Ladue Panorama April 2014, Volume 62, Issue 9

panorama Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Road • St. Louis, MO 63124 • Volume 62 • Issue 9 • April 7, 2014

(Photo by Elyse Mack)

«

benefit concert [pg. 9]

A&E

Nivas Cafe [pg. 15]

«

FEATURES

PHOTO

fashion show [pg. 16]

«

«

school renovations [pg. 2]

OPINIONS

student iPads [pg. 20]

«

NEWS

SPORTS

spring preview [pg. 22]

«

The Breakfast Club

story on page 12

(Photo by Elyse Mack)

2

panorama

NEWS

LOWDOWN Speech and Debate Juniors Benjamin Collinger and Miriam Hauptman and sophomore Hanlu Jin qualified for the National Forensics League National Tournament from June 15-20 in Overland Park, Kansas in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and Congressional Debate, respectively.

State Choir Festival The Ladue Baritone Choir, Treble Choir and Chorale received one ratings, the highest rating given, at the State Choir Festival at Ritenour High School March 10.

Sponsors of School Publications Contest The Panorama staff received an Excellent rating in Overall Newspaper at the Sponsors of School Publications Contest at Webster University. Rambler staff received Honorable Mention in Overall Yearbook.

Individual awards went to seniors Chloe An and Emily Biest for a Superior in Newsmagazine Cover Design, junior Aaron Bry and senior Bram Levy for an Excellent in a sports article on alumnus Jehu Chesson and senior Ashley Turner with a Superior in a graphic illustration of “Breaking Bad.”

Dance Marathon Executive Committee Freshmen Julia Biest and Mackenzie Hines-Wilson, sophomores Natalie Fedder, Hannah Frankel, Lucy Jonas, Alaina Muchnik, and Madeline Spiritas, and juniors Emma Barg, Sarah Beckmann, Natalie Callahan, Olivia Grimm, Sarah Kessel, Jack May, Jane Nelson Rachel Pearl and Jeanne Wilkinson were all named as members of the 20142015 Executive Committee of Dance Marathon.

April 7, 2014

Under construction

Mackey Mitchell Architects hired to conduct feasibility study in preparation for May building renovations Brock added that the science labs are also outdated, as students are unable to perform many he Ladue Board of Education chose of the lab functions Mackey Mitchell Architects to conduct a feasibility study about possible renovations incorporated into modern curriculum. of the high school to be presented in May. Principal Brad The study will help the district determine the loGriffith also recoggistics and financial implications of renovating the nizes that the science current high school facilities. The final report of the classrooms are a study will be presented to the Board of Education critical area in need April 28. However, no further timelines or commitof improvement. He tments have been established regarding renovation believes students following the results of the study. need better equip“The selection of Mackey Mitchell comes as a ment and more lab result of the district issuing a formal Request for space in the science Qualifications for this work, analyzing the inforclassrooms to work mation provided, interviewing three of the six at full capacity. responding companies and negotiating terms with However, to the company ultimately selected,” Jason Buckner, understand the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, perspective of the said.

While no decision has been made yet confirming students themselves, Mackey Mitchell the actual renovation of the high school, Buckner said that the board will review the information from wanted to meet with high schoolers in the feasibility study and determine its next steps order to discuss their views on the current layout of after Mackey Mitchell’s presentation. the facilities. Griffith sent out an email inviting 20 “This study is being done as part of the disstudents to attend a student advisory group meeting trict’s initiative to update its Strategic Plan, which March 4. includes the development of long-term plans for “The overall intent was to figure out what it is educational programming and facilities,” Buckner that students, administrators, teachers and parents said. see as areas in need of improvement,” Griffith said.

According to the Ladue Schools website, the In the meeting, employees from the firm asked Ladue Schools Strategic Plan was created in 2009, students various kinds of questions. A big topic of with goals to provide a means for maintaining the district’s priorities and objectives over the long term discussion involved the students’ likes and dislikes of the school. and to create accountability by defining specific “We talked about the places we like to hang measures and timelines of success. out in and the places we don’t necessarily like to “The district’s [plan] reflects renovation of the and our reasons why,” senior Hope Williams said. high school to be the most pressing facility im“They asked us which parts of school we liked best, provement need of the district,” Buckner said. which were the worst parts and which parts were One part of the Strategic Plan involves looking just okay.” specifically at the facilities of the high school and The representatives from the firm also had the analyzing how the current facilities will meet the students make a wish list of their top three wishes instructional needs for the students in the upcoming for the school. Junior Malcolm Davis said that the years. According to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Laura Brock, the major- diversity of students present at the meeting helped the firm to obtain a variety of feedback about the ity of the high school’s current classrooms are set future of the school. up for individual traditional desks with little extra “For me, personally, I would like to see the space in order to have productive collaboration athletic facilities be improved,” Davis said. “Our between students. school population will continue to grow, and if we “To successfully prepare for today’s postdon’t change our facilities, secondary they will become overcrowdeducation and careers, Let’s look at the celebration of ed and unsafe, and it will longer be productive for students need our students and celebrate that. no students.” to learn and The renovations are a way to build Williams also had similar be able to demonstrate that idea of pride and community hopes for the school. She said she discussed how she critical thinkthat we so clearly have. wanted a turf field because ing utilizing - Principal Brad Griffith she believes that every sport, the tools as well as P.E. classes, would they will be asked to use and in environments similar to those in benefit from the additional availability of the field in all types of weather. which they will be asked to perform,” Brock said.

However, the district’s focus is the main section “This means students need spaces conducive to colof the building. Director of Facilities Mike Noonan laborating with their teachers and fellow students, said that while the Performing Arts Center and and in small groups.” news writer

T

“

art by JULIANN BI

Ramming Center are much newer, other than the wings, the main section of the school has not been significantly renovated since it was originally built in the 1950s.

“The district has worked hard to keep [the campus] attractive and in good repair,” Noonan said. “However, as most high school students and staff members will attest, the heating and cooling systems are inconsistent and not nearly as energy efficient as more modern systems.”

But for many of the students present at the meeting, their main wish for the school was not physically related to the building itself. Instead, they wished for more changes in the mentality of the students.

“My first response was for students to have more school spirit so that they would be more excited to be at school,” Williams said.

She added that a nicer entrance to the building might help enhance the school spirit by making the building more inviting for everyone. Williams also suggested redoing the bulletin boards at the main entrance of the school in order to showcase student accomplishments and upcoming events.

Griffith also hopes for there to be a “wow factor” when entering the school. He wants the renovations to create a building that will elicit pride from students and staff.

“I think when someone comes into the building and walks through our classrooms, it should be very clear that this place is the place that we all know it to be,” Griffith said.

Griffith wants visitors to see the achievements of the school’s students when they first enter the building, making the overall feel of the school more welcoming and bright. He sees the renovations as an opportunity to reflect the spirit of the students and faculty onto the building itself.

“Let’s look at the accomplishments of our students and celebrate that,” Griffith said. “The renovations are a way to build that idea of pride and community that we so clearly have.” «

panorama

April 7, 2014

NEWS

3

Venezuelan protests continue Protests against the government under Nicholas Maduro play out; citizens take to social media to spread awareness news writer

A

n outbreak of demonstrations in Venezuela have turned violent, destabilizing an increasingly insecure country.

Nationwide marches have been organized by political opposition and civil society to protest the government, criminal violence and economic downturn.

“The people are frustrated because of insecurity and corruption in the government,” Mercedes Gelman, native of Venezuela and Ladue parent said.

After skyrocketing inflation, popular discontent and an police crackdown, violent clashes between protesters, pro-government criminal gangs and police forces have worsened.

“From the perspective of the United States, it appears to be much more authoritarian and much less democratic as a process,” social studies teacher Eric Hahn said. “There is censorship, protests being squelched and freedom of speech is limited. But that’s not a fair comparison.”

The current situation has been completely transformed. The BBC reported that the violence has cost 36 lives, countless injuries and hundreds of arrests. A fully-involved populace has sustained protests since Feb. 12, Venezuela’s Youth Day. The capital, Caracas, has descended into chaos, with nearly all parts of society taking part in demonstrations.

“There have been many other protests and revolutions led by radical intellectual groups, but [in Venezuela] there are also other empowered elected officials that are starting to side with the students,” Hahn said. “Once that starts to emerge, there’s more chance of success at revolution.”

Venezuela does uphold democratic institutions, as President Nicolas Maduro won a close election against opposition leader Henrique Capriles last year. The hand-picked successor of Hugo Chavez, Maduro has attempted to revive Chavismo: nationalist sentiment cultivated and sustained by Chavez’s regime as a political party machine.

“The situation in Venezuela shows that the legacy of Chavez is in control of the country, while the government follows the

same ideology, and there are groups that disagree with that,” Spanish teacher Haydee Taylor-Arnold said.

Condemning opposition while shifting blame for conflict upon political foes, Maduro has presided over a country quickly plunging into social and economic turmoil. The New York Times reported that Maduro extended a special decree last October, allowing him to restructure nearly all aspects of the economy and rule without the hindrance of a legislature to check his power in order to combat rapid inflation, corruption and economic decline.

“When I went back, I felt that the country had gone back in time 50 years,” Gelman said. “It’s incredible.”

The government has widely expanded the scope of control over the flow of information. According to The Economist, Venezuela’s media is controlled by concentrated governmental interests in the public and private sector, while independent sources are pressured into abstaining from comment on the protests.

However, citizens are turning to social media as an alternative.

Despite the government’s attempt to block Twitter, protesters have continued to use social media as a tool.

“I grew up in the Noriega times [in Panama], seeing people fighting for their rights and trying to have their voices heard in a repressive time,” Taylor-Arnold said. “All of the parties need to talk to each other and reach an agreement in a conciliatory manner, that’s the mechanism that works.”

On the economic front, a decade of mismanagement in the oil sector has finally come to fruition. The state oil monopoly PDVSA is key source of revenue for the government, also accounting for 95 percent of exports. However, Venezuela has failed to take advantage of the world’s largest oil reserves, while The Economist reported that the declining revenue it does produce has been siphoned off by corruption or given to allies such as Cuba as subsidies. Supply of basic goods has shortened, with stagnant competition and rampant inflation has overrun the economy. From the perspective of the citizens, there are few basic goods available for sale because of declining imports and rising inflation.

“Nearly nothing is available anymore.” Gelman said.

Although President Maduro’s election was tainted by suspicion of corruption, the majority of local elections in December still supported Maduro. These were the first test of voter support

MADURO MADNESS • Protestors to the current

situtation Venezuela gather at Lindenwood University Feb. 22, forming an “SOS.” (Photo by Alli Loynd)

for the governing party since Maduro came to power, and because of the country’s worsening economy, the elections were viewed as a referendum on Maduro’s performance. The Brookings Institution reported that both Maduro and the opposition claimed victory, as the opposition won contested seats in cities, while the governing party was strong in small towns and rural areas. Still, widespread division and protests had yet to ensue.

“He sold them a revolutionary idea, but it wasn’t a reality,” Gelman said.

International support may be the only way out of the crisis.

Dialogue is needed to pressure the government and protesters to negotiate, reduce violence and revive the economy. President Maduro may be forced to change his policies, avoiding the use of executive decree. The Economist recently analyzed that the spiral is unlikely to end soon, and possibilities for international mediation are looking slim. The U.S. and Venezuela currently have zero diplomatic ties through ambassadors, both having expelled opposing dignitaries.

“We’re witnessing a diminishing role of any diplomatic solution,” Hahn said. “Maduro recognizes himself as the legitimate leader with sovereign rule, and doesn’t appear to want any outside influence to deal with internal affairs.” Hahn said.

Maduro remains skeptical of the U.S.’s intentions, using antiAmerican political rhetoric that is rapidly losing support. Whereas the late president Hugo Chavez could lead with charisma and poise of a military leader, Maduro has been unable to control his response to dissent despite a strong-arm governing approach.

“Given the history, the government doesn’t usually back down quickly,” Hahn said. «

WHAT IN THE WORLD? Boston, Mass.

Harvard University accepted 5.9 percent of applicants to the class of 2018. (Read about alternatives to college on pg. 18)

New York, New York The College Board announces the SAT will be changed to 1600 points and essay eliminated.

Tokyo, Japan The International Court of Justice ruled March 31 that Japan’s national whale hunt in the Anarctic was not for scientific purposes and ordered it to be cancelled.

Kuala Lampur, Malaysia Caracas, Venezuela Protests against the Venezuelan government continue and citizens take to social media to report about daily life. (Read more above)

The Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that went missing March 8 crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, according to the prime minister Najib Razak.

art by AUDREY KOCHER

4

NEWS

panorama

April 7, 2014

D L O G E H T E M O H big n i G w o t N e I p o h G s B R I N ear comes to an end, academic team A s t h e s ch o o l y DECA

D

ECA is wrapping up the year by sending four students to the international career conference in May. The tournament will be held in Atlanta, and Ladue will send senior Katie O’Brien, juniors Kyle McNeill and Arthur Derkach and sophomore Jackson Gould. Also, junior Brian Jiang qualified for the international career development conference in business finance.

In order to advance this far in the competition, students must first enter at the district level. Ladue sent 17 DECA representatives to the district career development conference in February.

“Any paid DECA member can attend districts,” O’Brien said. “This year was the first year we did not require all students enrolled in a DECA class to go to districts, so we had a voluntary turnout.”

After the competition, ten of the 17 Ladue representatives qualified for the Missouri state level. The competition was held at the Lake of the Ozarks over the first three days of spring break.

“Personally, I'm really proud of everyone who competed or helped out at districts; it's a lot of work for all who helped set up and run our booth, as well as everyone who took a test,” McNeill said. “To those of us who qualified and came runner-up, I'm sure I speak for the rest of our DECA classes when I say that I am incredibly impressed by the effort and dedication shown by everyone.” «

Mock Trial

T

he Mock Trial team qualified for state after trials against MICDS and Rockhurst.

Co-coach and social studies teacher Robert Snidman, who acts as attorney for the team, has been preparing the Mock Trial members since the first week of November for the regional and state rounds. The tournament required Ladue to face some of the best teams in the region.

“In the regional round, each school is allowed only one team,” Snidman said. “Also, we have to take one side of the case on Tuesday and then Thursday flip to arguing the other side of the case.

There’s very little time for turnaround between the two nights of the competition.”

The team’s co-captain and senior Emily Chu added additional practices this season to prepare. She believes this led to the team’s success. “[The additional practices have been] really nice because we can come up with arguments and have them ready by the next evening practice” Chu said. “Also, even though we’re running a three laywer team as opposed to the traditional four, our chemistry makes up for the lack of a fourth lawyer.”

The team’s main objective this season was to make it to the state tournament, which they achieved by earning the final slot in the regional competition. «

news writer

news writer

Quiz Bowl

T

he varsity Quizbowl team is undefeated this year, with a score of 70-0. The team is currently ranked seventh in the nation, but is hoping to raise its ranking after its national tournaments.

Last year, Ladue’s team won two national titles. This summer, it will be competing at two national competitions in Chicago and Reston,Va. “The bigger of the two features 256 teams from across the U.S., China, Canada and Singapore,” senior Ben Zhang said. “The other one has 96 teams.”

Missouri State High School Activities Association will hold the Quizbowl districts competition on April 12, where the team has the potential to qualify for state. Students are confident based on their previous performances.

“Ladue Quizbowl has won first prize at every single tournament it has attended,” junior Michael Prablek said. “[We have] also placed at least one, usually several, individuals as a top scorer in every tournament.”

Ladue is hoping to win the state championship. Ladue has won the championship four times in the past five years. Seniors Ben Zhang, Kisan Thakkar and Jialin Ding were also chosen to be on Team Missouri at the National All-Star Academic Tournament at Ohio State University in June.

“Things have gone well so far,” sponsor and German teacher Patrick Quinn said. “They are so internally motivated and work so hard.” «

Speech and Debate

L

adue’s speech and debate team competed in both the Missouri State High School Activities Association tournament and the National Forensics League districts tournament and had students qualify to both the state and national district tournaments. Debate students also compete in tournaments outside of qualifying competitions. Ladue attended Bradley University’s tournament in December.

“Ladue students performed very well at Bradley University's tournament,” junior Miriam Hauptmann said. “We also won the District Tournament Trophy Points Award at NFL districts.”

Comradery is a big part of the team’s success. To celebrate the end of the year, there will be a senior send-off and a team picnic in May. “I am proud to be a part of Ladue's team,” Hauptmann said. “My teammates are always supportive of each other and never cease to make me laugh. While waking up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday to perform doesn't sound like much fun, it's worth it.” «

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT• (Top right) Junior Michael Prablek prepares to buzz in his answer at Quizbowl practice. (Photo by Sydney Ellis) (Bottom left) Senior Katie O’Brien smiles big after placing at the state competition (Photo courtesy of Semhar Mekonnen) (Bottom right) Junior Miriam Hauptmann argues her point in speech and debate practice. (Photo by Chloe An) (Bottom left) Senior Emily Chu proves a point in Mock Trial practice. (Photo by Chloe An)

panorama

With the start of the 2014-15 school year, each student will be given a school-issued iPad mini news writer

T

he district discussed the role of technology in academics, including the proposal of giving each student an iPad mini, during the Strategic Plan Development meeting March 10 for the upcoming 2014-15 school year.

According to the meeting, the role of technology in what both students and teachers do every day fueled the actions of the district, along with the possibility of increasing collaboration and enhancing communication within and outside of school walls.

“The best part of iPads is their ability to help students organize,” social studies teacher Jeff Miller said. “If you have a situation where all of papers and assignments are either in the cloud, through Google or through a particular application that a teacher is using, it makes it much less likely that you are going to lose it.”

Students and teachers in the Excel program used iPads this past year. The iPads help to provide an organizational benefit to the students.

“It’s really easy to stay organized with an iPad rather than a bunch of binders and folders,” freshman Maria Wehrle said.

“With an iPad, I do everything on there so I can send it to one of my teachers right away instead of losing it.”

Students will receive iPad minis with retina display and a data capacity of 32 gigabytes. The large capacity will allow students to hold projects and textbooks on their iPad. This year in Excel, students have already started to use eTexts, or virtual textbooks, which are less expensive than traditional textbooks and can be updated annually with new information.

“They have their U.S. Studies book and their biology book on the iPad which is definitely one of the two or three benefits of having [iPads], so that your textbook is just always there,” Miller said.

Textbooks on the iPads are more interactive that the traditional textbooks, including videos and interactive vocabulary words as well as flashcards made automatically from vocabulary words and from specific notes a student can take while reading. According to the March 10 meeting, student engagement with the iPads is a critical aspect of education. “[iPads] enhance what I can add to assignments. I can hand you out an assignment in class on paper, or I can give you an assignment through an iPad that has voiceover instructions on it,” Miller said. “If you get lost later you can go back and listen to those and maybe that’ll be an additional help for you.”

Excel has tried both iPads and laptops in the past. A plan to have a repair and support system for the iPads in case of damages is underway. The goal with the system is to get the iPad minis back into the hands of students quickly, according to the Strategic Plan Development meeting.

“We have had students this year with iPads break several. We have probably had five to 10 breaks,” Miller said. “We have had students who had to go through multiple iPads and this creates problems when you have some of your class materials actually saved on the iPads.”

The teachers and students are learning how to secure school materials and projects through the cloud and other sources in case of damages or other variables. Teachers received their iPads in January and have since been through training to help them integrate the iPads into the classroom.

5

However, distractions in other apps could be a downside to having the iPad minis.

“Definitely games [distract students]. We have had to filter through what is and is not appropriate material and trying to figure that out,” Miller said. “Snapchat has been a problem; I would say that is probably the number one social media problem because Facebook is usually blocked.”

There will be a software that will manage which apps are installed and can also block different functions of certain iPads. For example, if the camera was becoming an ongoing problem for a student, that function could be blocked from his or her iPad. Also, there will be an option to filter certain websites at home as well as at school.

The Board stressed the importance of students of all ages being able to effectively use technology for research that would be applicable to the material that they are covering in class.

“I would love to have a iPad mini,” junior James Robins said. “I would love to have access to a computer, but it will be really nice to have [an iPad] so I can type my papers on [it].” « OPER

Students to receive iPads

NEWS

art by MATTHEW HO

April 7, 2014

6

panorama

NEWS

Nspiring young minds

“I can get instant assessment throughout the lesson and modify my instruction based on these results,” Dwyer said.

Additionally, students are given assignments with which they can explore the topic in-depth. Although the TI-Nspire comes with many advanwirelessly to the calculators and be throughout the math department,” tages, it does have few faults math teacher Barbara Dwyer said. “I used to assist the teacher in targeting “I feel like switching to TI-Nspire specific skills. attended a workshop two summers could be a slippery slope,” Chen “The biggest advantage to the TIago and became really excited about said. “On the TI-Nspire, you can save the capabilities of the TI-Nspire calNspire is how user-friendly it is,” senior Rui Chen said. “I feel like a loose documents, graphs and spreadsheets, culators and the impact the Navigator amongst other things. I potentially see system could have on my approach to analogy can be made that the TI-84 is students using the notes function to a PC, while TI-Nspire is a Mac. They teaching math.” cheat on tests by putting The TI-Nspire equations that they were offers a multitude of supposed to memorize into cutting-edge technoloThe TI-Nspire increases the amount the calculator.” gies, including its 3-D of interaction students have with However, teachers imaging color display. It graphs, which may otherwise be can take several measures also boasts an impresto prevent their students sive rechargeable battery abstract. It also helps the teachers from cheating. Especially that can last for over 100 help the students, as the TI-Nspire in a class where students’ hours, making it efficient is capable of storing the student’s calculators are connected for students to start a to teachers’ computer, it is project in class and finish work.

- freshman Jeffrey Wang very hard for students to it later at home. get away with cheating on “The TI-Nspire tests and quizzes. increases the amount of interaction will both get the work done, but it’s “Students can be kept from students have with graphs, which more of a matter of preference.” cheating by using the ‘press to test’ may otherwise be abstract,” freshThe integration of TI-Nspires will mode that limits access to parts of the man Jeffrey Wang said. “It also helps influence math courses at Ladue. calculator,” Dwyer said. “We [teachthe teachers help the students, as the TI-Nspires allow teachers to conduct ers] can also use the Navigator system TI-Nspire is capable of storing the polls and instantly see students’ to see what they are doing on their student’s work, which can then be answers, so that they can spend more calculator, and of course, all math shown to the teachers.” time on topics with which a majorteachers require students to show Another advantage the TI-Nspire ity of students are struggling. This their work or design questions that offers is its ability to easily sync with way, teachers know immediately how have students use the calculators for computers. Once a computer has the to structure their classes and which the intended calculations.” « Navigator program, it can connect skills to target.

TI-Nspires will be introduced to math classrooms, impacting teachers and students news writer

T

he math department is recommending all students purchase a Texas Instruments Nspire CX calculator for their future math courses. After receiving a Ladue Education Foundation grant, all math classes will have classroom sets of

TI-Nspire calculators available for student use.

Students will be recommended to purchase a TI-Nspire for home use.

Math teachers will take $130 preorders per calculator until April 15.

Calculators are expected to be ready for pickup by May. “I wrote two grant proposals for LEF: one as a pilot project, and the second to implement the technology

FEELING NSPIRED • Math teacher Barabara Dwyer helps sophomore Julia Tackes on a TI-Nspire activity during class. “I attended a workshop two summers ago and became really excited about the capabilities of the TI-Nspire calculators and the impact the Navigator system could have on my approach to teaching math,” Dwyer said. Dwyer uses the calculators daily in class. (Photo by Sammy Leary)

April 7, 2014

“

panorama

April 7, 2014

FEATURES

7

What you didn’t know about...

Julie Holecek

(Photo by Jocelyn Kaza)

Q: Why did you decide to teach Spanish?

‘N SYNC • Skating in a straight line, fourth from the left, sophomore Katie Bursack and teammates perform their routine at a competition. Bursack practices synchronized skating with the St. Louis Synergy team in Webster Groves. “Skating has become a huge part of my life, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without it,” Bursack said. (Photo courtesy of Katie Bursack)

The cold never bothered me anyway

Sophomore dedicates herself to skating and earns the chance to perform at the national level on synchronized skating team features writer

C

ountless people all over the world watched the 2014 Winter Olympics in February. Each individual has his own favorite sport to watch, but there is nothing like the elegance and grace of figure skating. However, some people may be unaware that Ladue has its own figure skating champion.

Seven years ago, sophomore Katie Bursack experienced her first time on the ice through a Girl Scout trip to the Brentwood Ice Arena. She instantly became attached to the sport.

“I immediately fell in love with skating and started taking skating classes at Brentwood shortly after,” Bursack said.

With a solid foundation of skating, Bursack found interest in synchronized skating. Synchronized skating is a type of figure skating that involves 16 to 20 skaters on the ice at once moving in one flowing movement at high speeds. Bursack joined Brentwood’s synchronized skating team after a year of lessons before transferring to the St. Louis Synergy team in Webster Groves.

Sophomore Noel Walters, a member of Synergy and student at Ursuline Academy, has skated with Bursack for many years. Like Bursack, Walters started taking skating lessons at a young age and decided to skate competitively. The two athletes have been skating together ever since.

“Katie works really hard and takes dance lessons in order to make herself a better skater,” Walters said. “She is

a very graceful skater and has great sportsmanship.”

Synergy’s coach, Karen Geiderman, has been Bursack’s synchronized skating coach for the past two seasons on the intermediate team. As a coach, she witnesses the personal growth in her athletes and sees Katie as a leader and motivator.

“Although a quiet young lady, Katie is a hard worker and is passionate about synchronized skating,” Geiderman said. “She helps keep her team motivated and excited to improve throughout the season.”

Bursack has participated in many performances with her team. Synergy won first place at the Ice Skating Institute Synchronized Skating Championships two years ago and competed at the U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships last

#DoubleTake

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

junior Phillip Robinson-Morgan

Jaden Smith from “Karate Kid”

sophomore Natalie Fedder

A: My mom’s best friend, who was like a second mother to me, is from Peru. When she came here she didn’t speak any English, and she was my nanny when I was younger so she would speak to me in Spanish... so that and having some really great teachers in high school inspired me to continue with Spanish.

Q: Have you visited any Spanish speaking countries?

A: In college, I lived in Argentina and Costa Rica, and I’ve also been to Peru and Puerto Rico.

Q: If you could meet any actor/actress who would it be and why?

A: Ryan Gosling because he’s hot.

Q: In high school were you asked to prom in a cute way?

year. This A: My junior year of high school I was dating someone who season, went to a different high school, and I thought we were just Bursack’s going to our own proms, but he got a ticket through one of intermedimy friends and showed up at my prom with flowers. ate team skated to a proud of ourselves, we needed to spy-themed program at the Midwestern championships and earned the really step it up,” Bursack said. “We sixth place title. really worked on our expression and “My most memorable moment had a lot of intense practices.” of my skating career was definitely For Bursack, skating has not only become a hobby, but a way of life. finding out that my team qualified to compete at nationals,” Bursack said.

She keeps skating because she has a “It was very exciting, and everyone passion for the sport and she loves the was crying and hugging.” bonding with her teammates.

“Skating has become a huge But these titles have not come without a price. Bursack has sacripart of my life, and I honestly can’t imagine my life without it,” Bursack ficed a lot of time at home to perfect her performances. However, all her said. “There [have] been lots of up effort has paid off in the long run. and downs throughout this journey, but the good times and fun memories “[The team] decided that if we definitely outweigh the bad ones.” « wanted to meet our goals and feel

Know someone who should be in the double take?

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

Cara Delevingne, Victoria’s Secret Model

Adam DeVine from junior “Workaholics” Zach Peng (Student photos by Sammy Leary; celebrity photos from vibe.com, theladyoflovelysmile.com and timeinc.net)

panorama

April 7, 2014

FEATURES

9

Dance like no one’s watching

Dimensions Dance Company hosts a benefit concert to raise money to fund scholarships for young dancers said. “My favorite part is performing. That’s what I live for.”

The studio was successful in achieving their goal of helping families with financial hardships and allowing girls in the families to have the same experience as the other dancers. The dancers sold tickets and advertised the show to help attract audience CENTER STAGE • Performing a contemporary routine, sophomore Aliza members and help make girls’ Gartenberg dances with her fellow company members in a Dimensions Dance Comdreams of dancing come true. pany benefit concert. The proceeds of the event went to a scholarship fund for other “We get donations from fam- dancers to help pay for dance tuition. (Photo courtesy of Aliza Gartenberg) ilies and it allows about 30 to helps her grow as a person. Many said. “We leave the doors open for so 40 girls to dance a year that wouldn’t girls also feel as though the studio is a many people.” have been able to,” Long said. welcoming environment to learn.

Giving these girls the opportunity The dancers feel that the scholar“I think being a part of a group to dance is something that lifts the ship program enhances the special really teaches you a lot about not only spirit of the community at Dimension bond they feel between them. The dancing, but also patience,” Harpole Dance Studio. In addition to providdancers believe that the introduction said. “I think all of the training, woning the girls a forum to learn dance, of new dancers makes the studio a derful teachers and great friends have the company helps develop character. more diverse environment. made me a better person.”

It also encourages the dancers to “It’s hard work but in the end, Dancing can be very costly, with strive for excellence. you come out with lifelong friends monthly tuitions, costumes and other “My favorite part is watching and life lessons that are so valuable,” expenditures. Giving back to these these amazing dancers grow and Gartenberg said. “Dance has taught dancers not only gives students an become not only talented artists, but me discipline, confidence, teamwork opportunity to dance, but also impacts incredible young people as well,” [and] work habits. Everyone is like a the members of the company.

Morgan said. “I love knowing that the family to me there.”

“Monthly tuition is very expensive scholarship program helped make that Gartenberg feels this special conwhen it comes to dance,” Gartenberg possible.” « nection with her dance community

ost people believe because there isn’t necessarily equipment like balls or sticks involved in dance, it isn’t very expensive. However, learning technique and choreography requires monthly tuition. Among other Ladue students, sophomore Aliza Gartenberg and eighth graders Ally Harpole and Kathryn Long are a part of Dimensions Dance Company, which aims to allow students who can’t afford tuition the opportunity to dance. They achieve this through hosting benefit concerts whose proceeds go to scholarship funds for the dancers.

“The scholarship fund provides the money for monthly tuition so that the students who can’t afford monthly tuition can still dance free of tuition,” Gartenberg said. “It gives everyday people the ability to dance. Dimensions Dance Studio is proudly one of the only nonprofit dance studios around and without the financial support from the company, this would not be possible.”

The scholarship program was started 16 years ago by Sandy Morgan, the director of the studio for 20 years. Morgan was inspired to start the program after teaching a class at a public school.

“I started the scholarship program after I gave a master class at a public school,” Morgan said. “Many of the participants were interested in studying dance, but did not have the financial means to do so. I wanted to start a program that would allow any student to pursue dance, regardless of their financial situation.”

Dimensions Dance Studio held shows on March 7 and 8 to help raise money for the scholarship funds for other dancers. The benefit concert showcased many different types of dance performed by the company.

“The show featured a variety of styles of dance and music by multiple choreographers,” Harpole said.

The concert was a success and the studio raised $38,000 in scholarship funds. The dancers thoroughly enjoyed performing and raising money for a great cause as well.

“The concert was really great; it went very smoothly,” Gartenberg

#Artsy

Students selected to display their work at local show

features writer

M

Olson’s pieces mainly center around portraiture, involving aspects of both realism and cartoon. She uses flat colors, shapes features writer and outlines in much of her work.

“My work is very introspective, and I usually draw inspiraor many students, the opportunity to create artwork ends tion from personal emotions that I would be unable to express with elementary school projects; however, this is not the without art,” Olson said. “I like exploring a variety of topics in case for senior Ingrid Olson and junior Mary Xiao. Both my work, most prominently my views on religion, feminism and had art pieces that were selected to the 2014 Young Artist Showself-worth.” case. This annual art show, hosted by the St. Louis Artist Guild Drawing teacher Patricia Chavez has worked with the from March 20 to April 6, featured young artists from the area. artists submitting their work in the past. To her, they are “What I do is mostly based on my intuition,” Xiao said. “So advanced in the materials used and the themes they paint. my works are open to interpretation. My works are expressions I “Ingrid and Mary are both very strong artists,” Chavez make to show how I see the world I live in.” said. “They’re both dedicated to the hard work involved Xiao found out about the showcase in her drawing class freshin building a strong portfolio. They do a lot of work outman year. This was her third year side the classroom, and being a part of the show. The it shows.” piece that she submitted this year Xiao’s first time My works are open to interpretation. submitting a piece to the was an abstract oil painting.

“I mostly work with colors,” My works are expressions I make to Young Artists Showcase Xiao said. “In my figure paintwas during her class show how I see the world I live in. ings, I have developed a style of with Chavez. Since then, exaggerating colors I see. I also - junior Mary Xiao she has continued to take play around with brush stroke art classes at Ladue. and texture.”

“I love how passionate and supportive all art teachers Olson also submitted a painting to the showcase. She submitare,” Xiao said. “They always encourage you to work ted her newest piece, which she created in January and February. your best and help you improve by giving constructive “This piece features two figures that are missing the top part criticism.” of their heads and thus have an exposed and shared brain,” Olson The art program also offers an opportunity for senior said. “One figure is a bit more realistic and has typical skin colorartists April 21 to 25. It will be a chance for seniors to ing and facial features while the other figure is more surreal. Bashowcase their work to the rest of the school. sically, [my] piece is kind of disturbing, but thought-provoking, “I am continuing to make pieces that fit into my ‘conwhich is something I usually try to encapsulate. It was somewhat centration’ or ‘collection,’” Olson said. “I paint everyday difficult to create as I felt very particular and strongly about how so basically I’m just continuing to work on my own selfit should look.” directed collection.”

F

“

Both Olson and Xiao hope to continue their careers as artists, even after the show. Despite being a junior, Xiao already plans to attend art school after high school. Olson has a similar plan.

“I plan to major in studio art with a concentration in painting when I got to college next year,” Olson said. “I applied to a variety of schools indicating my choice to major in art as well as applying for art scholarships. I hope to make a career out of my art and hopefully one day become a self-sustaining fine artist.” «

10

panorama

FEATURES

And Mr. Ladue goes to... features writer

T

he crowd held their breath in anticipation as they watched one judge stand behind the top two boys and crown Mr. Ladue 2014. The annual male beauty pageant was a night full of laughs and entertaining talents and also one of the biggest fundraisers of the year.

This year, Habitat for Humanity paired up with Safe Connections to raise money for their organizations.

While the former builds houses for the homeless, the latter’s goal is to

educate and empower women and children who have been victims of domestic or sexual abuse. During one of the breaks at Mr. Ladue, student representatives from Safe Connections held a raffle for the organization.

“I think it’s incredibly important to educate not only girls on how to avoid potentially violent situations, but also to educate boys on how to prevent those same situations,” senior Olivia Dudek said. “Announcing it at Mr. Ladue gave us the chance to spread the word about Safe Connections to not only students but also parents.

Hopefully, it opened a conversation platform for families.”

April 7, 2014

Habitat for Humanity and Safe Connections team up for event

Safe Connections raised over 500 dollars at Mr. Ladue while Habitat met their goal of 5,000 dollars.

Habitat for Humanity sponsor Debra Carson was glad that the large turnout could benefit more than one group.

“It’s totally a win-win for us,” Carson said. “We are usually very close to our cap or hit it, so why not give another group the opportunity to talk to the audience and get something else good going?”

Habitat was excited about the turnout this year, especially after all the preparations they put into it. The search for boys began in the fall to insure they found the perfect candidate.

“Back around October and November, I got a list of all club sports and organizations,” Carson said.“I send out an email to all of the sponsors and coaches asking for nominees for junior and senior boys that they think would represent their organization well. The prep for nominations isn’t too difficult of a task until the fallout. The boys that don’t get picked get so disappointed, and it’s hard to tell them they won’t be in it.”

This year the judges were English teachers Shruti Upadhyay and Janet Duckham and math teacher Drew Crismon. Their lively personalities, popularity among students and energy

added to the overall spirited atmosphere. Students contributed to the success of the event by creating and selling tickets, making posters and commercials to get the word out and making sashes for the boys. Students and teachers alike worked hard to make the night fun for the both the boys and the audience.

“The performers sold tickets themselves, and we set out jars with each of their faces for people to ‘vote’ or donate to them,” junior Eva Adams said.“The guys learned a dance choreographed by our Laduettes and got to be goofy onstage. Everyone had a good laugh for a great cause.” «

What did it feel like to win?

I did not expect to win at all, so I felt very, very shocked. All the guys in Mr. Ladue are great and any of them deserved to win. But it was an honor.

If you could go to dinner with one person who go would it be? with “I would to dinner

Lebron James because he is the best player in the NBA.”

“I take pride in knowing all of Justin Bieber’s hit songs.

I vibe to that.”

If you could be a character from a movie who would you be

FEATURES

11

wit h

Ensuring political, educational, Yin and Yang rah and Sab a S social and economic equality

Not only did the faculty help Gaskin, but he also touched the lives of many of the teachers with whom he interacted. Teachers features writer like social studies teacher Rob Good remembers him as one of his brightest students. “[Gaskin] possessed a deep curiosity, a disciplined work ethic, hey call it the family business. For generations, the Gasa critical disposition and a joyful spirit,” Good said. “Combined, kin family has been involved with the National Associathese traits made it a true pleasure to work with him.” tion for the Advancement of Colored People, the largest Gaskin also left a lasting impact on many students at Ladue. civil rights organization in the nation, and 2011 alumnus John He helped to develop many programs for students of color to get Gaskin III is no exception. involved in the community.

Since he was born, Gaskin has had roots in the NAACP. His “John Gaskin was instrumental in the development of great-grandparents were life-long members of the organization, programs I participate in like [Reaching Inside Seeking Excelhis great-aunt was very active, his grandmother was an influential lence] and [Students Taking Rigorous Instruction Developing youth advisor and his mother is currently a youth advisor as well.

Gaskin got involved in the NAACP through the youth and col- Excellence], which empower our African American students,” sophomore Semhar Mekonnen said. “To see an alumnus of the lege divisions. He believes that because youth shape the future, it program impact the African American community on a grander is important to encourage them to participate in the organization. scale inspires me.”

“If you look at any major movement in the United States, it The principles he learned at Ladue, along with football, led was led by young people,” Gaskin said. “The concerns of today him to Benedictine College on a football scholarship. Howare young people’s business because this is our future. This is our ever, when he got there, Gaskin found his real passion with the world.”

At age 21, Gaskin is the youngest board member in the history NAACP. His head football coach allowed him to stop playing of the St. Louis organization, which dates back 105 years. He also and refocus his efforts on the organization. Gaskin still carries football ideology with him and incorporates it into his work. plays a major role in the national “In civil rights work, you association, though the St. Louis get knocked down all the time,” branch is his home organization.

It’s not about how many times Gaskin said. “Football teaches Not only is Gaskin on the you get hit or how hard you get you a lot about it because it’s not Board of Directors, but he also about how many times you get hit chairs and sits on committees for hit; it’s about how fast you can or how hard you get hit; it’s about many different projects. Currently, get back up and make it work. how fast you can get back up and he acts as the vice chair of the audit committee, serves on the - alumnus John Gaskin III make it work.”

Gaskin will continue to perfinance committee and serves on severe and fight for the cause he believes in. Whenever he feels the membership and units committee. He also chairs the local stressed, he remembers the past accomplishments of the organizaFreedom Fund Campaign, which collects over $500,000 for tion. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act local programs and funding for the organization. In addition, he of 1964 and the Freedom Summer. directed the “This Is My Vote” campaign, which registered over “You take on a lot of sacrifices, and you take on a lot of sleep750,000 people to vote in the 2012 presidential election. Managless nights,” Gaskin said. “However, at the end of the day when ing this many projects can be stressful, especially for someone so you see these major milestone anniversaries, you begin to really young, but Gaskin undertakes them with enthusiasm. see the turnout.”

“It’s a challenge at times,” Gaskin said. “But I have a lot of Gaskin hopes that one day he will be a part of a huge really great mentors locally and nationally that provide very good milestone moment in history. He hopes to continue to sit on the council in terms of the right decisions to make.” board for years to come and to act as a leading force on several One of the issues that Gaskin and the St. Louis County branch different committees. Another huge goal Gaskin aims to achieve of the NAACP is looking into is the transfer of select students is to encourage youth to speak out and make a difference in their from unaccredited school districts to other schools within the communities. area. The St. Louis area has seen this concern unfold several “[My message to the youth of our society is] if there’s sometimes. For example, in the fall, Normandy and Riverview Garden thing wrong within your community, speak on it,” Gaskin said. students transferred into accredited schools such as Ladue, Kirk“There’s always someone on the other side of the road that is paswood and Melhville. The NAACP’s position on this matter is to sionate about it but is too fearful to speak up. If you know what’s try to eliminate it completely. wrong, speak out. Don’t be afraid.” « “You are taking funding from districts that are already struggling and providing a limited opportunity for only a select few that get to go to better schools,” Gaskin said. “You are leaving an already crippled district in worse shape than you found it.”

Gaskin and the NAACP believe that the basic American foundation is affordable public options, such as education, within the local community. Their goal is to give these options to people of all races across the nation.

In order to solve these problems, one must have well developed problem-solving skills. Gaskin attributes this to the foundation he gained at Ladue. Many teachers influenced him greatly and he feels grateful to the district for everything it taught him.

“It’s through the foundation that I gained at Ladue that really empowered me to do this work,” Gaskin said.

T

“

a

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People welcomes Ladue alumnus as youngest board member to serve in St. Louis

rin

e?

panorama

April 7, 2014

art by AUDREY KOCHER

The way iSee it features editor

T

he date was March 8, 2014. I remember it like it was yesterday. This was the day my iPhone fell apart. I knew it was bound to break eventually because don’t have a case, and I’m a tad clumsy. In fact, my phone was already a little jank pre-destruction. The clock had stopped working in January, and if I wanted to know the time I had to resort to Googling “St. Louis time.” Yet aside from these minor problems, my phone sufficed until March when it malfunctioned permanently.

It suffered a fatal drop while at Saint Louis Smoothie. It still functioned as usual until that night when the left half of my screen became numb. Multiple people asked me if I was drunk after I’d texted them undecipherable messages using only the right side of the keyboard. Apparently, “Hy ht u oing tomo,” isn’t clear enough.

I was feeling extra clumsy later that night because I dropped my phone a second time down a flight of stairs. I sprinted down to where it had fallen to see that half of it had now popped out of the plastic, rather than just a corner. I thought I could still live with my faulty phone until I pressed the home button. The entire screen had become numb and was clouded with tiny white squares in a grid pattern, making it impossible to see anything.

I needed to get a new phone but I wouldn’t have time until the following evening. The next day was one of the most difficult days I’ve ever experienced. I know that sounds very spoiled and privileged, but I think that’s part of the problem.

People in our generation, myself included, are so attached to our phones that we can’t live our lives without them.

My existence was utterly pathetic. I’m too lazy to even open up the timer on my phone, send a text or check the weather. I just ask Siri to do it for me. Imagine my distraught when I had to physically walk outside to see if I was dressed appropriately. First world problems right? I couldn’t find my way to Kirkwood High School for a dance competition because I didn’t have my navigation app. I was forced to listen to, gasp, the radio in my car. I felt like I was completely out of touch with the entire world and I was missing vital information that I’m sure people did not actually have for me.

I actually asked if I could borrow my sister’s phone so I could log into Instagram and check my news feed.

My day was so miserable that I cancelled plans with a friend so that I could run over to the Apple store and get a new phone. Finally, the sky was blue again, the world was spinning and everything seemed to be back to reality.

While I’m a little more extreme than others, I think everyone depends on their phones a little too much. Even though it was frustrating doing things for myself, it was nice to be away from the forever constant activity of my technological universe. I think we all could use a break from our handheld friends. We shouldn’t have to rely on Siri to tell us the meaning of life when we can go out and figure it out for ourselves.

But hey, at least she’s witty. « (This column reflects the opinion of the writer.)

12

panorama

April 7, 2014

Breakfast is served

The best places in town to grab brunch for a lazy summer Sunday

CENTER

photos by ELYSE MACK editor-in-chief

A

editor-in-chief

s the end the school year approaches, many students are ready to escape to foreign countries or to locations from California to the East Coast. Those of us spending the summer in good old St. Louis are looking forward to relaxing by the pool, hanging out with family and friends and maybe even working a summer job at a camp or the mall to earn extra cash.

Regardless of how busy we will be, there will always be time set aside for a nice breakfast made somewhere besides one’s own kitchen, whether it

happens only once this summer or once each week.

Especially for those of us who will be in town from May to August, it is nice to have a new set of restaurants to partake with friends, family or even alone. After all, Mom’s cooking and plain cereal and milk can get old fast.

Specifically, breakfast food is one area in which many of us could use some help when looking for new restaurants to try – most of us have exhausted traditional options at this point.

In light of this problem, we took it upon ourselves to find some of the best restaurants that specialize in breakfast, so you can get your fair share of pancakes or other items even when you sleep in later than normal breakfast

hours. Although trying food from four different restaurants in one day was certainly a struggle (in particular, not over-eating at the first one or two stops proved a challenge), we worked through the full bellies and weary yawns associated with this particular assignment in order to bring some fresh ideas for grabbing a bite.

Many of us are used to crashing at IHOP with friends for a midnight fix of scrambled eggs and bacon. Others are fond of hitting up various locations of Steak n’ Shake for a classic Royale burger, topped with a fried egg. Still others enjoy ordering from the plethora of options available at Half & Half in Clayton. However, we attempted to look within and beyond

The Olivette Diner

E

asily accessible from the bustle of Olive Road, the Olivette Diner is a popular and quality breakfast and lunch hot-spot for Ladue students. Opened in 1966, it has become a favorite of many for good reason.

Its decor is certainly charming; one side of the restaurant is lined with a bar and blue vinyl stools. The other side features booths, in the same blue vinyl, and a few lone tables which can be pulled up to the booths to accommodate larger parties. Claim to fame? In the 1970s, the diner was the location of the photo shoot for the album of the rock band Head East. In the present day, the atmosphere itself is casual, yet welcoming.

The first item we ordered was a design-your-own omelette. From a

plethora of ingredients, we chose bacon, green peppers and brie. Although we were originally skeptical of the brie and bacon combination, the omelette was a mouth-watering masterpiece. Stuffed full of ingredients, each bite was more delicious than the last, and it was perfectly complimented by a side of hash browns.

We also ordered the traditional french toast. Available in two or three pieces, the french toast was warm and covered in an abundance of butter.

However, this dish in particular did not live up to expectations.

Overall, the Olivette Diner is a casual and affordable dining experience. The inviting decor partnered with a variety of options makes it a worthwhile stop for a group of friends grabbing breakfast. «

SIDE BY SIDE •

Jam-packed with goodies, a delicious, custom omelette is described as a favorite of many Olivette Diner regulars.

It is also accompanied by a popular side dish, the hash browns, which are browned to perfection.

Looking beyond just food, the Olivette diner creates a warm, friendly atmosphere through a combination of decor, patrons and wait staff. It is also easy to get in and out in a hurry if necessary – the wait for food after ordering is relatively short, and the bill can be paid simply by walking to the register.

our familiar Ladue territory for family-friendly (and teen-friendly) breakfast and brunch restaurants.

And we were certainly happy with the results.

From the hip Rooster located downtown to the classic diner style of the Original Pancake House in Ladue, there is a restaurant on our list to suit anyone’s specific preferences.

Foodies can choose from quick and easy to a more formal setting, and within each restaurant, there is a wide range of dishes offered. Whatever the case, each restaurant has something for everyone.

So what have we learned from our adventures foraging into new restaurant territory? Always ask the

waiter about the house special. These items are popular for a reason, and oftentimes, they are the best options on the menu. But don’t be afraid to ask for the server’s personal favorites too. This may provide an inside look into the preparation of certain dishes, as well as reveal items previously unthinkable before this recommendation. Finally, be adventurous.

Although plain pancakes or simple french toast may be delicious in themselves, choosing a more unexpected breakfast item may be just the change we all need.

We hope you consider trying out some of these local gems when searching for your next breakfast restaurant. Happy eating! «

ROOSTER

W

e all have heard raving reviews of Bailey’s Chocolate Bar and Bailey’s Range Burgers & Shakes, but fewer have heard of their sister restaurant, Rooster.

Specializing only in breakfast and brunch options, Rooster didn’t quite live up to the tradition of other Bailey’s restaurants.

When we first arrived at around 10:30 on a busy Saturday morning, we could barely even walk in the door – they were that busy. After being told it would be about an hour until the next table was available, we patiently waited for our turn outside. However, barely 20 minutes after we were turned away by the hostesses, our pager buzzed, indicating that they were ready to seat us. While this might have been a freak accident, don’t always take the time estimates at their word, because we were pleasantly surprised.

Once seated, we were greeted by the incredibly energetic and welcoming Marvin, our server for the meal. Despite the obvious horde of people waiting for a table, he never made us feel rushed and gladly fielded all of the many questions we had about the menu.

Ultimately, we decided on the Rooster slinger and the s’mores crepe, both customer and house favorites, out of the numerous options (many of which were vegetarian). Though the wait for our food was a bit longer than the other places we

visited, it didn’t take as long as we thought it would for a busy Saturday morning.

The slinger arrived steaming, piled high with andouille sausage, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs (though the eggs can also be fried) and sausage gravy over thick-cut toast. Personally, we found the sausages too salty and the seasoning on the potatoes a bit off the mark, but it was a hearty traditional breakfast that gave a reasonable amount of food for the price. It wasn’t bad, but we also didn’t thoroughly enjoy the dish.

The s’mores crepe was also not what we had expected – unlike a traditional crepe, the shell was crunchy. We didn’t try any of their other crepes, so it’s unclear whether this was an intentional homage to the crunch of a graham cracker in a real s’more or the style of all of their crepes, but texture was surprising to say the least. However, combined with the melted marshmallows and decadent chocolate, it was a clear spin on the classic campfire dessert.

In the end, after all of the raving reviews we had heard about Rooster, the meal was a bit of a disappointment. It might have been an issue of personal preference, but the flavors didn’t seem to mesh together completely. The highlight of the visit was the service, but maybe next time a different selection of dishes will live up to the restaurant’s name. «

panorama

April 7, 2014

PINT SIZE BAKERY

F

Are you looking for sitdown...

ive minutes away from our hometown pride, Ted Drewes, lies a small, momand-pop bakery, Pint Size Bakery.

Selling freshly-baked goodies, the shop offers more than its simple facade would lead you to believe.

Sitting on the corner of Watson Road and Lindenwood Place, the store looks sadly desolate despite its proximity to the historic St. Louis Hills neighborhood. However, this never seems to deter the long line of people anxiously waiting to enter the small bakery on weekend mornings.

Once past the door, the bareness of the surrounding environment disappears. Although the store is extremely small and often full of people on both sides of the counter, the hand-made signs and overflowing baskets full of scones, cookies and muffins steal customers’ attention. Be sure to arrive early or call ahead for favorite items though, because they run out fast (especially their croissants, available only on Saturdays and ineligible for pre-order). «

W

BOTTOM Line

T

O

...or inventive eats?

PINT SIZE BAKERY

T

he Ladue location of the Original Pancake House is tucked away among an assortment of luxury boutiques and shops, making it an unlikely restaurant for a spontaneous meal. It appears smaller from the outside than it really is, marked only by a hard-to-spot sign and a nondescript white front.

However, once inside, the Original Pancake House never fails to impress.

Entering the restaurant for the first time was an interesting experience. The mid-sized waiting area is located directly in front of the door, and on a Saturday morning at 10, was jam-packed with people. However, a free app for smartphones called “No Wait” allows customers to place reservations from home, and then come to the restaurant when a table is available, minimizing wait times. We utilized this feature, and thus were seated promptly.

We settled down in a comfy booth and began to peruse the menu, all the while taking in the restaurant. From the floors to the walls, everything was made of wood. Shelves were mounted high on the walls, holding decorative knickknacks. Ceramic animals and signs that read “Keep calm and eat bacon” lined the room, although decorations change with the seasons.

All in all, the Original Pancake House exudes a homey, comfortable vibe. And judging by the crowd, it is favorite of many. «

Do you prefer classic creations...

hough the drive is more than a bit far away, Pint Size Bakery is the perfect place for curious foodies to discover new breakfast favorites. Constantly innovating and creating, the shop offers fresh pastries made with love.

Don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never heard of when you

13

& Original Pancake House ...or grab and go?

ith its baked goods changing seasonally and on the bakers’ “most fickle whims,” customers can never predict what they’ll find the next time they walk into Pint Size Bakery. This particular trip, we sampled three of their classics, all incredibly scrumptious and well-worth the trip.

We first tried their savory muffin, made with bacon, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and cheese that they fondly refer to as a “BLT” muffin.

Though a bit crumbly, the pastry was surprisingly robust and a great contrast to traditionally sweet muffins.

Next was the “Cruffin,” a croissant-muffin hybrid. The best way to describe the unlikely combination is a sweet croissant in a muffin shape. Hard to understand until personally experienced, the cruffin is a must-try item.

Finally, the seasonal savory scone combined feta cheese, bell peppers and onions to form a mouth-watering “breakfast panini.” Although we personally prefer their savory scones over their sweet ones, their sweet scones provide just the right amount of sweetness to not overwhelm the palate and cannot be ignored.

One of the best parts of ordering the pastries was the presentation: the cashier placed all our selections in a cute, cardboard to-go box stamped with their logo. The box encompasses Pint Size’s unique personality. «

The

CENTER

visit – they have the magical ability of combining unlikely pairs for a new culinary experience. Even for those without a sweet tooth, Pint Size has the perfect pastry for all.

But beware when visiting on a Saturday morning – their famous croissants might add a long wait to the already long drive. «

L

ur first breakfast choice at the Original Pancake House was chocolate chip pancakes. While such a dish is far from a specialty, the care with which they were prepared and presented took us by surprise.

Besides being filled with chocolate chips, the pancakes were also sprinkled with small morsels, and only made better by the whipped cream, which is far better than store-bought Reddi-Wip and tastes like heaven on earth. The sweet, creamy flavor perfectly added to the taste of the chocolate chips.

Blueberry banana waffles are not available every day, but make sure to take full advantage of them when they are the special. Topped with both types of fruit and a generous dollop of the aforementioned whipped cream, the waffles are a sight to behold. Beyond the fruit on top, the waffle batter was also mixed with blueberries, so that each bite came with a warm, fruity flavor, and can be covered in blueberry syrup. Too many blueberries? Not a chance. «

Original Pancake House

ocated only a hop, skip and a jump away from school, the Original Pancake House on Ladue Road is the perfect breakfast joint for friends who want to break up long summer days. As a member of a large chain of restaurants, it lacks the originality of some of the other restaurants featured here. Don’t fret,

however, the diverse menu offerings will satisfy any tastes.

Although the restaurant was crowded, an easily downloadable app caused the wait time to vanish, which made for an extremely pleasant restaurant going experience. And the dishes we tried certainly made our visit worth it. «

14

panorama

A&E

April 7, 2014

St. Louis Manifesto news editor

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

This month: Webster Groves

(All photos by Karen Figenshau)

Euclid records

green door art gallery

19 N. Gore Ave

M

any St. Louisans revere Vintage Vinyl as the end-all, be-all of music stores. However, in the heart of historic Webster lies the new location of Euclid Records, which gives Vintage Vinyl a run for its money. While other stores’ collections are often picked through and over-priced, Euclid Records is reliably stocked from obscure artists to The Beatles. No need to worry about empty shelves, seeing how Euclid always delivers with hit albums that other stores often run out of. With an expansive selection of used and new records and CDs, Webster houses the city’s best and most dependable one-stop shop for music lovers. The staff is knowledgable and well-versed in the artists they carry and clearly appreciate the business. Euclid Records does not disappoint. «

paisley boutique

233 W. Lockwood

W

hile the boutiques on Clayton Road have served the Ladue community well, some shoppers may be searching for new shopping venues. After shopping at our beloved Pink Magnolia for so long, Paisley Boutique offers fresh, new merchandise. The clothes, accessories and other beauty products sold at Paisley resemble those of Anthropology and J. Crew, but offer uniqueness outside of the commonplace mall. The displays are clean, bright and not overwhelming. The staff is present, attentive and helpful.

Paisley Boutique offers a good change of pace from our local shops. «

21 N. Gore Ave

O

wned, run and manned by artists, this gallery offers a very personal look into the works of local artists. There is a wide variety of artwork on display with wideranging prices. From collections of small watercolors and wood vessels to blown glass and photography, the gallery has something for everyone of all ages. Many of the artists take turns manning the counter, which gives the opportunity to ask them about their pieces. The gallery also hosts a monthly “Art Making Night” where it invites all interested community members to enjoy a light dinner and make an art project in good company. «

panorama

April 7, 2014

A&E

Suprise Skrillex album is a refreshing attempt at a new, fun sound a&e editor

E

lectronic Dance Music, more commonly referred to as EDM, is a genre that requires innovation to stay relevant, or in my opinion, listenable. Skrillex, a 26-year-old exrocker, is one of the biggest names in EDM due to his leadership in the subgenre of the infamous dubstep, a recent revival in electronic dance. The genre typically consists of complex beats with a building verse that eventually leads to the “drop,” a term used to describe the heavy bass in a song. Dubstep exploded in the late 2000s with Skrillex at the forefront with his breakthrough hit, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” a song that many of us are familiar with at this point. The initial reaction to dubstep by the mainstream audience was divided. Many loved the loud, attention - grabbing melody and ground-shaking beats while others dismissed it as obnoxious and even too artificial to be called music.

Since becoming world-famous in 2010 and releasing many hit singles, Skrillex has yet to release a full-length album until now.

“Recess” was a surprise release, much like Beyonce’s most recent album. He teased fans by putting out a game-like app a few days before the album dropped. Personally, I’ve never gotten deep into Skrillex besides hearing major hits like “Bangarang,” so I had absolutely no expectations for this album. That’s why I think my opinion differs from many of the critics who might have previously been Skrillex fans.

Skrillex knows to keep things alive in his music; he has to change things up a bit. This 11-song-frenzy isn’t all about the usual building verse, then drop and repeat. Of course it’s there,

but what is more important is where he takes the sound. Unfortunately, I feel like he only takes a new direction half the time, almost as if he decided to take the daring route for his new sound and then bailed near the end. The reason why albums like “Yeezus” gained so much respect was the artist’s ability to drop everything and jump into a new and unfamiliar ground and make it their own. Skrillex almost does this. On songs like “Stranger,” the verse is even catchier than the drop. With poppy vocals and a responsive bass-filled beat, I no longer need the “drop” to give me the best part of a Skrillex song. But when the “drop” does come, my head is filled with wailing and pitchwavering sirens and a thumping, brain-rattling bass thump. At first listen, it took me by surprise and it wasn’t pleasant. It wasn’t until my second or third listen that I began to appreciate it.

Dubstep, to me, isn’t so much a raw, musical art than it is a scientific one. Skrillex spends months pent up in a studio cutting and chopping sounds, mastering every track to a tee. It also takes

15

‘Recess’ is an up and down ride of a look at what Skrillex wants his sound to be in the future effort to get into it, because admittedly, it can have an alienating sound. Being a pioneer in a genre comes with a price, being that sometimes you have a few bad, or in this case, bland, songs. Tracks like “Ease My Mind” left me bored compared to electric and upbeat songs like “Recess” or “Coast is Clear,” the latter featuring the currently rising Chance the Rapper. These boring tracks drag the albums quality down significantly.

“Recess” is a roller coaster of quality. I almost would have preferred it if Skrillex would have just released the better half the album and it would have been another one of his extended plays. Nonetheless, I commend his efforts.

By the end of the record, I’m interested. My personal spectrum of electronic music has expanded from artists like Daft Punk and Justice to a curiosity in Skrillex’s music. I struggled to respect his music at first because of his generally lazy live performances and the obnoxious noises, but now that I’ve opened up to it, his music has a lot of redeeming qualities, especially in his latest release. With many of the respected critics giving it a thumbs down, I’ve realized that maybe I’m more of an experimental Skrillex fan than a stanart by ASHLEY TURNER dard wub-wub Skrillex fan. «

Nivas Café is a great find for fans of Thai cuisine The Olive Boulevard location keeps Nivas hidden a&e writer

I

n many parts of Asia, eating live octopus brings mental and physical strength at the risk of death, because, obviously, the octopus does not want to be eaten. I had octopus at Thai Nivas Cafe, boiled, but octopus nonetheless, and I see why you’d risk your life for it now.

Thai Nivas Cafe on Olive Blvd is such a hole-in-the-wall, you’d never know it was there unless you were looking for it. But for those who are aware of its existence, it is a magical portal to Thailand itself, right in Creve Coeur.

The very first thing you notice when you walk in is that it’s beautiful. Everything is wooden. The floors, ceiling, tables and chairs are all made by gorgeous hardwood. Sweet and relaxing Thai music plays quietly in the background and neither is it too dim nor too bright.

You’re quickly seated and given a massive menu that easily has over 50 items on it, so there is no chance of ever getting bored with the place.

Much of it is devoted to Thai food, but there is also a very sizeable Japanese section that offers a large array of sushi, amongst other things. I started out with the Shrimp Tempura appetizer ($8). Three pieces of jumbo shrimp alongside zucchini, sweet potato and green beans, all fried to crispy perfection. It was pretty standard, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious, since anything tempura is mouth-watering.

For my first entree, I ordered Red Curry with chicken ($9), which sounds boring, but it was far from it.

The dish itself is made with red curry, coconut milk, green peas, bamboo shoots, bell peppers and basil leaves, and then you can add either chicken, pork, tofu, beef, duck or shrimp as protein.

A wonderful, summer yellow in color, the dish was light and very re-

freshing, with the basil giving it a terrific smell to boot. It wasn’t too spicy, but it still had a kick, and the bamboo shoots made it unique compared to tons of other red curry variations out there. Once put over rice, it’s enough to make a person cry.

Secondly, I ordered Duck Cashew Stir Fry ($11). The stir-fried duck came with cashews, pineapple, white onions, bell peppers and chili paste.

It was insanely good, very sweet thanks to the pineapples and had a yummy crunch from the cashew. The duck added just that much more to the tastiness. With all of this on top of some spicy jasmine rice, I died and went to Thai heaven which, luckily, wasn’t flooded.

Off of the Japanese menu I ordered what was just titled “Octopus,” for $5, not really knowing what was in store for me. With a side of soy sauce, I was served sliced boiled octopus tentacles wrapped with seaweed on a cube of white rice. I was much rewarded for my curiosity, and will

Red Chicken Curry•

Deliciousness usually comes with a high price, but at Nivas it does not. This $9 dish was enough to fill a person for one meal and more, plus left overs are never a bad thing. (Photo by Elyse Mack)

remeber this on future food ventures.

It was different, but in a very good way. I was really looking forward to trying live octopus honestly, which I thought that’s what the menu was trying to say, but this was probably better, and safer for that matter, seeing as people have died eating live octopus.

Thai Nivas Cafe should always be on

every list of possible restaurants to sit and enjoy great Asian cuisine for a very low cost. The owners really have a gem there and should be proud of what they have built; it’s lost in a dull strip mall, but what it lacks in notoriety, it well makes up for in modest pricing, incredible food, and an overall great night out. «

16

PHOTO

panorama

April 7, 2014

Fashion music fusion Ladue’s second annual fashion show blended hot new trends with various genres of music photo editor

STRIKE A POSE • (Above) Wearing outfits representing rock ‘n’ roll music, junior Milli Laird and senior Mariana Leon Pastore took a dramatic stance on the edge of the stage. (Left) Arms linked, senior Sarah Murphy and junior Kyeisha Walls strut down the runway wearing popthemed outfits donated by local boutiques.

ON WITH THE SHOW • (Above) At

the opening of the program March 28, sophomores Jay Gaskin and Olivia Davis introduced themselves and gave a brief thank you to everyone for coming.

Gaskin and Davis are the presidents of the fashion club. (Below) After walking down the runway, senior Chelsie Miller stood tall and smiled for the camera.

Miller wore an outfit inspired by pop music.

EXPRESS YOURSELF • (Above) Sophomore Robert Brown performed a dance to a hip-hop song before the models came on stage.

(Below) Sporting a skirt by Olivia Rae Designs, freshman Jade Justice sung to open the show.

PRETTY FOR PROM • (Right) Showing off a classic prom look, senior Tamari Khmiadashvili and junior Noah Ramirez posed center stage. (Below) Wearing colorcoordinated dresses, sophomore Chavonni Meeks and senior Akilah John were escorted upstage by sophomore Jordan Pryor. Each model wore current trends which served as inspiration for Ladue’s upcoming junior and senior prom.

panorama

April 7, 2014

OPINIONS

Staff EDITORIAL

As seniors contemplate their final decisions for college, almost all come back to one potential deal-breaker: the price. Although students have four years to start their financial planning for life after graduation, many do not start applying for scholarships until their senior year. Even during senior year, some students don’t know which scholarships they should apply for or even where to begin looking. A lack of information on when and where to start scholarship applications plagues the Ladue student body.

Sure, most students realize that when they start applying to colleges, there is an opportunity for them to get big bucks from the college themselves. But the truth is, by the time college applications start, many scholarships have already passed students by. Some scholarships that are time-consuming should be started before senior year, such as competition-based scholarships that require a project to be created. Other scholarships have early deadlines, like the QuestBridge College Match, which is due Oct. 14 for seniors. Since many students do not know to apply so early for such scholarships, they miss out on tons of potential college funds.

Other students do not realize that juniors can also start applying for scholarships. Some scholarships, such as the Nordstrom Scholarship for $10,000, are open to junior-year students exclusively, while other scholarships are open to those in all years of high school, such as the National Peace Essay Contest. The fact that non-seniors can start apply-

ing for big-time scholarships should be relayed immediately to students, so that they can get a head start on saving for college. It is a waste for juniors not to know about these scholarship opportunities.

Part of the blame lies in the school not emphasizing vast scholarship opportunities. Although students may be aware of some merit-based and needbased college scholarships, many stand by blind to the fact that there are private scholarships given out by major companies. Because these corporations are bigger than most public scholarships, they have more funding and money to give away. For example, the Coca Cola Scholarship gives away $20,000 to each of its the 250 winners, yet many Ladue students do not apply for this helpful chunk of college funds because they are unaware it exists.

Even when Ladue does provide resources for saving money, the college financial planning seems to hit slightly off the mark. During the second semester of junior year, parents are invited to a meeting about financial planning for college. Although this may seem like a good start for the senior year, this meeting should be aimed at the students, not just the parents. Although parents help the financial aid process by filling out various forms like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the students are the ones that ultimately have to fill out applications for the scholarships. Junior students need to know that they should start scholarship applications as soon as possible,

and having this “parent” meeting in junior year leaves the students out of the loop until senior year.

The school is also wrong if they think most students know how much they need to start saving for, or even what college they’re applying to, during their junior year. Some students do not realize the potential price of college until they start applying.

Moreover, many seniors do not grasp how much their education will cost until they start to receive acceptance letters. The need for financial planning should be reinforced near the beginning of senior year, separately from the overall college planning meeting, when it is more relevant to the students and their parents.

There is also a stigma surrounding Ladue about the need for financial planning. Even though Ladue is known for being in a highincome area, seniors do not always receive financial support from their parents in college. Students who have high-income parents miss out

America has never been the most progressive country when it comes to social reform, which to many is a great thing and to many it is not.

Today, in the midst of the gay rights movement, new issues in America arise. Arizona law Senate Bill 1062 in essence makes it OK for business owners to refuse service to gay customers based on religious beliefs. The idea that the politicians elected by popular vote to represent hundreds of thousands of constituents could support such a bill is almost as ridiculous and corrupt as the bill itself.

The state senator who headed the bill, Steve Yarbrough, was able to pass it through the Republicancontrolled state senate. Controversy surrounds Governor Jan Brewer’s decision to veto the law. The year is 2014, and there is still a strong opposition to gay marriage throughout the country. Because this bill had any leverage at all, it is clear to everyone that in specifically Arizona, there is a wide anti-gay wave that a majority of the state is riding. However, the bill

was vetoed with ease, and Brewer’s decision was backed by even GOP leaders like John McCain.

This decision is the only right one. Brewer vetoed SB 1062 as a moral and political move, while many are speculating that her decision was partially due to the rumors circulating a campaign for Brewer to be the GOP vice presidential candidate in 2016. With the progressive generation that we as a student body are a part of, discrimination of this level, no matter what the reasoning, is unacceptable. Following the veto, Arizona Senator Steve

Gallardo, a strong opponent of the bill, was inspired to come out as gay.

Religious freedom, while an impor-

art by KIRA SVOBODA

Students need easier access to college scholarship information

on many need-based financial aid and scholarships, leaving them with only the option of applying for merit-based and private scholarships.

Alternatively, low-income students

art by MARY XIAO

should not be overlooked either just because they live in the Ladue district. Many seniors with low-income parents are advised mainly to apply for need-based scholarships, but that

Staff EDITORIAL

17

does not mean they should disregard merit-based and private scholarships.

Whether high-income, low-income or anywhere in between, students should always apply to a variety of scholarships and should not rely on only a couple to cover their expenses.

Although Ladue spends a commendable amount of time helping its seniors apply to college, resources for scholarships are usually only made known on an “ask first” basis. From private to merit- to need-based scholarships, many students do not get the help they need for financial aid unless they ask the college counselors directly about specific scholarships.

But how are seniors supposed to ask for information when they don’t know that it is available? The problem is not a lack of drive, but a lack of awareness. Students may go after scholarship applications with the same vigor as their college applications, if only they knew where to start.

Information about scholarships should not be given out only to students who take the initiative to ask about it. Having scholarship lists scrolled on announcements like college visits and more frequent emails urging teachers to talk openly about specific scholarships may just help a student graduate from college with less debt. Even small improvements in communication could help the student body. Students need only a slight push in the right direction to secure more sound financial futures. « (Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama staff.)

Controversial Arizona law ignores basic human rights

tant aspect of American life, does not prevail over basic civil rights for any American citizen, sexual preferences aside. The idea that religion is a trump card when it comes to any issue is getting old, just like the people that still believe in it. Part of what makes America so great is being able to believe whatever one wants to. People should choose to follow religions instead of being forced to abide by strict religious laws.

Another part of what makes America great is the freedom the citizens are given to be equal individuals. In short, believe what you want, just don’t infringe on other people’s rights that come with being American citizens. The idea behind this bill is so skewed and nonsensical in light of the recent progress made for gay rights. Seventeen states have made gay marriage legal, while many have been moving in the right direction by removing bans on gay marriage.

Ignorance and stubbornness are the only excuses for a major state like Arizona to be lagging this far behind

the pack. The four Republican senators that had previously been in favor of the bill retracted their votes once they saw the direction it was heading.

So what’s left now is a confused and somewhat angry nation that is disturbed at this blatant ignorance in the face of homosexual rights. Business owners should be embracing the customers and keeping their personal opinions to themselves. It is possible to be opinionated and conservative without being oppressive and unfair.

Why should anyone care that the couple who bought a $50 bouquet is gay, when they just paid $50 for the flowers? In 20 years, these would-be legislators will be seen as the bad guys, while a gay couple will have the right to shop anywhere.

Arizona must recognize the separation of church and state and ignore any religious considerations that infringe on human rights. SB 1062 must not be passed.« (Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama staff.)

18

panorama

OPINIONS

Annie-way...

April 7, 2014

The road less traveled Electing not to go to college should not be stigmatized

same notch of the socioeconomic spectrum. Many students with acceptable merits simply cannot afford the skyrocketing fees opinions writer required for a formal education. Some believe that their academic performance e are a judging society. We find doesn’t qualify to compete in a college or safety in numbers and harbor university environment; others feel that an intrinsic distaste toward the the benefits of the wages they could earn minority. The stronger the dichotomy, the while not in school outweigh the oppormore we fear them. This aversion manifests tunity cost of college. There are those everywhere in life, across all nations, races, who just prefer a different life path and religions and unfortunately, schools. At have their ambitions set on other goals, Ladue, there is a stigma against those such as individual entrepreneurship who elect not to go to college. or succeeding a family business. Still, It’s part of the collective culture some of these people are left in the dark of Ladue that students attend college in regards to college education. They directly after graduation. Last year, 92.2 may not know how to acquire financial percent of the graduating class was desaid or apply for scholarships for their ignated to attend a two or four-year colcolleges of choice, or simply need help lege. When we look at this majority, we with the search and application process. inevitably wonder what happened to that This may be affected by patterns of collast 7.8 percent. As a knee-jerk reaction, lege attendance in a given family history. we may find ourselves thinking about However, some students may miss how lazy those students must be and how opportunities because they are not as they lack the ambition to press forward in familiar with college counseling. In a perlife instead of asking ourselves a fundamental fect world, our school would require regular, question: why are those students choosing a mandatory appointments starting freshman different path? year with both the student’s personal counselors Most people who don’t attend college after and the college and career counselors to keep the graduating high school enter the workforce directly, art by STEELE STEWART student and his or her family updated. This way, we can attend a vocational school or join the military. First, we must set these students on the right path to find the help and answers acknowledge that going or not going to college is by no means to the problems that they might have. Unfortunately, given the an all-encompassing indicator of success later in life. There are packed schedules of the college counselors, this is not feasible. dozens of individuals who don’t have college degrees yet have When we label students who don’t go to college as part of achieved enormous success, from Mark Zuckerberg and Bill an inferior minority, we don’t consider their individual stories Gates to LeBron James and Halle Berry. Of course, we could and we don’t ask questions, the integral component to solving consider that many in this relatively small group of fortunate problems. Instead of stigmatizing those who don’t go to college, people had stumbled upon success through a case of right place, we need to ask ourselves a plethora of questions: why aren’t they right time, right people. However, we can also agree that most going? Is it a matter of personal preference? How can we help of them still worked hard to maintain their fortunes. After all, them achieve what they want? We may praise America as a land fortune can only continue to be amassed by painstaking toil. of equal opportunities, including the opportunity and the choice Next, examine the possible reasons why students opt to skip for every high school graduate to go to college, but actions speak over college. It isn’t hard to see that we don’t all stand on the louder than words. «

W art by AUDREY KOCHER

Three best friends opinions editor

L

ike many people, I was born an only child. Granted, I don’t remember much about this time thanks to infantile amnesia, but I can recall a general sense of zen. The world revolved around me and only me. But that all changed in the fall of 1997, when, unbeknownst to me, my parents decided to have another baby. This same scenario occurred again in 2001. We became the three sisters. And the rest is history.

As far as sibling arrangements go, three sisters are a pretty tidy package. Look at the Kardashians, the Bradys or the Tanners. My sisters and I share practically everything, often including, to my chagrin, clothes. We have a ton in common, and ultimately, we are the three best friends that anyone could have. After all, we have known each other a pretty long time.

Over the years, we’ve gone through euphoric highs and devastating lows and through each experience, we grew closer as a trio. I’ve seen my sisters at their absolute best and their absolute worst, so really, there’s nothing we can do to surprise each other. We know everything about one other from our favorite movies to our least favorite flavor of ice cream.

The point that I am trying to make is that, if you’re lucky enough to have some, you should value your siblings. They grow up in the same house as you, with the same parents, the same vacations and on and on. What other relationship can you say that about? That’s why I always feel a little sad when I see two siblings exit their car in the morning and immediately go in different directions without so much as a wave goodbye.

While it is always good to have some distance from family, especially as you grow older, there’s no harm in walking next to your brother or sister. Believe it or not, often when you talk to them, you discover how very interesting and complex they really are.

I also always feel a bit odd when I go over to a friend’s house and the family members pass each other by without a word. My house is always loud, full of talking, yelling, laughing and joking. Although this gets on my nerves sometimes, I much prefer it to the eerie silence of a disconnected family.

And while I wish my sisters would maybe not barge into my room 50 times a day (at least), I have to admit that I’m glad they feel comfortable enough in our relationship to burst in and immediately launch into conversation.

My relationship with my sisters has evolved, of course, as we’ve grown older. As the oldest, I feel a sense of responsibility to guide and care for my little sisters, but I find that they’re needing my wisdom and assistance less and less and relying on their own intuition and experiences more and more.

No longer do we have defined roles as oldest, middle and youngest; rather we are all individuals with our own views and opinions. Of course, some things never change. At every holiday or gathering, the minute someone whips out a camera, the three of us jump into our designated positions (me on the right, Emma on the left and Gracie in the middle). It’s almost a reflex at this point and my mom has hundreds of pictures to prove it. Year after year, through braces, different hairstyles, growth spurts and questionable fashion choices, the three of us stand smiling, united.

So maybe set aside a little bit of time one weekend to spend only with your siblings. A little bonding never hurt anyone. You might learn a thing or two about them, and maybe even about yourself. « (This column reflects the opinion of the writer.)

Snap, crackle, pop-ular app

Snapchat dominates in a selfie-crazed world opinions writer

I

n the realm of social networking, selfies have undoubtedly become the most popular mode of communication. Each day, millions of these self-taken portraits are uploaded onto various social media sites. Among the applications credited with fueling this selfie obsession is the recent, innovative startup Snapchat.

Snapchat is a mobile application that revolves around the interpersonal sharing of photos and videos. At its core, Snapchat utilizes the medium of photography to transform the way in which users can communicate. Using the app is relatively simple: just snap a quick photo, edit, add captions and send them to your art by JULIANN BI friends. The best part is that Snapchat allows users to set

a time limit, between one and ten seconds, before the photo will self-destruct. After that the photo is gone forever... or so we are told. Unlike other social sharing sites, Snapchat users feel more secure sending photos or messages that they would not want permanently online. For teens wanting to stay off the grid yet still keep in touch with those around them, Snapchat offers the perfect combination of privacy and connectivity. However, these notions of privacy may be less accurate then they seem.

While many teens believe that the content of their snaps will completely vanish after they expire, this is simply not true. While it is true that one cannot save photos within the application, one can just as easily save the content using a screen capture. Once a photo is captured, it is completely out of the control of the sender.

The photo can then be shared, uploaded and circulated throughout the internet. Snapchat will send a notification to the user when someone has taken a screenshot of their photo, but there is little the user can do. This is why it is so important to exercise good judgement when using Snapchat.

So what is it drawing teens away from old social media sites and onto Snapchat? Simply put, communication through pictures is much more engaging and fun. Images have the power to convey so much. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

The power of Snapchat is vastly underestimated, often written off as an oversimplified forum for swapping “duck-faced” selfies.

However, when used appropriately, Snapchat has the potential to revolutionize the way people interact. «

panorama

April 7, 2014

Being wasteful is distasteful

OPINIONS

19

The Fig Picture

Students have many ways to reduce waste our meals and put 30 million tons of food in landfills every year.

The Department of Agriculture estimated that recovering just 5 percent of the food that is wasted could feed four million people a day; recovering 25 percent would feed 20 million. he next time you leave the cafeteria, check the trash cans From farm to kitchen table, food gets wasted along the way. on your way out. Chances are there is just as much food But most of the avoidable waste occurs at the retail level. Stanas trash in those bins. On occasion, people even throw dards like regulations for appearance result in the waste of food. away unopened packages of food. Some students don’t even bat One such standard is the use of the “sell-by” and “use-by” dates, an eye as they carelessly spend their parents’ money on food only which cause a lot of consumer confusion. Often, customers asto throw it away if it displeases their taste buds. These events sume that these dates indicate a time period during which food is only hint at the culture of wastefulness that exists in America and edible, when in actuality the food may remain harmless beyond cause more than 40 percent of America’s food production to be these dates. For example, salad dressings, pastas and canned wasted, according to the Huffinggoods may stay safe for years beyond their sell-by dates. Yet ton Post. stores continue to contribute to the millions of pounds of Many people learn to wasted food when, by donating this food to food banks, they regard waste with disdain. can avoid the waste and benefit those in need of food.

They grow up in households With another option, profit could even be made from where it is emphasized that this “expired” food. Salvage grocery stores there are people so driven by specialize in selling goods that necessity that they would be cannot or will not be sold in happy with what our culture other stores. Bruised fruits might consider “scraps.” In and vegetables, which get those houses, food never goes passed over for their lack near the trash or garbage disof aesthetic appeal, are posal unless it is completely commonplace in these inedible, and picky eaters stores. On these stores’ learn to be less picky. The shelves, one might find reality is that in America, food near or past expirawhere food is often in tion, in dented or damaged abundance, more often (but sealed) packaging, than not, people do not or in seasonal or dated learn these important lespackaging. Prices at these sons of frugality. grocery stores are up to Many people excuse half of the original prices. their wastefulness with But the best way to art by LIZ XING the observation that we cannot ship our leftovers to the starving combat this waste is to people in other countries. They think that regardless of whether take personal responsibilwe eat, hungry people aren’t being helped. But the allusion to ity. We have to learn to appreciate our constant accessibility to those people is meant only to put our lives in perspective. We food instead of taking advantage of it. People have to realize that live in excess, taking now and thinking about it later. So we they are contributing to the problem. When you go to a restauend up with trash cans full of what we took too much of and a rant, take only as much as you need. When you use paper, print tendency to take advantage of our constant access to food and of on both sides. After you clean out your closet, donate old clothes. the knowledge that there is always more where that came from.

Just be conscious of ways to use less and waste less. Every perBy piling our plates sky high, we set ourselves up to not finish son can make a difference, regardless of the actions of others. « opinions writer

T

Panorama is produced 10 times per school year by the journalism class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School « 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63124 « (314)-993-6447 ext. 5463 « www.laduetoday.com Panorama strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. The publication aims to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among readers.

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

Therefore, letters voicing readers’ opinions strengthen the paper.

Please bring signed letters to Room 216 or email them to panorama@ ladueschools.net. Panorama reserves the right to edit submissions as long as the original intent remains unaltered. «

(Photo by Jillian Proehl)

BUSINESS MANAGERS Andrew Cherrick Nick Nash WEB MASTER Warren Biest

WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Justin Cole WEB EDITORS Yoav Kadan Rachel Wagner-Muns Sarah Kessel

PLEASE RECYCLE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Chloe An Emily Biest

News Editors Ali Gold Alli Loynd

Features Editors Sarah Jacob Sabrina Medler

PHOTO EDITORS Elyse Mack Jeanne Wilkinson

A&E Editors Karen Figenshau Charlie Garside

Opinions Editors Annie Cohen Mike Figenshau

SPORTS EDITORS Aaron Bry Jason Kaplan

ART EDITORS Audrey Kocher Ashley Turner

WRITERS Juliann Bi Katie Bry Benjamin Collinger Will Deutch Salim Douaihy Hannah Frankel Isabella Fu Levi Greenberg Mackenzie Hines-Wilson Haley Horowitz Hayden Hunt Jacob Jacob Keona Kalu Jocelyn Kaza Bram Levy Melissa Melnick Michael Petersen Meghan Proskey Anna Reichert Sasha Rice

Hannah Schwartz Janey Sheth Sam Shevitz Ethan Shuchart Journey Smith Hannah Snidman Andrew Tsiaklides Teddy Turner

WEB WRITERS Julia Biest Henok Getahun Naomi Oberlander

PHOTOGRAPHERS Sydney Ellis Sammy Leary Magda Lijowska Jocelyn Kaza Meghan Proskey Jessica Puyo Jenna Shanker Danielle Thompson Emma Weller ARTISTS Juliann Bi Ting Ding Matthew Hooper Steele Stewart Kira Svoboda Mary Xiao Eric Zhu ADVISER Jillian Proehl

art by AUDREY KOCHER

Unsolicited advice for the good life opinions editor

W

ith only five more weeks of high school, I have decided to share some unsolicited advice for the good life. I hope these tips will help you make the most out of high school.

1. There is a HUGE difference between working hard and working smart. Unfortunately, few people ever discover this difference. I shamelessly admit that I have gotten through high school just fine by working as little as possible. I am not a hard worker. I am, however, a smart worker. I have worked as much as I’ve needed to. High school is a challenge for everybody, but if you become a stickler for efficiency, you will own high school. If you don’t need to study for a particular subject, don’t. Study and work a little bit every day. I have personally limited myself to two hours of work per night. Time constraints demand that I work more efficiently, only doing what is absolutely necessary to achieve my goals. Time is money – don’t waste it.

2. Do the activities you like, and do not succumb to pressure to do all of them. This is complementary to my previous tip. Extracurriculars take a lot of time. It really is better to become a dedicated member of a few clubs or organizations than it is to spread yourself thin among six or seven. If you don’t have time to do all your extracurriculars, play a sport, study, hang out on the weekends or even sleep, you are overexerting yourself. Besides the senior superlative for “longest activity list” published every senior issue of our fine publication, there is absolutely no incentive to participate in as many extracurriculars as possible. Have some sustained interest in what you do. If you think doing a ton of activities will get you into a highly-ranked school, think again. It’s far more effective and efficient to do a few activities, but to do them really well.

3. Your social life matters as much as academics. High school is really, really hard to get through without friends, and trust me, we’ve all been there. If you don’t like the current group you hang out with, find new people. Try to meet friends from different schools for variety. You MUST find something to look forward to every week. A diverse group of friends will give you options for socializing every weekend and will also prevent boredom from being with the same people all the time.

4. Listen to your teachers. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re smarter than they are. They deserve respect and they have lived in the real world, unlike you. After four years here, I can attest to the fact they always have your best interests in mind and are not here to torture you. I’ve had a few teachers I struggled to learn from, but I’d say 90 percent of my teachers have been great at what they do. Being a rebellious pissant is not a way to make friends or to prepare to make it in the world.

5. Almost everything is overrated. Most colleges, bands, activities and trends are put on pedestals and idolized by 80 percent of the student body at the time. Fight the hype and do what you like. This is NOT a suggestion to fetishize the “authentic” and lead an alternative lifestyle devoid of all mainstream cultural phenomena. This is just a suggestion to be yourself, whatever form that takes on.

A disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list, nor is it guaranteed to help you make the most out of high school.

Keep in mind I’m only a senior, but I’m sharing advice I wish I would have known as an underclassman. « (This column reflects the opinion of the writer.)

20

panorama

OPINIONS

April 7, 2014

IPADS ARRIVE AT LADUE

Will the new iPads be a valuable, educational tool?

YES. Despite minor difficulties, the benefits of iPads are too good to pass up.

show that iPad usage improves education. Other primary and secondary schools have reported similar results.

The iPad can use a world of applications. For example, a history or communication arts class can use Keynote for presentation creation. Students can save money on calculators by using opinions writer math apps compatible to Texas Instrument devices. Drawing can benefit from SketchBook Pro, where artists can ntroducing personal iPads to Ladue students next create realistic paintings without the mess, and year will enhance and diversify classroom learnmore advanced art students can store digital ing across the board. The district should take up copies of their work with online portfolios inthe financial investment. stead of hauling around a heavy, bulky folder.

The district is considering giving students personal Personal tablets can also store e-textiPads for school use. A final decision will be made in books. Textbooks are a hassle to transport, June. If the proposal passes, students will receive elecespecially if a student carries more than one, tronic tablets for the 2014-15 school year. A trial with so allowing students to downiPad minis is being conducted with faculty load digital copies will relieve members, with teachers like Micheal them of backpack weight and Farrell finding much success. inconvenience. A student can If all students were to receive tabonly use one textbook at a time, so lets, they could work anywhere and use an iPad could replace all of them. One more the same electronic resources as their peers. benefit comes with some e-textbooks using Also, teachers would save time since they wouldn’t interactive features, allowing students to have to reserve a laptop cart. watch videos and read expanded graphs The iPad tailors to a student’s needs better beyond a mere textbook. than the SmartBoard and MacBook.

That said, the iPad is no magic SmartBoards can only interact with one bullet. Last September, The Los person at a time, while a collection of Angeles Unified School District iPads can be easily distributed into each splurged $1 billion into buying student’s hands. A iPad costs and weighs iPads for all of its students. Some art by TING DING less, and its size gives a tactile dimension that bypassed the devices’ filtering software, some mirrors a book. The iPad might lack certain features, but schools recalled their iPads and parents attacked the disits functions are sufficient for school use and certain tools can trict’s excessive spending. sidestep its limitations, like a Bluetooth-connected keyboard.

Ladue can avoid similar problems. However, the district is iPads can especially benefit special needs students, some which smaller (LA Unified has hundred of thousands of students, while learn better with a screen than pencil and paper. Studies by the Ladue only has a few thousand), so the financial cost wouldn’t Harvard-Smithsonian and the University of California-Irvine be staggering. Plus, Ladue’s tech team can learn from how other

I

NO. The iPads are expensive, difficult to manage and ultimately quite unnecessary. opinions writer

W

ith the announcement of the plan to put iPads in the hands of every high school student, the district hopes to increase student-teacher communication, promote collaborative work between peers and allow for the development and usage of new teaching techniques. However, in reality, the implementation of the devices will hinder some students, distract the technology department and generally create problems that the school officials shouldn’t have to deal with.

Currently at the high school, a group of students participate in the Excel Program, which aims to assist students with their transition to and time in high school. As part of the program, every student carries a school-provided iPad to their classes.

As with the school-wide initiative, these devices supposedly enable higher level thinking and assist in everyday school life. While the rumors

swirled, some students wondered where the money for the devices would come from. Sighs of relief were heard at the district board meeting as the method of funding was explained. The money would come not from the inhabitants of the district, but by relocating and reorganizing the district’s current technology budget.

While the lack of cost to student families is something to cheer about, there should also be worry surrounding the movement of technology funds. The purchase of the iPads will be a large expenditure and will leave little room left in the budget for anything else. Things such as the lack of Smartboards in needy classrooms or slow and outdated computer software will be pushed to the backburner as the staff works tirelessly to integrate the use of iPads into the everyday school experience.

A major pushing point on the implementation of these devices is their ability to be used from home.

Two blatant problems arise from this.

First, the board of education claims that they have found a software that will keep the iPads filtered even when out of school. But with approximately 1,300 students using these devices, someone somewhere is bound to find a crack in the system

and misuse the iPads. The district will then have to put more work into keeping the iPads safe, thus distracting them from more pertinent issues within the tech department and the entire school.

Second, usage at the school in general presents a difficult challenge.

According to the 2012 Rambler, there are more than 575 computers in the school, all connected to the school wi-fi network, not to mention all of the students using their cell phones and other mobile devices. This traffic can cause the web service to slow down, creating frustration with students trying to complete actual school curriculum. Adding another device to each student will cause this traffic to increase exponentially, slowing down the work of students and directly hindering the idea of technology expanding the learning horizon. This frustration will make the learning environment less comfortable, and unless money can be found to increase the wireless network’s capacity the iPads will not be able to be put to full use.

Yes, there will be many opportunities for the devices to enhance the learning experience, like using electronic textbooks or collaborative apps. However, students are already

institutions handle iPads and the School Board can maintain a dialogue with parents so all parties stay well-informed.

The transition toward iPads will come with glitches and problems — like those of every other device. Some teachers will cope with the learning curve, but since even less tech-savvy teachers can handle the SmartBoard, the curve can be bested. Once upon a time, some teachers struggled with students using Google Drive to share and collaborate on documents, but those days are gone.

Students also risk breaking their tablets. The school will have to trust them, since high school students are mature and are expected to treat school-owned devices safely. The school should, in turn, expect that some of its pupils will hack their iPad and overcome school limitations. After all, one student unlocking his iPad doesn’t call for panic. An insurance policy can also ease the district’s financial stress, and the school should stress their technology policy and enforce it. Disciplinary action toward any mistreatment of iPads will discourage attempts to disrupt learning.

Those who think personal iPads might cause distraction in the classroom should think about how students use electronic devices at school. Few teachers strictly enforce the cell phone policy.

Some allow students to take it out to record homework. Some teachers allow iPhones for music during work time. A student can even take out a Kindle after a quiz and read an e-book. Really, the cell phone policy’s primary usage is to prevent interruptions, so teachers should welcome any practices that aid their course.

Since 78 percent of teenagers nationwide own a cell phone, according to the Pew Research Center, along with 23 percent of the same group owning a tablet, giving everyone iPads won’t destroy overall attention.

In the end, if the school have faith and education in mind, iPads can classes better at conveying the facts and teaching the process. It will be expensive, and more than a thousand tablets on campus will make a dramatic impact, but Ladue has introduced new technology again and again. If the district can get most teachers to use Google Drive for essay writing, it can tackle iPads with similar success. «

extremely “plugged in” with things such as social media and video games. Providing the iPads also provides another means of distracting students when real work needs to be accomplished. There are just as many gaming and entertainment apps available as there are productive apps.

There is a high possibility of students using these games and apps to goof off in class. This could not only inhibit the student from learning, but also distract others in the room.

Bringing the iPad home increases this problem dramatically. A study done by Columbia University in 2011 showed that students that use electronic devices while doing homework average almost half a GPA point less than those who don’t on their four year average. Giving students iPads to use will add to the number of electronics already available to students at home, which could lead to an academic depreciation, not improvement, the main goal.

Even though there are benefits that could come from the iPads, the risk

art by TING DING

for misuse and distraction is high, and the devices could incredibly hinder the learning of students. If the school wants to create more technology interaction, they could add more inhouse devices and make the computers available to the students whenever needed during school hours. This will allow for more students to collaborate and for teaching to be interactive without the worries and concerns that the iPads could bring. «

April 7, 2014

panorama

SPORTS

21

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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

• April 9 - Girls Soccer vs. Jennings (West Campus) • April 15 - Girls Lacrosse @ Villa • April 16 - Water Polo vs. John Burroughs • April 21 - Baseball vs. Lindbergh (West Campus) • April 22 - Boys Tennis vs. MICDS (Middle School) • April 29 - Boys Lacrosse vs. Desmet (West Campus) Visit http://laduetoday.com/calendar-test/ for more upcoming events.

(Photo by Magda Lijowska)

22

panorama

SPORTS

GOLF

April 7, 2014

Spring Girls Soccer

boys Tennis

WIND IT UP • As

senior Colton Schalk finishes a tee shot, he pivots his foot and executes a clean follow-through. (Photo

by Jenna Shanker)

VISORS ‘N SOCKS • As junior

sports writer

W

ith spring sports coming into full swing, the golf team is looking to improve upon last year’s finish.

The team did not advance out of districts last year, but senior Sam Crowder expects this new team to advance this year. He claims the underclassmen will be a major contributing factor.

“Luckily, we have new golfers from every grade, especially the freshmen,” Crowder said.

The team graduated six of the eight varsity golfers from last season, but that is not deterring this year’s team, who want to have fun and win along the way. Many are turning their heads toward star freshman Riley Ahearn, a single-digit handicapper playing second on varsity, as he is expected to accomplish great things according to senior Mike Figenshau.

“This year we really just want to go out and have fun and maybe send a few players to districts and hopefully to state,” senior Colton Schalk said. “Ladue golf is so fun because you get to go out and play free golf with your friends and just relax.”

Alumnus Seth Smith earned his way to state last year, meaning the team has lost their best player, but they have new players who Crowder thinks will be able to step in. Specifically, Crowder highlights junior Blake Buchanan.

“Blake Buchanan has improved quite a bit,” Crowder said.

“This past summer he played 18 holes every day, and the practice has really paid off.”

The team has a new leader this year, as Todd Basler is taking over coaching duties. After coaching JV last year, Basler is ready to take on more responsibility.

“The main difference is organizing and structuring the schedules for both the JV and varsity teams,” Basler said. “As a head coach, I now feel responsible for both teams instead of just one.”

The players seem to enjoy Basler’s coaching style. They see him as relaxed and knowledgable.

“Basler has a style all his own,” Crowder said. “He is wise beyond his years, and he demands that we respect each other.

Still, he likes to have fun, often initiating putting contests.”

The team has blended together well. Crowder believes a close team will translate to the course.

The team has bonded well thus far,” Crowder said. “I am looking forward to our team bonding night that will be mandatory.” «

Austin Burton prepares to return, he grips his racket firmly. (Photo by Sammy Leary)

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM • While senior Natasha Meddler dribbles the ball, she prepares a pass to a teammate. (Photo by Jenna Shanker)

sports writer

D

epth is a term that causes most coaches to salivate.

When you have it, your team is fresher, faster and better. The girls soccer team has it, and they are primed to take full advantage of it during this season.

Dave Aronberg, the current head coach and former Ladue soccer player, has had a slew of successful years. To continue that trend, he expects more of the same for 2014.

“From my perspective, I think this is a team that has a chance to repeat as conference champions,” Aronberg said.

“I also think this team has the potential to be as good if not better than last year’s record-breaking team. It all depends on how quickly a lot of the girls adjust to the varsity level of play.”

While not quite as experienced as last year’s squad, this team still has a strong core of senior leadership, spearheaded

by Natasha Medler, who stands at third on the all-time list for points in a career at Ladue, and Mariana Alisio, who has earned a bid to play for the Argentinian National team.

“I try my best to lead by example to some of our newer players on the team, especially those new to varsity,” Alisio said. “I want to be a motivator on the team who makes us work our hardest and compete at every game and practice.”

Sophomore Lizzy Puyo is one of the bright young stars featured along with sophomores Hayden Hunt, Claire Petersen, Charlotte Mabbs and Madison Schroder. This year, Puyo hopes to be a dynamic offensive weapon.

“Last year, I felt like things really clicked for me and for the team,” Puyo said. “This year I’ll try to build off that success and improve and score goals to help my team on offense.”

Armed with a stellar senior class and a promising young group of sophomores, the Lady Rams hope to make a repeat run this spring in conference play and beyond. «

sports writer

T

he boys tennis team has finished its first few matches and is off to a solid start. Both players and coaches feel confident that this season will be great.

The boys participating are dedicated and prepared to work hard this season. The team practices every day after school and Saturdays for two hours at a time. Their training schedule will set them up to be prepared for any tough competition to come. A major focus for the team this year will be technique.

“In JV tennis, especially doubles, it is not the most fit athletes that win but the ones with the best tennis technique,” coach Harold Webb said. “Tennis is mainly about stroke development, and if I can spend the majority of time having my athletes hitting tennis balls properly, instead of running around cones, I will.”

With the technique developing, the stakes are high this year. The team expects a lot of itself.

“My goal is for our team to win conference again and maybe even win districts as a team,” junior Austin Burton said. “I think both goals are achievable.”

Burton has personal goals as well. He would like to have a winning record as a top singles player this season.

Junior Tyler Christner has less specific, but equally important goals. Christner would like to look back at his season and feel content about his performance. His goals for the team as a whole are similar.

“I simply want us to go out there and perform to our very best,” said Christner.

Webb’s goal for this season is simple: win. However, getting the team to come together as a family means more.

“The most important aspect of the team is bonding, even if tennis is an individual sport,” Webb said. “I have never been part of a successful team that did not bond.”

The boys are geared up to improve their stellar record from last year. With the dedication they have, this season should have great results for Ladue. «

23

panorama

April 7, 2014

Sports Preview BOYS LACRosse

SPORTS

BOYS TRACK & field

Water Polo FALLING FROM HEAVEN • As junior

Brian Mayfield decends after pole vaulting, he braces himself for the mat below. (Photo by Sydney Ellis)

sports writer

MARCO POLO • While senior Collin Ladd prepares a shot, he aims with precision at the goal. (Photo by Meghan Proskey) LONGING FOR MORE • As senior Zack

Zuckerman prepares to pass, he smiles at his fellow teammates. (Photo by Sydney Ellis) sports writer

C

oming back from a somewhat disappointing season, the boys lacrosse team has worked hard in the offseason and is ready to begin their new season.

Last year, the team received all new coaching staff, but unfortunately finished 8-9. However, through the hard work put in this past winter, junior Elliot Shevitz believes the team has the potential to succeed this year.

“We have done a lot of conditioning and odd man drills trying to get back into the swing of playing,” Shevitz said.

“We have now been going through our new offensive and defensive plays to get ready for the season.”

The team put all of their hard work to test when they headed to Indianapolis March 7 for exhibition games. The team won all three of their games, going undefeated back-toback years in Indiana.

“Our biggest obstacle will be overcoming injuries,” senior Craig Emert said. “It will be interesting to see if some of the younger guys can fill those shoes.”

Many of the players are focused on making it to the playoffs this year after the disappointing finish last season.

However, coach Pat Callaham feels the team’s key to success is to take a different approach.

“The big thing for us this year is not looking foward or back, but staying focused and taking the season one game at a time,” Callaham said. «

sports writer

W

ith last year’s successful season behind them, the water polo team hopes to take their skill and continue it into the state tournament.

Last season, the team finished fifth overall in the state competition with a record of 22-8. The team also finished in first place at the Lafayette tournament and Founder’s Cup. “We worked very hard all season,” senior Mario Stoyanov said. “No one really expected us to do well last season, but thanks to a strong senior core and great teamwork, we surprised a lot of people.”

Unfortunately, the team suffered a huge loss as their all-district goalie graduated. On top of that, several other key players graduated as well. To fill their places, the team has several juniors coming up from the JV team.

“It may be hard to adjust, but I believe that we’re prepared for the season as individuals and as a team,” senior Jackie Chen said.

Coach Corey Miller is also excited about the younger players. He has high hopes for them to be a great addition to the team.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some of our younger players having a role in the outcome of many of our games,” Miller said. “Seeing them develop their skills and have a positive impact will be exciting to see.”

With the vast amount of underclassmen coming in, the issue of small team members comes into play.

“Our biggest weaknesses are definitely our size and our speed,” Stoyanov said. “Overall, we aren’t the tallest or the fastest team, so we make it up by playing smarter.”

According to the team, they hope to advance even further than last season, making it to the Final Four and even into the state championship. «

A

fter a strong performance into sectionals last year, the boys track team is ready to take it a step further this season.

While track may seem to be largely an individual sport, junior Brian Jiang argues that relays require great teamwork.

“When it comes to the relays, each teammate has to have complete trust in who they’re passing the baton to or else the team will fall apart mid-race,” Jiang said.

The team lost a handful of seniors from last year. However, unexpected departures of this year’s 4x8 team do not faze Jiang as new additions will be the key to success.

“Sadly, right before track began, our best runner had to opt out and focus on more important things,” Jiang said. “A couple of [fast] freshmen [Cameron Smith and Jarrod Smith] are coming to join our squad,and I am confident that we will have a young, strong and deadly team.”

Senior Drew Hutchens says the competition will be difficult, but the team still has the talent to win. He also added that the loss of key players will be merely an obstacle, though the look of the team will be different.

“The team has lost a few very good competitors which has changed the dynamic quite a lot in the mid and distance teams,” Hutchens said.

Under captains such as Hutchens and Jiang, the team stresses unity. Chemistry is what will fuel the team toward success. The sprinters are equally as important to the distance runners, and together, they all work hard to achieve great heights.

“If you don’t work hard, nothing pays off,” sophomore Remegio Hill said. “We want to do well this year so we all work our hardest.”

Junior Veijay Raj believes that the coaches help the runners with their performance, along with their health. They stress the importance of remaining in strong physical shape.

“The coaches make sure to prevent injuries, so they’re huge in keeping their runners healthy,” Raj said.

Coach Keith Harder says the team is young but competitive. Harder believes the team is built for the future.

“We haven’t been this good at the lower level since I have been here.” Harder said. “So with some experience and maturity, we will be awesome down the road.” «

24

panorama

SPORTS

Senior Sit-down

Girls track & field

Each month, Panorama sits down with a senior athlete. April’s athlete is Madison Barker from the girls track and field team.

sports writer

S

Jason Kaplan: What are you most looking forward to this season?

MB: I’m really looking forward to running with my teammates, and I think our relay will be very strong this year so that will be fun.

JK: What is your pre-race ritual?

MB: I usually listen to music and eat like a whole box of cereal.

JK: What kind of music?

MB: I usually listen to Kid Cudi Radio on Pandora for six hours straight.

pring track has begun and the girls are ready to run fast this upcoming season. With hard work and dedication, the team feels prepared to face any challenge headed their way.

Running is a sport for anyone. It has the competitive nature of racing the opponents in the surrounding lanes. At the same time, however, the individuality of running makes it a race against the clock, despite the people running in the lanes next to you.

“I chose to run track to further improve myself as a runner and stay in shape for next cross country season,” freshman Diane Mwonga said.

In addition to the fun of running, being a part of a team is a highlight for many of the runners.

The team is very close, and many runners are able to build friendships with their teammates.

“I love being a part of the team,” senior Madison Barker said. “You get to know so many people, not only in your grade, but all ages.”

The bonding of the team will be a major aspect for the girls this season. For this team, a close team is a strong team.

Coach Keith Harder would like each and every girl to do her very best. The girls train hard and do what they have to do to get the maximum from each workout.

“This season we hope to do good in all of the meets, try and win the conference, then see what we can do at the state meet,” Harder said.

While displaying their diverse talent, girls track and field has started the year strong and looks forward to a successful year. «

WARMING UP • Getting loose for a day at practice, freshmen

Diane Mwonga and Anna Margraf jog around the track. Mwonga is looking forward to being a strong runner this season. (Photo by Jeanne Wilkinson)

JK: What do you think will be different about track at the collegiate level when you run for Columbia University next year?

MB: It is going to be a bigger time commitment, the team is bigger, and everyone is going to be really fast. I’m looking forward to it!

JK: What is your favorite thing about track?

MB: I really like the individual aspect of it. The team is really fun, but at the end of the day, it’s an individual sport.

(Photos courtesy of Madison Barker)

Baseball sports writer

T

he sound of a bat crushing a ball and the taste of fresh sunflower seeds is upon us; the high school baseball season has begun. Ladue opened its season on March 26 with a 3-2 victory against Priory.

The team has a different look this season after losing several seniors last year. There are many new faces at the plate, including freshmen Ben Sheinbein and Ty Buckner.

“We have two very skilled, experienced freshman, Sheinbein and Buckner,” senior Levi Greenberg said. “They will definitely be a big addition to our team and fill in some open spots from last year.”

The underclassmen on the team will work hard this year to help improve the team for not

April 7, 2014

Girls lacrosse and defensive style can be second nature. The key to their success will sports writer be how fluidly they play together.

This season, the team will have he girls’ lacrosse season as rigorous of a schedule as ever has begun with one of the with games against rivals such as strongest teams they have John Burroughs, MICDS and Villa. had in years. Led by seniors Victoria Each team bears a star player.

Wolsky and Cam Newton, the team “Our key for achieving our goal has their own future in their hands and making it to the Elite Eight is with very high expectations. communication,” Rosenthal said.

“We hope to get to the Elite “If we talk and have teamwork, Eight this year,” sophomore Carly then we should do really well.”

Rosenthal said. “Our coach thinks Last year, there were three sethat it is a reachable goal. And there niors on the team; this year there is has been a slight change in the style a significant difference with seven. of play since last season. The defense The team’s experience will help has adopted a new style of play, but them play well together. otherwise we are staying the same as “I don’t have the best idea of last year.” how we will play in comparison to The instinctive style of play is not last year, but I think we should do to be altered too much, so the offense fine,” Wolsky said. «

T

FOCUSED TEAMWORK • Creating space from the defender, junior Koehler Martin awaits a pass from one her teammates. This is Martin’s third year on the team. “We have a really strong team this year with a lot of talent,” Martin said. (Photo by Jocelyn Kaza)

JAY-Z • Focusing on the pitcher, senior Jack

Zimmerman sets his weight on his back foot, ready to put a powerful swing on the ball. This is Zimmerman’s third year on the varsity baseball team. Zimmerman hopes to not only be a force at the plate this year, but also from the mound.

(Photo by Magda Lijowska)

only the season, but the years to come. Many freshmen may struggle with the workload of varsity athletics, but the team’s young players are very poised and try to imitate the upperclassmen.

“I just go out there and give my best and so does everyone else,” Buckner said. “It’s how we play as a team that will affect our games. We just have to get out there and win. Simple as that.”

The team will not go the season without tough opponents. Some of the harder games are against rivals such as SLUH, Chaminade, Clayton, Priory and MICDS. “I’m not sure how our games are going to go this year,” Buckner said. “We need to be a close group to have success. I hope we can make it to the state playoffs.” «