Ladue Panorama January 2012 Volume 60, Issue 5

Panorama

ladue horton watkins high schoolw1201 s. warson roadwst. louis, mo 63124wvolume 60 issue 5wjanuary 27, 2012

Remembrance held one year after AZ tragedy

Gabrielle Giffords on road to recovery

T REACHING OUT HOP members Yoav Kadan (10), Monica Lee (12), Elyse Mack (11), and Justin Ross (12) load

the truck with food for the Otis Woodard Lutheran Outreach, Jan. 20. “Once again our students and their sponsors outdid themselves for the people of North St. Louis,” school board member Jeff Kopolow, who drove the truck, said.(photo by Gretchen McCarthy)

SARAH ALLEN —news editor

housands gathered Jan. 8 in remembrance of the one year anniversary of the 2011 Tuscon, AZ shooting to honor recovering Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of the shooting.

Initial reports after the shooting stated that Giffords had died, but despite a severe bullet wound to the head, Giffords survived and has struggled to recover over the course of the past year. Giffords, who was shot by Jared Loughner, has regained the ability to speak and form sentences, according to ABC News Jan. 8.

While Loughner has been charged with 49 federal crimes, a judge ruled him mentally incompetent to stand trial, according to the New York Times Jan. 8.

Continued on page 5

CALEB ELLIS —editor in chief

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ver the past four years, Ladue students have been able to cheer “J-Who? Jehu!” from the bleachers while they watched their classmate haul in touchdown passes from all over the field. Next fall, however, they will have the opportunity to watch senior Jehu Chesson on the big screen

when he enrolls at the University of Michigan and its tradition-laden football program.

Chesson announced his verbal commitment to play football at Michigan Dec. 21, concluding a lengthy recruitment process. Numerous Division I programs offered Chesson a scholarship, and at the end of the day he chose the Wolverines over Northwestern University and the University of Iowa.

“Ultimately Michigan seemed right,” Chesson said, “I do not know

INSIDE

News

all the ins and outs of the school but I do trust that I will be challenged, and I will find a way to find those who can help me… after all [coach] Bo [Shembechler] said, ‘Those who stay will be champions.’ I want to be one just not in football but in life.’ ” Chesson’s recruitment brought high profile attention and excitement to the Ladue football program. Ladue head football coach Mike Tarpey relished the vivacity it brought, and the kind of encouragement that it could inspire among the players.

A&E/ Features

“I think the recruiting process was exciting for our program, but I enjoyed having all the big schools visit just as much as I did all the little schools visit for other players,” Tarpey said, “I mean I was a Notre Dame fan growing up so it was pretty cool to have Notre Dame along with USC and Alabama come on days, but I enjoy talking with the Rhodes and William Jewels just as much. I think the process brought an energy to the program and showed others that that kind of success is

Opinions

photo courtesy of Prestige Portraits

Senior Jehu Chesson will trade in Ram horns for Wolverine claws

attainable if a kid is willing to work for it.”

Michigan brings a prestigious reputation on the field and off.

Continued on page 16

Sports

Recycling textbooks

Little Shop of Horrors PDA

Girl’s basketball

page 3

page 7

page 18

page 12

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PANORAMA

NEWS

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JANUARY 27, 2012

Teachers vacate department head positions Budget cuts lead teachers to resign posts as chair e

Ladu

Senior Emily Bell was invited to attend the Montgomery Bell Academy’s Southern Bell Forum Extemporaneous Speaking Round Robin in Nashville, TN, Jan 6-8. She placed 10th and was the consolation champion.

Junior Jerome Gregory placed third and sophomores Neeti Shenoy and Luke Song placed first in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Public Forum Debate respectively at the Parkway North Novice Debate Round Robin.

The Ladue ITS troupe received top recognition at the State Conference and placed first for technical theater, first for costume design for Macbeth by senior Alex Gandlmayr, first for a theatre etiquette video

by Acting III and Broadcast Technology II students and edited by junior Samantha Shanker, and placed second for Dueprov in the Improvisation competition.

Senior David Streid was honored with an award for his efforts spreading awareness about the effects of tobacco use through digital art at the O2 Awards, Dec. 15, 2011.

The Talking Rams placed third in Interpretation, second in Debate, first in Public Speaking, and first in Overall Sweepstakes at the Greater St. Louis Speech League’s tournament at Ritenour High School Jan. 20-21. Freshman Janine Norman placed first in Dramatic Interpretation, junior Olivia Gada placed first in Storytelling, and senior Sayli Sant placed first in Humorous Interpretation. Junior Sarah Allen and senior Emily Bell placed second and third in Extemporaneous Speaking, respectively. Senior Sayli Sant placed second in Radio Speaking.

Seniors Drew D. Rubin, Lucas Tameren, juniors Chelsea Mohr, Tim Padgett, and sophomore Caleb Rosenthal will participate in the Missouri Percussion Arts Trophy Competition, March 3 in Lebanon, MO.

HAOHANG XU —news writer

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s a result of budget cuts from last school year, Ladue does not have department chairs. Previously, each department had a designated chair to serve as the department’s leader, who coordinates schedules and manages the budget. “[Department chairs] manage the budget, coordinate the schedule, serve as an advocate for their department to the administration, and address the specific needs of their department,” former science department chair Jesse McGlaughlin said. “They also play a significant role in communication and maintaining a positive environment in their department.”

Because of their extra responsibilities within their department, department chairs received certain compensations in the form of an extra period of preparation.

“All teachers teach five classes with two prep periods and an academic lab,” principal Bridget Hermann said. “Chairs [used to] teach four classes with an extra prep period to take care of department duties.”

However, budget cuts last year necessitated that all teachers teach five classes, which resulted in a change in this compensation. Instead of the preparation period, department chairs would have been given a monetary stipend.

“We didn’t want to make the cuts, but we had to,” Hermann said. “In order to maintain smaller class sizes, we wanted chairs to teach five classes, instead compensating them with a art by XUNYI GAO $2000 stipend.”

These changes prompted dissatisfaction from the former department chairs.

They felt that the extra preparation hour was important to their work and that demands of their job would be unreasonable without it.

“When you think about it, if you teach four classes and do department duties in your fifth hour, then the departmental work constitutes one fifth of your work,” German teacher and former foreign language department chair Deborah Lund said. “Our departmental hour was crucial. There is an enormous amount of work. To take away my hour and insist that I do my departmental duties and to prepare for all my classes was unreasonable.”

The teachers had different reasons for their discontent. Some felt that the money offered was not enough to compensate for the work, while others believed that they could not handle the workload without the extra hour.

“Some teachers were offended by the money offered,” Lund said. “In other cases it was about the actual feasibility; is it even possible to take on the departmental duties in addition to a full teaching load?”

Regardless of their reasons, the response of the department chairs was collectively negative. They believed that the stipend was disproportional to the workload of their position.

“It was almost unanimous among the chairs that the amount of work required merited more than the stipend,” McGlaughlin said.

As a result of the policy changes, the department chairs resigned. Despite the preference of both teachers and administrators to have department chairs in place, no one has filled their positions.

“I want department chairs,” Hermann said. “Teachers have asked about the position, and I’ve said that if they want to have them, I’m willing.”

This void has affected many differences in the structure and function of the departments. For example, some teachers have witnessed a decrease in organization and communication.

“It feels almost directionless because there is a lack of leadership,” McGlaughlin said. “It’s tougher to put forth curriculum changes, there’s been a loss of communication in the department, and some things are just not being done.”

These changes, however, are less apparent to students. Although many students are aware of the many responsibilities of department chairs, few have noticed their absence.

“I didn’t notice any differences [after the department chairs resigned],” junior Sydney Petersen said. “I didn’t even know there weren’t department chairs anymore.”

The lack of department chairs do not seem to be noticeably affecting students, which comforts Hermann, who wishes to maintain a high level of education in the school.

“I don’t think this has affected students very much,” Hermann said, “which is a huge relief for me.”

However, students still realize how no department chairs could be a source of difficulty to the teachers and departments.

They understand the duties that teachers possess require huge amounts of work and dedication.

“I think that it would take a lot of commitment to be a department chair,” senior Sarabjeet Seehra said. “Not only do they have to teach, but they also have obligations associated with the position.”

To compensate for the lack of department chairs, the school has instituted changes in the departmental structure. New groups of teachers have been formed to try and maintain communication throughout the school.

“There’s a leadership team and other committees to help address the needs of teachers,” Hermann said.

In order to help alleviate the new pressures on the teachers from the lack of chairs, the school has also hired a Department Chair Coordinator, Tony Taylor. He helps manage the purchasing and day-to-day business of buying materials in departments.

“Most of the things I help with involve ordering textbooks and supplies,” Taylor said. “Right now, we’re filling in textbooks in classes without enough and making sure that teachers have everything they need, from office supplies to instructional aids.”

Teachers had to adjust to the changes. However, despite their dissatisfaction with the changes, the teachers realize the difficulties the administration faces when dealing with budget cuts.

“It is a complicated problem,” Lund said. “We understand that the district is under constraints to save money, but at the same time must maintain the quality of education for students.

The district was really stuck between a rock and a hard place.”

The lack of department chairs is not optimal for any of the educators. Typically, department chairs serve as facilitators of communication to the administration and within the department.

“Most schools have department chairs because they serve a purpose as an organizational tool,” Hermann said. “They help work through the issues in their departments and the school as a whole. They provide leadership for their department and assist with school leadership. We’ve done okay without them, but I think we could operate better with department chairs.” w

JANUARY 27, 2012

PANORAMA

Environmental club begins textbook recycling initiative

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Elements aims to reduce the amount of books in landfills through recycling efforts

we also use for plastic bottle/aluminum can recycling days,” Grench said.

MIRANDA SIWAK Once Elements decided to recycle textbooks, club members —news editor researched options for textbook recycling in St. Louis and eventually discovered a local company that recycles textbooks. lements Environmental Club has begun to recycle Then, Elements needed to know if they had collected enough textbooks after school, Dec. 15, 2011. This begins a new old textbooks to recycle. effort in recycling, already recycling paper, plastic, and Several teachers, including AP Psychology teacher Bob soda cans.

Westerholt, helped gather used textbooks for Elements. The “We started recycling old textbooks because as new editions of textbooks became available, the old ones either gathered dust librarians, who aim to have an up-to-date and user-friendly library, with materials that are easy to use and relevant to stuon a back shelf or were thrown away,” senior Holly Grench dents and staff, also gave old textbooks, previously stored in the said. “At the time, Elements had already been meeting once or library, to Elements. twice a week, and designating one day to recycle the textbooks “The library [recycled] materials that were no longer current was an easy task. In the future we hope to continue to recycle or that no longer met our curricular needs,” librarian Mary Kate textbooks as necessary.”

Mortland said. “We specifically Usually, the school focused our efforts in the nonfiction stores old used textbooks area and were able to recycle several or throws them away, as By recycling the textbooks, they don’t hundred pounds of books.” recycling textbooks can take up unnecessary space in a landLaBarge indicated that breakpose difficulties, and if fill, and will eventually be made into a ing the material down into smaller Elements hadn’t recycled pieces instantaneously makes a posithem, the textbooks would new product.

-senior Holly Grench tive impact. Breaking the textbooks sit in a landfill for about down decrease the amount of time it 50 years. According will sit in a landfill. to science teacher and “By recycling the textbooks, they Elements sponsor Sweeney don’t take up unnecessary space in a LaBarge, because textbooks have cardboard bindings, they cannot be recycled regularly with landfill, and they will eventually be made into a new product,” Grench said. “Elements currently recycles paper, textbooks, other materials, like paper or bottles. Textbooks are recycled by plastic, cardboard, and aluminum cans.” shredding them into tiny pieces, which then are used to make After recycling old textbooks for the first time this school different paper products. year, Elements plans to continue recycling each semester. Ele“The textbooks that needed to be recycled had been stored ments is also considering expanding to the middle and elemenin the basement, and we transported them to a large recycling tary schools next year. bin outside of the auto lab using wooden rolling carts, which

“Being able to take part in this recycling program is an ecofriendly way for us [the library] to discard items that no longer meet our needs,” Mortland said. “The library looks forward to participating again at the end of the year.” w

“I think St. Louis being the third most dangerous city is accurate,” junior Chip Jacobson said. “Everybody talks about how dangerous it is still, and there’s a lot of things that the media hides because surely there are more murder, rape and theft cases that don’t get reported.” t. Louis ranked third most dangerous city worldwide in St. Louis City reports higher crime rates and is considered 2011 based on FBI statistics for murder, rape, robbery, more dangerous than nearby counties. St. Louis County reand assault. ported 36 homicides in 2009, compared to 143 in St. Louis City.

Bogota, Colombia ranked number one on the list due to “I feel St. Louis can be dangerous because our city has one drug-related crime and an August 2010 bombing at a local radio of the most impoverished inner cities that lacks police protecstation. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico took second, reporting approxition,” senior Enrique Peralta said. “The north side has one of the mately 1,400 murders in the city in 2008 and over 2,500 drughighest crime rates. Drug trafficking is comrelated deaths in 2010. St. Louis ranked third for rape, ing from East St. Louis, and our downtown is murder, robbery and assault. secluded from the nice parts of St. Louis.”

“I feel like St. Louis ranking third most dangerous Despite the city’s reputation for higher city is accurate because we do have some sorts of crime rates, the rate of the city has actually danger depending on the location you’re in,” senior fallen in recent years. The St. Louis Post-DisJordan Gipson said. patch said Jan. 12 that “major crimes reported This is not the first time St. Louis made the in the city fell 9.2 percent last year, most dangerous cities list published by Urban reflecting the lowest crime totals since Titan. The city ranked most dangerous in 2008 1967, according to a police departbut dropped down to second by 2009. ment report delivered Wednesday to “It seems St. Louis has this distinction the Board of Police Commissioners.” every year, we’re either first, second or third According to the report, violent -it is disappointing. But the process for crimes dropped 15.6 percent. determining this ‘ranking’ is “I think parts of St. Louis questionable,” social studcan be very dangerous at times, ies and German teacher art by BOWON JOUNG and there are certainly areas I Amanda Kaupp said. wouldn’t go alone, but when you average everything out I really In 2011, St. Louis reported a total of 2,070 crimes per don’t believe it should be placed above the other cities,” senior 100,000 residents, compared with the national average of 429.

Lila Greenberg said. “Overall, St. Louis is a pretty safe place.”

According to Urban Titan, 65 percent of reported crimes occur Other publications additionally ranked St. Louis as similarly in East St. Louis. The crimes fall under the categories of rape, dangerous. Forbes Magazine publishes its own ranking of the murder and assault.

most dangerous cities in the U.S. In 2009, St. Louis did not appear on the list of the 15 most dangerous cities but was ranked the second most dangerous city in the U.S. in 2010. Forbes has continually changed its methodology by limiting the violent crimes categories, rape, homicide, robbery and aggravated assault, and began comparing metropolitan areas as opposed to cities in 2011. The newest way labels Detroit, MI as the most dangerous city in the U.S. and does not list the St. Louis region among the top 10 most dangerous cities.

Now, in an effort to further decrease crime, police in St. Louis are utilizing new technology called Hot-Spot to predict future crime whereabouts. It can predict locations that would help police remain aware of crime in the city.

“In the past we’d just hand off the car keys and say, ‘Go patrol,” North County precinct commander Capt. Troy Doyle said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jan. 14. “Now what we do is make the job a little easier and say, ‘Here’s exactly what’s going on in your area and what to look for." w

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St. Louis: SARAH ALLEN —news editor

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DANA MAGRUDER —news writer

HELPING THE EARTH Students recycle cans after school in 2010. Elements Environmental Club recycles cans and paper Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. (photo by Gretchen McCarthy)

Third most dangerous city in the world for rape, murder, assault

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Global Update:

JANUARY 27, 2012

A snapshot of the world today EMILY BIEST —news editor

Iran finishes four nation tour of Latin America

Candidates place evenly in Republican primaries

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midst American disapproval of nuclear development, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad completed a visit to Latin American countries Jan. 13. One of Iran’s greatest supporters, Venezuela’s president Hugo Chavez, has supported Iran’s nuclear policy and disapproves of American sanctions against Iran. Because of the disagreement with Iran’s nuclear power, President Barack Obama signed strict financial sanctions against Iranian oil Jan. 1.

After much discussion, the European Union passed an import ban on Iranian oil, according to the Wall Street Journal Jan. 23.

“If the United States wants to bother the people of Iran, the people of Iran will stand strong and will respond firmly,” Ahmadinejad said in the same article. w

itt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have each carried one state in the Republican primaries, winning in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Iowa, respectively. Another Republican candidate, Ron Paul, has not yet won a primary; however, in New Hampshire, Paul came in second in the Democratic primary, with 3.7 percent of votes.

President Barack Obama won by a wide majority with 79.5 percent of votes.

Ex-candidate, Texas governor Rick Perry, suspended his campaign Jan. 19 and endorses Gingrich. John Huntsman also suspended his campaign and cast support for Romney. With only four candidates remaining, according to CNN Jan. 23, Gingrich is close to catching Romney in a national poll of public opinion on the election. w

art by ANDREW RUBIN

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South Sudan in turmoil once again

fter a brief reprieve from violence, South Sudan, which became independent last July, is again facing sectarian violence.

According to the Christian Science Monitor Jan. 17, more than 6,000 members of the Lou Nuer tribe marched into Murle lands, armed with knives and other weapons. The ensuing massacre resulted in thousands of deaths and, according to the U.N., impacted up to 60,000 who are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

As South Sudan’s leaders work to rein in sectarian violence, the international community has attempted to assist in protecting the Sudanese from tribal conflict. The U.N. sent 1,000 peacekeepers to protect Sudanese citizens before the December massacre, and NPR said Jan. 17 that the White House recently “cleared a legal hurdle to provide military assistance” of its own to Sudan. w

Kim Jong Un replaces father as leader of North Korea

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recent documentary featuring Kim Jong Un riding a white horse and talking to military personnel is the latest addition to a publicity campaign for the new leader of North Korea. The nation looks to allieviate widespread concern about Jong Un’s limited military experience. As the world’s youngest head of state, Jong Un took all of Kim Jon-g Il’s titles, including supreme commander of the military, in late December, and is currently in control of the country’s 1.2 million soldiers. Jong Un emerged as heir in 2010, and gained control of the state after Jong Il’s, death Dec. 17, 2011.

“But still, we are not worried a bit because we know that we are being led by comrade Kim Jong Un, who is fully prepared to carry on the heritage created by the great General Kim Jong Il,” North Korean official Yang Hyong Sop said in a USA Today article Jan. 17. w

JANUARY 27, 2012

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NEWS

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Gun sale operation ‘Fast and Furious’ faces hearing Eric Holder criticized for alleged involvement

art by BOWON JOUNG

art by BOWON JOUNG

JEET DAS —news writer

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fter Operation Fast and Furious, a government mission designed to implicate Mexican criminal organizations through distributing and tracking trafficked firearms, resulted in failure, many government officials have found their jobs in danger.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform began to hold hearings in June and July 2011. It was determined that Operation Fast and Furious had contributed to increasing violence and deaths along the Mexican border.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Feb. 2 concerning “management deficiencies” in the Department of Justice’s handling of Mexican gun trafficking operations.

In May 2011, Holder testified before Congress that he only learned about the operation a few weeks prior to the hearing. However, according to Department of Justice documents,

Holder knew about the gunwalking sting operations since April 2009 and supplied more agents to support it. After one operation ended with the death of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, many Republican senators feel that Holder is responsible for this problem and call for his resignation and possible prosecution.

“The fact that the released weapons were responsible for the death of a Border Patrol Agent on American soil is unacceptable,” junior Mukund Subramanian said. “Despite the intent of the project, the methods of achieving the project’s goals were horrendously poor, and I personally believe Eric Holder ought to be convicted as a criminal.”

In response, Holder, a Democrat, continues to fight against calls for his resignation led by Republican senators. Holder called their accusations irresponsible and labeled the investigation nothing more than party politics, with Republicans hoping to gain a victory against Democratic officials. Though he said that operations similar to Fast and Furious must “never happen again,” he denies any wrongdoing on his part.

“Holder’s right that party politics play a role, but that’s utterly predictable,” government teacher Dave Sonius said.

“Most congressional investigations of alleged executive branch wrongdoings are somehow politically motivated, and he can’t be surprised that Republicans are trying to make political hay.”

Holder’s upcoming testimony will answer many questions regarding the gun trafficking operations as well as Holder himself. As calls for his resignation grow stronger, it is uncertain

how Operation Fast and Furious will affect his position and job stability as the trial proceeds.

“I don’t think this hurts Obama politically in the upcoming election, but it could turn into him asking Holder to resign from office,” Sonius said. “Its political fallout will be interesting to see.”

Operation Fast and Furious took place from 2006 to 2011, in which the ATF conducted a number of “gun walking” sting operations to control the trafficking of illegal firearms into Mexico. In the plan in question, the U.S. government facilitated the sale of over 2,000 guns, knowing that many of them would be sold to Mexican criminals. The ATF planned to then build a case against Mexican drug cartels using their possession of illegally trafficked firearms as evidence. However, complications arose when operation supervisors decided not to immediately arrest gun buyers.

“It would have been a good plan if they actually had their act together,” junior Danny Boland said. “Now it’s just causing a lot of problems.”

Opposition to Fast and Furious reached its peak Dec. 14, 2010 when U.S. Border Patrol agent Brian Terry was killed while patrolling Peck Canyon, Arizona, 11 miles from the border. Two AK-47 assault rifles were found beside him, both traced back to Operation Fast and Furious. This marked the end of Fast and Furious. Of the 2,000 firearms that were initially released by the ATF, only 600 had been recovered by October 2011 while no high-level drug cartel figures have been arrested.

“They probably should have been better prepared with the plan,” freshman Alexis Corrigan said. “It’s almost expected that something bad like this could happen.” w

Candlelit ceremony honors Tucson shooting victims Tragic event brings up questions about gun control and schizophrenia’s use in court SARAH ALLEN —news editor Continued from page 1 Loughner has been diagnosed with schizophrenia by two psychiatrists and resides in a federal psychiatry facility, where he will remain until Sept. 21, when a hearing will be held to determine whether he is fit to stand trial. If Loughner is deemed insane by legal standards, he will not be tried. However, proving mental incompetence at the time of a crime is difficult.

“Anyone [who] commits a crime like that shooting is obviously going to be mentally ill, so it’s not a question of whether or not they’re mentally ill,” psychology teacher Bob Westerholt said. “It’s whether or not they are competent to stand trial in a legal definition.”

Despite his mental illness, Loughner obtained a firearm.

Proponents of gun-control say the shooting demonstrates the need for stricter gun control laws that prevent the mentally unstable from purchasing firearms, while critics point out that the shooting was an isolated incident that may not reoccur. Unlike most gun owners, Loughner was mentally unstable.

“What happened to Congresswoman Giffords was very unfortunate but I think people have to realize that this is a once in a lifetime incident involving a crazy man,” freshman Hile Ermias said. “This kind of event will probably never happen again. We should not make it harder for people to obtain guns just because of one unfortunate incident.”

The shooting also provoked a national discussion about the importance of civility in political rhetoric. Some Democrats pointed to the gunrelated imagery used by Republicans as a possible cause of the shooting. US News said Jan. 11, 2011 that a map used by Palin “put cross hairs on districts of Democratic incumbents vying for reelection and used phrases like ‘Don’t retreat; reload.’” After the shooting, President Obama criticized violent political rhetoric and encouraging politicians to behave with greater civillity.

Obama’s speech and the national outcry over the lack of civility in politics may have resulted in less heated rhetoric today.

“Honestly, I do think it has gotten better since then,” junior Curtis Walls said.

“People are more aware now and with all the different situations that people and politicians are in, they have to be more aware of what’s going on.”

Giffords announced Jan. 22 that she would not run for re-election in 2012. The Los Angeles Times said Jan. 23 that Giffords resigned in order to focus on recovering from her injuries.

“I think it’s really great how she’s recovered and been so strong and a role model for a lot of people because of what she’s been through,” sophomore Nadia Duncan said. “The shooting made a lot of people

art by AUDREY KOCHER

realize what’s going on with the country that they might not have thought about before and her recovery might show people that we can learn from stuff like the shooting.” w

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JANUARY 27, 2012

JANUARY 27, 2012

PANORAMA

A&E FEATURES

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2012: Movies to look out for

art by AMY DAI

SARAH KLOEPPLE —a&e/features editor

CENTER STAGE While rehearsing the song “Skid Row,” choreographer Zoe Vonder Haar directs the cast through the number. Little Shop of Horrors premieres Feb. 23-25 in the main auditorium at 7 p.m. each night. (photo by Hope Howard)

“Little Shop of Horrors”: A Preview “Usually the sets complement the actors,” Raedeke said.

“But these sets and these puppets [for this show] are the stars so it’s very important that they work well.”

This year’s musical has no shortage of theatrical talent as well. This year, the show’s lead roles were given to the younger ave you ever imagined what could happen if a plant talent at Ladue. came to life? What good things would it bring, or what “With both of the main leads as underclassmen, it has been nightmares would come alive? “Little Shop of Horrors” fun to watch them rise to the challenge of lead roles,” junior

by Alan Menken originally was performed off-broadway in Dylan Hafer said. “We still have a lot to do, but by the end of 1982 and will come to Ladue Feb. 23-25.

February I think we will have a stellar show.”

The story is of a meek young man and plant lover named In addition to unique personalities, the production thrives Seymour Krelborn, played by freshman Jack Lavey, who works because of the immense time commitment. All the cast and in a run down flower shop. One day, he crew spend months finds a strange looking plant and with Usually the sets complement the acpreparing. the encouragement of a fellow employee, “The time comtors. But these sets and these puppets Audrey, played by sophomore Lily Kenmitment for a musinedy, discovers that the plant has quite a [for this show] are the stars so it’s cal such as “Little peculiar appetite. As the plant grows, it very important that they work well.

Shop” is three hours attracts customers, but causes quite a few of in-school rehearsproblems along the way.

- art teacher Daniel Raedeke al every weekday What makes this show different up until the last few from musicals past is the element of the weeks before openmysterious plant, known as “Audrey II.” ing night where the rehearsals get longer,” Lavey said.

In just a few days, it grows from a tiny house plant to a Venus In addition to director Janine Burmeister’s leadership, the Flytrap-like monster. To build the complex props, art teacher whole cast has aided each other in perfecting the show. This Daniel Raedeke provided assistance. cast has worked hard to become a cohesive unit.

“It’s been a trial and error sort of process,” Raedeke said.

“The show has a smaller cast, so we are all able to get closer “There are four versions of Audrey II; one that is about the size faster, and we are able to rely on each other for just about anyof a sock puppet, the second more or less the size of a tennis thing and everything,” junior Leslie Insell said. w racket, the third is about three feet deep and three feet long and the final Audrey II is about five feet wide and six feet deep.”

Many materials were used to construct the vital puppets for the show including various fabrics, wood, foam, wire, paper mache and glue.

“The main thing is to make sure that each Audrey II is functional,” Raedeke said. “We’ve had to design models, try them out, and sometimes redesign them again.”

These props present a different kind of challenge to the Ladue Theater Department. As well as making sure they’re functional, students were asked to act as puppeteers, like junior Keith Hoagland and sophomore Antonio Zaplain-Luna. Senior Blake Eastman provides the voice for Audrey II. “The puppeteers are great. It was really fun working with them,” Raedeke said. “People will be surprised to see how good they are.”

With a large amount of planning and designing, the puppets that bring alive Audrey II are considered one of the most important elements of the show.

MACKENZIE PASS —a&e/features writer

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h no, it’s 2012. Doesn’t that mean the world is going to end soon? If that really is the case, and if you’re a movie fanatic like me, then you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the last year of great movie releases.

The movie industry exited 2011 with a bang, producing exceptional movies to the end like David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and the tragic “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.”

But 2012 will bring another batch of top notch movies.

But what defines a “big” movie? Explosive action scenes?

Life-altering drama? Tragic love stories? The answers may vary, but to me, a big movie is that one film that literally everyone is itching to see, one that you just know will be a hit.

Let’s start off with an action movie. March 23 marks the date of the release of “The Hunger Games.” Many people roll their eyes at the start of this new franchise based upon the young adult novels by Suzanne Collins. They cringe at the thought of another “Twilight” era. But this movie, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, a teenage girl living in a post-apocalyptic world who is one of the 24 children chosen for a televised fight to the death, cannot be compared to the awkward and prolonged “Twilight” movies. People are no doubt excited about the action scenes, but what is really going to draw viewers (besides teenage girls) is the grotesque aspect of children fighting children for gladiatorial entertainment.

This year also seems to be the year of big superhero flicks, highlighted by “The Avengers,” released May 4, “The Amazing Spider-Man,” released July 3 and “The Dark Knight Rises,” released July 20. It won’t be hard to argue that “The Dark Knight Rises” will set a box office record, as did its predecessor. And is it just me, or is it extremely exciting to see a new “Spider-Man” movie? The web-slinging superhero can be considered one of my favorites, and the fact that “The Amazing Spider-Man” is actually a prequel to the previous movies just makes it all the more exciting.

Emma Stone being the leading lady doesn’t hurt either.

Next up are the more traditional films, like the much anticipated and modernly adapted “The Great Gatsby,” released Dec. 25. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carrey Mulligan (both who rarely disappoint), the movie follows the upperclass world of Jay Gatsby, played by DiCaprio, where despite the luxuries, it seems nothing but disappointment and tragedy await. It will surely be in the Oscar runnings for next year.

Sequels also seem to be in the mix of the 2012 movie calendar. Including “Skyfall,” the continuation to the recent James Bond franchise starring Daniel Craig. This time, the infamous man of mystery meets new faces and battles new villians, including one played by Ralph Fiennes (who, by the way, has proven that he can play the ultimate bad guy).

These six movies are only a handful of the blockbusters coming to a theater near you this year, but to me they offer an enticing component that makes me believe just about everyone will enjoy them. So whether it’s to see the faces of those superheroes you’ve missed or get into the drama of a classical novel adapted onto the screen, make sure you get those tickets early, because these “big” movies are sure to be highly0 anticipated. w (this column reflects the opinion of the writer)

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A&E/FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT MONTHLY

Feb. 3

The Woman in Black

The Evolution Of Valentine’s Day CHRISTINE WANG —a&e/features editor

7

Scars & Stories The Fray

10

The Vow

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

14

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded Nicki Minaj

17

PANORAMA

T

he day of boxed chocolates.

The day of flowers. The day of hearts. From simple cards to marriage proposals, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and thus the annual frenzy is hitting schools across the nation.

As one progresses through the education system, Valentine’s Day has evolved from a class party in elementary school to a regular day in high school. Each successive level of school has different ways of celebrating the widely commemorated, and sometimes dreaded, day.

In elementary school, entire class card exchanges are the norm, with little room for exclusion. Picking out Valentine’s themed cards and distributing them to classmates, delicately decorating shoe boxes, and hoping that little crush would write a little more than just your name were fond memories from class parties. However, rarely do preteen children have “that special someone” to exchange their love with and the forced affection of Valentine’s Day often consumes our elementary years.

“I still think [each child giving out a valentine] is a nice way to share a greeting with each other,” Reed Elementary School teacher

Debi Fitzgerald said. “Our kids have included everyone in the class for so many years, exclusion is no longer an issue nor one that is questioned by parents or kids anymore.”

And then the awkward years of middle school commence. Most people grimace at the mere thought of middle school.

The clothes, the braces, and most of all, the “relationships.” Valentine’s Day for middle schoolers is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, there are no longer forced exchanges of “love” while on the other, most middle schoolers are confused about life in general and days designated for “the L-word” only make matters worse. Some bold middle schoolers do muster up the courage and will send a candy-gram or leave a note in their crushes’ locker and hope that their affections will be returned.

However, a majority of middle schoolers steer clear from anything that would humiliate them and keep it strictly friends only.

“Not many middle schoolers give out valentines,” LMS social studies teacher Erin Hurley said. “A few kids bring candy and share it with their friends. I rarely see the traditional school valentine cards that are popular at the elementary schools.”

The inverted triangle of selective Valentine’s giving continues and unless one has a boyfriend or girlfriend

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence

24 28

Gone

JANUARY 27, 2012

George Garner (9) and Sarah Beckman (9)

P E R F E C T P A I R S

Lone Wolf Jodi Picoult

Matt Munfukh (12) and Hannah Bursack (11)

or “kind- of- thing,” Valentine’s Day is just another day in high school.

The act of giving Valentine’s to friends is often too much for most high schoolers to handle. Busy schedules filled with academics and extracurricular activities prevent most people from buying Valentine’s, let alone writing out messages and giving them.

For couples, especially in high school, Valentine’s Day is a lovely time to appreciate that one has a significant other. For singles, Valentine’s Day is a resented, almost subconsciously suppressed, day in February because it offers the opportunity to reflect on how hopelessly or happily single one is. Others view being it in a more optimistic light.

“When I’m not celebrating with anyone special, I focus on my mother and how much I love her,” junior Jerome Gregory said. “For me, it’s not that bad being single on Valentine’s Day.” The evolution of Valentine’s Day through the progression of school is one of the restrictive kind. As one matures, Valentine’s Day becomes less entrancing and much more ordinary. It passes by some without a glance. Friends barely acknowledge it. In most cases, only when one has a significant other does the day become more appealing and then do people see why it’s such a rejoiced day for couples everywhere. w

Brook Koesterer (10) and Natasha Medler (10)

Eric Vent (12) and Stella Hoft (12)

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

Going for the gold

ICE PRINCESS After a figure skating routine, former Ladue freshman Aya Takai strikes an end pose.

Takai recently moved to Michigan. (photo courtesy of Aya Takai)

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Former Ladue freshman figure skater aims for the Olympics

SAYLI SANT —a&e/features writer

I

A&E/FEATURES

ce-skating is a common winter tradition for many Saint Louisans, but for one former Ladue student, skating is more than just a fun pastime. Freshman Aya Takai, who recently moved to Michigan to further pursue skating, traveled to East Lansing, Mich. this December to compete in the 2012 U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships. At this national competition, Takai competed in ice dance with her partner, Jason Cohn, as well as in singles.

“Ice dancing is very different from singles skating because you have to work as a team for your pattern dances and free dance to look good,” Cohn said. “It’s harder in some ways and easier in others.”

At sectionals earlier in the year, Takai and Cohn took home a gold medal in ice dance and Takai placed first in singles. Their placements qualified them to attend the national championships.

“Aya and I skated very well, but we still were pretty surprised,” Cohn said.

After advancing, the team continued training for nationals.

For nationals, Takai had to prepare a total of five routines.

“I had my short and long program for freestyle. For dance, we had 2 compulsory dances, and one free dance,” Takai said.

All of their hard work paid off in the end. The team placed sixth at nationals.

“Nationals was exciting with both of us competing in Singles and Ice Dance,” Cohn said. “Placing sixth in the country was pretty good, especially since fourth through sixth was decided by less than a point.”

However, Takai’s journey to nationals was a long one. She began skating nine years ago.

“The first time I went skating was on Fourth of July because the rink was the only place open that day,” Takai said.

After enjoying the experience, Takai began taking skating lessons once a week for half and hour. At age nine, she decided she wanted to compete. Since then, her training has become more rigorous.

“I skate about 20 hours a week, before and after school.”

Takai said. “I get a few lessons a week with my amazing coach, Debbie Howe. I practice with my partner, Jason, only in the morning, mostly during our lessons.”

Throughout the year, Takai has to balance schoolwork, friends, and skating. Skating practices often last for hours.

“Aya is a strong skater, and she works hard to improve,” Cohn said.

Fitting so many hours of practice into one week is no easy task. Many skaters at Takai’s level are homeschooled, but she has found a different solution.

“There is not that much time to practice after school. [So, I] have a funky school schedule to fit my skating in,” Takai said.

“I come to school for the last two periods of the day [and] I take the courses that I missed online.”

Her unusual schedule has its pros and cons. Although it allows her to practice more, it can also produce some challenges.

“Since I only have four classes that I take at school, I don’t have many classes with my friends,” Takai said. “I tend to miss out on a lot that goes on.”

Despite this, she hopes to continue skating and try to place at nationals in singles next year. But Takai also has aspirations to become an orthopedic doctor in pediatric sports medicine. w

Ladue Choir’s milestone concert The ensemble joins St. Louis Symphony for a concert at Powell Hall BEZA GETAHUN —a&e/features writer

T

he stage was lit, the audience hushed and the room was silent, as the singers began a great holiday show. The Ladue High school choir performed with the St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall Dec. 14-16. The choir bellowed holiday cheer with the goal of bringing some spirit to their assembly at Powell Hall’s Holiday chorus festival. It was the first time the choir sang in the event and the first time the symphony hosted it.

“We got the idea of joining the event when Kevin MacBeth asked me to bring the Ladue choir to perform at the first time ever honors high school chorus concert,” choir director Tom Lowery said.

With Powell Hall full of people waiting to hear the dynamic ensemble, the choir had a chance to represent Ladue as one of the four high schools that performed.

“We sang with Fort Zumwalt West, McCluer North and Normandy,” senior Charlene Masona said. “It was a real teamwork effort. We worked with people there whom we would not have otherwise met.”

Although the concert was a large time commitment, students who attended the non-mandatory performance were glad they participated in the experience.

“Most of my students seemed happy that they attended,” Lowery said. “Even though rehearsals were on the days of the finals many students were willing to put in the extra effort to attend. It was no simple task, either, most kids put in close to 10 or 12 hours to that one event. I’m really proud of them.”

Singing to one of the largest crowds that they had ever had was not an easy task. Because they had never done it before,

members of the choir found it nerve-wracking to perform with the St. Louis symphony, the second oldest symphony in the U.S. “It was really a once in a life time moment on the stage,” Masona said.

“You just didn’t want to mess up in front of a thousand people and the St. Louis symphony.”

The choir sang classic holiday songs including “Noel,” “Silent Night,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” The well-known conductor, Ward Stare, conducted the concert.

A HOLIDAY SING-ALONG Along with the Fort Zumwalt West Choir, the Ladue Choir “He was very professings with the accompaniment of the St. Louis Symphony Dec. 14 at Powell Hall for sional,” junior Sydney Davis said. “His style was their holiday chorus festival. It was the first time the choir sang in the event. (photo different, and even if it was courtesy of Tom Lowery) a bit confusing when he was cuing the orchestra and the choir, he was fun to work with.”

At the end of the second day of performing with the orchesAfter playing three medleys of holiday carols, the audience tra, the choir had a great experience. It was considered a sucwas allowed to join in for two of the songs, “Jingle Bells” and cess, and the Ladue Choir enjoyed the accompaniment of the St. “White Christmas.” To the choir members, this was a delightful Louis Symphony. To celebrate their success they all went to eat twist to the “normal” way of performing. dinner with fellow high school performers from other schools.

“I loved the sing-along,” Davis said. “It allowed me to be “It was a lot of fun,” Masona said. “I hope the choir can do it more energetic knowing that I had a people to back me up.” again next year. It would be a great tradition to have.” w

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PANORAMA

A&E FEATURES

LEO DICERA —a&e/features writer

T

here is little doubt that this generation of teenagers and adults is nothing short of being the guinea pigs of social media.

Among the many different outlets online, blogging has recently gained popularity, especially with Ladue students.

One major blogging site, Tumblr., was founded by David Karp in 2007 as a platform for people to share and receive information in return. This give and take attitude allowed for a vast network of users, which as of Jan. 5th exceeds more than 39.5 million blogs. Similar to Twitter, users are able to update their blogs with content. On Tumblr, users are allowed to post texts, photos, videos, quotes, chats, links or audio; all of which allows them to create a unique blog centered around the user.

Through different layouts, users can format their blogs and customize a look they want to achieve. Users also have the ability to network with others bloggers through messaging, allowing the opportunity to meet people with shared interests. By following other blogs, users receive updates on their newsfeeds allowing them to stay updated on posts as new content gets shared.

“I think my Tumblr. blog just gives a main sense of who I am and the things that I like or find interesting,” junior Melissa Ferrie said. “I kind of like to think of it as a mind map. I just have it for fun.”

While not all blogs are the traditional, “my life on paper…” blogs, users have various uses for their blog. Junior Dylan Hafer’s

blog criminallycliche.tumblr.com has a specific theme with the content posted, being photographs of places and scenic images. Others use their blog to stay up to date with their musical and pop culture interests such as junior Sydney Fontaine, with little regard to always posting themeoriented content.

“On Tumblr., you follow what’s interesting to you, as each blog is somewhat themed and consistent in their posts,” Fontaine said. “In turn, your Tumblr. news feed is kind of a community. Everyone understands what you’re talking about, everyone

“I’ve been able to get feedback and support on artwork from more unbiased sources. The fact that people respond at all shows that it’s having an impact.”

One of the main challenges with blogs is the exposure to critical people. Despite these challenges, there are many advantages to the exposure, as the vast network can connect users with people throughout the world. Through the ability to reblog posts and share photos, articles and stories from across the web, users are able to connect on a multitude of levels.

I think my Tumblr. blog just gives a main sense of who I am and the things that I like or find interesting. I kind of like to think of it as a mind map. I just have it for fun. -junior Melissa Ferrie

gets it. There will always be one person who is interested in what you have to say.”

There are however, people who choose to take a more personal approach, such as junior Jesse McConnell, describing her blog as an “electronic diary.” While there is no set standard to what users must share, Tumblr. is a medium for students to either document their life as an open book or just swim amongst the various content, remaining anonymous and virtually unknown.

This versatility allows for bloggers to have complete control of how they want to establish their digital footprint.

“I really got a Tumblr. to post art,” junior Meadow Faulkner said.

singer Bruno Mars

”

“In our society, I think blogging is an increasingly prevalent way for normal, every day people to spread their interests and causes,” Hafer said. “Modern technology is helping to break down cultural, lingual, and distance barriers. For example, when I reblog something from someone in New Zealand, someone from the United Kingdom might reblog it from me and soon enough, a simple picture is global. That’s the true beauty of social networking and specifically blogging.”

Tumblr. user and junior Julia Smith argues that blogging provides a sense of an underground community. She explained how 20 years ago, if one wanted to rebel, create, or express oneself, that individual had

Double Take

senior Ceasar Gonzales

JANUARY 27, 2012

art by AMY DAI

to go somewhere and meet people.

Whether a punk rock show, a library, a mall. But now, all of that is online.

“There is no real underground counterculture anymore,” Smith said. “Some kid in Nebraska can get ahold of the same music as the kid in downtown NYC or LA. The general public may not see it yet, but all of these different sorts of kids are now just online. Nothing beats going to a real club to see a band perform, but hearing their music 5,000 miles away isn’t that bad either.”

Users find Tumblr. very easy to work with, as it’s simple, straightforward layout and features allow for a smooth transition into the work. For those considering getting a Tumblr, current users would advise to simply go for the opportunity, as there is no one right way to blog.

A recent New York Times article

argues that teenagers can use social media as a portal rather than a pitfall, as the early exposure to social media can help teenagers get a heard start in understanding the way communication in society is changing. The articles states that social media helps teenagers develop and prepares them for their future by enabling them to socialize with peers, investigate the world, and establish independence.

“Blogging is about the spread of ideas throughout a huge network of teenagers and young adults with relative ease,” Smith said. “It’s amazing to me that these little forums from 5 years ago have blossomed into a billion-dollar industry that now dictates what to buy, what to eat, what to do. It’s incredible, honestly. We’ve got to accept that fact: us teenagers can’t imagine a world without the internet. It’s awesome.” w

We have searched Ladue for students and faculty who are mirror images of famous actors or entertainers... and here they are! So now ask yourself, who do you go to school with?

sophomore Evan Morgensten

Russell from “Up”

sophomore Ingrid Olson

actress Kay Panabaker

photos courtesy of exposay.com, motherinc.org and freewebs.com

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

PHOTO

11

Chad Chapnick (10)

David Abraham (11)

Second Annual Panorama Photo Contest!

k

We asked Ladue students to submit pictures of their favorite winter break moments...

And these are the winners!

Davis Norber (11)

Marisa Drewes (11)

Abigail Donahue (9)

Sharukh Naseer (10)

12

OPINIONS

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

Way-too-public displays of affection 1

annotations

Dear World, CHLOE AN —opinions editor

H

ey, what’s up? It’s 2012, so you know, according to every end of the world prophecy, I might have to come make an appearance soon. No big deal, haven’t you had like three thousand years to get ready to meet me? Oh yea, by the way, I’m Apoca. Short for Apocalypse? (Hey, don’t ask, I didn’t choose my name. Plus, it’s better than Blue Ivy…) It’s nice to meet you, too.

So I hear there have been quite a few rumors going around about me, and I just want to get this straightened out—this time I’m staying for real. There’s this guy, Harold Camping, getting everyone all worked up about my visit.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s great someone actually realizes my true greatness, only he keeps getting my arrival date wrong.

He predicted my appearance on September 6, 1994, but I couldn’t make it—getting those dang wisdom teeth pulled.

So then he changed it to May 21, 2011, only I was stuck all day with my in-laws in literally the middle of nowhere.

Some kind of let’s-go-into-the-woods-and-try-to-get-killedby-giant-hungry-grizzly-bears-to-bond kind of thing… And then, he claimed I was coming October 21, 2011, only it was the same night as parent-teacher conferences so it really wasn’t the best time for me. (It’s safe to assume that destroying the world is not high on my priority list.) And hey, after three times, I don’t blame all those non-believers for never trusting that I’d ever come, but don’t you worry. This time, you heard it from the source itself: I am on my way.

And if you ignore false predictions from not fully sane people, there are plenty of perfectly reliable sources hinting my appearance. The always-right-never-made-a-mistake-intheir-existence Mayans are one of the best examples. They had countless time-keeping systems with 15 to 20 different calendars, each based off a different subject. One followed the cycles of the sun while another was used to calculate growing seasons, but the most famous is the system known as Long Count, or basically a record of every day of every year of every decade of every century of every—well, you get the point.

When translated (which, of course, is foolproof—no room for mistakes or miscalculations!) into the days and months we use now, the Long Count calendar ends on December 21, 2012. Yep, that proves it! Clearly the last day of the entire world is December 21, 2012. I mean, it’s not like my calendar ends on December 31 every year, clearly pointing to THE END OF THE WORLD. And if the Mayans said so, it has to be right.

Only some haters just don’t trust the Mayans. I mean, really, how realistic is it that the calendar-makers just got tired to calculating 1,870,756 days into the future, especially considering all those calendars they had to make? It’s not like they could just make another calendar when the existing one ended. And don’t even consider a surprise attack from a hostile neighbor interrupting the calendar making process.

Nope, never question the ingenious authority of the Mayans.

So by now you're probably wondering how to get ready for my visit. Not to worry, you have plenty of options. If you are an optimist, who cares if the world ends? That gives you an excuse to spend all your life savings and enjoy the last few months of your life. If you are a fighter, take advantage of this special offer to buy an apocalypse survival rock for three easy payments of $19.95! And if you a pessimist... well, sucks to be you.

Moral of the story: I’m coming fo-sho. Now stop sitting at home biting your fingernails and go get ready for my arrival.

Love, Apocalypse w (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

Couples need to learn self-control in front of their peers

While it shouldn’t be recommended that anyone caught kissing in the hallway be thrown out of the school for 10 days, there are many instances that classmates have witnessed that are borderline inappropriate. Rather, a united front of students who are not tolerant of such behavior would be more effective. veryone has seen it happen, and most people look in disgust as two of their fellow classmates get a little too close If their behavior is openly and widely frowned upon by their peers, then that behavior will surely cease. Hopefully couples for the rest of our comfort. Public displays of affection are a common occurrence in our society of teenagers, but should are so aware of their surroundings that they would notice an ostracism from their classmates. it be as unrestricted as it currently is?

As students who understand the vulgarity of PDA, we have This problem has been steadily worsening as more and more a moral and civil duty to inform those around us to change their couples are beginning to feel comfortbehavior and better society as a whole. By sitting able expressing their puppy love in in silence the problem only worsens and the front of peers that have no interest in likelihood that it may be considered acceptwitnessing them slobber all over each able increases. Next time you witness this other. It is hard to turn a corner in vile behavior, take a minute to politely but the hallways without feeling like directly help the offenders realize the errors you have disturbed something of their ways. Couples in general is not the that should be occurring in the problem; however some couples participate privacy of a home. Can these in acts in private that others instead find couples seriously not bear to be necessary to do during school hours. without physical contact with With Valentine’s Day in the near future, their partner for more than seven there are sure to be more loving sentiment and a half hours? throughout the hallways, and unfortunately The student handbook that will inevitably lead to an increase in defines sexual misconduct as the severity and amount of PDA. It is “actual or simulated conduct already a rampant problem in the including, but not limited school and other public places, one to, indecent exposure, or the that needs to be eradicated imengagement in any heteromediately. sexual or homosexual act It is not just apparent in high on school property, on a art by HANNAH CROPF school; look around at malls, school bus, during school functions, or at schoolmovies, or almost any other public teen hangouts. It is hard to sponsored activities.” The district recommends up to a 10-day get away from it: nearly all the time there is someone locking suspension for breaking the sexual conduct rules, and while lips with their significant other. School should be a place to get that rule was put into place for extreme cases of sexual acts, the away from it all, to focus on studying and be able to avoid the sentiment and meaning behind the rule is to limit those actions unnecessary groping, but unfortunately the opposite is true. w no matter how vulgar.

ALEX SHIMONY —opinions writer

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Foreign exchange programs present rewarding opportunities for students

Studying abroad encourages cultural understanding, different perspectives, better foreign relations TARI NUSSINOV —opinions writer

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t Ladue, it is common for students to leave their comfort zones and travel to different countries for six to 12 months. And foreign exchange programs give students the opportunity to do just that.

Study abroad programs help people explore the different cultures, history, and traditions of different countries. Exchange programs can also be used to encourage understanding between nations.

When students study abroad, they leave their families and friends behind to learn and live with a new family. Over the years, many students also come to Ladue from other countries, creating lifelong bonds with teachers and students.

Studying abroad provides many benefits for students. Educationally, students learn about acceptance and gain understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives from studying abroad.

Personally, students can gain a sense of self-awareness, more selfconfidence and higher self-esteem.

Study abroad programs also encourage students to develop independent opinions, make informed decisions and strive toward new goals.

The long-term effects of taking part in a foreign exchange program are also rewarding. Students who participate in these programs find themselves more comfortable in foreign environments, making them more favorable to prospective employers in almost every field.

American citizens have witnessed Sept. 11, the ongoing Israeli-Pakistan conflicts, and the death of Osama bin Laden, leaving people wondering if foreign exchange programs are still a wonderful idea. In this tense time, are more important than ever.

Foreign exchange programs help the host country maintain influence and spread their culture to other countries. Foreign exchange students also contribute to the local economy in host countries with expenses like food and souvenirs.

Study abroad is very important for the sending countries. Because it helps establish higher quality education for their own stu-

dents, many send their study abroad students to developed countries.

Learning a new language, meeting new people, and exploring other cultures are only a few of many benefits of the unique experience that will remain with a student for a lifetime. w

art by BOWON JOUNG

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

OPINIONS

13

Is the Arizona immigration Absolutely! The law crosses the line in warrantless search despite good intentions law unconstitutional?

Ladue Logic About Senate “I am sure that there are some people in Arizona illegally, but to allow the police to detain anyone on [appearance] is definitely a violation of [citizens’] rights.”

– junior Rebecca Schachtman

“The states are just taking an affirmative step to make sure their law enforcement are supportive of federal laws...We start getting to problems when we start seeing some racial profiling.”

-social studies teacher Robert Snidman

“Simply because someone doesn’t have his papers with him at all times doesn’t mean they don’t have the right to put in a hard day of work and provide for their family.”

– freshman Ibhan Kulkarni

Bill 1070

w It is officially named “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act.” w It was signed into law by Gov. Jan Brewer (R) April 2010. w The Supreme Court will hear challenges to the bill April 2012. w Justice Elena Kagan will not participate in making the decision given her role in challenging the bill. In the event of a tie, the lower court’s ruling against the bill’s constitutionality will stand.

HANNAH CROPF —opinions writer

F

rom Plymouth Rock to Ellis Island, the U.S. is a nation built on immigrants. Yet Arizona’s measures to reduce illegal immigration has renewed the topic’s controversy.

The White House’s ambiguity on immigration has not helped the problem posed by Arizona’s initiative. While President Obama encourages immigration reform, action was not taken until over a year after the creation of Arizona’s current policy.

Senate Bill 1070 is one of the broadest and strictest anti-illegal immigration laws. It prohibits the trespass of undocumented immigrants and punishes those who help them.

SB 1070 requires all illegal immigrants living in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with the government and carry legal documents at all times. It also allows the police to examine the immigration status of any “suspicious” individual, creating large implications for racial profiling.

At the heart of Arizona’s immigration policy lies what some politicians feel is a genuine need to tighten border security.

According to a federal government estimate, Arizona had one of the fastest growing illegal immigration rates in 2008, corresponding to an influx of crime, according to Tucson records. In a 2010 interview, Arizona Sen. Russell Pearce claimed half the murders in Phoenix were perpetrated by unauthorized immigrants. While crime may be a motivating factor for SB 1070 supporters, there must be sound facts to back such a bill.

As locals blame immigrants for a rise in crime, research points to a decrease in crime in Arizona before SB 1070. According to the FBI, cases of

violence in Arizona plummeted by 1,500 between 2005 and 2008. Additionally, CNN Fact Check called Pearce’s statement impossible to prove.

Not only do immigration crackdowns rarely solve the original concern, they usually do the opposite. Proponents claim anti-immigration laws protect the economy, yet Tom Rex of Arizona State University reported they did the opposite: undocumented workers were driven into the underground cash economy, leading to less tax revenue. Had these immigrants stayed in steady jobs, it might have boosted the economy.

In addition, making all immigrants carry personal identification at all times is simply unreasonable. A driver’s license is one thing, but few people keep their Social Security cards on their person, and arrest for failing to do so blows the issue out of proportion.

While the government should be able to know citizenship status where the situation requires, the freedom given to police in determining “suspicious individuals” is not acceptable. Adopted citizens or anyone appearing to be anything other than Caucasian may become a suspect, and even if they do not end up in jail, the social stigma that comes with being targeted as an “other” presents a moral predicament.

Finally, whether or not the government acknowledges it, many illegal immigrants are victims, not villains. Also, with population growth comes the possibility of economic prosperity and innovation, and by shutting these people out, America is turning its back on opportunities for diversity and change.

Even if a law comes from a place of reasonable concern, that doesn’t ensure that the law itself will have a positive impact. Arizona’s immigration law may not have stemmed out of a desire to escalate prejudice, but it sure has turned out that way. w

Absolutely Not! Immigration laws protect the country’s economic, social, and political balance HANNAH SCHWARTZ —opinions writer

A

rguments continue to rise in heat regarding Arizona’s immigration laws, placing more scrutiny and regulation on illegal immigration. In mid-December, the Supreme Court decided it would hear challenges to Senate Bill 1070’s constitutionality. Those who oppose laws such as this, attempting to minimize the amount of illegal aliens entering the country, however, do not understand the implications of their wishes. Though the idea of a completely open “land of opportunity” may appeal to these challengers, strong immigration laws protect social, economic, and political equilibrium.

According to the Washington Post Dec. 12, adversaries aim to block four main components of the bill. The first makes illegally entering the country and failing to register with the government a crime. The second and third parts prohibit illegal immigrants from working in the US and give law enforcement the right to check any “arrested, stopped, or detained” individual’s citizenship status. The fourth part allows law enforcement to arrest anyone without a warrant so long as there is “probable cause” to believe they broke a law.

Opponents argue that the bill aims to undermine federal authorities, taking too much power into their own hands.

A single state’s laws do not always have a significant impact in a national matter. In this situation, however, Arizona holds

great importance. The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimated 500,000 illegal aliens resided in the state of Arizona in 2008. In addition, Arizona claims over half of all US illegal immigration takes place over the Mexico-Arizona border.

FAIR also explains that illegal immigrants cost Arizona $2.5 billion a year. Legal citizens of our country should not have to give more of their valuable tax dollars in order to keep up with illegal aliens residing here, especially in such a fragile economic time. It’s like giving money to a friend to buy some marijuana: monetarily supporting illegal activity.

In addition, illegal immigrants cost the United States government more money than it earns from them. Since most are in the “underground economy”, they are involved in under-the-table pay, usually in cash, meaning they do not pay income taxes. FAIR estimates that these individuals cost US taxpayers $100 billion a year.

Arizona state treasurer Dean Martin, a supporter of SB 1070, explains that his state loses $1.3 to 2.5 billion each year on illegal immigrants. Arizona is subject to other hidden costs as well, such as higher car insurance prices because undocumented individuals cause more hit-and-run accidents.

Although illegal immigration must be addressed immediately for the benefit of our country, the government needs to encourage legal immigration. This could be achieved through

art by ANDREW RUBIN

simplification of the process, through better time management or through lower costs of application. Anything that would ease the immigration process could save us millions of dollars, and deter illegal immigration.

Although Arizona’s aggressive Senate Bill appears unconstitutional, preventing and punishing illegal immigration ultimately gives legal Americans more opportunities for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” w

14

PANORAMA

OPINIONS

JANUARY 27, 2012

Sweet dreams for sweet grades

Views from the Burrow

Studies show naps improve memory and recall SARAH JACOB —opinions writer art by AUDREY KOCHER

Prop 1 Priority MOLLY BURROUGHS —opinions editor

T

he third Monday of every January celebrates a man remembered for an extraordinary vision that can be summarized in a single phrase, “I have a dream.”

Over the recent Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, we all had a chance to look at the world and decide what needs to change or what is important to us. After all, we have dreams, too.

As petitions and rumors circulate, I’m reminded of the dream that we, the citizens of LHWHS, share. We all want our district to be the best it can be. Most of us have heard that if the April 2 $.49 tax levy fails, we will lose field trips, late buses, two music teachers, Sixth Grade Camp and much more. The high school block schedule is likely to be evaluated and changed to a traditional seven-period day regardless of the tax levy outcome, according to the Ladue Schools website. The district also proposed to cut the gifted program including Idea Lab and Apogee, all summer school classes and extracurricular activities like clubs and sports for the 2013-2014 school year.

Any teacher, coach or musical director can tell you that a consistently high-performing group relies on a strong foundation. Our AP classes would not be as full or fulfilling if not for the quality of the gifted programs in elementary schools. Our music and theater departments would suffer if the district cut funding for elementary music programs. Without elementary school Spanish programs, our students will lose an advantage in foreign language classes of which we are only just beginning to see the effects.

To put it bluntly, Ladue has developed a champagne taste on a beer budget. We are accustomed to sending our students to out of state colleges, scoring fours and fives on AP tests and winning state championships in athletics, debate and academic competitions. If success is important to us, then we have two choices: go out and get more money, or start drinking beer.

Thankfully, the school board has removed the college and career counselors from the immediate potential cut list if the tax levy fails. One of the most valuable things Ladue has to offer is the college mentality--people don’t ask if you’re going to college, they ask where. That ideology is worth more than any program a public school can offer.

Think of the sheer volume of private schools in the Ladue area. There’s MICDS, John Burroughs, Visitation, Villa, Whitfield, Chaminade, St. Joe’s and St. Louis University High. Of all the school-age kids in the City of Ladue, only a small percentage actually go to Ladue schools. That means only a fraction of Ladue parents have direct motivation to vote for the tax increase we so desperately need. With that in mind, simply saying that we need to pass the tax levy isn’t enough. If we the people of Ladue want to keep our district strong, we need to advocate for it. Think of the hours spent on political campaigns--who is campaigning for our schools?

We the students are ideally situated to campaign for the tax levy because we understand just how invaluable programs like Idea Lab and block schedule are. We know better than anyone how important it is to keep classes small and prepare younger students for the rigor of high school courses. If we want to help our district, we need to stand up for it. w (This column represent the opinion of the writer.)

I

n kindergarten we drew pictures and called it “homework,” we called feeding the fish a “job” and the games we played at recess were considered “sports.”

We thoroughly enjoyed the colorful classrooms of the kindergarten hallway and our daily snack time. But there was one thing that our active, hyper selves didn’t really enjoy-- nap time--the time that took away from what felt like hours of play time.

Then, and even now many students don’t realize the importance of naps.

Although naps do take up time from busy schedules, they are beneficial for the mind.

One positive affect of napping is that people retain the information they have learned better. A study at UC Berkley proved that the hippocampus--the part of the brain that plays a major role in memory-works better in people who nap.

The study sampled two groups: one took naps before taking higher level thinking tests while the other group didn’t. The researchers saw that adults who napped did better on the tests and deduced that while sleeping, the extraneous clutter in the hippocampus was removed, resulting in more space for new information.

If students took naps between studying for classes, their minds would remember information better.

In addition to helping students academically, naps would also help students emotionally. Ninad Gujar,

a scientist at UC Berkley, was one of the leading authors of the paper: “Sleep Refreshes Human Emotional Brain Reactivity.” The paper suggests that a nap with rapid eyes movements rejuvenates the brain emotionally. In the study, researchers found that people who had taken these naps expressed happy facial expressions whereas people who did not acted scared, angry and sad.

Naps can socially and emotionally influence people for the better and keep teenage mood-swings in check.

Professional Sleep Societies revealed June 8 the results of an experiment conducted on kindergarteners. The study showed that students who took a daily nap exhibited lower levels of hyper activity and anxiety. Students are anxious about many things; from tests and college applications to big games and debate competitions, and by taking a nap students could rid themselves of some of the nerves that these nervewracking tasks bring.

Another plus of napping is that it may help prevent weight gain. A study by Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin found that people who slept less had lower leptin levels and higher ghrelin levels—two hormones that affect appetite. This caused people to be hungrier and crave foods high in carbohydrates. By taking naps, this ineffectual production of hormones could be reversed, resulting in weight loss. Therefore, naps help keep people healthy and refreshed.

Instead of taking naps, many students consume caffeinated drinks,

such as coffee.

But a study conducted by the Sleep Medicine and Research Center with St. John’s Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital found that coffee alone did not improve a person’s performance or enhance their alertness as much as the combination of coffee and a nap.

While coffee keeps people awake, naps allow the brain to relax and reart by ANDREW RUBIN charge. Therefore drinking coffee alone would not be as efficient because the brain would be distracted and not be processing facts at its highest potential.

Whenever we think of a nap, students dream about this two to three hour-long sleeping period. Studies have shown however that people do not have to sleep nearly this long to obtain all the benefits of a nap. They say 15 to 35 minute “power-naps” at around 4 p.m. are sufficient for the neurons in the brain to rest and recuperate for teenagers, resulting in brain efficiency.

Teenagers should get nine hours of sleep, and let’s face it, that’s unrealistic. But taking naps throughout the day can make study time more effective and get teens closer to their target sleep time. w

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, teens are running out of time if they want to escape expensive dinners and extravagant planning. Panorama translated classic break-up lines.

THE LINE:

TRANSLATION:

OUR OPINION:

“It’s not you, it’s me.”

It’s not me, it’s you.

If we’ve established that you are the problem, shouldn’t this conversation be going the other way around?

“We’re just at different points in our lives.”

You are so far beneath me it’s not even funny.

Obviously we’re not at different points in our lives because we’ve been together for the last six months. Try again.

“I love you like a friend.”

You don’t turn me on at all.

Do you mess around with all your friends? If that’s the case, then it’s probably why we’re breaking up.

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

OPINIONS

[staff] EDITORIAL

art by AUDREY KOCHER

January. It’s that time of year for fresh starts, new beginnings and above all, making New Year’s resolutions. One of the most important decisions to make at the turn of a new year is choosing something on which to improve. However, not enough people follow through or even attempt to make resolutions anymore, which hinders their personal growth.

Most people are inclined to believe that they must change something about their lives with the start of a new year and thus make resolutions. Reflecting on the past as well as setting expectations and goals for the future are essential steps in making meaningful and lasting resolutions. Acknowledging faults is a great way to better oneself. Analyzing low points of previous years and learning to avoid past mistakes are all parts of the self-improvement process. Evaluating and accounting for mistakes made is an essential step in preparing oneself for a positive year.

Some people simply don’t even attempt to make a New Year’s resolution because it causes too much emotional stress to reflect on shortcomings from previous years. However, resolutions are a great way to kick unhealthy habits that people want to leave behind them, and making and giving up on a resolution is better than not making one at all. Simply the act of making a resolution is just as important as keeping one.

For example, making a resolution to eat healthier can reap unexpected side effects. These include not only losing weight but increases self confidence, being more productive and a boosted mood. If one keeps up with this resolution, he or she will experience a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. If one eventually steers off the healthy track, at least he or she ac-

15

New Year’s resolutions provide personal insight; room for lifestyle improvement

cepted the fact that his eating habits need to change. Although the satisfaction and benefits of keeping a resolution are rewarding, the mere ability to reflect on past flaws allows oneself to evaluate his own character.

Losing holiday pounds, spending more time with family, and quitting smoking are all common resolutions that people make and attempt to keep. In fact, increasing exercise time is one of the most common resolutions. Gym subscriptions and workout facilities hit record highs in January only to slowly empty as February creeps around. Lack of follow-through is unfortunate, but at least these resolution drop-outs made an effort.

Unfortunately, not everyone sticks to his or her New Year’s resolution throughout the following year. Completely changing a part of one’s life requires work and perseverance that some don’t have the effort or resources to do. Still, resolutions such as improving organization or time-management can be accomplished on a budget and have a significant positive impact on a student’s academic career.

Besides the obvious benefit of changing a part of one’s life for the better, the satisfaction of keeping a resolution for an entire year is rewarding. It isn’t realistic to believe that all people will stick to the goals they make in general, let alone New Year’s resolutions, but these goals are still worth the effort. It’s the process of contemplating the past in order to better one’s future that really makes an impact on people, and that process teaches skills that help set and meet deadlines. In order to get the full effects of achieving a goal, creating a resolution is essential but simply the process of making a resolution is a good way at acknowledging one’s faults.

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

December Corrections w on page 2, Emily Chu was not listed as a member of the Science Olympiad team w on page 4, the art was by Andrew Rubin w on page 16, the art was by Audrey Kocher

[staff] EDITORIAL

Hockey player’s plight sparks local sympathies; questions about violence in athletics

Panorama regrets the error.

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 Emily Bell Caleb Ellis

A&E/FEATURES EDITORS Sarah Kloepple Christine Wang NEWS EDITORS Sarah Allen Emily Biest Miranda Siwak OPINIONS EDITORS Chloe An Molly Burroughs PHOTO EDITORS Gretchen McCarthy

Elizabeth Ornitz

SPORTS EDITORS Hamm Hooper Jason Kaplan BUSINESS MANAGER Denis Volobuev WRITERS Hannah Cropf Jeet Das Leonardo DiCera Mike Figenshau Karen Figenshau Beza Getahun Emma Grady-Pawl Jacob Jacob Sarah Jacob

Bram Levy Alli Loynd Dana Magruder Marina May Tari Nussinov Mackenzie Pass Nathan Perlmutter Hannah Schwartz Alex Shimony Hannah Snidman Haohang Xu PHOTOGRAPHERS Tyler Christner Lee Goodman Hope Howard Sarah Kessel Elyse Mack

PLEASE RECYCLE

Julia Novack Carrie Seleman Danielle Thompson Jeanne Wilkinson Joshua Wolderufael ARTISTS Amy Dai Ting Ding Xunyi Gao Bowon Joung Diana Jung Audrey Kocher Andrew Rubin ADVISER Jillian Proehl

Imagine how your life could change in two seconds. Maybe it’s the words of good or bad news you hear. Maybe it’s the solution to a problem you never thought you’d find. Or maybe it’s just a quick moment, an event that flashes by your eyes and you don’t realize the weight of it until you’re unbelievably happy, or completely devastated. For 16 year-old hockey player Jack Jablonski, all it took was two seconds.

Jablonski was involved in a hockey collision on Dec. 30 after two opposing high school players illegally checked and slammed him into the boards during a game. Days later, he was deemed paralyzed from the neck down.

The tragedy of the event has sparked much support for the high school honors student, as many people across the nation have sent him thousands of prayers and good wishes on Twitter and Facebook. Celebrities such as Steve Carrell and Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder have also expressed their heartfelt hopes of recovery.

It’s even hit as near as our own high school. Thursday, Jan. 5, many Ladue students gathered in the cafeteria, all wearing white shirts (as did his own high school, Benidle-St. Maraget’s in Minnesota) for a picture of support.

The consequences of this accident has left a scar on many lives, including the Jablonski family, his hockey team and school, and even the families of the offending players who unintentionally injured Jablonski. It is hard to believe that such a young person was injured so severely and understand that he and his family will be changed forever.

But the fact that it happened during a high school sports game cannot be ignored. The tragic event experienced by

Jablonski serves to advocate for efforts to prevent other teenagers from suffering from such injuries. Whether it’s on the hockey rink, the football field, or the soccer field, such catastrophic sports injuries among youths should be prevented.

According to the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, 50 young athletes were killed by sports injuries in 2010 and put 30,000 more in the hospital. They say that every school should have an emergency action plan to respond to and treat the child at the scene, whether it’s a minor sprain or cardiac arrest.

Maybe such a plan could have saved Jablonski, maybe not.

It was a swift charge of a hockey stick, known as a check, that ultimately caused the inevitable accident. This has already changed the way players and their families view the game of ice hockey in regards to the ability to check. USA Hockey has already banned all checking for the youngest players, but extended that rule this season to players ages 11 and 12.

Such changes are intended to make the sport a safer game to play for all ages and prevent the least amount of injuries like the one Jablonski suffered. USA Hockey also states that players, coaches, and parents should be educated about the importance of following and understanding the rules of the game.

But despite what doctors say, the parents of Jack Jablonski have stated multiple times that they believe in their son and the recovery he can make. Jablonski was recently moved to a rehabilitation facility Jan. 23. He’s shown improvement in his hands and arms, something doctors hadn’t excepted with the severity of his injuries. This just shows that with a little ambition and optimism, Jablonski may be able to take those two seconds back.

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

16

SPORTS

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

After graduating from Ladue, one senior will again ‘Go Blue’ Jehu Chesson will continue his football career as a University of Michigan Wolverine next fall CALEB ELLIS —editor-in-chief

ball, mainly mentally in track more than anything else,” Chesson said. “Basketball is a relief because I love playing it, and it is fun. I have never really focused just on football.”

His presence in Ram athletics has culminated in records, relationships and memories that leave many coaches and teammates with nothing but laudatory remarks and smiles etched on their faces. From ending the football losing streak to the Clayton Greyhounds to winning a championship in the 4x200 meter relay at the state meet, the accolades and accomplishments have been abundant.

“He was a great teammate and a good leader,” sophomore and wide receiver Duncan Cannon said. “He was very vocal and brought a lot of excitement. Jehu always was helping me and taught me some of the things that he does as a receiver and safety.”

His skill thrust him into a leadership posione he GAME FACE After celebrat- tion, embraced and ing a touchdown with his used to groom teammates, Jehu Chesson future Rams prepares for the next play. to uphold The Rams beat Clayton for student-athlete the third year in a row. excellence. (photos courtesy of Jody But for all Carr) the speed and electric playmaking he brought to the field, Chesson took a very different approach to his recruitment.

“I asked a lot of questions,” Chesson said.

“Those questions were to some athletes I knew that were currently playing college football or graduated. But the best advice [I got] was to go where the people want you genuinely and you see yourself being successful.”

Once Michigan was able to reciprocate that genuine sense of desire to get him there, he was ready to make the commitment to join the Wolverine family.

And now that he is a part of the pack? The hard work and dedication starts all over again.

“I look forward to being a sponge in college, meaning I want to absorb every bit of football I can.

I am a student of the game and want to experience things high school football could never do and just grow. I want to be successful,” Chesson said.

Before he departs for the Big House, Chesson will have time enjoy the remainder of his senior year and prepare for next level. If his time at Ladue is any indication, Chesson is well on his way to achieving more of that hard-earned success. w

...continued from page 1 The football program boasts 11 National Championships, three Heisman Trophy winners, and the most wins of any D-1 program of all time. Academically, the school is ranked 28th among national universities and fourth among public institutions according to US News and World Report. Tarpey thinks these qualities make the school an excellent fit.

“I think Michigan is a good fit for Jehu because it is both academically and athletically challenging,” Tarpey said.

“When recruiters came to talk about him, I always told them that he would be an asset to their program even if he never stepped on the field. You can’t say that about some kids at the division one level.

Not only his athletic ability makes him special, but his character does as well.”

That character is something that Chesson prided himself in bearing long before his name rose to the top of prospect lists and recruiting websites. Although he stood out locally for years, earning a D-1 scholarship is representative of much more than the ability to play ball.

“Most D-1 caliber athletes that receive scholarships to play football have to prove themselves at a point in their high school career, and they usually visit the schools they are HEADS UP! looking at and make a decision,” In a game Chesson said. “But against the a great part about rival Clayton the recruitment for Greyhounds, me personally was Chesson not the publicity makes a but the fact that I leaping saw results in my catch. In his dedication. Trials three years and tribulations on varsity, he were the batter to caught 129 bake a scholarship passes for a and, of course, total of 1,764 God’s blessings yards and 23 that gave me the touchdowns. potential and body of a college football player.”

During his FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS tenure at Ladue, however, Chesson (above) While returning a kickoff, Chesson looks up has not limited the field against Vashon in himself to the gridiron. He also the Rams’ first playoff game. starred as a four- Chesson scored three times year letterman in against Vashon including an interception returned for a track and threeyear letterman in touchdown and a 80 yard basketball, sports kickoff return. (right) Teamthat allowed him mates surround Chesson after he scores a touchdown to grow physically and psycho- against Clayton. Chesson was a captain and played an logically. instrumental role in leading “Track and the team to the Conference basketball have helped me in foot- championship.

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

SPORTS

17

Ladue basketball stars flock to JCC recreational league Three Ladue teams will battle it out for top spot

AIR JASON As he glides to the basket, senior Jason Sandler

prepares to shoot a layup. Last year, Sandler’s team came up short, losing in the semi-finals. (photo by Gretchen McCarthy)

BRAM LEVY —sports writer

I

ntramural sports are one of the most popular ways to get exercise and have fun with friends.

J-League Basketball is a perfect example of this.

The Jewish Community Center, more commonly refererred to as the “J” is a leading recreational athletics center in St. Louis, with 16 all-inclusive sports available to the public.

According to the J website, “Recreational sports have been a mainstay here dating as far back as history allows.”

However, basketball is by far the most popular sport there. In order to play, one doesen’t need a killer jump shot or crazy hops, just desire and $100 to pay the fee. Many Ladue students have taken advantage of this hoops league, including senior Jordan Norber and sophomore Eric Stuber. Despite winning just one

game last year, Stuber is confident in his team’s chances to have a better showing this year.

“It’s very fun and light, so we don’t take it too seriously,” Stuber said. “We only won one game last year, but I feel like we can shock everybody and run the table and go undefeated this year.”

This is Stuber’s first year playing J-league full-time, and he is excited about the prospect of playing. He said that the environment is easier than school-organized basketball.

“It’s a fun way to get exercise and express yourself. It’s not as structured as Ladue basketball,” Stuber said.

Senior Joe Lombard comes into the year as a seasoned veteran and are the team to beat from Ladue.

Senior Jordan Norber however, is confident in his team’s ability to take the championship this year.

“There is no doubt we are the best team in Ladue,” Norber said.

“Joe’s team is good and all, but they

can’t handle my team.”

Lombard disagrees. His confidence is matched only by his drive to win. This confidence was displayed as Lombard’s team destroyed a fellow Ladue team in their first game.

“I like playing Jordan’s team and Mikey’s team because it’s good practice for when we play teams that are actually good,” Lombard said.

“We are completely dedicated, often times watching game footage of the other teams before a game. We want to remain top dawg in Ladue.”

Trash talk aside, the team’s leader is confident. Norber said that they have an excellent team dynamic, and spotlights some important players on his squad.

“One of the key players on our team is Justin Ross,” Norber said.

“Justin and I have played basketball together ever since 5th grade. He has a great shot outside and he is lefthanded which can prove valuable to our team’s success. One other key player is Gustavo Alisio. He is super quick and gets around the defense with ease. He also promotes team chemistry when he cracks a joke or two during practice.”

Sophomore Eric Peterson is a teammate of Eric Stuber’s, and loves how nonchalant the league is.

“It’s very fun and gets my competetive spirit flowing, but it isn’t as intense as a school sport,” Peterson said. “No matter the outcome of the games, we will still have fun playing the games with our friends.”

Not only is J-league not as intense or stressful as school basketball, but the players don’t have to deal with the demands of a coach.

This is something that Norber heavily values and is one of the main reasons he is in the league.

“What I like best about J-League is that it is less competitive than the school team,” Norber said. “I just want to have fun and not be as concerned if we lose. Another thing is that we coach ourselves. We put our own ideas into the plays that we preform on the court.”

Peterson feels good about his team’s chances to win, as do most before the season begins. Past seasons have shown that a little confidence can go a long way.

“Last year, we didn’t think that we could win every game,” Peterson said. “Now, the swagger is high, and we are downright dangerous. We are by far the best and deepest team in the league. The other teams aren’t anything to write home about if you catch my drift,” Peterson said.

But many feel that’s the draw of J-League, the ability to just have fun and express oneself through playing basketball. Throughout St. Louis, teams are prepping for the upcoming season, and the J-League is just another place Ladue Horton Watkins has taken by storm. w

ON THE LINE While shooting a free throw, senior Joe Lombard

looks to finish the play. Lombard has played in the league for two years. (photo by Gretchen McCarthy)

Mark YOUR CALENDAR Save the date and saddle up to go cheer on your Rams at these marquee matchups:

lJan. 27 - Boys Hockey vs. Clayton @ Affton lFeb.1 - Boys Basketball @ Westminster

lFeb.2- Boys Wrestling @ Riverview Gardens lFeb. 3- Girls Basketball vs. Berkley

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SPORTS

PANORAMA

JANUARY 27, 2012

With a new assistant coach...

The girls basketball squad holds high hopes and big expectations KAREN FIGENSHAU —sports writer

A

s the season begins, the girls basketball team resumes the pace left behind by last year seniors with a new assistant coach. With other players stepping up and under fresh guidance, the team hopes for a successful season.

Cord Dockery is currently the head coach for team. With many years of experience under his belt, he seems confident in the abilities of his players.

FOLLOW THROUGH Taking a jump-shot from the

corner, senior Kate Holloway holds her form as she watches her shot. Holloway has played on varsity all four years of her high school career. (photo by Shusan Lam)

“We have a great group of girls,” Dockery said. We are still a pretty young team with only one senior. I think as the season goes on we will only get better.”

The large graduating class caused the relative youthfulness of this year’s team. Despite the team’s young age, Dockery holds high expectations for the season.

“Our goal is to play as hard as we can and try to improve in every game. Our ultimate goal is to win the conference again and try and do well in our district,” Dockery said.

Tentatively, the team will reach these goals more easily with the addition of Roy Monti, the new assistant coach. The players agree Monti brings valuable expertise and will ultimately benefit the team.

“In my four years on varsity, Monti will be my fifth assistant coach,” senior Kate Holloway said. “He used to be a head coach at Affton, so he definitely brings a lot to the table. He has a ton of coaching knowledge and brought new plays with him.”

The coaches have immense knowledge of the game and constructive coaching styles. Under their guidance, the players foresee considerable improvement throughout the season.

“He notices things Dockery doesn’t notice--they work together well,” senior Taylor Robinson said. “In team discussions he always has something beneficial to say; he tells us what we’re doing wrong.”

Even with new coaching, the team remains somewhat unstable at the start after losing seniors. Time has allowed the team to acclimate itself with the new year’s make up, moving around positions and lineups of players.

“We lost three good seniors last year that all started for us,” Dockery said, “We went through an adjustment period where we were learning to play without them. Some of the players that have stepped up to fill some of those roles have been Katherine Deboer, Natalie Grimm, and Nicole McNichols.”

Adjustments and changes are finally coming to fruition.

Now the team works to solidify their strengths on the court.

“Our offensive strength right now is our inside game,” Dockery said, “We have Taylor Robinson and Katherine Deboer who are doing pretty well for us right now. Defensively we are pretty solid across the board. We try to give teams different looks to confuse them some. We feel our defense is probably one of the best things we do as a team.”

While highlighting strengths, the team must also focus on strategies and plays to offset their possible weaknesses.

Studying the game closely, the players can easily predict what troubles they will most likely encounter during a game and work to prevent them.

“We have to have everyone contributing on offense,” Dockery said, “We know teams are going to try and shut down Taylor inside. The rest of the team has to be able to step up and put points on the board if we are going to win games.”

TRIPLE TEAM As Parkway Central triple teams center Taylor Robinson, Holloway looks to pass it to her.

Robinson is currently averaging 20 points per game and is drawing Division One looks. (photo by Shusan Lam)

PERFECT FORM As she extends her arms to take a shot, junior Logan Meeks shoots the ball and strikes a fadeaway pose. Watching for the rebound is junior Katherine Deboer, one of the tallest players on the team at six foot. (photo by Shusan Lam) Such improvement would be nearly impossible without the dedicated staff. Giving time and effort to the team during both the on and off seasons, the coaches provide an essential role in the betterment of the group’s achievements.

“Our coaches do so much to help us.

They scout the teams we’re playing then watch the film and interpret what will be the best offense and defense to play against them,” Holloway said, “They also come on weekends to run practice.”

The players and coaches have demonstrated strong compatibility and compliance. With such a sense of community, the team implements good teamwork, immense progress, and future success.

“As a team, obviously we want to win our games, but mostly we want to work together and get better every game and play our hardest,” Robinson said. “The coaches are great and they always know what they’re doing. They are able to help us both individually and as a team, plus they’re funny, too.” w

JANUARY 27, 2012

PANORAMA

STL in shock, L.A. in awe Pujols signs 10-year, $254 million deal with Angels NATHAN PERLMUTTER —sports writer

I

n 2011, the Cardinals played their most memorable season in franchise history. However, what followed shortly after may have resonated in Cardinal fans more.

Prior to the season, Albert Pujols was negotiating offers with the Cardinals on his hopeful return. After bargainin, an agreement could not be made. Pujols then said he did not want to be distracted by these manners, so during the season the meetings were postponed, until December.

After a comeback late in the season, gaining a spot in the playoffs, the Cards accomplished an underdog defeat against the Philadelphia Phillies, and a solid win against their central rivals, the Brewers. This was capped off with a great World Series in which Pujols hit three home runs in a single game to tie a longstanding record.

Then Pujols made his decision to join the Anaheim Angels for a 10-year $250 million contract Dec. 9. Many people believe that Pujols only made the move for the money. Pujols, turning 31 when the 2012 season starts, wants to play for a long time and the Cardinals would not offer him a contract of acceptable length. The other main part of the Los Angeles contract was the no-trade clause, preventing Pujols from being traded during his ten years with the Angels.

SPORTS

19

HOOP’S HUDDLE

Chaos in the BCS HAMM HOOPER —sports editor

A 11 in ‘11 (above) As Los Angeles Angels fans reach

for autographs from Albert Pujols, he is introduced at a news conference at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California Dec. 10, 2011. Pujols surprised fans all over the nation when he made the jump to a new franchise after eleven seasons as a Cardinal. (photo credit Los Angeles Times/MCT) (bottom) As Pujols reaches up to the sky, he celebrates the final out in the ninth inning of a 6-2 triumph over the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the World Series. Taking place at Busch Stadium October 28, 2011, the victory gave the Cards their 11th World Championship title. (photo credit Dallas Morning Star/MCT)

I think Pujols was disrespected and deserved to be paid like the best player in the league. They decided not to commit to him so he did the same.

”

-junior Rob Ewald

Although the loss of the Cardinal’s star player will be difficult to cope with momentarily, it may be for the better. Recently, Pujols has had leg problems which have held him back from being at the top of his game. Since he wants a 10-year contract, fans must consider that he will likely not fulfill expectations.

“It is too bad for St. Louis, but the Angels are going to regret their decision in two or three years,” junior Penn Grady-Pawl said.

Another factor Cardinal fans have to consider is how much money the organization will have in the future. Now, the Cardinals have $20 million or more to spend each year on players.

There are also speculations about how Pujols will perform in later years based on previous statistics. This is accompanied by a rumor that Pujols may not be the age his birth certificate says.

Although these are wild accusations with little to no proof, they still spark conversation among die-hard fans.

“Chances are he will be 43 in five years anyway, so it was a good thing we got rid of him,” junior Matt Stieglitz said.

When it came down to the final days of negotiation, the Cardinals made an interesting move. They reduced their nine to ten year deal down to five. The amount of money that was involved in the five year deal is unknown. This pushed Pujols over the edge. Many people still wonder why the contract length was cut in half, most notably Albert’s wife, Deidre.

“When you have somebody say ‘We want you to be a Cardinal for life’ and only offer you a five-year deal, it kind of confused us,” Deidre Pujols said in an interview from 99.1 Joy FM. “Well, we got over that insult and felt like Albert had given so much of himself to baseball and into the community... we didn’t want to go through this again.”

Her remarks sparked lots of talk among St. Louis fans, especially because the city had been so supportive over the years.

With extra pocket change to spend, the Cardinals picked up slugger Carlos Beltran. With a lot of money to spare they picked up similar caliber players. If John Mozeliak spends his money wisely on few good players this off-season, the Cardinals might end up better than the year before. w

s I began watching Louisiana State University and Alabama pummel each other in the Bowl Championship System’s “National Championship game,” I asked myself the simple question of what if Alabama wins? After all, Alabama only lost by a field goal in overtime to the Tigers in the first match up. So if the Tide do win this game, they will be the champs right?

Oh, if only it was that easy. If Alabama does win, college football and the BCS will go through their version of Armageddon. Many fans were angry over the decision to put Alabama in the title game, as both are from the South Eastern Conference when there were two other very deserving teams, both with one loss, Stanford and Oklahoma State. Why did Alabama receive the chance to play against LSU? Oh, that’s right. Because a weird mathematical formula chose them. But say Alabama does win, then there will be no clear cut national champion as Alabama, LSU, and Oklahoma State will still have only one loss. Who is the real winner?

Why not name LSU champs even if they lose? If you look at LSU’s schedule, they beat Oregon and West Virginia, were BCS bowl winners, defeated Alabama on the road and went undefeated in the grueling SEC capping it with a SEC championship. Pretty impressive season, huh?

But how can you count out Oklahoma State? The team curb-stomped Oklahoma and would have gone undefeated had they not lost to a pesky Iowa State team in double overtime. Who’s to say if Alabama wins, the Associated Press (which for some unknown reason has the power to vote on the national championship) won’t split the title between the Tide and the Cowboys? The AP poll has split titles 11 times, most recently in 2003 between LSU and the University of Southern California. I’ll bet that Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy is sitting at home right now with a bottle of Gatorade at the ready to dump on his head.

As you can see, there is a bit of a dilemma in determining the national champion with the bowl system. To be fair, the bowl system was never designed to choose the champ, and only in the last 20 years has had that duty.

The bowls were originally intended to promote tourism by producing cheap tickets for fan bases, set up intriguing non-conference match ups and reward players for their hard work. Just ask Ladue alumn David Bryant about his bowl experience. While playing for the Northern Illinois Huskies, Bryant went to three bowl games where he received everything from sweatshirts to a mountain bike and even an iPod. There have been a couple solutions to the problem of selecting a champion. One idea is the plus-one theory, which would keep the BCS and its championship game, but would provide an extra game between the winner of the game and the next highest BCS ranking team. I don’t like this idea because it still relies on the BCS formula that not even Einstein could crack. The idea that I favor, though far-fetched according to experts, is an eight team playoff which would include an automatic bid for the six major conferences and two at-large bids.

This playoff system would bring excitement to the sometimes dull college football post-season and the bowls could still be kept in place. Each playoff would be a bowl game, but with the winner advancing.

As I watch Nick Saban get showered in Gatorade after his Tide utterly destroyed LSU, I can only imagine what is going on elsewhere in the football world. Somewhere, Mike Gundy is dousing himself with his bottle of Gatorade, a BCS executive is smashing his computer with an Alabama helmet and an AP writer is ready to cast his vote splitting the national championship between Oklahoma State, Alabama, or even LSU. Armageddon has arrived. w (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

20

PANORAMA

COVER

JANUARY 27, 2012

Habitat wins $10,000

Club is runner-up in Subway contest EMMA GRADY-PAWL —a&e/features writer

T

he semester got off to an auspicious start for members of Ladue’s Habitat for Humanity, as the group learned over winter break that they had won $10,000 for helping the community in a contest sponsored by Subway.

The group is the only Habitat for Humanity Charter held by a Missouri school and one of only a few in the nation. With more than 60 participants, it works towards Habitat for Humanity’s goal: providing decent and affordable housing to all.

The Ladue chapter finished as one of three runners-up in a contest sponsored by Subway to spotlight High School Heroes.

Dubbed Subway Heroes II, the contest’s preliminary stages took place on Facebook, where users were able to vote once a day for their favorite organization. The contestants, all student organizations, were grouped into categories according to the size of the high school they attended. Finalists were those groups that had received the most votes in their respective bracket. Habitat officer and senior Susan Mandelker described how the process began for the group with somewhat guarded expectations.

“One day Lila [Greenberg] called all of the officers and asked if she could enter us in a competition. We all said yes, expecting nothing, but soon enough after going from class to class getting “likes” on Facebook, we were off to the next round,” Mandelkler said.

Senior Greenberg reinforced the importance of gaining support in the early voting stage. This strategy proved to be key to the group’s success.

“We tried really hard to get people voting in the first round,” Greenberg said. “I think going to different Ac Labs and making a Facebook event with daily reminders really helped people.”

When Habitat for Humanity became a finalist in the Subway Heroes contest, the group then faced the challenge of producing a video that portrayed the club and its mission, for which they enlisted the help of senior and filmmaker Eric Vent.

“When we became finalists, using Eric Vent’s moviemaking talents made a huge difference,” Greenberg said.

With no build on the immediate schedule at the time, the Habitat for Humanity members featured themselves working at ReStore, Habitat for Humanity’s low-cost alternative to traditional hardware stores, which provides

$.49 tax increase on April 3 ballot EMILY BELL —editor in chief

T

he district will vote on Prop 1, an effort to raise the operating tax levy $.49, April 3.

“Prop 1 will give Ladue School District residents an opportunity to weigh in on what type of public schools the community should have,” superintendent Marsha Chappelow said. “The funds needed to sustain such a school district are no longer being automatically generated, and voters must now take deliberate action to determine the type of schools they wish to offer in the community.”

The school board discussed the tax levy Jan. 9 and proposed expenditures to be cut for the 2012-2013 year if Prop 1 fails. Without Prop 1, the district will need to cut $2.1 million. The proposed cuts include those from the K-2 Spanish program, music teachers and P.E staff cuts. The cuts were determined in large part by five criteria, including “maintaining the safety and security of student and staff, maximum savings with minimum impact on students educational programming and staff.” Core

business/legal functions were also considered, along with “maintaining the reputation of the school district and what our community has told us they value in public education.” “[Choosing the potential reductions] was a lengthy process involving a great deal of discussion and analysis,” assistant superintendent for business and finance Jason Buckner said. “I would not want anyone to believe these decisions came easily. My personal hope is that a great deal of time and effort has gone into something that will never happen.”

Another controversial potential cut was the removal of a college and career counselor. When the community learned of this aspect, they rallied, sending emails to the school board and passing petitions around the high school. Following the student and community outcry, the board decided to remove the clause about the college and career counselor, but made it clear that if Prop 1 does not pass, other areas will need to be cut.

“Both Mr. Cornwell and I are humbled by the support we received and excited about staying at Ladue,” college and career counselor Ken Fox said.

BUILDING FOR THE BETTER. (above) The Habitat

group poses in front of the houses they helped build after a successful days work. (left) Junior Charlie Jonas works on the roof of a house. (photos courtesy of Lila Greenberg) additional financial support for the St. Louis affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

The award is a validation of all the hard work the group does throughout the year. Habitat works on 10-12 build sites per year and the group is kept busy on all of its projects.

“A Habitat build involves hammering and nailing, drilling, cleaning up trash, getting up on ladders and more,” officer and senior Jake Goffstein said.

The group has decided to donate their winnings to Habitat for Humanity of St. Louis. They also have big plans for the new semester.

“Our big fundraiser, Mr. Ladue, is coming up, and we hope to raise enough money to stay the only high school sponsors in the St. Louis area,” Greenberg said. “All of our efforts are on making Mr. Ladue a huge success, but we’re also looking at some other build dates. We want to get as many builds in second semester, but sometimes things get complicated with Prom, spring breaks, and APs.” Despite the hectic pace of the semester Mandelker is also enthusiastic about the group’s upcoming events. They have no desire to rest on their laurels and are looking ahead.

“Habitat is now focusing on planning the best Mr. Ladue pageant we’ve had yet,” Mandelker said. w

Proposition 1 affects future budgets; a failure may cause loss of staff, programs At the board business meeting Jan. 23, English teacher Julie Blank urged the school board to “send a strong, clear and consistent message to the community about the consequences of the failure of Prop 1.” Board president Sherri Glantz also made comments regarding the sheet of potential cuts. “[This is] not anything more or anything less than an information sheet,” Glantz said.

“It is the means of the board to maintaining transparency that every one of us feels is important.”

As information continues to be released and the community begins thinking about the April ballot, many are concerned about how a Prop 1 failure could jeopardize programs that make the district unique.

“I was upset that they were going to cut music teachers because that’s something that makes our school unique--the fact that our music program is one of the best in the state and cutting from that can only hurt

us,” senior Sarah Fee said. “Furthermore cutting things like Spanish, it’s more things that make us unique and make us thrive, and when they cut those it really hurts our school as a whole.”

art by ANDREW RUBIN

This was echoed Jan. 23, as the Ladue summer camp was discussed in relation to the levy.

“As we move forward with the tax initiative, I think it’s very important that we are very positive in selling the great things about Ladue,” board member Ken Smith said.

The failure of Prop 1 also effects the West Campus. The LECC will not be affected, but if Prop 1 fails, the district will not be able to open the Fifth Grade Center in the 20132014 year.

Another document details items that are under budget consideration for 2013-2014. This includes eliminating the gifted program and considering changing the high school schedule to a seven period day.

“I think the levy is important because the district needs the financial support of the community in order to continue to provide high quality instructional services to all students,” English teacher Janet Duckham said.

“It is encouraging to see students and parents mobilize to protect those services.”

For now, communication and transparency are the goals of Prop 1 supporters. Between now and April, students, staff, parents and administrators will work to spread the word about the benefits of Prop 1--and potential consequences if it fails.

“What needs to be done is to get the word out to all people who live in the district about the issues that the school faces, and how that will damage them as well,” junior David Abraham said. “Raising awareness to people who live in the district along with parents of children at all levels of schooling would certainly help the levy pass.” w