Ladue Panorama November 2011 Volume 6 Issue 3

Panorama

ladue horton watkins high schoolw1201 s. warson roadwst. louis, mo 63124wvolume 60 issue 3wnovember 4, 2011

Senior skates to bright future

A

LIVING FOR THE LIMELIGHT Before she goes on stage, junior Emma Grady-Pawl applies makeup to junior Alex Bruns-Smith. Ladue theater performed Almost, Maine Oct. 26-29. (photo by Josh Wolderufael)

Taking a stand: RISE fights educational boundaries EMILY BIEST —news editor

A

new student founded program, Reaching Inside, Seeking Excellence, joins Link Crew in mentoring freshman. Founded by senior William Keith, RISE aims to help African American students succeed academically and socially in high school.

“The purpose of RISE is to help minority students gain academic success,” RISE mentor and senior Drea Hanks said. “There is a growing problem [of] negative influences

with the students. We want them to reach their personal best.”

Adjusting to a new class schedule, different teachers and an increased workload can be difficult.

RISE attempts to help freshmen navigate these academic issues along with the pressures of sports, activities and social opportunities.

The program hopes to help freshmen achieve balance so they may have a successful high school career.

“Aside from education, RISE stands as a group of mentors for African American students, we just want them to know they are not alone and we can help them when-

INSIDE

News

fter graduation this year, most seniors will enjoy unforgettable summers before heading off to colleges across the country. Senior Cameron Yang will go an alternative route, taking a gap year before undergraduate studies to play hockey in the midwest.

Yang has played hockey for more than ten years. After two disappointing seasons of little offensive success, he decided to become a goalie.

“I started playing hockey when I was seven,” Yang said.

“My dad watched it on TV all the time so I wanted to try it.

After two seasons with no points, I figured it was time to try something different. I noticed that goalies didn’t skate much so I wanted to be one, but I ended up doing more skating than everyone else.”

Yang is now one of the highest-ranked goalies in the nation.

One of his teams, the Affton Americans, even made it to the final round of the national championships.

continued on page 17

Club aims to tear down walls between demographic groups

ever its needed,” mentor and senior Lauren Younge said. “We want to make a change.”

Each month, members discuss a certain topic relating to the high school. In a typical session, freshmen get a chance to share their experiences and ask for help.

“I feel that the RISE members have helped us freshmen a lot with getting to know the high school better,” freshman Sarah Lakew said.

“Also they have helped us with ways of handling problems we are having like how to balance out the homework we get every night and how to be successful in high school.”

A&E/ Features

MIKE FIGENSHAU —sports writer

October’s topic was academics, in which mentors provided advice on note taking and networking with teachers. They also explained how to maximize what one hears during a lecture, prepare for a test and in general, succeed in the classroom.

Mentors devote time each week to discuss these topics and connect with freshmen, either during Ac Lab or in biweekly study sessions.

“I decided to get involved because I feel that some people don’t live up to their full potential, but not just African Americans,” mentor and junior Curtis Walls said. “I feel that everyone just needs a little push in

Opinions

the right direction, so I wanted to help give that push to the ones who needed it most.”

RISE also hopes to get freshmen parents involved in their mission.

The first RISE event was an informational meeting for parents in order to give them a better idea of the program’s goals and how mentoring could help their children succeed.

The group also hosted an orientation over the summer to allow freshmen to meet the mentors and learn more about RISE. At this meeting, students played icebreaker activities and took a tour of the school. continued on page 20

Sports

Occupy Wall St. Strolling Strings Hyperpartisanship Cross Country

page 6

page 10

page 14

page 16

2

PANORAMA

NEWS

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Teacher receives education award C U E

Social studies teacher Eric Hahn recognized

by Peabody Energy for educational success

e u d a L

Link Crew hosted a national conference in the West Gym Oct. 13. Link leaders and teacher advisors from six other schools attended the conference, which expanded training. The experience allowed Link Leaders from high schools nationwide to meet one another.

DECA attended a business conference Oct. 16-18. The conference prepared the team for upcoming competitions.

The Talking Rams attended the Brentwood-Oakville Invitational Oct. 14-15.

Senior Emily Bell and juniors David Abraham and Sarah Allen placed in Extemporaneous Speaking. Junior Collin Christner placed in Humorous Interpretation. Junior Jerome Gregory and freshman Linhan Chen, freshmen Janine Norman and Katharine Ross, and freshman Miriam Hauptman placed in Novice Original Oratory, Interpretation, and Impromptu Speaking, respectively.

Freshmen Ibhan Kulkarni, freshmen Benjamin Collinger and Samuel Kramer, and junior Jerome Gregory placed in Novice Lincoln-Douglas and Policy Debate, respectively.

Strolling Strings and the Laduettes performed at the Ladue Education Foundation Community Breakfast Oct. 26.

Habitat for Humanity entered Subway High School Heroes contest for a chance to win $10,000. They are competing with other teams, organizations and clubs from around the country. Voting on Facebook and online polls will close Nov. 17.

BEZA GETAHUN —news writer

A

JASON KAPLAN —sports editor

P World teacher Eric Hahn, who has been teaching for over 25 years, won the Peabody Leaders in Education Award Oct. 17. As the Peabody Energy consultants entered his room, they presented him with a $1000 to spend as he chooses.

KMOX announced Hahn’s achievement Monday night during Drive Time, and Peabody’s website also featured him. In addition, St. Louis Business Journal recognized Hahn.

“The Peabody award is given to the teachers who make a difference in their students lives by inspiring them to succeed,” Matt Wolfe, founder and principal of Bond Wolfe Architects, said. “I first had the idea of nominating Hahn when my teenage kids came up to me and told me about how great of a teacher he was.”

HAND IN HAND Eric Hahn shakes hands with Peabody consultant The award is an honor bestowed Maureen Moore as she awards him his $10,000 check. Peabody upon a teacher who best demonstrates an Energy, the world’s largest private-sector coal company, partnered interest in student education. Hahn was with the Logos School in 2009 to develop the Leaders program. Acchosen for the award quickly, shortly cording to Peabody Energy’s website. (photo by Elizabeth Ornitz) after being nominated by a Peabody committee member.

Along with the Peabody consultants, Good, superintendent “It was very spontaneous,” Hahn said. “A member of the Martha Chappelow, and principals Ellen Duncan and Bridget committee nominated me. He asked if I had ever heard of it. I said yes, and then I was the nominee. ... [Social studies teacher] Hermann were also present at the time he received the award.

Dr. Good wrote me an awesome letter of support. Next thing I They each expressed their fondness and pride for Hahn.

“We are very proud of Dr. Hahn,” Hermann said. know, I got the award. It came as a surprise. Many people are After he set the check down, Hahn gathered his students in nominated to the award, so to win it was a great honor.”

The committee said they felt that Hahn stood out in the field the back of the room for a group picture against a background of education. Good’s nomination labeled Hahn as a “master” of of a ceiling-to-floor world map. He expressed his gratitude for teaching, a testimony that influenced the organization to bestow the award as well as his students.

“Without students, this would not be possible,” Hahn said. the award on Hahn.

Hahn first became interested in teaching when he interacted “We are honoring Dr. Hahn as a leader in education,” Mauwith students through outdoor activities at an environmental reen Moore, Peabody energy consultant and program director, coalition in St. Louis. An avid environmentalist, Hahn loved said. “Dr. Good said that ‘Eric is a teacher’s teacher. To sit in teaching students about how to enjoy nature. his classroom is to watch a master at work.’”

“I was in this program that took high school students outdoors for caving, and hiking,” Hahn said. “That is where I found out that I loved to teach.”

According to his students, Hahn’s enthusiasm for teaching is apparent.

Many of his students said they consider his AP World class unforgettable.

“He means the world to me, like literally AP World,” junior Maria Vetter said. “He was one of the best teachers because he had a different style of teaching where you could tell he actually cared about what he was teaching.”

Hahn has left a lasting impression on many of his students throughout his time at Ladue, where Hahn himself attended school. He strives to provide the same passion for history that his students inspire in him.

“He made me want to learn instead RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP Eric Hahn received the award at a of having to sit there and have to read,” ceremony attended by Peabody consultants, social studies teacher Vetter said. “He’s the kind of guy who is Rob Good, superintendent Martha Chappelow, and principals Ellen actually invested in his students, whether Duncan and Bridget Hermann. The award is given to teachers “who it’s teaching us about the Mongols or confoster the future workforce and prepare students to compete in a stantly making us laugh. We are so lucky global marketplace.” (photo by Elizabeth Ornitz) to have him.” w

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

PANORAMA

“Bikini Top Murderer” appeals death penalty conviction in South Carolina MARINA MAY —news writer

L

egal representatives for Jerry Buck Inman, also known as the “Bikini Top Murderer,” appeared in court to appeal his death sentence for the murder of Tiffany Souers. The appeal was presented Sept. 21 to the South Carolina Supreme Court on the premise of an unfair trial due to witness bullying.

Souers, a graduate of Villa Duchesne and a member of the Kappa Kappa Gama chapter at Clemson University, was found raped and dead in her apartment May 26, 2006. She was wearing only a bra and was strangled with her own bikini top, leading the

art by AUDREY KOCHER

public to nickname Inman the “Bikini Top Murderer.”

According to police reports, Inman’s DNA was found on evidence in Souers’ apartment. Investigators also said they found several items related to the crime in Inman’s vehicle.

Inman was arrested two weeks after the murder.

Inman, who lived at home with his mother in Tennessee, was connected not only to the murder of Tiffany Souer, but to a string of other unsolved crimes in the South.

“It seems like [Inman] was just wandering around, finding vulnerable people — women — and preying on them and conducting sexual assaults and getting progressively worse,” Jefferson County Sheriff David Davenport said to USA Today June 7, 2006 after he arrested Inman at his home in Tennessee.

“This may be just the tip of the iceberg.”

Inman was also convicted for the rape and the attempted rape of two other women. The assaults took place during the nine months after he served a 16-year prison sentence for another rape he committed.

“I’ve shown by my actions both in and out of prison that I cannot be rehabilitated,” Inman said during his 2009 trial, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I don’t say any of this to be disrespectful, but your honor, in all reality, there’s really only one sentence appropriate for someone like me, and I ask you to impose that sentence.”

Defense lawyers originally argued for a life term, claiming that psychological problems led him to commit the crime. The defense is now arguing that prosecutorial misconduct influence the jury to sentence Inman to death.

Robert Dudek, Inman’s lawyer, said that the defense’s most important witness, social historian Dr. Marti Loring, was intimidated by solicitor Bob Ariail. Solicitors work with any legal matter relating to court conduct. Loring testified that In-

Social unrest continues in Egypt Egyptian protesters and the military clash in Cairo over increasing Muslim-Christian religious tensions JEET DAS —news writer

R

eligious tension in Egypt reached its peak Oct. 9 when a Christian protest turned violent, leading the transitional government to deploy troops against protesters.

What began as a peaceful protest against a church attack in downtown Cairo escalated into a riot that caused 24 deaths and over 150 injuries. Muslims in southern Egypt burned down a church based on its alleged lack of proper credentials. In retaliation, Christians organized a demonstration in the Shubra district of Cairo against Egypt’s military leaders. Shortly after the protests began, a group of Islamist assailants began throwing stones and firing pellets at the Christian protesters. The riots eventually reached the state television building, prompting the government to send over 1,000 government security forces and armored vehicles to defend the government-owned studio.

“There are approximately 8.9 million Christians in Egypt, which is about 10% of the population,” Africa United co-sponsor Molly Beck said. “The Coptic Christians have coexisted with the Muslims for over 1,000 years with relatively little tension. However, in recent history, about the past 50 years or so, we see a move toward stronger religious feelings which has made tensions more noticeable.”

The riot marked the worst sectarian revolt in casualties since the overthrow of former leader Hosni Mubarak last February.

Many Christians in Egypt hoped for greater religious freedom after Mubarak’s ousting but were disappointed by the military’s tolerance of anti-Christian attacks. The mostly Muslim transitional government usually favors Muslim-friendly policies.

Though Christians and Muslims joined together to over-

throw Mubarak, the government continues to restrict where churches can be built and take other anti-Christian actions.

Some believe the limits on religious freedom hinder

art by XUNYI GAO

the progress of the country as a whole, preventing stability and enduring peace.

“These events have taken us back several steps,” Prime Minister Essam Sharaf said, according to the Associated Press Oct. 9. “Instead of moving forward to build a modern state on democratic principles, we are back to seeking stability and searching for hidden hands, domestic and foreign, that meddle with the country’s security and safety.”

Egypt is not the only African country to face sectarian

NEWS

3

Former Ladue resident not killer’s first victim man was sexually abused as a child by his alcoholic father and that his mother was a schizophrenic.

Loring admitted that she did not do a good job relaying information due to a seven-month gap between the interview with Inman’s family and the testimony. The delay between the interview and the trial was due to Ariail’s threats to press criminal charges against the social historian because she was licensed to practice in Georgia but not in South Carolina.

The murder resonated with several Ladue students who saw similarities between Souers and their own classmates. Despite Inman’s crimes, some feel he should not be executed.

Inman shouldn’t be put to death on the basis that there’s always the slight chance that you’ve just legally murdered the wrong man.

”

-senior Drew Rubin

“It must be devastating for the Souers family and community for such an upstanding young woman’s life to be cut short,” senior Andrew Rubin said. “However, Inman shouldn’t be put to death on the basis that there’s always the slight chance that you’ve just legally murdered the wrong man.”

However, others consider Inman deserving of the sentence.

They believe that Loring’s testimony confirms Inman’s guilt.

“If he never altered his story, then it disturbs me that they would lessen his sentence, even though I don’t always agree with the death penalty,” junior Alexandra Patershuk said. w in-fighting. The Ivory Coast, Libya and Nigeria have also experienced battles over religious, ethnic, or political divisions. In cases of religious conflict, the religious groups at war are often Christians and Muslims.

“The continent of Africa has had many conflicts between different religions,” junior Eddie Mungai said. “However, it’s important for religions to be in harmony with each other because it could otherwise damage the country socially, culturally and even economically.”

Many suggest the root of animosity in Egypt is fear among its people. Some radical Muslim forces fear an uprising from the Coptic Christians, while the Christians worry about the increasing ferocity of ultra-conservative Islamist attacks. Egypt’s future may depend upon its people’s ability to coexist despite religious differences.

“Patience is limited and the people [of Egypt] cannot be pressured forever,” sophomore Fady Boules said. “They have to eventually do something about it and if something is bothering them, it will not go away until they use their voice.”

The transitional government that currently holds power has received complaints from both religious groups. Many believe the transitional government must act to find a long term solution to Egypt’s sectarian struggle.

“Egypt is in such a huge period of transition and is facing so many new things that it is hard to pinpoint how this event will affect the future,” Beck said. “However, the transitional government clearly has not pleased the Coptic Christians. Many believe the government has turned a blind eye to violence and acts against them, and in order to unite the country and move forward, the government will have to work with the Coptic Christians and help work through their concerns.” w

4

NEWS

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Global Update: A snapshot of the world today MIRANDA SIWAK —news editor

Amnesty International angry at George W. Bush Amnesty International called on Canadian authorities to arrest and prosecute former president George W. Bush. The organization said the former president authorized torture in the United States war on terrorism. Last month, a memorandum was submitted to the Canadian attorney general stating that the group charged Bush with legal responsibility for the human rights violations. If Canada refuses to take action during Bush’s upcoming visit Oct. 20, it would violate the United Nations Convention Against Torture. Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Oct. 12 that the organization’s actions explain why many human rights activists have abandoned Amnesty International. Many Amnesty members in Canada’s chapter believe that all torturers should be punished for their actions. Backed by the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, the organization claims that Bush used “enhanced interrogation techniques” and “water-boarding” on detainees held secretly by the Central Intelligence Agency. w

Amanda Knox freed

After a four year legal battle beginning with the 2007 crime in Perugia, Italy, Amanda Knox, 24, and former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, 27, won their appeal, Oct. 3, and have been cleared of committing murder. Knox had asked judges to clear her and Sollecito of her British roommate Meredith Kercher’s murder. Based on the true events, Lifetime produced a made-for-television movie. Lifetime announced an update to the film, including an epilogue of the case, which premiered Oct. 4.

“I thought that the movie was interesting. It helped me understand the situation better because I did not hear enough about the subject on the news, and based on the movie [alone], I thought she was guilty,” junior Francesca Shannon said.

Although they won the appeal, Knox must pay a financial compensation to Italian bar owner Patrick Lumumba, who she initially blamed for the killing of Kercher. Knox’s family is relieved her nightmare is over. Outside the court, there were protests and sheer happiness.

Thousands of people were heard yelling, “disgrace” after hearing the verdict. Shortly after the appeal, Knox arrived back in her hometown Seattle.w

art by ANDREW RUBIN

Rape charges dropped for Dominique Strauss - Kahn Paris prosecutors dropped an investigation based on French writer Tristane Banon’s claim that Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former head of the International Monetary Fund, tried to rape her. The case was dropped due to lack of sufficient proof, though Strauss-Kahn did admit to a smaller charge of sexual assault. The prosecutor’s office say they could not pursue this case as it happened 10 years ago, as the statute of limitations of that charge has only been three years, according to MSNBC News.

Strauss-Kahn quit his job as head of the IMF, after a New York hotel maid accused him of rape; prosecutors also dropped that case. Christine Lagarde was chosen for the position after Strauss- Kahn’s resignation; she is the first woman to head the IMF after Strauss-Kahn. Banon did not file charges against the politician at the time of the incident in 2003, when StraussKahn was a key member of France’s Socialist Party.w

New Zealand oil spill threatens maritime environment A cargo ship stuck on a reef leaked oil 12 miles off the coast of New Zealand at the port of Tauranga, Oct. 11. Maritime New Zealand estimates that 300 tons of fuel leaked from the ship, and the country’s environment minister Nick Smith called this event the biggest maritime environmental disaster the country has ever seen. The 1,368 containers on the ship contained hazardous materials, but had not fallen overboard. Maritime New Zealand estimates that several hundred endangered birds were killed by the oil spill. Spokesman for the WWF, Bob Zuur, told BBC News on Oct. 11 that the oil represents a huge tragedy for wildlife in the area. The ship Rena is owned by Greece’s Costamare Inc., which has made no decision on whether to pump the remaining oil from the ship. Efforts to clean up the oil spill resulted in the collection of 95.45 tons of waste, Oct. 13. 60 kilometers of New Zealand coastline have been contaminated with oil and 500 dead birds have been found. w

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

NEWS

5

Greece may need bailouts from Eurozone European leaders struggle to rebuild the economic crisis HAOHANG XU —news writer

F

orced to meet the requirements for Eurozone and International Monetary Fund bailouts while dealing with the growing discontent among its citizens, the Greek parliament is struggling to find satisfactory solutions to its worsening debt crisis.

“The cause of the debt crisis is the mismanagement of funds by the government,” social studies teacher Jeff Miller said. “The world has based its economy on deficit spending for the past seventy to eighty years. Deficit spending is based on the premise that as long as the economy is always growing, we can take on debt. However, now we’re in recession, so the economy stops growing but the debt keeps increasing, which leads to bankruptcy.”

In 2010, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund approved a bailout package of $152.6 billion for Greece on the condition that it adopted harsh austerity measures.

Throughout 2010 and 2011, the

Greek parliament passed unpopular property taxes, wage and pension and spending cuts in exchange for Eurozone and IMF funds. Despite these measures, Greek deficit continued to grow 150 percent of its annual gross domestic product.

In response to the harsh austerity cuts, a series of general strikes began across Greece May 5, 2010, leading to social unrest and anti-government sentiment, continuing through this year.

“It’s kind of ridiculous that the Greeks are protesting the austerity measures when they are necessary to improving the economy,” senior Daniel Koslovsky said.

As Greece faces protests against spending cuts, European leaders continue to struggle to agree on a solution to the European debt crisis.

A summit attended by world leaders including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and IMF managing director Christine Lagarde was held in Brussels Oct. 23. During talks, Merkel and Sarkozy, whose countries have

take. One option is for the Eurozone nations to unite under a central fiscal authority, pooling their resources to finance weaker governments at lower interest rates.

“The EU needs to be in control,” junior Collin Christner said. “The Greek government has not proven itself capable of handling its country’s economy in an effective manner. The other EU leaders need to step in and take the reigns, and try to get the situation under control. If they fail, then they fail, but at least we would know that there are credible people on the job.”

Another option is for financially weak nations to exit the Eurozone. In fact, the unresolved debt crisis is prompting talk in non-involved European nations art by HANNAH CROPF about withdrawal from the EU. According to a Guardian/ICM poll, 49 percent of voters in Britthe two largest economies in the ain would support such a withdrawEurozone, expressed the need for al. A final option is for the nations further bailout packages to combat to take coordinated actions without Greece’s growing crisis. uniting officially, a course leadAccording to economists, ers are currently taking. Whatever there are three main tracks that the path European leaders take, actions European economic crises could must be taken to quell the current

Russia plans to place former president in power once again EMILY BELL

—editor in chief

W

hile the United States’ election season begins full swing, Russia’s elections are as well. Current president Dmitri Medvedev stated Sept. 24 that he would be stepping down to let current prime minister Vladimir Putin assume the presidency. Medvedev has plans to become prime minister once Putin takes office in 2012.

“This comes as no surprise and moreover is a move that will be welcomed by many Russians,” Washington University history Professor Eren Tasar said. “Of course, in the absence of a robust free press, the true level of opposition or enthusiasm is impossible to gauge.”

Putin, president from 2000 to 2008, is serving as Prime Minister because of a limit on number of consecutive terms for the presidency. This is Putin’s second time as Prime Minister; Medvedev has only served one term.

When Putin resumes the office in 2012, he could potentially be in power until 2024, as he could serve more than one term again. Putin has compared himself to FDR, because of the number of terms he potentially could serve.

“I think that the comparison is somewhat correct, because even though Putin didn’t serve a continuous four terms as president, he served as the Prime Minister, which helped him influence the President’s decisions,” freshman Arthur Derkach said. “Looking at it from that way, Putin could serve 6 terms in a position of government power.”

After Boris Yeltsin’s resignation in 2000, Putin assumed the presidency, making him the second president of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. During his time in office, Putin

improved Russia’s economy, with much of Russia’s economy relying on oil and natural gas prices.

“After his resignation [as president], a great portion of Russia’s citizens were in much better positions than before, as the poverty levels dropped by over 50%,” senior Cameron Yang said. “Despite this, he has manufactured an environment which has a Soviet-esque feel in that the media is still heavily censored and citizens possess few rights.”

Some feel that the successes Putin had during his first presidency will continue in his second term.

“It will be a big positive for Russia because he’s an extremely capable leader and has done well for Russia in the past, so there’s really no reason why he’d falter as President again,” sophomore Andrew Tsiaklides said.

Others though, disagree. Putin has eliminated other political opposition and is seen by some as oppressive and controlling.

There were signs that Putin controlled Medvedev during much of his presidency.

“When he took the presidency, there were predictions that he would acquire greater control over certain branches of government, while Putin would have absolute sway over the KGB[the national security agency],” Tasar said. “I don’t think Medvedev had much of a chance to develop a constituency within the government attached specifically to himself. It’s therefore difficult to say how much of what has changed in Russia since 2008(to the extent anything has changed) is attributable to him.”

Despite this lack of governmental control, Russia far from stagnated during Medvedev’s term. Russia is trying to join the World Trade Organization and Russia’s relationship with the West improved under Medvedev.

“I feel that he has done a reasonable job as the head of state,” Yang said. “He has sought to modernize the Russian economy and expand the social liberties of the people. Since his

economic crisis in order to stave off global economic depression. An unchecked crisis in the Eurozone, with the largest GDP in the world, could have economic consequences beyond Europe.

“The debt crisis definitely has the potential to have an impact like [that of the Great Depression],” Miller said. “But in the Great Depression, we still had the belief that we could isolate ourselves economically and still be fine, and we didn’t understand the interconnectedness of the economy. We understand that now. The idea of globalization has permeated our political philosophy.

If Greece were really about to go bankrupt, someone will step in.”

Note: Eurozone leaders settled on a deal in another summit Oct. 26, agreeing to increase bailout funds to €1 trillion with European banks agreeing to 50 percent private sector losses on Greek bonds. In reaction to the new bailout plan, U.S. stocks rallied, with the Dow rising nearly 340 points within a day of the summit. For further updates about new developments, visit www. laduepanorama.com. w

Vladimar Putin to return to presidency after serving as prime minister inauguration, he has pushed to end corruption in the Russian government and pushed to remove state officials from many state-controlled corporations.”

Putin is also accused of committing human rights abuses in former Soviet Union states such as Chechnya, which is ruled

by Ramazan Kadyrov. It is in countries such as this that there is violence and lack of rights, and there are concerns about how Russia’s foreign policy could develop under Putin.

“As long as the Kremlin uses figures such as Kadyrov to implement its policies, Russia under Putin can never claim to be a responsible major world power,” Tasar said.

For now, Russia is focused on their economy and global status. In 2012 an exchange of power will occur, but nothing is expected to change immediately.

“Putin is kind of the working power behind everything,” senior Inna Brokhina said. w art by ANDREW RUBIN

6

NEWS

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Thousands represent middle class by protesting on Wall Street, elsewhere Citizens demonstrate frustration with “the 1 percent” and government’s economic action began in early September, economic policy reform has not yet materialized.

“I think Occupy Wall Street is a very good idea in theory,” junior Sydney Fontaine said. “However, I don’t see it doing it he Occupy Wall Street movement began protesting econom- anything too positive because so far all that’s been happening is the people on Wall Street walking over these people standic inequality in New York Sept. 17, calling for reduced corporate power in government and restrictions on the financial ing out to get to their jobs… If protesting did such a great with everything then I think it would be somewhere by now.” industry that many protesters fault for the 2008 fiscal crisis.

In the midst of the campaign for the 2012 presidential elecThe protesters, who say they are the “99 percent,” believe that tions, some politicians opted to declare support for the moveAmericans in the top 1 percent of the tax bracket, of whom emment in the hopes of winning more support for 2012, including ployees on the financial sector in Wall Street are symbolic, have Republican candidate and former Utah governor Jon Huntsman. benefited to the detriment of the American middle class. Although the movement lacks an official platform, the protesters universally The Los Angeles Times noted Oct. 19 that Huntsman’s recent Wall Street Journal Op-Ed in favor of stricter banking regulaoppose the government’s treatment of corporations and of the tions suggested that “Huntsman recognizes that the average wealthiest Americans, and feel that Americans in a position of American shares Occupy Wall Street’s resentment of the bank economic power must contribute more to society. bailouts.” President Obama has also voiced support for the “I think that Occupy Wall Street is an authentic representation of collective frustration,” senior Zoe Krause said. “I am impressed Occupy Wall Street movement. However, if the movement subsides before the 2012 elections, its impact may be insignificant. by it, awed by it and inspired by the duration of it. I think it has “I don’t think they’re going to be around in a year,” Saxton gotten less full and sensible coverage than it deserves because, said. “I don’t think it’s going to impact the elections because it’s unlike comparable movements, the demands of the protestors are not an orchestrated movement, at least at this point.” complicated and diverse.”

The movement has been compared in many ways to the Tea Protests began in front of the New York Stock Exchange, Party movement among conservatives. Although the specific christening the movement Occupy Wall Street, but eventually aceconomic beliefs of the groups are not the same, both showtivists were forced to move to nearby Zuccotti Park. Though their case a strong sense of frustration with the economy and with over arching message opposes the financial industry, Occupy Wall elitist power in government, with the Tea Party blaming liberals Street lacks formal organization or leaders. and Obama and Occupy Wall Street blaming corruption in the “The reality is that it lacks organization, and it lacks leaderfinancial sector. ship, and when you lack definitive leadership it’s hard to have “Both are grassroots movements that tap into a populist purpose,” social studies teacher Christopher Saxton said. “It lacks government buy-in, unlike the government buy-in that other fringe frustration with the current economic and political order,” social studies teacher Rob Good said. “While both started as genuine groups like the Tea Party are able to get.” grassroots movements, third parties have sought to influence The absence of organization and leadership has led to a lack of movements for their own ends.” unified demands. In addition to missing a political platform, the Both movements also represent fringe groups among voters. activists who compose the movement do not have inside influence In the face of extremism from liberals and conservatives alike, over Wall Street. some feel that compromise is the best solution.

“I don’t think it really has an effect on people who are directly “The Occupy Wall Street movement is like the Tea Party beworking on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange because cause both believe that the answer is to be extremely one sided, they’re not changing how the stock brokers work,” freshman Benjamin Collinger said. “Sooner it’s going to dissipate because it whether far left or far right,” senior Cecelia Vetter said. “Both movements ask for change, but the best way for our country to gets colder… The only way things are actually going to change is if people who work on Wall Street change things from the inside.” improve is for compromise and concession. If both conservatives and liberals worked together, change would be made that Even some who agree with Occupy Wall Street’s message do satisfies a large majority of people.” not believe that the movement will succeed. Although the protests Though the “Occupy” movement has spread to cities nationwide, including St. Louis, the future of Occupy Wall Street remains uncertain. However, supporters remain hopeful that if the movement continues, changes will come.

“I don’t know what they will do, or if they will push the frame of debate towards progress in fixing our problems, but I do know that these protesters and all such movements on the other side of the ideological divide are authentic representations of American spirit and values,” Krause said. “I am glad that they are forcing us to some degree IN THE CROWD Wall Street protesters gather in New York to petition for the to examine the ways that the rights of the “99 percent.” Protests began at the New York Stock exchange and system we live in is imperspread throughout the city, then to cities nationwide and to other countries such fect and unbalanced.” w as United Kingdom and China. (photo courtesy of David Ornitz) SARAH ALLEN —news editor

T

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS A man and child carry signs in the Occupy St. Louis protest, a movement that stemmed from the Wall Street protests.

The man carried the child on his shoulders, singing to the crowd before setting her down so they could join the protest. (photo by Elizabeth Ornitz)

Off Wall Street A free application called “I’m getting arrested,” was released to Android phone users. The app allows users to create a message and choose recipients in advance, and then sends the message upon arrest, according to a USA Today article Oct. 25.

A new program called Occupy the URL, launched Oct. 25, allows internet users to add a pop-up protest to any Web site, including photos of protesters. Users only need to select the URL they want to occupy.

Celebrity support includes documentary maker Michael Moore, Gossip Girl sar Penn Badgley, anti-war activist Jesse Jackson, actor Tim Robbins and rapper Kanye West. art by BOWON JOUNG

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

PANORAMA

AD

7

8

PANORAMA

A&E/FEATURES

SNL Going ‘Wiig’-less?

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

helping One Continent at a Time:

Sophomores spend summer helping Tanzanian community

The trip was split into different activities each week. The first week was based on manual labor work and the construction of the staff house, including building their own cement to remodel the walls, as well as reconstituting the floors.

“We were able to get to know the kids that would get to go service program, Rustic Pathways, flew 17 high school to the school, as well as the families around the area, while we students to Mangola JU, a small village in Tanzania, for three weeks. Sophomores Madison Barker and Jordan were working on the house,” Barker said.

As the first week Christ jumped at the chance to came to a close, the join the group and make a diflast two weeks the ference in another country. volunteers were able Christ and Barker rebuilt a to venture out and damaged school for the Manclimb the highest gola JU community, as well as peak on the African have an experience of a lifecontinent, Mount time. The rebuilding process Kilimanjaro, standtook about three weeks. ing at 19,336 feet.

“I chose to travel to Af“Climbing Mt. rica for a community service Kilimanjaro was a program because I thought it cool accomplishwas so different than anything ment,” Christ said. or anywhere I have ever been “It took around six before,” Christ said. days, four to climb The main focus of the up and 2 to descend, group was to help build a staff and I climbed all house for a local school where the way to the tallteachers would be able to est point! It was stay and regroup in between a gradual incline, classes. Different groups nothing too bad but were flown in throughout the some people got entire summer to complete it. altitude sickness.”

Tearing down walls and then In the final rebuilding sturdier ones was weeks, volunteers just one of the first steps in were able to look at the process. their work and see “Our days would consist the improvements of waking up, gathering into they had made over a bus and driving 20 minutes that small amount into a small village, unloading of time. As teachall our supplies, and working TANZANIAN ANGELS (Upper) Outside of their final project, ers were accustomed on the school from 9 a.m. to sophomores Madison Barker, Jordan Christ and other mem- to long walks every about 4 p.m.,” Barker said. bers from Rustic Pathways spent three weeks building the morning to and from The Rustic Pathways staff house. (Lower) Mount Kilimanjaro looms at 19,336 feet the school, the Rustic group stayed in a base camp over African plains. (photos courtesy of Madison Barker) Pathway volunteers near a coffee plantation, not were able to eliminate that problem by building them the new far from the village that the school was located in, allowing the staff house, giving teachers a place to stay throughout the day. volunteers to experience true village life.

“The people there are really appreciative and friendly for “I think it helped me understand that there is so much more going on in the world than we are able to see in St. Louis and by everything they had and everything we did for them,” Christ said. “It was definitely a great experience.” w traveling to Africa I was able to take it all in,” Barker said.

DANA MAGRUDER —a&e/features writer

A

art by AMY DAI

P

SARAH KLOEPPLE —a&e/features editor

enelope. Gilly. Nancy Pelosi. Suze Orman. Kathie Lee Gifford. Michelle Bachmann. These are just a few of the hilarious Kristen Wiig’s aliases on “Saturday Night Live.” It has been rumored that the comedian will be departing from the show at the end of its 2011-2012 season. Gasp. If this were to happen, the loss of Wiig would no doubt be a major bummer, but the show could rebound easily. Wiig has proven that she’s ready for bigger and better things in the film/TV business.

According to entertainmentweekly.com, Lorne Michaels, once called Wiig one of the “three or four top performers” in “SNL” history. Though I haven’t been watching the show since 1975 (obviously), I am certain Wiig is an SNL alpha.

It’ll definitely be a blow for the show, losing such an iconic cast member, but that means there’ll be room for new comedians to showcase their talent.

Wiig has also proven her talent beyond the TV screen.

She recently produced, co-wrote, and starred in the popular summer comedy, “Bridesmaids.” On behalf of many women, I just want to personally thank Wiig for proving that females can in fact be as funny as men. Although, that food poisoning scene might haunt me forever.

It’s obvious that Wiig no doubt has good means for parting from the show, but she’ll still be missed by many. I can’t count the number of times I’ve laughed at her various impersonations of the always intoxicated Kathie Lee Gifford as the Today show stretches on into it’s “sixth hour.” And I’m always excited to see her improvise songs as Kath of the forgetful singing duo, “Kath and Garth,” who frequently appear on Weekend Update. They just never are prepared, are they? She even shines as the “Target Lady,” where she plays an overzealous Target employee who is almost too chipper that it comes off annoying.

I’d have to say that my favorite of the many dynamite Kristen Wiig sketches is “Surprise Party.” She plays Sue, a relative of the character of that night’s host, Christopher Walken, who just can’t seem to control herself when she hears he wants to throw a surprise party for his daughter.

“Oh my g-o-o-o-d!” she says frequently. Throughout the sketch, she tries things like snacking to suppress her enthusiasm (though she almost chokes) and when the daughter unexpectedly interrupts their planning, Sue seems to be the only one who can’t contain herself, worried she’ll spill the beans. By the end of the sketch, it’s clear that Sue is pretty much crazy about everything from surprise parties to the mall to ice cream. Yes, it really is an “SNL” classic. I recommend everyone to check it out.

So in conclusion, it will be sad if this is Wiig’s final season on Saturday Night Live. I find her performances consistently versatile, charming, and of course hilarious. But don’t forget the silver lining: this means Wiig will have much more time to write or star in many more hilarious movies, like “Bridesmaids.” I hope it isn’t so, but if Wiig really does decide to leave “SNL”, she will definitely be missed. And I can say right now, that I’ll be the first to purchase the “Best of Kristin Wiig” DVD when it comes out. w (this column reflects the opinion of the writer)

DEAD MAN WALKING Zombies all over St. Louis gathered in the Delmar Loop Oct. 22 to raise funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

Zombies gathered in front of the Starbucks in University City and marched up and down Delmar Blvd.

“It was awesome,” senior Zach Amir said. “There were a bunch of other people who had exactly the same idea that I had to scare people in the Loop. It was definitely one of the greatest Halloween experiences I’ve ever had.” (photo by Lee Goodman)

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

A&E/FEATURES

9

TeamSTAGES visits New York Select Ladue a capella members light up the Big Apple professional level.

“I gained greater insight into LEO DICERA what a legitimate professional audi—a&e/features writer tion is like, something which is hard our musically-talented Ladue to get a sense of in St. Louis,” Hafer students got the experience of said. “I got a good glimpse into what a lifetime, while on their trip the business is like, getting to talk to the entertainment capital of the to several working Broadway actors United States, New York City. about how they have gotten where “It was a really good experithey are.” ence. It was great to become better The group also had the chance acquainted with all the other memto receive advice from actors within bers,” junior Hanna Zenger the industry through said. “I had never been to talkbacks at the end of I got a good glimpse into what the busiNew York City before so each show they saw. ness is like, getting to talk to several it was eye opening to be The group was invited exposed to professional backstage where they working Broadway actors about how entertainment.” got the special chance they have gotten where they are.

Part of their effort with to meet with the cast -junior Dylan Hafer TeamStages, St. Louis’ of each show. There, premiere high school they had a one on one aged a cappella ensession with them semble, a segment of the and were free to ask regional theatre company, STAGES whatever they pleased. anywhere else.”

St. Louis, comprises of Ladue senior “The talkbacks couldn’t have During their stay, the group Kelsey Bearman, and juniors Dylan been more surreal,” Jonas said. worked with the agency responsible Hafer, Courtney Jonas and Zenger. for casting over 90 percent of Broad- “There we were right in front of They visited the Big Apple as part way shows. professional Broadway actors, free of their annual trip, which for them, to ask anything about their career!

At the meeting, the students was the trip of a lifetime. Their jourTheir tips were so helpful from received crucial information regardney was filled with many workshops, ing how to stand out at auditions and getting more sleep to believing in shows and talkbacks with the casts, yourself.” how musical theatre operates on a

F

in addition to the chance to audition in front of one of the most celebrated casting directors in Broadway industry.

“The city has such an electric atmosphere, and there is just an indescribable feeling that everyone is where they want to be, doing what they want to be doing,” Hafer said.

“The location of the trip made it infinitely more special, as few of the opportunities we had would exist

”

BROADWAY BOUND Outside of the Gershwin Theatre, (from left to right) senior Kelsey Bearman, juniors Dylan Hafer, Courtney Jonas and Hanna Zenger await a showing of Wicked.

“We were all really excited to see Wicked, it was our first night in New York and it was so great seeing it with TeamSTAGES,” Bearman said. (photo courtesy of Zenger) The musical theatre group made plenty of room for Broadway shows, as they saw the 2010 revival of “Anything Goes,” featuring Broadway-legend, Sutton Foster, the new musical adaption of the 1980s film, “Sister Act” and the smash hit musical acting as a prologue to the Wizard of Oz, “Wicked.”

“I can’t say I had a favorite show!” Jonas said, “They were all so different in many ways. Wicked was so magical, Sister Act so soulful and Anything Goes so classical!”

Hafer, Jonas and Bearman have expressed their desires to live in the New York City and work as actors on Broadway one day. For now, however, the group looks forward to a long career with TeamSTAGES, as their bond with each other continues to expand.

“I learned not to let my insecurities or let downs get to my head from this trip, instead I hope to use them to better myself and improve emotionally and professionally everyday,” Zenger said. w

Ladue Gets Technical JOU N WON

beginning of January and having students work on the robot up to competition dates. An objective that changes from year to year is given, and robots are scored on how well they accomplish this objective.

Specifics about the features of the robot also change from year to year but can never weigh more than 120 pounds and can not include batteries or bumpers. Robots also must operate independently in addition to wireless controls to accomplish their objective.

Several planned local competition dates include March 22-24 at Chaifetz Arena and April 26-28 at the Edward Jones Dome.

Depending on progress made later in the year, there are also larger competitions in Chicago and Kansas City to which Ladue will send a team.

Meetings are scheduled to take place every Monday in October through December. These meetings will be used to discuss rules of

y BO

A

pple’s new and engaging iPhone feature, SIRI, has given a different dimension to the word robot. The engineering of this feature is no doubt complicated, but Ladue students are now able to scratch the surface behind building a robot with Ladue’s new engineering club, FIRST Robotics.

“I’m just hoping we build a team, the kids think its worth their while,” co-sponsor and science teacher Theodore Waterson said. “Honestly, I don’t really care how the robot does, I’m just looking for the students to have a worthwhile experience.”

FIRST Robotics is an international organization where high school students form teams, build robots and compete against each other at local, national, and international competitions.

“The whole idea of going to

competitions and building robots that can do tasks appealed to me,” junior Ruth Abraha said. “I’ve never done anything like it before.”

Technology educator Stephen Schmidt and Waterson agreed to help start up Ladue’s division of FIRST Robotics after being asked by assistant superintendant, Donna Jahnke and principal Bridget Hermann. Monsanto is a major sponsor of FIRST Robotics in the St. Louis region and plans to provide students with the opportunity of collaborating with its engineers and scientists in building robots as well as helping fund the club.

“Monsanto is helping us with the cost of the materials,” Waterson said.

“The idea of students working with professionals toward a common goal appealed to me. Not having to worry about fund raising was also appealing to me.”

FIRST Robotics competitions consist of teams given a standard set of parts and game details in the

art b

CHRISTINE WANG —a&e/features editor

G

Robotics club offers first-hand engineering learning experience

competition, safety training, ordering parts and designing the robots.

Second semester meetings will be much more frequent in preparation for various competitions and will take place every day after school in January and February.

“Second semester is when the club will get the basic parts and rules for the competition,” Schmidt said.

“That’s when the build begins. We along with the other clubs from all over the world will have 6 weeks to build the robot for competition.” w

10

A&E/FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT MONTHLY

Nov. 1

Ceremonials Florence + The Machine

PANORAMA

Strolling Strings on Orchestra club travels out of the road: state for first time in six years MACKENZIE PASS —a&e/features writer

7

Inheritance Christopher Paolini

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

W

hile almost everyone enjoys the soothing sound of an orchestral melody, not many realize how the extensive work goes into producing such beautiful music. Strolling Strings has been an orchestral club offered at Ladue for years. The concept of strolling orchestras dates back to the gypsy violinists who entertained all over Europe in the last century. For students, the club offers student motivation to

vibrant and everyone seemed to be pleased by the music.

“The response to the crowd was really positive,” sophomore Claire Paddock said. “They seemed like they really appreciated us playing for them, and for us traveling to be able to attend the event was a really successful trip, and we even got to do fun things such as visit the Coca- Cola Company of Atlanta and the Martin Luther King Museum.”

While their efforts paid off, the hard work and time the students put in is extremely rigorous. Not only does the group require individual commitment, but also teamwork to succeed.

“Strolling Strings is a lot like playing a team sport,” senior

Owl City

The Pageant

11 18

J. Edgar

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 SYMPHONY OF SOUND While performing at the Ladue Education Foundation Community Breakfast, Stroll-

Happy Feet Two

21

Talk That Talk Rihanna

23

My Week With Maryiln

ing Strings members (from left to right), sophomores Becca Ormonde, Jack Milburn, seniors Xunyi Gao and Sarabjeet Seehra play “Hoe Down - Encore Feuding Fiddles” for Ladue administrators and parents. This is one of the many venues the club is solicited to play. (photo by Jillian Proehl)

pursue their musical passion outside of the band room as well as Cecelia Vetter said. “The whole group has to work together and incentive to succeed and please an audience. trust each other to make sure we stay on beat.”

“The overall experience was a huge success,” orchestra Many of the students also plan to pursue music in college. director Jeffrey Lindhosrt said. “I was very pleased with our Strolling Strings teaches fundamental discipline in cognition professional poise and excellent musicianship at our stroll with personal as well as group achievement that motivates the event. I’m sure there will be another trip in the future.” musicians to want to excel through their instruments.

The student musicians range anywhere from ninth grade “Practicing and learning the music on your own is very time to twelfth grade and are consuming, and especially the given the opportunity for an first time around it takes a audition during eighth grade. lot of work but after that Strolling Strings is a lot like playing While most students audition for it is not as bad,” Schindler a team sport. The whole group has to the purpose of enjoyment and said. “With investing time work together and trust each other to extracurricular participation, the in memorizing the music, membership of Strolling Strings it makes our job easier make sure we stay on beat. reap a lot more benefits than later when we have to play in -senior Cecelia Vetter solely academic. Members simfront of an audience. While ply enjoy the atmosphere.

Strolling Strings is a huge “Strolling Strings is fun,” commitment, I would suggest junior Max Schindler said. “There is a great peer group, paired eighth graders to consider trying out because it is a fun group with good music, as well as fun opportunities I have gotten to that everyone enjoys playing their instruments together.” join in on such as the Atlanta trip where we recently traveled.

Strolling Strings plans to perform two to three "strolls,” or Strolling Strings has not traveled outside of St. Louis in over performances, in the following months. The money contributed four years, so this was cool.” to the club will go towards the Ladue orchestra program.

The group performed for St. Vincent DePaul in Atlanta, GA “This was a special event that came up,” Lindhorst said.

Oct. 15. The musicians were asked to play for the annual din“And this is a very talented group of students deserving to go on ner of the event sponsors, and the response from the crowd was a trip for sure.” w

”

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

A&E/FEATURES

11

that has gone into understanding how the painting evolved over time,” art history teacher, Michelle Graf said. “Generally, Monet made the triptych more abstract, the lilies less defined, and the colors became muted over time. We are able to document changes to the triptych by looking at photographs, taken in 1917 and 1921, and by comparing it to his [earlier] paintings.”

Monet worked on Agapanthus for over 10 years, from 1915 until his death in 1926. While old pictures were helpful in documenting some of the changes Monet made, modern science has also played a significant role.

“Kansas City has also examined their painting with the use of x-radiography, revealing lilies which are no longer visible today,” Graf said. “In addition, they removed a tiny sample of paint, pin drop size, and examined it using visible light microscopy.”

These methods allowed the researchers to see the layers of paint below the surface. The research yielded some surprising results, which art by AMY DAI could change history’s perspective on Monet’s artwork.

“There are several layers of paint – 8 in one of the samples we took,” Kelly said. “The research complicates the idea of Monet as a spontaneous outdoor painter and makes him an artist who perfects his work over several years.”

“My job includes a lot of different elements,” Kelly said.

The goal of the exhibit is both to show the end result of that “There’s sort of the didactic side, with labels and setting up the work, and to help the viewers understand how Monet created audio tour, and then there’s the process of installing the works his masterpieces. Many people have already seen the exhibit, in the space, and choosing lighting. I also do a lot of research but for those who have not yet seen it, there is one more influenabout the paintings and tial factor to consider. catalog them, as well as “The triptych hasn’t been negotiating the loans for the together for about 30 years.

The triptych hasn’t been together for paintings.”

After the exhibit travels beabout 30 years. After the exhibit travThe triptych is considered tween the three art museums, a historical exhibit for the St. the triptych will be separated els between the three art museums, Louis Art Museum. Viewing again,” Graf said. “Assumthe triptych together will be of- the triptych will be separated again. ing that it will not be together fered only for a limited time. again for another 30 years and -art teacher Michelle Graf “[Seeing the triptych you are 16, that means the together] is simply a breathtriptych will not be together taking experience,” junior again until you are 46. For that Sara Drewes said. “I probably sat there for 20 minutes just apreason alone, you should go see the exhibit!” preciating his use of colors and light and the painting itself.”

Tickets for Monet’s Water Lilies are $10 for adults, $8 for The various artistic elements of the design of the exhibit, students and seniors, and free to anyone on Fridays. including use of space, color, and lighting, help to create an "The triptych is like a window into Monet's mind in his older impressive effect. But with its famous reputation and historical age,” Drewes said. “His vision was decreasing so he painted background, the exhibit offers more than just pretty pictures. exactly what he saw, which is softly focused yet still brilliantly “Another wonderful aspect of the exhibit is the research captures the essence of the water lilles.” w

A Once in a Lifetime Art Experience Monet’s “Water Lillies” on display at St. Louis Art Museum SAYLI SANT —a&e/features writer

S

t. Louis is currently home to Monet’s Water Lilies, which are on view at the St. Louis Art Museum from Oct. 2, 2011 through Jan. 22, 2012. The French Impressionist, Claude Monet painted 250 oil paintings in his series, Water Lilies. Three of these works were painted as a set, or triptych.

The current exhibit displays all three parts of the Agapanthus triptych, which spans 42 feet in total.

“What makes this unique [is that] the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and The Cleveland Museum of Art have collaborated with the St. Louis Art Museum to reunite the three panels of Agapanthus so the public can view the work as Monet himself intended,” art teacher Patricia Chavez said.

Normally, each of the three sections is held in a different museum. The left section is housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art, the center at the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the right at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Setting up such a collaboration requires thought and time. Simon Kelly, curator of modern and contemporary art at the St. Louis Art Museum, oversees the exhibit.

”

Double Take

sophomore Taylor Murphy

actress Emily VanCamp

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?

math teacher Jim Moser

actor Hector Elizondo

senior Emily Warner

actress Shailene Woodley

photos courtesy of popcrunch.com, nnbd.com, and sugarslam.com

12

PANORAMA

OPINIONS

Views from the Burrow

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

If You’re Not First...

Studies prove favoritism exists in families art by AUDREY KOCHER

STL pride, baby MOLLY BURROUGHS —opinions editor

G

ame six. The Cardinals are tied after coming back from two runs down in extra innings for the second time. David Freese is up with two outs and two strikes. Do you believe in miracles?

At times like these, you have to.

After their game six victory, the Cardinals were most praised for their tenacity, their continued fighting to the bitter end and never giving up as the Rangers batted to lead after lead, sending the game to extra innings. Even as the Cards were down to their last strike, twice, they never stopped playing their game.

This sort of dogged determination has its place on the baseball field, and even in day to day life. A particularly complicated math problem can stump a student the first three times he looks at it, but if he can hang on and look at it for a fourth time, he’ll see something, some clue, and he will be able to solve it. The best stories in sports, miraculous recoveries and just plain inspirational living come from the people who never surrendered even when their enemies and troubles seemed insurmountable. Everyone admires Jackie Robinson, the legendary second baseman who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, and most athletes or those who know anything about sports wish they could do something half as amazing.

America has every reason to root for an underdog, or cling to hope in desperate situations. Going back to the Revolutionary War, the then-rebellious colonial army only won a few victories and was severely out-classed by the British. Yet, we all know how the war ended, and Americans take special pride in their dark horse status.

While Americans especially relate to an underdog who never gives up, we should equally praise those who compromise and learn to yield in an argument. In many circumstances, conceding part of what you desperately want to someone else, and allowing them to partially have their way, is even more difficult than stubbornly standing by and refusing to budge. Our nation should glorify compromise, especially as the Constitution’s famed system of checks and balances is based on it. Finding a balance between victory and defeat, our goals and someone else’s, is key to living a healthy life. Just as the Cardinals can’t win every game and every season can’t boast an amazing story of comeback like this year’s, we can’t dwell on our grievances forever.

For example, St. Louisans can’t spend our entire life grouching about how Chicago stole our glory or how underrated we are. It’s true, cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles with higher populations and legitimate public transportation systems draw more attention and tourism. Get over it. In fact, celebrate it. St. Louis’ limited appeal keeps our city from overcrowding. Part of its charm is in its optimal size, a cross between metropolis and Hickville, USA. Besides, just look at our past. Events like the World’s Fair and hosting Lewis and Clark’s journey of exploration keep us in history textbooks.

Of course, this begs the question, what makes St. Louis important today? The simplest answer: baseball. St. Louis is and always has been a baseball town. The Rams, quite frankly, are the most inconsistent, semi-competent team around. The Blues have their moments, and the soccer team rarely gets any attention at all, but only the Cardinals have constantly kept up with our demands for glory.

We may not always understand the team’s methods, but nobody can disrespect the results it delivers. After all, with their incredible, unbelievable, awe-inspiring (insert your adjective of choice here) comeback, their continual success that keeps us on the map, how can we blame them for anything? w (Columns represent the opinon of the writer.)

SARAH JACOB —opinions writer

P

arents have been lying to their kids since they were born.

From Santa Claus to the tooth fairy, parents sprinkle embellishments throughout their child’s life, so why would parents stop when it comes to which of their children they love more?

Favoritism is unavoidable, although well concealed in most situations, it exists in every family.

If a child went up to his parents and asked whether they liked him or his sister best, the parents would give the boy the same answer, “we love you all equally.” But that statement is untrue.

In 2005, a study by Katherine Conger of the University of California Davis said that 65 percent of mothers and 70 percent of fathers exhibited a preference for one child.

Although parents are supposed to love all their children with the same undying passion, the findings of the study proved that even parents can be biased.

The study proved that it’s human nature for parents to love one child more and prefer them over the others. Although picking favorites is unavoidable, it’s a horrible practice.

The practice of favoritism does much more harm than good. The kid who is not the favorite often feels he isn’t good enough for his parents, which can lead to depression in a child. Psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Libby, author of “The Favorite Child,” wrote in the Huffington Post online that the unfavored child often doubts the generally accepted rule of unconditional love. And it makes them fear that if their parents don’t love them, who will?

She explains that the unfavored therefore separates himself from others socially because he fears he will always be second. This causes him to feel lonely, which is a common indicator symptom of teenage depression.

In addition favoritism can also can harm the favorite. Many times parents put an incredible amount of pressure on their favorite. For example, junior Meredith Behrens attests that as the favorite she feels that she has to live up to a higher standard, because her parents expect more from her as the favorite. She says that she doesn’t want to let her

parents down, and as the favorite, it makes it even harder when she doesn’t please them. Also, Behrens says that there is a pressure to remain the favorite child. The unfavored child may wish for the parent-child relationship that the favored child experiences, but they fail to see the negative aspects and expectations to which the favored is held.

Not only does favoritism hurt parent-child relationships, but it also results in sibling rivalry.

Although they are related and love each other, siblings often silently compete with one another for their parents’ attention. Whether it’s academic competition, such as for a higher SAT score, or physical competition, like for a faster mile time, siblings tend to compare themselves to one another. The desire to be the preferred child often leads to arguments and fights and usually harms the bond between siblings.

An article from USA Today online states that the fight for attention doesn’t end as kids but instead carries well into adulthood. Sibling rivalry continues to rage on between siblings and causes the already weak relationship between siblings to worsen. Bad relationships between siblings are even more serious in adulthood, when arguments arise over issues like the health care of now-elderly parents instead of something trivial like who gets the first shower in the morning or when they

feel like they aren’t the preferred child and that the youngest is actually the favorite. Behrens, the older sister of two younger siblings, said that older siblings often feel cheated when their younger siblings get things they had to wait for such as cellphones and Facebook accounts.

Jeffery Kluger said in Time Magazine’s cover story, “Playing Favorites,” that not only does birth order affect the race for favoritism, but so do factors such as behavior, brains, beauty, and gender. A father may love his son for being on the football team, but he might love his daughter more for being better behaved and smarter, or vise-versa.

Senior Monica Lee said that she feels that she and her sister, sophomore Jane Lee, are favored for different activities and strengths.

Monica Lee said that her parents prefer them for different things depending on who certain things better.

To some degree, favoritism is unavoidable. However, parents can take a step in the right direction to prevent severely favoring one child.

Psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz, reported on the Today Show that favoritism is a mental issue that can be controlled eventually through two simple steps.

First, the parents need to identify and confess to favoritism. Then, by spending time with equal, quality amounts of time with each child, they can overcome the instinct to favor one child over the other. w

will leave for school.

There are many factors which can determine “the favorite.” In some families the oldest child is the favorite. This is because that child was the first–the first child a mother was pregnant with, the first child a father rocked to sleep, the first child to walk. Firsts are undeniably special.

However, many older siblings

THE PARENT TRAP (above) Helping her sister with math homework, senior Monica Lee explains a problem to sophomore Jane Lee. According to Monica, favoritism doesn’t detract from her relationship with her siblings because they are equally favored. (photo

by Josh Wolderufael)

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

PANORAMA

Despite criticism, protest defends modern principles of democracy

13

A C Y R C O D E M

takes into consideration the costs of providing for a family HANNAH CROPF of four, in which case $22 thousand falls right on the federal —opinions writer poverty line. Thanks to social mobility, citizens don’t have to live like this forever, but ascending the class ladder takes educat started, like many current phenomena, with a webpage. tion and resources, both of which cost money. It’s a paradox A post appeared on Adbusters Blog, July 13, with a banner across the top: “On Sept. 17, flood into lower Manhattan, set capitalism has overlooked, and people are starting to notice.

As one Wall Street protester’s sign declares: “I am a human up tents, kitchens, peaceful barricades and occupy Wall Street.” being, not a commodity.” But the government has made it clear Just like that, throngs of dissatisfied Americans poured into the it isn’t interested in human beings: according to the Campaign fiscal capital of the United States, armed with cardboard signs Finance Institute, it took over one million dollars to seal a seat and megaphones. September has come and gone, and dissatisin the House in 2010, and over eight million for a seat in the fied Americans continue to occupy Wall Street and other streets Senate. In an institution built on the power of the people, this across the country. statistic reveals a Like the Egyptian demonstrations that disturbing trend inspired it, the Occupy Wall Street moveThough the views expressed by protestors toward power in the ment aims to dismantle government corfrom state to state may vary, they share paper trail. What ruption through a reassessment of financial will become of values. Demonstrators unite under the sloa core belief that economic policy needs democracy if this gan “We are the 99 percent,” a reference to to change, and protesting publicly is the emphasis on money the high percentage of people in the middle only real way to achieve reform. over the individual to lower classes losing economic opportuis allowed to connity to America’s wealthy elite. Too often, tinue? the interests of the majority are swept aside Justice begins when government ceases to run on corporate in favor of the one percent holding economic and political sway.

According to Aaron Burnett, St. Louis organizer of the nonprofit greed. In rallying together in cohesive solidarity, these views can no longer be ignored. In fact, attention from the media has Missouri Jobs with Justice, 50 percent of Americans make $22 escalated the Occupy Wall Street movement from a traffic nuithousand annually. That number may sound sufficient, until one

I

OPINIONS

sance to a national event.

Police aggression, snide remarks from political commentators and news coverage all attract attention to the persistence and courage of protesters, further highlighting the intensity of their cause. The media spotlight has now become a victory in itself.

But neither solidarity nor attention alone will end financial corruption, as Occupy Wall Street’s critics point out. That’s why the original Adbusters post includes the line: “We demand that Barack Obama ordain a Presidential Commission tasked with ending the influence money has over our representatives in Washington.” The groups represented at Occupy events from state to state may only relate to each other loosely, but that detail does not matter compared to the end result: a definitive goal and an ideology that extends beyond any demographic pigeonhole people are too often forced into. This is a movement of the collective 99 percent. It’s about unity, not splintered politics. How ironic that the Tea Party frowns at Occupy Wall Street protesters when they are playing out the same kind of radical rebellion that our country’s founders enacted in Boston Harbor.

American democracy can only work as a product of its people. We have always known that, from the birth of our nation to the Civil Rights movement, from the Vietnam War to Iraq.

Occupy Wall Street carries on that legacy, proving yet again that in politics, we achieve so much more when we come together.

The American people are agents of change by blood. It’s time we showed that to our government. w

Are protestors for Occupy Wall Street making a difference, or should they pursue a more effective avenue to change government fiscal policy?

Economic protestors need to organize and standardize their demands in order to be effective answers with the same response, claiming that their movement attention, but each time they attempt to utilize the media’s is “amorphous,” meaning that it has no clear shape or defined interest, they fumble the ball. The participants come across as form. While this surely fills the protestors’ English teachers uneducated as they repeat the same tired phrases: that they are with pride, it means the movement has no cause, so it against cannot actually change anything. many The participants come across as unDealing with an ambiguous issue is not a viable issues excuse for a lack of clear opposition to something related educated as they repeat the same tired that protestors want to reform. It doesn’t matter if a to our phrases: they are against many issues protest is spontaneous or clearly organized, successeconomy related to our economy and society, and ful movements target precise aspects of society that and can be altered with the passing of a law or new precthey believe the wealthy control America. society, edent. The government cannot pass a law illegalizing and that “corporate greed” but it can change how Wall Street they are handles money. the 99 percent who believe the wealthy control America. All Once a movement figures out what it opposes, it can’t just the protesters appear to have in common is dissatisfaction with art by AUDREY KOCHER halt all thinking processes and start drawing attention. A group capitalism, and the agreement that they have no specific goals. with signs and a list of grievances cannot make a difference.

They repeatedly advertise the fact that they have no organizaHANNAH SCHWARTZ Any revolution need an agenda, something for which to aim. tion, which, rather than drawing people in, repels them. Nobody —opinions writer Occupy Wall Street has no clear goals of any kind, except to wants to back something if they don’t know what it stands for. extinguish capitalism.

Once again, this response appears suffiThose who believe Occupy Wall Street currently is on its ovements such as Occupy Wall Street, based in Zucotti cient, but lacks a true core.

It doesn’t clarify how protestors plan way to making a significant change should recall historical Park, New York City, serve to spark major changes in to remove the country’s entire economic system, or what should non-violent movements. Student protests in the 1960s against society, politics, and the economy. This protest targets happen next to rebuild it. the war in Vietnam could serve as a template for the protests all three aspects of the country’s infrastructure and uses abunThe original Zucotti Park protesters use the extensive media in Zucotti Park happening today. The movement consisted of dant media coverage to draw others in. According to the Wall coverprotesters from all over the country united by a clear motive; Street Journal, as of October 15 over five thousand age they ending a war they thought was immoral. They didn’t use media protesters picketed in New York alone. Despite their Occupy Wall Street protestors may believe receive attention to remind everyone that they were made up of separate numbers, however, this group cannot achieve the ecofor two groups across the country with dissimilar goals; rather, they they’re making a difference, but their nomic reform it desires if it continues with its current reasons: continuously spread a unified message to achieve their goal. disorganized methods. unclear, anarchic ideas confuse and disto draw Their activism made sense, while Occupy Wall Street has many Occupy Wall Street protestors may believe they’re tract from any message they try to send more Americans puzzled. making a difference, but their unclear, anarchic people To make matters worse, the American Nazi Party issued an to their audience. ideas confuse and distract from any message they to their official endorsement of Occupy Wall Street October 17. When a try to send. The main issue with this group lies in its cause group with such infamous roots teams up with a movement that inability to determine exactly what it supports and and inform the public of their ideas. This might actually benefit will supposedly improve our economy, government, and sociopposes. Interviewed participants throw out repetitive, vague society as a whole if the protesters knew a thing or two about ety, one must wonder about the quality of this movement, and if answers, claiming to oppose “corporate greed,” socioeconomic what to do with their newfound attention.

They’ve got people’s it will truly lead the country in a direction we want to go. w inequality, and capitalism. OWS picketers defend their vague

M

1

annotations

Before It’s Too Late CHLOE AN —opinions editor

T

he sound of tic tacs rattling in their containers resonated in the St. Louis Priory School campus, Oct. 1.

The Priory Rebels were honoring a late team member, Brandon Hsueh, nicknamed Tic Tac for the ones he always carried in his pocket when running.

Brandon was practicing with his cross country team along Conway Road Sept. 29 when he fell in front of a car.

He died ten hours later in the hospital. The driver could not have done anything to avoid hitting him.

He was only in seventh grade.

Even though Brandon had a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome, it never limited his life nor the heights he could reach. According to his father, not only did he play the cello and the piano, he also wrote chapters of a few books, made clay models, took karate classes, and handpainted Lego figurines.

We’ll never know what he could have done or who he would have become. Even so, he never stopped giving. He donated his liver, lungs, pancreas, heart, and kidneys among many other organs to others who needed them, probably saving many lives in the process.

Tradgedy struck the area again a week later, as a multiple-car accident left 11-year-old Katie Campanella dead.

Her older sister, Beth Campanella, was driving on Interstate I-170 when the car crossed into opposing traffic and into the path of a Chevrolet Blazer, which was hit by a third car.

Katie died at the scene of the accident.

Hearing about such a young life being taken is always hard, but knowing the victim on a more personal level brings it to a whole new level. For me, that’s the difference between Katie’s and Brandon’s story. Both were bright, young students, barely a grade apart, with their whole future cut short. But Brandon’s story seems more intimate. A few of you might remember his older sister, Joanne, who used to be a Ladue student. Even though I personally never met Brandon, it becomes much more difficult to stop thinking about the incident when all you can think about is how it affects one of your own friends and their family. It really shook me up, especially I have never really known anyone who passed away.

We’ve all heard of the cliche that life is too short. But this past month has really brought a lot of things into perspective for me. Looking back on my life, at seventh grade, I was nowhere near living out my dreams, doing everything I wanted to do.

Everyone has a gift to give, material or not. My respect for Brandon and his family is so emmense for them to be able to donate his organs and save someone else’s life. But what can you do right here and right now to make a difference in someone’s life? Don’t wait until its too late to show your friends and family that you care. They always say you never know what you got until its gone. But you don’t have to wait until your death to give back. Give them something to appreciate before they’re forced to.

So with the holiday season rolling around, give more that just thanks. Show a loved one you care with a homemade dinner. Give a friend the gift of an understanding ear. Sprinkle an unexpected act of kindness to a stranger. Forgive a past offense and let go of old grudges. Help a friend in need, and always be understanding that everyone has a bad day.

In fact, even after the holidays have come and gone, take every chance possible to help someone out. Leave life with no regrets, no festering anger, and give the gift of giving before it’s too late. w (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

PANORAMA Hyperpartisanship threatens to tear our government apart

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Democrats and Republicans need to confront each other and reach compromise before disaster strikes CALEB ELLIS —editor in chief

A

s it stands, the United States is stuck at an awkward middle school dance; the Democrats are at the left side of the gym while the Republicans are at the right. Both sides know that the only way to cut the tension is to walk over and dance, but egos larger than the national deficit have put everything on hold.

Opinions are great. They are the crux of American democracy, the idea that we can articulate our thoughts and ideas and that they will be heard with equal consideration. However, what happens when you factor the objectivity and consideration out of the equation? A mess called hyperpartisanship occurs.

Right now, people in America look at politics through an absolutist and hostile lens. The battle has shifted from issues such as how to heal the ailing economy or address our military occupation abroad to Republicans and Democrats duking it out for party prominence, and nothing more.

If the United States is going to pick itself up out of its slump, it has got to start in the way that politicians portray the policies and players in our government. When Republicans constantly dub Obamacare and any economic measure that comes from the left as socialism, it negatively sensationalizes liberal proposals.

Similarly, Democratic labeling of the right as elitists bent on preserving the current inequity of wealth among classes misconstrues any message the party tries to communicate.

We are stuck in a stalemate, a tug-of-war where each party refuses to concede an inch of ground. People need to slap the elephant and the donkey in the face, forcing them to turn around and meet in the middle. Compromise is tough, sure, and we

all know that giving up some of the glory to the other party is essentially treason, but that is the remedy that America so desperately requires.

Perhaps the part that is most alarming is how effectively hyperpartisanship has become ingrained in younger Americans’ minds. The way conservative teenagers are calling Obama and other Democrats communists eerily resonates of Joe McCarthy’s gross generalizations during the Red Scare. Young liberals throw around the phrase ‘conservative intolerance’ reminiscent of the way Nixon coined “I am not a crook” as a defense.

The fact of the matter is that both sides are wrong.

It is imperative that each generation be full of freethinking, impartial individuals. As media outlets and news sources modernize and continue to spit out the hyperpartisan sentiment everywhere, younger Americans all over are exposed to the wrong types of arguments. They need to hear the voice of reason and debate, not party bashing and radical standoffs.

The responsibility of a political ideology overhaul should rest on shoulders from every level of our democracy. From high-ranking politicians to the 18-year-old voters, people need to take their part in cutting out the polarization, and heading back cooperation.

However, if politicians continue to tread down the path they have brought to prominence, it will rest on the people, especially the youth, to end the standoff and get everyone on the same page.

The United States is stuck at an awkward middle school dance; the Republicans are at the right side of the gym while the Democrats are at the left. Both sides need to pluck up the courage to walk on over and ask the other party to dance. It may be painful at first, but it will be a whole lot better in the long run. w art by AU DR EY KO CH ER

14

OPINIONS

Website blocking becomes topic of controversy Blocking of gay and lesbian sites keeps LGBTQ issue information from students and staff ALEX SHIMONY —opinions writer

E

very student has tried to get onto his favorite website while at school and has been upset when Facebook or Twitter is blocked due to “social networking.”

While normally the filter is simply an inconvenience, it can also be controversial.

Certain sites regarding gay marrige, such as like www.gaymarriage.procon.org, are blocked under the forbidden category of “Gay and Lesbian Issues.” According to the network administrator, Joe Landgraf, websites are blocked based on broader categories the school chooses from the list suggested by the firewall. Some blocked categories are obvious, such as pornography, while other categories undergo review every year, like social networking.

According to National Public Radio, this issue has been raised in a law suit involving the Camdenton school district’s internet filter.

The Parents, Family and Friends art by BOWON JOUNG of Lesbians and Gays, backed by the American Civil Liberties

Union, argued that all sides of an issue ought to be accessible to students, and that the school was negligent in blocking antiLGBTQ websites.

In a society that is becoming increasingly sensitive about perceptions, education is missing the mark. Sites about both sides of controversial issues should never be blocked, unless inappropriate. What’s the harm in increasing the availability of information? The only consequence of a more informed student body would be the ability for one to create his own opinions about current issues instead of being grouped with a view.

The solution is simple; let the students make up their own mind. Give them the ability to see reputable sites on both sides of all issues and the freedom to make up their own minds. Censorship isn’t the right way to go about any sensitive topic. As a public school, certain controversial sites with inappropriate images or words may be blocked for the benefit of students, but the filter shouldn’t block real world, educational issues. Let the students decide what they want to see and believe because that shouldn’t be a computer program’s job. w For a follow-up about this issue, check us out at www.laduepanorama.com or scan this code with your smartphone!

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

OPINIONS

15

[staff] EDITORIAL

art by YUZE ZHU

1955-2011

October Corrections

w on page 2, Wings of Hope is in Chesterfield, Missouri w on page 5, Ginger LaMore’s name is misspelled w on page 9, Julia Novack’s and Julia Kentner’s names were misspelled w on page 16, the open lunch art was by Hannah Cropf w on page 20, Natalie Grimm is a junior and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch was misspelled w on page 21, Olivia Adkins name was misspelled

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

Photo Editors Gretchen McCarthy Elizabeth Ornitz

A&E/Features Editors Sarah Kloepple Christine Wang

Sports Editors Hamm Hooper Jason Kaplan

News Editors Sarah Allen Emily Biest Miranda Siwak

Business manager Denis Volobuev

Opinions Editors Chloe An Molly Burroughs

Writers Hannah Cropf Jeet Das Leonardo DiCera Mike Figenshau

Karen Figenshau Beza Getahun Sarah Jacob Bram Levy Dana Magruder Marina May Tari Nussinov Mackenzie Pass Nathan Perlmutter Hannah Schwartz Alex Shimony Haohang Xu Photographers Tyler Christner Lee Goodman

Elyse Mack Julia Novack Carrie Seleman Danielle Thompson Jeanne Wilkinson Joshua Wolderufael Artists Amy Dai Xunyi Gao Bowon Joung Audrey Kocher Andrew Rubin Adviser Jillian Proehl

PLEASE RECYCLE

He was a rebel, a leader, and a genius. He was an inventor, a perfectionist, and a visionary. He was Apple, he was Steve Jobs, and he will never be forgotten.

Steve Jobs’ legacy transcends traditional innovation. He didn’t just provide the public with technology meant for amusement, rather he designed industry-altering products.

For example, iTunes revolutionized the music industry forever. Jobs implemented a program and store that made the downloading and listening to music significantly more user friendly. The iPod, designed to work with iTunes, opened the eyes of many to the redesigned universe Apple was slowly unraveling. Music libraries were now portable, but the innovation did not end there.

Jobs applied his creativity and natural drive for perfection to nearly every technological market. With the Mac, he brought beautiful, digital fonts and a simplistic interface, inspired by his collegiate life as a calligraphy student. The operating system, packaged inside the sleekest of machines, continues to be perfect and seamless. The detail of its aluminum body or glowing Apple logo cannot be found on other products.

Creating something more than just thinner and lighter, Jobs reinvented the phone to transform the way we communicate. The iPhone’s most important feature is its ability to streamline our global connection,

and by tapping on a name, seeing relatives across the globe has gone mainstream. We can now chat faceto-face with our loved ones, a mobile feature that has brought the planet closer than ever before.

Jobs’ personality mirrors his inventions. For a man constantly in the spotlight, he managed to keep his personal life separate from his dedication at Apple. Residing in Palo Alto, Calif., Jobs’ utopia was living with his wife and their children. He was a man with solid values and goals, both protective of his privacy and on a quest to better himself daily, something that should be attempted by the masses everywhere.

Jobs was decisive; he was the type of guy who micro-managed the artwork on the Apple campus walls and put enormous amounts of effort into his designs. However, he was also uncommon. Jobs was a true leader. He was more than a man with a vision in the right place at the right time. Instead, he was a man with a dream, and built his empire from scratch, larger than any one before him. Though he may be gone, his followers will never rebel or question his everlasting authority.

Jobs was also more than a genius. High above the classes of Ford or Edison, he was instead comparable to Einstein or Da Vinci. His personality was one that comes once in a century, though its legacy will last for millenniums.

Early in his career, Jobs instilled a timeless concept to think different, which still inspires society today.

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers.

The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently.

They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things.

They push the human race forward.

While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

Jobs was a visionary. He holds all the credit for revolutionizing the way things are performed. He brought us the world’s thinnest laptop, sleekest music player, best smartphone, and first tablet. But his story means much more than the inventions he left behind. His life was nothing less than ordinary, for he was a round peg in a square hole.

Steve Jobs was a man with a vision to change the universe, and made it his destiny to innovate it beyond imagination. Moments before passing, Jobs’ final words were “oh wow, oh wow, oh wow.” One can forever wonder what final thought was on his mind, but our best bet is to believe he reflected upon his life, and realized how incredible it truly was.

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

[staff] EDITORIAL

With the death of dictator Muammar Gaddafi Oct. 20, Libyans celebrated their liberation even as the international community questioned the decision to release photos of Gadaffi’s body. Critics suggest that the photos were only released to attract attention and sensationalize the story, and that news agencies lacked a legitimate purpose for publicizing them. Yet, protest against the release of the photos is misplaced.

Often, images supplied for informational purposes provide readers with a visual to accompany reporting and better understand the story. The photos of Gadaffi’s death, while horrific, allow readers to truly comprehend the brutality on both sides of the Libyan conflict. Viewers are forced to accept the truth: a human life has been lost, and the death was most likely preceded by severe physical abuse.

The global community has an obligation to confront the unpleasant realities of overthrowing a dictator. Overthrown leaders are abused and executed mercilessly; bombings spare neither government officials nor civilians. If we attempt to conceal gritty photos from the

public, we perpetuate denial of these evils. News agencies can describe events to the public, but no words can capture the image of Gadaffi’s face, bloodied and mutilated by rebel forces. Only pictures can shock those pleased at the victory into realizing that the means rebels used were both merciless and troubling.

The other issue frequently and wrongly criticized is the method of publication. Although graphic photos can attract morbid fascination from the public, news TV stations ensured that viewers knew the images were coming, allowing them time to switch channels or turn off the TV. Online, readers must click past a warning that’s difficult to miss. The chances that large numbers of people accidentally bypass these warning systems are low. In this case, the method of distribution allows viewer discretion.

However, ultimately, we are the ones to blame when ethics are violated. The purpose of the media is to appeal to readers, nothing more. The only reason why the media sensationalize stories at all is because it attracts more viewers, and that is the fault of no one but the

people. As long as consumers flock to sensational stories and photos, the media will continue to publish them. If we do want the media to regard ethics more seriously, we must demonstrate that we care.

We can force the media to consider morals and ethics by proving that we will not view graphic photos or give in to the appeal of dramatic, violent or exaggerated stories. This time, the media’s actions, whatever their motivations, were beneficial to the public by highlighting the realities of violence. But when the media do violate journalistic ethics, there’s only one group we can blame: us.

Ultimately, it should not only be clear that no journalistic ethics were violated, but that it is crucial that the public has the chance to view these pictures. These are the facts: both sides of the Libyan conflict resorted to senseless violence to advance their causes. As a result, Muammar Gadaffi now adds to the death toll.

Only witnessing the cruelty upfront can effectively demonstrate to the world the gritty realities of war. Denying the circumstances of Gadaffi’s death is pointless, and it’s time we stopped trying.

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

16

SPORTS

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Both boys’ and girls’ cross country teams hope to build on last season’s state success With a host of returning standouts, runners look to sprint to the finish LEVI GREENBERG —sports writer

A

s the fall sports season starts to wind down, both the boys and the girls cross-country teams are having great success, however both still have more they want to accomplish before this year ends.

The boys team won the Suburban East Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 11th. Coach Suzanne Person, who has been coaching cross-country for eleven years, is pleased about the team’s success after losing key members.

“We graduated five of the top seven guys last year, and so I didn’t think we’d be as good as we are this year,” Person said.

She partly accredits the success to this year’s sophomores, who have really stepped it up from when they were freshmen last year: Daniel Lloyd, Chad Chapnick, Zach Levens, Luke Song and Drew Hutchens, who is one of the top runners in his age group.

“I’m looking forward to the Clayton invite meet on Friday,” says Hutchens. “[And] Our district meet next Saturday and if we place first or second we will get to compete at state.”

If Ladue wins districts, it will be the fourth year in a row of accomplishing this feat. Person’s major goal to end the season with trophy at state, and a top four finish.

She appreciates the growth of the team, a total

of forty-five members, up from twenty-five, when she started coaching.

“With success, more kids come out, and so that’s great,” Person said.

A leading factor of the squad’s success is Cody Medler, senior captain of the team. Medler has over six years of experience in the sport, starting in middle school.

“I started running in sixth grade with Read Write and Run at the middle school, and then did eighth grade track and cross country, but I wasn’t very good. Then I did it in high school and have just been [running] pretty much every day, with the exception of Sundays and the off week you get at the end of a season.”

The Independence that cross-country brings, in that the runner determines their own outcome, lures Cody into the sport. In cross-country, a runner competes against them self, and only they can fully influence if they improve or not.

“I have no one else to blame, except for myself if I hit a bad time. It’s great character building,” Medler said. “To improve in this sport you have to be dedicated. You can’t half commit.”

Medler competed in a 3-mile run at an Illinois meet in early October and finished with the time of 15:31. It was his best event so far this season.

“I’m going for first in state,” Medler said.

“There’s a lot of fast guys out there but if the conditions are right, I definitively have a shot at it.”

Medler’s 26th overall finish at state last year, a place that missed an “all-state” title by one place, has been fueling him throughout the year.

Like the boys team, the girls are also having a successful year. One of the top runners and second year captain, senior Emily Warner said that the team is really looking forward to state in November.

“We have been working all year towards it,” Warner said.

The team is hungry for a districts title after losing to MICDS last year by one point.

Warner likes the aspect of drive and determination in cross-country and that the sport includes a large physical aspect, in addition to a vital mental part too.

“It’s not about how much

TRUCKIN’ ALONG As they run along the course, senior Cody Medler (left) and sophomore Daniel Lloyd (above) set the pace.

The boys’ cross country team won state last year. (photos by Jeanne Wilkinson) playing time you get or how good you are with a specific skill, but it is all about how far you can push yourself both physically and mentally,” Warner said.

Warner also appreciates the feeling of success that comes with the hard work.

“It’s definitely one of the most physically demanding sports, so when you improve it is really a great feeling,” Warner said.

As the season winds down, both teams are doing well and have more to achieve, including, more meets, districts, and state just around the corner. w

LASTING LEGACY While they pose for a

picture, senior Emily Hahn, juniors Jordan Garner, Olivia Jaeger, Taylor Peterson and sophomore Victoria Soncasie show off their medals (above). Freshman George Garner zooms past the competition (below). (photos by Jeanne Wilkinson)

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

PANORAMA

SPORTS

17

One senior keeps his dreams on ice

Cameron Yang plans to take a gap year to focus on his hockey career before enrolling in college MIKE FIGENSHAU —sports writer ...continued from page 1

“Last year, I was one of only 16 goalies in the country selected to try out for Team USA,” Yang said. “Three seasons ago my team took second at the National Championships,.”

Time management is important for Yang’s hockey career as well as his weekly schedule. Yang has planned his gap year so he can jump back in the game because he missed a season last year due to an injury.

“Most NCAA Division I teams require players to play junior hockey for a year or two before entering college,” Yang said.

“This way they’re more prepared to play right out of the gate.

Right now I don’t have a college commitment as I missed last season, so I want to play juniors so I can be seen again.”

Yang has also picked the best league to play, the United

GREAT WALL OF CHINA During a scrum at the net, senior Cameron Yang defends the goal. Yang is returning this year from two devastating hip injuries. (photo courtesy of Cameron Yang)

States Hockey League. Many factors determine the success of a league, including coaches, fan base and size.

“At the youth level, the Midwest just has more kids who play hockey, creating a larger pool of players from which choose,” Yang said. “They also tend to have the best coaches.

The top junior league in the US is the United States Hockey League and it’s based in the idwest because it can draw a larger fan base.”

Despite his illustrious achievements, last year, Yang sustained a hip injury that required four months of downtime. This season, he suffered the same injury again.

“I’ve torn the labrums (rings of cartilage in the hip sockets that prevent the femur from slipping out of place) in both of my hips,” Yang said. “The first injury came during practice at Team USA tryouts, and the second came during a summer league game. Both were sudden, freak accidents. To fix them required surgery, and luckily the best surgeon in the country regarding these injuries is here in St. Louis. After each surgery I had to be on crutches. Four months of recovery are required before I can play hockey again.”

Recently, Yang hasn’t spent an excessive amount of time on hockey because of his injury and recovery from surgery, but his usual schedule is strenuous.

“Currently, hockey doesn’t take up much of my time because I’m injured,” Yang said. “When I am playing it’s tough to balance it all, but it just takes careful time management. After school, I go home and do homework. Sometimes I have therapy or practice, depending on if I’m healthy. Practices are usually around 9 p.m., so I have to make sure I get my work done before practice.”

Yang also excels academically. He has received many awards during his years at Ladue and hopes to attend a prestigious university.

“Cameron is a diligent and serious student who always prepares his work carefully and comes to class ready to interpret and discuss the material. He has a sense of what he wants to do, where he wants to go and a clear understanding of how to achieve his goals,” Latin teacher Ann Rittenbaum said.

Hockey has shaped Yang’s life beyond athletic ability and discipline. He has met friends, learned from the game, and even gotten jobs through hockey.

“Hockey has allowed me to meet people and see places I would probably never have encountered. I’ve been to Europe and have gotten to play with some of the world’s best hockey players. Throughout my hockey career I’ve made a lot of friends, and it’s pretty exciting when you get to hear their CONTROL THE CREASE As he prepares names called to mobilize the breakout, senior Camat the NHL eron Yang aims his pass. Yang will return Draft. More to play for Ladue’s varsity team this seaimportantly, son. (photo courtesy of Cameron Yang) the game has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons,” Yang said. “I’ve learned to take care of myself, how to deal with criticism, and how to bounce back after things don’t go your way.”

When Yang isn’t studying or on the ice, he works at hockeyrelated companies. He’s an instructor goalie academy where he also receives personal training.

“I’ve been a student of the Racine Goalie Academy for six years and an instructor for four. Bruce Racine, the head of the goalie school, is my personal goalie coach. One of my fellow instructors recommended that I apply to Total Hockey as a goalie specialist, so I did,” Yang said.

Yang hasn’t decided what he will do after college. Playing professionally in the National Hockey League is still an option.

“I’d love to play in the NHL, but college hockey and getting my education is much more important. I’ll try out for the NHL after college, and if I make it, that’d be great,” Yang said. w

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

lNov. 5 - Cross Country State @ Jefferson City lNov. 12 - Boys Ice Hockey vs. Whitfield lNov. 19- Boys Ice Hockey vs. Westminster

18

SPORTS

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

w Ladue sports center w fall update w Ladue sports center w fall update w Westminster: the field mystery uncovered NATHAN PERLMUTTER —sports writer

A

t the start of second semester, the long awaited Westminster property will be taken advantage of by various sports teams. The teams taking advantage of these facilities are yet to be determined, but at a board meeting taking place Nov. 14, coaches will discuss how the teams will satisfy their needs.

Among the many teams at Ladue, the baseball program is especially looking forward to using the new fields. There is only one baseball field on the current property, so it is difficult for JV and varsity to practice at the same time. Although there are fields at the middle school, the baseball diamond there is put to use by the girls lacrosse team.

Dual Threat: Water Polo and Cross-Country

Sophie Lustman shines in the water and on the course KAREN FIGENSHAU —sports writer

L

adue boasts many athletes who focus on one sport per season, but sophomore Sophie Lustman plays for two teams simultaneously. Along with joining the St. Louis Area Polo Junior Olympics squad, she also runs cross-country.

Lustman started playing water polo in eighth grade. Her coaches say a driving source of her improvement is her hard work.

“Sophie’s skills have improved steadily over the past couple of years, because of her work ethic and more experience,” water polo coach Corey Miller said. “She benefits the team because of her mental toughness and consistency at practice and during games.”

Lustman has gradually improved after hours of practice. She has put in a lot of effort to increase her skill level.

“On the first day of practice, she was really nervous because she wasn’t a very strong swimmer and she was afraid to look weaker than everyone else,” teammate junior Katie Amrein said. “Though she was one of the least experienced, she was also one of the most determined and dedicated. As the days passed, she got better and better and really became an asset for the team. She has a lot

ROLLING ON As she races during a cross-country meet, sophomore Sophie Lustman struts her stuff.

Lustman balances her commitment to the crosscountry team with her passion for water polo. (photo credit Sophie Lustman)

How Ladue plans to use its newly acquired property “Since the completion of the new gymnasium and natatorium, we have not had a usable baseball field for junior varsity,” coach Rob Garrett said.

“We are very excited to have two viable fields to improve our program and match the offerings of our competition. We look forward to more effective practices and tournament hosting opportunities.”

The Westminster property also has tennis courts, a soccer field, and a football field. It does not, however, have lights.

At the start of the new year, the fields will finally be opened for business. Unfortunately, this means that softball, football, and girls tennis cannot take advantage of the new property purchased prior to their seasons. Until then, Ladue sports players can look forward to enjoying the new property for practice and games. w

QUICK, SCAN IT Don’t question it, just do it. Scanning this image on a smartphone will instantly provide a new, interactive way to...

Scan to discover more. However, if a smartphone is not available, simply visit www.laduepanorama. com. Did that just give the function of this QR Code away? Maybe, maybe not.

tion then head into some treading and leg work,” Lustman of natural ability and endurance, but the strongest aspect of her said. “After that we do some passing drills with the occasional success is her attitude.”

Lustman’s attitude is geared toward progress. Her teammates conditioning mixed in and end with shooting practice. I get to play with some of Missouri’s best high school male and female say she provides team spirit and has a positive effect on them. players. I owe a lot of my position on the water polo teams to “I have never seen Sophie give up on anything,” Amrein my Ladue coaches and teammates who I learned a lot from this said. “She has the drive of a speeding train, and she’s equally as past season.” difficult to stop. She gives the team a huge morale boost, which Lustman admits the training is hard, but she trusts the guidis the biggest reason she is such a necessary piece of us, apart ance of her coach. When she’s not in the pool, she enjoys crossfrom her killer push shot.” country running.

Lustman herself has no“Managing both ticed great improvements. teams and schoolwork She now poses an even can be very difficult; bigger threat in the pool. it causes for a lot of “Since eighth grade, my late dinners and short skills have definitely come talks with the family, a long way,” Lustman said. but it’s definitely worth “When you first start you it,” Lustman said. don’t know much except to “I have to redirect swim after the ball, but now myself to manage the from having the experience schoolwork sometimes of junior varsity and a lot because when you’re of coaching from Coach only home two hours Miller and the head JV a night it can become coach Michael Clay, I’ve tiring. Yet it’s best to learned a lot about game just stay organized and awareness, simple things to remember it can be improve defense, and how done.” to be a threat as a shooter.

Besides mental Over time I’ve learned to try DEEP END DOMINATION During a water polo game, sophomore Sophie Lustman (second from right) prepares to swim strain and a tight and know what positions I play best. With all the prac- to the ball. Lustman also plays for the St. Louis Area Polo Ju- schedule, Lustman nior Olympics team. (photo credit Sophie Lustman) endures daily physical tice from Junior Olympics I have definitely gained a lot of swimming endurance, which is very handy because sometimes the hardest part of a game can be counterattacks.”

Lustman plays among the most talented water polo players in the area. She trained extensively this summer to become a prospective Junior Olympian, and practiced with SLAP every morning, with games at night during the week. She now plays years above her age level, for an 18-and-under all women’s team coached by Colleen Lischwe and Andrew Schonhoff.

“Normally we swim around 2,000 yards or more to condi-

pain after running or playing polo. Both sports have taken tolls on her body.

“The biggest struggle with balancing cross-country and water polo would probably be the pain your body goes through,” Lustman said. “They’re both very strenuous, so taking care of my muscles has been really important.”

Though Lustman may struggle to balance her activities, her coaches and teammates agree she never disappoints.

“I try to give both teams 110 percent because that’s what my teammates deserve,” Lustman said. w

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

SPORTS

HOOP’S HUDDLE

CHECK THAT SCORE BOARD As

Ladue’s defensive line matches up against long time rival Clayton, the players prepare to rush the quarterback. The Rams emerged victorious, earning a 46-21 thrashing of the hated Greyhounds. The win boosted Ladue’s record to 6-3 (photo by Lee Goodman)

A Series of the Impossible

A

The Monthly Poll This month Panorama asks: What was your favorite moment of the Cardinals’ 2011 postseason?

19

Tweet your answer for the chance to win a shirt from the Ram Shack! Offer ending soon!

@itsduetime

A. Rally Squirrel makes his public debut

B. Freese has two clutch hits in Game 6, MVP of World Series

C. Cards win their 11th World Series in ‘11 October results: Thanks for all the tweets! It’s clear that Ladue students think referees are not very important, voting C “who cares, it’s their job” almost every time.

HAMM HOOPER —sports editor

s my brother and I drove home from another tiring football practice, a squirrel made a daring attempt to cross the road right in front of us. My brother, who was behind the wheel, jokingly tried to hit the squirrel, and might have done so had I not punched him right in the gut, yelling, “That could be the rally squirrel!” Matthew, realizing that the Cardinals were moments away from playing in a National League Championship game against the Brewers, quickly swerved out of the way realizing the grievous error he almost made. Squirrels around St. Louis no longer fear for their lives now that the Cardinals have taken the city by storm.

In spring training, when the Cardinals lost their best pitcher, Adam Wainwright to Tommy John surgery, nearly everybody wrote off the team’s chances for a winning season. Yet, the Cards played well through the first half of the season, carrying a slim divisional lead into the All-Star Break, and left fans with hope.

Then, however, the dog days of summer hit the Cardinals like an atomic bomb. They were flat out awful. Led by a bullpen of misfits, they blew every possible lead their offense gave them. The Cards were second in the National League with 26 blown saves, nearly a month’s work of games lost in the last inning. It was pure devastation for the team and its fans.

The bullpen, however, was not the only problem. First, Pujols hit so poorly that fans got a chance to imagine their team without the future Hall of Famer. In addition, the level of fielding was similar to that of the Bad News Bears, as the Cardinals were second in the league with 116 errors. They were flat out disastrous, while the Brewers shined as the best team to walk the earth, winning 23 of 26 games.

Then, out of nowhere, the Cardinals exploded to go on one of the greatest runs in baseball history. During September, they had a record of 18-8 thanks to improved play all around. The bullpen, bolstered by the midseason additions of Dotel, Rhodes, Rzepczynski, and new “closer” Motte, shut down opposing teams and actually did what they were supposed to do, save games. The defense also improved after picking up Gold-Glover Furcal at shortstop, and Pujols became the machine we all expected him to be, finishing the year with a .299 batting average and 99 RBI’s.

Led by the cheer “Happy Flight,” the Redbirds won 16 straight games and defeated the Astros. They rushed back to the clubhouse to pop bottles of Champaign and gleefully watched the Braves lose to the Phillies, punching the Cardinals tickets to the post-season.

The rest is history. The Cardinals went on to beat the heavily favored Phillies in 5 games, thanks to the greatest pitching performance in history by Chris Carpenter, and one determined squirrel.

Ahh, the squirrel. The critter made an appearance in games three, four and five against the Phillies, and the Cards won two of those three games. The squirrel obviously deserves credit for the victories, and as a result of his rallying, a nutty fetish has taken over St. Louis.

It’s perfectly normal to see people walking into Busch Stadium wearing rally squirrel hats or carrying around a taxidermist squirrel.

The Cardinals went on to win the World Series against the Rangers, and fans should take a step back and relish in what has been one of the greatest seasons so far.

Future generations may never see this type of comeback by the Cards, for this could be the last time Albert Pujols is donned in red, and Tony La Russa just announced his retirement. By winning their eleventh World Series, the Cardinals have truly done the unthinkable, and this season will be one for the books. (this column represents the opinion of the writer.)

20

COVER

PANORAMA

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

RISE looks to close the achievement gap

New organization seeks to improve academic performance, foster community of minority students EMILY BIEST —news editor Continued from page 1 Keith first proposed the idea for the club to Spanish teacher Angela Haywood-Gaskin. She immediately recognized the need for such a program but recommended that he talk with other interested students and return with a specific set of objectives. With the help of other students, Keith drafted the group’s mission and goals.

“The problem we are addressing, students struggling in school, has been apparent to me from a very young age, but it was only until high school, where I saw programs like Link Crew, that I realized how

effective strong peer support can be,” Keith said. “There’s a lot of instructional value students can receive from student role models from which they might not be able to receive from teachers or parents.”

He then returned to HaywoodGaskin who agreed to sponsor the program. As sponsor, she helps mentors, acts as a resource in problem solving, provides guidance in developing goals and plans, and she is “a liaison between RISE members and the students being served,” Haywood-Gaskin said.

RISE mentors are upperclassmen who make the commitment to become a part of the program. They attempt to get to know each student on a personal and academic level, in order to make a bigger impact on the members’ lives.

“These are students who model what they say,” Haywood-Gaskin said. “They want to help, they are able and they have proven that they know how to do what they are teaching.

They must be good citizens,

BUILDING BLOCKS During a RISE meeting, senior William Keith goes over the agenda. RISE is

a club aimed at closing the achievement gap that has grown between minority students. (photo

by Danielle Thompson)

have an academic commitment to excellence and be true leaders.

They’ve already done this and they do it consistently. And they say ‘I want to help others’ instead of being selfish with what they know.”

The mentoring process allows freshmen to confide in an older student and learn from someone who has faced similar issues and struggles. By sharing stories of their own experiences and offering advice,

RISE UP As they deliver a speech, senior William Keith and junior Eddie Mungai address the crowd. Keith proposed the RISE organization to the school has helped it come to fruition. (left) (photo by Danielle Thompson)

LENDING A HAND During a study session in

the Learning Center, junior Jaylahni Pope assists another student with her homework. RISE is designed to provide student and teacher outlets for academic support. (below) (photo

by Danielle Thompson)

mentors can enable freshmen to solve their own problems and reach past obstacles to succeed.

“We want to know what the students want rather than assuming so that we can help them get further along,” Hanks said. “Currently we are working in small groups. So I have a group of girls that I visit during Ac Lab and try to help them socially and academically.”

Reasons for the program, Younge said, stem partially from “a significant achievement gap between Caucasian students and minority students.” In 2009, the SAT national average was 1509 out of a possible 2400. The score of white students dropped two points from the previous year to 1581, but it remained above the national average. For African American test takers, that average was 1276. The racial group also reported a four point drop, according to a USA Today article Aug. 26, 2009.

However, performance on standardized tests is linked to a number of factors, according to Richard Middleton, political science associate professor at University of MissouriSaint Louis. Middleton focuses his research on race relations and is also the author of Cities, Mayors and Race Relations (University Press of America).

“There is no single factor that can adequately explain performance disparities between minority students and others,” Middleton said. For example, students who have better access to test preparation resources and are situated in an environment that consistently reinforces engagement with these resources typically score higher than students who do not.”

RISE and Link Crew both provide mentoring options for freshmen students. Both programs also

empower upperclassmen to advise and encourage younger students and ease the freshmen transition to high school. With the addition of RISE to the high school’s freshman mentoring programs, these students have more resources and greater opportunities to ask for help.

“I think that [we] come here everyday with the same goal in mind: to promote excellence whether it’s in the classrooms, in the hallways or on the playing fields,” Link Crew organizer and guidance counselor David Tabscott said.

RISE is an organization that promotes high school success, specifically for African American freshmen, but is available to all students, regardless of age, gender and race.

The program promotes the development of important relationships between students.

“RISE is specifically for African American freshmen, but it is available to all students,” HaywoodGaskin said.

By promoting the success of these freshmen, RISE hopes to encourage them to make contributions to the high school and in the future.

“The purpose of RISE is to get the African American population more involved in the school so that they can succeed not only in the high school, but in college and things that happen afterwards,” senior Etinosa Ogbevoen said.

Though it is a new program at school, it intends to be an important factor in helping students reach their full potentials.

“Our goal is to promote academic achievement and build confidence in students at the high school,” Keith said. “I believe RISE had made a great impact so far, with so many constructive peer relationships being created that would have never taken place otherwise.” w