Ladue Panorama, January 2015, Volume 63, Issue 6

Ladue

Panorama

Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Road • St. Louis, MO 63124 • Volume 63 • Issue 6 • January 16, 2014 (Photo by Warren Biest)

news (pg.4)

TOURTURE REPORTS

features (pg.7)

SENIOR SELLS HER ARTWORK

in-depth (pg.8)

SCHEDULE CHANGES

a&e (pg.10)

CANTINA LAREDO REVIEW

opinions (pg.13)

Shorter classes?

sports (pg.14)

DEADLY FORCE

GIRLS SWIMMING UPDATE

photo (pg.16)

PHOTO CONTEST

Ac Lab?

Fact or fiction?

Clear up your concerns about the schedule changes on pgs. 8-9

Ram Day?

More homework?

(Photos by Sydney Ellis)

2 news

Panorama

January 16, 2014

St. Louis teens murder local immigrant

In the

School Incident allows students to reflect on violence in school mary xiao w ART EDITOR

Habitat for Humanity will hold a used book sale Jan. 24 in the cafeteria. The event lasts from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and all proceeds collected will benefit the organization.

Freshmen Glen Morgenstern and Evyn Levy, sophomores Jacob Cytron, Cindy Geng and Stephanie Zhong, juniors Abby Bauer and Royce Dong and seniors Yoav Kadan, Tyler Christner and Elena Hamman were selected for the Missouri All-State Orchestra or Missouri All-State Band.

Ladue Early Childhood Center preschool teacher Dee Aryes was awarded the December Excellence in Education award by district administrators for teaching methods.

Social studies teacher Rob Good received the Peadbody Energy Leaders in Education Award. The award honors teachers who “foster the future workforce” and each honoree is given $1,000.

Good donated his check to the Reaching Inside Seeking Excellence program.

Ladue alumnus Ryan Feit attended the Innovation is GREAT Awards Reception Dec. 9, where his business SeedInvest earned a Great Tech trophy. The award, presented by UK’s Prince William, recognized his crowdfunding company for technological excellence and innovation.

katie bry NEWS WRITER

A

group of teenagers in St. Louis fatally attacked a Bosnian immigrant with hammers Nov. 28. Although teen violence still exists in the area, its presense has decreased at the high school during the past few years.

The incident occurred when multiple attackers began to damage Zemir Begic’s parked car. When he confronted them, they proceeded to assault him with hammers, inflicting fatal injuries.

Begic and his family immigrated to America and moved to New York in 1996. He had lived in St. Louis for a few months before he was beaten to death, according to a stltoday.com article Nov. 30.

“He loved America,” said Denisa Begic, Zemir Begic’s sister, in the article. “We came [to America] from Bosnia because we were getting killed and our homes and families were getting destroyed. Never in my life did I think he would get murdered.”

The people in Bevo Mill, Begic’s predominantly Bosnian neighborhood, united after his death.

They called for a greater police presence to protect their commu-

nity and protested Begic’s death by Another member of the club, blocking traffic in the intersection junior Martha Benduski, also near where the attack took place. recalled past violence at school.

“There is a large Bosnian She specifically remembered the community in St. Louis and it inaction of the bystanders who continues to be a welcoming place witnessed these altercations. for Bosnians,” sophomore Maya “[Last year] there was a fight Mutic said. “[However], I believe in the middle of the hallway and St. Louis needs to make more of a whole bunch of kids just circled an effort to end violence and ethnic around the two guys who were segregation.” fighting and yelled ‘Fight! Fight!

In light of this tragedy, many Fight!’” Benduski said. “Two kids students reflected on violent ran to grab teachers, but no one incidents intervened– that have There is a large Bosnian community no students occurred actuin St. Louis, and it continues to be ally tried at school. a welcoming place for Bosnians. to break it Senior and [However], I believe St. Louis up.”

Ladue Whitneeds to make more of an effort to Students worth said end violence and racial segregation. that now Helping Students - sophomore Maya Mutic students member feel more Ella protected Whitworth recalled that a few from violence within the high years ago, in her perspective, fights school. She speculated that it could at school were a common occurhave been due to a stricter enforcerence, especially in the cafeteria. ment of school policies.

“There was a time when there “There has been a big differwere fights [in school] very often,” ence in the last couple of years Whitworth said. “When we were as [the administration] has been freshmen, there were fights every trying to do a better job with staff week. It used to be really bad and supervision and especially in the people at this school used to just be Commons and after school, which really violent.” limits the access to certain areas of

I have a dream hannah snidman NEWS WRITER

M

artin Luther King Jr. Day has even more significance this year in light of recent racial conflict.

Like King’s followers in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, those involved in the protests in Ferguson strive for racial equality.

Although some responses were violent, there were peaceful demonstrations as well, such as the organized “die-in” at the Galleria Mall. “[The protesters] are using [King’s] methodology. I think he would be juliann bi w ARTIST supportive of it,” social studies teacher Rob Good said. “He says in the ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ that the purpose of nonviolent protest is to create such a crisis that a community that has failed to respond

the building,” LSHS sponsor Maggie Travers said.

According to Benduski, over the past few years, the administration has kept violence at school under control. She said that verbal bullying is now the main concern.

“A lot of times bullying is exclusion and I think that for our school, that is definitely true,” Benduski said. “Our cliques [are a form of] bullying, and can make many people feel out of place.”

Counselor and alumnus Joe Serot also has seen a significant improvement in the school’s social environment. According to him, clubs and organizations such as Link Crew and the Gay-Straight Alliance have helped students progress mentally and emotionally.

“I think that kids here are able to express themselves,” Serot said.

“Kids seem to be much more free to do things without worrying about violence or being harassed.”

Serot also pointed out that the verbal abuse and general bullying he saw as a student has become less prevalent. He accredits this to key differences made to both the building and the schedule.

“A lot of structure has changed which has changed the culture,” Serot said. “I think that the kids have progressed a lot.” v

Recent cultural conflicts illuminate the

teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.

to the problems in society is forced to address them. So, nonviolence and nonviolent protest are deliberately confrontational.”

One of King’s sons, Martin Luther King III, feels differently about the demonstrators’ actions. In a CNN article Nov. 26, he said that his father used to tell his family that violence is the language of the unheard.

“He would feel disappointed that it erupted into a scenario of violence all across communities,” King said in the article.

“He constantly talked about how we must find nonviolent ways to address our conflicts, so he would be always advocating nonviolence, never stooping to and encouraging violence.”

But for many, MLK Day symbolizes more than just ending discrimination.

According to high school counselor Chrystal Sailor, the holiday is not simply about King’s fight against racial segregation.

“I would say the reason for having [MLK Day] is the observance of the work that King did with regard to not just race relations, but with regard to social justice issues,” Sailor said. “The focus at that time, of course, was on

race relations because it was related to whether or not African Americans were being treated appropriately.”

The Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission organizes events across St. Louis for the holiday. This year, there will be a march to Powell Hall, where there will be a celebration that will include a concert and interfaith service.

“Historically, there is a meeting down at the old courthouse,” Good said. “It starts usually at around 8 p.m., and there are a few speeches.”

Overall, Sailor believes that the most important aspect of the holiday is the message it sends to the public. According to her, it helps remind people to continue to uphold the ideas that MLK dedicated his life’s work to.

“The national recognition of the holiday is something that’s put on the calendar,” Sailor said. “But, when you strongly believe in King’s message, then that is just a part of your daily thinking.” v

Panorama

January 16, 2014

Die-in for change

news (Photo by Yifan Zhou)

NEWS EDITOR

T

mary xiao w ART EDITOR

he Ferguson grand jury decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown sparked controversy and nationwide protest. Students at Ladue held their own peaceful demonstration Dec. 5. More than 100 students left their W8 class to stage a “die-in” on the floor of the Commons. This month, Panorama sat down with one student who participated in the protest, sophomore Journey Smith.

ES: How have you been affected by the events in Ferguson?

JS: Ferguson didn’t necessarily personally affect me and my family. However, it did showcase the racial intolerance that has been apparent in St. Louis and throughout the U.S. ES: Why were the events surrounding Ferguson so significant?

JS: The events in Ferguson are important because they pushed the lingering racial tensions between

blacks and whites into the public eye. Hopefully with cases like this one, and others like Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner, and with the push of people across the globe, race relations will improve. The goal is that regardless of background, race or socioeconomic status, innocent men and women will not be slain in the streets.

ES: Why is it important for students to get involved in these issues?

JS: It’s important for students to be actively involved in civil rights issues because this is our world, and we have to strive to make it the best place we can. The passion of youth

[can] help bring a louder voice to the cause.

Passion and involvement grant change.

ES: What else can students do to continue to promote social change?

JS: First and foremost, students should educate themselves on the matter. After that, there are many ways to get involved. Social media has played a key role. Twitter still helped get the story across with hashtags such as ‘black lives matter,’ ‘hands up don’t shoot’ and ‘I can’t breathe.’ Social media lets [teens] form their own opinions on the matter. v

States file lawsuit against immigration bill President Obama’s executive action causes debate and concern isabella fu NEWS WRITER

S

eventeen states filed a federal lawsuit in response to President Obama’s executive action regarding immigration. The action, announced Dec. 3, offers temporary legal status to millions of illegal immigrants and indefinite reprieve from deportation.

The proposal “contains four main principles: strengthening border security, simplifying the process of legal immigration, providing illegal immigrants a legal way to earn their citizenship and cracking down on employers hiring undocumented workers,” said the White House website.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than half of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are from Mexico, while the rest are largely from other countries in Latin America and Asia.

“Poverty, armed conflict, social strife and political turmoil” are the most common causes of immigration, according to OneAmerica, the largest immigrant advocacy organization in Washington state.

Though many families immigrate legally, some people remain undocumented and face the threat of deportation. In 2009, the Urban

In the

Nation

ethan shuchart

Ethan Shuchart: What happened at the protest?

Journey Smith: There was a group of students who talked about the issues at hand and stated the purpose of the die-in, which was to offer respect to Brown and his family. After that, we were asked to lie down [to represent] the time Brown lay in the street.

3

Institute, a Washington D.C. policy do,” Attorney General Greg Abresearch institute, published an bott of Texas said in a New York article reporting the psychological Times article Dec. 3. effects of deportation on children.

While presenting the lawsuit According to the article, home at a news conference, Abbott said raids are often conducted in the Texas was “uniquely qualified to presence of children, leaving them challenge the president’s executive prone to post-traumatic stress order” because the state had sufdisorder and depression. Obama fered greatly from illegal immigrasaid in his address that he aims to tion. The lawsuit also claimed that end the separation of families by the reform would encourage more stopping deportation for those who border crossings, forcing states to are willing to legally immigrate. spend more funds on law enforce“We’re going to keep focusing ment, health care and education. enforcement resources on actual “Our immigration system is threats to our security– felons, not broken, and it must be fixed,” families; criminals, not children; Abbott said in a news conference. gang mem“But it The safety of Latino [families] is bers, not must be key. This nation needs immigraa mother fixed by working Contion reform, but [it] should go hard to gress.” through the proper channels to provide for In rebecome a law. her kids,” sponse to - senior Abigail Donahue his action, Obama said in his naRepubtionally televised address Nov. 20. lican Representative Ted Yoho Within two weeks of the presidrafted the “Preventing Executive dent’s proposal, 17 states sued the Overreach on Immigration Act of federal government. They argued 2014.” If passed, this would nullify that Obama violated his constithe president’s immigration plans. tutional duty and illegally placed “Notwithstanding any other new burdens on state budgets. law, the executive branch of the “[Obama abdicated] his respongovernment shall not exempt or sibility to... enforce the laws that defer, by executive order, regulawere duly enacted by Congress and tion, or any other means, categoattempting to rewrite immigration ries of aliens considered under the laws, which he has no authority to immigration laws,” the bill reads.

Senior Abigail Donahue is a member of Young Republicans, a club that educates its members about political and social issues.

According to her, Obama’s use of executive power is disconcerting.

“In the U.S., we have a system of checks and balances, not a monarchy,” Donahue said.

A study by economists at the University of California Los Angeles estimated that in the short term the legalization of four million immigrants will generate $6.8 billion in labor income, around 16,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in tax revenue.

A different study by the White House estimated that in the long term the plan will increase gross domestic product by 90 to 210 billion dollars in the next ten years.

“Everyone agrees that the economic benefits will be positive from the legislation,” Alex Nowrasteh, an immigration policy analyst with the Cato Institute said.

Though a dispute remains over Obama’s proposal, both sides wish to see a betterment in the lives of immigrants and their families.

“Republicans need to remember that although this abuse of power is concerning, a level head must be kept,” Donahue said “The safety of Latino [families] is key. This nation needs immigration reform, but [it] should go through the proper channels to become law.” v

Police in Evansville, Ind., arrested 19-year-old Michael Barnes and his girlfriend after finding a video on his cellphone in which the 1-year-old son of his girlfriend playing with a handgun and placing the muzzle in his mouth.

Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri, who was convicted in May of multiple charges, including plotting to start a terrorism training camp, was sentenced to life in prison by a court in New York Jan. 9.

George Zimmerman, who was acquitted in the murder of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, was arrested Jan. 9 for aggravated assault and domestic violence after throwing a wine bottle at his girlfriend.

Veronica Rutledge was accidentally shot and killed Dec. 30 by her two-year son in a Walmart in Hayden, Idaho after the boy reached into Rutledge’s purse and found her weapon.

Two people were killed at a camel farm in Wichita Falls, Texas after a camel trampled them Jan. 10.

4 news

Panorama

In the

World

mary xiao w ART EDITOR

Brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi shot and killed 11 people at the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, France Jan. 7.

Another gunman killed four hostages seized at a kosher supermarket in France Jan. 9.

A former German nurse confessed to a psychiatric expert that he killed 30 patients in the hosital where he worked by giving them overdoses of medicine.

Thousands of people attended the memorial service Jan. 10 of eight Australian children who were stabbed to death in the city of Cairns. The deaths of the seven children and their cousin have been attributed to the former party’s mother.

A suicide bomb atack Jan. 10 on a café in Tripoli, Lebanon killed at least seven people and injured 30. The Nusra Front, al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate, claimed responsibility for the attack.

To reduce the number of road accidents in Russia, the government says it is tightening medical controls for drivers. Its list of those who can no longer obtain a driver’s license includes compulsive thieves, transsexual and transgender people.

January 16, 2014

Senate releases report on CIA tactics sasha rice NEWS EDITOR

T

he Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a summary of its investigation and analysis of CIA documents Dec. 9. The report pertains to the interrogation techniques used by the agency on detainees.

The committee originally undertook the investigation in March 2009 in order to review the CIA’s detention and interrogation program, according to an ABC News article published Dec. 9. After sifting through more than 6.3 million pages of CIA documents, the committee produced a review of at least 6,000 pages, but only released 525 pages of the report on the grounds of national security.

“Under the Freedom of Information Act, it is actually quite difficult to withhold information from the public,” social studies teacher Robert Snidman said. “Once it was shown that [most of] this information would not impact national security, it could no longer be withheld from anyone requesting it.”

The report criticized the CIA’s interrogation practices. According to a Dec. 9 article by The New York Times, the report describes how detainees faced brutal techniques such as sleep deprivation, waterboarding and sexual assault.

“I believe that the conditions of confinement and the use of authorized and unauthorized interrogation and conditioning techniques were cruel, inhuman and degrading,” committee head Sen. Dianne Feinstein wrote in the report.

The CIA countered that the interrogations helped save American lives. It said in a CNN article Dec. 12 that the intelligence gained from the program proved useful.

“It is our... view that the detainees who were subjected to enhanced interrogation techniques provided information that was used in the ultimate operation to go against [Osama] bin Laden,” CIA Director John Brennan said in a press conference Dec. 11.

However, the Senate report ON THE INSIDEw Waiting to talk to a guard, a detainee concluded that the most helpful hangs onto a fence in Camp 6 at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Stainformation the CIA received tion in Cuba. More valued detainees are held inside the detention in capturing bin Laden came facility at the station. (Photo courtesy of ZUMA/MCT) from a detainee before he was “tortured,” according to a CNN other hand, former Polish President Aleksander article Dec. 9. Many government officials were Kwasniewski said that Poland had provided a worried about the impact the report would have facility for the CIA to use enhanced interrogaon international relations. tion techniques on detainees during a news “Some countries will see [these] various conference Dec. 10. techniques used as barbaric, and other countries Snidman said that certain countries will be may not say anything,” social studies teacher less willing to assist the U.S. when dealing with Eric Hahn said. “Terrorist groups probably suspects in the future due to these reports. won’t change their opinions about the U.S. with “The U.S. will have to rely more heavily or without the report.” on information gained directly by intelligence The response to the report was widespread. agents from countries that regularly engage in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called the torture,” Snidman said. report “shocking” and condemned the CIA’s The report’s publication generated mass actions, saying that they violated human rights, media attention. However, there was a mixed according to a BBC article Dec. 10. On the response from the general public about the CIA’s tactics. People who support its actions find little moral dilemma in the matter, while those who oppose the tactics find the agency’s actions unacceptable according to Hahn. “[Some] feel that the U.S. is using a force that it could impose on its own citizens [which is in] direct opposition of the U.S. Constitution,” Hahn said.

According to a Dec. 8 article by The New York Times, the Obama administration approved the publication of the report in order to show the public that such methods should not be employed again. President Obama issued an executive order banning the use of enhanced interrogation techniques after taking office in January 2009, according to ABC News.

“I’ve been very explicit about how our intelligence gathering needs to conduct itself and explicitly prohibited these kinds of techniques,” Obama said in an interview with MSNBC Dec. 9. “Anybody who was doing the kinds of things that are described in the report… would be directly violating the orders that I’ve issued as president and commander in chief.”

The public’s reaction to the report could make it difficult for intelligence specialists to use such techniques in the future. Snidman believes the government needs to make improvements in how it deals with its detainees.

“Years ago... the army issued a field manual with instructions regarding the treatment of detainees,” Snidman, a U.S. Army Reserve member, said. “To issue a manual with those instructions to all operatives could be a good starting point to offer... rules for interrogation.”

Nevertheless, Hahn believes the report’s release is a step in the right direction. According to him, the measures taken by U.S. officials to self-evaluate signified that the U.S. government is “working.”

“We took some steps that were contrary to who we are, contrary to our values,” Obama said in the MSNBC interview. “[But] one of the things that sets us apart from other countries is when we make mistakes, we admit them.” v

January 16, 2014

Panorama

features

The most wonderful time of the year Polls of the People Students with diverse beliefs enjoy winter vacation without typical religious holidays

5

What holiday did you celebrate over winter break?

is Jewish, Rich’s parents allowed her to form her own unique views when she was a child. hannah frankel “I never believed of God. As a kid, I thought it was FEATURES WRITER something like Santa, only a figure little kids believed of,” very winter break, students can take time off from Rich said. “I was put in Sunday school as a kid and thought school to be with their families. Some students the teachers were lying to us and just playing along with celebrate religious holidays, such as Christmas or Hathe whole ‘God’ idea. When I expressed my feelings to nukkah during their vacations. However, religious holidays my mom, she told me I didn’t need to go to Sunday school are not a winter break necessity in every household. Some anymore if that’s how I really felt. Of course, I know God is students, like juniors Jessie Rich, Noah Krause and Alec nothing like a Santa Claus-figure now, and I do understand Goldberg, identify as atheist and celebrate holidays a how and why people believe in Him.” little differently.

Like Rich, Krause realized his disbelief in God at an “Everybody who identifies as atheist seems to early age. Though his family’s practices are didefine it differently,” Rich said. “In my definition, verse, the insights he gained from these various an atheist is somebody who does not believe there outlets helped him form his own identity. is a god, but is not against others who do believe “My father is a Christian who believes in there is.”

God and my mother is agnostic,” Krause said.

The official definition of atheism is a “disbelief “I tried not to let them influence my views and in the existence of a deity,” according to the Merriaminstead find my own opinion.”

Webster dictionary. Many may say that atheism cannot When the holiday season rolls around, Rich be defined as a belief system. Since it is not an organized and her family celebrate both Hanukkah and religion, atheism does not have a strict set of holidays Christmas, since one side of her family is or practices.

Christian and the other side is Jewish.

“Atheism is my belief system. It consists of no gods, However, they practice the holidays in a deities or anything that is holy,” Krause said. “I believe cultural sense. Krause also celebrates a there is no afterlife and everything holiday for non-religious reasons.

0.40 I do is my decision, not part of a “I celebrate Christmas with my plan made by a higher power.” family, but I don’t view it as the day Along with Rich and Krause, Jesus was born,” Krause said. “I 0.35 Goldberg has formed a personal view it only as a way to see family definition of what atheism is to and give gifts.”

0.30 him. Goldberg’s Jewish heritage Similarly, Goldberg celebrates and past experiences have ina holiday over winter break: fluenced his current beliefs and Hanukkah. Although Goldberg 0.25 opinions, shaping the way he views doesn’t believe in God, he still kira svoboda w ARTIST the religious traditions. respects his Jewish heritage and celebrates 0.20 “Atheism is a form of self-expression [where] you do with his family. not believe in all or part of the values of a religion you were Though their practices and definitions of atheism may raised in,” Goldberg said. “It allows you to keep an open differ, all three students still respect organized religion. They 0.15 mind. In my opinion, [atheism] is an extension of religion, continue to participate in certain religious ceremonies and because I am able to be Jewish because of my heritage, but rituals with their families and friends. They view atheism at the same time, [I am an] atheist because I do not believe less as a religion, and more as a way to look at the world. 0.10 in God.” “Being atheist is definitely something that makes me who Rich practices Judaism more for the cultural aspects of I am, but it doesn’t define me,” Rich said. “I accept people 0.05 the religion than its spiritual teachnings. Though her family of all religions and respect them.” v

E

76% 16%

celebrate Christmas

celebrate Hanukkah

3% 3% 2%

celebrate Kwanzaa

do not celebrate a holiday

celebrate a different holiday

Do you prefer Marvel or DC comics?

Read more about Comic Assemble on pg. 7.

39% 32%

0.00

Marvel

DC

29%

Neither

What is your favorite type of food?

Read more about a review on a new Mexican restaurant on pg. 10 French food

2%

Chinese food

25%

Japanese food

11%

7%

Other

Mexican food

18%

Indian food

10%

27%

Italian food

(Statistics based on 137 sampled)

6 features

Panorama

January 16, 2014

Father and son team up to do the world a flavor useful. [Jim] Goldwasser told our class about it and showed The Goldwassers have been collaborating to design this us his patent ideas and the video of his son presenting the more efficient design for the chip bag. It is similar to the haley horowitz idea.”

Oreo cookie box.

FEATURES WRITER The Goldwassers are using many resources to make this “It will have a pull,” Joey Goldwasser said. “You will be ocial studies teacher Jim Goldwasser’s son is a chipnew chip bag into a reality. Jim Goldwasser has spoken to able to open a bag of chips easily, and then the bag will be off- the-old-block. Innovative seven-year-old Joey and gotten help from several a bowl. I hope one day that it will be Goldwasser has created an idea for a new version of in the grocery stores, and other people I saw a bag of Doritos open on the people who have experience in an everyday, typical chip bag. field. can open their bags like me.” counter, but it was not opened like I this“My Instead of opening it from the top, Joey Goldwasser proson is my partner,” Since Joey Goldwasser came up would do it. My son used a scissors Jim Goldwasser said. “I have poses opening the bag from the middle of the package. The with his bright idea, he and his father idea for this innovative concept came to him one day when have worked together to further expand to cut a hole in the bag that turned it a patent attorney and have he was feeling particularly hungry, a side effect of one of the spoken to several people in the and develop it. The motive for the into a bowl. medications he takes to treat his leukemia. He went to the packaging industry who have idea was solely for convenience of kitchen in search of a snack but wasn’t tall enough to reach given me guidance.” the consumer, not profitable reasons.

- social studies teacher Jim Goldwasser a bowl for his potato chips. He wished he could simply The next step for the new Goldwasser sees profit turn his bag of chips into a bowl. idea is patent marketing it. Goldwasser hopes to complete as a secondary, less significant aspect to the “I saw a bag of Doritos open on the this soon because only then can he begin selling the product. creation of the new invention. counter, but it was not opened like I “I am applying for a patent,” Jim Goldwasser said.

“I hope that no one will ever have their would do it,” Jim Goldwasser said.

“Once that happens I will try to license the patent.” potato chips spill on the table again after “My son used a scissors to cut a Jim Goldwasser has the full support of his students, who opening [the bag],” Jim Goldwasser said. “If hole in the bag that turned it into maintain a positive outlook on the future of his new chip we make money on it, even better.” a bowl.” bag idea. They think it will be a very helpful addition to the The two to refine their packaging After his son modified snack industry. concept since Joey Goldwasser had his the chip bag in this way, Jim “I think the product will be successful,” Lohr said. “It bright idea five months ago. In addiGoldwasser noticed that eating is a great idea, and it will be very useful to many people. I tion, Jim Goldwasser is sharing the the snack became much less prototype and getting feedback from think many producers would want to use the idea on their messy. The bag could now sit products.” others on how to improve it. He on surfaces or be passed from The Goldwassers are hopeful that they will see their dehas discussed the design with many person to person like a bowl sign on the shelves in the future. They have worked very hard of his AP Microeconomics students. or plate. so far to get their idea from their heads to the aisles of stores Most are very excited to see what he has “It occurred to me that this was the everywhere, and they are eager to continue the creation of come up with and are eager to help him proper way to open the bag, but no one carthe snack bag. improve the idea. ting ding w ARTIST ries a scissors with them to open chips,” Jim “I would kick myself every time I would walk through “I would definitely use the new product, Goldwasser said. “The bag should be designed to the grocery store [if I saw] that someone else marketed [the especially in school lunches,” senior Lindsey Lohr facilitate this.” chip bag] instead of me,” Jim Goldwasser said. v said. “I bring my lunch to school everyday, [so] it’d be very

S

Comic lovers, assemble!

New comic book club takes off this year ali gold

FEATURES EDITOR

julia biest

FEATURES EDITOR

B

am, pow, bang! Junior Adanma Ojukwu started Comic Assemble, a comic book club, in August.

Ojukwu has had an interest in comics and drawing ever since she was young, but became increasingly interested in them this past summer.

She wanted to create a club to foster her enjoyment of comics.

“I had the idea to create a fun club where I could interact with people who enjoyed comics and graphic

(Comic courtesy of Adanma Ojukwu.)

novels,” Ojukwu said. “I like being able to see all the different people who enjoy comics and learn about new characters.

Everyone gets to voice their opinion without being judged.”

The club meets twice a month. The members discuss comic news from the past week and then view a presentation about one specific character.

“We spend a good amount of time just discussing comic books,” co-president junior Steele Stewart said. “We’ve also created some cool characters. We have a blank white board where we write down the first thing everyone thinks of; then we take the coolest ideas and create a new character.” v

Panorama

January 16, 2014

features

Geering toward the future

@humansofladue

Senior Nina Geers strives to fund college education by selling her artwork online rachel steiner FEATURES WRITER

I

n order to finance her dreams, senior Nina Geers is using what she knows and loves best: art.

Using a website called Nuvango, Geers sells her art online.

The art is in the form of prints and greeting cards, as well as phone and laptop cases.

“I don’t actually have to manufacture any of the stuff, I just upload my art and they send me a percentage,” Geers said.

The website Geers uses allows customers to pick the art they would like and then order it on various merchandise. According to Geers, her designs have been selling pretty well.

“I’ve sold a couple products, a few art prints and phone cases and some greeting cards,” Geers said.

However, Geers is not just selling her art for pocket money.

The money she earns will be used to fund her college education. She hopes to use her eye for abstract design in a variety of ways.

“My big dream is to be an exhibiting artist, where [my work] would be in museums and that sort of thing,” Geers said. “Maybe open up my own installation firm, which means that companies like Dolce & Gabbana and Mercedes[Benz] would come to me and have me create these elaborate installation pieces in their spaces.”

Geers has expressed interest in art since childhood. When she was younger, her parents took her frequently to the St. Louis Art Museum. While there, she saw a painting that she couldn’t get out of her head.

“There was a Sigmar Polke painting there that was called

‘Why Can’t I Stop Smoking?,’” Geers said. “That [painting] inspired my love of art.”

As she grew up, her passion for art continued. During elementary school and middle school, she became more comfortable with sharing her talent.

“I competed in little elementary school art [shows] and won greeting cards, just little awards like that,” she said. “In middle school, art was pretty standard.”

During high school, art teacher Daniel Raedeke helped her develop her skill. She also began creating her unique style of painting.

“Raedeke is such a great teacher. He encouraged me to try different mediums and all sorts of really cool things like that,” Geers said.

“When I really started to think that art could become a career for me, he submitted my landscape to a Clayton art show, and it got in. It was pretty exciting.”

Raedeke first instructed Geers as a freshman in his Painting I class. Even then, she seemed to have a clear preference for avantgarde art.

“She always liked to do abstract work,” Raedeke said. “[Her style] tended to be pretty much about texture and experimentation, so she’s carried that through to her current work.”

Geers has learned much since her first class with Raedeke. She has also taken Painting II and AP Studio Art. “I’d like to think that I inspired her in some extent to make work, and hopefully I was able to show her work that inspired her throughout the classes she took with me,” Raedeke said.

Many students and teachers have purchased Geers’ work online, including social studies teacher Molly Beck. Beck met

Geers when Geers was a Sixth Grade Camp counselor and also has had her in class. She followed the link from an email Geers had sent her about the art she was selling and what she planned to use the money for.

“When I looked at her art on the website I was blown away,” Beck said. “Her artwork is just absolutely gorgeous. The work is so intricate and detailed. There are very rich textures in each piece.

I love how unique each piece is.

When you look at her prints, they are all so incredibly unique.”

Though she greatly admired Geers’ artwork, the beauty of it was not the only motivator for her purchases. Beck was happy to support Geers’ artistic aspirations.

“I knew I was supporting [Geers’] dream of attending art school. She is so incredibly deserving of this opportunity– helping in such a small way was an easy choice,” Beck said.

Raedeke encourages Geers in her goal of becoming an artist. He says that, with the potential she has, her future is bright.

“I like how her work has grown, and I’m anxious to see what she’s able to do in the future,” Raedeke said. “I’m definitely going to plan on going to any of her solo shows when she’s a professional artist.”

Beck thinks that Geers’ idea to sell her art in order to help pay for art school is excellent. She purchased three different prints called “Pulp,” “When in Africa...” and “Crown Jewel.” “[Geers] is investing in her future and spreading beauty in the world,” Beck said. “Her confidence and courage are inspiring. I hope she encourages other young artists to sell their work and pursue their dreams.” v

Double Take Student Edition

sophomore Bella Carr

sophomore Shirley Gelman

junior Noah Krause

7

Everyone in this school has a story to tell. Follow us on Instagram to see more.

“What are your goals for this year?”

“Finish strong and get a very high GPA.” “How do you plan to do that?”

“Take serious classes, work as hard as I can in the classroom, be focused and remain focused.”

TAKE A PRINT w

Using her artwork to pay for art school, senior Nina Geers sells prints on Nuvango. “Saint Mary’s” (Left) and “Pulp” (Right) can be picked online to be purchased in the form of phone cases and prints.

“I’m not a traditional artist,” Geers said. “I work with my hands and create more abstract pieces. I really like how color and light work together, and that’s what I’m really interested in exploring.” (Photo courtesy of Nina Geers)

This month, we scoured the halls for students who look like other students.

senior Sam Forrest

senior Emma Barg

senior Julia Sachs (Photos by Julia Biest and Ali Gold)

8 in-depth

Panorama

RAM

Thumbs Up

1

Teacher Question: The new schedule will benefit the student body as a whole. strongly disagree

somewhat disagree

BLUE

(50 minute classes)

1

WH

(90 minute classes)

2 10 minute break

4 strongly agree

15% 11%

somewhat agree

January 16, 2014

52%

22%

(Based on 27 responses of 109 teachers sampled)

3

5 6

Lunch A 11:15-11:40 B 11:45-12:10 C 12:10-12:35

5

7

7

8 “It’s exciting to have leadership in our building that is willing to try something new to help all students at Ladue.”

- math teacher Micheal Farrell

“I like how the new schedule will enable students to have more oneon-one time with teachers.

I think that changing up the schedule will benefit our school because it could make an impact on the way students learn and improve education.”

- sophomore Tsion Nigussie

“I like [the days when] I see all my teachers because it’s shorter, so it’s a different set up of class. We may do different things.”

- Lafayette High School junior Chris Foley “I think that the administration knows what they’re doing, and I also feel like change could be a good thing for Ladue.”

- senior Mary Kate Fox

Common Learning Time*

Changing

wenxin chen w ARTIST

The Process

A

t the beginning of last school year, Principal Brad Griffith and the administration began looking into how to increase the productivity of the school.

They began by asking teachers and department chairs about aspects in which they felt the school was succeeding and areas they felt needed revision. The overall sentiment was that the school is exceeding in some respects, but that there is room for improvement.

“Healthy organizations can’t be afraid to ask questions like, ‘What are we doing? What can we do better?’” Griffith said.

They then began forming a list of themes and objectives to use in plans to better the school. Out of this list, they concluded that the schedule was an important aspect that needed to be reassessed.

The leadership team, comprised of department heads decided on the parts of the current schedule that they certainly wanted to keep: graduation requirements, electives and the amount of class periods. They also had to think about other restraints such as traveling staff members.

Trying to keep in mind both the needs of students and teachers, they analyzed countless school districts, including schools within St. Louis and on a national scale. Each time they created a schedule, Griffith posted it and asked faculty members to give feedback. He also held student panels to get a sense of what students wanted to see in a schedule.

After creating many possible models, the administration decided on a modified block schedule. v

Homework

A

major concern for many is that this new schedule will increase the amount of homework they receive from each teacher. Some assume that since there are more class meetings, there will be more homework.

However, the administration’s goal is not to increase the workload for students, but to vary the ways by which it is distributed. According to Griffith, there will be clearly defined expectations for how much work is given at a time.

“Just because [teachers] are seeing students more, it does not mean [they] get to assign more work,” Griffith said. “It means they can be creative with the amount of work that they are assigning and breaking up those assignments into more manageable sub-assignments.”

Theoretically, in the current schedule, if a student receives six hours of homework from a class that meets three times a week, they will have two hours of homework for that class per night. However, in the new schedule, they will receive that same six hours of homework but it will be assigned over four class periods. Consequently, they will only have 1.5 hours of homework per night rather than two.

Thus, the new schedule should actually decrease workload per night.

Although classes will meet 14 more times than they do now, the new schedule will help students manage their work more efficiently. Griffith said that the new faculty handbook will contain clear guidelines on the amount of homework that can be assigned, and that this should prevent an increase in students’ nightly workloads. v

Panorama

January 16, 2014

HITE

RAM

in-depth

BLUE

1

Not So Fast

1 Student Question: Some of my classes would benefit from meeting more frequently.

2 4

strongly agree strongly disagree

3

5

10% 33%

6 7 8

*Common Learning Time 5 Announcements - 11 minutes Lab One - 20 minutes Lab Two - 25 minutes 7 Lab Three - 25 minutes

g Times hayden hunt

Administration plans to implement modified block schedule in the 2015-16 school year

IN-DEPTH EDITOR

he student panels revealed that many students shared the same concern: would Ac Lab would be taken away? Students were adamant in the discussions with Griffith that elements of Ac Lab needed to remain a part of the schedule.

Taking note of this issue, the administration realized that it could not get rid of this important aspect of the schedule.

However, it also knew that many students do not use all of their Ac Lab time as productively as they could. Therefore, the administration strove to come up with a fair solution that satisfied both interests.

The conclusion they reached was Common Learning Time. CLT is a free period with more structure than Ac Lab. It is divided into four sections: a period for announcements and three different Labs during which students can travel.

Lab One is 20 minutes and Lab Two and Lab Three are 25 minutes. Announcements will take place in students’ homerooms, and then they will be permitted to visit at most three teachers, one during each lab.

Although CLT does not appear to be very flexible, the restrictions are not as binding as some believe. The time is still a free period, but the traveling privileges will become more restricted. “[Students] could decide at the beginning of [CLT] if [they] want to go see a teacher or if [they] want to stay [in their homeroom],” Griffith said. “We’re not putting any kind of guidelines or restrictions on when you have to make that determination or decision as a student.” v

24%

somewhat agree

33% somewhat disagree (Based on 190 sampled)

“The leaders of the school need to look to improve without sacrificing the independence and productivity of its students.”

- junior Jacob Granick

“For what I teach, I prefer the block schedule. I think it accommodates social studies courses nicely.”

- social studies teacher Eric Hahn

Frequency

Common Learning Time

T

9

W

hen looking at the proposal, many people wonder why the administration felt that the entire schedule needed to be rearranged, rather than just changing small aspects of the day. There are several reasons, but probably one of the most significant is frequency.

The new schedule will add 14 class meetings each semester, as well as 110 to 270 more instructional minutes.

According to Griffith, this is important for subjects that benefit from repetition, as well as for students that need to meet with their teachers more often.

However, the administration needed to figure out a way to increase frequency for the classes that need recurrence, but also maintain longer class periods for classes that benefit from depth. The modified block schedule proved to be the best option. It hopes that including some aspects of both types of schedules will benefit all students, no matter their learning style. “[This new schedule] is about structuring our time and adults’ time in the building,” Griffith said. “It’s not just about supporting our students that are struggling but about supporting all of our students.”

The hope is that the increase in frequency should benefit the majority of students, although it will require teachers to reassess their lesson plans and restructure their curriculum.

The administration feels that with planning and consideration, teachers will be able to instruct students in new and creative ways, and use the benefits of both block periods and increased frequency. v

“I think [the new schedule] is going to make it really hard to make up work when you’re sick. Also, it will cause the teachers to give us more homework.”

- sophomore Allie Schneider

“My suggestion to the school is not to make a systemic change.

Small changes where the problems are actually occurring is what we need.”

- junior Austin Bliss

10 arts and entertainment

Panorama

January 16, 2014

What’s Happening Around Town?

Things to do around St. Louis in the month of January

Loop Ice Carnival The Loop Jan. 16-17

“Cinderella” Fox Theatre Jan. 20 Feb. 1

Maplewood Sweet Tooth Tour Downtown Maplewood Jan. 31

Cherub The Old Rock House Feb. 11

all art by audrey kocher w ART EDITOR audrey wang w ARTIST

Holy guacamole Classic dishes with a twist janey sheth A&E EDITOR

C

antina Laredo, a fairly new Mexican restaurant located in downtown Clayton, possesses a vibrant atmosphere, offers a large array of fresh dishes and employs an accommodating staff.

First, I advise making a reservation. I originally went for dinner, however, they were so busy, estimating a 45-minute wait, that I decided to come back for lunch the next day.

Anytime I go to a Mexican restaurant, I look forward to the chips and salsa. This restaurant hit the spot when it came to this staple Mexican appetizer. The chips were hot and fresh, and the two types of salsas, one chilled and one slightly warm, were equally flavorful, possessing a slight kick. While the warm salsa had more of a chipotle-chili taste, the chilled had a mild, less spicy flavor.

The restaurant caters to a wide variety of dietary needs, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options. I decided to try one of the

(Photo by Janey Sheth)

vegetarian dishes, the “Enchilada de Espinaca,” an enchilada filled with spinach, mushrooms and monterey jack cheese, topped with a sour cream-based sauce. The dish was well-plated and tasted fresh.

However, the sauce overpowered the dish, distracting from what would have been a delicious entrée.

The flavorful side of Spanish rice and seasoned green beans made up for the enchilada drowned in sour cream. The three items combined made for a fairly sized meal.

After our waitress brought out the dessert tray, I settled on the mango tres leches, a buttered cake made with three different milks, and apple pie with a scoop of ice cream. However, this was not the typical apple pie; it was placed on a sizzling skillet, then topped with ice cream and finally drizzled with brandy butter. The brandy butter made this dish especially rich and also added a twist to this classic American dessert.

I would go back to Cantina Laredo; however, I would order something without the sour cream sauce. Nonetheless, the fresh food made it a unique experience. v

aaron greenberg A&E EDITOR

W

hen Blink-182 broke up in 2005, singer, guitarist and songwriter Tom Delonge went off to form his new project. He joined with guitarist David Kennedy, drummer Ilan Rubin and bassist Eddie Breckenridge and started a progressive rock supergroup known as Angels and Airwaves.

They developed their sound over four albums, reaching near-perfection on their fourth effort, “Love, Pt. 2.” Dec. 8 they released their fifth album titled “The Dream Walker.”

Delonge abandoned his hunger for approval and instead made “The Dream Walker” the album that he wanted it to be. Truthfully, I have mixed feelings about the creation that resulted in Angels and Airwaves’ new approach. While I respect the fact that Delonge is doing what he wants to do, the album doesn’t really satisfy me.

The album was mixed rather poorly, with the vocals being drowned out by almost everything else and the synthesizers and cymbals overpowering the guitars and bass. This was intentionally done to give the record a punkier feel, but it was done clumsily, which is quite a shame because many of the songs on the album would otherwise have been hits.

The first track, “Teenagers and Rituals,” opens the album fantastically. The song starts with a piano solo and builds as more layers join in leading into a sharp chorus. This song draws inspiration from Angels and Airwaves’ first album, “We Don’t Need to Whisper.” Following is “Paralyzed,” which was released as a single before the album debut. This may be my favorite song on the album. It begins with a distorted bass and a simple cymbal rhythm, and promptly explodes with a massive “wall of sound” from the full band. A catchy melody and interesting guitar work complement a large bass presence, making this song a first-rate progressive punk rock song. Chasing “Paralyzed” is “The Wolf-

pack.” Despite its threatening title, this song is the closest to pop that Angels and Airwaves has ever come. Also, the mixing improves on this track; Delonge’s vocals can actually be heard.

The appropriately mixed synthesizers allow Kennedy’s tremolo guitar riff to come through, and Rubin’s cymbals don’t give me a headache.

This continues in the next song, “Tunnels.”

This slower track obviously draws inspiration from U2’s “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” It has a similar vibe and Breckenridge’s bass part is almost identical to Adam Clayton’s on the U2 song. Angels and Airwaves has always declared that they were inspired by U2, but only through “Tunnels” do they truly prove it.

The next song is “Kiss with a Spell.” With an introduction composed of synthesizers and electronic drums, it sounds more like a song from “Love, Pt. 2.” It’s slower, and there’s almost no guitar until the chorus, which remains quiet and simple. In contrast, “Mercenaries” begins next with a distorted, Muse-inspired bassline. More layers are added until the full band comes in to start a sharp, aggressive verse.

It’s fast, hostile and one of my favorites.

After “Mercenaries” comes “Bullets in the Wind.” It feels choppy and the melody may be lost on some, but it does a good job bridging the border between punk and progressive rock.

Next are “The Disease” and “Tremors.” These songs are almost as catchy as “The Wolfpack,” but they’re the two least memorable songs on the album. When I heard them, I thought I had found two gems, but as soon as each ended, they faded from my memory to be replaced by their respective successors.

The album’s closer is called “Anomaly.” This song is almost entirely acoustic, which is a first for the group. Although the song is far from the best, I admire that the band tried to do something new.

Despite poor mixing throughout much of the album, Angels and Airwaves has created a great listening experience. v

January 16, 2014

Panorama

arts and entertainment

11

‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ throws accuracy away Biblical imprecision and questionable acting leave viewers disappointed teddy turner A&E WRITER

W

ith unconvincing actors, “Exodus: God and Kings” misses the mark. Released Dec. 14, the film depicts the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. “Exodus,” does not retain the Bible’s dignity, making it unlikable.

Although “Exodus” director Ridley Scott claimed in one interview that his agnostic beliefs helped him look at the story more critically, the end product failed to accurately depict the scripture. In fact, there are really only two realistic moments in the film. One occurs when Moses leaves his wife and son to return to the Hebrews, whom he barely knows, after he sees God’s burning bush.

The other is when Moses’ family expresses fear about leaving Egypt and venturing into unknown lands.

Moses, played by Christian Bale, is unconvincing. For one, he shows little affection toward his child and adopted mother.

The pharaoh, Ramses, played by Joel Edgerton, acts as a mediocre antagonist. His cruel orders, which include hanging one Hebrew per day, could have elevated the tension, but failed to evoke any real pathos in the viewer.

Although he does show more affection to his son than Moses does to his, it is not enough

to make Ramses a complex, noteworthy antagonist. The audience feels neither hatred nor sympathy for him.

Beyond the protagonist-antagonist duo, no one else stands out. Moses’ brother, depicted by Andrew Tarbet, has no bearing on the story. Additionally, Ben Mendelsohn’s character, Viceroy Hegep, has no evident purpose. Although the ensemble includes big names Ben Kingsley and Sigourney Weaver, neither put on a memorable show.

“Exodus” presents no comedic break or lighthearted dialogue and leaves the viewer bored. The lackluster script induces only one emotion: pity.

The cinematography slightly redeems this weak film. In one aerial view of Memphis, the producers used the CGI admirably to showcase the magnificence of the city’s tremendous buildings. However, instead of stopping at the skyline, they also took the time to intricately depict the Israelites hard at work.

Scott’s sequence showing the plagues proved to be the most exciting, but inaccurate, part of the film. He attempts to explain audrey kocher w ART EDITOR the first plague– water turning into blood– by crediting this change to crocodiles biting themselves and bleeding out into the river. This absurd idea completely throws away all pretenses. Additionally, the last plague, which involves all of Egypt’s firstborn children dying, is supposed to be solemn.

While it’s a bold move for a PG-13 movie, it fails to properly address the event’s weight. During this scene, filmmakers represented God as just a young boy throwing a temper tantrum, taking away the seriousness of the event.

The movie’s religious standpoint is ambiguous, as if marketing swooped in and commanded Scott not to offend Christian viewers. Also, it failed to answer a major question of the movie: should one sympathize with a god that hurts civilians for revenge’s sake? Scott could have answered this question, since he explores Biblical elements uncovered in previous adaptations, but he distracted the viewers from the story’s most uncomfortable issues with bombastic destruction.

“Exodus” does have incredible special effects, but they are all lost in a drawn-out, emotionless epic. If you want to sit back and enjoy a lively movie this month, “Exodus” is not worth the 150 minute runtime. v

12 opinions

Panorama

January 16, 2014

Kocher’s Corner

Collinger’s

audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

Contemplations audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

A tale of two cities benjamin collinger OPINIONS EDITOR

F

erguson is our generation’s civil rights movement. Over 50 years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, divisions in our community continue to exist.

In conjunction with the Ferguson Commission’s policy and the efforts of businesses and other organizations, St. Louis will be forced to make substantial progress. But this progress will only scratch the surface.

Conversely, general discourse about families, communities and education with people of diverse backgrounds is the prerequisite for specific policy changes.

In the effort to resolve systemic issues, individuals must first look introspectively and change themselves.

For this reason, the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life is especially poignant this year. If he were alive today, King would urge continued civil disobedience and fresh community dialogues.

At the Ferguson Commission’s youth summit recently, I experienced the importance of these fundamental conversations. The meeting created a common ground for honest expression and empowered participants for next steps. The conversation begun by the youth summit must be actively furthered by the entire community, because the work ahead resides not only in legislation, but also in dialogue for all citizens.

Before examining complex policy proposals, people within our communities must build and sustain a fundamental understanding regarding racial issues.

For this reason, schools should facilitate discussions on race. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s report on community dialogues about race, a “dialogue [is] a forum that draws participants from as many parts of the community as possible to exchange information face-to-face, share personal stories and experiences, honestly express perspectives, clarify viewpoints and develop solutions to community concerns.” In a concrete way, teachers should help unite their students through a respectful, informed sharing of local racial history and its consequences. Social studies classes should make a conscious effort to ensure these conversations are no longer taboo.

In “Talking about Race: Community Dialogues and the Politics of Difference,” Katherine Walsh, Interim Director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, describes the significance of these dialogues. Through observations, interviews with participants and analysis of national data, Walsh finds that participants tend to leave their discussions with a heightened awareness of differences in perspective and experience.

Although de jure barriers to education and discrimination have been largely eliminated, members of the St. Louis community must work to facilitate dialogue to change de facto discrimination, misunderstanding and segregation. Only after our community unites can policy change be effective. King’s legacy requries us to continue seeking progress and a sustainable community dialogue. All members of the populaion must take on this challenge, otherwise, St. Louis risks becoming a tale of two cities. v (This column reflects the opinion of the writer)

Panorama Editorial Board

New hybrid schedule is a step in the right direction

Ladue’s shift to a modified block schedule promotes educational each department, will ensure that teachers take a more active role in innovation. The current schedule promotes a culture that does not helping intervention students. serve everyone effectively. Conversely, the modified block utilizes In a 2009 study, the North Carolina State Board of Education a variety of scheduling techniques to better suit the needs of all found that the modified block “gives teachers the opportunity to students. The hybrid model will force teachers to use time more utilize a method that is most appropriate for their subject matter. efficiently, keep track of failing students and increase the frequency Administrators implementing a modified block have the flexibility of class meetings. to alter the schedule to meet their schools’ personal needs based on It benefits classes that require repetition by increasing the course offerings and the student population.” In an outcomes matrix frequency of class meetings, while keeping 90-minute periods for that analyzed minimizing cost, maximizing equity and feasibility classes that require longer sessions. As a result, and political acceptability, the modified block ranked highest students will learn more from classes that make among five schedules. better use of their attention span. AccordFurther, a study by The Washington ing to the Association for PsychologiSchool Research Center in 2006 confirms cal Science in 2008, if students learn the modified block’s viability, and the material in shorter time intervals more current system’s failure. The WSRC frequently, rather than engage in mass sampled 400 high schools in Washingstudy sessions, they will retain informaton state and assessed student acheivetion better in the long term. ment when certain schedules were used. It Faculty members must reshape their found that modified block schedules were corcurriculum and teaching methods for shorter related with the “highest performing [scores on steele stewart w ARTIST classes. Newer techniques and information the] reading, writing and math [Washington can be incorporated, making the subject relatable and interesting.

Assessment of Student Learning test]. The 4x4 and A/B AlternatHowever, the new schedule will not affect graduation requirements ing Block schedules were the lowest performing schedules.” or the quantity of class sections offered.

Although the modified block was adopted to stem the rising In addition, the system will improve the concept of Ac Lab. number of failing grades, it is not entirely fair to attribute this fact Common learning time, a structured study period, creates an acsolely to the schedule. The change is warranted, but administration countable system for students in need of more academic attention. must provide a way to assess its success and continue to improve if It allots structured time for all students to work and gives teachers necessary. Nevertheless, the modified block will benefit all members flexibility to meet with students. Students will seek help within three of Ladue’s community by increasing accountability and forcing 25 minute periods, making it easier for teachers to assist pupils. educators to rethink the way that curriculum is taught. v (Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board) Additionally, a committee composed of faculty representatives from

Panorama strives to entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. The publication aims to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among readers.

Panorama is produced 10 times per school year by the journalism class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School. 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63124 (314)-993-6447 ext. 5463 www.laduetoday.com

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sarah Jacob Sabrina Medler

FEATURES EDITORS Ali Gold Julia Biest

OPINIONS EDITORS Benjamin Collinger Keona Kalu

A&E EDITORS Janey Sheth Aaron Greenberg

NEWS EDITORS Ethan Shuchart Sasha Rice

PHOTO EDITORS Sydney Ellis Jeanne Wilkinson

SPORTS EDITORS Aaron Bry Sam Shevitz

IN-DEPTH Hayden Hunt

PHOTOGRAPHERS Sophia Garland Jackie Gordon Ula Lijowska Jocelyn Kaza Sammy Leary Meghan Proskey Jenna Shanker Julia Tackes Sarah Waldman

WRITERS Katie Bry Hannah Frankel Isabella Fu Haley Horowitz Hannah Snidman Michael Petersen Rachel Steiner Teddy Turner

BUSINESS MANAGER Lizzy Puyo

ART EDITORS Audrey Kocher Mary Xiao

PLEASE RECYCLE Panorama welcomes and encourages letters to the editors. Ideally, Panorama accurately represents the issues most important to readers and should serve as a public forum for all students, staff and community members. Therefore, letters voicing readers’ opinions strengthen the paper. Please bring signed letters to Room 216 or email them to panorama@ladueschools.net. Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions as long as the original intent remains unaltered. v

WEB MASTER Warren Biest ADVISER Jillian Miesen

ARTISTS Juliann Bi Ting Ding Kira Svoboda Steele Stewart

January 16, 2014

Panorama

opinions

Should officers use deadly force in the field?

YES

13

Police have to protect themselves and bystanders when in danger sam shevitz SPORTS EDITOR

S

ince the Michael Brown case, the subject of police officers using deadly force in the field has become prominent. The shooting of the unarmed teenager has sparked movements advocating for anti-possession.

They propose preventing police officers from carrying lethal weapons; however, this would limit officers’ ability to defend themselves. Despite the arguments for change, our police force should continuing carry weapons so that cops can effectively protect themselves and the public from threats.

Field officers are some of the most brave and endangered individuals working in our communities. Depriving officers of their leverage over the public would be detrimental to society because the police would lose the ability to keep control over wrongdoers.

The recent controversial killings of seemingly innocent mary xiao w ART EDITOR individuals have raised difficult questions about this issue. Although the taking of a life is never entirely justifiable, the public must try to view the events leading up to these actions from the point of view of officers.

For example, take the recent fatal shooting of 12-yearold Tamir Rice. While brandishing a pellet gun, he alarmed some passersby. The police received complaints about the gun and were told that it was “probably fake,” but the responding officers were not told this information. They asked Rice to show his hands, but instead, he pulled out the

NO

weapon, which the officers mistook for a real one, and was shot two seconds after police arrived.

After this event, people crusaded once again for the ban of deadly force in the field. But few people think of the situation the officers faced. An individual was in possesion of what was thought to be a gun. The officer, in accordance with training, protected himself and the surrounding civilians from what he percieved as a hazard. If the perpetrator had a real gun in the same situation and the officer could not use deadly force, then the criminal would have had the advantage and been able to inflict considerable damage in the community.

The Washington Examiner reported that at a news conference, Chairman of the Police Chief Association’s Firearms Committee Ken James said, “[Police] carry [guns] to be able to do their job in a safe and effective manner and face any oppositions [they] may come upon.”

The safety of our officers is an important concern in the deadly force debate.

“These officers are putting their lives on the line and have the right to use force – deadly force if necessary,” Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell said according to an article on tribune242. com, Sept. 12, 2012.

An officer with a gun can defend himself against attackers and therefore, continue to enforce the law. Without deadly force, he could not properly protect himself from crime which, in turn, means he could not protect the public.

Officers are well-trained in weighing criteria in order to respond to scenarios accordingly. The public needs to trust police judgement and realize that officers are the most qualified for discerning whether deadly force is necessary. v

Police cannot accurately assess need for deadly force under pressure aaron greenberg A&E EDITOR

P

olice officers exist to keep the population safe. They are supposed to maintain peace and enforce laws that promote order. The police force was not created to instill fear in citizens. Officers are supposed to be friends of the people. Why, then, do they elect to use deadly force in cases that don’t warrant it? Because a lack of supervision and the law’s subjectivity allow them to. The rules regarding use of deadly force by police officers need to become more restrictive and objective. On-duty officers should also be equipped with a functioning body camera.

Civilian safety in relation to legitimate use of lethal force is an important issue. There are many dangerous circumstances officers face, all of which must be calculated in a split second. According to Missouri statutes, police code states that an officer is permitted to use deadly force, which may cause death or serious injury, to protect himself or a third party from imminent danger; he can also use deadly force to arrest a suspect who he believes has committed a felony involving use or attempted use of a weapon after giving the culprit warning of his intent to use it.

That is a long list of judgements for officers to make. The expectation for cops to be able to accurately and objectively make these decisions in the allotted time is ridiculous. Emotions and instincts are intensified in times of stress, thus hindering judgement. This duress, combined with a laundry list of calculations made incredibly quickly, could result in an unwarranted discharge of weapons which, in turn, could result in an unnecessary death.

Indicting cops who fall victim to human nature is not the solution. Indictments do not address the impossible expectations of police under stress. Rather, we must simplify the

laws regarding the legality of officers firing at civilians. If the law were less complicated, officers would be forced to make fewer calculations, judgements would be less dogmatic and fewer people would be shot unnecessarily.

On another note, people worry that police may use deadly force to advance their own agendas. This issue could be abated by the use of body cameras. Cameras would encourage police officers to only engage in acceptable behaviors. A New York Times article from Sept. 4 argued that if officers wore cameras, they would behave as though someone was watching their actions, thus bettering the officers’ actions. If there was quality footage of every controversial police shooting, unclear details surrounding how events transpired would be clarified and thus, the guilt of the officers involved could be determined more easily.

Research by criminologist David Klinger at University of Missouri-Saint Louis suggests that 90 percent of the time, officers experienced memory distortion before, during, or after deadly encounters. In that respect, equipping police officers with body cameras would reduce reliance on their testimony and provide objective evidence in police shootings.

By taking a couple of measures, we could make ambiguity in regards to police brutality a problem of the past. It is in society’s best interest to simplify the deadly Corrections from Dec. 5 force laws in order pg. 3 Britney Maynard died to prevent unnecesNov. 1 not Nov. 8. sary deaths. Police pg. 4 Amanda Kaupp is a departments should teacher at Ladue Horton also implement body Watkins High School. cameras to remove pg. 10 The Alt J Concert was subjectivity from police Dec. 3 not Nov. 19. shootings and provide trustworthy, undispupg. 14 Elena Hammann’s name table evidence. v was spelled incorrectly.

ting ding w ARTIST

A different kind of prejudice keona kalu OPINIONS EDITOR

F

riday Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Peter Lanza killed his mother, then went to Sandy Hook Elementary School where he shot and killed 20 students and six staff members before killing himself.

Beneath the complex conversations about gun control, school security and video game violence lies a very touchy subject: mental illness. The 20 year-old Lanza had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, now called high-functioning autism. The conversations surrounding the subject were unsettling and even disturbing. On a few occasions, I heard the argument that people with any type of mental illness should be separated from the “normal” public for safety reasons. I was most appalled by the claims that people who struggle with mental illnesses are more likely to commit gruesome violent crimes, when in fact, only 7.5 percent of crimes committed people with serious mental disorders were directly related to symptoms of mental illness, according to the American Psychological Association.

The perceptions of mental illnesses are largely negative. The issue is very much ignored until a person who suffers from a disorder, disease or syndrome appears in the news connected to a violent crime.

Killers, mass shooters and violent assaulters are the only images the public have of people who have these illnesses. People cringe at the mention of others suffering from terrible, hidden diseases because they dredge up memories of the dead children at Sandy Hook or the young people at the Aurora movie theater. This prejudice and ostracization may cause people to decline to seek treatment or even be hesitant to disclose their issues for fear of a label of being–mentally ill, unstable or unsafe. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, though one in five people will face a mental disorder in their lifetime, nearly two-thirds of all people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment.

The stigmatization of mental illnesses is so far ingrained into our culture that its effects can be seen in Congress, where people are supposed to make decisions for the benefit of the public. Yet, Mark Covall, president and CEO of the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, said a provision in Medicare law discriminates against those with mental illness by limiting the number of days a patient can receive inpatient psychiatric care when no such limit exists for physical health. Policies like this one affirm the misguided belief that mental disorders are not deserving of our care and attention.

People with afflictions like schizophrenia and severe obesessive-compulsive disorder are often unable to go about their lives normally. They are deprived of normal experiences and weighed down by stress, anxiety and the symptoms of their issues. These feelings are only exasperated by the prejudices they face in their lives. People need to treat mental disorders with the same blamelessness as physical ailments and create a less stigmatized environment in order to better the lives of people who struggle with mental illnesses. v (This column reflects the opinion of the writer)

14 sports Senior Sit-down Each month, Panorama sits down with a senior athlete. January’s athlete is Kaitlynn Walker from the girls basketball team.

Panorama

Girls swim team dives into the season with a strong lineup and a perfect record With numerous swimmers already qualified for state, the girls squad looks to make an improvement on last year with the return of many crucial experienced upperclassmen

michael petersen SPORTS WRITER

C Aaron Bry: Last year, there were no seniors on the varsity team.

How is this year’s team different?

Kaitlynn Walker: Last year, everyone kind of butted heads because no one was really captain.

This year everyone is heard and we’re a closer team.

AB: What has been your favorite moment playing for Ladue, so far?

KW: Out of my four years playing varsity, my favorite moment would be having four new assistant coaches. Each one has brought different experiences and we learned a lot.

AB: What is your favorite thing to eat after a big game?

January 16, 2014

oming off of last season with several qualifications for state, the girls swim team has successfully dived into its new season with a 3-0 start.

Although the team lost seven seniors, junior Julia Tackes remains positive for the upcoming season.

The underclassmen have provided a great sense of optimism for the returning swimmers.

“We have a lot of new and returning freshman and we also gained a couple new club swimmers this year,” Tackes said. “I think we have a really strong team and lots of potential.”

Last year was very successful for the program. The team finished third in its conference and qualified for state in two relay races: the 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay. In addition, Tackes qualified for state in the 50 freestyle, where she went on to compete in the finals. Tackes was the only swimmer to qualify as an individual for a race at state last year.

Head coach Nikki Andre also feels confident about the team’s chances. Due to all the hard work the

girls have put in during the offseason, she believes that this season could be one of the girls’ best.

“I am looking forward to what this team can accomplish and what the girls individually will accomplish from the beginning to the end of the season,” Andre said. “I also think that this year’s season will be very exciting with a new conference.”

Ladue’s new conference now consists of teams from University City, Normandy, McCleur South Berkley, Oakville, Clayton and Melville. Despite the changes, the team still feels that it presents the same level of diffuculty.

“I think that the competition will still be very tough, but last year’s was tougher than this year may be,” Andre said.

The girls have started their season off strong. Currently, the team is undefeated in the regular season, having conquered U-City in a dual meet and both Mehlville and Rockwood Summit in a tri-meet event. The team was also successful in their hosted tournament, the Eudal Early Season Invitational, where the girls secured second place out of ten.

The postseason is a month away, but that hasn’t stopped the girls

from beginning preparations for the state meet. With numerous members already qualified for state on the squad, the conversation is reasonably prominent in the swimmer’s minds.’

“I think this year state is definitely an obtainable goal for us,” senior Ting Ding said.

According to Ding, some of the swimmers have already qualified for state. Those individual swimmers include Tackes for the 50 freestyle and freshman Riley Deutsch for the 100 fly. The team has also already qualified for three relay races due to

the superb swimming by Deutsch, Tackes, sophomore Taylor Korte and senior Christine Yan in the 200 medley relay, Tackes, Yan, freshman Leda Liang and junior Jillian Behrens in the 200 freestyle relay and Liang, Korte, Deutsch and Behrens in the 400 freestyle relay race.

With all the early success, the team is confident that they can accomplish more as their season progresses and hopes to have even more individuals qualify for state events.

With such a strong start, the girls can control their own destiny. v

TAKE A BREATHw Coming up for air, junior Stephanie Gurevich focuses on reaching the wall in the home opener against University City.

Ladue went on to defeat U-City in the meet. (Photo by Meghan Proskey)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Drop your plans and hitch a ride to go cheer on your Rams at these must-see match ups:

• Jan. 17 - Hockey vs. Fort Zumwalt East @ Brentwood KW: Wingstop is the best after a game. Their ranch is so good.

AB: What do you do in the day leading up to a big game to prepare for it?

KW: I try to watch as much film as possible on the other team and point out the things they do well as well as the things they don’t do well. Personally I listen to a lot of music and try to prepare my mind for the game.

(Photos by Sammy Leary)

•Jan. 17 - Wrestling - St. Charles Invitational • Jan. 20 - Boys basketball vs. John Burroughs

• Jan. 20 - Girls swimming vs. Parkway West • Jan. 24 - Girls basketball vs. Parkway West (Photo by Meghan Proskey)

Panorama

January 16, 2014

Blues bring in all-time great

sports

15

St. Louis Blues sign former New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur to one-year contract

Brodeur made 34 saves and led the team to a 4-2 victory against the Florida Panthers. aaron bry While Elliott was injured, Brodeur split time with goalie SPORTS EDITOR Jake Allen. Allen idolized Brodeur growing up. According to rian Elliot, the St. Louis Blues’ starting goalie entera Jan. 6 stltoday.com article, Allen even asked for Brodeuring the season, was injured in November in a game inspired hockey pads from his father for Christmas when he against the Ottawa Senators. To fill this vacancy, the was 12 years old.

Blues signed 42-year-old Martin Brodeur.

“I wanted the same ones he had, the same design,” Allen “I think he brings a unique style of play,” senior Elliott said in the article. “[Brodeur] was my favorite and I always Shevitz said. “His experience is definitely needed, and if [the told my dad, ‘I want those pads.’ Fortunately, I got them. He Blues] want to make it far in the playoffs, we need someone was the poster boy for everything. Every kid that grew up in who knows how to bring home the Stanley Cup.” my era [wanted] to be Brodeur. I still think he’s the biggest Brodeur played for the New Jersey Devils for more than thing to ever strap up a set of pads.”

20 years, spanning from 1991 to 2014. In this time, he set the Allen is eager to learn from the hockey legend. The Blues NHL record for wins and shutouts, 688 and 124, respectivehope Brodeur passes on some of his infinite hockey knowlly. In addition, he won three Stanley Cups with the Devils. edge to Allen, who will most likely play goalie in the years Inarguably, Brodeur will to come. enter the U.S. Hockey Hall Despite Brodeur’s contributions, his His experience is definitely needed of Fame as soon he is elifuture with the Blues is hazy. General and if [the Blues] want to make it manager Doug Armstrong insists that gible. He is widely regarded far in the playoffs, we need someone Brodeur will stick around, but he was as one of the greatest goaltenders in the history who knows how to bring home the signed to play for the injured Elliott, of hockey. The Blues hope who has since returned from the injury.

Stanley Cup. Brodeur has another good Each team in the NHL has the need for - senior Elliott Shevitz season left in him. two goalies but rarely three. So “When the Blues first now the Blues are left with Elliott, signed Brodeur, my first reaction was that I was overthe starter and most skilled goaltender, Brodeur, who is whelmed with excitement,” senior Eric Millner said. “To the most accomplished but aging and Allen, the young have one of the best goalies of all time, and undoubtedly a player who is still figuring out how to translate his imfuture hall-of-famer, play for the Blues is unbelievable.” mense promise into NHL success.

The Blues signed Brodeur, an unrestricted free agent, Dec The Blues will most likely lean on Elliott and only 1. He first played for the team Dec. 4 against the Nashville start Brodeur and Allen every once in a while. UnforPredators, but the Blues lost the game 4-3. tunately, professional hockey teams rarely keep three Although Brodeur is aging out of his prime, he still goalies on their roster, so the team’s release of either displays flashes of his excellence that NHL fans have grown Brodeur or Allen is inevitable. so accustomed to seeing throughout his historic career. He While Brodeur’s future with the Blues is not clear, earned his first win with the Blues, the 689th in his career, fans should enjoy his time with the team. It is very rare Dec. 6 against the New York Islanders. Two days later he to have the opportunity to witness greatness on such a made his first home start at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. huge scale. v

B

Athlete of the Month Each month Panorama picks one athlete to spotlight who has excelled in his sport.

This month’s athlete is:

Jordan Stern Stern, a sophomore, is having a standout season in his second year on the varsity squad. He currently leads the team in points. Additionally, he helped the team win big games against opponents such as Burroughs, MICDS and Priory. Stern hopes to continue his great play as the boys face teams such as Whitfield and Parkway West in their crucial final stretch.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Shevitz)

BODY LANGUAGE w Warming up, Martin Brodeur readies himself for action in a game against the Washington Capitals. The Blues signed 42-year-old Brodeur Dec. 1. He is the all-time leader in both wins and shutouts in NHL history. Brodeur has filled in well for injured starter Brian Elliott, posting a 4-3 record with a .899 save percentage, according to hockey-reference.com. Although Elliott is returning from his injury, the Blues may opt to keep Brodeur around because he adds valuable experience to a relatively young hockey team.

(Photo courtesy of MCT)

16 photo

Panorama

January 16, 2014

sophomore Devin Callahan senior Kyle McNeill

senior Alyson Yawitz

Winter Photoland sydney ellis

T

PHOTO EDITOR

jeanne wilkinson PHOTO EDITOR

his month, Panorama invited students to submit their best photos from Winter Break. These photos allow us to take a look at the beauty of winter from different students’ points of view. From their own front yards, to mountains and beaches, here is what students captured while on vacation. v

freshman Celia Goldberg

sophomore Shirley Gelman