Ladue Panorama, August 2014, Volume 63, Issue 1

Ladue

Panorama

Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Road • St. Louis, MO 63124 • Volume 63 • Issue 1 • August 15, 2014 (Photo by Elyse Mack)

news (pg.2)

IPAD UPDATE

features (pg.3)

NEW TEACHERS

a&e (pg.4)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

opinions (pg.5)

VOLUNTOURISM

sports (pg.6)

LEBRON’S MOVE

in-depth (pg.7)

EXPECTATION VS REALITY

The Journey from Summer to School a timeline of the emotional roller coaster leading up to the first day

sarah jacob EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

he new school year is upon us. It signifies the commencement of another ten months of waking up too early and staying up too late. Although the transition from summer to school can be a challenge, students can take comfort in knowing that every student goes through this notso-pretty process. Here are seven emotions that many students experience before the first day. (Photos by Jeanne Wilkinson)

May 23

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PHASE 2: LIVIN’ LIFE

June 14

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PHASE 4: DENIAL

July 25

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August 13

PHASE 7: ACCEPTANCE

PHASE 6: DESPERATION

August 12, 11:59 p.m.

August 4

PHASE 1: TOTAL BLISS PHASE 3: GETTING AWAY PHASE 5: DEPRESSION

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sabrina medler

2 news

Panorama

August 15, 2014

Year of the iPad: New gadget moves into classrooms sasha rice NEWS EDITOR

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he district provided 32 gigabyte iPad minis with retina display to all high school students Aug. 11 and Aug. 12.

The iPad initiative is part of the district’s K-12 Limitless Learning program. According to a district website, the program aims to increase student engagement and motivation during class.

In order to ensure a smooth start with the devices, many of the high school’s staff began preparing for the transition to the iPads at the start of summer.

“I have been experimenting with different apps, familiarizing myself with iBooks Author and putting handouts into digital form,” social

studies teacher Jim Goldwasser said.

According to Goldwasser, students must master more than 50 topics to be successful in his AP Microeconomics class. In order to help students achieve this, Goldwasser has prepared a video and assessment for each topic.

Social studies teacher Eric Hahn has also been preparing for the change.

“I’ve given many teacher workshops over the summer,” Hahn said. “I was able to attend a phenomenal workshop by the author of ‘iPad in Education for Dummies.’”

At the workshops, Hahn realized that iPad usage in the classroom has become a popular topic among teachers worldwide. Many presenters at the workshops

discussed their experiences with using the technology both in and out of school.

“There were many teachers who shared how they give assignments, grade and produce almost everything on iPads,” Hahn said.

mary xiao w ART EDITOR

The new knowledge gained from Hahn’s experience at the workshops helped him when facing the challenge of incorporating the iPads into his own curriculum.

He plans on not only

Presidential Address: ethan shuchart NEWS EDITOR

Q: Is this your first year on the Parent Association?

A: I’ve been president of the PA for the last two years, so I’m not new at all to the high school. I also had an older child who graduated in 2007, so I’ve been around the high school for a while.

Q: Which accomplishments from last year are you most proud of ?

A: At the end of the year we funded a grant for keyboards for the new iPad minis, so that when you’re working on papers and such [the keyboards] will be there.

Q: What sort of change would you like to see this year?

A: A lot of students don’t even know that the PA is around, but we are there to assist.

We’ve had several opportunities for students

performing tests and evaluations with the iPads, but also slowly integrating the technological change into the classroom to create an easy shift for students.

“The access to various websites and tools on the iPad opens up tremendous possibilities for use,” Hahn said. “[For example], the Bubonic Plague has received recent forensic reviews, and there are some mind-blowing websites that students could visit to explore causation...”

Math teacher Renee Burton also made curriculum changes to include the iPads.

Burton said the math department intentionally chose new textbooks that are iPad compatible and that naturally include interactive applications.

“Students will not only be able to access their textbook on their iPads, but they will also be able to interact with its contents,” Burton said. “This can take the form of using mathematical tools, watching mathematical demonstrations, and watching examples being worked out via video presentations.”

Though the teachers have worked hard to prepare over the summer, they still have a lot to learn. Many of the teachers are excited for the switch, but the real challenge is figuring out how to help students benefit from the change.

“There is so much that is unknown at this point as to how iPads will play out at our school,” Hahn said. “[But] the unknown excites me.” v

A Q &A with Carolyn Jaeger, LHWHS Parent Association president

to come make a presentation to the PA and we’ve funded them or supported them.

I’d like to be able to push that out to other students and let them know that we are able to help.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being president of the PA? A: One of the best parts for me is that you get to meet a lot of the parents and work with the teachers and staff here at the school and because of the types of things we do we get to meet with the kids. I enjoy being out in the community and talking and having fun. I like to be part of being able to help support the community as a whole.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: It’s important to see that the PA is there and has been there for many years. We’re not a flashy group, but we like to support where we can. I hope that both staff and students see that availability. v

WOMAN IN CHARGE w Carolyn Jaeger aims to make this year a success and increase the presence of the PA. (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Jaeger)

Panorama

New teachers bring bright ideas, big smiles and positive attitudes ali gold

FEATURES EDITOR

julia biest

FEATURES EDITOR

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Favorite Colors: black and gold Favorite Foods: steak, chicken and fish Favorite Movie: “Lucy” “You learn most when you are enjoying yourself so I try to bring that type of energy into the classroom.”

Favorite Activity: do-it-yourself projects Favorite Color: blue Guilty Pleasure: watching “The Bachelor” “High school is an amazing rite of passage where you will create memories that you will have forever.”

FACS teacher

Ashley Schumann

Favorite Movie Genre: science fiction Favorite Hobby: running Fun Fact: attended high school in Japan “I came to Ladue because my kids have been going to Ladue, and I just saw how great of a school it [is].”

Science teacher

Mark Miller

Favorite Food: Oreos Favorite Band: Mumford and Sons Favorite Movie: “Remember the Titans” “I’m so excited to be teaching at Ladue! If you see me in the hallway, stop and say ‘hi’ or ‘bonjour!’”

French teacher

Bridget Milford

Social Studies teacher

Shante Lyons

Favorite Movie: “Bridesmaids” Nickname: Lowe-Dobb Favorite Pastime: taking her kids to the park “I had this innate ability to work [well] with people, and since elementary school I’ve wanted to teach people to draw.”

Fine arts teacher

Favorite Color: turquoise Favorite Country: Chile Favorite Food: Thai food “My favorite thing about teaching is being around students, and teaching the language and culture I’m most passionate about.”

Spanish teacher

Melshonda Lowe-Dobbins

Favorite Color: orange Favorite Activity: hanging out with family Favorite Movie: “The Breakfast Club” “This place is so high energy, every person I’ve met so far has been so about kids and wanting you guys to be the best you can be.”

Mary DeLia

his year seven new faculty members will join the Ladue family, bringing their own unique experiences and knowledge to the school.

In addition to the new teachers this year, Ladue will welcome a multitude of new resources and equipment.

This year brings iPad minis for each student, nine new sets of classroom desks and 30 new teacher desks. Ladue will pass down the old desks to Lafayette Preparatory Academy located in downtown St. Louis.

The school also had many classrooms repainted and the front office re-carpeted.

With all of the new additions to the building and the staff, it seems that Ladue is ready to jump into this school year. (Photos

by Julia Biest and Ali Gold) v

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Assistant principal

Hi, it’s nice to meet you...

features

Beth Rapoff

August 15, 2014

4 arts and entertainment

Panorama

Lana Del Rey’s album offers a unique sound janey sheth A&E EDITOR

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ith her sultry sound and ethereal voice, Lana Del Rey may be one of the most unique female artists right now. Her latest album, “Ultraviolence” does not disappoint; Del Rey successfully combines violence, sadness and heartbreak in her lyrics with a rock ‘n’ roll jazz sound from the help of The Black Keys lead singer Dan Auerbach.

After being called untalented and an anti-feminist back in 2011, Del Rey contemplated ending her career after the release of her second album, “Born to Die.” However, she had a change of heart and has come back with stellar vocals that take listeners places “Born to Die” never did.

In the title track, “Ultraviolence,” Del Rey stays true to her sad sound. While the piano and strings set a sad tone, her lyrics– “He hit me and it felt like a kiss,”– blatantly express the seriousness of the situation. Del Rey’s melancholy words take listeners on a

journey through failed relationships, incorrigible mistakes and her so called “American Dreams.” These lyrics may excite her feminist critics; however, Del Rey is simply expressing her feelings and giving a voice to women who have been in distressing situations. Unlike mainstream pop artists like Katy Perry or Lady Gaga, who preach a glorified approach to life, Del Ray sheds light on the harsh realities in which many women live. Del Rey is not afraid to speak her mind.

This type of sincerity is evident and carries through the entire album.

“Old Money” is another moving track.

audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

August 15, 2014

“Ultraviolence” flaunts artist’s vocal abilities

The song employs strings during the second verse and echoes the style of Del Rey’s song “Young and Beautiful”– a song originally written for the movie “The Great Gatsby,” They both share an identical message of materialistic desires and wealth over honest emotional connections.

Perhaps the track with the most powerful meaning to Del Rey is “Brooklyn Baby,” in which she shrugs off her past rejections from record labels and sticks to her Brooklyn roots. Although it may seem like this song dwells on the old days in Brooklyn, with all her old time references, it also shows the confusing Brooklyn of today. The guitar, drums and strings on this track make for an addicting sound. This is perhaps one of the more powerful and joyous songs on the album.

Other songs to hear include “Money Power Glory,” “West Coast” and “Shades of Cool.” Del Rey’s combination of tender sincerity, unique sound and candid lyrics make her an artist like no other and leaves listeners wondering why there aren’t more artists like her. v

“The Fault in Our Stars” fails to score

Story loses emotion and purpose in on-screen translation aaron greenberg A&E EDITOR

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ecently released as a movie, John Green’s book, “The Fault in Our Stars,” jerked tears and wrenched hearts all over America. The big-screen incarnation, however, desperately lacked emotion and changed Green’s purpose entirely.

“The Fault in Our Stars” is about two brilliant-minded teenage cancer veterans who fall in love with each other’s intellect and meditations

about their world. At the start of the book, the kids’ cancer diagnoses were already in the distant past. Green used this as a way to separate the kids from their cancers and to keep it from becoming another “dumb cancer book,” as he stated in the book.

His book was meant to be a story about kids who happened to have cancer, not cancer kids.

The movie did exactly what Green didn’t want to happen to the book. It seemed like just another dumb cancer movie. People loved the novel for its

endless prose, but that difference between adaptations is when the charwas omitted on screen.

This deletion altered a acters get ready to leave for Amsterdam. The vital component of the story. The movie’s writbook showed Hazel and ers may as well her mother witnessing a snippet of have thrown Green’s a fight between Augustus and entire purpose his mother at out the Augustus’ house. window.

In the movie, he arrives at HaDespite the abanzel’s residence in a limousine. donment of Green’s Although grand mary xiao w ART EDITOR mission, the gestures are normal for Augustus, this one extent to which is not accurate. Meanthe plot remained while, Hazel’s dad, a unchanged impresses tearful mess in the book, audiences. One major

remained stoic and cold throughout the movie.

Every sentence in the book makes the reader feel something real. However, the movie missed this ability entirely. The emotional contrast was so little that the film remained bland throughout. I cried when I read it, but I didn’t when I saw it.

The book was fantastic, but the movie was average. To someone who hasn’t read the book, the movie is brilliant, but to a person who has read the book, it doesn’t live up to expectations. v

Panorama

August 15, 2014

opinions

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service abroad do Volunteer or Voluntear: Does more good than bad? keona kalu OPINIONS EDITOR

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oluntourism, traveling to other countries to volunteer, is becoming increasingly popular with high school students; however, critics are calling for the end of the practice claiming that it poses more harm to locals than good. While some may argue voluntourism is just an excuse for privileged students to justify a vacation, the opportunity benefits both the native community and the volunteers by providing much needed work and giving volunteers the chance to experience new things.

In certain situations, such as natural disaster relief, volunteers com-

benjamin collinger OPINIONS EDITOR

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articipants in international volunteer tourism perpetuate paternalistic attitudes and policies, prime themselves for targeted failure and disrupt local systems.

International voluntourists participate in projects for which they are unqualified.

Although they arrive in earnest, their efforts are counterproductive because they do not have the proper training to effectively complete their task and are often unfamiliar with cultural norms and the language.

A study conducted by the Human Sciences Re-

PRO plete some of the more menial jobs. This allows locals to focus more on the overall recovery of their society and frees up their time for higher level positions. Also, new volunteers are funneled into the project every few weeks, preventing fatigue and staggering diminishing marginal value of labor with fresh faces and renewed morale.

Although voluntourists only spend a few weeks abroad, they can benefit enormously from the experience. With international volunteering comes the opportunity to learn about another country’s

search Council of South Africa revealed that short term volunteer projects inflict more harm than good because voluntourism forces developing countries to use vital resources to train and educate foreigners, not locals. Consequently, locals are unequipped to complete the job, and volunteers swoop in and steal the opportunity.

Also, over-stretched institutions waste time looking after the visitors and upgrading their living facilities for them.

Institutions focus on accommodating the

In addition, voluntourism provides students an opportunity to interact with locals daily and develop relationships with the people who they help. They don’t view locals as inferior or with pity, but as friends.

Additionally, service abroad provides students with the chance to develop new, practical skill sets. A study mary xiao w ART EDITOR conducted by Nancy McGehee, Department Head and professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech University, says returning volunteers often report that they have gained skills

they would have difficulty acquiring through local volunteering or employment. McGehee believes that people who come back from these trips have improved “listening, cross-cultural and conflict resolution skills.”

Often these volunteer projects involve building schools, digging wells, or planting crops. These nontraditional jobs allow voluntourists to expand their horizons.

Voluntourism has been criticized by many because it appears that some volunteers may be motivated more by an exotic vacation than performing a kind act.

Even if this is true to an extent, at least voluntourism allows students to spend their breaks more productively than traditional vacations. v

visiting Westerner’s quest for saviordom.

Rafia Zakaria, a columnist for Dawn, a Pakistani English Language Newspaper, finds that unskilled volunteers are tricked into thinking that the transformation from poverty to sustainable living happens quickly– that the transformation occurred solely because of their work. This false hope leads to perpetually condescending and superficial relationships that transform the volunteer into a benevolent giver and the community

members into eternally grateful recipients.

If aid is to be conducted earnestly and effectively, it should be done by official aid organizations such as the United Nations, USAID, the Peace Corps or various NGOs which ensure expertise and efficiency.

By sending volunteers to do complicated tasks, we set them up for failure.

We must allow our role in international development to be determined by the expressed needs of developing countries– not our own interests.

Wanting to help is not enough. We must fully examine the consequences for those we seek to help. Otherwise, genuine voluntourism only make matters worse. v

culture. Sally Brown, founder and president of Ambassadors for Children, described voluntourism as a great chance for foreigners “to see real people, their lives, and their everyday living environment” as opposed to the commercial representations of local peoples portrayed on television shows and on the Internet.

CON voluntourists rather than housing for locals.

There are also intangible negative effects of voluntourism. It unnecessarily skews the paradigm of the relationship between the developed and developing world.

Voluntourism treats receiving communities as passive objects in the

6 sports

Panorama

August 15, 2014

Tell the world I’m coming home C Lebron James decides to return to Cleveland

NEW TEAMMATES w

Facing off in a game, ex-rivals Kyrie Irving and Lebron James are now teammates. (Photo courtesy of David Santiago, El Nuevo Herald, MCT)

Instead, the Spurs embarrassed Lebron and the Heat, avenging aaron bry their loss from the previous year SPORTS EDITOR with a commanding 4-1 victory.

Fresh off another finals loss, leveland sports fans have Lebron was left with a decision: suffered through years of try again with the Heat or join heartbreak. However, July a new team? Given his contract 11th Ohioans were finally given a status, analysts knew he could opt reason to rejoice: NBA superstar out and join another team or stay Lebron James announced his with the Miami Heat. return to his original team, the Was he going to go to New Cleveland Cavaliers.

York and join forces with Carmelo Only four years prior James Anthony and NBA mastermind decided, on an ESPN special aptly Phil Jackson? Or was he gonamed “The Decision,” to leave ing to go to Houston where he his home state and join the Miami could play with James Harden Heat with the hopes of winning and Dwight Howard? For weeks, multiple championships with Sportscenter turned into “Lebronfellow All-Stars Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. Although the Heat center” with analysts, former players and coaches giving their views won two championships with on where Lebron should go.

James, they were not quite as sucLebron finally announced his cessful as James envisioned when decision almost exactly one month he first joined the franchise. after losing to the Spurs in the fiIn James’ four years with nals. On his website, James posted Miami he reached the NBA a lengthy finals four essay times; I’m not promising a championannounchowever, ship. I know how hard that is to ing his they only decision won deliver. to return twice– – forward Lebron James to the once in Cavaliers.

2012 and In just four years, James’ matuagain in 2013. ration is more than evident. This Two championships in four time, James ditched the live on-air years is not shabby. But as James ESPN special and instead went said when he first joined the Heat, his goal was to win multiple cham- with a tasteful personal statement.

Instead of infamously promispionships. Consequently, James ing “not one, not two, not three and his “Big Three” were not [championships]” he said, “I’m satisfied with just two wins. not promising a championship. I This June the Miami Heat know how hard that is to deliver.” played the San Antonio Spurs While Lebron is in no way in the NBA finals. The Heat, perfect, he is taking a step in the which had won the championright direction. He did something ship in 2012 and 2013, had a rare many superstar athletes cannot do: opportunity to “Three-peat,” or admit a mistake and rectify it. v win three championships in a row.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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

• Aug. 15 - Boys Soccer @ John Burroughs • Aug. 22 - Girls Volleyball vs Pattonville • Aug. 30 - Boys Football vs Jennings

(Photo by Elyse Mack)

August 15, 2014

in-depth

Panorama

What you said you’d do this summer break A

hayden hunt IN-DEPTH EDITOR

(And what you ended up doing) Expectation: Take artsy pictures Reality: Filtered selfies

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alli loynd

IN-DEPTH EDITOR

s the clock ticks down to the end of school, students everywhere plan their summers and dream about what they will do with their abundance of free time; summer becomes a world full of infinite possibilities and adventures.

Once it does come, however, the story is a little different. People find that their vacation does not turn out as planned. The realities of summer tend to be completely different from what everyone expected. v

When summer started you made it your goal to post gorgeous pictures on Instagram that would rack up hundreds of likes. You had already planned out what filters you were going to use: Mayfair, Hefe and Valencia. Looking back though, you realize that most of the pictures you took were Snapchat selfies to send to friends or post on your story. v (Photos by John O’Nolan at flickr.com and Hayden Hunt)

Expectation: Go on adventures Reality: Netflix. Lots of Netflix.

Many people dream of a summer adventure traveling the world, hiking up the highest mountains or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. But when the time rolls around, all you want to do is watch hours upon hours of shows on Netflix. Your greatest struggle is trying to quit watching during your 14 seconds of freedom between episodes. v (Photos by Jabin Botsford at flickr.com and Alli Loynd)

Expectation: Run every day Reality: Five meals a day

This was going to be your summer to get in shape. You had all of your running routes chosen and you were excited to finally get that perfect swimsuit body. In reality though, running just sounded like a death sentence on those hot summer days. Instead, you chose to have a slice of pizza here, a chocolate muffin there, and eventually it got to the point where there was an extra meal between meals. v (Photos by Lannis Waters at flickr.com and Jeanne Wilkinson)

Expectation: Summer concerts Reality: Spotify for days

All the best bands and artists love to visit St. Louis over the summer. Whether you are at a coffee shop karaoke or sitting on a picnic blanket listening to high profile artists, music is a great way to spend your summer nights. But concerts can be expensive. And Spotify is free. So you end up just sitting alone jamming out to the best songs in the comfort of your own bedroom. v (Photos by Jonathon Powell at flickr.com and Jeanne Wilkinson)

mar yx

TOR

julia biest

sarah jacob

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“We did a lot of outdoor activities like hiking and biking. My favorite thing we did was when we rented a boat and went wakeboarding and tubing.”

FEATURES EDITOR

“I went on a hike at 4 a.m. down the Grand Canyon and watched the sunrise.

It was so quiet and beautiful, but the climb back up was brutal!”

aaron bry

SPORTS EDITOR

benjamin collinger

OPINIONS EDITOR

“I worked as a camp counselor at Camp Thunderbird.

I lead kids through a summer of backpacking and canoeing and helped them have a really memorable summer experience.”

ART EDITOR

audrey kocher “I helped care for American Burying Beetles for a couple months in the Insectarium at the St. Louis Zoo. Then, I went with the Insectarium keepers and other volunteers to southwesten Missouri to release the beetles in the Wah’ Kon-Tah Prairie.”

sydney ellis PHOTO EDITOR

“We went on a hiking trip with our closest friends, and it was the time of our lives. Reaching the top of Anchor Mountain was the highlight of the entire trip, and it was really rewarding. ”

ethan shuchart and aaron greenberg NEWS EDITOR AND A&E EDITOR

“My best friends and I went to Breckenridge. It was a blast. My favorite part was mountain biking really high in the mountains.”

l

A&E EDITOR

janey sheth “It was great to expose myself to a new culture and get an insight into the way others live. If I ever have the chance again, I will definitely go back!”

“On my trip I saw several mesmerizing viewpoints and got a firsthand look at what it’s like to live in a society with constant conflict.”

hayden hunt

IN-DEPTH EDITOR

“Shelter Island was a cool experience. I loved going crabbing, biking around the small town and just hanging out on the northeastern beach.”

NY alli loynd

“My family has a house in Indiana that’s being updated, and because we were feeling homesick, we decided to check it out before it was totally finished.

I was excited to go back because I hadn’t been there in over a year. ”

OPINIONS EDITOR

keona kalu

“Lake Placid has so much sports history, and even though it is a tiny town, it is one of the most beautiful and exciting places I have ever visited.”

SPORTS EDITOR

sam shevitz

NY

get to know this year’s staff with a small fact about their summer!

Where in the world did all the editors go?

jeanne wilkinson

PHOTO EDITOR

“I attended a program called Adventures of the Mind and tried my hand at a bunch of new things.

One day I got to make a prototype for an app, and even though it didn’t work as I planned, it was cool to try my hands at design and coding.”

jill proehl

ADVISOR

“I took a trip of a lifetime, cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska. Every day we ran a race in a port, including the world’s most difficult trail half marathon in Juneau.”

ali gold

CO

IN-DEPTH EDITOR

“I was in Munich during the World Cup, and the whole city seemed to be alive with national pride and overall excitement.

Total strangers were united by their love of soccer, and you could hear people chanting and cheering at all hours of the day.”

lizzy puyo

BUSINESS MANAGER

“My family goes to Lake Winnipesaukee very year, and it is always a blast!

We go tubing and waterskiing almost every day.”

mary xiao

l

NH

ART EDITOR

“I went to the Pre-College Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art to learn about art and design. I really loved how I was able to stay in the studio from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and just make art all day!”

sabrina medler

“I went to the Turks and Caicos Islands. One day I went on an eight hour snorkeling eco-tour where I saw a turtle, a couple of sting rays and two reef sharks.”

NEWS EDITOR

sasha rice

“I went to over 20 cities including Rome, Venice, Florence and Positano.

I visited the colosseum in Rome, rode on a gondola in Venice and hiked through five cities in Cinque Terra. I had so much fun, but I might have had a bit too much pizza!”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ITALY

MO

MD

Caribbean

MN ISRAEL

IN

GERMANY

CO

CO AZ FEATURES EDITOR

HI

“I spent a week in Hawaii.

I attended a luau, learned how to make a lei, took hula dancing lessons and visited Pearl Harbor.”

FRANCE

EDI ART w

iao

CA AK

August 15, 2014

Panorama

8 cover