questhese programs will facilitate education by making students more comfortable discusstion really comes down to this: do we want a bunch of ing such topics. teens who are having sex safely, or do we want a bunch of teens TASH hopes to overcome the social barrier and achieve “When comprehensive sex education is brought into schools who are having sex with high rates of pregnancy and [Sexually what’s best for teens. Currently the state of Missouri has no with certified educators, students will feel more comfortable to Transmitted Infections]? That second part is already happening; mandatory law to require schools to provide sex education. ask questions and actually learn what they will need to know in according to [the National Institutes of Health], American teens Members specifically appealed to Representative Ann Wagner a safe environment,” junior Meg Jordan said. “With better sex have rates of pregnancy and STIs that are two to seven times and Senator Claire McCaskill. Furthermore, the group hopes to education comes a lowered social stigma around sex.” higher than other industrialized nations.” • use time to their advantage when pushing through new policy.

“

4

panorama

NEWS

February 22, 2013

District finalizes 2013-14 bell times

Traffic flow, student input influenced decision aliGOLD

- news writer

T

art by TING DING

he Board of Education has finalized plans to add an additional 10 minutes to the school day for the 2013-14 school year. School will start at 7:40 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.

“There are so many changes happening in the district, and with the opportunity to do this further down the road, there was a decision that it was best not to change the times right now,” Board of Education President Jayne Langsam said.

District students and parents received a survey Jan. 7 asking whether the middle school and the high school should flip their current schedules. According to Langsam, the results of the survey were split almost evenly with half of the respondents indicating the middle

school should begin first, and the other indicating that the high school should begin first.

“The survey results did not give [the school board] a clear direction,” Langsam said. “It became just one facture in the decision.”

The addition of the new Fifth Grade Center was another factor in district schedule changes. According to Langsam, a consultant analyzed traffic flow and determined which time options were best.

Many high school students are pleased with the schedules. They say they will be able to maintain their school and work schedules.

“I like the 7:40 option,” junior Kiela Nicholson said. “I usually get out of school and go straight to work at 3 p.m., so if we got out at 3 p.m., I would be late all the time.”

Nicholson, like most students at the high school, has commitments after school. Student athletes and

Nancy Spewak to win Ladue mayoral election

TAKING CHARGE • Ladue

City Councillor Nancy Spewak is running unopposed in the city mayoral race that will conclude April 2. Spewak, a lifelong Ladue resident, has served on the city council for eight years. Spewak is eager to begin her term and will focus on fiscal discipline, the construction of two new firehouses and traditional community events. “Ladue is a wonderful community, and it has very interested residents who enjoy living here and enjoy the services that the city provides,” Spewak said. (photo

by Hope Howard)

Running unopposed to succeed Tony Bommarito haohangXU

- news writer

C

ity Councillor Nancy Spewak will be the only mayoral candidate in the City of Ladue’s April 2 elections. Her only opponent, insurance executive Ed Hempstead Jr., withdrew from the race in January.

Last December, incumbent Mayor Tony Bommarito announced to the city council that he would not seek reelection. As reported in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bommarito wished that he could have accomplished more and felt it was “best to make a change.” He has served one two-year term as mayor, in addition to 10 years as a city councillor.

Uncontested candidate Spewak has served for almost eight years on the city council, representing Ward 3. During her time on the council, she has helped to run a financially responsible city.

“One of the things that I’m most proud of as a city council member is our fiscal management,” Spewak said. “We have maintained strong reserves even in the economic downturn. Since I’ve been on the council,

we have been able to upgrade our infrastructure greatly in the last eight years. We have rebuilt every major bridge in the City of Ladue, and we have been successful in receiving federal grants to do so, so we have been able to save a lot of taxpayer money in rebuilding the city’s roads and bridges.”

Spewak wants to run for mayor because she has a genuine interest in serving her constituents. She feels that during her four terms as a city councillor, she has acquired the leadership skills she needs to serve as mayor.

“I’ve learned that it’s important to always listen to people, to their ideas, their thoughts, if they have complaints,” Spewak said. “After serving on the council for almost eight years, I believe that the time is right for me to lead the city.”

During her time as mayor, Spewak intends to maintain responsible fiscal management in the city’s government in addition to revamping the city’s webpage. She also plans to bring back old city traditions to build the community.

“I want to maintain fiscal responsibility,” Spewak said. “We are planning to build two new firehouses,

and they’re going to be on the same sites as the old firehouses, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity to lead that project. I would like to redesign the city website so that it is more user-friendly, and I also want to bring back the Dogwood Parade and Festival, something we used to do years ago before the highway closed. I want to bring [the parade] back because it’s a great way to bring the community together.”

The school district’s political position will change when Spewak takes office. High school Principal Bridget Hermann is hopeful that Spewak, a Ladue alumna, will endorse the district’s political interests and initiatives.

“Even though running a city is very different from running a school district, we try to be a ‘good neighbor’ to the city and the city tries to support us in what we do,” Hermann said. “The election of [Spewak] will be positive in that if there are issues that we have to discuss with the city, she’ll have a familiarity with the school. In her new job, running the city takes precedence, but I’m sure that familiarity will help us.”

In addition to running her own home decoration and staging busi-

students in clubs face similar dilemmas, although some students are concerned about sleep deprivation.

“I prefer the 8:10-3 times,” junior Toby Zhu said. “ I’d rather wake up later and have school end later than get up early every day.”

Zhu participates in chess club, debate and tennis. Although his activities would end later, Zhu said he wouldn’t mind. Freshman Mary Inman echoes this opinion.

“I dance, and it would be more convenient to get out [of school] later, because then I could be more productive after school,” Inman said.

“I could go straight to dance instead of sit around and do nothing if dismissal was at 3.”

According to a recent email from the school board to district families, exact start and end times will be finalized once bus routes are established, as the times may vary by five to 10 minutes. •

ness, Spewak is also the mother of three Ladue graduates, as well as senior Andy Spewak. Although he is excited for his mother’s new position, he does not think his family will face big changes when she becomes mayor in April.

“I think it’s really exciting,” Andy Spewak said. “I think she really wants to help the city, and it’s good for the city to have someone like her in charge. I don’t think our family will change that much, because she’s already busy with the city council and her own business.

The bigger change will be next year, when I go off to college.”

Although Nancy Spewak has functionally cinched the April election, the “race” is far from over.

During the next few weeks, Nancy Spewak will continue to involve herself in community events to interact with her constituents.

“Even though I’m unopposed on the ballot, I am making an effort to have events and get out in the community to meet people and have an opportunity to hear their thoughts and opinions,” Spewak said. “I care very much about this community, and I’d like very much just to continue to contribute and make Ladue a great place to live.” •

panorama

February 22, 2013

the

Behind scenes:

FEATURES

the friendly faces responsible for our clean hallways and savory snacks (photos by Jason Kaplan)

jasonKAPLAN

Janet Turner: Abbco Custodian

5

- features editor

B

y day she is a mother, grandmother, avid reader and lover of life. However, come 3 p.m., Janet Turner doubles as a night shift custodian and has worked for Abbco, a company outsourced for evening custodial work, for roughly 20 months.

“I love all of the kids here, and it warms my heart when they stop and thank me for doing my job,” Turner said. “My one request: don’t call me ma’am, just Janet.”

Turner has big plans in store for the future. Come this spring, she will attend school and hopefully become a nurse.

“Tell everyone this, ‘Janet says stay in school,’” Turner said. “Use my story as an example, and hopefully all you kids will have success coming for you.”

A typical evening for Turner consists of arriving at 3 p.m. and meticulously cleaning each classroom in her zone one by one, specifically by vacuuming, dusting and sanitizing. Then, she takes to the bathrooms.

“I’m here until 11 p.m. every night,” Turner said. “I clean the school as best as possible, but sometimes it’s kind of hard. It makes it so much better when I see you kids with smiles on your face; you’re always so positive! It would be really nice if you all cleaned up after yourselves a little more in the bathroom, but I don’t think you’re pigs! Just keep smiling.”

Turner works in the 210 hallway every day. To find her, just stop by after school and remind her how appreciated she is.

“Remember, I’ll say it again, just call me Janet.” •

Mary Thompson and Deborah Lancaster: Lunch Chefs and Cashiers

F

or 13 years, Mary Thompson has prepared food for Ladue students, spreading her time between Reed Elementary School, Ladue Middle School and the high school. She is most recognizable by her blue and purple striped hair, and she shares the love of her job with many of her co-workers, especially Deborah Lancaster. Each has a unique duty to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

“They call me the cookie lady,” Thompson said. “I love making cookies! We each have a different job, and we all love our hours. These are bankers’ hours!”

Along with cooking behind the scenes, each Chartwells employee also operates a cash register. Lancaster works closest to the windows, where she checks out students buying primarily nachos and chicken rings.

“I love the students,” Lancaster said. “They are very respectful, but they need to stop smashing up the condiment area and leaving trash in the commons! They are usually very respectful, and we love it when they say thank you.”

To remind the students how much they love them, Thompson and Lancaster sing happy birthday every chance they get. They sing blues and opera style, and are currently working on a new jazz tune, just for fun. In addition, as a request for students, they want to hear ideas for new menu items to keep lunch exciting.

“If there is anything that we don’t have here that you want, let us know!” Thompson said.

“We want to make food for you guys that you enjoy, so please give us some suggestions!” •

Deb Cady: Ladue Custodian

H

aving worked both the day shift and night shift, Ladue custodian Deb Cady has experienced both the best and worst of cleaning the high school. According to Cady, she is busier now than every before, and her team has plenty of responsibilities.

“This shift has taken on so much,” Cady said. “In one night we have so much to set up. Between sports games, organizing chairs for concerts or unlocking classroom doors, we are always doing something.”

A typical day for Cady begins before school at the crosswalk, helping to organize traffic. Organization plays a key role in her life, as she manages her coworkers to keep the school clean and in order.

“Every day I do little things that I promise people, like setting up a classroom a certain way,” Cady said.

CASH OR CODE “All the time, we are cleaning the sidewalks or taking • Regardless of the care of ice. Just walking down the hallway during payment method, lunch Ac Lab, I get stopped so many times, but I keep it all chefs and cashiers Mary under control and love using my calendar.”

Thompson and Deborah Along with Mary Thompson, this is Cady’s 13th Lancaster are always year at Ladue. They share similar opinions, both highthrilled to check stulighting the importance of respect during lunchtime. dents out, as they smile “My biggest pet peeve is kids making a mess in the constantly through all cafeteria and commons area. Most of the students are four lunches. great, but to those who aren’t, remember to just respect your school and clean up after yourself.”

All in all, Cady claims to enjoy her job by making the most of it. While it might be overwhelming from time to time, she says it is that kind of excitement that she loves.

“There is a whole world that goes on here, and lots of it depends on my team, but we love it,” Cady said. “It feels like this school is our house, and we do our best to take care of it.” •

#DoubleTake

senior Eric Peters art by ERIC ZHU

“Project X” actor Thomas Mann

sophomore Sarah Waldman

“Hunger Games” actress Isabelle Fuhrman

Panorama roamed the halls to find Ladue’s best look-alikes... here’s what we came up with.

senior David Shi

“Gangnam Style” singer Psy

photos courtesy of teen.com, wikimedia.org, mtv.com

6

panorama

FEATURES

February 22, 2013

‘Rambunction’ begins building

(photo by Jason Kaplan)

Robotics team prepares for competition If the team wins this year, it will go on to the First Robotics Championship April 24-27. The competition will be held in the sabrinaMEDLER Edward Jones Dome with close to 6,000 other robotics teams.

- features writer “We’ve had teams from Japan, Brazil and Canada,” Chen said. “Robotics is a huge thing worldwide. This year we’re n most sports, an athlete’s skills are everything. They must shooting even better. We’re going for the win.” be able to run, jump, climb and shoot. Now there is an The team receives help from Monsanto employees who deactivity that tests speed, agility and aim without one taking a vote their time to mentor the students. They come almost every single step: robotics. day after school to help students complete the robot.

The robotics team, “Rambunction,” will be competing in the “If a student gets backed into a corner and they can’t figure St. Louis Regional Competition March 14-16 in the Chaifetz out what’s going on, the Monsanto mentor or coaches guide Arena at Saint Louis University. Teams aim to create a robot them in a direction, but they that can score the most never give them all of the discs into a series of goals answers,” Schmidt said. during a match.

The robotics team “We’ve tested multiple hosted a demonstration in different shooters, and the cafeteria in early January they’re pretty well deto attract new members. signed,” senior Henry Chen Members have also been said. “I think we’re [going selling pretzels during Ac to] do pretty well this year.”

Lab in the commons to raise The match begins with a funds as well as increase 15-second period where the their recognition among the robots operate completely student body. based on their own indepenBy working long hours dent programming. Discs after school and bonding during this period are worth at the competitions, the extra points. For the rest team acts as one big family. of the match, drivers use RAMBUNCTIOUS • As he examines the team’s robot, Through building the robot, remote controls to operate senior Tucker Krack helps his team prepare for the St. Louis students learn team building the robots.

Regional Competition. With hard work, they may advance to the skills because every person “You push one button, Championship in April. (photo by Emma Weller) contributes to creating the stand back and make sure final product. the robot does what you “I love the people,” sophomore Anastasia Maranto said. want it to do,” practical arts teacher Stephen Schmidt said. “[The robotics team is] just a great environment. Everyone’s At the end of the match, the robots must climb up a pyramid always smiling and laughing.” that is approximately 10 feet tall. The robot earns points based Rambunction has six weeks to build the robot and works on how high it climbs.

Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Toward the end of “It’s a monkey bar kind of pyramid so you can’t just drive the building period, the team works even longer hours. up it,” freshman Will Gerding said. “Right now we’re building “We completed the prototype of our shooter, and we all the final shooter, doing some programming and finishing the started cheering because its such an amazing sense of accommain body of the robot.”

Last year, students placed 18th out of 42 teams and advanced plishment when you finish a project that you’ve been working hard on,” Gerding said. • to the semifinals. They also received a rookie inspiration award.

I How well do you know...

Renee Burton Q: Do you have any pets?

A: I never had a pet. But people would always ask me to take care of their fish, and I always killed them. I thought the few little recommended pellets weren’t enough. I was trying to feed them an amount of food that I thought would satisfy them. Consequently, they always died. You would think I would have learned my lesson.... One time Mrs. Kaufman put in a beta fish in the gift exchange at our holiday party. And so I won it and so I brought it home.

That stupid little fish. She needed a place to stay, you can’t keep her in the bag so I put her in a little sugar bowl, but that didn’t seem to do it. So then I went to the pet store and bought a tank, a filter and rocks and then I decorated it really nicely. And then she died. So no, I’m not a pet person.

m

Oe

lke & Tommy Haw ki

We went out for a nice dinner and then hung out.

ns

Sa

Q: So we hear you’re pretty funny...

A: I love embarrassing my biological kids. Nothing even funny... just stupid stuff. So yesterday, I’m teaching class, and everytime I turn around, the kids are kind of snickering, so I got paranoid. Then they started moving their desks up closer and closer to the board. I turned around one time really quickly to try to catch what’s going on, and I saw one student waving everybody on. Even the good kids were going along with it. So then when we got back from lunch, I pushed all of the desks into a pile. And I made sure the desks of the kids in charge of the prank were upside down. •

Be Mine

aacs and Gabe Gr and ily Is m E Gabe surprised me!

b Ab

r and Sam Ka y Mille h

Some of our favorite couples n share their Valentine’s Day plans

(9) (photos by Elyse Mack, Hope Howard and Sarah Kessel)

(12)

(10)

ily

e and Duncan C Dov an

I made Emily a fancy dinner. Steak and scallops.

n

on

Em

We went out to dinner and then watched a movie.

(11)

mackenziePASS

- features writer

L

ove is in the air! We chose to feature four couples to let us in on their Valentine’s Day celebrations and possibly offer some inspiration to the other couples out there. Whether it’s making a fancy dinner for a girlfriend, or baking cupcakes for a boyfriend, Valentine’s Day is symbolic of the core idea that it is truly the thought that counts.

What is important to remember on Valentine’s Day is the people in your life for whom you are appreciative and ways you can show them how much you care. •

panorama

February 22, 2013

Senior donates computers to youth in need

Reclaiming reading emilyBIEST

- features editor

W

emmaGRADY-PAWL

- features writer

I

pis

s e c

SHARING IS CARING • At a distribution at the

Covenant House Feb. 8, senior Santiago Beltran-Miranda answers questions about the laptops he and U-tech members refurbished. Currently, there are chapters at Chaminade and University School in Tenessee. (photo by Magda Lijowska) decided to organize a club for those who loved technology and wanted serve their community.

U-Tech Club’s primary project, the Tech Access Project, seeks to give underprivileged students in the community direct access to computers. The club provides its services by collecting applications from students detailing their needs and by partnering with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and the Covenant House of Missouri, which aid youth. The club’s one-to-one program allows students to receive a computer during their stay for homework and other uses.

The Covenant House presenter of the Stan Musial Service award commented that “the fact that Santiago and his peers at U-Tech are essentially the same age as our kids at Covenant House is inspiring in and of itself, but considering all the diversions and distractions in a teenagers’ world today, the fact that these young people choose to use their time and talent to give homeless kids a hand up is just amazing.”

The club also looks to serve its own members’ interest in technology and encourage collaboration and interests from programming to graphic design. Beltran sees the importance of this engagement in technology in today’s world. “ As for education, that’s where I see the biggest potential [for technology], because by implementing everything that’s possible with technology into education, you can target the majority of the students depending on their learning styles,” Beltran said. “Education wise, anything can be solved by some technology aid integrated into the curriculum. •

Ramoscope Feb. 19 to March 20

M

any weeks of this school year are behind you, Pisces, and with less than a semester to go, anticipation for relaxation and renewal is building. Only hard work and dedication will push you through an upcoming obstacle, but conquering it will provide immense satisfaction. Lean on a close friend in the coming month - what you go through together will only make your relationship stronger. Likewise, reach out to someone you have had little contact with in hopes of a new and exciting experience. You go, Pisces! • art by ASHLEY TURNER

7

art by TING DING

U-Tech refurbishes recycled technology n the modern world, technology advances exponentially, and everyone wants the latest upgrade or gadget. With this desire for something better, rarely, does anyone stop to wonder about what becomes of yesterdays discarded devices.

It was this question that led senior Santiago Beltran to create the U-Tech Club, an organization that seeks to bring technological access to under-served high school students and empower young people to use their technological skills for the community. Recently, Beltran received the 2012 Stan Musial Service award during the Covenant House of Missouri Gala for his work with his organization. Beltran’s awareness of technology’s potential developed at a young age.

“When I was little, and we first moved to the United States, my dad had to stay behind in Columbia,” Beltran said. “The only way we could really talk to each other was through the medium of technology. We happened to have a computer that didn’t work in our new house in North Carolina, so by fixing it and having in mind that I could talk to my dad, that’s kind of where my interest starting growing.”

Beltran actively used his technological skills throughout school to assist teachers and administrators, and he remembers when he first saw a greater potential for his talent. He recalls learning in eighth grade that two students were unable to work on a science project because they didn’t have computers at home or easy access to them elsewhere.

“That didn’t really raise immediately the idea that I needed to do something about this, but it kind of stayed in the back of my head,” Beltran said. “Then towards the end of the year the school was switching out all the computers to upgrade to newer models, and there were just a bunch of computers lying in the hallway ready to be picked up and thrown away, or ‘recycled’ as they called it for scrap metal. So, right there is where the connection started forming, like, ‘Hey, instead of having all these computers thrown away, [because] they still work, we were all using them one day ago, let’s start giving them out to students who don’t have this technology.’”

In July 2009, Santiago moved to Tennessee and started high school at University School in Johnson City. It was here that he

FEATURES

hen I was little, I devoured books like they were candy. Though I now shudder at the thought of getting up before my alarm, I would wake up, naturally, at around 6 each morning to sit in my bed and read for an hour or so before it was time to get ready for the day ahead. It was my hour, where no siblings could bother me, and I could do exactly as I pleased. I spent those hours unwinding and enjoying myself, getting caught up in a fantasy world or simply imagining myself in someone else’s daily life.

Now, however, reading has become a chore. Of course, I still love it, but there is little time for what was once a daily habit and pleasure. Most of the time I spend reading is devoted to school work, from independent reading novels to history textbooks. These works, though edifying and even interesting at times, are far from the adventure and drama I craved in my youth.

Some of my classmates manage to make time for reading, even in the busy and tiring high school setting. You know who I’m talking about: the kids who constantly have a book in their backpacks, ready to pull out in an instant of free time during class. They are the ones who occasionally are scolded for reading during class while their classmates are reprimanded for texting. Sometimes I wish I could be like them.

In that spirit, I decided to go to a bookstore one day after school last week - an activity I have always enjoyed, even though my time for reading has been encroached upon by other activities. I wasn’t in the mood for a trip to Barnes and Noble, however, so on the recommendation of a friend, I drove down Manchester to the Book House.

It was pouring rain as I hurried from my car to the front door of this small house where the store was located (I think the store’s name makes this concept pretty selfexplanatory). When I walked in, I was startled by the sheer number of books I could see just from the door. The walls were filled from floor to ceiling. Books overflowed from the shelves to stacks on the floor, even eclipsing all but two panes of glass in the front window, and were tucked away in every alcove, nook and cranny. The store was semi-alphabetized, with different rooms for each subject, from children’s fiction to history to poetry to selfhelp. For someone who loves books, it was heaven. I spent almost an hour just wandering the stacks, trying to take in the number and quality of the volumes surrounding me.

With the amount and proximity of chains such as Barnes and Noble that have put much of the competition out of business (R.I.P. Borders), it is a wonder that the Book House has been open and prospering since 1986. I think this speaks to the value of reading which has been important for Saint Louisans for years. During high school, when we are so busy with extracurriculars, school work, jobs, friends and family, it can be difficult to remember to read. I like to think that this is a phase, that life will become easier and less stressful. In reality, I know this is not the case. Instead, as we grow older and more mature, we must become more aware of what’s important, making sure to set aside time for something we truly enjoy. For me, that passion is reading. For others, it may be doing yoga, writing or hiking. But whatever the activity, I hope we all can find a way to reclaim it. Because doing something that you miss and look back on fondly is one of the best feelings in the world. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

8

panorama

A&E

Oscar Preview: charlieGARSIDE

- a&e editor

T

his year’s Academy Awards had disappointing nominations, in my opinion. I felt that 2012 was a great year for film and some of the best works were snubbed by the Academy, while others didn’t deserve to be nominated.

However, I always enjoy calling out the winners and losers, and testing my abilities to predict what the men and women of the Academy will choose.

Movies that I felt were snubbed included “Looper” for Original Writing and Makeup and Hairstyling, and although I wouldn’t argue it deserves to win, “The Dark Knight Rises” could have easily been given a slot in the Best Picture category, or at least a recognition for the incredible special effects and CGI. Another movie that should have been given Visual Effects nomination was “Cloud Atlas,” the complex tale that suggests karma follows people throughout many different rebirths and lives. Ezra Miller’s performance in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” was phenomenal, and honestly, performed with more skill than a few of the nominees that did get the Supporting Actor nod.

Although most viewers take a bathroom break during this one, Cinematography is a vital part of the movie making business. And I want Roger Deakins to win for “Skyfall” badly.

He deserves it more than any other nominee on the list, and it includes the cinematographer for “Django Unchained,” my favorite film of 2012. And luckily I think the Academy will agree with me, Deakins has worked on many classic films and has constructed quite the reputation for himself. The other nominees that contend with “Skyfall” include “Life of Pi,” “Anna Karenina” and “Lincoln;” they are all worthy, but cannot match the brilliant lighting and breathtaking landscape shots Deakins incorporates into the Bond world.

None of the nominees for Best Director particularly excite me. “Lincoln” could have been 20 minutes of Daniel Day-Lewis eating a salad with a score by John Williams and it would still

February 22, 2013

Predictions for the highly anticipated award show for the top films of the year

have gotten nominated for everything. Giving Spielberg nominations for whatever movie he put out that fall is obligatory, though I doubt he will win this category. “Amour” is a French film, and therefore, it is automatically a serious contender for all the major awards. Ang Lee is well respected, and “Life of Pi” was successful so his win is possible as well. I would argue that Lee deserves it and might get it, but it will be a close race with Michael Haneke for his film “Amour.”

As for the Supporting Actor and Actress awards, it will be a close race for the men, while the ladies will be easier to predict. Anne Hathaway, despite being on screen for a mere 30 minutes, will probably claim the golden statue for her performance as desperate Fantine in “Les Miserables.” The other ladies didn’t quite stand out enough; even Sally Field as the stressed Mary Todd Lincoln doesn’t seem likely to top Hathaway. Tommy Lee Jones, who played Representative Thaddeus Stevens in “Lincoln,” appears to be the high contender for Best Supporting Actor. He gives a convincing and complex performance as the man who argued all men are not equal. However, Christoph Waltz, who portrayed the jarring Dr. King Schultz in “Django Unchained,” already snagged the Golden Globe for his performance and won the Oscar in 2010 for another Tarantino film, “Inglourious Basterds.” Both actors art by MARY XIAO performed well, but Tommy Lee Jones has the odds this time.

I don’t need to linger on who will win Best Actor, Daniel Day-Lewis is the clear winner. He delivers as 16th president

Abraham Lincoln during the last four months of the Civil War, motivating the soldiers and fighting Congress for the emancipation of the slaves. He reportedly did not break character during the entire shooting, even while he was at home with his family at home.

“The Hunger Games” was her blockbuster film of 2012, but it will be “Silver Linings Playbook” that gets Jennifer Lawrence her Oscar. She plays an emotionally unstable widow, who struggles with her feelings for a new friend with similar problems. She shares an excellent chemistry with Bradley Cooper and definitely deserves the accolade. The other possibility is Jessica Chastain as the federal agent who snuffed out Osama Bin Laden after a grueling 10 year process.

Although she probably won’t win this year, nine-yearold Quvenzhané Wallis makes Oscar history as the youngest Best Actress nominee for her leading role in “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” and she deserves props for that.

And lastly, the Best Picture will most likely be awarded to “Argo”, the story of an elaborate CIA operation that consisted of falsely producing a movie in a chaotic Iran in 1980 to extract six American personnel. Ben Affleck directed and starred in the film, and it won Best Drama at the Golden Globes. It collected a mass of critic approval which angered many to hear Affleck was snubbed this year in the Best Director category, but it may be forgiven when “Argo” leaves the building with the big one. “Zero Dark Thirty” was well shot, and the cast and the director made the most entertaining film they could, while also being respectful to the actual events that took place. That being said, the movie had some boring patches. “Lincoln” would be another possibilty, but it lacked the excitement and novelty“Argo” had, and while Daniel Day-Lewis will surely win for Best Actor, it seems unlikely that the film will win in this category. None of the other movies stand a chance against the powerful tale “Argo” shares. •

App sequel adds n ew features

“Temple Run 2” has minecarts, waterfalls and ziplines yoavKADAN

- a&e writer

B

eginning last year, most smartphone owners could be spotted playing “Temple Run.” The game sparked talks of high scores, coin magnets, and power boosters all over the school.

This potentially never-ending game was a hit that seemed never to get old. However, the new year proved the game to be just a fad. I, myself, stopped playing the game, eventually removing it from my home screen.

Over a year later, “Temple Run” creator Imangi Studios released the sequel to the forgotten “Temple Run” game with “Temple Run 2,” featuring a renovated user interface design, improved graphics, new obstacles and most importantly of all, new challenges on the escape from the now bigger and devilish monkey.

The new game features a brave character named Guy Dangerous trying to escape a mysteriously treacherous temple with a “cursed idol.”

He runs on chunks of land high in the air, while escaping a threatening oversized deformed monkey that protects the idol that Guy Dangerous has stolen, initiating a chase through the temple, or a “temple run.” I personally find such a plot cliche and too similar to other games in which one character is simply running away with a stolen object, but the backstory of the switchable characters and plot are not of interest as much as the game itself.

The object of the game is to navigate through the endless track by running, jumping, turning and sliding without hitting any of the obstacles. In my opinion, although not new, these controls pose a good challenge considering the player only has a single life with the ability to revive for the price of scarcely found gems.

New obstacles in “Temple Run 2” include jumping over waterfalls, avoiding deadly cliffs, sliding on ziplines through the fog, and riding a minecart along the way as well, which makes the game very fun.

The small cart rides on tracks that are frequently broken on one side, requiring the user to tilt the device to balance the cart on one track. The mine tracks often lead to sudden dead ends where the user must make a quick but game changing judgement as to which track to take. In addition to the tilts, many planks of wood alert the gamer to swipe down and duck, a move that has only been seen while running in the older version of the game. The mine cart is, without doubt, my favorite new feature. It creates a challenge by forcing the player to change modes of thinking quickly, and without too much hesitation.

In addition, the creators of the new “Temple Run” changed the scenery significantly. The old game had a straight forward running track, apparently floating on a blurry motionless floor, possibly water or grass. This new landscape changes as the character sprints through the crumbling bricks, stairs, twists and turns of the game, which were not present in the first installment. The

scenery was a refreshing sight at first, but otherwise useless as it does not change any functionality, and I doubt that any other user was considering downloading the game for it.

Still within the first month after release, “Temple Run 2” has totaled more than 50 thousand ratart by AUDREY KOCHER ings on Apple’s App Store, with an overall average rating of four stars. Most of the lower ratings the game’s received have been due to crashes, glitches and lag both during setup and during the game itself, however, never have I experienced any of these issues except the occasional crash, which is understandable with the first version

of the game. I do want the creators to fix these spontaneous errors, because they often disrupt and end games, which can get frustrating at timesa and ruin the fun.

This app deserves four out of five stars and I recommend it to most avid smartphone users, and I wish the best of luck to Imangi Studious for “Temple Run 3.” •

February 22, 2013

panorama

A&E

School musical heads to ‘Oz’ Miranda’s ‘Wizard of Oz’ debuts with unique tech aspects andrewTSIAKLIDES

- a&e writer

Upcoming Entertainment

art by DIANA JUNG

Musings The right way to create music

A

sk nearly anyone, and they’ll tell you they’ve heard of “The Wizard of Oz,” whether it’s through the famous 1939 movie, the Broadway hit “Wicked” or through the original children’s story itself. So, it is only fitting that the Ladue Theater will present the classic as this year’s spring musical, Feb. 21-23.

Set initially in Kansas and later in the land of Oz, the story follows the adventures of Dorothy as she tries to find her way home after being swept away by a tornado. She journeys to find the Wizard while picking up a few unusual friends along the way to Emerald City.

As per usual of Ladue theater productions, the play is sure to be a great hit, first and foremost because of the upstanding performance by theater students on stage and behind the scenes.

Their success rides on the appropriate and meaningful preparation beforehand. Principally, it starts with a central leadership by stage manager senior Corey Rosenberg.

“My duty as a stage manager in a general sense is to run the tech of the show,” Rosenberg said. “I make sure actors are at rehearsals, write down the blocking [where the actors move and when any line changes], and set up and break down stuff for, or from, rehearsal. During the show I call the cues, which tells someone else to make the lights change, move the set pieces, or pull, take out the lines that come and go.”

Rosenberg, with his two assistant stage managers, juniors Sam Picus and Meg Jordan, makes sure that not a thing is out of place so that the actors can come in with preparations of their own and bring the show its wonderful, lively spirit. The role of the goofy, yet lovable Scarecrow will be played by freshman Joe DeBoer.

“At first, it seemed like a really big challenge,” DeBoer said.

“Since this is my first high school theatre production, and I’m one of the only freshmen, I thought the nerves would get to me, and the script would be tough. After learning my part and getting to know the cast and directors though, I have become more confident being a brainless scarecrow.”

This year’s leading lady, senior Courtney Jonas, is ready to impress as the sweet Dorothy, popularized by Judy Garland’s performance in the 1939 film. Jonas began practicing for her

9

M FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD •

(above) In rehearsal for the “Wizard of Oz,” junior Catie Ryan and senior Courtney Jonas practice a scene between Glinda and Dorothy. (below) Ryan and Jonas join the cast in an ensemble dance routine below. (photos by Sydney Ellis) role over a decade ago when she dressed up as Dorothy for Halloween at age two. She has been involved in several productions of “The Wizard of Oz.” “Outside of rehearsal, I usually practice the scenes we ran through earlier that day,” Jonas said. “I also have my mom help me run through the whole show. She’s every character except Dorothy. Right now, I feel like we’re in a pretty good position.”

The cast and crew have implemented new props, such as using senior Natalie Grimm’s dog as Toto and recruiting elementary school students as munchkins. For added flare, the Ladue Theater team brought in Flying by Foy, the premier theatrical flying service from Las Vegas, Nev., to assist in the aerial flight scenes.

“I have been doing the musicals since my freshman year, and although it’s a bittersweet feeling having this be my last show, I’m really glad I got to work with all of the people in this show. We are all really close,” senior Leslie Insell said.

The professionalism and drive of the theater department leave no doubt that each performance will do the show justice and maintain Ladue Theater’s long-standing integrity. With all the hard work the cast and crew has put in to the musical, the show is sure to be a success. •

A brief update on the hottest movies, music and television you have to know!

85th Academy Awards on ABC: 2/24 Imagine Dragons concert at the Pageant: 3/6 “Oz the Great and Powerful”: 3/8 “New York City Ballet MOVES” at the Fox: 3/9 art by TING DING

mirandaSIWAK

- a&e editor

usic tastes vary greatly and span different genres.

Whether you like pop, country or R&B; we can all agree we have likes and dislikes.

Now, I’m more of a Top 40-type girl and often listen to the pop songs that constantly dominate the charts.

This summer, I first heard Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team” on the radio and immediately fell in love with the acoustic tremble of his lyrics and the soft, whispered tone of his voice. After taking an immediate liking to the song, I sampled his album “+” on iTunes. It was beautiful. The soft ballads. Nothing but his raw voice and acoustic guitar. Every song was a winner in my eyes, and so I downloaded the entire album and listened to it on repeat.

In the U.S., the Grammys are considered the ultimate musical recognition. When the 2013 nominations were announced, I was excited when I saw Sheeran’s name on the ballot. I already knew he was talented, and now the rest of the world would, too. Then it was announced that he would perform on the Grammy stage with legend Elton John. Just to be nominated is a huge honor in itself (since he did not win at the show Feb. 10), but to perform is a greater one, especially singing one of your original songs with a huge musical icon.

I had the privilege to see his recent sold-out St. Louis show, Feb. 2, and I was in complete awe the entire night as every song was an acoustic dream as performed beautifully live, just him and his guitar, providing another version of his infectious album.

When my friends and I met him earlier that day, it’s safe to say we were in hysterics and definitely starstruck, sitting so close, just a couple feet away, as he strummed his guitar and showcased his unique sound. This showed how downto-earth and how sweet this Grammy nominee is. With every question he was asked by teenage fangirls, he managed to answer every single one, prompting plenty of laughter and hysteria alike. That whole day was a blur, as I still can’t believe it happened; but it did, as his scribbled signature forever sits on my iPhone case. As we walked up to get our souvenir photo with him, I saw an otherwise-ordinary Brit dressed in a powder blue hoodie, plain jeans, sneakers and his unbrushed messy red hair, as he posed for a photo with us, then happily signed autographs.

So, if you think a Grammy nod, an Olympic performance and a sold-out US tour has changed him; you’d be wrong.

He’s still the same humble, goofy songwriter he was before the international accolades.

Now, onto my picks. Obviously, I loved the entire album, but it would take too long to describe every song, so I’ll briefly touch on a select few. Aside from chart-topper “The A Team,” here are his must-listen songs.

First, “Lego House.” This has fast become one of my guilty pleasures, as I find the lyrics completely adorable.

Also, this song was performed on the nationally acclaimed “Today” show, met with applause and support, and it deserves it; it’s breathtakingly sweet.

Next, “Kiss Me.” This soft ballad was written for two of his friends, which provides an interesting facet into his life as a caring friend. The soft, whisper-like tone, provides a soft break from most of his just-as-infectious, upbeat songs he plays. Either way, his songs are still hit. The entire audience couldn’t help but sing along the entire night.

And finally, “Give Me Love,” which opened the concert, and also his favorite song he wrote from the album, is handsdown one of the best. It follows his pattern of excellence in music, and just as infectious to listen to.

No matter the accolades, one thing is clear: British sensation Ed Sheeran is here to stay, with his niche for songwriting, while remaining just as down-to-earth as he was when he began; the way a famous musician should be. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

10

CENTERSPREAD

panorama

February 22, 2013

Bissinger’s

32 Maryland Plaza St. Louis, Mo. 63108

Tue-Thu 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

T

hough housed only a few doors down from renowned cupcake store The Cup, Bissinger’s continues to hold its own in the Central West End. The cashew clusters taste dense and nutty with a crunchy texture, while the salty flavor of the Murray River salt caramels almost overpowers the sweetness. Still, the contrast sets them apart from basic chocolates. Peanut butter truffles, on the other hand, melt under the tongue like a smooth cream. The chocolate covered cherries, thrown in for free, contribute tartness but are not worth the undesirable aftertaste. Out of all the treats, traditional bear claws combine the best of caramel texture, pecan crunch and silky milk chocolate. A small gift-sized box of chocolates sold for about $7 with efficient, knowledgeable and charmingly helpful service. •

Park Avenue Coffee 1919 Park Ave St. Louis, Mo. 63104

Mon-Thu 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sat 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

L

ocated just across the street from picturesque Lafayette Park, Park Avenue Coffee mixes St. Louis tradition with a delightfully unique café atmosphere.

Though the staff seems somewhat stiff and impersonal when placing orders, the sweetness of the drinks and pastries compensate. Hot chocolate tastes like molten sugar, a welcome contrast to the bitterness of a Starbucks brew.

Vanilla lattes lack traditional coffee flavor but are topped with the perfect level of foam. The unusual turtle mocha pleasantly surprises tasters with its rich, nutty flavor and chocolate undertones. Park Avenue Coffee is most famous for its gooey butter cake, which surpasses its flimsy, soggy Schnucks counterpart. The original cake provides a deep butter flavor topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

However, the triple chocolate variety adds another dimension to the delectable treat with a dense cocoa taste and textural harmony between flaky and moist. Three small drinks and two single servings of gooey butter cake cost $16, just slightly more expensive than Starbucks. •

mollyBURR

christineW

- ed

CITYSCAPE • (page 1, clock

France outside the St. Louis Art M St. Louis and an elephant at the S statue of Stan “The Man” Musial board outside the World Chess Ha

Three 1 South Broadway St. Louis, Mo. 63102

R

egrettably, patrons must be over 21 to visi dium after 7 p.m., but the view and menu sights of the St. Louis cityscape from the A nies equipped with fireplaces for cool spring days. want to spend on a meal, small plates and pizzas a uses an open seating system, so diners must find th Though this allows individual selection of the view

panorama

February 22, 2013

CENTERSPREAD

11

Pappy’s Smokehouse 3106 Olive St St. Louis, Mo. 63103

Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

E

ROUGHS

- editor in chief

WANG

ditor in chief

kwise from top left) Statue of St. Louis IX of Museum, the Arch, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Zoo. (page 20, top to bottom) The l outside Busch Stadium and the giant chess all of Fame in the Central West End.

xpect to see groups seated at picnic-style tables and hear names called once inside Pappy’s casual dining establishment in Midtown. Of course, before claiming a table, prepare to wait in a crowded, windowless hallway for close to an hour. Everything about Pappy’s is worth the delay. Practiced wait staff help with seating, and though tables are nearly always crowded, workers clean and flip them in about 30 seconds. The pulled pork sandwich, a Pappy’s classic, redefines tender meat. Customers can top the sandwich with any combination of three sauces at each table, original barbeque, Sweet Baby Jane and Holly’s Hot Sauce. A half rack of ribs provides enough for two people to nibble if not overly hungry, and while not as tender as the pork, floods the mouth with a savory wood smoke flavor.

Side dishes complement the entrees admirably, particularly the sugar-coated shoestring sweet potato fries, but the potato salad’s mayonnaise tastes cloying and overly thick. The meal cost about $23 and justified every cent. •

Sixty Mon-Thu 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Fri-Sat 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Sun 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

it this gem on top of the Hilton hotel by Busch Staare worth going out for lunch. Enjoy breathtaking Arch to Busch Stadium from the encircling balco. Though entrees cost somewhat more than students are reasonably priced and can be split. Three Sixty heir own table when one becomes available. w, it is inefficient and can lead to long waits. •

(photos by Elyse Mack)

Crown Candy Kitchen 1401 St. Louis Ave St. Louis, Mo. 63106

Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

C

elebrating its 100th year serving the Old North community in the city, Crown Candy Kitchen serves up traditional diner fare and fabulous homemade milkshakes. The combination candy shop and restaurant maintains a nostalgic vibe from its opening in 1913, despite the absence of its vintage jukebox.

Menu items include a self-proclaimed “Heart Stopping BLT” and a golden brown grilled cheese sandwich surrounded by chips and a pickle. Milkshakes, malts and other ice cream delicacies reign as the crowning jewel, however. A single milkshake easily splits between two or three people, served in tall soda fountain glasses.

Though rich and as filling as a second meal, no trip to Crown Candy Kitchen is complete without one. The challenge first offered a century ago still stands; anyone who drinks five malts in 30 minutes gets them for free.

A milkshake and sandwich cost around $7, perfectly reasonable for a midday meal. Crown Candy Kitchen remains a highlight in Old North St. Louis. •

12

OPINIONS

Go Figure

panorama

Responsible internet use

Tina Meier stresses consequences of cyber bullying annieCOHEN

- opinions writer

F Selective Memory karenFIGENSHAU

- opinions editor

A

new era looms over us. We teeter on the brink of a revolution. As our time of relative primitivism prepares to bloom into the paperless, effortless realm of technology, we have no choice but to accept the inevitable change.

Newsweek Magazine printed its last paper edition Dec. 31, starting the New Year with a transition from the tangible to the digital. This seems like an audacious decision, but Newsweek is just leading the pack. In the coming years, media, education and recreation will be altered in unprecedented ways. Imagine the bewilderment our grandparents felt with the introduction of the computer. Now imagine how we will feel in the proliferation of computers.

We are the last generation who will see and experience life before digitization—perhaps the last students to take pencil to paper in lieu of stylus to screen.

This culture shift is reinforced by numbers. We are the last generation born before the century. When we grow old, our beloved 1990s childhood, full of Rugrats and Barney, will seem arcane. In “The Great Gatsby,” Fitzgerald talks repeatedly of “the seventies,” referring to the 1870s, the way we would the 1970s. Aside from the major, historically significant aspects, I realized I know close to nothing about the 1870s. If I asked my grandma, she would probably be familiar with trivial things like certain styles or trends unique to the decade, the way we look nostalgically on bell-bottom jeans and Afros. In the scope of history, we suffer from near-sightedness.

Years from now, kids in history class will learn about things we witnessed first hand. The early 2000s will fill a chapter in a future textbook with recounts of 9/11 and the first inaguration of President Obama. It’s a shame, really, that such profound talent reflected in the Twilight Saga or Justin Bieber’s music would be forgotten in time. Selective memory is practical, but sometimes the novelty of cultural fads can offer comparable insight.

Some things we consider status quo and disregard today.

Evidently, even basics like transportation or dietary staples evolve in just a few years. If money was tight fifty years ago, you could just stick out your thumb on the shoulder of a road. Sitting down to breakfast, you could enjoy a tall glass of milk from the milk truck. Aspects of our lifestyles we ignore will emerge only after they reform. Many of our customs will be lost without the preservation and security of textbooks and documentation.

When we grow older, our grandchildren will ask us about the seemingly ancient 2020s. Anything before might be forgotten and foreign, the way we perceive the 1800s.

The world is transformed in a single lifetime. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

February 22, 2013

or all of the wonderful tools and benefits the Internet provides, it can be a dark, dangerous place. This phenomenon was most evident in the case of Megan Meier, a 13 year old girl who committed suicide after being bullied via MySpace. At assemblies held both Jan 25 and 31, Megan’s mother, Tina Meier, shared daughter’s heart-wrenching experience and warned against irresponsible Internet use.

Meier’s anxiety is justified. In a recent survey from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 percent of teenagers reported being cyber-bullied.

The same survey found that the suicide rate among teenagers has climbed over the past five years. With more opportunities for online interaction, chances of bullying and harassment skyrocket.

Though Meier stressed the importance of parental controls, her best efforts proved futile in protecting her daughter.

Parental restriction on Internet usage is a good concept in theory, but it can never be fully effective. The Internet is simply too broad a universe to be policed by any one person. That said, if a child is showing signs of trouble online, or is prone to conflict in other aspects of life, parents keeping passwords and limiting Internet time can be beneficial. But these provisions do not guarantee safety. In fact, allowing children to make their own decisions regarding the Internet might actually decrease instances of danger. When teenagers feel that

the adults in their life have faith in them, they are more likely to stay away from potentially bad situations, online or otherwise.

Another way to avoid risk online is to remove the computer all together. Only high school students need personal computers for schoolwork. Many problems that children face online stem from the solitary aspect of it. Younger children can be overwhelmed and vulnerable when faced with the independence and immensity of the Internet.

Today, children are practically born knowing the ways of the web. 4-year-olds play with iPads; 10-year-olds have their own Facebook pages. Society needs to facilitate their security online. Children need to be informed of the dangers of the Internet from a young age, so that they can be better prepared to spot future warning signs. Whether it is taught in school, or by parental instruction, online safety needs to be a priority.

By slowly introducing the topic as early as elementary school, future tragedies may be prevented. These efforts can begin with parents merely art by INGRID OLSON getting involved. When parents are knowledgeable and understanding, a child is more likely to open up to them about what is happening in his world. Promoting a dialogue may be the single most important tool in combating cyber-bullying. The Internet and its pitfalls are an enormous part of today’s world and should be treated as such.

Yes, the Internet is a good thing. But like all good things, it should be enjoyed carefully, in moderation. The world is a dangerous place, and the Internet is no exception. •

INCONSISTENCY [staff] EDITORIAL GRADING DISCOURAGES STUDENTS Each teacher has his or her own teaching and grading style. Students should support and encourage teachers’ right to individuality. However, when this tolerance comes at the expense of students’ grades, compromises must be made. Courses taught by more than one teacher exemplify this dilemma. art by ELAINE ZHANG While the curriculum in these classes is identical, many students feel their grades differ from those of students who have another teacher. Holding lesson plans and workloads constant, the only explanation for grade discrepancy falls on the teachers. Courses like AP English Language or AP Government, for example, with multiple teachers ought to work toward more consistency in evaluation.

As the sole instructor for a course, a teacher is granted the freedom to operate the class at his or her own discretion. However, when working in conjunction with others, the teacher must be wary of the importance of maintaining uniformity. Increased communication among teachers is necessary to prevent unintentional grading conflict.

A student and his friend do similar work, but his friend receives a significantly higher grade from another teacher than the student does from his. The student’s morale will suffer the blow. A student can easily become discouraged after earning Cs for what, in another class, would constitute As. Teachers should work together to minimize the disparities.

Standardization will not only boost the drive of students but also legitimize the courses. Reliable, unvarying classes offered by teachers will elicit confidence from the student body, encourage diligence in class work.

The student-teacher relationship should be of mutual benefit.

While students should encourage teachers’ independence, teachers should also consider the actions of fellow teachers and the sentiments of students when grading.• (Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Panorama editorial staff.)

Panorama is produced nine times per school year by the newspaper class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63124 • (314)-993-6447 ext. 5463 • www.laduepanorama.com Panorama strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness.

Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama editors, not necessarily the school or school district. Signed editorials represent the writer’s opinion.

Panorama welcomes and encourages letters to the editors. Signed letters of 300 words or fewer should be brought to Room 216. Panorama reserves the right to edit as long as the intent remains unchanged.

EDITORS IN CHIEF Molly Burroughs Christine Wang

Chloe An Alli Loynd

FEATURES EDITORS Emily Biest Jason Kaplan

BUSINESS MANAGER Leo Di Cera Nick Nash

A&E EDITORS Charlie Garside Miranda Siwak

NEWS EDITORS Mike Figenshau Jacob Jacob

OPINIONS EDITORS Hannah Cropf Karen Figenshau PHOTO EDITORS Elyse Mack Jeanne Wilkinson SPORTS EDITORS

ART EDITORS Diana Jung Audrey Kocher

WEB MASTER Warren Biest

WEB EDITOR IN CHIEF Sarah Allen WEB WRITER Justin Cole WRITERS Juliann Bi Leo Di Cera Annie Cohen

Emma Cohen Jeet Das Beza Getahun Henok Getahun Ali Gold Edan Goldfarb Emma Grady-Pawl Levi Greenberg Jerome Gregory Hayden Hunt Sarah Jacob Yoav Kadan Bram Levy Sabrina Medler Apoorva Noori Mackenzie Pass Nathan Perlmutter Hannah Schwartz Hannah Snidman Andrew Tsiaklides Rachel Wagner-Muns Haohang Xu PHOTOGRAPHERS Tyler Christner

Sydney Ellis Peyton Farmer Lizzie Green Hope Howard Sarah Kessel Magda Lijowska Julia Novack Jessica Puyo Danielle Thompson Emma Weller ARTISTS Hannah Cropf Ting Ding Matthew Hooper Ingrid Olson Ashley Turner Eric Zhu Mary Xiao Juliann Bi Elaine Zhang Jack Proehl ADVISER Jillian Proehl

PLEASE RECYCLE

February 22, 2013

panorama

Skip the library, change the channel TV is just as valid a source of culture as books

OPINIONS

13

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Cropf hannahCROPF

- opinions editor

mikeFIGENSHAU

checkmate. The best device, however, is the metaphor in the title. The show is named for the wiretaps used by the or decades, the academic community has expressed drug trafficking detail profiled that classic literature is superior to other media, reverin the first season. The wireing works like “The Great Gatsby” and “The Catcher in taps provide the detectives the Rye.” There is no reason why certain TV series should not access to a secret world, be held to the same regard. Obviously, “Jersey Shore,” with just like the show its drunken debaucheries and childish melodrama, is a poor does for the example, but a handful of series warrant recognition. viewer. These There is little difference between reading a story and watchsubtle tricks ing it. Many book enthusiasts say they read to experience the always pop out genius of authors. David Simon, the head writer and producer in retrospect and of the HBO original series “The Wire,” is as much a literary make me apprecigenius as Fitzgerald. Simon spent 13 years as a police reporter ate the writers’ for the Baltimore Sun newspaper and adapted his experiences to literary acumen. the screen. As a result, “The Wire” realistically covers a broad I also hear that classics are excellent because they provide spectrum of Baltimore’s institutions and citizens, and each of readers a snapshot into history and culture. Similarly, “The the five seasons covers an aggregate of topics examined in the Wire” exploits Baltimore’s crime-ridden, decrepit neighborprevious seasons. hoods as backdrops for gruesome murders, drug deals and “The Wire” demonstrates all the tenets of great fiction; the police raids. Narcissistic politicians, ruthless hitmen, troubled plots are intriguing, well-developed youths and restless journalists and intertwined. Critics have noted constitute a pallet of citizens that each hour-long episode is like that drive the inner workings of There is no reason why certain TV a tdeteriorating American city. a chapter in a massive, complex novel. Unlike perspective-limited series should not be held to the According to Simon, the show novels, the show can go in-depth in “really about the American same regard [as classic literature]... is terms of characterization and setcity and about how [the people] There is little difference between live together. It’s about how ting because these aspects are not left to viewer’s interpretation. institutions have an effect on reading a story and watching it.

“The Wire” employs a myriad individuals. Whether a cop, a of the same literary elements taught longshoreman, a drug dealer, a in English classesw. For example, politician, a judge or a lawyer, all Omar, an elusive bandit who robs are ultimately compromised and drug dealers, serves as a fresh, intriguing antihero. Drug dealers must contend with whatever institution they are committed to.” often use chess to represent the drug trade, unwittingly Even the actors look natural. The cast is so realistic, in foreshadowing their fates. Members of drug organizafact, that retired detectives, mayors and bureaucrats, and tions have specific roles, just like chess even convicted criminals have roles. The fictional police pieces. The kingpins are work depicted in the show is so true to real procedures that shadowed by bodyguards and many real-life criminals watch the show to learn how to are often sheltered in stash avoid police tactics like wiretaps, undercover surveillance houses. Middle-level lieutenand financial audits. ants often move diagonally Finally, “The Wire” changes viewers’ perspectives, just and horizontally like classic literature. Stringer Bell, a highly cerebral and on the streets to Machiavellian drug kingpin who tries to escape “the game” seize new corners. and become a legitimate entrepreneur, paid the ultimate Finally, streetprice for his past, teaching the value of consistency in level dealers who demeanor and behavior. D’Angelo Barksdale, an ambitious serve on the front crew chief, displayed veiled altruism despite a combative lines serve as pawns in facade, epitomizing an essentially decent individual who is the drug war and many of destroyed by the amorality and corruption in his instituthem are killed by the middle tion. The show is fiction, but it is also the prime example of the season. When the police finally of literary verisimilitude of television. “The Wire” has art by MATT HOOPER gather enough evidence to obtain search proven to me that well-written television can be as effecwarrants and subpoenas, criminals are in tive a storytelling medium as well-written books. • - news editor

F

January Corrections • p. 9: Senior Mukund Subramanian’s name was misspelled • p. 18: Senior Chase Ridenour is not a wrestling team captain • p. 19: Freshman Arron Chen’s name was misspelled • K.I.S.S. Week Dance was canceled • Panorama wishes to clarify its intent on artwork that appeared on p. 4 in the November edition. Our intent was to support our teachers and call attention to the incivility of the behavior of the anonymous Twitter account holder, Ladue Problems.

We regret if the art was misconstrued.

art by HANNAH CROPF

Black Mystery Month

C

adet teaching at Reed Elementary, I hear a lot of zany things. Usually they’re harmless and innocent, a mispronounced word or silly question. (I got asked if I was a football player once.) But sometimes, their uncensored mouths come with a cringe factor.

Most recently, I overheard a child in the next room ask, “Why is it always Black History Month? How come there’s no White History Month?”

Now, I know with innocence comes ignorance. I get it. wwWhat bothers me about this scenario is its commonality. It’s easy to blame youthful ignorance here, but the question has come up hundreds of time before. Countless adults have challenged the institution of Black History Month, somehow threatened by the prospect of a diverse history curriculum.

Others have attacked it for not being diverse enough.

This summer, I saw the documentary, “More Than A Month.” In the film, director Shukree Tilghman investigates the question, “Is Black History Month necessary?” Through interviews, petitions, and intensive research, he comes to the conclusion that Black History Month is commendable for enabling greater African American representation in the classroom, but fails to address the root of the problem: America just doesn’t know about its black heritage.

Think about it. When you hear Black History Month, which names come to mind? Martin Luther King, certainly, and probably Rosa Parks. If you’ve really dug into your textbooks, perhaps you can recall others, like Harriet Tubman or Frederick Douglass. Well, congratulations. You know a sum total of four great black leaders.

Compare this to all the white faces that have appeared in curricula. You’ve got your Albert Einsteins, Thomas Edisons and Napoleons. No matter where you look, be it English or science class, you are crowded by Caucasians. When was the last time you saw a black man profiled in the Psychology textbook or AP Enviro videos? Ladue’s English department has done pretty well in assigning race-based literature like “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Light In August” and “Native Son,” but most authors that show up on the course expectations sheet are decidedly European. There’s African American Studies, but, as an optional, semester-long supplement, it’s little but a footnote in an academic career otherwise filled with white people.

In a recent Huffington Post article, Dion Rabouin explains that Black History Month was not created to extol the same handful of Civil Rights champions, but to show “being African was not something to be ashamed of, but instead should be a point of pride and exceptionalism.” It’s bad enough that dark-skinned pioneers are written out of history 337 days out of the year. If our education system really wants to honor the rich history of America’s largest racial minority, it would extend lesson plans beyond the same reiterations of MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Did you know that one of the earliest calendars discovered comes from Swaziland? Many of the greatest architectural triumphs in history can be found in Africa, from Egypt’s Great Pyramids to the intricately carved temples of Ethiopia.

Calculus, light bulbs, gas masks and traffic lights all owe their existence to black inventors. And, lest we forget, almost all modern music has African origins. America as we know it could not exist without the vibrancy of its black community.

We cannot afford to neglect the stories that have made modern life possible.

Why is there a Black History Month? The real question is, why isn’t it every month? • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

14

panorama

OPINIONS

February 22, 2013

Pivotal Legislation in the United States bipartisan support for new policies

Women in combat:

Military promotes equality hannahSCHWARTZ

- opinions writer

I

n an attempt to make his 18-month job as Defense Secretary historic, Leon E. Panetta announced Jan. 23 that the United States Military will lift its ban on women in combat. This initiative will promote equality in one of America’s most crucial fields and improve military effectiveness.

The decision has been supported by members of both parties, yet some people believe that giving women an equal opportunity to serve in combat forces will hinder the military’s success.

These individuals question a woman’s ability to carry a wounded soldier on her back and other tasks that require a great deal of strength. Assumptions of this nature fail to address the standard processes of the military.

Before deployment, and even admittance, to rigorous positions, military personnel of both genders must complete endurance and strength tests. To

serve the same military role, everyone must pass the same tests to determine their physical capability.

Allowing women to be eligible for these tests does not guarantee the acceptance of all females to combat positions any more than the previous rules allowed all men to participate in all military activities. The rules will not change; those who pass may serve in these positions, those who fail cannot. If a woman has the same physical capability to complete these tasks, she should be able to apply. Those who deny women the opportunity to participate in these exams are obviously operating in a misguided mindset.

Another group of opponents to this action acknowledge the ability of some females to complete these encumbering tasks, but attempt to use the small percentage as an excuse not to move forward with this new approach. They believe that because very few women have the ability to exhibit equal strength as men, none should be able to try. Why should the

Social Security cuts:

Washington talks program revisions nathanPERLMUTTER

- opinions writer

C

ompromise in Washington, D.C.? Impossible. Until the Senate began discussing Social Security reduction, it seemed Democrats and Republicans would never agree.

Due to the fiscal cliff agreement, President Obama is negotiating cuts to Social Security programs. Being the largest government expense, Social Security’s new direction is far from subtle. Yet the same liberals art by JULIANN BI who traditionally oppose such cuts have backed this particular measure,

small fraction of women who can pass Those who protest these new these endurance tests not be able to prorules also fail to recognize that this ceed because they are in the minority? action appears more groundbreakThis assertion is not only out of line, but ing than it actually is. The Pentagon completely illogical. isn’t changing the system as much as One member of the House Armed it is catching up with reality. Women Services Committee and former Marine in the armed forces have already argued against overturning experienced combat in Iraq and the 1994 rule, banning Afghanistan, despite the 1994 ban. women from artillery, In essence, nothing new is being armor, infantry and other added by lifting this restriction. positions in direct combat.

It simply legalizes a widely He claimed that having known occurrence. to “build different toilet Even if only a few women facilities every time you can pass the necessary tests, all move your outpost” women should have the oppormakes our military tunity to try. America should less effective in take the agreement of combat. HopefulDemocrats and Republy, as a former licans as a sign we Marine, this are moving in the representative right direction. cares more No matter what about our party we country’s idenwellbeing than overseas restroom arrangements. His focus tify with, on such a minor aspect of hopefully we can the situation further proves agree that a woman caart by ERIC ZHU that there is no logical argupable of passing the tests ment against this new initiative. should be able to serve her country. •

including Senate Majority Leader, Nancy Pelosi. If the same politicians that usually argue for a liberal agenda support this change, surely both parties cannot be wrong.

Initially, one would assume cutting Social Security expenses would weaken the program. In the long term, however, the program will strengthen as it becomes able to provide for more people because money can be dispersed over a longer period of time.

Currently, Social Security is adjusted every year based on the Cost of Living analysis. Cost-of-living covers the cost of maintaining a decent lifestyle with gas, groceries and other basic utilities. The beneficiaries, American citizens older than 65, receive 100 percent of the Cost of Living Adjustment. The novelty of this calculation is that it includes other aspects of inflation. President Obama proposes to lower the impact the COLA has on recipient’s earnings.

With this new rule in place, Social Security spending would gain consistency. While cuts to Social Security won’t completely alleviate governmental financial stress, it is a step is the right direction.

Since its creation in 1935, Social Security has not changed the age at which someone starts receiving benefits. In 1935, the average life expectancy in the United States was 62. Now, almost 80 years later, that number has risen to 77. With people living longer, and consequently receiving more money from Social Security, the program is running dry.

If the age requirement were modernized to fit life today, less money would be spent arbitrarily.

Even a minor cut to Social Security seems obligatory. These cuts will not only help mitigate debt, but ensure Social Security benefits for all citizens in the future. •

panorama

February 22, 2013

SPORTS

15

A season to remember Boys’ basketball gives students all the right reasons to come out and support the team haydenHUNT

- sports writer

S

ilence fills the gym. But this won’t last long, because when the boys’ basketball team has a game, the cheering is so loud that the building rocks.

The basketball team this season has a record of 20-4, ranked fifth best in Missouri. Many different people have contributed to the success of this team.

“We have a combination of the best two big men in Missouri,” junior Cornell Johnston said.

Ladue’s forwards, senior Austin DaGue and junior Andrew Maddock, have combined for 36 percent of the team’s points this season. With DaGue standing at 6 feet 9 inches and Maddock at 6 feet 7 inches, they are a duo that other teams dread matching up against. However, on top of the team’s impressive forwards are equally as impressive guards.

“We have a lot of good guards,” head coach Chad Anderson said.

“Our depth has really been a strength of ours this season.”

The guards handle the ball and dish off passes to other players for them to score. Johnston, one of the starting guards, has learned how to share the ball. Averaging 8.5 assists per game, Johnston ranks third in all of St. Louis.

The boys have gotten to know each other very well this season, leading to many unselfish plays. Of Anderson’s five years of coaching experience, he believes that the chemistry of this team is special.

“I think our coaching staff has done a great job of pulling the kids together, and we’ve really just bonded on the court as a team,” Maddock said.

Previous seasons have ended early in the playoffs, often due to injuries. Many teams have tried to bring Ladue home a championship, but the fans agree if any team could do it, this would be the year.

“What makes us different is in the past [years], it was all individual.

But we play as a team,” Johnston said.

Off-season training has also helped the players. Most of the boys play in year-round leagues, along with workouts as a team and playing together so that they can get familiar.

Sometimes, the varsity coaches will bring up a younger player if they think he is ready to try his hand at the varsity level. This year, Mark Rogers debuted Jan. 16 after coaches decided he was ready.

“I just wanted to get [Rogers] a feel for what varsity basketball is like,” Anderson said. “I thought that it would be a good time since we’re towards the latter part of the season to give him some minutes.”

Along with the five men on the court, the so-called sixth man has done his part during games. This season’s fans have been some of the loudest and most creative in many years.

Blue Crew, run by senior Maria Vetter and junior Eric Stuber, has pushed fans this season to support the team through social media outlets, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Scores, schedules, players and teams of the week are posted, according to Stuber.

Blue Crew also posts information about all the different theme nights planned. They encourage fans to show up dressed in clothes that coordinate with the theme for that game, and have even asked for ideas from the student body.

“Every game [the players] are looking forward to seeing what the fan base is going to be like,” Anderson said.

Themes have ranged from “White Out” to camouflage.

On “Neon Night,” the players joined fans by

lacing their shoes up with neon green laces.

“We have truly created and presented ourselves as the sixth man out there on the court,” Stuber said. “We are the extra push and energy for our players.”

This push was especially important during the Christian Brothers College High School tournament championship. The game, which

HANG TIME • (above) In the highly contested game against Clayton Feb. 15, senior Austin DaGue hangs onto the basket after he dunks the ball. The momentous night accumulated into a 73-43 win for Ladue. (photo by Magda Lijowska) (left) Spirtas, caught in action, dribbles the ball down the court. Spirtas was the hero of the game against the Christian Brothers College High School, Jan. 11, throwing the winning shot in the last few seconds of the game. (photo by Danielle Thompson) took place at CBC Jan. 11, was a matchup against the then No. 2 basketball team in St. Louis.

As the assumed underdog, Ladue was thought to lose by as many as 30 points. The fans turned up though, clad in camouflage, with signs and cutouts of the players’ heads, outnumbering the CBC fans.

The game came down to the final seconds, in which sophomore Jeremy Loftin scored a three-pointer, and junior Connor Spirtas took a charge under the basket with barely 12 seconds left on the clock in the game.

In the end, Ladue came away with a score of 60-58. The fans stormed the court in celebration.

While the student fans were overjoyed with the exciting win, the coaches and players were equally proud of themselves for stepping up and beating one of the best teams in the state.

“All of the guys were ready to take the challenge,” Johnston said.

The Clayton game presented yet another challenge to the team, which took place Feb. 15. The game was also the Coaches vs. Cancer game,

with the proceeds benefiting cancer research. This game was important to players not just because of the rivalry, but also because of the cause for which they supported.

“When you play for something that affects so many people, it gives the game more meaning than normal,” Maddock said. “It gives you motivation to play harder.”

Fans wore pink attire to support the cause, and STUCO raised over 2,500 dollars to benefit cancer research and victims. The game ended with a triumphant win to Ladue, with a score of 73-43.

Ladue will have its final game and senior night at home against Parkway West Feb. 22. The team will then head to the playoffs. Players and coaches think they could go all the way to state.

“We are the number one seed in the district, and if we’re going to win state, this is the year to do it,” junior Nick Nash said. “Our bench is unstoppable.”

So, the team will continue to work hard and play its best in hopes of first winning districts. But whatever the ending, the story of this season will continue to awe players and fans alike. •

JOIN THE CLUB • At the game against Affton Feb. 8, junior Eric Stuber celebrates junior

Cornell Johnston’s 1000th point of his high school basketball career. Johnston’s milestone earned him Blue Crew player of the week. (photo by Danielle Thompson)

16

panorama

SPORTS

February 22, 2013

The power-putt girl

Sophomore Katharine Ross tries out for golf team sarahJACOB

- sports writer

(photo by Elyse Mack)

March into Madness chloeAN

- sports editor

A

merican sport phenomenons are a peculiar thing.

Take the Super Bowl, for example: the perfect excuse to eat snacks with friends and debate how well companies used animals to catch consumers’ attention. People who don’t even like football, or enjoy watching it, participate just to be a part of the experience. But March Madness, the fever that rules the nation starting around mid-February until early April, is truly something different altogether.

March Madness is almost like a cult. A few years ago, I was an outsider to the craze. I remember standing outside the school over spring break at track practice and listening with awe to the upperclassmen raving about the highlights of the game from the night before. I didn’t understand how these kids could become so obsessed with a sports game or so upset over a simple sheet of paper.

To me, the phenomenon of filling out a bracket seemed alsolutely crazy. After all, the chances of picking a perfect bracket are 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 1.

That’s NINE QUINTILLION to one. To put this into persceptive, I am nearly nine million times more likely to be struck by lightning in my life... twice. Yet these crazed fans continue to faithfully fill those sheets out in hopes that on the slight chance they get lucky and they earn the right to brag to their friends about how good they are at predicting the upsets of the series.

But as soon as I turned the TV to CBS, I was captivated. It was virtually impossible to turn away from the fast-paced action. The suspense of last-minute buzzerbeaters and the potential of the underdog to create a huge upset at the last minute fascinated me. After that day, I could never go back. I finally understood the March Madness craze.

It’s not just about bragging rights. It’s not even simply about rooting for your hometown or college team.

It’s about being a part of an experience. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses; what matters are the buzzer beaters, the upsets, the Cinderella teams and the journey to the Final Four.

Maybe it’s my tendency to root for the underdog, the thrill of knowing you faced a challenge head-on, and beat it, too, against all odds. Like Ladue going into the Christian Brothers College High School game, there is something rewarding about knowing you rose to the top when others least expected it.

I still don’t fully understand the art of bracket-filling.

To be honest, I pick teams randomly, sprinkling in some wins for the underdog on the off chance I happen to be right. But I do it anyway, just to be a part of the experience. I am not fully an insider, but I can proudly say I am no longer on the outside either.

So here’s to the true March Madness fans – to the kids who spend weeks carefully filling out their brackets, to the committed college students who never stop believing in their team, and to underdogs, who stop at nothing to rise to the top. Let the madness begin. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

W

hen most people hear the word “golf,” the names Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer jump into their minds. There are not many individuals who immediately think about female players. Sophomore Katharine Ross is defying this stereotype by trying out for the boys golf team on Feb. 25.

“Golf doesn’t really have a gender,” Ross said. “I know if I work hard, maybe I [can] get on the team.”

Because there is no girls golf team at Ladue, Ross has decided to try out for the boys team. Girls are permitted to do this, and according to head coach Charles Harrison, some have made the team in the past.

“Golf has evolved into a wide open sport,” said Harrison. “I think it’s great that [Ross] is trying out, and I hope she makes the team.”

Over the past 12 seasons, two girls have made the team.

Both girls played on the JV team; not due to their gender but because their skills weren’t up to par. This is largely because when a girl plays on a boys golf team, she is subjected to the same rules as men.

“If a girl plays on the men’s team they have to play from the same tee boxes,” said Harrison. “They don’t get to play from the ladies’ tees, which are closer to the green.”

Average women typically play from a shorter distance because they can’t hit the ball as far as the average male. In order to compensate for this natural disadvantage, Ross has amped up her arm training.

“I thought as long as I practiced hard and lifted weights, I should eventually be able to hit further, because golf is kind of based on how hard you can drive,” Ross said.

Ross’ mother, who is also an avid golfer, first introduced her to the sport. She began golfing in sixth grade but only began consistently golfing this year.

IRON MAIDEN • Practicing her swing at Ruth Park,

sophomore Katharine Ross takes time out of her Sunday in order to practice golf. Ross hopes to improve her swing in order to prepare herself to hit from the men’s tee boxes, which are farther from the green. (photo by Sarah Kessel)

“I didn’t really start practicing much until this November because that’s when I decided that I wanted to focus on golf,” Ross said.

In order to increase her practicing hours, Ross decided not to audition for the musical. She said giving up an opportunity to perform was not easy.

Although she cannot participate in one thing she is very passionate about, Ross gained a new passion. Ross is happy with her decision to pursue golfing and is very dedicated to the sport.

“I don’t always get out on the course because of the weather… [but] I practice whenever I get the chance. Sometimes I practice in my garage– we had it ventilated so that I can practice and swing in there,” Ross said.

Her garage practice area is evidence of Ross’s commitment to the sport. Ross believes that dedication and persistence are the most important qualities in a golfer.

“It looks easy hitting a ball and getting it into a hole, but it is very hard; there are so many things that can go wrong,” Ross said. “It takes a lot of practice and you can’t give up.”

“

There isn’t a women’s team here, and if she’s good enough and makes it, she should be able to play...I think at first it’d be different, but I think the team will welcome her and be fine with her joining.

-senior Chase Lambie

Ross hopes that her dedication and hard practice will pay off and land her a spot on the team. Even if she doesn’t make the team this year, Ross still plans to continue golfing throughout the year and into the future.

“I love the game a lot and won’t be discouraged if I don’t make the team,” Ross said. “Hopefully I’ll improve my game and maybe make it next year.”

If Ross doesn’t make the team, next year she will once again be trying out for the boys team. Although it would provide more spots for potential female golfers, forming a girls golf team may not be easy.

“A girls team is a great idea, but I don’t know if there are enough girls to play,” Harrison said. “The girls season is in the fall when field hockey, tennis, volleyball and cross county are going on.”

Another possibility for not having a girls team is because the girls who do want to play haven’t stepped forward to express their interest in the sport; thus girls who do, join the boys team.

Although the prospect of joining a team of the opposite sex may seem daunting to most people, Ross is very excited.

“I’m very excited about golf. I love it and I’m very interested in being on the team because I’ve never been on a team before,” Ross said.

Ross hopes that people will support her decision. Although she believes that her coach will, Ross thinks that her potential teammates may embrace her with mixed feelings.

“I know some of them will probably be like ‘why is there a girl on the team?’” Ross said. “But I’m sure some of them will be supportive.”

Senior Chase Lambie, who played golf for the team last year, believes that Ross should be given the chance to play. Not only will he accept Ross, but he thinks his teammates will too.

“I think it’s fine. There isn’t a women’s team here, and if she’s good enough and makes it, she should be able to play...I think at first it’d be different, but I think the team will welcome her and be fine with her joining.”

Although being on the boys team may be slightly strange at first, Ross believes that playing on a team will make her a better player. She hopes she can transfer these teamwork skills into future play.

“I’m hoping that I get better as I begin playing consistently on a team, and that will hopefully build my golf skills because one day I hope to be very good so I can play throughout college and when I get older.” •

panorama

February 22, 2013

“We prepared hard-core for nationals with weekday and even Saturday practices,” junior co-captain Vivian Phung said. “We learn the dance in mid-summer and go all the way to competition season until we perform it for the judges.”

The girls learn multiple dances throughout the school year. Though their practices might be exhausting, the girls are thrilled to be a part of “It’s nerve wracking knowing the team. that there are thousands of people “When I first joined the team I jasonKAPLAN watching you, but once you get on was scared because I wasn’t sure if - features editor stage your nerves fade as adrenaline I would fit in, but it turned out that he Laduettes Dance Team takes over,” junior Rachel Taryle everyone is nice and we have so closed the competitive side of said. “It’s the most fun experience much fun together,” junior Sydney its season with a double first ever.”

Dielmann said. place finish in both the hip Senior co-captain hop and poms catergories It’s nerve wracking knowing that Meredith Schehl and senior at the St. Charles Classic there are thousands of people captain Brooke Hymann are Competition, Jan. 26, along equally as vital to the team watching you, but once you get as the 15 other girls who with a double semi-finals finish in the same categories on stage your nerves fade and dance with them. As a unit, during the National Dance the Laduettes managed to adrenaline takes over.

Team Championship at rank higher in many compe-junior Rachel Taryle titions than ever before.

Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Feb. 2.

“As captains, we start “I am really proud of the way we The girls begin to prepare for off practice everyday and lead performed because we did our best,” nationals in the summer. Their first stretches across the floor,” Schehl junior Haley Bussard said. place ranking at the 2012 Universal said. “We make sure everyone looks Over the course of the Nationals Dance Association Dance Camp the same while we dance and we weekend, the girls danced for a team secured their bid to the competition, help organize fundraising events of judges four times and rehearsed and they practice daily throughout along with games and practices.” every moment in between. They had the fall semester to tweak the dance.

Overall, the season will go some free time to enjoy the parks at In addition, they perform at all home down as a success, according to Disney, but focused mainly on the football and basketball games, incoach Julie Fields. Fields and coach sole purpose of their trip: taking the cluding the Homecoming and KISS Alexandra Whaley-Guenther have stage by storm.

Week pep rallies. been coaching the Laduettes together

Laduettes take the stage at national competition:

Waltz Disney T

“

Hockey

bramLEVY

- sports writer

ICE TRY • Skating towards the puck, junior Colton Schalk moves towards the goal during a game against John Burroughs. (photo by Jessica Puyo)

A

s hockey season comes to an end, the Rams doubled their win total from the last, going 8-10-3. A core of senior leadership and a bevy of young scorers contributed to the successful season, led in points by senior forward Charlie Jonas, who racked up 43 goals this season.

“It was a great career,” Jonas said. “I thought that it was really special how my 100th [cumulative] point and my first varsity goal took place in the same rink.”

The squad still managed to achieve its goal of reaching the Wickenheiser Cup, one of the more prestigious tournaments in Missouri. However, the team suffered a tragic loss against Webster to close out the season.

“Making the Wick was a great accomplishment, and even though we underperformed, we were still the first team in Ladue history to make it there,” junior Craig Emert said.

“It’s something that we’ll always be proud of.”

While they lose experience with the exodus of seniors, the Rams make it up for it with young players who matched up minutes. Freshman forward Cameron Wolf and sophomore goalie Eliott Chevitz are both important players who look to emerge as team leaders next year.

“I had a lot of growing up to do this year, and hopefully my experience that was gained will propel me towards a strong future,” Chevitz said. •

Swimming

since 2007, and have managed to build a group of girls that is both extremely talented and determined, as their multiple trophies reflect.

“The girls worked harder this year than they ever have,” Fields said. “We had a lot of weird things happen as far as injuries and illness, but they pulled together as a team and as sisters. They had each others’ backs the whole time, and to make it to semi-finals at Nationals in both poms and hip hop, along with placing first at St. Charles for the first time, was a huge accomplishment.”

The girls now turn their attention toward the future as new members will try-out and join the squad this spring. Next year, they hope to per-

17

fect new tricks and place even higher across all competitions.

“I think our energy and stamina will be up and our dances will be cleaner next year,” junior Shir Barzilay said. “I hope we will have lots of tricks and the same motivation.”

Now that their season is over, the girls will participate in more fun events, such as choreographing the Mr. Ladue dance routine. They will also host many car washes this summer and attend camp again in July.

“Everything we do together is so much fun,” sophomore Jordan Kaplan said. “Performing on the Nationals stage was an experience I’ll never forget, and I already want to go back. •

SPLIT DECISION • Freshman Sabrina Medler, junior Haley Bussard and sophomore Phoebe Carlson perform a routine during the St. Charles Classic Competition Jan. 26. (photo courtesy of Haley Bussard)

edanGOLDFARB

- sports writer

FLY AWAY • Swimming butterfly in the girls confer-

ence meet held at Ladue Feb. 8, sophomore Christine Yan takes a breath. (photo by Emma Weller)

I

SPORTS

n many cases, sports take over an athlete’s life. In the case of girls swimming, the flexibility and sense of understanding in head coach Ted Waterson has led the girls to push themselves to their absolute best.

“Just off the top of my head, I would say that most people are swimming faster than they ever have in their life,” Waterson said.

At the beginning of the season, Waterson established a motto for the swim season: family first, school second, and swimming last. This has translated into a deep sense of trust in Waterson and an overall sense of ambition in the girls.

“I think a big factor of us qualifying for state this year is our dedication. We have morning practices three days during the school week and afternoon practice everyday,” sophomore Christine Yan said. “Without this commitment, I don’t think we would have improved as much as we have.”

The girls work to make every practice and meet count, swimming an average of five miles every day. The team amped up its practice in order to perform at state. Yan was the only swimmer sent to state, which was held at the St. Peters Rec-Plex Feb. 15-16.

“Right now, when you watch our practices or our meets, it is truly impressive,” Waterson said. “This team can swim circles around most people.” •

Wrestling

leviGREENBERG

- sports writer

PINTEREST • During a match against McCluer,

senior Jeff Orr pins down his opponent. Orr continued on to state competition Feb. 14. (photo by Jessica Puyo)

T

he wrestling squad closed out its 2013 season with a 43 match win streak, sending a total of nine wrestlers to state competition Feb. 14.

“This season was incredible,” senior Chase Ridenour said. “We came ready to dominate and were very successful in our tournaments. We all take wrestling very seriously.”

Though wrestling is an individual sport, the support system between each player is evident at every match. They cheer each other on, encouraging each other to perform.

“Varsity wrestling pulls the top athletes together to work as a team and beat every opponent,” junior Maffitt Rallo said. “I love every minute of it, and the intensity of the training really keeps us going.”

As for next season, the boys hope to keep the athleticism up, the competition level high and the success rate equally impressive. The team is sad to see the season come to a close, and it continues to reminisce on their success.

“This year’s varsity was some of the best wrestlers we’ve ever seen,” Ridenour said. “It was awesome to work with everyone this year and I will really miss it.”

The team also hopes to transfer the support Blue Crew brought to their final home meet. Fan support is often a rarity for the team, and the boys welcomed the encouragement.

“Now, it’s time to eat,” Ridenour said. •

18

ADS

panorama

February 23, 2013

February 23, 2013

panorama

ADS

19

Visit us online at

laduepanorama.com

SCAN TO VISIT WEBSITE

For instant updates follow us on TWITTER:

@LaduePanorama

ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY! YEARBOOKORDERCENTER.COM ORDER CODE: 8041 FEBRUARY PRICE - $73 MARCH PRICE - $78

20

COVER

panorama

Places that

February 22, 2013

POP in St. Louis

(photos and art by Elyse Mack and Warren Biest)