Ladue Panorama, October 2014, Volume 63, Issue 3

Ladue

Panorama

Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Road • St. Louis, MO 63124 • Volume 63 • Issue 2 • October 17, 2014

news (pg.2)

AMENDMENT 3 PROPOSALS

features (pg.5)

NEW ULTIMATE FRISBEE CLUB

in-depth (pg.8)

A LOOK BACK AT HOMECOMING

a&e (pg.11)

“FRIENDS” TRIBUTE

opinions (pg.13)

ISLAMIC STATE INTERVENTION

(Photo by Elyse Mack)

sports (pg.16)

FOOTBALL RECAP

art by audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

(Photos by Jeanne Wilkinson, Ula Lijowska, Meghan Proskey, and Sydney Ellis)

2 news

Panorama

In the

School

Revising teacher evaluation Community votes on new amendment Nov. 4

mary xiao w ART EDITOR

Speech and debate coach Molly Beck was named New Teacher of the Year by the Speech and Theater Association of Missouri at their annual banquet Sept. 26.

Principal Brad Griffith and Superintendent Donna Jahnke also received awards from STAM at the banquet for their outstanding administration.

Papers written by seniors Susanna Barrett, Adeel Qayum, Anthony Ton, Nevel Vaidyan and junior Huayu Gao were recognized by LMI Aerospace, Inc. for Excellence in Research at their annual banquet Oct. 6.

Seniors Malcolm Davis and Abby Miller were elected this year’s homecoming king and queen at the dance Oct. 11. The varsity football team also won 5222 in its homecoming game against University City High School.

The Ladue Education Foundation’s second annual ‘Due Run 4 Education 5k & 1-mile walk/run was held Oct. 11. The run was held in memory of Will Bushelle, Class of 1994.

October 17, 2014

sasha rice NEWS EDITOR

C

onstitutional Amendment 3, an initiative petition to change the Missouri Constitution with regards to the evaluation and tenure of teachers, will appear on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

The amendment states that teachers would “be evaluated by a standards-based performance evaluation system.” This would allow school districts to pay teachers based on how well their students perform on standardized tests.

Many groups are advocating for the change.

They believe Amendment 3 would allow districts to have greater freedom in rewarding effective teachers and dismissing ineffective ones.

“Some people say that it’s helpful to have someone outside of the classroom come in to observe and provide feedback about the class,” German teacher Deborah Lund said.

Teach Great, the main organization pushing for the amendment, sent a petition with over 270,000 signatures to the secretary of state’s office to demonstrate support for the amendment.

Teach Great supports the elimination of tenure and promotes basing teachers’ employment off of student evaluation.

“School districts’ hands are really tied when it comes to making layoff decisions,” spokeswoman for Teach Great Kate Casas said Aug. 5 in an article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“They don’t have objective data on student growth in every classroom.”

The amendment would prohibit teachers from entering into contracts of three or more years with public school districts. Casas believes the end of tenure protection for newly hired instructors would motivate teachers to provide better instruction for their students.

However, other groups do not agree with the changes the amendment would bring. Lund is a member of the Missouri National Education Association. According to the MNEA’s website, the association believes that student test scores can not effectively identify strong teachers. “[Many teachers] don’t believe they should be evaluated on a test that a student doesn’t perform well on,” Lund said. “The reason behind their poor score could simply be that they aren’t good in that kind of testing format, or they don’t care to try. Teachers don’t control that.”

An article on MNEA’s website describes a situation in which teachers may stop sharing new ways of instructing students with their colleagues out of fear that other teachers may show him or her up to get the bonus. This would deprive students of the best instruction.

The Missouri State Teachers Association also agrees with the views of the MNEA. “If the amendment passes, it will take away the local control from our school districts,” Janice Davis, MSTA local Ladue chapter President said. “[It would] put total control in the hands of legislators and state department of education personnel in Jefferson City, Mo.” Both the MSTA and MNEA are members of Protect Our Local Schools, a coalition of parents, teachers and administrators “that formed to defeat [the amendment],” according to the coalition’s website. The website said that the amendment would prevent teachers from treating students like individuals, and would force educators to “teach to a test.”

“My students are not numbers,” Parkway School District teacher Neil Daniels II said in a video on the MNEA’s website. “[They] are more than a test score.”

Many associations also worry about the increased costs standardized testing would bring to the school budget. According to POLS’

TAUGHT IN THE ACT w Math

teacher Debra Carson instructs senior Tahjai Lashley using the iPad. Carson has been tenured for three years, which would no longer be possible if Amendment 3 passes. (Photo by Sydney Ellis) website, these tests could cost upwards of $1 billion, which would have to be paid by the school district and local taxpayers. “[The MSTA is] fighting against the amendment because it is detrimental to public education, to the security of teachers’ jobs and to the nature of the way local control works in public school districts,” Davis said.

Despite the controversy, Lund does not think that people should focus too much on the problems. Instead, she believes it is more important to keep in mind the uniqueness of each school and district when deciding on the issue.

“If you go to Kirkwood High School, it’s quite a different environment from Webster Groves High School,” Lund said. “Each community is made up of parents, students and teachers, and if those people work together, then they create the school that serves that specific population. That’s the ideal.” v

Internet providers aim to limit access katie bry NEWS WRITER

I

nternet Service Providers are lobbying to create different Internet speed packages for their customers, limiting some peoples’ access to the web. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission is battling this initiative, trying to maintain affordable and open Internet resources for everyone.

Currently, all Internet users who pay for the same provider receive equal speed and accessibility.

According to the FCC’s website, this way of accessing the Internet is known as “Open Internet” or “Net Neutrality.” “[The Internet is] open because it uses free, publicly available standards that anyone can access and build [upon], and it treats [network traffic] in the same way,” the FCC’s website said.

The FCC has tried to preserve equal Internet access. The Internet presently is an even playing field, but this could quickly change.

“Net Neutrality is the principle that ISP should enable access to all

content and applications regardless “The Internet has become so intertwined with most American of the source,” technology coordilives that we’d like to believe it nator Adam Stirrat said. will remain a place where you can A majority of students use the Internet in school and at home. Se- always access any lawful content nior Masato Ouchida said that the you want,” Stirrat said.

According to Ouchida, the bigpublic favors accessible Internet. gest worry of the public is that ISP “The FCC has [previously] will divide the Internet into “lanes” declared that the Internet is not a based on how much one is willing method of telecommunication,” Ouichida said. “Therefore, the to pay for Internet service and content. This would cut lower income FCC does not have control over households’ it.” access to HowJust because one person can afford Internet. ever, “[There there is an internet service provider does would be] much not mean they should be able to a fast lane support have different access to the Internet for the rich behind people, the the FCC than others. top one pertaking - sophomore Naomi Oberlander concent, and a slow lane trol. If for everyone else,” Ouchida said. control of the Internet is put into Sophomore Naomi Oberthe hands of the FCC, then ISP lander supports Net Neutrality. wouldn’t be able to limit access She believes that Internet providers to any part of the Internet. The Internet service business only conshould not discriminate against those who cannot afford to pay for tains a few major companies. This the faster option. allows the few of them to have a “Just because one person can monopolistic-like control over the afford [a provider’s] Internet does Internet industry.

not mean they should be able to have different access to the Internet than others,” Oberlander said.

According to Ouchida, without Net Neutrality, ISP would also be able to control which sources of Internet would be more readily available to its customers.

Oberlander added that if social media sites like Twitter only serviced one provider, anyone not paying for that provider’s service would have limited access to information on the site.

“Internet is something that everybody needs in our society to function and if you are not part of the Internet then you are not part of society,” Oberlander said.

Ouchida said that without Net Neutrality, schools would be negatively affected. Stirrat also agreed that the school needs Open Internet to function.

“We already have certain restrictions on our Internet usage based on regulations that educational institutions must comply with,” Stirrat added. “If Net Neutrality becomes a thing of the past, our district will feel the difference with cost and bandwidth.” v

Panorama

October 17, 2014

news

UNICEF combats human trafficking

New club aims to help local victims of exploitation isabella fu NEWS WRITER

M

embers of the Ladue chapter of the United Nations Children’s Fund are focusing on the issue of human trafficking this semester and are attempting to help local victims.

According to the FBI, human trafficking is the act of forcing people to work in laborintensive jobs with little to no pay. It is the fastest-growing business of organized crime and the third-largest criminal enterprise in the world. Though the majority of trafficking is international, the issue is becoming increasingly prevalent in the city of St. Louis.

Last spring, senior Yuxiao Li approached senior Yifan Zhou to discuss the creation of the UNICEF club. She asked English teacher Janet Duckham to sponsor the club. Moved by UNICEF’s objective of improving the lives of others, Duckham agreed to Li’s request.

“I love it when I see students who prioritize helping other people,” Duckham said. “UNICEF has a practical effect on the lives of people who may be hungry, oppressed and abused.”

The club meets every Monday after school to discuss how the members can help. So far, the UNICEF club has contacted local trafficking-prevention organizations such as the Polaris Project and the International Institute of St. Louis. Most of the club’s discussions have focused on fundraising for such local groups.

“We decided to help local organizations, such as safe houses, that are dedicated to bringing awareness to human trafficking,” Zhou said.

They are still searching for more organizations to support. Members of the club are also deciding on how they plan to raise funds.

“We thought of fundraiser activities such as selling food at debates or other after-school competitions and having dog washes,” Zhou said. “We are also trying to reach out to NHS to see if they will give points to those who attend our fundraisers.

We reach out to student organizations to try and provide opportunities for non-members to help if they want.”

wenxin chen w ARTIST

Although the majority of victims originate from third-world countries, an estimated 300,000 American youths are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking. The majority of these victims are runaways or abandoned youths who turn to sexual exploitation to support themselves financially. They are often threatened, abducted or lied to by traffickers who lure victims into the industry, usually using abusive methods in order to maintain control of the victims.

In 2006, the United States Department of Justice identified St. Louis as one of the top twenty human trafficking jurisdictions in the country. According to an article from the St. Louis Review, St. Louis provides a feasible area for human trafficking primarily because of the many major highways located in the area.

According to the United States Attorney’s office, two men were sentenced to at least 50 months in prison March 12 for operating separate, multi-state human trafficking rings in St. Louis. Additionally, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a St. Louis County woman pleaded guilty to a federal trafficking-related charge in September 2010 and admitted to convincing a 13-year-old runaway into the business.

The UNICEF club plans to focus on one main issue every semester and develop possible methods to contribute to the solution. After learning of the prominence of human trafficking in St. Louis, Li, Zhou and other club members decided that this issue needed their club’s support and effort.

One such organization under consideration is Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution, founded by survivor Theresa Flores. In 2011, Flores, now an author and public speaker, shared her experiences with human trafficking on TEDx, a set of independent conferences that allow people to communicate their ideas.

According to Flores’ speech, at the age of 15, a male student in her class blackmailed her, threatening to harm her family if she did not cooperate with a local human trafficking organization. For over two years, Flores endured physical and mental abuse.

This experience allowed her to understand the needs of trafficked youth, leading her to establish SOAP. The organization collaborates with motels and places the phone number of their help hot line on bars of soap. Employees at these motels are also instructed on how to act after sighting a trafficked youth in the vicinity.

Another organization under consideration is the Polaris Project. Accord-

trafficking by the numbers

ing to its website, the Polaris Project has helped survivors of human trafficking through its programs for over ten years.

Their offices work with both U.S. and foreign-born survivors of modern-day slavery, serving women, men and children. Polaris also provides 24/7 emergency response to life-threatening situations, counseling to ease the effect of trauma, survivor support groups, art therapy programs and job training.

The UNICEF club believes that informing the community about this issue is important.

The members believe this would help students gain perspective about how others in the world around them live. “[Most Ladue students] don’t worry about food or shelter, but these people are either forced to work in this field, or are bound and are trying to break free,” Li said. “We are trying to reach out to them and contribute something to this issue.”

The club believes that by raising awareness about human trafficking in St. Louis, people will become more involved in the community. Many people are unaware of this hidden crime, but it is present in the city.

“People don’t think it is impacting our community,” Li said. “They always think, ‘Oh, that is happening in another third-world country,’ when it actually happens in the U.S. and even in their hometown.” v

3

In the

Nation

mary xiao w ART EDITOR

US District Judge Catherine Perry ruled that police in Ferguson, Mo. violated the Constitution when they told protesters that they could not stand still and forced them to keep walking.

The social media site Twitter is suing the US government over the rights to publish user questions about national security.

A four-year-old child unknowingly brought 250 packets of heroin to her Delaware nursery and handed it out to her classmates, thinking it was candy.

Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person in the US to be diagnosed with Ebola after traveling to Liberia, died Oct. 8 at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Drug teams in Cartersville, Ga., raided an okra field that they accidentally mistook for marijuana plants.

The St. Louis Cardinals earned its fourth straight trip to the National League Championship Series after the team’s 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers Oct. 7.

4 news

Panorama

In the

World

mary xiao w ART EDITOR

Vietnamese authorities are searching for missing oil tanker Sunrise 689 after it disappeared Oct. 2.

Authorities fear that its disappearance was an act of piracy.

Scientists identified a cave painting of a hand in a rural area on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi to be at least 40,000 years old, making it the oldest stencil in the world.

Five Afghan men convicted of gangraping four women have been executed.

The case sparked a national debate, because while many Afghans demanded the death penalty, some critics said the legal process was rushed.

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protestors took to the streets of Hong Kong after Beijing ruled out open nominations for the election of Hong Kong’s next chief executive in 2017.

The US Supreme Court Justices decided Oct. 6 to deny appeals from Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin seeking to uphold bans on same-sex marriages. This decision raised the number of states that allow same-sex marriage to 26.

October 17, 2014

Amnesty International strives Taking action: to promote awareness about IS pressure Obama into ending military operations in Iraq. hannah snidman “[IS] has carried out executions... as part NEWS WRITER of its effort to establish an Islamic caliphate,” CNN reporter Chelsea J. Carter said in a video. he Ladue chapter of Amnesty InterThe New York Times reported that a national held meetings this semester masked IS fighter appeared in the video, using focusing on the Islamic State, a jihadist the opportunity to send a message directly to group in the Middle East that exerted its influObama about U.S. intervention. ence through violence over areas of Iraq and “Just as [U.S.] missiles continue to strike Syria. The group split from al-Qaida in 2014 our people, our knife will continue to strike the with the goal of creating a Sunni Caliphate. necks of [Americans],” the fighter said in the In Amnesty International’s meetings, video, according to CNN. members discussed the issues the U.S. currently In order to faces with IS. The pay tribute to the organization wants Amnesty doesn’t choose to focus on the two journalists, to help individuals Amnesty Interwho are suffering political or religious side of this crisis, national wants to because of IS. but... how [the Islamic State’s] actions raise awareness “[The organiare directly affecting individuals. about their deaths. zation’s] main inTogether they volvement with [IS] brainstormed ideas is focusing on their - senior Emma Weller on how to tackle major human rights the issue. violations,” senior “Right now, we have a memorial for the two Nina Geers said. “Amnesty doesn’t choose to American journalists on our bulletin board,” focus on the political or religious side of this Weller said. crisis, but instead focuses on how their actions Some students have been following the conare directly affecting individuals.” flicts surrounding the organization. However, However, the current goal of the organizamany still feel that they don’t know exactly tion is to raise awareness about IS. They believe what is happening in the region. Senior Kyle it is important for students to understand what McNeill is appalled by the actions of the group. is going on in the world around them.

“In my opinion, [IS] is vile. They rape “The first step we need to take is educate women and children and burn villages,” Mcpeople on what’s going on. We’ve been talkNeill said. “To make the subject of [the group’s] ing about IS a lot,” senior Emma Weller said. terror more feeble, [IS] violently kills people to According to CNN, President Barack Obama hurt morale.” ordered targeted airstrikes in Iraq that began in Obama spoke at the United Nations General early August after IS fighters started targeting Assembly in New York Sept. 24. He announced ethnic Kurds. that the international community needs to unite As tensions escalated, IS beheaded Ameriagainst IS. can journalists James Foley Aug. 19 and Steven “The [U.S.] will work with a broad coalition Sotloff Sept. 2. According to CNN, the organito dismantle this network of death,” Obama zation recorded the execution in order to try to

T

ADDRESSING THE ISSUE w President Barack Obama gives a speech at the White House. Obama reacts after the U.S. Senate approved his plan for training Syrian rebels to battle Islamic State militants Sept. 18, 2014. (Photo courtesy of Brandenton Harold/MCT)

said. “I ask the [entire] world to join in this effort.”

His speech prompted several countries to take action. CNN reported Sept. 24 that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates also began airstrikes on IS. After the fall of terrorist organization al-Qaida, IS’s power increased throughout the region. “[IS] has struck up skirmishes from northern Iraq to Syria,” McNeill said. “They aim to end the airstrikes in Iraq via intimidating [people] into compliance.”

Although most Americans view IS as a terrorist group, some citizens support the extremist oranization. In fact, IS has successfully used propaganda to convince many U.S. citizens to join their cause.

“Some Americans have joined the militant group,” CNN reporter Stevan Weine said Sept. 11. “Intelligence officials fear the number will grow higher since [IS] has been successful with recruitment in some European countries.”

Sept. 29, Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and Deputy Prime Minister of Syria Walid AlMoualem spoke to the United Nations about IS. AlMoualem asked for all other countries to stand together against the terrorist ideology present around the world.

“IS is recognized as a terror group by most of the U.N.,” McNeill said. “The [issue] is no longer if anything should be done, but what measures should be taken.” v

Panorama

October 17, 2014

Ultimate Frisbee club kicks off

features

Polls of the People Where obtain your political Where dodo youyou obtain your political beliefs?

Students create new team

Read more aboutbeliefs? voter education on pg. 12

Read more about voter education on pg. 12

60

haley horowitz FEATURES WRITER

older relatives

S

unday afternoons aren’t just for procrastination anymore. At the middle school softball field, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., a new club has begun meeting. Founded by junior Ethan Jablanow, the new Ultimate Frisbee club is for students who may not have enough time to devote to a sport.

“I started the Frisbee club because Ultimate is a very fun sport [that] I play a lot over the summer,”Jablanow said.

“It’s not very popular here, and I wanted to make a club for anybody who wanted to play Frisbee.”

The club has been in the works for a few years. The club began this school year, with the first meeting on Sept. 13.

“I had the idea to start an Ultimate Frisbee club since I was a freshman, but I didn’t feel like I was ready to run a club then,” Jablanow said. “I was talking with some of the physical education coaches and Coach Armstrong was interested in sponsoring, so I went from there.”

The sport is easy to learn and all students can play. With only a few rules, Ultimate is low pressure for new players.

“We all show up and pass a Frisbee for a bit, then have captains pick teams and play to 10 [points],” Jablanow said.

The sport is played with two teams of seven athletes.

The goal is to pass the Frisbee to teammates standing in the opposing team’s end zone. Athletes can not run while holding the disc, so they must throw it before moving.

“Whenever the disc is dropped or touches the ground it’s an instant turnover to the other team,” Jablanow said.

older relatives

58%

50

school school

the news the news

friends friends

40 Tossing a Frisbee, senior Ash Hocking enjoys a bright Sunday afternoon playing at the middle school.

“It’s an intense, fun way to compete with others while not 30 having to worry about it interfering with other extracurricular obligations,” Hocking said. (Photo by Sammy Leary)

TAKING AIM w

28%

A lot of people have attended the meetings on Sundays to 20 see what the sport is all about. Many have decided to sign up and have enjoyed the practices so far.

“I saw the sign-in at the club fair and always wanted to 10 play it as a sport,” senior Ash Hocking said.

The club provides a relaxed yet competitive environment for all. The beginning is spent getting to know everybody and 0 then the real fun begins.

“We stand around and talk while everyone arrives,” junior Andrej Komarov said. “Once we have enough people What do you use the Internet for most? we go ahead and pick teams and start playing.”

Read more about Net Neutrality on pg. 2 The club is a great activity for anyone looking for a fun activity to learn. Different from most other sports, it provides all interested students with the opportunity to play.

“It’s super relaxed and we take plenty of water breaks,” of students use it for social Jablanow said. “I just hope that anybody who is bored on media Sundays will come by and have some fun and learn.” v

8%

Thanks for all of the help

ali gold

FEATURES EDITOR

julia biest

FEATURES EDITOR

Endel Kassa

“Knowing a lot of the teachers that taught me and now being able to work with them is really fun.”

“[I like] being a Ladue alumnus, walking through the hallways and seeing it from a different point of view.”

teacher’s assistant

Kevin Davis

supervisory assistant

Matt Kupiszewski

Get to know the new faculty that helps run the school supervisory assistant

5

“I value the bonds [with students] very much. It’s the whole reason why I’m in the profession.”

49% 31% 12% 4% 4%

6%

of students use it to watch Netflix

of students use it to do research for school assignments

of students use it to look at online news sources

of students use it to go online shopping

What was your favorite spirit day?

Read more about homecoming on pgs. 8-9

What was your favorite spirit day?

Read more about homecoming on pgs. 8-9 America

America 12%

Tim O’Brien

Doug Small

supervisory assistant

supervisory assistant

Tropical

Ron Nebbitt

supervisory assistant

13%

“I try to import some knowledge to [students] and get some knowledge from [students.]”

“It is good to see the high school kids make a difference. To see that definitely makes it worth it.”

“Be true to yourself because you don’t want to be someone you’re not. That’s my philosophy in life.”

(Photos by Ali Gold, Syndey Ellis and Julia Biest)

Tropical 8% 4% 8%

Black Out

Black Out

26% 26%

Hipsters vs. Preps Hipsters vs. Preps 27%

27%

Blue and White

26%

Blue and White 26%

(Statistics based on 179 sampled)

6 features

Panorama

October 17, 2014

From inspiration to action

Student pursues her passion for fashion rachel steiner FEATURES WRITER

W

hile many students have dreams and aspirations for their futures, few act on them at an early age. Senior Abigail Donahue is one teenager who has turned her dream into a reality; she designed her very own fashion collection this past summer.

Donahue has been interested in fashion since she was in second grade. She enjoys designing clothes because it allows her to express her creativity and leave her mark on the world.

“I’ve been into fashion since I can remember,” Donahue said.

“Fashion [can] make you feel elegant and subdued. It’s art that affects you all the time, every day.”

The inspiration for the collection, now on display in the drawing room, came from the song “Two More Minutes (Instant Party Remix)” by Jaymes Young. The song took Donahue’s collection in a completely different direction.

“First, I made a mood board full of pictures that inspired me,”

Donahue said. “Then I heard [the song] come on and dropped the cozy collection mood board I was working on. It changed the whole collection to a trippy, geometric, Native American vibe.”

Donahue received help and support from her design teacher at Center of Creative Arts, Lauren Cram. A professional fashion designer herself, she encourages Donahue’s individual style. “[Donahue] has a very unique eye in regard to colors, silhouettes and texture,” Cram said. “The details that she uses in her designs are the small accents that make radical differences.”

During the summer, Cram asked Donahue to start looking for inspiration for Donahue’s next fashion collection. This creative spark came from objects in nature and geometric shapes.

“Once she really honed in on what her inspiration was and what story she wanted to tell, [Donahue] was able to come up with designs for her collection based on her inspiration,” Cram said.

Cram said that Donahue often devotes a lot of time into making her designs a reality. In fact,

she sewed and stitched one of the designs she had drawn into an actual dress.

“The time that [Donahue] dedicated to making her garment look exactly like her original concept was unparalleled,” Cram said.

“I really love how she takes time on her work to execute her idea wholly. For example, on the hem of the dress that [Donahue] created, she dedicated a hefty amount of time on getting the scoop of the dress exactly right.”

Senior Elise Vincent knows well of Donahue’s love of fashion.

She admires how the recent collection reflects Donahue’s unique, personal style.

“Abigail is really creative and artsy, and that’s reflected in her collection,” Vincent said. “She likes to design unique things [like] tight pants and deep v-necks on guys– things that would push people out of their comfort zones, but would actually look really good and make them stand out.”

Donahue plans to continue with fashion in her future. She hopes to make a career out of designing clothing for women and men someday.

COMING TO LIFE w Senior Abigail Donahue drew the idea for her self-designed dress this summer. She based it off of patterns in nature, such as clouds, as well as off of geometric shapes. Donahue spent a lot of time working on the scoop neck of this dress (Left). The dress that Donahue designed sits on display in the drawing room (Right). “The process starts with an idea,” Donahue said. “I am inspired a lot by art and music. I start with a sketch of the design and figure out if I can use a pattern that has already been made or if I can make my own.” (Photo courtesy of senior Abigail Donahue) “I’m applying to fashion schools this fall, and it’s got me super stressed, but I’m excited to finally be doing what I am most passionate about and want to do in life,” Donahue said. “I want to be a women’s wear, lingerie and men’s wear designer.”

Donahue often struggles managing her time between succeeding in school and continuing to pursue

her fashion career. Because of the time consuming activities she participates in, she believes balancing academics and extra-curricular activities is vital.

“I think it’s just about being motivated and passionate about what you are doing,” Donahue said. “I can’t let school rule my life, but I can’t let extracurricular [activities] rule my life either.” v

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

“I kind of got my act together junior year and realized that I enjoyed writing, which I used to hate. I used to be the kid who only [wrote] oneword answers, and now writing is my passion. I wrote [my book] during junior year. It was a lot of work, but I had a lot of fun writing it. It’s about a kid who goes off and makes a lot of bad decisions; its kind of like about how his life falls apart. It’s a really sad story, honestly.”

Panorama

October 17, 2014

Models strut their stuff at St. Louis Fashion Week Students walk the runway in major event they can expect as part of the national and international modeling industry. It’s a growing entity and the designers and level of production keep getting better.”

Modeling in STLFW provides a unique experience for aspiring models and artists. This year, senior Eva Adams was one of the many high school models to work the runway.

She tagged along to her sister’s agency, and they became interested hannah frankel in her. Soon after, she signed as a FEATURES WRITER model. Adam’s first professional very year in early October, job was modeling for Abercrombie the world’s top fashion deand Fitch. signers, models, celebrities “I went with my older sister, and bloggers mark their calendars and I was so nervous,” Adams for Fashion Week, from New said. “We had no clue what to exYork and London, to Milan and pect but everyone turned out to be Paris. Closer to home, two Ladue super nice. The day flew by.” students modeled in the After Abercrombie and It is really fun to walk in cool eighth annual St. Louis Fitch, Adams continued on, Fashion Week this year. receiving many new, exciting outfits the designers pick out for you Aside from fulfillopportunities in her modelto wear. I look[ed] forward to wearing its main goal of ing career. She first became ing all the awesome clothes and showcasing designers’ involved in STLFW through Spring 2015 collections, her modeling agency. meeting new designers.

STLFW also provides “My agency, Centro, is -sophomore Kenzie Bussard asked every year to submit aspiring models in the area with real world models,” Adams said. “Most experience.

“I’ve been participating in [models] attend a casting but some“Volunteering for Fashion STLFW for quite a few years how my schedule never permits.

Week is a valuable skill that can now,” Adams said. “Freshman [Centro] sends in my pictures translate to solid resume experiyear was my first STLFW show. and measurements to the casting ence in a variety of fields from Every year there are a couple new people.” fashion to event planning to girls, but most of us already know Along with Adams, sophomore [public relations],” style director each other. I’ve also made friendKenzie Bussard also participated of STLFW Sarah Stallmann said. ships with some of the designers.” in STLFW. She has modeled for a “[Teens can get] valuable experiAdams first got into modeling long time, this being her third year ence and a peek inside of what through her oldest sister Angela. modeling with Adams.

E

ON THE RUNWAYw

Sophomore Kenzie Bussard strikes a pose. Bussard loved meeting the new designers at STLFW (Photo courtesy of Kenzie Bussard)

“I became a part of STLFW when I tried out in front of a few people to determine if they wanted me in the show or not,” Bussard said. “I prepared for the shows by trying to eat healthy and working out.”

STLFW was held at Union Station from Oct. 9-18. This year, Adams modeled a collection by designer Emily Koplar.

“The line is called Wai Ming by Emily,” Adams said. “She is such a cutie, and a sweetheart.”

The aspect Adams enjoyed the most about STLFW was seeing the new lines. She also liked bonding with the other people involved with the show like the models, designers and artists.

“It’s a great time to catch up with fellow models and fashionistas because you don’t really get a chance to see them otherwise,” Adams said. “Plus you have plenty of free time waiting so you have to find something to do.”

Adams was especially looking forward to STLFW this year because she heard it was going to be the best year yet. She was excited

7

for what this year’s Fashion Week had in store.

“There were more people and the presentation was more professional,” Adams said. “Each year they go over the pros and cons of the previous year to improve the following year.”

Every year that Adams attends STLFW she makes memories with the people she meets. One of her most memorable moments from previous years was meeting the designer Rebecca Minkoff backstage.

“I saw her getting her nails done when I was getting my hair done and didn’t recognize her,” Adams said. “I thought, ‘Wow, I love her bag,’ but [I] didn’t say anything because we were at a distance.”

Like Adams, Bussard has also made many memories at STLFW. She loves meeting all the different models and designers.

“It is really fun to walk in really cool outfits the designers pick out for you to wear,” Bussard said. “I look[ed] forward to wearing all the awesome clothes and meeting new designers.” v

IN ACTION w

Senior Eva Adams walks the runway. Adams has participated in STLFW for four years.

(Photo courtesy of Eva Adams)

Double Take sophomore Jack Lucier

features

“Maze Runner” actor Dylan O’Brien

sophomore Mycaila WilliamsArnold

We scoured the halls in search of Ladue’s best look-alikes... here’s what we found.

“Phox” singer Monica Martin

junior Jason Weber

“How I Met Your Mother” actor Neil Patrick Harris

(Student photos by Ali Gold and Julia Biest; celebrity photos by justjaredjr.com, partisanrecords.com, famousface.us)

8 in-depth

Panorama

October 17, 2014

A week under the sea Student Council combines old traditions with

new improvements to better homecoming week IN-DEPTH EDITOR

S

alli loynd

IN-DEPTH EDITOR

tudent council embraced the “Under the Sea” theme and changed up some aspects of homecoming week in order to provide a more streamlined experience. By adding donuts during Ac Lab, giving the students a voice in choosing spirit days and changing the organization of the week itself, social studies teacher Jim Goldwasser and the rest of STUCO hoped that the homecoming experience was enhanced for the student body.

In years past, the annual spirit week pep rally was held Friday, forcing voting for homecoming court to be held at the dance the next day. This led to disorganization; the voting area was congested, and the king and queen were often announced later than intended.

This year, the pep rally was held on a Monday, which allowed students to vote for the homecoming king and queen online throughout the week.

The pep rally also set the tone for the week, with social studies teacher Mike Hill and math teacher Debra Carson serving as the masters of ceremony.

Zach Dalin, the DJ, played music during lunch after the pep rally as a preview for the dance.

“I had a good time. I thought it was really upbeat,” Carson said. “My favorite part by far of any [pep rally] ever was the reaction to Sparkle Effect– how everybody jumped in and started chanting with them. It was just super cool to me. It didn’t get better than that.”

The Ladue branch of Sparkle Effect, an organization that aims to promote all-inclusive dance and cheer squads, was founded last year, but this marked the first year the club performed at the homecoming pep rally. Sparkle Effect hopes to perform at all future spirit week pep rallies.

An addition to the week that many students enjoyed was Stan the Donut Man, a donut maker that gave out free donuts during Ac Lab Oct. 8. A

Monday: blue and white

all art by audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

spirit week

hayden hunt

line of students snaked its way through the Commons as they waited to get a treat. STUCO chose to hire Stan because of his frequent appearances at eighth grade formals at the middle school. Many students enjoyed the donuts and the excitement that accompanied them.

“Stan the Donut Man was a huge success,” senior STUCO president Christine Hurster said.

“Having the donuts in the middle of the week was a great way to get people motivated to get dressed up. Hopefully we will get him again next year.”

Another new plan that STUCO implemented was student voting for a spirit day. In years past, spirit days did not take into account students’ opinions other than those on STUCO. This year, the representatives provided for a “Voters’ Choice” day. Students were given a choice between Sports Day, Twin Day or Hipsters versus Prepsters Day. The iPads allowed for Goldwasser to email every student a ballot, and over 450 students voted. Hipsters versus Prepsters Day ultimately won.

“By giving students a choice on the spirit days there was a greater ‘buy in,’” Goldwasser said. “It is clear that it worked, as more students dressed up for spirit week this year, especially for the one they voted for.”

Finally, the homecoming parade, which STUCO brought back two years ago, was pushed back so that it started at 12 p.m. rather than 11 a.m. in order to better coincide with the football game. Last year, students complained about the inconvenient gap of time between the end of the parade and the beginning of the game.

Overall, STUCO was happy with the outcome of the changes, and it hopes to continue to extend these improvements for future homecoming weeks.

“I think this year, the biggest success was the amount of spirit everyone had,” junior STUCO secretary Lucy Jonas said. “Whether it was the amount of people dressing up for spirit week or dancing at the dance, our spirit topped years past.

Next year, we hope to continue the homecoming tradition while adding improvement.” v

senior Anthony Badalamenti

WHAT TIME IS IT? w

Top left: Holding up his hands, social studies tea math teacher Debra Carson served as masters of ceremony to pump up students for ing parade Oct. 11. This year marked the first time Sparkle Effect performed at the cheerleaders impressed the crowd at the homecoming game. Playing at Parkway So undefeated season, improving their record to 8-0. Bottom left: Speaking into the m Gym. Dalin also performed during all lunches Oct. 6. (Photos by Sydney Ellis, Sop

Tuesday: tropical

junior Ally Tessler

Wedne ’mur

sophomor

Panorama

October 17, 2014

Meet the king and queen

Malcolm Davis

Abby Miller

How did it feel to win homecoming king and queen?

Abby Miller: It was great– I was really surprised. I didn’t think I would win, so it was really fun.

Malcolm Davis: It felt good. It was really exciting because it’s a once in a lifetime kind of thing. I was glad to experience it with all of my long-time friends.

What is your favorite activity that you’ve been involved in at Ladue?

AM: I’m the manager of the girls’ cross country team. I get to do all of the fun stuff like going to the sleepover, going to the meets, cheering on my friends and going to practices, but without the running part.

MD: Football, just because it challenges you physically and mentally day in and day out. We already won our conference, and we’re on our way to districts and to make a strong run at state. Being captain is challenging, but it also has its rewards.

What was your favorite memory of homecoming week?

AM: Probably the parade. I’d never been to the parade before, let alone been in the parade. We were in the STUCO bus, and they had music playing and it was fun.

MD: Just to see everyone dressed up for all the spirit days. We all know Ladue is a great school, but it’s great to see everyone’s school spirit.

acher Mike Hill asks the crowd, “What time is it?” at the pep rally Oct. 6. Hill and r the week. Top right: Holding colorful signs, Sparkle Effect leads the homecompep rally. Bottom right: Performing a routine together, varsity and junior varsity outh because of rain, the Rams beat University City 52-22 and extended their microphone, DJ Zach Dalin lights up the dance and plays music in the Ramming phia Garland, Meghan Proskey and Yifan Zhou)

seniors Paige and Sydney Briscoe

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

AM: When I was [crowned] queen, they gave me a dozen roses and they’re in a vase at my house, but my cat keeps eating them.

MD: I love this school, and I love my Ladue Rams.

(Photos by Ula Lijowska)

Friday: black out

sophomore Riley Sullivan

(Photos by Sydney Ellis, Jackie Gordon, Sarah Waldman and Ula Lijowska)

esday: Thursday: rica hipsters vs. prepsters

re Joe Reed

in-depth

9

10 arts and entertainment

Panorama

October 17, 2014 (Photo courtesy of Bethany Mollenkof/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

What’s Happening Around Town?

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

Dirty Dancing The Musical Fox Theatre Oct. 21 to Nov. 2 Times vary

Harvest Festival Oct. 19 Laumier Sculpture Park 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fright Fest Six flags Weekends through Nov. 2

The Pretty Reckless The Pageant Oct. 23 7p.m.

A piece of pizza

A fresh spin on a classic dish sabrina medler EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

K

atie’s Pizza and Pasta is the second edition of Katie Lee’s pizza restaurants in St. Louis, the first being Katie’s Pizzeria Café in Clayton. While I haven’t tried the Clayton location, Katie’s Pizza and Pasta left me completely satisfied.

Upon entering, I was immediately met with a friendly hostess eager to seat me. The staff at Katie’s had no dress code, so they had more freedom to express themselves and relate to the customers. Our server was very helpful and friendly, and we were even introduced to Katie herself. I was blown away by the hospitality of the staff at Katie’s. In addition, the homey decor reflected the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant.

As I looked at the menu, however, I realized the catch– the

(Photo by Sabrina Medler)

prices were too steep for pizza.

I ordered a Margherita pizza for $12, and my dining partner ordered the Kup’s egg pizza for $19. I went with a classic choice, and while it was a tad overpriced, my pizza was an authentic Italian creation of perfection.

My dining partner’s pizza, complete with egg, sausage and mushrooms, offered a unique take on traditional pizza. The egg added a surprisingly delightful taste that complimented the other ingredients well. Our food was prepared quickly-– about 10 to 15 minutes– even though the restaurant was packed. The pizzas were big enough to fill both of us up, with even a slice to take home.

Katie’s catered to many different types of customers. There were families enjoying a meal, couples on dates and friends grabbing some drinks at the bar. Overall, despite the steep prices, I enjoyed the food and atmosphere. v

janey sheth A&E EDITOR

T

he upcoming artist, Jillian Banks, otherwise known as Banks, transports listeners to a new world with her slow, sultry, R&B sounds. Banks’ first album, “Goddess,” flaunts troubled lyrics, deep beats and a blend of booming bass along with ghostly vocals.

The standout song on her debut album is clearly “Waiting Game,” in which she ponders whether she will ever see the performer she sings about. In her soprano vocals, she belts, “What if I never even see you ‘cause we’re both on a stage/ But don’t tell me listen to your song because it isn’t the same.” “Waiting Game” combines many of Banks’ unique features, showcasing her wide vocal range from start to end. The stripped down beginning reveals Banks piercing vocals, complemented by a few piano notes, to transition into one roaring bass beat along with some more tortured lyrics to fill out the song.

Banks does not stop there. Perhaps one of her most relatable tracks on the album, “Beggin’ for Thread,” shows Banks’ fearlessness. She embraces her “scratched edges,” as she says in the first line of the song, and admits that she likes feeling crazy sometimes. Banks sings, “And sometimes I don’t got a filter/ But I’m so tired of eatin’ all of my misspoken words.”

Lyrics like this allow listeners to easily identify with the artist. The catchy sound and recurring use of bass differs greatly from the rest of the

album’s sound; it possesses a more catchy and charming rhythm.

Banks also features songs about relationships and love on her album. Her track, “Drowning,” takes the listener through an unfaithful relationship as she sings, “You are not deserving.” Banks portrays love as an addiction, an escape and most of all, a psychological war.

“Change,” exemplifies a woman’s awareness of her boyfriend tearing her down, while he promises, “I’ll change I swear.” This track sums up the constant struggle of questioning the validity behind one’s words over his actions. In the title track, “Goddess,” she sings about a man in a relationship stupidly treating his girlfriend as a target, instead of a “goddess.”

Buried deep within the album is “[expletive deleted] ‘Em Only We Know.” This track reminds me of a more upbeat version of one of Lana Del Rey’s songs, because of Banks’ echoing voices. Banks sings about her disregard for what others think about who she loves. As the title of the track says, “only we know,” Banks implies the two understand each other perfectly.

She gushes about their compatible love as she sings, “we’re just like magnets” in a taunting tone, which adds to the already addicting lyrics.

When it comes to Banks, it’s all about the lyrics, skilled production and the ease in which the listener can connect to her. From her ballads to her hard-core beats, there is sure to be something on the album every listener can relate to.

So the next time you feel like you want to sit down and cry, eat your feelings or are simply confused, Banks has got your back. v

October 17, 2014

Panorama

The one with the 20th birthday: teddy turner A&E WRITER

T

he 20th anniversary of “Friends” received lots of attention. Despite the situation comedy’s finale a decade ago, “Friends” continues to impact pop culture and attract new viewers.

The show is centered around six friends’ daily lives.

The writers incorporated witty comedy, as well as relatable characters and plotlines, to yield a truly memorable product. When it first aired Sept. 22, 1994 no one could have predicted how successful the show would be, continuing for ten seasons on NBC. Even a decade after its finale, the show continues to influence today’s sitcoms.

Originally named “Six of One,” what set “Friends” apart from previous sitcoms was its ensemble cast. The main cast included the characters Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross, played by Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, respectively. The characters were listed alphabetically in the credits, contrasting predecessors like “Seinfeld.” This was a revolutionary concept in television because it implied that no character was more important than another. Another element distinguishing “Friends” from other shows was its modern approach. Today’s shows like “The Big Bang Theory” can thank the daring progressivism of “Friends” for their success.

“Friends” explored pressing subjects at the time, including extramarital, LGBT and interracial relationships, along with surrogate mothers and adoption. Most of all, the characters kindled bonds over their estranged families. This

resonated with ‘90s youth because divorce was just becoming a prevalent issue.

The show attracted a lot of attention; on average, over 20 million people watched each episode, even during its final seasons. The episode “The One After the Super Bowl” was especially popular, captivating a record 52.9 million viewers.

During its eighth season, “Friends” was the most-watched show in the U.S..

“Friends” also garnered critical acclaim. Aniston won a Golden Globe in 2003 for her role and the show itself received six nominations that year.

In addition, “Friends” won six Emmys in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2008.

It also won two Screen Actors Guild Awards in 1996 and 2000. mary xiao w ART EDITOR The sitcom even influenced the English language. University of Toronto professor Sali Tagliamonte claimed that the characters’ preference of “so” as an intensifier, over “very” and “really,” contributed to English speakers already-developing preference to “so.”

The show still has a strong, dedicated fanbase. A “Friends” pop-up store opened in Manhattan, N.Y. in September. Modeled after “Central Perk,” the fictional coffee

arts and entertainment

11

‘90s sitcom “Friends” celebrates two decades

shop featured on the show, the store is furnished with set memorabilia. Some eager fans camped out overnight and formed a line causing a two-hour wait. The New York Times noted that many patrons had “barely been born when the show was first broadcast.”

In honor of the “Friends” 20th anniversary, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” invited the female members of the “Friends” main ensemble for an informal reunion Aug. 27.

Aniston, Cox and Kudrow reprised their characters in a short skit. The iconic “Friends” kitchen set was replicated on the show.

It started out with just Aniston reading along with Kimmel’s “fan fiction,” and then Cox and Kudrow joined in. To explain the male cast member’s absence, Kimmel joked that, “they’re dead. Marcel the Monkey bit them and gave them monkey rabies,” referencing a pet kept by Schwimmer’s character. The skit induced fevered applause throughout its duration, and its official YouTube video attracted over 13 million views in five days. A complete reunion has not been planned, but Schwimmer and LeBlanc will appear together on the BBC comedy show “Episode,” which stars Leblanc. The air date for the appearance has not yet been announced.

Although “Friends” has not produced new episodes for a decade, its current buzz testifies to its longevity and legacy across multiple generations. v

12 opinions

Panorama

October 17, 2014

Panorama Editorial Board

Collinger’s

Political education does not stop at the ballot box

Contemplations audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

Zero to Sixty

benjamin collinger OPINIONS EDITOR

O

nly three days after the most traumatic act of terror in American history, Congress came to a nearly unanimous consensus. They agreed “That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons.”

Only one representative in either house of Congress opposed the Authorization for Use of Military Force: Rep. Barbara Lee of California. Lee urged her colleagues to be “careful not to embark on an open-ended war with neither an exit strategy nor a focused target.”

Thirteen years later, America is in the midst of Lee’s very fear. The AUMF was designed to prevent those responsible for the attacks of 9/11 from committing future acts of terrorism against the U.S., not declare a war on terror. Congress failed to foresee the dimensions of the AUMF, the wars it has justified or how it would alter the constitutional balance. The time has come to revive the debate on those 60 words.

As the U.S. and its coalition begin war against the radical Sunni militants known as the Islamic State, it becomes imperative that this incredibly powerful framework for fighting terrorism is called into question. Otherwise, the U.S. risks another long series of undefined conflicts and abuse of our Constitution unless change occurs.

Neither the Obama administration nor Congress have provided a credible legal argument under domestic law for a war against IS. Although the Bush and Obama administrations have expanded the language of the AUMF to cover al-Qaida descendants that didn’t exist in 2001, these extensions don’t cover IS. Not only is IS unaffiliated with al-Qaida, but it is at war with its affiliate in Syria, the Nusra Front.

Similarly, the authorization for the Iraq war doesn’t justify action either; it aims to “protect the national security of the United States against the threat posed

by Iraq.” The threat of the non-state actor IS isn’t posed by Iraq, it is a threat against Iraq. Finally, the president’s inherent powers as commander in chief do not permit a declaration of war; this power is reserved for Congress.

The framers of the constitution intended for the entire republic, through representatives in Congress, not solely the executive branch, to make weightly descisions especially involving war. Congress may give official approval eventually, but the current tacit permission sets a dangerous precedent. Future presidents may want war without popular approval, and use the current administration’s actions and dynamic with Congress as justification.

The U.S. must confront questions on the scope of authorizations of military force during times of war.

The time has come to engage debate about how best to preserve constitutional values while protecting the nation from terrorism. v (This column reflects the opinion of the writer)

Adults constantly encourage prospective voters to register and ful- enticing propaganda. This decision making process is dangerous, for voters are simply voting on superficial qualifications. fill their right and duty to vote. This concept is emphasized so much Although political discussions occur in some classrooms, it is that it seems the hardest part about voting is registering. However, often not specific to candidates or targeted issues, making the decision of whom to vote for is much more simply assigning generalized opinions to political difficult. Voting is everyone’s civic duty, but people parties. It is important to understand party platshould not vote if they do not know what each canforms, but generalizations often do not reflect the full didate stands for. Schools must cultivate an educated picture or individuals’ personal beliefs. For example, electorate by including current political education into members of the Republican party are often opposed required courses. Granted, Ladue has a respectable to expanding gay rights. Yet, according to an article government program, but it fails to educate students from the Huffington Post from 2014, three Republiabout what specific candidates represent. can state representatives deviated from the party line, Registering to vote is an important part of the voting for same-sex marriage. process, but participation doesn’t stop at the ballot Thus, specific education on candidates, not only box. Uninformed voting does a disservice to society; general party platforms is imperative. Many people therefore, our community must focus more attention argue that teaching students about political beliefs on proper education of political issues, rather than in the classroom will result in students being biased just the act of voting. toward their teacher’s personal opinions. In order to Families overwhelmingly influence a student’s prevent this from occurring, teachers should refrain ideology. Instead of looking into issues independently, from lecturing students, and instead allow them to students often simply follow their upbringing. On the engage in thoughtful discussions and debates with other hand, some students grow up in families without one another. Not only does this help students learn political awareness, causing them to become indifabout contrasting opinions, but it also facilitates ferent about governmental issues. In both situations, juliann bi w ARTIST solidification of their beliefs. students do not develop a well-rounded politically Discussions about current affairs should be a more prevalent part aware perspective. of each and every class. Although voter registration is important, it Additionally, without proper education, students may choose should not be the single focus; specific education for teens on politics candidates for the wrong reasons. According to an article from CBS should also be emphasized. v News by Isaac Mohr in 2008, many voters base their decision on which candidate received the most media coverage or used the most (This column reflects the opinion of the Editorial Board)

1980s

2010s

Kocher’s Corner audrey kocher w ART EDITOR

Dance, dance evolution

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

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

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Sarah Jacob Sabrina Medler

FEATURES EDITORS Ali Gold Julia Biest

OPINIONS EDITORS Benjamin Collinger Keona Kalu

A&E EDITORS Janey Sheth Aaron Greenberg

NEWS EDITORS Ethan Shuchart Sasha Rice

PHOTO EDITORS Sydney Ellis Jeanne Wilkinson

SPORTS EDITORS Aaron Bry Sam Shevitz

IN-DEPTH Alli Loynd Hayden Hunt

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

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

BUSINESS MANAGER Lizzy Puyo

ART EDITORS Audrey Kocher Mary Xiao

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

WEB MASTER Warren Biest ADVISOR Jillian Miesen

ARTISTS Juliann Bi Ting Ding Kira Svoboda Steele Stewart

October 17, 2014

Panorama

opinions

13

Should America intervene against the “Islamic State”?

PRO

Leadership and moral obligation require action. sarah jacob EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

P

the development of new terrorist groups. As Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said in an interview with Politico Magazine Sept. 21, “We’ve got absolutely no choice but to [form a coalition], not just in order to destroy the onward march of [IS] but to send a very strong signal to the other terrorist groups operating in the region.”

Fighting extremism with more extremism is the only way to send a message; negotiations are simply impossible with terrorists.

Although the ideology is not something that we will ever complete destroy, intervention can inhibit violent acts. In his address Sept.

10, President Barack Obama stressed that airstrikes would continue, but that ground troops would not be employed.

resident George W. Bush said these iconic words in his post-9/11 speech: “America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world… None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.” Ever since the tragic event, the U.S.has taken great interest in combating terrorism globally, intervening in places like Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

But, despite the U.S.’s persistence, terrorism continues to plague the world– most recently through the Sunni militant group that calls itself the Islamic State. Because of the barbaric, inhumane actions IS carried out, the U.S. must again lead a coalition against horritific terrorism.

IS, an offshoot of al-Qaida, exploited tensions between groups in the Iraqi government and established control over areas in Iraq and Syria. In addition to creating political instability, the jihadists carried out hundreds of murders in Iraq. In response to the mass slaughtering and brutal forces used to declare a caliphate by IS, the U.S. rightfully began airstriking and supplying humanitarian aid.

This in turn angered the group and prompted the beheading of American journalist James Foley.

Until the beheadings of two American journalists, the necessity of American intervention was debatable; however, now it is not. Not only were two completely innocent lives lost, but the U.S. received a direct threat from IS. Just before the execution, an extremist said that continued airstrikes “would result in the bloodshed of [Americans].” The U.S. must take this extremist’s warnings seriously, for This stance is wise, for fhe U.S. cannot the last time the government ignored threats afford another costly war in the Middle East. it resulted in the worst terrorist attack on However, as a world power with resources American soil: 9/11. If the U.S. does not and experience in dealing with terrorism, it act, who’s to say that the same thing will not is vital that the U.S. protects lives and interhappen again? IS has not attacked home soil, ests abroad through decisive action. With but in beheading two American journalists, power and influence comes the responsibilthe group has attacked our nation’s citizens. ity to lead. Without a powerful assertion CNN reported Oct. 7 that over 2,000 of leadership, the United States will lose Westerners, including British and American credibility in the world, and consequently citizens, have joined IS’s forces in Iraq and weakening our influence abroad.

Syria. After Ameritraining, radiFighting extremism with extremism is the can intercalized fighters vention is only way to send a message; negotiations may return to a prudent their countries are simply impossible with terrorists. response and carry out to requests attacks from for help the inside. This from the is even more of Iraqi gova reason to continue fighting IS, as returning ernment and the international community. radicals are more likely to strike because of As Obama said in his address to the Ameritheir familiarity with the weak points of our can people, “This is American leadership at societies. it’s best: we stand with people who fight for Without action, IS could attack Western their own freedom, and we rally other nanations and continue creating havoc in the tions on behalf of our common security and Middle East. Even worse, IS may inspire common humanity.” v

CON

U.S. cannot afford another war in Middle East.

A prevalent ideology on American national security since the Iraq war stressed benjamin collinger the dangers posed by weak or failing states.

OPINIONS EDITOR To deal with these problems the U.S. had an resident Barack Obama officially obligation to reach out to stabilize certain announced his plan to “degrade, and countries. This idea must be rejected. ultimately destroy IS.” Although The “failed state paradigm” was he has the country’s best interests at heart, explained in “Foreign Affairs” in January looming American failures in the Middle 2013 by Michael Mazarr, Professor of NaEast should dissuade a further entangletional Security Strategy and Associate Dean ment. Intervention in Syria and Iraq will for Academics at the U.S. National War likely cause another costly war, similar to College. Mazarr finds that the paradigm led those in Iraq and Afghanistan. to the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan Phyllis Bennis, American journalist, with little success. Further, the U.S. must activist and author return its attenof “Before & tion to the roles Although the U.S. prides itself on After: U.S. Foreign and missions that Policy and the War mean far more to helping those in need, it’s time to on Terrorism,” long-term peace pass the responsibility onto the reminds us of the and security, countries who are more immediately allowing institueconomic cost of the Iraq war. tional developaffected. ment to occur organically and successfully.

Although the U.S. prides itself on helping those in need, it’s time to pass the responsibility onto the countries who steele stewart w ARTIST are more immediately affected. The American public has no interest in losing money or lives to solve issues we didn’t start.

Although two American journalists were brutally murdered, IS does not currently pose a direct threat to American soil. The loss of two American lives does not justify losing potentially thousands more in a ground war. As violence escalates, it is more likely the U.S. will need to send in ground troops.

Since 9/11, terrorist cells have only be“$802 billion and counting (not includcome more fragmented. Islamic terrorism is ing the years ahead of multibillion-dollar predicated on a hatred of the American way healthcare costs for wounded veterans) of lifeand is only exacerbated by western could pay instead for converting 344 million intervention. As brought to light in LawU.S. homes to solar energy, or hiring 11.7 rence Wright’s “The Looming Tower,” the million elementary school teachers for a ideological opposition to the West is based year or providing 409 million low-income not only on American intervention, but also children with healthcare.” a rejection of Western ways of life. Regional As Richard Haas, President of the Counissues require regional solutions. cil on Foreign Relations postulated in his The U.S. should use its leadership and a book “Foreign Policy Begins at Home,” the common international framework in order U.S. must focus on solving domestic probto form a coalition of countries. We must lems prior to overreaching abroad. Haas avoid another inevitably doomed military contends that U.S. national security depends intervention in the Middle East. v even more on addressing its crumbling infrastructure, second-class schools, outdated imCorrections from Sept. 12 migration system and an enlarging debt. He argues that the U.S. must limit its role in hupg. 2 Huayu Gao is a junior, not a senior. manitarian interventions designed to rebuild failed states, as was tried unsuccessfully in Iraq and Afghanistan. There’s a difference pg. 3 Robin Williams died in between statebuilding and diplomacy.

August.

However, in the foreign policy arena, the U.S. should focus on maintaining the balance of power in Asia, and champion North pg. 14 The football player pictured was American economic integration and energy Udelle Hyde, not Nate Howard. self-sufficiency.

P

14 opinions

Panorama

October 17, 2014

Firearms do not belong in the classroom

Arming teachers will not diminish the threat of gun violence

ting ding w ARTIST

Linguistic Darwinism keona kalu OPINIONS EDITOR

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ho knew that one day we would be following in the footsteps of Gretchen Weiners?

I know it has been a decade but surely this generation still remembers that Gretchen pioneered the use of the word “fetch.” Our society is definitely moving in this direction. New words pop up everyday.

Just last year, “selfie” made its way into the Oxford dictionary. Before that there were “jorts,” “bromance” and “bootylicious.” Of course adults may gripe about how teenagers are sending the English language downhill, but this is the fate of the language: evolution.

Language change is inevitable. A language is just a system of communication, and as the things we want to communicate change, so does the medium for communication. It is only natural that as new innovations, technologies and social situations appear, new words do as well.

The adults of this era are not the only ones to complain about the language changes. People have always complained about new words in the English language.

Linguists were upset when “pantaloons” became abbreviated to “pants,” and when “impact,” a verb, began to double as a noun. But now these words have become integrated into everyday conversations.

There are hundreds of examples. The phrase “I could care less” stems from direct misuse of the correct phrase “I couldn’t care less,” but because of its widespread use, the incorrect version is accepted and understood. This type of change demonstrates that if a word or phrase exists to describe a well-known situation and successfully does so, it should be accepted.

This is true of the words we are inventing now.

They’ve become so prevalent in our society that ignoring them would be ridiculous. For example, though the word ‘literally” has, much to my chagrin, officially become a word that means its exact opposite, that doesn’t mean we should prohibit its use. In the same way that biological evolution is inevitable, linguistic evolution is as well. Language will sort itself out. If a word or phrase doesn’t do its job, it won’t be recognized, and in a sort of linguistic Darwinism, it will fall out of use.

We have to accept the change that is coming to our language. I’m not crusading for the total abandonment of grammar rules– they exist for consistency and ease of understanding. But perhaps we should welcome some of the changes more warmly. When a new scenario or feeling arises, languages adapt to accommodate them. If the word doesn’t exist already, create one. If we shunned new words at every opportunity, where would we be without words like “Internet” and “smartphone?” Just imagine a life where it was impossible to describe any of the new technologies.

When you think about it this way, most of the changes we are experiencing are not that bad. The definition of words change to reflect the society using them. So if we really have a problem with these new words, we should change our culture not just the manifestations of it. v (This column reflects the opinion of the writer)

is relatively low: 1 in 21,000. Comparatively, the odds of a teacher’s firearm dangerously malfunctioning are ethan shuchart higher. If a gun misfires, it has the potential to do more NEWS EDITOR harm than good. Even with good intentions, bringing a gun into a room immediately creates a concern for the ncidents of mass violence in the U.S. are rising. Acsafety of everyone in the space. cording to the FBI, in the past 13 years, 486 people have Though the nonviolent use of guns has been popularbeen killed in mass shootings. Lawmakers in Missouri ized, many people, especially kids, feel nervous around and across the country have been trying to find different guns, because they can easily transform from tools of ways to combat violence, looking specifically towards gun protection to weapons of destruction. Teachers also recontrol. The Missouri House of Representatives proposed main susceptible to this same sort of worry. When teacha bill that would allow teachers to carry weapons in classers become focused on the safe handling of their rooms in order to provide defense in the event that weapon, it can distract them from the teaching a shooter enters the building; however, Gov. at hand, forcing them to direct undue focus Jay Nixon vetoed the bill. “Arming teachers towards an improbable event. Educating will not make our schools safer,” Nixon students becomes difficult when all parsaid in a statement to MSNBC. But the ties in the classroom fixate on a deadly state legislature overrode his decision piece of metal.

Sept. 11, making it legal for teachWhen accepting a concealed carry ers to be armed in classrooms. This permit, one agrees that he will be willapproach presents a generally unsafe ing to end the life of another human situation for everyone involved. being if his life or the lives of those Teachers who wish to carry a weaparound him are endangered. A teacher on at school must obtain a concealed who agrees to this takes on a personal carry permit; this requires instruction on responsibility usually reserved for civil ofthe proper use and handling of a firearm ficers. Trusting a teacher to properly handle and all the problems that could arise while usting ding w ARTIST and fire a weapon may be too much stress for ing one. But as comprehensive as this may seem, the teacher to handle. a permit does not ensure proper usage of a gun in the future.

Gun violence in schools is a prevalent issue in today’s The high media coverage after school shootings may lead society. However, using guns as a solution is futile, since people to believe there is high incidence of mass shootings.

But the chance of any U.S. high school experiencing a shoot- gun violence itself is the problem. To prevent violence, lawmakers and citizens must turn to gun control. v ing in any given year, according to the “Psych Law Journal,”

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Hiding negative results on the Internet

“Right to be forgotten” interferes with freedom of information keona kalu OPINIONS EDITOR

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ast month, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton and many other female celebrities fell victim to a cyber-attack in which their private photos were leaked. Many people debate who is more to blame: the stars who took the pictures, or those who invaded their privacy and posted the pictures. In the wake of this event, it is important to think about the significance of privacy in a digital world.

The world is in the midst of a technological revolution.

The advent of search engines brought Internet recesses to the forefront. But troubling results like criminal records and inappropriate photos can negatively impact people’s futures.

The permanent nature of the Internet creates the perfect research tool, but it also creates a world where people are haunted by pasts that may not represent their presents.

However, an initiative in the European Union could change this with the “right to be forgotten.” This idea states that each person has the right to have certain data deleted from the Internet. This proposal sparked the creation of a statute stating that individuals may petition search engines to delete “inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant” links.

Under the policy, people can only request search engines to delete links to websites; the actual information would not be removed. Still, this greatly limits access to important facts as Google and other search engines are mainstream mediums of information. The vagueness of these guidelines make it difficult to assess the legitimacy of individuals claims.

“You have a collision between a right to be forgotten and a right to know,” Google’s executive chairman Eric Schmidt

told The New York Times. Under this policy people could hide past criminal records, public information that people greatly rely on. For example, prospective employers would be less equipped to conduct background checks since it would be difficult to find links to criminal records.

Wanting to remove untrue, defamatory information and embarrassing photos from younger years is completely understandable; however, this action should be restricted when it results in the removal of valid public information and undue censorship. “[It] is a form of censorship,” Harvard professor Jonathan Zittrain said. “One that would most likely be unconstitutional if attempted in the United States.”

The closest we have come to this in the U.S. is with a new law in California. The bill would permit minors to request removal of certain content from websites and force Internet companies to comply. However, account holders would only be able to make requests when they are under the age of 18.

Deleting a picture from Facebook doesn’t ensure that no one else will see it. This bill is useless because it cannot pursue any action against people who screenshot or retweet the information to their peers. Also, it is powerless when dealing with a person who posts anything about someone else. Californian legislators are trying to guide their minors into Internet responsibility, but the bill could lead to a dependence on this behavior and cause people to accept the incorrect notion that information should be censored for personal gain. Because of this, the right to be forgotten shouldn’t be accepted in the U.S. The “right” to be forgotten isn’t a right at all. A country that values freedom of information can’t give its citizens the right to censorship so that they can pursue their own interests. v

Only residents of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Liechenstein or Iceland are eligible to petition search engines to delete links.

Not Elligible

If the information concerns somoene with the same name

October 17, 2014

Panorama

sports

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NFL: the league of exceptions Athlete of The NFL continuously pardons the league’s best within the NFL community,” NOW President Terry O’Neill told CNN in an article Sept. 16. sam shevitz Rice does not stand alone as the only star who has been SPORTS EDITOR in trouble with the NFL. Many of the league’s best players he NFL has had 89 different players that have accumuhave a spot on the fined and suspended list. Denver Bronco lated over $21 million in fines and suspensions since the wide receiver Wes Welker was suspended for two games and beginning of the season. The most popular case involved fined more than $900,000 for his violation of the NFL’s drug Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. A video was released policy; Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manto the public of Rice physically abusing his wife, Janay Palmer. ziel was fined $12,000 dollars for an “obscene gesture” He is currently serving an indefinite suspension toward the bench of the Washington Redskins; Denver from the NFL. Bronco quarterback Peyton Manning was fined $8,268 “He messed up and he definitely for taunting an opposing player. deserves some sort of penalty,” senior “If it stops the problem, then the fining is Jack May said. reasonable, but if these fines have no impact Rice was fined $588,234 and has not on the actions of the players, then I would returned to the Baltimore Ravens since. definitely call it dramatic,” May said.

The Ravens also ceased the sale of Ray As professional athletes, the Rice apparel immediately following the players should demonstrate positive release of the video. actions. Negative actions reflect NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has poorly to the public. increased the policy for domestic violence.

“Sports often reflect our The first offense results in a six-game suspensociety,” social studies teacher sion and the second offense results in a lifetime ban Jim Goldwasser said. “I think from the NFL. that domestic abuse, child abuse audrey wang w ARTIST The National Organization for Women was especially and drug use is a problem for the displeased with the investigation of the Rice case. The orgageneral society and so we see that in sports.” nization has taken issue and held strong opinions with the Whether it be domestic violence, public obscenity or drug treatment of women associated with the NFL in the past. abuse, the NFL has allowed athletes to make poor deci“We are insisting that Goodell must resign and we want sions, while letting them maintain their multi-million dollar a truly independent investigator with full authority and full professions. If the league wishes to maintain their credibility, power to do a top-to-bottom review of all the domestic viohowever, they must implement new rules to ensure that nothlence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking incidents ing like this happens again. v

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the Month Each month we will pick one athlete to spotlight that has excelled in his sport.

This month’s athlete is:

Iyayi Ogbevoen

Ogbevoen, a sophomore on the swim team, already qualified for state in two events: the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. Because he competed last year at state, he has more experience with the competition. “I have worked really hard so far, but I feel that I could work harder,” Ogbevoen said. “I hope that I can break the 50 freestyle record at state, but I know I just need to keep working.”

(Photo by Ula Lijowska)

16 sports

Football boasts perfect record

Panorama

October 17, 2014

Senior Sit-down Each month, Panorama sits down with a senior athlete. October’s athlete is Sarah Waldman from the field hockey team.

Rams hold an intact 8-0 record after beating University City Lions us throughout the off-season and into the first eight SPORTS EDITOR SPORTS WRITER games,” senior John Fox said. he varsity football team Coach Tarpey was also has started their season unfazed by these thoughts off with a bang. The team and stuck with the same has eight wins under its belt, and strategies from last year.

BOOMING KICK w Approaching the ball, senior John Fox attempts to limit has kept its undefeated streak alive Although they may not be the University City Lions to a touchback. According to STL Today, Fox ranks in the against challenging teams such the biggest or fastest team, as Parkway Central and Cape they continue to win by out- top 15 for kick-off averages and top 10 for punting averages in the area. This is Fox’s third year kicking and punting for the football team. (Photo by Meghan Proskey) Girardeau Central. working their opponents.

The team could not have asked “Everyday we run after for a better start to its season. practice, not just to push us physiThe team’s hard work has been out strong in the second half and After losing several key seniors last cally but also mentally,” junior evident in its performances. One finished with a 52-22 victory. year, the Rams’ success came as a Jeremy Levinson said. “So far, it big game was the come-from“I was a little disappointed with surprise to some people. has really paid off.” behind win over Cape Girardeau how we played in the first half, but “Before the Parkway Central The team has taken each game Central. Another was when they we were able to come out strong game, Coach [Mike] Tarpey told in stride, only focusing on the task went on the road to Parkway Cen- in the second,” Fox said. “I was us that people have been telling ahead of it. Tarpey brings this tral and defeated the Colts. very proud of how we handled him that this will be a rebuilding week-by-week mentality to the “It was really great to beat the adversity and bounced back so year,” senior MalParkway Central because they are quickly and effectively.” colm Davis said.

The team hopes to keep their The idea of this season being considered always a very good team,” senior Many of Jack May said. “We hadn’t beaten winning streak intact as they head a ‘rebuilding season’ has really fired us up them since I was in eighth grade, into the last month of the season. the players and and pushed us throughout the off-season so it was an amazing feeling to coaches believed They also look forward to facing the football proend the drought.” new teams in the playoffs. and into the first five games. gram wasn’t being In addition to the big wins “Hopefully we continue with given the respect against Cape Girardeau Central the success we have been hav- senior John Fox it deserved. and Parkway Central, the team ing and finish our regular season Instead, it was defeated homecoming opponent strong,” May said. “We moved up written off as a team that needed a team in order to keep the team University City to improve their a class this year so are going to be year or two to bounce back. focused and engaged. record to 8-0. The Lions played playing some teams we have never “The idea of this season being “Our first goal is to continue to a tough first half and were able played in playoffs, but it’s an excitconsidered a ‘rebuilding season’ work hard [and] to play better each to limit Ladue’s lead to 21-14 at ing challenge and hopefully we can has really fired us up and pushed week,” Tarpey said. half. However, the Rams came make it really far.” v aaron bry

michael peterson

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Aaron Bry: How did you get your start in field hockey?

Sarah Waldman: I started playing [field hockey] in fourth grade. My mom made me play because she had played in high school and college and was coaching at the time.

AB: What is the team goal for the season?

SW: The biggest goal for the team this season has been to make it to the Final Four.

AB: Do you have any individual goals for the season? If so, what are they?

SW: My personal goal for the season has been just to really bond with the team and make it the best season yet.

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

• Oct. 17 - Boys Soccer vs. Westminster Christian AB: What has been your favorite memory from playing for Ladue?

• Oct. 17 - Football @ St. Charles West • Oct. 18 - Girls Tennis vs. University City • Oct. 28 - Boys Swimming vs. Affton

SW: Beating Ursuline in 1v1’s to make it to the Elite Eight.

AB: What is your favorite postgame meal?

SW: My favorite post-game meal is definitely Chipotle.

(Photo by Meghan Proskey)

(Photos by Meghan Proskey and Sophia Garland)