Ladue Panorama January 2013 Volume 61, Issue 5

ladue

panorama ladue horton watkins high school • 1201 s. warson road • st. louis, mo 63124 • volume 61 • issue 5 • january 25, 2012

NEWS one to one p. 3

OPINIONS gun control p. 7

FEATURES quiz bowl p. 10

A&E 2013 albums p. 15

SPORTS jv sports p. 18

Crime and Punishment

(story continued on page 12)

(photos by Elyse Mack)

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NEWS

LOWDOWN Missouri State Thespians Awards The Ladue Tech Theatre placed 2nd at Tech Challenge held at the 2013 International Thespian State Conference.

Juniors Meg Jordan and Sam Picus and seniors Corey Rosenberg and Taylor Thompson represented the team. DueProv placed first in the Improv Olympix tournament. The DueProv team consists of juniors Antonio Zapiain-Luna and Catie Ryan and seniors Leo Di Cera, Leslie Insell and Melissa Ferrie. Insell earned a superior ranking in solo musical performance. ZapiainLuna’s short film “Time Gone By” won the Superior Film Award with a perfect score and is being considered for the National competition. Additionally, Ladue Theatre earned Honor Troupe Status.

Poetry Out Loud Competition Junior Katy Chang won Ladue’s Poetry Out Loud competition. Chang will represent Ladue in the St. Louis regional competition.

Speech and debate team impresses at local championship Ladue’s forensics team dominated the Greater St. Louis Speech Association’s final tournament at Ritenour High School, Jan. 19 and 20. The team placed first in Public Speaking Sweepstakes, Debate Sweepstakes, Congressional Debate sweepstakes and Overall Sweepstakes, and placed second in Interpretation Sweepstakes. Freshman Hanlu Jin was named the Most Improved Speaker in Congressional Debate. Sophomore Janine Norman placed second in Dramatic Interpretation.

Junior Chloe An was elected Permanent Presiding Officer in Congressional Debate and placed third in Public Forum Debate with junior Emily Chu. Senior and tournament MVP Sarah Allen placed first in Public Forum Debate with senior Sydney Petersen, first in Prose Reading and third in Extemporaneous Speaking. Juniors Olivia Gada and Jerome Gregory placed first in Storytelling and Original Oratory, respectively.

January 25, 2012

pate in evening rehearsals to make sure they impress an audience of mostly musicians.

“Our audience at the MMEA convention will consist of about 700 band directors,” Harris said. “Playing in front of your peers can be a bit intimidating for both the students and us as directors. However, we’re ready.”

One advantage Ladue has over other high schools is its decision to stop the marching band program.

Without the extra burden, an activity that requires intensive preparation, students can focus more on ensemble music verses practicing marching CLARINET CLARITY • Junior Paige Hibbard and sophomores routines. Ladue students can also Danielle Thompson, Alana Dinh and Yang Liu play through their parts attest to great quality from the perduring a rehearsal. “We performed the set of songs at our fall concert as sonalized instruction their directors practice, but the audience at [Missouri Music Educators Association] will provide them. be a lot bigger and more intimidating,” Hibbard said. “They will know ex“[Ladue percussion] is really actly how the songs are supposed to sound, so it’s a bit nerve-wracking!” unique because Mr. Faris is really (photo by Sarah Kessel) good at percussion, and extremely talented,” senior Tim Padgett said.

“In middle school, we had class every day, and Mr. Faris would be there the whole hour. We were able to build up fundamentals in middle school, and bring it to the high school.”

As the band prepares for the convention, some players will be no strangers to what the environment is like. Since the band last performed at and administrators from across the the convention four years ago, some state to meet and listen to a variety hannahSNIDMAN of the seniors have already experiof Missouri honor bands.

Ladue’s - news writer enced this event. percussion and “MMEA only alsymphonic band adue’s symphonic band and This year marks the 75th anniversary of the lows a specific band were selected percussion were selected to MMEA convention. Of the 196 ensembles to play every four after participatperform at the annual convenjudged, Ladue Percussion was the single years. The last time ing in a blind tion of the Missouri Music Educaaudition by sendtors Association, Jan. 25. Band and percussion ensemble from the state invited the band went was when I was a freshing in a tape of percussion students worked hard to for this anniversary year. man, [but] this year their best pieces. prepare for the big performance that -Associate Director of Bands Michael Faris the MMEA allowed A committee of will be held at Tan-Tar-A resort in any band to qualify out-of-state exOsage Beach, Mo. perts ranked each ensemble, and then 45 minutes a day since August. Also, because it is an anniversary,” senior The MMEA will hold the fourJulia Tsuchiya-Mayhew said. • students must occasionally particiinvited the best groups to perform. day conference for music educators

Band performs at 75th Annual State Convention Selected through blind audition

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“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the MMEA convention.

As part of this event, each middle school, high school and collegiate ensemble in the state was asked to submit a recording,” Associate Director of Bands Michael Faris said. “Of the 196 ensembles judged, Ladue Percussion was the single percussion ensemble from the state invited for this anniversary year.”

Ladue’s Department Chair and former Director of Bands James Waechter recently retired. Twenty years ago, Waechter decided to recruit a percussion specialist for the students, making Ladue the first high school program in the state to include a full time percussion aspect. After Waechter’s retirement, Ladue’s band program is now led

by Associate Directors Scott Harris, Michael Faris, Aaron Lehde and Katie Solomon.

“With this new leadership, we hope to continue the tradition of excellence for which the Ladue Bands have become known,” Lehde said. “I think it is safe to say that the Ladue Symphonic Band and the Ladue Percussion ensembles are among the premier groups in the state.”

This will be the first time the band will perform at the conference under this new leadership. In preparation for the big performance, students have practiced their songs

Social studies department reduces class overcrowding Personal Finance teacher and debate coach Molly Beck undertakes U.S. Government and Politics classes apoorvaNORI

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ersonal Finance and Oral Communications teacher Molly Beck is teaching two U.S. Politics and Government classes this semester to reduce overcrowding.

The district recommends that high school class sizes be capped at 23 students. The high school administration specifically strove to reduce U.S. Government and Politics class sizes because completion of the course is a state-required requirement for graduation.

“There were so many people signed up to take [U.S. Government and Politics] that we needed somebody to come in to fill that position,” social studies teacher Eric Hahn said.

After an application process, selected individuals were interviewed by the school board which ultimately selected Beck to teach the course. Beck is in her second year of teaching at Ladue.

“My main qualification for this position was a certificate in [grades 9-12 social studies] education,” Beck said.

Beck is enthusiastic about her new responsibilities and her new department. She is also excited to work in a new academic department.

“I am very excited to be teaching in the social studies department and look forward to a great semester teaching [the class],” Beck said.

Beck’s social studies colleagues echo her excitement. They appreciate the newly-reduced class sizes.

“My government classes [are] smaller this semester,” social studies teacher David Sonius said.

“I am just as thrilled as I can possibly be.”

In addition to teaching personal finance and oral communications, Beck is the head coach of Ladue’s speech and debate team. Under her leadership, members have won numerous awards and several students have qualified for and competed at the national speech and debate tournament, which is held every June.

BECK TO THE FUTURE • Personal Finance and Oral Communications teacher Molly Beck is teaching two periods of U.S. Politics and Government this semester to reduce class sizes. “I am very excited to be teaching in the social studies department and look forward to a great semester teaching [the class],” Beck said. (photo by Hope Howard) “I think Miss Beck will be a great addition to the social studies department because she is a great teacher and I have learned a lot from her as one of her debate students,” freshman Eva Jeliazkova said. •

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January 25, 2012

NEWS

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School board tables 21st Century Learning Initiative District reassesses costs, logistics and benefits covered by cost reductions directly associated with implementing the initiative and/or private donations.

The private donation portion would need to be secured at least through the 2014-2015 school year,’” Buckner said. “This resolution ensured any additional expense of the 21st Century Learning Initiative would not diminish funding for any other unrelated district initiatives.”

Although district families would not subsidize the program, they would pay an annual maintenance fee, which would function as an insurance policy. Families would not pay for hardware or software.

computer connected to our network.

The additional cost for this licensing [would be] approximately $9,500 mikeFIGENSHAU - news editor per year. This software is new to us fter months of discussion, this year and has made our technolthe high school administraogy support department much more tion requested that the school efficient. We don’t anticipate any art by JULIANN BI board table the 21st Century Learnadditional major software costs ing Initiative, which would provide as the majority of our software is textbooks in a good way since we each high-school student a personal licensed for the site, not the seat. Our become] a legal issue. If students laptop, Dec. 10. The imminent resMicrosoft Office student licenses are brought their own devices, we would wouldn’t have to worry about things like missing pages.” ignations of several key administrafree, and we pay only for our staff not be able to monitor their activity.

Other faculty members are less tors, as well as an online sex incident licenses. There [would] not be any It’s like school lockers; we can open certain the initiative would benefit at Ladue Middle School, led the additional costs for network filtering them up anytime because they’re administration to make its request. tools, and the virus software we use school property. We can’t go through students and faculty. Many community members feel uninformed and “The decision was made at is free to schools.” someone’s coat or someone’s are concerned with the administrathe administrative office level,” According to Highfill, the district purse without reasonable suspicion tion’s relatively unilateral decisionHermann said. “They had would not change its techbecause it’s personal property. This making process. heard from a variety of nology department training would also level the playing field More research might be done to expenditures or staffing “More research might be done to members in the communibecause everyone would have the measure costs and benefits,” English ty that had concerns about measure costs and benefits [of the requirements. However,the same device.” teacher Janet Duckham said. “Also, it. It had also been sugReaction across the school to the initiative]. Also, it might be worth- district would centralize it might be worthwhile to gather gested that the initiative maintenance operations to initiative is varied. Many teachers while to gather more input from the high school. more input from teachers, students should be postponed due believe that the initiative is a crucial and parents.” to a change in leadership teachers, students and parents.

“We [would not hire] method of adaptation to the technoAnother concern centers around both at the high school any additional staff memlogical future.

-English teacher Janet Duckham the distraction the initiative may level and at the superinbers to our technical staff,” “Ladue is quickly falling behind cause in class. With technology tendent level.”

“All district families who are Highfill said. “We [would move] our other districts by not embracing already prevalent in students’ lives, Superintendent Marsha Chapable would be asked to purchase a district computer repair technician new methods of teaching technolsome believe a one-to-one program pelow, Principal Bridget Hermann maintenance plan for a nominal fee, from our maintenance building to the ogy,” math teacher Micheal Farrell would be excessive. and Ladue Board of Education Presi- as insurance against loss, maintehigh school as we shift the balance said. “If Ladue wants to prepare its “A lot of teachers already have dent Jayne Langsam will not return nance [and theft],” Buckner said. of district computers heavily to the students to successfully function in a problems with technology in the for the 2013-2014 school year.

“To this point, there has not been high school. This [would] shave a global society, we must be brave and classroom and they have no room Before postponing the initiative, consideration given to a scenario in day or two off the time a computer bold in our technology programs. As district leaders primarily discussed which families would absorb any of is out for repair, as we [wouldn’t] a math teacher, having the computers to add distractions,” junior Sophie Lustman said. “Also, few people its financial aspects. Although the the actual costs of the hardware [or have to transport the computers from in students’ hands every day [would] have difficulty accessing computschool board has not chosen a fundsoftware].” the high school to the maintenance help the students create their own ers since they’re almost ing mechanism, Assistant SuperinThe school board has also disbuilding and back. He is always available at school tendent for Business and Finance cussed logistics of the initiative. Acan Apple certified repair It would be good to provide every or at home.”

Jason Buckner insists the district cording to Director of technician so all repair Despite recent would manage initiative-related Information parts are [shipped overstudent the same access to the obstacles, proponents of expenditures separately from other night] from Apple Internet and computers. These rethe initiative are confidistrict expenditures. to us. We [would sources provide students a lot of in- dent in its feasibility and “When the district was also not add] any admaking plans to move forditional annual costs formation, and it’s beneficial to offer practicality. They feel that ward with the program for to train teachers. that to people in their everyday lives. with thorough training and preparation, the initiathe 2013-2014 school year, Training [would] be the Board stated: ‘...any covered from within -senior Andy Spewak tive could revolutionize secondary education. increase in the 2013-2014 the district’s profes“It’s not a question of ‘if.’ It’s a technology spending over sional development budget...for framework and perception of math question of ‘when,’” Hermann said. what is approved in the all district teachers, not just the through the use of applets, online “We know it won’t happen next 2012-2013 Preliminary high school staff. This training manipulatives and video lessons.” year, but a lot of the groundwork has Budget, and all [would not teach] teachers how to Proponents of the initiative also already been done by the technology other costs associTechnology use the technology, but rather how believe that it has widespread bendepartment. Whenever you begin a ated with the iniServices Rob they could integrate the technology efits, specifically in terms of equal program like this, it requires not only tiative, would Highfill, the high school into the curriculum.” access to technology. the policies and procedures but also need to be would only need a few upFurthermore, some families are “It would be good to provide the training of the staff to use the degrades if it were to accominterested in a bring-your-own-deevery student the same access to vices as more than just a word promodate the initiative. The vice, or “BYOD,” program. The adthe Internet and computers,” senior district would spend the ministration is hesitant to implement Andy Spewak said. “These resources cessor or a search engine. We give most money on additional a BYOD program because it could provide students a lot of information, students access to computers but it’s very limited. Teachers and adminmanagement software, as create technical and legal problems. and it’s beneficial to offer that to istrators all have laptops, so it’s the school’s current Internet service “We have looked at [a BYOD people in their everyday lives.” something that will come and when would suffice. program], but there [would be] two In addition, many students feel it does, it’s got to be done right. A lot “We [would] see some increased main problems with it,” Hermann the initiative would push them to of the burden falls on the teachers to cost in software to purchase adsaid. “Number one, we [wouldn’t be adapt to technological advances ditional licenses of our [operating able to] support all those different while reducing usage of conservative use them properly as tools of education, and I’ve seen the staff and they system] management software, Filedevices. Everyone having the same educational assets. can handle it. However, it’s going wave, for the one-to-one laptops,” [computer] would be more efficient “Most students already have to take some time. It [would really] Highfill said. “[Filewave] allows us technologically because it would computers,” sophomore Iris Yang revolutionize and change the way to remotely manage, install, update help our tech department solve any said. “However, one thing about education works.” • and remove software from any potential problems. Also, it [would this initiative is that it can replace jeetDAS

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NEWS

CARRY ON LANGSAM • School Board President Jayne Langsam has decided to not seek re-election.

After serving 14 years in the district, Langsam cited a previous decision to only to serve one term going into the job. “I will miss most my close relationships with administrators and teachers,” Langsam said. “What an honorable group they are to work with.” (photo by Peyton Farmer)

School Board President will not seek re-election Langsam to focus efforts on Jewish Community jacobJACOB

- news editor

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fter 14 years of service to the Ladue community, School Board President Jayne Langsam will not seek re-election in the approaching April 3 elections.

Citing her intentions of only serving one term, Langsam will shift her

focus and attention to assisting the Jewish community.

As a Ladue alumna of the class of 1979, Langsam felt she had a civic duty to serve the community she grew up in. However, Langsam knew she only wanted to serve one term going into the job.

“I never expected to run for a second term,” Langsam said. “As a long time member of this com-

munity, I felt it was my obligation to serve on the School Board. I believe in public education, and I am loyal to this district. It was an honor to serve as president.”

Despite only serving one term, Langsam was able to achieve a number of improvements including better communication with the community and the school board by creating two more board advisory committees for

January 25, 2012

communications and student activities. Additionally, Langsam was able to push administrative cooperation to improve district finance strategy.

“I believe that under her leadership, in concert with the administration, significant improvements were made in the district’s long-term finances,” school board treasurer Andy Bresler said.

Amidst these accomplishments, Langsam also had to overcome challenges during her tenure. Challenges such as the middle school sex scandal, a superintendent departing early and a high school principal leaving have occupied Langsam as of late. She often had to address the media multiple times in a single day while also speaking to administrators and staff.

“During the first half of the 2012-13 school year, Mrs. Langsam presided over the district as it went through many changes and challenges, including extensive media coverage on a variety of topics,” district Communications Director Susan Dielmann said. “Addressing these issues with her fellow board members, administrators, other staff members and community members required extensive amounts of time which Mrs. Langsam freely provided. It is important to note that board membership is voluntary and unpaid and yet, board members often are required to give extensive amounts of time and effort to the position. Being board president raises these require-

ments of time and energy considerably, and Mrs. Langsam rose to the challenge whenever required.”

With Langsam’s departure, the district will lose a president committed to improving communication.

These characteristics will be missed and the school board will look for similar qualities in candidates running for the office.

“Speaking personally, I have found Jayne to be a dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate advocate for the students and school district community,” Bresler said.

“She has taken her responsibilities on the board very seriously, and has tirelessly worked to make an impact on the education provided in Ladue Schools. The next president will be elected by the members of the board of education after the April election.

Speaking personally, I’m especially interested in someone who will continue the momentum established over the last few years, in terms of improved relationships between the community, staff and the board of education.”

Langsam will next serve the Jewish community. She will work for the Central Agency of Jewish Education serving as the concierge for families with young children.

“My role in the Jewish community as the concierge for families with young children is to provide personalized services to link families with Jewish resources that meet their needs in St. Louis,” Langsam said. •

District appoints interim official

Board in process of selecting new superintendent haohangXU

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ollowing the early departure of superintendent Dr. Marsha Chappelow, the school board has named Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Judy Sclair as the interim superintendent for the rest of the school year, effective Jan. 3. This comes after Chappelow’s announcement last September of her plans to retire in 2013 after 40 years in public education in order to spend time with family.

In November, Chappelow asked to be granted professional leave from December to June, when she was originally set to retire. In a letter to the board of education, Chappelow wrote that “personal considerations have arisen that necessitate the request” to leave early. Within a week following Chappelow’s announcement, the board met in a closed meeting, during which Sclair was appointed to take over Chappelow’s duties until the school hires a new superintendent.

“The district has three assistant superintendents [who] are all certified superintendents and would be the likely candidates from which the Board would select an acting superintendent,” district Director of Communications Susan Dielmann said. “At the time Dr. Chappelow took professional leave, Dr. Sclair was the only assistant superintendent who had definitely decided not to apply for the position of superintendent. As a result, Dr. Sclair assuming the role of acting superintendent did not pose an unfair advantage for her over other internal or external candidates. She can freely assist in the transition without any concern about how it will impact her role going forward.”

According to Sclair, the board is currently searching for potential superintendents. It has opened the application for candidates across the country until Jan. 23, after which the board will review their qualifications and applications.

“At mid-February, the board will invite the finalists for interviews with various groups of stakeholders, such as students, parents, and staff, who will share their thoughts with the board,” Sclair said. “I will also have the opportunity to

meet with the finalists to share information about Ladue and to answer questions they may have. The board plans to announce the new Superintendent by February 25, 2013.”

For now, Sclair must balance her human resources responsibilities with those as acting superintendent. This involves overseeing the administrators and maintaining communication between the staff and the board of education, as well as managing the happenings in the school district.

“At this point in time, the largest district-level issues largely involve staffing,” Dielmann said. “We are not only looking for a new superintendent, but also a new high school principal, and also staffing the fifth grade center which will open in the 2013-14 school year. With Dr. Sclair also continuing to serve in

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Our goal is to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible. We have phenomenal teachers and unbelievable kids, and in spite of the uncertainty in the district due to the transition of leaders, education continues.

-Interim Superintendent Dr. Judy Sclair

leading the human resources department, there is great value in having her in the top leadership position at this time.”

Sclair will have the support of the staff and administration during the transition period. All of the assistant superintendents are pitching in to help Sclair fulfill her responsibilities.

“Probably one of my biggest challenges is to see to all of my responsibilities in human resources and in my role as acting superintendent,” Sclair said. “All of my colleagues have really stepped up to the plate and everyone is trying to help out.”

Meanwhile, across the district, teachers and administrators continue with their teaching as normal. Despite the change in leadership, high school business continues as normal.

STAND IN SCLAIR • The district announced Dr.

Judy Sclair as temporary superintendent as the district goes through the process of selecting a new superintendent. Sclair will balance her commitment as interim superintendent with the assistant superintendent human resources duties she must carry. “Probably one of my biggest challenges is to see to all of my responsibilities in human resources and in my role as acting superintendent,” Sclair said. “All of my colleagues have really stepped up to the plate and everyone is trying to help out.” (photo by Sarah Kessel)

“As an assistant principal, my job on a daily basis is to focus on students and work with students,” Assistant Principal Mike Tarpey said. “That’s why I got into this profession, and that’s what I enjoy about my job.”

Chappelow also says that she remains “committed to the success of the district and the welfare of our students, staff, and all others associated with the Ladue Schools.” She will be available to the school district to answer questions and provide advice during its transition.

“Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible,” Sclair said. “We have phenomenal teachers and unbelievable kids, and in spite of the uncertainty in the district due to the transition of leaders, education continues. We are all hopeful and excited about the new opportunities and possibilities over the next few months for excellent decisions to be made.” •

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January 25, 2012

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OPINIONS

Should teachers express their political views in class?

annieCOHEN

- opinions writer

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ntil Nov. 6 last year, politics dominated daily conversation. On television, garish political ads blared during commercial breaks, and every news show was a rotation of pundits determined to prove their opinions. Things have cooled down a bit since the election, but politics are still a major part of our national culture.

In a classroom setting, politics are often considered a sensitive topic of conversation. Teachers sharing or discussing their political alliances with students in the classroom, often meets with aversion. Considering the significant role politics play in everyday life, this seems nonsensical. Pretending political opinions do not exist does not make them disappear.

When students are sheltered from people whose views conflict with their own, they are deprived of knowledge. Ignorance to the inherent diversity of the world actually creates disadvantages. If a teacher is a Republican, and a student is a Democrat, they can learn other perspectives and tolerance rather than fighting over disagreements.

Politics maintain a high presence in our school. In fact, many classes like AP Government and U.S. History deal with the subject daily.

Teachers cannot tiptoe around the unavoidable matter of politics, because these classes would lose much of what gives them depth.

Some may argue that it’s inappropriate for teachers to discuss their political opinions in class, that it somehow violates some unwritten rule about boundaries. Considering that most teachers willingly and even enthusiastically divulge information about their family lives, problems and past, information like this being exchanged can facilitate more personal relationships within a classroom. As long as discussions remain tame, a healthy political debate in school is always beneficial. •

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art by ERIC ZHU

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learn o olitical issues. p about

Louis Wallace (11)

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nathanPERLMUTTER

- opinions writer

cou Yes. Ktidhes r opinions

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Most of the time I would say no because kids’ views could be affected by the teacher’s.

olitics is taboo in public conversation, but this applies to more than dinner parties. When it comes to controversy, teachers should not inform students of their political opinions because it is immoral.

Although it may be legal for government teachers to display their political opinions, it would raise ethical concerns. The student-teacher relationship should be purely educational. If a teacher were to share personal opinions during a lecture, students’ perspectives could be skewed. Teachers should allow students to form their own opinions by providing equivocal and unbiased information, allowing students to make their own decisions based on proper facts.

Seniority also makes political conversation inappropriate between teachers and students. Most high school students understand that talking back to the teacher is unacceptable. Debating politics inevitably changes the student-teacher dynamic by undermining the authority of the teacher and the autonomy of the pupil. This, in turn, disrupts class structure.

Arguing politics in a class of 25 students would be both distracting and unproductive for everyone.

With many different angles of one issue, each of the 25 individuals could offer different opinions.

This could lead to an unnecessary and heated debate with no correlation to the course material. Friction stemming from political disagreements could hinder the progress of the class. All these issues intensify during election years, when tension is already running high.

Students go to school to establish a basis of knowledge and build and identity from it. When instructors impose personal bias, they take away from class content and assume their students cannot develop political orientation on their own. Compounded with the possibility of offense and legal action, it’s best that teachers avoid presenting their political affiliations openly. •

I think it’s okay.

Even if students are offended by it, they get exposed to a different point of view.

No. It might cause unnecessary te nsion in the classroom and the students might hold it against them.

Hannah Bursack (12) Isaac Oladipupo (9)

Benji Gu (11)

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OPINIONS

Go Figure

January 25, 2012

Changing times at Ladue

Cooperation within the district is vital to success

rather, the later start time compensates for the loss in after school work time, and the proposed schedule would fit better with teenagers’ natural sleep cycle. hannahSCHWARTZ - opinions writer According the the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers hough one semester remains, the 2012-2013 school year have a late sleep-wake clock. Their natural time to fall asleep already provided its share of reality show-worthy drama. is 11 p.m. or later. When high school start times are earlier, The district continues buzzing about all the scheduling students actually get less sleep because they must try to sleep and administrative changes which may take place in the future. before they are naturally drowsy.

While some changes deserve opposition, some are inevitable The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improveand must be accepted. ment at the University of Minnesota conducted a study on the The most debated proposal, the One-to-One initiative, impact of changing school start times on academic perforallows schools to join the technology-based future of edumance, behavior and safety in urban and suburban schools. cation, where students have more learning resources Schools with later start times showed improved at their disposal. The initiative creates a fast and attendance, less tardiness, fewer trips to the nurse, efficient method for everything from textbook eating breakfast more frequently and increased reading and notetaking to the administration attentiveness and productivity in class. of quizzes and tests. Those who oppose this Other events which caused commotion were proposal claim the uselessness of giving the departures of both Superintendent Marsha laptops or iPads to students who probably Chappelow and Principal Bridget Hermann. already own them, failing to see the benefit Though the Ladue community must accept of the initiative. these changes, the community can affect the Another widely debated proposal involves advancement to new leadership. the new fifth grade center which will be in full The school created an advisory of students use for the 2013-2014 school year. The school offering their input on important characteristics of art by INGRID OLSON board will vote Jan. 28 to decide how the bus system a successful superintendent and school. This shows will work with an additional school building. A current proposal an effort by the district to include and cater to the needs of the would switch the high school and middle school start times, student body. The cooperation of students and staff will make consolidating the fifth grade center’s times and buses with the the transition to new leadership smooth and successful. high school’s.

Among the One-to-One initiative, the issue of how to incorMany high school students protest the later start time, claimporate the fifth grade center into the district bus system and the ing the smaller gap between school and athletic events will hurt need for new leadership, many changes are poised to occur in their performance, and that they will lose sleep with later bed the coming years. Our willingness to innovate and try new ideas times. In reality, going to bed later is not necessarily an issue; will determine the district’s progress in the coming years. •

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Bricks in the wall karenFIGENSHAU

- opinions editor

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he way St. Louisans react to a couple inches of snow, you’d think there was a major breech in national security. The traffic on Clayton road slows from a comfortable 45 to the crawling speed limit of 35. Plows and salt trucks rush around like we’re on the brink of a cataclysmic ice age. Surely, we can’t seriously think we’re in dire straits with a little slush. We’re subjected to the volatile St. Louis weather daily, from scorching heat to tumultuous rain, but one snowflake, and we all run panic-stricken. Why all the panic? I visited my family in Minnesota over Christmas; they get much more snow than we do, and I don’t see anyone up there freaking out. The reason for St. Louisan alarm is not the snow itself, but the fact that it’s unordinary, outside of our control.

People seek control. We fear anything foreign to our culture, society, and yes, even climate. This sort of fear is often suspected as the cause of xenophobia. While this is true, the implication is far larger than racism and discrimination. We attempt to isolate ourselves from any potentially dangerous situations or entities. Dangers ranging from spilled milk to life-threatening experiences. In a world where often failure is seen as weakness and a traffic jam is a glimpse of Hell, no wonder we try to keep the uncontrollable to the minimum.

Over winter break, I saw El Monstero twice. For those who aren’t familiar, El Monstero is a Pink Floyd tribute band. Their performance theatrically brought the lyrics to verve. The concert made me realize how germane the album The Wall is to daily life. The album is a story of Pink, a man who isolates himself by building a wall. He attempts to create an alienated equilibrium. His fatherless childhood, over protective mother, manipulative government, unconnected school system and an estranged marriage all contribute bricks to Pink’s metaphorical wall. All of us can empathize with at least one of these “bricks.” We may not even realize it, but we all build walls. Walls can offer security, barriers to outside risks, but this obstacle is not onesided. Walls also restrict our growth and success. These microcosms are unrealistic and unsustainable. Clearly, this approach didn’t work out for Pink, so we should be wary and reassess our actions.

Life is inherently unpredictable. We have to realize that some things we simply cannot foresee or prevent—even death. Isolation is both counterproductive and unrealistic.

We must come to terms with unavoidable instability and learn to brush away bad luck. Scrutinizing shortfalls or attempting to rid our lives of them promises unhappiness. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

in schools [staff] EDITORIAL Religion h i n d e r s e d u c at i o n If you’ve driven anywhere in the past months, you’ve probably seen yard signs with the words, “Pray the rosary, Vote Yes on 2.” That is, Amendment 2, passed Aug. 7, 2012, which legalizes worship in public schools. Though it did not establish an official religious agenda, its implementation presents a detriment to art by JACK PROEHL our schools.

Instigating these“religious rights” in public settings may seem like the First Amendment at work, but it actually constrains the public voice. Many people mistakenly interpret the bill as a protection of beliefs. They think it defends students from religious discrimination, but these rights were already inherently protected under Missouri and federal law.

Amendment 2 actually facilitates a complete overhaul in the battle between church and state. According to Simon Brown of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, this measure“opens the door for coercive prayer and proselytizing in public schools.” For instance, under Amendment 2, students can refuse homework if they find it “against their religion.”

If schools begin to let private opinions drive curricula, how would it affect education? Would parents be able to take their children out of required classes like Health and Biology if they interfere with beliefs? These measures could drastically alter the school lives of the Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, atheists, and other minority religious groups among us. Let’s face it, when Missouri legislators talk about “voluntary prayer,” they’re not talking about the sh’ma. The print might say “all faiths,” but in this Bible Belt state, the subtext screams “Christianity.” The law’s intent might be sound, but its implications actually subtract more rights than they protect.

One of the best things about Ladue is its religious diversity.

It would be a shame to see our unique population squandered into uniformity by pushing religion where it does not belong.

We as a community must come together to revoke Amendment 2 before it revokes the unbiased education we all deserve. •

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

December Corrections • p. 2: Senior Sarah Allen placed 3rd in Impromtu at the George Mason University Debate Tournament.

• p. 2: Senior Haohang Xu was not selected as concertmaster of the Missouri All-State Orchestra in December.

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

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

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

EDITORS IN CHIEF Molly Burroughs Christine Wang

Chloe An Alli Loynd

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Opinions Editors Hannah Cropf Karen Figenshau Photo Editors Elyse Mack Jeanne Wilkinson Sports Editors

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

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panorama

January 25, 2012

The big fuss over firearms: Regulation won’t stop gun crimes

Sarah McKinley, a young mother, shot an intruder as he charged at her with a knife. Given this example, restraining the purchase - opinions writer of guns will only lessen the protection of victims like McKinley.

By law, U.S. citizens have the right to own weapons to ensure their own security. In McKinley’s case, after a n light of the multitude of shootings last year, gun control 21 minute phone conversation confirming her has become the latest point of contention. The right to use a lethal weapon, a dispatcher issue is how to ensure there won’t be another instructed McKinley to do whatever massacre like that of the teachers and children needed to be done in order to proat Sandy Hook Elementary School. Will tect herself and the child. simply restricting the private possesRather than preventing sion and production of guns undo the crime, gun control will likely tragic deaths of the Newtown victims? increase criminal action like Absolutely not. Guns can always be smuggling and operation obtained in other ways, and the limiwithin the black market. tations will end up leaving victims Individual murders will also defenseless. Furthermore, ratifying be more common due to gun ownership directly contradict defenseless victims, as not the Second Amendment of the U.S. all murders are committed in Constitution, which states that “the a large-scale, public fashion right of the people to keep and bear like the Portland mall shooting. arms, shall not be infringed.

In addition, under the Second Simply putting a regulation on selling, Amendment, citizens have every manufacturing and owning of firearms right to own firearms for their own does not cut off access to them. Instead, it protection and security. increases the rate of smuggling and black market There is no miracle solution to the viopurchases. Criminals who plan to carry out a firearm art by ELAINE ZHANG lence occurring within the nation, though assault like the Columbine, Virginia Tech or Norway atgreater measures can be taken to educate tacks will take other measures to obtain needed weapons, citizens of the responsibilities associated with owning a firearm. whether or not those procedures are legal.

Also, more resource officers could be assigned to schools and Though one can argue that gun regulation limits the crimes security guards to crowded public areas such as theaters, concommitted with gun violence, it also limits the defense of cert stadiums, and large businesses, which are the usual targets victims to other crimes. After all, it is not the weapon, but the of mass shootings. Simply restricting the possession of guns is person with the weapon who kills. Most brutal murders on record were not committed with firearms, but with everyday items not enough to prevent future incidents like the midnight Batman massacre or save victims like those of Sandy Hook. • such as knives or rope. Sexual offense can also lead to nonfirearm murders. An incident in Oklahoma in Jan. 2012 proves the importance of guns to an individual’s self defense. There, juliannBI

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(New) order in the court

Supreme Court will rule on same-sex rights jeromeGREGORY

- opinions writer

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he Supreme Court announced that it will hear two cases on same-sex marriage, starting Mar. 26. The first case questions the constitutionality of California’s same-sex marriage ban, while the second hearing examines the Defense of Marriage Act. These cases will determine whether same-sex marriages will be legally recognized.

A 2012 ABC News poll found that 32 percent of Americans “strongly oppose” the legalization of gay marriage, while its supporters rose over 10 percent in the past few years. In a Jan. 2 article, the Chicago Tribune reported on an Interfaith Clergy of Catholics, Muslims, Mormons, Lutherans and Anglicans that banded together to discuss gay marriage and the threat it poses to their practice. It is understandable that people want their faiths to be considered, however, religion has no place in the judicial system under the separation of church and state.

The lack of respect states show national government should raise

concerns. According to the New York Times, a California ban was placed on gay marriage even after the Supreme Court made clear the importance of equality to all demographics.

If the way justice is served depends on the cooperation between the state and national levels of government, then American society may be revisiting the Jim Crowe days.

Today, we must take self-inventory of the United States and its principles. This introspection will respect the government’s initial purpose: to provide a land free for all. Despite some people’s personal beliefs, our country should and will inevitably legalize same-sex unions.

Statistics show that the majority of this democracy support equality for those couples, and the Supreme Court must uphold the will of the majority.

The New York Times quoted “marriage preservationist” Chris

art by ASHLEY TURNER

White, Oct. 27. He said, “In a country that calls for separation of church and state, it is ridiculous that churches have so much input over the legality of who is allowed to enter into a social contract.” His view effectively simplifies the course of action the Supreme Court must take. Come March, judges will have no choice but to rule on both cases in a way that issues equality to those who have been wronged. Justice is an integral part of our nation. The religious views of some should not overshadow the rights of many. •

OPINIONS

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Extremely Loud & Incredibly Cropf hannahCROPF

- opinions editor

But you didn’t have to Steub so low art by HANNAH CROPF

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here’s something rotten in the state of Ohio.

Last August, students from Steubenville High School—teenagers not so different from us— celebrated the last hurrah of summer the old-fashioned way: with boozy, late-night partying. In many respects, it was like any other stereotypical summer shindig. People got drunk. People made bad choices. But in the hours between sunset and sunrise, something far worse than beer pong occurred.

Late into the night, a stream of Tweets appeared on the page of Michael Nodianos, a Steubenville grad and party attendee. “There is a dead body in the ville and people don’t care,” he posted, referring to a 16-year-old girl drugged to the point of unconsciousness, or “dead.” As the night went on, increasingly crude Tweets appeared.

One of Nodianos’ friends posted a picture on Instagram, revealing the girl’s passed out body being dragged by the wrists and ankles.

Then came the video. In it, a smug Nodianos laughed about vulgar acts done to the girl, some too graphic for print. “[We] raped her,” he giggled for all the Internet to see. The video was eventually taken down, but activist hacker group Anonymous dug up the link and exposed it on a separate Youtube page.

Despite this overwhelming digital evidence, the Steubenville High School football team, many of whose players allegedly perpetrated the crime, dismisses the case as libel. The team’s web page describes attempted legal action as “absurd” and “slanderous,” blaming terrorists for the reports that appeared in the New York Times and elsewhere in the media. There is a young woman out there whose trauma was broadcasted as entertainment across several platforms, and all the Steubenville district can think about is its team’s damaged reputation. Bros before hos, indeed.

Though an extreme example, Steubenville summarizes American high school culture. Idolize the sports players, demonize the women. None put it better than Nodianos himself, who recently tweeted: “This country loves football more than its own daughters.” Whether this is his own account or the words of an outside party (Nodianos insists his account was hacked), it’s the sad truth.

From corsets to Cover Girl, the virgin/vamp complex has denegrated women to sex objects over cognitive individuals. Meanwhile, athletics have taken priority in the high schoolverse, landing its darlings at the head of local and student news. It’s only natural that the Steubenville district defends its publicity stars over some unknown girl. It’s probably her fault for getting trashed, dressing provocatively, hanging with the wrong crowd. Never mind that the act of rape falls squarely on the rapists.

How dare she make one stupid mistake and end up at the mercy of the ethically deficient!

Though disgusting, the Steubenville scandal has finally raised rape culture to public attention. All it takes is some moral audacity to turn the taboo into the talkedabout. Whether the perpetrators will be brought to justice has yet to be determined, but if nothing else, this incident has triggered re-evaluation of society’s acceptance of sexual offense. Just how much are we willing to let the Steubenville boys get away with their crime? How much longer, how many bodies violated before everyone starts to question our prioritizing sports glory over human rights? The problem is bigger than Steubenville, bigger than Ohio, even bigger than football. It’s about respect.

Everyone deserves it, whether or not they wear a jersey. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

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panorama

FEATURES

January 25, 2012

AC LAB’N • Separated by

only a few hallways, Link Leaders and freshmen alike spend their Ac Labs working on homework and hanging out with friends. During second semester, freshmen move from their original Link Crews.

Most work in all freshmen Ac Labs, while a smaller percentage have transitioned into a traditional Ac Lab setting with students of all grades. Link Leaders, on the other hand, move to the Learning Center for Ac Lab. There, upperclassmen discuss how to keep in touch with freshmen during second semester. (photos by Emily Biest)

Link crew comes full circle With first semester over, Link Leaders look ahead to next year “We’re trying to create opportunities for freshmen to be involved emilyBIEST in activities, like encouraging them - features editor to go to the Clayton football game, fter months of giving advice, the powder puff game, etc,” English leading lessons and sharing teacher Kim Gutchewsky said. “It food with freshmen, Link feels better to put our energy into Crew Leaders are officially off duty, incorporating our work into what’s stationed in the Learning Center and already happening in the school reflecting on the semester that is rather than always creating somebehind them. thing in addition to that. The creation For the first time in the program’s of the social committee has been history at Ladue, some essential to that.” of this year’s Link Crew The new social comI found it eye-opening how there mittee is just one of the leaders were also freshmen in the program. This role can be a chain reaction as far as program’s recent changreversal provided imporsetting the tone goes. Even getting es. This year, program tant perspective for junior organizers changed the one freshman enthusiastic seemed name of freshmen Ac Link Leaders, who were able to employ techniques Labs from Freshmen to be positive for all of them. they loved from their own Advisories to Link -junior Jessica Stromsdorfer Link Leaders and change Crews. This techniques that they didn’t apprecichange was made primarily This trio of seniors organized the ate as freshmen. annual Cocoa and Cram finals study to help students and staff “When I went through [Link session with success, coordinated a know “what was part of Crew] as a freshman, I remember kickball tournament between freshLink Crew and what was being terrified, but as a Link Leader not,” according to English men Ac Labs, and promoted Hunger I had the opportunity to ease those Outreach Project’s Powder Puff teacher Tricia Garvey. fears and answer any questions they game by giving Chill frozen yogurt Continuing last year’s change, had,” junior Yodit Mekonnen said. to freshmen spectators and organizLink Leaders were enrolled in these “There was a few things I didn’t ing a competition between the Link freshmen Ac Labs for the entire like that I saw Link Leaders do as first semester, instead of coming to Crews to see which room could cola freshman so I tried to avoid that. visit their freshmen each Ac Lab but lect the most cans.

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[Sometimes] Link Leaders wouldn’t talk to you outside of Ac Lab or would treat you in a condescending manner so I worked around that.”

This year, program advisors also created a special social committee of members who were separate from the Link Leaders in each freshmen Ac Lab. The committee, made up of seniors Courtney Jonas, Hannah Kloppenburg and Hanna Zenger planned many events for freshmen.

using a different location as a home base. This allowed Link Leaders

“

to form even stronger connections with their Ac Labs, as they taught specialized lessons, shared their own high school stories, and formed bonds with the students.

“I enjoyed being able to form connections with the freshmen and being their role model,” senior Baqir Hassan said. “Since we were in Ac Lab with them, I thought I spent enough time with them [to make this connection].”

Link Leaders facilitated various activities to help freshmen adjust to different aspects of high school, such as managing their time between school and other activities.

They also gave advice on specific classes and scheduling ideas for the upcoming year.

“I found it eye-opening how there can be a chain reaction as far as setting the tone goes,” junior Jessica Stromsdorfer said. “Even getting one freshman enthusiastic seemed to be positive for all of them, just because it leads to a domino effect, leading others to feel more comfortable.”

As one of the final activities of the semester, freshmen wrote comments about their Link Leaders and the program, which were compiled into a slideshow.

“This is qualitative data [to see] what [the program] is worth to the freshmen,” Garvey said. “To have them say what [Link Leaders} meant to them... it’s extremely powerful.” •

How do they do it?

Link Crew Leaders in action

O SIMON SAYS • (above) Before the start of freshman orientation, counselor Dave Tabscott leads Link Leaders in warm up activities. (right) During a get-to-know-you game, senior Austin Da Gue stands back-to-back with a freshman. (photos courtesy of Tricia Garvey)

nce selected, Link Leaders attend training sessions during May and over the summer to prepare for one of the program’s most important events, freshmen orientation. They partner with another Link Leader and guide a small group of freshmen through the day’s events. Then, during the school year, each Link Leader works in a freshmen-only Ac Lab, called a Link Crew, to help the ninth graders transition to the high school community. Their role is to help run the classroom, teach lessons and work with the freshmen in overcoming problems, as well as being upperclassmen mentors. •

panorama

January 25, 2012

FEATURES

9

Junior publishes scientific research Summer program connects students with researchers

their properties and increased instrument precision. While the research is not particularly well known, especially within the walls of a high school, it has important applications.

“One of our goals was to use nanoparticles for the early detection of renal cell carcinoma, [or] kidney cancer, which is usually difficult to detect and even harder to treat once it has bezaGETAHUN spread,” Chen said. “My research concerned synthesizing gold - features writer nanorods of varying dimensions and applying successive layers or most, research comes during college, maybe even of polymer films in a controlled fashion.” graduate school, but junior Enze Chen experienced reAll in all, the STARS program lasted six weeks and required search and publication earlier than many would expect. hard work and intense research from its participants. Chen atLangmuir, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, published the tests that while the program was long, that was not a bad thing. article “Gold Nanorods as Plasmonic Nanotransducers: Dis“It gave us the chance to write our own research papers, and tance-Dependent Refractive Index Sensitivity,” with contribuI got the opportunity to stay at the lab up until school started to tion from Chen, in the November edition. This academic journal finish my project, which contributed to a final published paper,” was established in 1985 and is published by the American Chen said. “The journey was challenging, but I enjoyed every Chemical Society. It predominantly covers research in surface minute of working in the lab.” and colloid chemistry.

As for his work with his mentor and fellow researcher, Chen Chen was one of four Ladue students who participated in wants to express his gratitude for the experience. the Students and Teachers as Research Scientists program this “I cannot thank Dr. Singamaneni, STARS, and everyone summer. Because of this opportunity, he was able to explore the else enough for giving me this wonderful opportunity to begin world of science and my research career.” gain expertise beyond Chen is not the first Ladue what is offered in the student to be published. Senior average high school Mukund Subramanian also science class. published a research paper last “I thought it might year. With biology teacher Ted be nice to do some Waterson as an advisor, Suresearch or study bermanian, then a junior, also science outside of a became one of the few to enter classroom,” Chen said. the world of scientific research “That is why I signed at such a young age. up for the STARS “For three months I program, a research worked in a wet lab analyzing summer program that lung cancer data and trying gives rising juniors and to find a genetic causation seniors a chance to recorrelation for each subtype search with professors of lung cancer and later, drugs in the St. Louis area.” that could potentially regulate Chen was one of over-expressed carcinogenic about 80 students SCIENCE STAR • Working in the lab, junior Enze Chen takes genes and hinder lung cancer accepted into the itself,” Subramanian said. time out of his summer in the name of science. Through the Students program, along with Though Chen and Suand Teachers as Research Scientists program, Chen pursued his interjuniors Chloe An, Rui ests in nanoscience. (photo courtesy of Enze Chen) bermanian used different Chen and Toby Zhu. methods, both of their studies These students worked with researchers from the University of had applications in cancer research. Both also received stunned Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis University, Washington University reactions when students realized the extent of their accomplishin St. Louis and the Solae Company. ments. Some are shocked that kids they know have made a “The head professor of the lab I worked in was Dr. Srikanth place for themselves in the scientific world.

Singamaneni, although my personal mentor was Limei Tian, a “It’s amazing that they have already done something with graduate student,” Chen said. “The focus of our materials scithe field they want to enter,” senior Harika Upadhyayula said. “I ence lab was nanoparticles, which was legitimately the coolest can’t relate to all the research they are doing, but I can imagine thing I’ve ever studied.” how exciting it would be for them, especially if they want to go Nanoscience is a relatively new field of research, but has a into science. It would probably be the equivalent of having your wealth of applications in biology, chemistry, and engineering. name in a magazine or trying out for a minor role in a major The small size of nanoparticles allows for easy manipulation of Hollywood production. That is amazing.” •

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Ramoscope Jan. 20 to Feb. 18

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he month that lies ahead bodes well for you, Aquarius. Look for signs of improvement in relationships with friends and family. With a little effort, great strides can be made in the connections you have formed. Also remember to emphasize personal reflection in the weeks ahead. This key step will thrust you into a better state of mind. Though an unexpected conflict may rise to the surface, a newfound strength and grace will help you work through the issue. Once this is resolved, expect acceleration in your work and personal life. Get ready for something amazing to happen! •

art by ASHLEY TURNER

art by TING DING

Starting Times jasonKAPLAN

- features editor

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e kids complain about anything and everything. We hate it when something doesn’t go our way, and we especially lament things in which we have no say.

For example, one of the most common critiques students make is that school starts way too early. Sometimes it’s so hard to get out of bed, especially in the winter months when you’re cozy under a million blankets.

However, we force ourselves to wake up and get moving and then continue to whine to our friends about how we wish the day started later.

For those who know what I’m talking about and wish there was something they could do, their prayers were just answered. For the first time, the School Board let students vote on when school should start next year, and the results should be coming soon. The options: we hold onto our 7:40 a.m. slot or we swap with the middle school for an 8:10 a.m. tardy bell. Both have pros and cons, but in my opinion there is only one starting time that makes sense for Horton Watkins.

Call me a hypocrite, but 7:40 a.m. is our best option.

Forget what I said about wanting to sleep in, because by doing so we would sacrifice an early dismissal. Starting at 8:10 a.m. means school wouldn’t end until 3:00 p.m., and there is nothing I love more than getting out at 2:20 p.m., or what is soon to be 2:30 p.m., due to an unavoidable 10 minute increase in the school day.

Okay, that’s a lie. I love Philly Cheesesteak Wednesdays and Homecoming Spirit Week, but leaving school at 2:30 p.m. is up there. For the longest time, I envied my older cousins who were home 40 minutes before me while I waited miserably for those long, eight period middle school days to end. It would be so hard next year to look up at the clock when it reads 2:15 p.m., knowing that instead of just 15 more minutes we instead had 45 to go. That seems backwards, and extremely reminiscent of middle school.

I know what some may be thinking. “But I want to sleep in!” Well, forget it. They’d gain maybe 30 more minutes of shut eye, and what is the point of that?

They’ll still feel tired and cozy and it will require the same effort to get up, so in my opinion it’s all about when school ends. In addition, traffic could be worse than we’ve ever seen, because we’ll be competing on the roads with MICDS, Chaminade, Burroughs and Villa kids, who all start around 8:00 a.m. as well.

The School Board is expected to make a decision regarding the 2013-2014 bus schedules and starting times at its Jan. 28 meeting. Unfortunately, it is too late to vote, but feel free to email your thoughts to communicationsoffice@ladueschools.net in the meantime.

Just think of how great it is to be free by 2:30 p.m.

Sports start earlier, after school clubs are finished meeting by 3:00 p.m., and you can even make it to your local gym before students anywhere else.

But no matter what happens, let’s just hope those extra 10 minutes find their way into extending lunch.

Please, that’s something I think we can all agree on. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

panorama

10 KISS, Clayton and cancer, oh my!

FEATURES

January 25, 2012

and students who wear their shirts to the game may get free or discounted admission for doing so, but plans are not yet final.

“The color pink is recognized as a symbol for breast cancer awareness, so having everyone wear pink shows that we’re fighting cancer together,” sophomore Iris Yang said.

In addition, there are plans for halftime activities where students can “pay to play.” Some thoughts for these activities include holding three-point or half-court shooting contests or a quick teachers vs. students game.

“Expect something different from a usual basketball game,” Jonas said. “It’s another way to hang out with your friends on a Friday night when we don’t have school.”

The night will be jam-packed with fun activities, intense games vs. our rival and more. The funds raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

“Students should go for three reasons,” Goldwasser said. “It will be a great time, and that’s what high school’s all about. The fact that we’re playing Clayton only makes it even better. And best of all, it’s supporting a good cause.”

Directly following the game, there will be an informal dance in the Ramming Gym from 9 to 11 p.m. The dance is for Ladue students only so the Clayton fans will leave after the game.

STUCO representatives have confirmed that the dance will be a Sadie Hawkins dance, so girls are encouraged to ask their dates.

“We don’t want to discourage any single students from going, but if you’re planning on asking someone, girls, it’s your turn,” Christner said.

Decorations will be limited due to the short time frame for set-up, but if there is anything to look for, it will be Valentine’s Day themed decal. There is no need to go shopping as the dance is casual, just wear the same clothes all day long, and come ready to have a blast.

“It’ll be a big gathering of Ladue students only to celebrate Valentines Day and Ladue vs. Clayton and to put a fun thing that hasn’t been done before into our schedule,” Jonas said. •

STUCO plans first ever Valentine’s Day Dance, complete with themed spirit week, Clayton basketball game and cancer-fighting fundraiser

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he student enters the classroom and plops his book down on the desk. “Why can’t summer come any faster?” he wonders. To solve these second semester blues and help increase school pride, Student Council is developing plans for “Keeping In School Spirit” week.

KISS week will be held the week of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 12-15. Similar to the Spirit Week leading up to Homecoming, each day will have a theme, and students are encouraged to dress accordingly. Themes are still up for debate, but possible ideas include twin day, tacky day, pink day and Blue and White day. There will also be a pep rally on Thursday, Feb. 14, because there is no school Friday.

“STUCO is still trying to get the spirits and pride up for Ladue, so why not another theme week?” senior Courtney Jonas said.

The week would end with the Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball game against Clayton at 7 p.m. Feb. 15. The American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches collaborate in planning this event. The organization helps fund cancer research, increase cancer awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices. According to its website, the society has contributed to a 15 percent decrease in the overall cancer death rate between the early 1990s and 2005.

“I expect a huge turnout for any Clayton basketball game, and the fact that it’s Coaches vs. Cancer will hopefully bring

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some more people,” social studies teacher Jim Goldwasser said.

STUCO is trying to organize a competition between Ladue and Clayton to see which school can raise the most money.

Some ideas for raising money at the game include adding a dollar to the price of a ticket, donating a portion of the sales at the concession stand and having a voluntary donation jar for each school. There may also be raffle tickets on sale to be entered into a 50/50 raffle where half of the money raised goes to the winner and the other half to the American Cancer Society.

“I talked to the Student Council representatives at Clayton, and they were excited about the ideas,” and senior Collin Christner said. “They also talked to their sponsor and they were definitely interested in collaborating.”

STUCO is also planning on making the game a “pink out” game, so fans are supposed to wear pink. There may be T-shirts for sale,

Knowledge equals power

Quiz Bowl teams earn first, second and third place titles emmaGRADY-PAWL

- features writer

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adue’s Quiz Bowl team is currently ranked number one in the nation. It is split into multiple teams, all enjoying success.

Ladue A won the 2012 Missouri Fall Academic Tournament and Tiger Bowl V, and Ladue B placed third and second, respectively.

Quiz Bowl competitions, which pit teams of four against each other, start with 20 questions called toss ups and proceed to three part bonus questions. Quiz bowl questions cover a huge amount of information with categories including science, literature, math, philosophy, biology, social science, chemistry, sports and popular culture. Within these categories, questions get even more specific, and a history question could cover anything from ancient history to the Russian revolution. It is this diversity of information that appeals to many Quiz Bowl members.

“I love how many cool things there are to learn about,” senior Max Schindler said. “It sounds a bit hokey, but every time I play a packet of questions, I wind up hearing about

something new and interesting. It is also really fun to get rewarded for what you know – it’s great when I get a buzz on a book I read for fun or something I learned in class. It sort of forced me to learn things I’d never originally thought about learning about. ” Team members work hard to prepare for competitions and maintain Ladue’s reputation. They spend significant time practicing outside of school, primarily on Fridays, and scrimmage every Friday as well.

“During winter break, I spent a few hours each day committing myself to learning new things about important historical figures, authors, scientists, and whatnot,” junior Kisan Thakkar said. “There’s a lot of things out there to learn, and it will take me quite a while, and it has taken me quite a while, to learn all of the things I know for Quiz Bowl.”

Because of the breadth of knowledge Quiz Bowl competitions require, teamwork is essential. Team members will often specialize in specific topics, and everyone brings individual strengths. The camaraderie of the team contributes to the enjoyable gampeplay atmosphere.

“I think that the best part of

Ladue Quiz Bowl is that a lot of other teams are really uptight, and they say ‘we must win’ even though they won’t win all the time,” senior David Abraham said. “And we end up having a lot more fun than [those] teams because we say we will try our hardest and whatever happens, happens, so we’ll just have fun.”

The information Quiz Bowl members learn for competitions proves useful in other situations, too.

Beyond being amazing Sporkle players, team members find the facts and memorization skills they’ve learned for Quiz Bowl can give them an advantage in many of their classes.

“It’s a learning experience, and it helps a lot with school work,” senior Mukund Subramanian said. “You can apply what you learn to your classes, and I think people enjoy that. We learn a bunch of useful things in our classes, and we contribute back in class too.”

The team’s coaches, social studies teachers Mike Hill and Jeff Miller, handle the administrative end of Quiz Bowl: registering the team for tournaments, getting buses and supervising practices. Team members site their willingness to attend so many tournaments each year as a

vital part of the team’s success. With that success, the coaches have seen Quiz Bowl grow to their liking.

“The first year I [coached] there were probably six or seven people that did it, and now at any given practice we’ll have 25 or 30 people,” Hill said.

“Whereas before we took one team to the competitions, now we take three or four teams. There’s a network of kids within the school who have a really strong common interest in knowing as BUZZ IN • During competitions, Quiz Bowl much about everything members use this buzzer to signal the modas they can, and they’re erator, who then allows them to answer the kind of junkies that way. question. A typical round consists of 20 toss-up I think there is a growing questions. (photo by Jason Kaplan) number of kids who think this is not such a bad thing to don’t have to be a nerd to do it,” be, an information junkie, so this is Abraham said. “Knowing random an outlet for that.” things is fun, and the activity is not Though Quiz Bowl may sound necessarily competing to know more intimidating, members quickly disthings, it’s competing to have fun cover its excitement. Team members and prove that you know something encourage everyone to get involved. about anything. You find something “It’s a nerdy activity, but you you enjoy.” •

panorama

January 25, 2012

FEATURES

Bullying survey pinpoints old issues, ignites new discussions for safety

11

photo by Jason Kaplan

Results on the way as students reflect on the questions and evaluate student-to-student behaviors at school mackenziePASS

- features writer

W

e’ve all heard about it. The famous and widely talked about bullying survey. Several Ladue teachers have taken a stand and are attempting to put an end to the bullying problem they say exists at Ladue.

“I think they are taking the right steps towards change,” math teacher Debbi Goldstein said. “What it comes down to is a respect issue and trust between the students and staff. We as staff have to set good role models and trust that students will respect us and their peers in return.”

According to StompOutBullying.org, one in four teens is bullied. However, this bullying is not limited to physical aggression, but also includes cyber bullying.

“At Ladue, it’s not the traditional bullying, but more subtle forms that are problematic,” English teacher Janet Duckham said.

“False rumors and gossiping are the types of things many kids may not realize are bullying behaviors. These behaviors can degrade the climate of the school.”

Some students feel the bullying survey was too general, with not enough attention paid to detailed questions. Others felt that some did not take it seriously, though there is no real way to confirm this.

art by AU EY DR CH

KO ER

art by ERIC ZHU

“Everything was very vague, [not everyone] took it seriously, and I don’t think it was the right approach to solving the problem,” senior Davis Norber said.

On the contrary, English teacher Cathy Russell was impressed with the way her students handled the survey. She looks forward to pursuing the next step after the bullying survey results are gathered.

“Our committee needs to decide based on student perceptions,” Russell said. “Then if we see bigger problems in one particular area over another, we will figure out how to approach each issue individually.”

Some students have noticed bullying more as an issue at the middle school. High school students look back on their middle school years and see bullying as being more commonplace there than it is now.

“I haven’t noticed any bullying in the high school,” senior Eddie Mungai said. “But the middle school is a different story. One would hear comments about another’s race, weight, and many other things. But as far as the high school, bullying is not prevalent.”

According to some students, teachers can improve their roles as supervisors in an attempt to limit bullying. Each student has a different opinion, but all ideas could potentially be implemented.

“Teachers at Ladue can help by maybe standing outside classrooms and observing the halls more, that way they can keep a better eye on things that go on in the hallways including bullying,” freshman Grace Huber said.

Teachers at Ladue typically have high expectations for their students that can transfer over to the students setting positive goals for themselves. Treating others with kindness and respect might as well be just as high on a student’s priority list as the test they have next hour, because most teachers care about both performance and behavior equally.

“High school academic expectations and integrity expectations should be equal,” Duckham said. “Students should care as much about how they treat others as they care about their grades and scores.” •

#DoubleTake

freshman Rachel Wagner-Muns

“Harry Potter” actress Evanna Lynch

junior Josh Drain

“Crazy Train” singer Ozzy Osbourne

How well do you know...

Jim “Jimbo” Becker Q: What did you do before working here 16 years ago?

A: I was a professional piano player, the last place being at LoRusso’s Restaurant.

Q: What is the best vacation you have ever taken?

A: We’re Cape Cod people. We like to go there, and we’ve been there quite a few times. We basically do nothing; just kind of relax. If I could go anywhere, it would be back to Cape Cod. Q: What would you do if you won a million dollars?

A: I tell you what, I’d probably give part of it away. I mean at my age, a million dollars, that just doesn’t work.

Q: What is your relationship with the teachers like?

A: Oh, it’s good, I would say! Ms. Carson is special. She always runs up to give me a hug.

Q: Where did the nickname Jimbo come from?

A: When I first started here, they just started calling me that because I was the new guy, but I didn’t let it get under my skin. It didn’t bother me, but it sure stuck!

Panorama roamed the halls to find Ladue’s best look-alikes... here’s what we came up with! screened.com, spokeo.com, salonmagazine.ca

video technology coordinator Marteana Davidson

“Star Trek” actress Zoe Saldana

12

CENTERSPREAD

panorama

January 25, 2012

Rules: make them or break them

(photos by Elyse Mack)

Disciplinary system lacks consistency; seeking firm guidelines for handling attendance and other issues mollyBURROUGHS

Despite the limitations of the system, student Harold Carter* feels administrators are decisive and supportive when dealing christineWANG with drug and alcohol related offenses. Carter brought a con- editor in chief tainer of alcohol to school, only to be caught and duly punished.

“If I got away with it, I probably wouldn’t have learned okes about the lack of a disciplinary system at the high my lesson,” Carter said. “But now looking back, I know it was school are about as common as the tardies students accumulate. Unsurprisingly, suggestions to improve the current probably the stupidest thing I did in high school. Still, the administrators were really cool about it. They were on my side… system are just as plentiful. Teachers, students and administrathey treated me like a victim. There was a lot of support.” tors want to crack down on issues as diverse as cell phone use In a school of roughly 1,300 students, administrators must during class and kids sneaking out of the parking lot. A recent juggle the need for consistency with the complexity of indisurvey showed one commonality: a request for consistency in vidual situations. Along with Griffith, Assistant Principal Mike policy and consequences.

Tarpey strives to create a more accountable student body.

“For a discipline code to have any value, it must be clear, “Individuals have to take ownership of themselves, and fair and consistent,” English teacher Kim Gutchewsky said. ownership of our building,” Tarpey said. “From a building “I imagine there are exceptions for any rule, but it seems most standpoint, we as a community need to treat each other with people believe themselves to be the exception.” respect. The policy from the Student Handbook drives what we Schools need a disciplinary system in order to be effective; do in terms of discipline. It’s nothing personal; it’s part of my teachers cannot establish a learning environment when they are job. Our students’ behaviors have an impact on the school, and constantly disrupted by disrespectful students. Just like all citimy goal is to work with each student as an individual while zens must obey laws, students must have behavioral guidelines always looking out for what is in the best interest of the school that are enforced by school administration. as a whole.”

“Learning rules in any fashion is important in teaching Working with the young people about the ‘real world,’” school resource officer Learning rules in any fashion is important administrative team, Tarpey and Griffith Jerry Schwartz said. “This can in teaching young people about the ‘real make the goal of the start...with home discipline and then world’...Everybody should learn there are disciplinary system progress into school discipline as the child grows older. Everybody consequences to their actions, and the learning from mistakes. Here, reform is should learn there are consequences school disciplinary system teaches this. more important than to their actions, and the school dis-school resource officer Jerry Schwartz a reprimand. ciplinary system teaches this.”

“The consequence The senior list scandal and is only one part of the story,” Griffith said. “The most important bullying incidents have prompted outcry from community part for me is how students can learn from their mistakes.” members who want to know parties are punished for their acSome students find strict punishments are the best way to tions. However, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act communicate what behaviors are tolerated in society and what prevents schools from disclosing student disciplinary records. behaviors are unacceptable. Administrators and teachers agree “An important point for consideration of any disciplinary code is that students are protected by FERPA,” Associate Princi- that the disciplinary system must prepare students to be respectful citizens. pal Brad Griffith said. “According to federal law, administra“If we, here at Ladue, are not teaching our students life tors can’t share details [of students’ actions and disciplinary lessons as well as academics, then we are doing them a disconsequences]. The record of what [students] do is not public service,” math teacher Debbi Goldstein said. “Part of life is posinformation. On one hand, people want to know that there are sibly not succeeding at something. Sometimes our best lessons consequences, but on the other side, it’s a protection of privacy are learned through failure, instead of success.” for children.”

- editor in chief

J

“

For those lessons to be learned, students must face repercussions for their behaviors. Senior Jennifer Edison* accumulated approximately 64 period absences first semester, some excused and some unexcused. School officials requested that she work with a tutor to make up missed work, but Edison ignored them with no consequence to date.

“The administration doesn’t really follow through with anything,” Edison said. “I’m not saying that’s bad; I think if your absences are affecting your grades it’s one thing, but they didn’t really affect my grades so I don’t have a problem with them not taking action. But I think the administration has a tendency to say they’re going to do something and not do it.”

Currently, Edison has a 3.9 grade point average and has been accepted to an Ivy League university. Junior Liz Xing feels even when students misbehave, the punishments are too severe.

“The tardy policy isn’t fair...some people don’t mean to be tardy,” Xing said. “[The punishment] shouldn’t be a citizenship grade that makes you ineligible for sports. That’s a little extreme, and it doesn’t solve the problem in the long-term.”

Students notice a distinct difference between discipline policy at the middle school and high school. Though older students should take on more responsibility and police themselves, expectations of good behavior should remain constant.

“I got in trouble a lot in middle school, but once I got to high school nothing happened,” junior Nathan Rushing said. “It seemed like it was a lot stricter in middle school. I don’t really care whether I’m on time to school, and nothing happens when I’m not.”

With turnover in high-level district positions for the 20132014 school year, the disciplinary system could face revision.

School Board officials plan to begin reviewing disciplinary policies in February, according to Director of Communications Susan Dielmann. However, a change in school attitude may be just as effective. Faculty members discussed cracking down on tardies at a staff meeting, Jan. 14. Though students may not be thrilled about having to wake up earlier, a consistent policy would make students more accountable for their actions.

“I wouldn’t count entirely on a discipline code to create the environment we want for our building,” Gutchewsky said.

“Instead, I believe a team effort is required: administrators, teachers and parents who consistently support a discipline code, students who are brave enough to confront issues like bullying, and a community where all members hold themselves responsible for making this a safe and positive place.” • ( * names changed to protect identities)

panorama

January 25, 2012

CENTERSPREAD

13

Students and faculty offer their insight and experiences with specific disciplinary issues

(photos by Elyse Mack)

M

y attendance is somewhat spotty at times. I’m not a terrible student, but I don’t see why people should have to have their parents call when they miss a class. Last year, I missed for personal reasons; I was at a funeral.

I told one of my teachers, and she didn’t believe me, so she called my mom. In cases like that, I don’t think the disciplinary system is very professional. I don’t think it was very professional to call my parents at that time. You’ve got to trust the kids. Some of them are going to lie, but that’s a character trait. I think it’s the students’ responsibility to be in class. It’s their choice, and it’s their future. That’s how you build character. I don’t think the disciplinary action should be to call your parents. It’s not necessary to have a whole site on Infinite Campus about attendance. Some people get notes home about their attendance, and I don’t think that’s the school’s responsibility.

THEFT

DRUG POSSESSION

was bullied on and off during my freshman year by being excluded by certain individuals in my friend group. This didn’t happen to just me, but also to a couple of my friends. We ended up finding friends from other schools, and everything just fell into place. Now, there’s no hostility among any of us, but I don’t really talk to a few of the people who used to bully my friends and me. At the time, I reported my problems to a counselor, but nothing really happened in result. I think the bullying policies at our schools should be more publicized, and rather than focusing on survey questions like ‘have you been bullied’ we should ask observers to stand up against the perpetrators. Although the word ‘bullying’ carries such a negative stigma, we can help fade the resentment by having anti-bullying assemblies and focus on solving the root of the problem through the positive peerpressure of the observing students.

-junior Catie Ryan

ophomore year I had my brand new iPhone 4S and $20 stolen from my backpack in the locker room while I was in gym class. As soon as I realized it was gone, I told coach McCaffrey.

Mr. Tarpey came down and searched everyone’s backpacks, but did not find the phone. The teachers could see I was upset and did everything they could momentarily to help. I think that the school took appropriate action in searching for the phone, but that’s where it stopped. The school resource officer looked at the security cameras at my mom’s request. He saw someone on the tapes and couldn’t make them out, and then chose not to pursue it any further. I found this quite disappointing because he had the opportunity to do more but did not. Having my things stolen just made me feel violated and cost me a lot of money. I think that the school officer needs to play a lead role in combatting theft as it is a big problem here at Ladue.

ack in my sophomore year, we went to my friend’s house to smoke. I personally didn’t do anything, but my friends were all smoking weed, and I smelled like it. I came back to school, and I had my friend’s piece in my backpack. I walked around school not knowing that I smelled like weed, and one of my teachers called a principal. He took my backpack and walked me down to the office and there was nothing I could say to talk my way out of it. They suspended me for 14 school days when it was supposed to be 10, but there were a couple half days and off days, and I went nuts in my house. I think the administration’s policies were really effective on me, but it depends on the type of kid. The punishment I endured just wasn’t worth it. After I was suspended, I looked at all the negatives and realized what was the point of using when I was alienated from my own school. I haven’t touched it since.

The policies scared me straight.

I

S

“ “ “

T

he thing that has struck me most profoundly is the lack of recognition of so many students of a standard of what academic honesty/dishonesty is. I think some students don’t understand what the standards are, and if that’s the case, then that goes back to the adults in the system not explaining what the standards are. Each teacher needs to reinforce what is and isn’t appropriate academic behavior, and we need to do that very clearly so there’s no ambiguity. The other thing we need to do is we need to establish what those standards are at our school. Those guidelines are predicated on the fact that more than 90% of our students go to college.

A lot of colleges are on a zero tolerance policy, and students are suspended and considered guilty until proven innocent in front of an academic review board. That is a real system, and what we have is not a real system.

-social studies teacher David Sonius

BULLYING

-junior Sam Robbins

-junior Hannah Harpole

B

-student Carson Smith*

“

WHAT THE STUDENTS THINK Is the school’s disciplinary system effective in changing student’s behavior?

NO - 61%

YES - 39%

How should the school improve the the current disciplinary system? harsher punishments

clearer guidelines

39%

24% 10%

11%

improved technology

16% greater teacher involvement

“

ACADEMIC ATTENDANCE DISHONESTY

150 students surveyed

Most important disciplinary issue (1= most important, 5= least important)

1 2 3 4 5

Bullying Substance Abuse Theft Academic Honesty Attendance

more enforcement ( * names changed to protect identities)

14

panorama

A&E

January 25, 2012

Pop’s Newest Age

all art by TING DING

Music’s biggest stars lend voices and acting talents to animated franchise leoDICERA

- business manager/a&e writer

R

ecently released on DVD, “Ice Age: Continental Drift,” proved itself noteworthy in the well-known series. With a star-studded cast, the film provides laughs for those of all ages.

“Continental Drift” picks up with the ancient animal characters Manny and Ellie, the Mammoths (Ray Romano and Queen Latifah, respectively), Sid, the undeniablyditzy sloth (John Leguizamo) and Diego, the saber-tooth tiger (Denis Leary) as they try to adjust to life on the new continent. Peaches (Keke Palmer), the now-teenage daughter of Manny and Ellie, rebels by trying to follow the lead of her crush Ethan (Drake) and his snobby friend Steffie (Nicki Minaj). But when Peaches escapes the eyesight of her father, the Earth’s crust separates Pangaea.

Manny and his friends go looking for Peaches only to find themselves stranded on an iceberg floating in the ocean. Manny and his friends now

must find a way to safely reunite with their families while avoiding savage pirates out at sea.

The film provided the fascinating opportunity to see artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez (who plays a saber-toothed pirate named Shira) step outside of their usual work as musicians and into the roles of actors. Their involvement in the animated film also included carrying the rest of the star-studded cast in a recording of the film’s upbeat and catchy theme song, “We are [family].”

One of the most entertaining aspects of the film was comedian Wanda Sykes’s performance, who has experience in animated film. Her raspy voice and hilarious one-liners provided laughs throughout the entire film. Casting Sykes was a fantastic choice as her voice-over work as Granny made this performance just as memorable as Ellen DeGeneres’s performance as Dory in “Finding Nemo.” Another noteworthy performance was British comedian Nick Frost’s role as Flynn, the 4000 pound elephant seal, who is anything

(Photo courtesy of imdb.com)

but intimidating. Both actors carried a majority of the humor in the film, a vital success in an animated movie that needs to prove itself .

The fourth –and likely not the last– installment of “Ice Age” provided an exciting new spin on the family-friendly series, unsuprisingly.

With quirky characters and phenomenal voice-over performances, this film provides laughs for all ages. •

Clayton Crêperie serves quality breakfast fare Enjoy their specialty crêpes and other cafe treats that indulge your sweet tooth andrewTSIAKLIDES

- opinions writer

F

Almond

or roughly four years, City Coffeehouse & Crêperie has been churning out authentic, European style crcpes in the heart of Clayton. With over 40 different crêpe recipes, ranging from classic breakfast-style crêpes to luncheon crêpes, there is one available for everyone.

At first glance, the rustic atmosphere mirrors the Parisian sidewalk cafés that owners Ann and Ray Gallardo wanted to bring to St. Louis, a city much in need of some interesting architecture. I walked up to the front counter where my party ordered from a beautiful, bright and colorful chalkboard menu that I couldn’t turn away from. I ordered “The Freedom,” ($7.50) which was basically patriotism on a plate, it consisted of strawberries, blueberries and créme fraiche, melding together into the glorius colors of our country. In addition, I also tried a “Chocolate Nutella” ($6.75) crêpe with strawberries and bananas with whipped cream on the side as well as a rather local crêpe called the “Shaw Park.” ($7.25). An interesting thing to note is that when you order, they ask if you would prefer “original or buckwheat batter.” Choose the “original” option.

Buckwheat was neither healthier nor better tasting than the original batter I discovered, so, why bother?

I sat in the enclosed sunroom-esque section of the restaurant which felt cold since the sun had set, but with a little creativity one could imagine a nice, sunny, warm and cloudless day in downtown Clayton.

Our crêpes arrived rather quickly, served by a kind waitress.

After switching around initially mis-served plates, we began to dig in.

First and foremost, the crêpes were thick and as large as the plates itself, a large plus in my mind. Also, the crêpes that had fruit had ample amounts of it. Every bite contained ripe and sweet berries. “The Freedom,” topped with powdered sugar, was excellent, especially with a little fraiche on top. The heated strawberries and blueberries made almost a fruity sauce within the light and airy crêpe. The “Chocolate Nutella” crêpe was

straightforward, but nonetheless, a tasty crêpe with Nutella sandwiched in with fruit, also topped with powdered sugar. It’s very hard to go wrong with that option.

Now for the “Shaw Park.” Although I appreciated what they tried to do here, this should just be one of the sandwiches they offer, instead of a crêpe. With turkey, havarti cheese, spinach, peppers and house dressing, it would have been much better on toasted artisan bread rather than in a crêpe. Also, the house dressing was too overwhelming. What I deduced to be a coarsegrain mustard and other herbs seized control over the taste of the crêpe. Much was left to be desired, and I would advise sticking to the sweeter crêpes, as opposed to something like the “Shaw Park,” which would have thrived if in sandwich form.

All in all, City Coffeehouse & Crêperie has successfully brought French-style crêpes to suburban St. Louis. With large delicious crêpes and fresh ingredients at reasonable price, I would say they earnedmy respect, for great food and atmosphere. The restaurant succeeds in almost every category, other than service. Next time you’re craving crêpes, give City Coffeehouse & Crêperie a try. •

WHIPPED• A mouth-watering strawberry nutella crêpe sits, waiting for one to bite into every sweet morsel. The restaurant offers over different kinds of crêpes, both savory and sweet for any taste. (photo by Peyton Farmer)

panorama

January 25, 2012

The Music of 2013 Chronicling the most anticipated albums of the new year Arcade Fire www.arcadefire.com youtube.com/artist/arcade-fire

A

fter winning Album of the Year at the 2011 Grammys, alternative-rock group Arcade Fire still strives to make great music. “The Funeral” sets the bar very high for this Canadian rock group. Little has been said about their mysterious 2013 album, but if it’s anything like “The Suburbs,” I’m sold.

Daft Punk www.daftpunk.com youtube.com/artist/daft-punk

T

wo Frenchmen and a mix board doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun at first, but Daft Punk sure has proved otherwise.

Unless the “Tron: Legacy” soundtrack counts, they haven’t created their own album since 2005, although two years later, the electrifying “Alive,” mashed up many of the duo’s songs into lengthy, sensational beats.

The Black Keys www.theblackkeys.com facebook.com/TheBlackKeys

T

he Black Keys, a bluesy duo from Nashville, have rocked the charts with its past hit albums. “El Camino” and “Brother” were released to widespread acclaim. Its latest album will be recorded throughout the next several months, and I am excited for its 2013 release.

Kanye West www.kanyewest.com twitter.com/kanyewest

A

s far as success goes, Kanye West serves as the human example. His albums released to praise from fans and critics alike.

Although his music is kept secret until release, some upcoming songs were played during his recent tours.

Queens of the Stone Age Release Date: before June www.quotsa.com

Q

ueens of the Stone Age fans have anxiously awaited newly sharpened guitar riffs and thunderous drumming for six years. Well-known ‘rock god’ Dave Grohl is returning to the drum set for the first time since 2005, which in my opinion was the band’s best album, and I look forward to this one as well.

Upcoming Entertainment

15

A&E

2013 has a great record line-up. The music industry is ready to explode with fresh, exciting material, and I cannot wait to hear it. I’ve compiled a list of 10 albums set for release this upcoming calendar year that I look forward to with fierce anticipation and no doubt you will, too. art by AUDREY KOCHER

charlieGARSIDE

- a&e editor

Eminem www.eminem.com twitter.com/Eminem

L

ittle has been speculated about Eminem’s new album. This album will be the followup to “Recovery,” a 2010 chart topper.

No doubt the album will generate plenty of hype to its release date. It has been confirmed that 50 Cent will be featured on the record along with producer I.D. No doubt the album will generate plenty of hype up to its release and singles are sure to pop up throughout the year.

Lady Gaga Album: ARTPOP twitter.com/ladygaga

P

eople can’t seem to get enough of charttopper Lady Gaga. The avant-garde pop star plans a spring release titled “ARTPOP.” It was announced that either “Ratchet” or “Tea” would be the first single from the album and will reportedly release later this month.

Atoms for Peace Album: Amok Date released: Feb. 25

R

adiohead frontman Thom Yorke and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea created Atoms for Peace, an electronic rock group. The group was formed after having productive practices together. After recording the entire album in three days, the band plans to release the album, Feb. 25. “Default,” a single that was released Sept. 2012, had a very promising sound, the brilliant mixture of sturdy bass riffs and chilling vocals hints at a successful album.

MGMT Album: (self-titled) MGMT www.whoismgmt.com

T

he indie-electronic band MGMT will release a self-titled album. Lead singer Andrew VanWyngarden commented that the record is almost finished, and I can’t wait to hear what’s on it. The band had an interesting and catchy debut album in 2009, and this upcoming album is sure to be a massive hit.

The Band Perry Release Date: April 2, 2013 www.thebandperry.com

T

he Band Perry’s second album is planned for spring 2013, and country fans everywhere are awaiting it with high expectations. The sibling group is currently finishing up the last songs for the album, produced by Rick Rubin of Columbia Records.

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

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters: 1/25

Annual Orchid Show at Botanical Garden begins 2/2

Priscilla: Queen of the Desert at the Fox: 1/29

Lady Gaga concert at Scottrade Center: 2/2

Ellie Goulding concert at The Pageant: 1/30

Super Bowl XLVII on CBS: 2/3 art by TING DING

16

panorama

SPORTS

January 25, 2012

Back in blue (and white) Girls’ basketball brings in another dominant season bramLEVY

- sports writer

(photo by Elyse Mack)

The Games of the Century alliLOYND

- sports editor

G

rowing up in a Catholic school, Christian Brothers College High School basketball was the pinnacle of high school sports. As young as fourth grade, hopeful boys plastered CBC basketball stickers over their folders and notebooks. In middle school, pre-teens tagged along with older siblings to watch the hallowed games after raiding their closets for purple and gold. CBC basketball was untouchable.

Flash forward to today, and some of my former classmates play on the team. (That is, the team that we beat.)

I don’t know if anyone thought decisively from the beginning that we would win. Our team was hungry to avenge CBC for prior defeats, but would the desire be enough to go against a team that has grade schoolers across the city actively worshipping them? Was our winning streak bound to shatter?

We all know how the story ends. We all remember the elation and the cheers of the enormous camo-clad crowd as we looked upon the purple scoreboard that gloriously proclaimed our victory.

But it didn’t end there. Ladue basketball has been dominating our conference since day one, now boasting an eight-game winning streak.

During the usual lull of winter, where blankets seem much for enticing than bleachers, basketball, along with help from Blue Crew, has brought back spirit. Typical indifference toward winter sports has turned to throngs of students supporting and rooting for their team on and off the court.

Victory is sweet, but it is even sweeter when you have fans cheering for you through the ups and downs. Our domination of basketball is obviously attributed to the immense amounts of raw talent, coaching and long hours practicing on the court, but I can’t help but wonder if the support has anything to do with the wins and the cutthroat closeness of the CBC game.

Maybe it took a stellar season to bring more than the usual suspects to the court, but I hope that both new and old fans will continue to attend games through the wins and losses of seasons to come and to carry this support into the spring season.

High school sports provide a common thread to bond over, something that the whole school can be proud of.

You don’t have to be over six feet tall to feel a part of the team energy, and you don’t have to have pom pons to cheer on the team.

Through the Instagram scandals, senior list exposure and empty seats in the administration, the accomplishments of our winter sports teams have kept us proud to say we go to Ladue. Seeing our school on the news for unfavorable reasons may be becoming more commonplace, but the victories of our teams serve as a reminder that we have so many more redeeming qualities in our school distract than the surface suggests.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that I am honored to be rooting for the boys in blue. • (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

T

“We both try to lead by example,” Greenberg said. “My personal goal is to do whatever I can to benefit the team whether on defense or offense.”

While one of the team’s greatest assets is its senior leadership, the team has much more to offer. Sophomore Cate Meyer has been a major component on the as team as the only freshman to make the varsity team last season. This season, she is armed with experience and knowledge of how her teammates play to compete at a new level. “[Elizabeth] and Natalie are the team captains, but being younger on the team I step back and let them lead. Starting was my goal, but now that I have the spot I still try even harder to

he girls basketball team has been the dominant force in Suburban East over the past few years, stringing together a series of conference championships. Despite setbacks such as losing center senior Taylor Robinson early on, the team is confident that it will continue their success.

Robinson, who plans to attend Temple University on a basketball scholarship, missed all games prior to Jan. 4 due to academic probation.

“Since I was [on academic probation], it was hard to watch the team go out and play without me,” Robinson said. “But I wanted to support them, and they did a great job supporting me.”

However, the team won nearly all of its games during her absence.

This could be attributed to its strong leadership, anchored by seniors Elizabeth Greenberg, Natalie Grimm and Katherine DeBoer.

“Not having Taylor was a huge change for our team. We had to adapt into not depending on one person to get the job done,” DeBoer said. “We have really begun to mesh as a team, and when she comes back it will only make us that much stronger. Everybody, players and coaches included, [is] really excited to have her back.”

The team has proven its skills thus far in the season. In December, the girls won the Ritenour tournament, showcasing their knack of point scoring.

“We lost to Ritenour last year, and that really fired us up to play them this year,” DeBoer said. “It was really gratifying to go and beat them at their tournament.”

In that tournament, senior Nicole McNichols hit a gamewinning shot in a wild semifinal against Bishop DuBourg. After the theatrical win and handing Ritenour its first loss of the season, Ladue is looking forward to conference play.

The Lady Rams have been BALLERS • Dodging two Jennings the single dominant force in the players, senior Taylor Robinson leaps to Suburban East conference, having make a basket (Left). Getting ready to won conference for the last two pass, sophomore Cate Meyer dribbles the years. This year, Ladue holds a very ball across the court. (Above right) During solid lead for first place, seemingly a Jan. 4 game, senior Elizabeth Greensolidifying a “three-peat.” Grimm berg drives the ball across the court. certainly hopes that the senior class (photos by Sarah Kessel) can make this happen.

“Our main goal this season is keep it,” Meyer said. “But it all comes down to whatever bento win conference for the third year in a row,” Grimm said. “It efits the team the most.” would be really cool to be that dominant.”

Along with conference play comes the most important game According to Grimm and coach Cord Dockery, one of the on any Ladue athlete’s schedule: Clayton. For DeBoer, this biggest reasons for the success is leadership. Every Ladue game has an even heightened sense of importance. For the first senior has taken an active role in showing their teammates two years of her hoops career, she donned the blue and orange the right way to do things, something that has clearly paid out that is so reviled around Ladue. dividends. Dockery attributes this skill to the fact that many of “Playing Clayton last year was an experience I will probably the seniors have been a part of the team since freshman year. never forget. I went there all my life and recognized everybody “Elizabeth Greenberg and I are the team captains, but all of in the gym,” DeBoer said. “My old teammates were determined the seniors have taken on a leadership role,” Grimm said. “I try to encourage and listen to what everyone on the team has to say, to win. I was hoping to be able to beat them by more, but winning that game was the highlight of my season last year and I and keep everyone motivated.” can’t wait to play them again this year as my Senior Night.”

Greenberg and Grimm have left opposing defenses scratchThe girls in blue and white have lots of potential going ing their heads all season long. Greenberg, like all of the forward, and with Robinson back on the court, the team will seniors, bring an invaluable team-first outlook to the girls both continue to dominate. • on and off the court.

January 25, 2012

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Dance like there’s no tomorrow

Students offer a glimpse into the pre-professional world companies at COCA Ballet Ecclectica and COCAdance.

“I like dancing because it challenges me mentally and physically, but also I love how it allows me to artistically express how I feel by using movements, not words,” Vezeau said.

Schwartz began her dancing career in third grade and now dances for the Alexandra TINY DANCER • During a Center of Ballet Company in Creative Arts spring performance, junior Joslin Chesterfield. She first Vezeau performs a piece with her partner. started out with gym(photo courtesy of Cyndy Maasen) nastics, but then decided to try ballet, where she caught leviGREENBERG up to her peers pretty quickly.

- sports writer “Performing is the real reason hanna LaFleur, a famous I love to dance,” Schwartz said. dancer once said, “It takes an “When you’re onstage and everyathlete to dance, but an artist one’s watching you, and everything to be a dancer.” Being an elite dancer is going right, it’s the best feeling in is an extreme commitment. the world. Hearing the audience clap Juniors Joslin Vezeau and Hanjust for you makes you feel amaznah Schwartz have been dedicated ing.” to dancing for much of their lives.

Dancers at the highest level are Vezeau, who started dancing at the required to put in extensive hours age of two, currently dances for the each week for training. Vezeau estiCenter of Creative Arts and is in two mates that she trains about twenty-

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Each dancer in New York trained two hours a week, Schwartz, around with famous choreographers and fifteen hours. auditioned for several productions.

“We always start off with a class Vezeau was cast in piece by choreogto get ourselves warmed up and rapher Carlos Dos Santos. improve our technique, and then we “I made so many connections and rehearse for the rest of the night,” friendships that will last my whole Schwartz said. “I pretty much spend dance career because the dance all of Saturday dancing, and if a world is very small,” Vezeau said. choreographer is in town, I spend all “At the end of the six weeks all the of Sunday dancing too.” dancers performed in a production In addition to dancing for their companies, both Vezeau and Schwartz When you’re onstage and have traveled for everyone’s watching you, camps and performances. When she and everything’s going was fourteen, Vezeau right, it’s the best feeling went to a four week in the world. camp called Perry -junior Hannah Schwartz Mansfield in Steamboat Springs, Colo. called the Summer Sizzler.”

This past summer, she attended the Schwartz is also required to do Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre summer intensives around the counSummer Intensive, in New York, try. She has spent summers at the N.Y. At the camp, she had to get a Kansas City Ballet School Summer feel for the city and learn to fend for Intensive and the Interlochen Arts herself.

Camp in Michigan.

“Learning the city on your own “Last year, my company went was challenging, especially learning the subways,” Vezeau said. “Being to Montreal, Canada for Regional on this trip gave me so many life les- Dance America’s national festival, but I wasn’t able to go because of sons. I had to budget my money and AP testing,” Schwartz said. “This plan meals, something I never had to year, we’re going to Indiana for the think about before.”

“

same thing and I’ll be able to go this time.”

Both Vezeau and Schwartz’s companies participate in Dancing in the Street, which is held at Grand Center every fall. Performers get to dance outside on stages in the street.

“We also used to dance at a performance called 60X60, where 60 St. Louis dance groups each get 60 seconds to dance,” Schwartz said.

“Our Nutracker is at Logan College, and our Mainstage performance is always performed at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at [the University of Missouri St. Louis.”

Schwartz and Vezeau each want to pursue dance later in their lives.

Schwartz is considering getting a minor in dance at college.

“I don’t want to be a professional dancer, but I know I’ll be really upset if I don’t get to dance at all,” Schwartz said.

Vezeau also hopes to dance in college. She hopes to develop into a stonger dancer and a stronger person.

“I don’t have any particular accomplishments. My long-term accomplishment is every year I have improved,” Vezeau said. “It’s important to me to grow from year to year, and making new discoveries about me as a dancer and a person.” •

Don’t let your guard down Fencers win big at national competitions

takes a lot [of] dedication and practice.”

Cunningham practices five days a week for about three hours sarahJACOB each day. She said that in addition to commitment, fencing - sports writer requires many more skills. he steps onto the strip, puts on her helmet and takes up “You need to be quick, precise, determined, competitive, inher stance behind the white line. The referee proclaims, telligent,” Cunningham said. “It is a lot harder than other sports; “En garde! Ready? Fence!” The bout commences and it’s physically and mentally taxing.” the fencer’s mind goes into high alert.

This multitasking helps strengthen and develop the brain.

Senior Caitlin Malone received her first national fencing Additionally, the intense activity teaches a fencer how to think medal at the December North American Cup in Milwaukee, fast under pressure.

Wis. in Division II Women’s Saber. “...There [are] no second chances and no room for mis“I was really proud because I’ve put in a lot of hard work takes,” Hassan said. “You have to learn from your mistakes and and I was glad that it was move on and re-plan everything before paying off,” Malone said. your opponent.”

In order to prepare for There are three different types of You need to be quick, precise, this national tournament, fencing based on the weapon used: determined, intelligent...It is a Malone increased her foil, épée, and saber. Although all practice time and trained three utilize blades, the places where a lot harder than other sports; it’s more closely with her fencer hits his opponent to score points physically and mentally taxing. coach. Her hard work is different.

-junior Steph Cunningham paid off, and now she Although fencing is a foreign sport happily reaps the benefits to many Ladue students, fencing is of this victory. quite popular around the world and “She learns quickly and is getting better and better, very even in the Northeast. fast...She also likes to make it fun for herself and those around “Here it’s so small that people see it as small everywhere, her,” Hossam Hassan, Malone’s coach and former coach of the whereas in fact, it isn’t,” Malone said. “In [places] like New Egyptian Olympic team, said. “She is very talented and has the Jersey...most high schools have a team.” skills of being a very good fencer.”

Although fencers sometimes compete as teams, the sport is Not only does Hassan recognize Malone as a skilled fencer, usually executed by individuals. The independent nature of the but so will colleges. Malone’s recent success gave her the rating sport can put a lot of stress on the fencer. she needed to compete in division one fencing on college teams.

“In other sports like soccer, you’ve got a whole team to rely Malone’s fencing career began when she watched the 2008 on,” Malone said. “But even if you’re doing a team event, it’s Beijing Olympics. After taking a beginner course, she began just you and another person. It’s all up to you, and it’s a lot of competitively training at The Fencers Academy. Another mempressure.” ber of this club is junior Steph Cunningham.

In addition to lacking teammates to rely on, fencers also get “You need to practice a lot,” Cunningham said. “[Fencing] little instruction from their coaches when competing.

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“

PARRY THE PLATYPUS • Lunging forward, senior Caitlin Malone makes an advance towards her opponent during a national competition, who retreats down the strip. (photo courtesy of Caitlin Malone) Instead, everything is up to the fencer.

“The fencer makes the decisions and all the moves, not a coach or somebody on the sidelines,” Hassan said.

Despite solitary bouts, members of fencing clubs bond over competitions. Fencing competitions can be all around the world. “[You] get to travel for all the competitions and make friends all over the world,” said Cunningham. “The best part is...the unconditional support and family aspect of [my] team.”

Fencing has evolved over the centuries from chivalric duels to Olympic bouts. Once learned, it stays with people for the rest of their lives. In fact, both Malone and Cunningham plan on fencing in college.

“I’ve already talked to several coaches and I’m looking into their programs,” explained Malone. “If I can at all, I definitely will [fence].”

The two fencers are on their last bout. Her mind races with possible moves to win the duel as she fends off her opponents aggressive attack. A sudden explosive energy surges through her legs, and she directs her blade toward her opponent’s momentarily unprotected torso. A wave of disbelief and pride hits her as she realizes she has won. •

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JV Volleyball

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JV Girls’ Swimming

any view participation in a JV sport as an opportunity to hang out with friends or to better develop their skills outside of P.E. class. For others, playing JV is a way to enjoy a sport without the pressure of varsity. For the JV volleyball team, it means all three.

“Being on the JV team is great; it’s a lot more relaxed than varsity, and we like to focus on having fun and improving as players before we reach the varsity level,” JV captain and sophomore Mary Kate Fox said.

While JV provides a friendly, laid-back environment for players to learn new techniques and plays, it’s not always fun and games.

chloeAN

TAKE A BREATHER • Surfacing for air, junior Miriam Bisada practices her breaststroke, Nov. 14. (photo by Hope Howard)

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V boys’ basketball is no exception to JV teams – another ring up the ladder to success. But many people don’t always realize the importance of the JV squad.

At the beginning of the season, players are divided into three teams: freshmen, JV, and varsity.

Everyone’s goal is to get to varsity, but JV is the main road to getting there. Almost everyone plays at the lower level at some point.

“Playing JV was really just the experience I needed to help me get ready for varsity,” junior Andrew Maddock said. “[JV] helps our younger kids get ready for varsity because they’re going to be the future of Ladue basketball.”

At practice, Coach Keith Harder has them work on the essentials.

Honing in on passing, shooting and dribbling is necessary for success.

“The biggest thing in a JV player’s development is to be able to master those basic skills,” Harder said. “Once they have done that, everything else falls into place.”

However, technique isn’t the only thing players learn from their experience on JV. Character traits are also important in a players’ development.

“Coach Harder has helped give me a better attitude and a better work ethic, which is important for playing varsity,” JV captain and freshman Mark Rogers said.

Although the JV program prepares players for varsity, the transi-

“The JV and freshman teams are encouraged to watch varsity games because they can teach us things about the game and about the position you play,” Fox said. “It helps if you can watch someone else doing the same thing you do.”

Although the teams do not practice together and rarely see each other outside of games, the JV and varsity teams act as one. The varsity members are not only friends to the JV players; they are also respected as mentors.

“We provide the JV players with tips along the way and act as their fan club,” varsity captain and senior Christina Shaw said.

In the end, being on JV is a stepping stone for the next level.

Without the pressure of varsity, players are able to flourish and hone in on their abilities to grow more as players.

“The JV program definitely helped develop my basic skills for volleyball, ” Shaw said. “Being on JV taught me how to be an athlete, and how going hard in practice actually pays off.” •

GOING FOR THE KILL • Caught in mid-air, sophomore Iris Yang prepares to spike the ball over the net to victory. (photo courtesy of Caroline Scheibel)

JV Girls’ Basketball

edanGOLDFARB

- sports editor

he line between JV and varsity is often very clear–they practice independently, they play at different levels, and the relations are often different. But for the girls’ swimming team, none of this holds true.

“For a lot of team sports, there is a clear-cut JV and varsity team, but for swimming, we all practice together and it’s only at the end of the year when we find out if we are on JV or varsity,” sophomore Ting Ding said.

Rather than having separate practices, the swimmers divide into different lanes based on speed. The mingling of faster and slower swimmers during practice gives the JV athletes someone to look up to and learn from.

“It gives me a more competitive edge, because seeing where the varsity swimmers are with their technique and speed allows me to set goals for myself,” freshman Eva Jeliazkova said.

This collaborative environment is not only shared by the swimmers, but also by the coaches. By evening out the relays, Coach Ted Waterson hopes to encourage a team environment.

“On the swim team, everybody helps each other out,” Ding said. “Coach Waterson likes to even out the relays–he puts some fast people and some slow people together. He really likes the whole team to stick together.” •

January 25, 2012

- sports writer

haydenHUNT

- sports writer

this is how we D ‘due it

SWISH AND FLICK

• Shooting a free throw against Webster, freshman Anna Hartig eyes the hoop as freshman Olivia Mowbray watches on. (photo by Chloe An)

(photo by Elyse Mack) tion is not always easy, especially with a different pace of game.

“A lot of things you do on JV, you can’t do on varsity,” Maddock said. “You have to make adjustments, and you have to play faster.”

However, JV players can be promoted to varsity, like Rogers, who debuted on the varsity team Jan. 16.

“Being the JV coach is like being a Triple A manager in baseball,” Harder said. “If a kid is great, they take them up to the big club. Then we are left to play without him.

That’s the nature of the beast.” •

EYE ON THE PRIZE

• Dribbling down the court, sophomore Michael Wielanksy goes for the shot. (photo by Jessica Puyo)

espite the instinct for teams to isolate themselves from others, the girls’ varsity and JV basketball teams merge together. With players on both teams, and even joint practices early in the season, the two groups act as one.

“We know all the varsity girls, and we hang out with them.

They are definitely more like teammates than mentors,” freshman Madison Berg said.

Junior Jessica Mormol feels the same. With time split in between playing on the JV and varsity team, she has a unique perspective on the relationship between the two teams.

“I play on both teams, so I spend a lot of time with the JV girls,” Mormol said. “I have a lot of fun playing on Coach Williams’ team, and being part of the team is my favorite part.”

However, Mormol isn’t the only bridge between the two teams. At the beginning of the season, the two teams play together in open gyms, and the JV program helps prepare the players for the higher level, both physically and mentally.

“Playing on JV caused me to be more confident,” senior Nicole McNichols said. “I was prepared to play with varsity physically, but not mentally, and JV allowed for me to develop my mental game.” •

JV Boys’ Basketball

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January 25, 2012

JV Boys’ Soccer

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS • All fired up at the pep rally, the boys’ soccer team lifts freshman Kam Malinich in a cheer of pride. (photo by Emma Weller)

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ehind every varsity team is an equally important JV team. For the boys’ soccer team, this program is more essential than ever.

“JV progressed my skills by adapting me to the style that Ladue plays instead of the way my club plays,” sophomore Michael Wielansky said.

The JV program helps players adjust their playing style and hones in on basic techniques that prepare players for varsity. On varsity, the focus on technical skills and the pace of game is increased greatly.

“JV focuses more on fundamentals, increasing the players basic skills, while varsity focuses more on technical skills further improving on players who have

I

already mastered the basics,” freshman Matthew Padgett said.

The road to varsity is never deserted, however. With much aid from varsity players and coaches, the players are never alone.

“The coaches play a major role in bettering all the players on a physical and skill level,” Padgett said.

The coaches represent the perfect mix between nurturing yet decisive - they speak softly, yet carry a big stick by encouraging both the growth of both character and disciplined technique.

“They set good examples and have been good role models for us,” Wielansky said. “They always encourage everyone and are tough on us when they need to be.” •

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hough their uniforms and their routines often differ, the varstiy, JV and freshman cheerleading squads integrate as one.

“Being on the JV squad is really fun,” freshman Ellie Cannon said.

“Varsity does more advanced cheers, and stunts, and they overall have more experience.”

However, the separation does nothing to stop the girls from bonding. The JV girls often get advice from the older members.

“The varsity team [is] mentors to us. They helps us out with the new stunts we learn and share advice about cheer,” Cannon said.

In fact, the teams have a formal buddy program to foster this relationship. With random pairings, the three squads become one.

can,” coach Brian Archibald said.

“However, most of the schools we compete against do not have as many JV wrestlers as we do.”

To be successful in wrestling, tireless work is necessary. JV wrestlers follow the leadership of varsity members and coaches’ guidance.

“Varsity wrestlers can lead and teach the JV wrestlers how to get better at the sport, so the JV wrestlers can one day make the varsity squad,” Christner said.

Moving from JV to varsity requires striving for greatness. By participating in the JV program, wrestlers earn necessary values to reap the fruits in the future.

“They develop a work ethic necessary for future success at the varsity level,” Archibald said. •

HEADLOCK • In an intense wrestling match, sophomore Alex Wolff stares his opponent down. (photo by Jessica Puyo)

“We do bonding activities with our little sisters at cheer camp so we feel like one big team instead of separate squads,” senior Hannah Bursack said.

Bursack, who was on JV her freshman year, believes in the effectiveness of the JV program as a preparatory step.

“They do a really good job of showing you what it is like to be on varsity, especially towards the end,” Bursack said.

However, not all JV cheerleaders go on to varsity. Some leave the program after their first year for other interests and commitments.

“The coaches would definitely like us to continue on to varsity, but they also just want us to do what we want to do,” Cannon said. •

‘DUE IT • At Blue and White night, the JV cheerleading squad gets ready to perform for the audience. (photo by Lizzie Green)

JV Wrestling

t is common knowledge that wrestling is not one of the most glamorous sports. However, despite the lack of schoolwide fame and glitz, the JV wrestlers love what they do.

“Being on the JV squad had allowed me to not only learn the basics of wrestling, but it also enables me to learn a lot from the varsity wrestlers,” sophomore Tyler Christner said.

For JV players, the season is full of intense practices with little reward between. At wrestling matches, each wrestler is paired up against opponents from the same weight class.

“When we wrestle our dual competitions against other schools, the coaches try to get as many matches for the JV wrestlers as we

JV Cheerleading

JV Boys’ Swimming

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

• Surfacing for air, freshman Aaron Chen speeds down the lane with a butterfly stroke, Oct. 18. (photo by Lizzie Green)

M

ichael Phelps. Nathan Adrian. Ryan Lochte. All Olympic gold medalists.

Legends. But they all had to start at the beginning somewhere.

For Ladue’s swim program, there is no definite line between JV and varsity. According to Coach Corey Miller, scoring a point in a conference meet earns a swimmer a spot on the varsity team.

The coaches prepare the swimmers for meets to help them break their personal records and even win. Freshman and JV swimmer Greg Farm hopes to gain varsity status next year.

“My goal is breaking a minute and going to state,” Farm said.

Junior Jackie Chen, an alternate to state, realizes how he can help

his teammates. He and other varsity members try to give the new swimmers advice to improve.

“Swimming is a lot about technique,” Chen said. “We watch them during a race and give them tips.”

The varsity members are not the only ones helping the JV swimmers. Coach Miller finds teaching new swimmers his favorite part of coaching because they often have the most to learn. “[The coaches] give us tips on techniques, push us to work hard, and act as a good role models,” Farm said.

However they plan on getting there, the JV swimmers are excited to work hard and earn a spot on the state team. •

SPORTS

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J u n i o r v a r s i t y chloeAN

- sports editor

haydenHUNT

- sports writer

edanGOLDFARB

- sports writer

(photo by Elyse Mack)

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January 25, 2012

How to have:

The perfect snow day elyseMACK

- photo editor

SLEEP IN • Make sure you hit the snooze button. Bundling up under the covers is the best way to get your snow day started. (photo by Danielle Thompson)

ICE SKATE • Beautiful Steinberg Ice Rink in Forest Park is a fun way to enjoy the snow and spend time with your friends. (photo by Emma Weller)

SNOW DANCE • Ask science teacher Sima Oberlander–doing the snow dance with enthusiasm will ensure school is cancelled and your day off is a blast! (photo by Magda Lijowska)

RELAX BY THE FIRE • Curl up with a good book, hot cocoa and a warm blanket to watch the flames flicker as you defrost after your perfect snow day! (photo by Elyse Mack)

art by DIANA JUNG

January 25, 2012

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WAKE UP EARLY • Nothing is worse than waking up, getting dressed and realizing you could have slept for a few more hours. (photo by Danielle Thompson)

PHOTO

How to have:

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the worst snow day WAITING FOR THE BUS • What could be worse than waking up early on a snow day? Try shivering in the cold, waiting for a bus that will never arrive. (photo by Jessica Puyo)

NO MARSHMALLOWS? • What’s a snow day without hot cocoa? And what’s hot cocoa without marshmallows?

Always grab an extra bag just in case! (photo by Peyton Farmer)

STUDYING • Day off and you’ve got a test tomorrow? Don’t let it ruin your fun! Take some time for yourself when the opportunity arises. (photo by Hope Howard)

GETTING SICK • As if being sick during school isn’t bad enough, sniffling on the couch on your day off is one of the worst ways to spend a snow day. (photo by Elyse Mack)

22

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January 25, 2012

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