Ladue Panorama October 2013, Volume 62, Issue 3

panorama Ladue Horton Watkins High School • 1201 S. Warson Road • St. Louis, MO 63124 • Volume 62 • Issue 3 • October 14, 2013

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PHOTO balloon glow [pg. 10]

A&E the grove [pg. 12]

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FEATURES parents as teachers [pg. 6]

OPINIONS

parents and college [pg. 17]

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NEWS syrian connection [pg. 3]

SPORTS

Jehu Chesson [pg. 20]

(Photos by Elyse Mack, Jeanne Wilkinson, Magda Lijowska and Jenna Shanker)

recap: homecoming Check out page 8 for details on the homecoming court and the cutest ways people were asked to the dance

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NEWS

LOWDOWN 15 National Merit Scholars Announced Seniors Emily Biest, Katherine Campbell, Enze Chen, Emily Chu, Justin Cole, Sam Crowder, Jialin Ding, Mike Figenshau, Robert Marshall, Shira Morosohk, Caleb Rosenthal, Stella Schindler, Luke Song, Ben Zhang, and Eric Zhu all received semifinalist standing in the National Merit Scholar Competition.

Speech and Debate

Speech and debate team novices Emilie Barrett, Olivia Jurgiel, Keona Kalu, Rachel Steiner, Maya Mutic and Faris Ali placed first in their tournament. Varsity team members Emily Chu, Simi Falako and Tushar Raj placed. Sophomore Renee Colby was tournament champion in varsity impromptu speaking.

Homecoming Court

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LHS Morning News Anchors Announced asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdfasdfasdf asdfasdfasdfasdf

Student Publishes Single on iTunes

Sophomore Sema Dibooglu released her song, “I Am No Longer,” on iTunes recently.

October 14, 2013

Autism Speaks 2 Teens Board:

New board helps plan 2013 walk news writer

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utism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism research and education organization is hosting their annual walk on Oct. 12. The walk was started in 2003 to raise funds and awareness for the cause.

Ladue sophomores Ali Gold and Alaina Muchnick, and junior Alyson Yawitz are members of the Autism Speaks to Teens Board, a group dedicated to promoting autism education. “[The Autism Speaks Walk] is an event that brings thousands of people together to walk as one community for a cause that we are all passionate about,” board member junior Alyson Yawitz said. “There are games, food, activities and lots of resources for all kinds of different things for families, and it brings in tons of money for a great cause.”

Annually, St. Louis’ walk raises almost a million dollars, and attracts about 25,000 people. Field Development Senior Coordinator and the AS2Teens adviser Kristen Wild said that while there are walks held in cities all over the nation, St. Louis has one of the largest in the country, and continues to grow every year.

“Walk Now for Autism Speaks benefits people with autism by bringing the community together at a fun-filled family event,” Wild said. “This event recognizes and embraces those on the autism spectrum. Kids and adults, both on and off of the spectrum, unite to walk together and celebrate our diversity. It is also an important event because of the substantial funds raised by numerous teams and individuals.”

Aside from planning the Autism Speaks Walk, the Autism Speaks to Teens Board organizes similar events . These teens attend monthly meetings, educate their peers and fundraise for the organization.

“The board organizes events to bring together all teens, those on the autism

spectrum and their neuro-typical peers,” Wild said. “Earlier this month, the board hosted a bowling party, which was both a community building event and a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. Throughout the school year, the board will host speakers and programs at schools to build awareness and tolerance of autism spectrum disorder.”

Teens are encouraged to join the board to help make a change in the community. There are currently 14 students on board from different high schools including Kirkwood, MICDS, Ft. Zumwalt East, and Parkway North.

“Teens should be part of the board because it is a good cause, it teaches them leadership skills, and it gives them a chance to meet new teens from all over St. Louis,” sophomore Alaina Muchnick said. “We have raised money for Autism Speaks and brought together typically developing teenagers with their peers.”

Upcoming events for Autism Speaks include a 5K Puzzle Run in Forest Park, a Golf Classic at Glen Echo Country Club, an event for teens at Pole Position and a pub crawl called the “Twelve Bars of Clayton”. In April, there will be many celebrations for Autism Awareness month, and a Chef’s Gala, hosted in May. “While our walk on October 12th is our largest annual event, we have additional events throughout the year,” Wild said. “April is Autism Awareness month, which is recognized worldwide. Many buildings across the city and the globe will

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The Autism Speaks Walk is an event that brings thousands of people together to walk as one community for a cause that we are all passionate about.

-junior Alyson Yawitz

light up their buildings blue, our trademark color.”

In addition to the Teen Board, there are also “friends” of the Teen Board. This group, while not on the actual board, attend meetings and events. Friends share the same values of the Autism Speaks to Teens Board.

“I have been involved with Autism Speaks with my family for the past 11 years,” Yawitz said. “My younger sister Kaitlyn is on the Autism spectrum, and both of my parents are very involved with the organization as well. When they started the teen board this past year, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.”

The AS2Teens board welcomes new members of all abilities. To become a part of the board, contact Wild at kristen.

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October 14, 2013

NEWS

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The question of Syria:

Amnesty International promotes awareness and actively volunteers to aid in conflict news editor

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he current violence in Syria has left millions displaced, cities in ruins and thousands impoverished. While the crisis may seem distant, students throughout the school are actively participating in fundraisers, discussions and protests to aid the struggling nation.

One group working to raise awareness about Syria is Ladue’s chapter of Amnesty International, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting human rights and demanding justice for citizens around the world.

“A solid third of their country has fled to Iraq,” junior Peter Driscoll said. “And that’s a testament to how bad it is there, since Iraq is already in the middle of a war. About six million people have been displaced, and we’re trying to get people to know about that. I see Amnesty International as a great outlet for awareness.”

While Driscoll has no personal connections to the events in Syria, he feels strongly that the conflict should be dealt with in the most peaceful manner possible. Other students share these

sentiments, such as junior Caty Witte, who attended a protest in Forest Park in September. The rally aimed to deter military action in Syria, instead aiming for a peaceful approach.

“Attending the rally was a great experience,” Witte said. “It’s great to know that there’s a community within St. Louis that feels strongly about peace in Syria, even though it doesn’t neccessarily directly affect them.”

Senior Omar Elzoobi, who is Syrian, actively participates in Amnesty International and hopes to address common misconceptions about the conflict. He notes that students often see Syria

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art by AUDREY KOCHER

Syria is a very beautiful country, and it has a very rich culture. It’s the birthplace of humanity– Damascus is the oldest city in the world. It’s very liberal, and the people there are very Western, very educated people.

- senior Omar Elzoobi

as foreign and different, while in reality Syria has adopted many cultural traditions typically seen as common only in the Western world.

“Syria is a very beautiful country, and it has a very rich culture,” Elzoobi said. “It’s the birthplace of humanity– Damascus is the oldest city in the world. It’s very liberal, and the people there are a very Western, very educated people.”

While news about the conflict in Syria is constantly changing, Elzoobi and Driscoll believe there are some key facts students should be informed of. One such clarification Elzoobi hopes to make is that of the role of the rebels.

“People often think the rebels are the good guys, but they aren’t,” Elzoobi said. “There are a lot of Al-Qaeda elements within the rebel groups. They are the ones that have been kill-

ing Christians and other minorities.”

Elzoobi also adds that rebel efforts have attracted attention from countries that do not necessarily understand Syria’s situation. He cites that some countries, hoping to offer aid, have sent weapons to the rebels, who have then killed innocent people with these weapons.

“While the government in Syria isn’t perfect, I do believe it is better than the alternative, which is an Al-Qaeda run rebel government,” Elzoobi said.

Amnesty International has many plans to aid Syria throughout the year. According to Driscoll, the club plans to pair up with Interact club to sell pizza during Ac Lab in an effort they call “Peace of Pizza,” with all profits going towards Syrian refugees.

They also hope to collaborate with Club Mud to make “Pottery for Peace,” and hold a letter-writing contest in which students write letters to government officials urging for peace in Syria.

“So far we’ve got a lot of positive feedback from students and other clubs,” Elzoobi said. “[Janice] Pauken, our club sponsor, has been great in helping us try to achieve what we want to.”

At its core, Amnesty International hopes to make a positive difference in the lives of affected Syrians. Whether it be through pizza or pottery, helping others is paramount.

“They really need our help right now,” Driscoll said. “And I hope that our efforts can make a difference.” «

WHAT IN THE WORLD? Stockholm, Sweden

Tokyo, Japan

“God particle” theorists Francis Englert and Peter Higgs are awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics

Tokyo chosen over Instanbul and Madrid by the International Olympic Committee to host the summer Olympics in 2020.

Washington, D.C. The government shutdown entered its second week as Congress remained undecided over a spending plan for the ensuing fiscal year.

Lampedusa, Italy Migrant boat carrying refugees from North Africa wrecks off the coast of Lampedusa, killing over 190.

Syria Chemical disarmament in Syria begins with the compliance of President al-Assad. (Read more about the conflict is Syria above and on page 16.) art by AUDREY KOCHER

panorama 4 On the front page of history NEWS

October 14, 2013

Social studies teacher Rob Good publishes first article in a prestigious history journal news writer

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ocial studies teacher Rob Good teaches freshmen U.S. history with a story. He discusses this teaching model in his first published article, “Using E Pluribus Unum as a Narrative Framework for the U.S. History Survey.” His work was published as the cover story for the Organization of American Historians’ prestigious literary journal “Magazine of History.”

E Pluribus Unum, which translates from Latin to “from many one,” is a phrase that describes America’s origin from a diverse group of people into a unified nation. In his article, Good argues the importance of using a narrative framework, such as the overarching historical theme of E Pluribus Unum, when teaching this history to students.

“The reason I have a narrative frame is because I think without having a narrative frame, history becomes one thing after another,” Good said. “It’s how I make a process

and schema so [students] can process information and think about it for themselves.”

In his article, Good argues that E Pluribus Unum is an effective model to link U.S. history to shared values such as equality, democracy and freedom. The concept emphasizes that the diverse group of people who started and make up America had the vision of guaranteeing these shared values to all citizens. “[Good] has shown that all of

concept of E Pluribus Unum serves as a catalyst for promoting diversity and unity throughout the country.”

Good went through many revisions and meetings with the journal’s editor before his piece was published.

Throughout the meticulous process, he gained much respect and admiration from his fellow colleagues, who are eager to read the final product.

“The social studies department couldn’t be prouder of [Good],” social studies teacher Eric Hahn said.

“Having a scholar in our midst is a The social studies department true benefit for students and faculty couldn’t be prouder of [Good]. at large. He is a true Having a scholar in our midst leader in the field, is a true benefit for students as evidenced by the acceptance of and faculty at large. He is a true his publication in a premier journal of leader in the field.

-social studies teacher Eric Hahn American history.”

Good hopes using such a framework will prevent United States history stems from this coherent theme,” senior Kisan students from just “putting facts Thakkar said. “Students from any down.” Instead he wants students to gain the ability analyze and make background will appreciate the unconnections within the context of derlying messages of this article. The

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E Pluribus Unum.

“The American experience is living through the Unum,” sophomore Rachel Krug said.

“All people in America have LOOKING GOOD • Holding a copy of his first pubfreedom and lished article, social studies teacher Rob Good flashes a smile. can express it This is only the beginning for Good, who hopes to contribute through liberty, further to the academic world. (photo by Emma Weller) democracy, opportunity and equality.”

As for his personal growth, Good Good also has plans to further his maintains that the experience of academic pursuits in the future. Pubwriting the article hasn’t changed lishing this article will not be the end much of how he teaches or his beliefs. of his contributions to the surroundGood believes the students dedicated ing academic community. to making the world a better place “Currently I work as an adjunct in- will use this knowledge to decide the structor at [the University of Missouri future of our nation.

St. Louis] teaching preservice social “I always talk to my students studies teachers,” Good said. “I am about my poster [with a quote from interested in continuing and possibly Margaret Mead that reads], ‘Never expanding that work, possibly also doubt that a small group of thoughtsupporting the professional developful, committed citizens can change ment of social studies teachers in the the world. Indeed, it is the only thing region.” that ever has,’” Good said. «

October 14, 2013

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NEWS

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Sixth grade camp counselors tell all: Students attend, and return from experience of a lifetime.

arriving at camp early and helping with any general preparation needed by the camp directors.

“We went through multiple training sessions which helped us prepare for ore than 30 Ladue students the kids and get our questions out of the served as sixth grade camp way,” sophomore Jason Weber said. counselors this year. The When they attended camp, counselors students traveled to Camp Mihaska in missed three days of school and were Bourbon, Mo. from Sept. 28-Oct. 4. required to make up all assignments, tests Sixth grade camp has been a tradition and homework. However, most counselat Ladue for the past 39 years, and was ors agreed that sixth grade camp proved developed to foster leadership skills in a worthwhile experience, no matter how students and unify the sixth graders. much work they had to make up upon “Camp takes place at an age when the their kids are beginning return. to mature and [are] “When becoming more the high independent,” Overall, being a counselor school camp director Mark taught me how to manage kids Biernbaum said. younger kids while preparvolunteer “Students really get their time the opportunity to ing me for future mentoring to be role work on activities opportunities. models for that require teamour young work and problem -sophomore Jason Weber 6th graders solving for them to at camp, be successful.” they are missing class work which they Every evening, campers and counselwill have to make up to be gone, however ors alike came together to enjoy snake, the high school kids tell me all the time, astronomy and square dance presentait is well worth it, they say, ‘It is an amaztions. The outdoor setting of camp also allowed the students, who often feel over- ing experience,’” Biernbaum said. “The whelmed in their new school, to bond in a 6th graders really look up to their high school counselors as role models and the relaxed setting with their new classmates. high school kids do a great job of rising to “Sixth Grade Camp is a strong and the occasion.” valued tradition in the Ladue School DisAccording to Biernbaum, one of the trict, with many positive outcomes,” Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and most important objectives of sixth grade camp was to create a sense of unity Instruction Laura Brock said. “Students among the students of all four schools. learn to work collaboratively with others, Another over-arching goal of camp was build trust, create and strengthen relainstilling leadership skills in the young tionships, and work through real world campers, which they will always use, problem-solving activities. Students also “I hoped to spread a positive meshave a unique opportunity to explore sage about the importance of teamwork their interests in science and nature in an and communication,” junior Kris Christy outdoor setting.” said. “When you’re going to be working Aside from these, each camper long term with so many new people, it’s selected three daily “choice activities.” important to understand how people work Choice activities included everything together in a team effort. The number one from beading, to swimming, to caving. benefit of a sixth grader going to camp “From what I remember [about my would be having a own experihead start in getence at] ting to know their camp, was peers.” that it was When you’re going to be Not only did the really fun working long term with campers learn new and exciting, things at camp, but I remember so many new people, it’s the counselors also making important to understand emerged as more friendship how people work together powerful leaders. bracelets According to counand playing in a team effort. selors, attending games in our -junior Kris Christy sixth grade camp cabins,” seprovided them with nior Natasha meaningful leadership skills, and also Medler said. “I was a counselor last year, gave them the satisfaction of encouraging and it was just a really fun experience. I am doing it again this year because its fun and mentoring young children.

“Camp is a great way for the kids bonding with [the campers].” to get to know each other,” Weber said.

In order to become a counselor, “Overall, being a counselor taught me Medler and countless others underwent how to deal with and manage younger an application process which began in kids while preparing me for future menSeptember. Once accepted, counselors toring opportunities.” « were responsible for attending meetings, news editor

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ALL TOGETHER NOW • Students at sixth grade camp work together in one of the many team building activities of the week. “The activities at the camp help students bridge and support the transition from [elementary school] to the middle school environment,” Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Laura Brock said. Students attend sixth grade camp for two nights, and engage in many enriching activities with their teams, including rope courses, obstacles, races and even a “Candle Olympics”. (Photo courtesy of Melody Frese)

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CIRCLE TIME • Sitting with their counselors Elizabeth Nelson and Brooke Biernbaum, campers in

the beading choice activity relax together. “We have found that through the activities, many students discover untapped potential and leadership abilities,” camp director Mark Biernbaum said. “The activities allow students to express themselves creatively and enable them to develop their own initiative.” Choice activities include beading, canoeing, stream walk, archery, swimming, tee shirt transformation among many others. Students sign up for choice activities before camp begins, as do counselors.

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FEATURES

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Yin and Yang

The Parent Trap?

A look into the pros and cons of students going to the same school where their parent works features writer

art by AUDREY KOCHER

features editor

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any people don’t appreciate Halloween for what it really is— the greatest holiday ever.

Halloween is one of the most debated holidays there is. Some argue that it’s a made up day, created for people to spend ridiculous amounts of money on costumes and go out and party. But Halloween is so much more than that.

There’s always the party poopers out there willing to argue that Halloween isn’t a “real holiday.” But what qualifies a day as a holiday? Who needs a day off school to celebrate a day dedicated to fun? Here’s my formula: quality food + the number of opportunities to look like an idiot when no one can judge - the amount of relatives to be dealt with = the greatness of a holiday. If I have to reply to, “How’s school going?” on one more day of the year I will lose my mind.

The most obvious reason for the high ranking of this holiday is the food. Hello? What other day can you knock on strangers doors and receive handfuls of candy with no strings attached? At most, a stingy couple will make you tell a corny joke that you can Google before heading out. It’s about the easiest thing ever. Within a couple hours one can collect pillowcases full of loot, enough to last months.

In addition, Halloween is a day to be whomever you want.

There’s no pressure to please the family, buy the perfect gift, or have a special someone. On Halloween, none of that stuff matters, all that counts is what you want to do. If your childhood dream was to be an astronaut, dress up as Neil Armstrong for all I care! No one is going to judge you. Halloween is the day to fulfill your inner child and just be free. It’s not every day that we can walk outside and feel completely comfortable in an all out cowboy costume, but on Oct. 31st, anything’s fair game.

Halloween is also completely voluntary. Just as you can dress up as Captain America with no judgement, you can also choose to opt out with no penalty. Halloween is whatever you make it. While it is fun to dress up, standing out isn’t for everyone, so it’s completely acceptable to leave the shield in the closet.

Furthermore, every other holiday is specific to a certain group of people. Valentine’s Day is for couples, some holidays are specific to religion, 4th of July is an American celebration. Halloween is an all inclusive day made for anyone looking to have fun. Age, race, religion, gender and relationship status set aside, Halloween can be celebrated by anyone.

In this way, Halloween can bring a sense of unity to our very diverse environment. This carefree holiday reminds us all that although everyone’s a little different, we all could use a little fun.

Common October festivities include going to haunted houses, watching scary movies and ding-dong-ditching neighbors. While this day is centered around fear, it’s not about being scared, it’s about conquering fear. Halloween is the day when we leave our worries behind and let loose. We are the witches, vampires and ghosts. This holiday gives us the courage to embrace and move past our inner fears. «

(This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

October 14, 2013

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hile school may not be a teenager’s absolute favorite place to be, most students agree that a benefit is having a chance to get out of the house and see new people. But this is not the case for students with parents who work at the school.

Most of these students understand the pros of having a parent work at the school and find it beneficial. Freshman Fiona Vetter loves the fact that whenever she needs something at at school, such as money to buy an item from a fundraiser during Ac Lab, she can easily access it from her father, science teacher Jeff Vetter.

Students who have parents that work at the school also appreciate the convenience of having their mom or dad at school daily. Sophomore Theo Guhr keeps his sports equipment in his mom’s, English teacher Wendy Guhr’s, classroom instead of carrying it around all day. Junior Mary Kate Fox, daughter of College and Career counselor Ken Fox, and her friends hang out in her dad’s office before school every day. Freshman Alex Hahn likes to get snacks from his dad, social studies teacher Eric Hahn, every so often.

Besides these minor benefits, working at the same place as one’s child has some major advantages. Most teachers live outside the school district, so with this unconventional arrangement, they can send their children to Ladue, when they otherwise would not be able to.

Another plus is the easiness of transportation. Snow days, health issues or even occasionally disciplinary problems can be dealt with almost immediately.

Wendy Guhr chose to send her children here because of several different factors, including the class size as well as the level of academic and educational values seen at the school.

Among other academic benefits, teachers can keep a close eye on their child at school. This can be a blessing, but also a burden.

“Parent-teacher conferences can sometimes be a bad aspect,” freshman Ryan Witt, son of science teacher Richard Witt, said.

“Anything my dad wants to know, he can find out much easier than any other parent.”

Most teachers and students try to keep their home life at least a little separate from their school life. These teachers try not to let their child affect their relationship with their coworkers.

“I usually let my wife handle more of the parent-teacher conferences, so that my teaching peers can feel that our relationship is more focused on the professional/workplace atmosphere,” Jeff Vetter said.

Wendy Guhr said that she doesn’t like to have conversations with other teachers about her child, as it can be uncomfortable.

This can increase the pressure not only on the students to behave, but the parents to watch over their children.

“As a teacher, when your child attends school in the same building, you feel more personally responsible for the child’s behavior [than other parents],” English and journalism teacher Jillian Proehl, mother of senior Drew Proehl and junior Jack Proehl, said. “It can be a heavy burden to bear.”

Although there are some cons, there are more pros that come from this parent/teacher setup. For example, teachers who are parents know the curriculum, thus they can about school with their child more efficiently.

“It’s easier to talk about academics and teachers with [my mom] because she knows who and what I am talking about,” Theo Guhr said.

Students also see their parents in in a new light, outside of the typical parentchild relationship. This allows students to learn more about their parent’s personality. art by JULIANN BI Children of teachers may learn things about their parents when fellow students tell them what their mom or dad did in class.

“It’s funny to hear things that my friends tell me that [my mom] does in class,” sophomore Chuckie Burton, son of math teacher Renee Burton, said. “Apparently, she talks about me in class too.”

Besides the occasional funny story a students hear about their parent, they can also gain some important insight that most kids do not see until they are much older. They get to see how hard their parent works in a way that not many kids do, which can lead them to appreciate the work that all of their teachers put in. “[My children] get to see all of the time I put in behind the scenes,” Renee Burton said. “I think that gives them a better appreciation of what I do.”

Another thing that these teachers enjoy is the ability to see who their children hang out with and their dynamics in the classroom and in the hallways.

“It is very interesting to see [Alex’s] friends as students in my classes,” Eric Hahn said. “Some are people that I’ve known since they were in elementary school that I coached in soccer, so it is great to see them in class.”

Parents also love the relationships that their children get to build with other teachers from an early age. This is something that not many students get a chance to do.

“My kids feel very comfortable talking to their teachers and to other adults because they have interacted with my colleagues since they were young,” Wendy Guhr said. “They think that teachers are just regular people with whom they can have a conversation. In my opinion, that is an important life skill.”

Despite the obstacles and complications that may arise every now and then, most of those families wouldn’t have it any other way. Teachers get to see their children much more often, while kids get a new respect and appreciation for their parents.

“I am very proud of [my children],” Renee Burton said. “Being able to see them perform at school at such an up-close and personal level is truly one of my greatest joys.” «

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Rambassadors aim to welcome new students To accomplish this unity, the leaders took action to help these newcomers and will be planning events such as ice cream socials and lunches.

“Mariam and I saw a lot of new students, and we thought it veryone knows what it is like to feel out of place. But would be great to show them the ropes,” Ross said. students feel this the most when coming into a new The club has already begun setting goals and planning events school. One of the school’s newest clubs, Rambassadors, for this year. The club is trying to plan an ice cream social somestrives to welcome these new to Ladue time in the near future. students and while also exposing them “At the ice cream social, we to Ladue culture. will have clubs talk to them and I thought, why not start a club “Our goal is to make the transition introduce them to Ladue culwhere the whole school could be easier for the new students especially ture,” junior Yi Fan Zhou said. in on this amazing experience the upperclassmen,” junior Marim Ladue ambassadors plans to Salib said. host socials and lunches for new of welcoming new students.

Salib, who was once a new student, students. These events will hope-junior Marim Salib wanted to help new students undergofully make the students feel like ing the same situation she once experienced. She remembers they are a part of the Ladue community, as well as help them find the difficulty of approaching people, due to the fact that many new opportunities. students had already established their friend groups.

“We want to make sure the new students make connections “Coming in as a freshman, it took time for me to immerse with other students and feel comfortable about asking questions,” myself into the Ladue culture and get used to it,” Salib said.

Ross said.

Her own experience was not her only motive to start this club.

The club is looking for students to represent the school and She recalls helping out a new student by showing her around help out these new students. Ross said they welcome any students school and taking her to the activities fair to help her get involved who are positive reflections of Ladue and would be willing to with the school. donate their time to help out someone else.

“When Mr. Tabscott asked me to help a new student, I While this club may possess similar goals as Link Crew, Link thought, why not start a club where the whole school could be in Crew’s primary focus is on freshmen. Unlike Link Crew, Rambason this amazing experience of welcoming new students,” Sailb sadors aim to help all the new to Ladue students integrate into said. high school.

The leaders, Salib and junior Katharine Ross, also felt that “Ladue ambassadors are going to be the link between the new they should help these students feel like part of the community. students and the student body,” Sailb said. « features writer

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FEATURES

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What you didn’t know about...

(Photo by Jenna Shanker)

October 14, 2013

Lauren Mack

Q: Why do you like teaching art?

A: There is more freedom and comfort to express yourself.

I love to be known as that crazy, awesome art teacher! The general atmosphere of the art classroom is more relaxed and it acts as a break from more academically stressful classes.

Q: Any advice for students?

A: Be you and only you. Life is too short to walk around in this world pretending you are someone else.

Q: What type of student were you in high school?

A: I was a teacher’s pet in high school. All the teachers loved me. I played on the soccer team, I was in drama club, choir and art club.

Q: What’s the last item you lost?

A: Losing things is a daily occurrence for me. The last major thing that I lost was my gym tennis shoes. I found them in the box of the new tennis shoes I replaced them with.

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A sit down with the King and Queen: Q: What was your reaction when you found out you won?

Madison Barker: It was really unexpected. I thought everyone up there had a really good chance of winning, so it was really surprising.

Q: What was it like to be the symbol of Ladue?

MB: It was an honor. The people who have won in the past have been such a big part of Ladue, like Maria Vetter and Jody Peterson, so it was really cool to come after them.

Q: What was your favorite part about being on court and why?

Connor Spirtas: My favorite part was getting the crown...it felt pretty surreal; I thought I had a chance, but it felt really special because only one person gets it.

Q: What characteristic do you believe made you a good candidate for king?

CS: I try to be kind to everybody.

the cutest ways people asked

FEATURES

Will you go to HC with me?

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October 14, 2013

“I walked outside and there was a trail of Hershey’s kisses and a poster saying ‘follow the kisses’, that led to him with another poster that said ‘homecoming?’... So I ran over, gave him a hug and circled yes.”

-Kenzie Bussard

“I filled out 2,800 sticky notes all saying “HC?”... I picked out a date that she would be out for a while so that I could cover her wall in sticky notes.

When she walked in I was there holding a sign that said ‘Stick with me @ HC?’.”

-Sam Kahn

freshmen Kenzie Bussard and Jack Kittner

juniors Sam Kahn and Abby Miller

“Asa gave me a bear that had a little letter attached saying, ‘I would be ‘beary’ happy to go to homecoming with you,’ and then on the bowl of fruit there was another note saying, ‘You’re ‘berry’ beautiful.’”

-Carly Rosenthal

“I got 10 blue and 10 white balloons and attached different notes to each of them which included me asking her to homecoming; then, I placed them in a line from Emily’s kitchen to her family room.”

-Duncan Cannon

sophomores Carly Rosenthal and Asa McCurdy

seniors Duncan Cannon and Emily Dove

2013 HOMECOMING COURT Connor Spirtas and Mariana Leon Pastore

Jon Collins and Haley Bussard

Emily Dove and Shahrukh Naseer

#DoubleTake

Panorama scoured the school for students who look like famous entertainers... Here are the results:

freshman Andrew Robinson Shaquille O’ Neil

senior Libby Richmond

Enze Chen and Madison Barker

Nick Nash and Claire Paddock

Know someone who should be in the double take?

Scan the QR code or visit laduetoday.com/doubletake to submit your suggestions!

Brooke Smith

teacher Eric Hahn

Rick Perry

(Student photos by Sammy Leary; celebrity photos by dosomething.org media, crushable.com, media.cmgdigital.com)

panorama

October 14, 2013

FEATURES

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Preparing for Project Runway: Olivia Davis hosts a fashion show to display her designs features writer

F

rom the glossy pages of Vogue to the disheveled teenager’s closet, fashion seems to affect everyone in some way or other. Although some view fashion as a chore, fashion has greatly impacted the life of sophomore Olivia Davis. Davis’s love for fashion inspired her to start her own clothing line, Olivia Rae Designs.

“I started ORD because I had a great idea that I [knew could] help a lot of people,” Davis said. “I always knew I wanted to start [a] business, but I didn’t want to go the traditional route because that was going to take too long. I figured life is too short to be spending time planning, so I just did it.”

Davis is currently preparing for her company’s first fashion show. The show will take place at Victory Outreach Ministries in Hazelwood, MO, on Oct 12. However, in addition to using the fashion show as an opportunity to display her designs, Davis plans on donating the proceeds to charities. The entry fee will be $2 or two canned goods. The funds will be donated to V-day, a global movement to end violence against women, and the cans will go to the Brotherly Loves Church Food Pantry.

“ORD 100 percent supports women’s rights and advancements and equal rights for all,” Davis said. “I chose to donate the canned goods because they go to people that are less fortunate, and it’s always good to help out.”

Davis is also looking for experience in the fashion and business world. She eventually wants to expand the business to youth camps and recreational centers.

“The purpose is to help people bring out their inner beauty through their outside appearance,” Davis said. “People often have

great personalities that are overlooked because of their appearance, and we want to be the equalizer.”

ORD sells customized button bracelets and many types of skirts including pencil, A-line, high-low and maxi. Davis provides her customers with the option to customize their skirts by choosing a fabric and a design. Even though Davis allows her customers this flexibility, Davis still plays a large part in the designing and production processes.

“My favorite part of Olivia Rae Designs is the designing part, when I can pick the fabric and think of what to do,” Davis said.

“Delivering the final product to the person [is great] because they light up and get so excited!”

Many LHS students including sophomores Hannah Demissie, Eliza Milton and Zoe Williams have purchased Davis’s designs.

Demissie applauds Davis’s initiative to start her own business.

“I think it is really inspiring what she is doing, especially at her age,” Demissie said. “I’m expecting great things from her.”

Some Ladue students serve as Davis’ models and ushers.

Sophomore Kaitlen Crawford works with Davis as an organizer, assistant and as the head of marketing at the company.

“Olivia and I have been friends for over three years now and I don’t see how people could have troubles working with friends,” Crawford said. “We are good friends and business partners.”

Olivia is proud of her design company, and she gains a lot of experience through her work. She has many late nights but works through them with Crawford’s help.

“I have truly learned time management.” Davis said, “It gets to be overwhelming sometimes, especially before this fashion show, but I have learned to handle it.”

Although running a business takes hard work, Davis continues to devote her time to her line in the hopes of providing her community with beauty and confidence through her products. «

SEW IT SEAMS• Stitching an original design, sophomore Olivia Davis works on her fashion line. Disappointed with retail prices, she made it her goal to start an affordable, yet high quality line. “I personally love when someone gets one of my items, and they love it,” Davis said. “They smile so wide, and that keeps me going.” (Photo by Magda Lijowska)

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PHOTO

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October 14, 2013

October 14, 2013

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PHOTO

11

A classic St. Louis tradition illuminates skies and spirits

Forest Park Balloon Glow draws large crowd despite soggy evening photo editor

S

photo editor

t. Louis is a proud city. From Cardinals baseball to Imo’s pizza, our strong heritage makes our city a vibrant cultural center.

We have a Broadway-quality theater, a thriving farmer’s market and a beautiful botanical garden.

One of the gems of St. Louis, as anyone will proudly boast, is Forest Park. It is the largest urban park in the country, surpassing even the great Central Park of New York City. With two museums, a zoological park, a boathouse, a golf course, a national forest, a greenhouse and an outdoor ampitheater, the park goes above and beyond, providing a green space for urban dwellers.

This year marked the 41st year of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. A vital part of the tradition,

the Balloon Glow, allows the participating teams to gather in the park the Friday night before the race to inflate their balloons for the awed crowd.

Surrounded by local vendors, volunteers and fellow glow-goers, the spirit of St. Louis could not have been brighter. Even though the field was muddy and the grass was damp, tents were pitched, chairs were unfolded and fun was had by all.

After the dreary Friday weather, the skies cleared and the day of the race proved to be one of those rare St. Louis golden days, where the humidity is below 95 percent, the temperature is 75 degrees, and the sun shines bright in a cloudless cerulean sky.

No matter which high school you went to, events like the race thrill all St. Louisans alike.

Keeping traditions like the Balloon Glow alive gives our city the unique identity that keeps us coming back year after year. «

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A&E

October 14, 2013

St. Louis Manifesto Many native St. Louisans tire of the city’s perceived monotony. With the introduction of this section, we aim to shed light off the beaten path and to help people discover St. Louis anew. Countless field trips and family outings to the Arch or Forest Park dilute the splendor of these actually impressive attractions. After a lifetime of the same old things, we long for the excitement of newness. St. Louis Manifesto aims to showcase the city’s hidden gems. «

This month: The Grove a&e editor

T

he Grove is more than just a business and entertainment district. The characteristic liberalism attributed to the area offers an environment of tolerance and activism.

The Grove is a vibrant strip of restaurants, shops and galleries on Manchester Road between Vandeventer and the St. Louis City. While we are too young to appreciate it now, the Grove has a thriving night life.

However, there is plenty of daytime fun to be had at restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores and art galleries without the luxuries of adulthood. It is also a center for the LGBT community, cyclists and artists.

Many people have heard about the area from “Sweetie Pie’s,” the show on the Oprah Winfrey Network about the soul food restaurant there. Nobody can dispute the quality of food when a restaurant has patrons waiting for an hour in a line reaching out the door and around the corner. Business booms on weekend afternoons. I have had the pleasure of dining there a few times, and I know firsthand

that Sweetie Pie’s deserves all the recognition it receives. From the prideful ambiance and friendly people to the mouth-watering fried chicken, mashed potatoes and meatloaf, Sweetie Pie’s is rightfully a nationally renowned establishment.

The Grove offers so much more than just Southern style cooking.

The diversity of St. Louis is captured and reflected in all the businesses.

The variety is guaranteed to satisfy anyone’s taste buds. Walking just a block, you can eat an All-American hamburger or try Tibetan or Lebanese cuisine. Restaurants represent cultures worldwide and share international tastes and traditions.

Primed for exploration and expression, the Grove has a lively environment. The community-oriented nature draws St. Louisans from across the city and helps them get involved in organizations like Grove Community Improvement District, which funds and manages services like security and parking, which promotes sustainable neighborhoods around the medical school campus and more.

Throughout the year, the Grove hosts many festivals, parades and other events. The Grove is known to be a strong center of the LGBT com-

munity and hosts an annual Pride Fest celebration. There is also Tour de Grove every summer, which is part of a larger cycling race series called Missouri Professional Cycling Series. While the race itself is for professionals, it is exciting for spectators as well with a wellness expo and 5K run.

Constant events and festivals keep weekends exciting and St. Louisans entertained. The Grove works to promote local businesses and communities and improve the city visually, economically, socially and economically. « (Photo by Karen Figenshau)

(Photo by Karen Figenshau)

Street art

T

he Grove is home to many murals that have become a trademark of Forest Park Southeast.

Currently, a dozen buildings boast vivid art installations on their walls and more are planned for the future. While many are done by professional artists, Grovefest patrons can also take part in the annual Paint-by-Numbers mural. Currently, there are plans for three new murals, six painted traffic signal boxes, fence art and sculptures.

Artists continue to flock to the Grove and receive warm receptions to their work. Paintings include themes of St. Louisan and African American pride and show bright pictures of animals, music and bicycling.

The art is an ongoing project to beautify the city and harmonize the community. «

(Photo by Karen Figenshau)

The Handlebar

4127 Manchester Ave.

O

pening a menu at the Handlebar, you can understand the history of the restaurant and feel satisfied in your decision to walk among the bikes and in the door. The first page of the menu tells the owner’s story of immigrating to the United States and finding opportunities and a community in the Grove. The restaurant serves homemade traditional Russian dishes like crepe-like Blinchiki, gourmet pizza and plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes.

With the repurposed bike art on the walls, jukebox in the corner and bicycle-riding monkey mural painted on the wall, Handlebar appeals to all senses. The friendly staff, available to explain dishes to new customers or just talk about current events, tops off an excellent dining experience. «

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October 14, 2013

A&E

13

All bad things must come to an end AMC’s critically acclaimed drama “Breaking Bad” has its last episode after five seasons a&e editor

F

ive seasons have passed, and now it is all over. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Breaking Bad, it’s that its creator, Vince Gilligan, doesn’t care about your feelings.

This show has broken the hearts of its viewers more times than any romance film or television series, which is surprising when taking into consideration that Breaking Bad is about cooking meth. Although, that description hardly does the series’ complex plotline any justice. At this point, anyone interested in watching or anyone who is watching and isn’t completely caught up should stop reading.

Walter White has come a long way from standing in his tighty whities attempting suicide in the middle of an Navajo reservation. Two years later, he’s the most wanted man in America. His infamous blue meth prospers throughout the Southwest and is shipped overseas to eager European buyers. His net worth went from that of a high school chemistry teacher to 80 million dollars.

He had cancer, it remissed, and now it’s back with a seemingly fatal intent. He was the most beloved person in his family, and now they fear and loathe him more than the cancer that is taking Walter’s life. His partner, Jesse Pinkman, is now a meth -making mule for a ruthless and psychotic group of neo-Nazis because of him. The same neo-Nazis that Walt brought into the picture murdered his brother-in-law Hank Schrader.

Heres what the finale had to answer in a 115 minute period: Who is the Ricin for? Who is going feel the pain of Walt’s giant machine gun? Will Jesse have a happy ending? Will Walt’s family ever get the money he worked for? Which major characters kick the bucket? All of these were answered, and in a rather satisfying manner. The ricin was for Lydia, surprising very few. Slipping the ricin into Lydia’s Stevia has been a popular fan theory for a few months. Nonetheless, watching her usual prim self wither away from the poison as Walt told her about her imminent death was still enjoyable. In an epic stunt, Walt rigged his M60 machine gun into the trunk of his stolen vehicle to pop out of the hood and mow down the entire crew of Nazis, leaving only the psychopathic Todd for Jesse to brutally choke out with his handcuffs.

Walt also received the pleasure of finishing Jack, the crew leader, himself. Walt, with the help of the beloved Skinny Pete and Badger, convinced Elliot and Gretchen Schwartz that if they did not give Walt Jr. the $9 million R dollars that Walt gave them on his 18th NE UR birthday, the two most efficient hitman west art by LEY T H AS of the Mississippi would find and terminate them within days. This was a clever move by Walt; his family would never have taken his money, but they would take it from Elliot, because he spends millions here and there, and it is believable that he donates money to the child of his ex-business associate turned meth dealer. Jesse does get a happy ending, or the happiest he could’ve gotten in his poor circumstances. Walt saves him and gives him the gratification of saying no to Walt’s last request. He gets to kill Todd himself, and then drives off into the desert with a smile on his face, free from the Nazis and free from Walt.

And yes, one major character passes in this episode, much to everyone’s relief, including the character himself. Walter White set out to pay for his own cancer treatment and leave his family with sufficient funds to keep going when he’s gone, and although

First, the last 115 minutes of Breaking Bad were very predictable. It’s usually fun to see all the popular online theories about an episode be completely off, but much less fun to see most of them be accurate. there was a few bumps along the way, he did just that. He even admitted to Skyler during their last conversation that he loved every minute of his work, and that he was good at it, in response to Skyler complaining about Walt always saying he did what he did for the family. He finally confessed that he made meth for

MGMT turns in a brilliant piece of psychedelic rock a&e writer

T

hree years since the release of their last album, MGMT’s self-titled album MGMT leaves behind their days of pop music and embraces what they do best, psychedelic rock.

Although pop songs like “Kids” and “Time to Pretend” are what made MGMT famous and are generally quality songs, this new album can easily stack up next to some of the best psychedelic work of the sixties like “Sgt. Pepper’s,” “Are You Experienced,” “Their Satanic Majesties Request” and the ground breaking “Piper at the Gates of Dawn.”

MGMT should be listened to under ripe conditions to fully appreciate

the artistry that went into this album, which is what this album is, art. And as someone who normally loathes contemporary music (107.7 makes me want to curl up and die), I’m quite surprised that I liked it to this extent.

MGMT’s general fan base is torn on the new album. Many who wanted more of the pop music from the band’s college days are quite disappointed, while the fans of their

more trippy work are rejoicing that they moved away from pop.

My personal favorites on the track listing are (Chicago Tribune/MCT) “Alien Days,” “Introspection,” and “Plenty of Girls in the Sea.” These songs have a more upbeat tone to them and appeal greatly to lovers of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “She’s a Rainbow, and “Flaming.”

him, because he was good at it, and it boosted his ego. Hearing those words come out of his mouth was a weight off everyone’s shoulders, especially Skyler’s. As Walter lay there dying in a meth lab, grinning, I felt ecstatic for him.

I have very few gripes with the finale, but I’m sure every fan has a complaint or two. First, the last 115 minutes of Breaking Bad were very predictable. It’s usually fun to see all the popular online theories about an episode be completely off, but much less fun to see most of them be accurate. Lydia getting the ricin in her Stevia is the most evident example. In classic Breaking Bad style, I expected there to be a few insane twists at the end, or at least a fun nod at Jesse’s future or Mike coming back from the dead or Walt Jr. finding out he has a fatal allergy to breakfast foods or SOMETHING. I felt as though the episode happened, loose ends were not loose any more, and then it was over. Part of the reason for this is that the writers took the scenic route and the episode was slowly paced up until the last 15 minutes when everything happened at once. Compared to past season finales, I expected the last one to be pure insanity, so I was somewhat underwhelmed.

Despite my petty complaints it could have ended much worse.

The fans know what they need to know and all questions were answered, so what more can they really ask for? I, along with the millions of other Breaking Bad fans, owe the brilliant writing team and the jaw-dropping cast a huge thank you for such an amazing show. «

Their third self-titled album is experimental and exciting for open ears of all ages

I wasn’t a fan of two songs that hallmark this new album, “Your Life is a Lie” and “Cool Song No. 2.” I agree with many that “Your Life” is a bit repetitive. “Cool Song” just doesn’t pique my interest, but that is wholly my perspective.

The other songs on the track listing, however, are very relaxing and almost soothing. For those of you in psychology AP or otherwise, they stimulate the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system.

MGMT really sprung out of the best examples in their genre. They’ve opened for Sir Paul McCartney, who is a public fan of the band, and have recorded covers of some of Pink Floyd’s work as well. When it came time to make their own mark in the field, they came well prepared and solidly delivered.

Today, some say that the 2010s are the second sixties, and when albums like MGMT come out, it makes me feel like that assumption might actually be true, which hooray if it is since that is, personally, my favorited time period.

Bottom line really is this: MGMT genuinely knocked it out of the park with this album. I’m in no way lying either, believe me, I am not afraid to bash and berate contemporary “music.” Get this album, and buy it if you can to help support this band. They’re doing the genre and its original pioneers justice, and I give them two thumbs up for it. «

NOT KIDS ANYMORE:

MGMT busts out the acoustic at an outdoor festival in 2011. The band’s sound has changed drastically evolved since then.

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OPINIONS

Annie-way...

October 14, 2013

Innocent until proven guilty

All students should not have to be punished just because an unruly few elect not to follow the rules opinions writer

A A Deeper Understanding opinions editor

W

hile scrolling around on Buzzfeed recently I came across something very interesting. It was an article about names for things that you didn’t know actually had a name. One word in particular caught my attention.

Sonder.

Now, I realize that technically this may not be a “real” word (I make this assumption based on the fact that the only definitions I could find for it were on Buzzfeed or Urban Dictionary). But what it means is something very real indeed.

Sonder is a noun, defined as “the realization that each passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.” In other words, sonder is the awareness that you are not the center of the universe. It is the knowledge that everybody, each Joe Schmo on the street has a story, tales of ups and downs, triumphs and turmoils.

This concept is not, of course, meant to discount anybody’s personal life experience. We all live unique, fascinating lives.

Being a human being is an amazing experience, and beyond that, it is a shared experience. We all have joy, sadness, failure, loss, success, jubilation. We all have good relationships, bad relationships, complicated relationships. We all endure problems, struggles, setbacks. We are not alone.

As a senior, I find this idea particularly compelling. My classmates and I are at a pivotal point in our lives, each of us faced with looming deadlines, copious stresses, and inevitable change. While it can be easy to drown everybody else out and wallow in what I perceive to be my own burdens and dilemmas, it is incredibly reassuring to remember that there are millions of teenagers going through exactly what I am right now.

When this logic is applied to any difficult situation or struggle, it becomes easier to cope with.

If you take even the briefest of pauses to consider the plights of the people around you, you are bound to notice things that may have gone unheeded before. I recently went to a concert at the Pageant, where rather than assigned seats it is on a first-come-first-served basis. My friends and I were early, and we staked out a good spot close up to the stage. As the pit began to fill up, people inevitably began to push and shove one another to get a better spot. Left and right, people seethed as they fought to get a better view of the stage. All of the taller people who were close to the stage were fiercely glared at by the shorter people who were behind them.

I couldn’t help but be a little surprised at the way people were acting. What was it about this concert environment that made people turn so outwardly selfish? Why did we check our sensitivity and tact at the door?

The fact is, we live in an increasingly narcissicistic, cynical society. In a world of “selfies” and “likes” how can we not?

The good news is that this can all change, and very easily. We, as a culture, need to be conscious of not only our own journeys, but also the journeys of the people around us. We need to have a “sonder” moment, where we realize that we aren’t the only ones with feelings, dreams, regrets and hopes.

We must work to gain a deeper understanding of the world and people around us. And through that, we will also gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

(This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

they sit.

Too often, when a few students decide to act out, the entire class is forced to suffer the consequences, even those who are completely innocent.

More often than not, teachers and school administrators impose collective punishment, as opposed to individual punishment, as a disciplinary method to correct unwanted student behavior.

While this philosophy is logical, unfortunately it is not always fair.

In the past, with few exceptions, students were allowed to eat just about anywhere on campus. These privileges were revoked by the school administration after a few students continually neglected to pick up after themselves, leaving their trash for others to clean.

Due to the irresponsible conduct of the minority of students and the administration’s decision to issue collective punishments, all students are now confined to eating lunch in just a few areas: the cafeteria, the courtyards, or the commons.

Instead of just punishing the culprits, the entire student body lost its privilege to eat lunch where it pleases. While students are aware of the reasons for this, the fact remains that it was only a few students who caused all the trouble. Should the vast majority of rule abiding students really be punished for an offense they did not personally commit? Among students, the general consensus is no.

Ostensibly, collective punishment leverages peer pressure to stop individual students from disobeying the rules. The student body will ally together in order to self-police and punish those responsible for disrupting the harmony. Theoretically collective punishment should prove very effective, so why doesn’t it work in practice?

Oftentimes, collective punishment creates widespread apathy among students. The students deduce that regardless of their actions, someone will act up and they will all get punished. This encourages those who normally follow the rules to

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 Panorama strives to inform and 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 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 edit submissions as long as the original intent remains unaltered. «

SPORTS EDITORS Aaron Bry Jason Kaplan

(Photo by Jillian Proehl)

art by AUDREY KOCHER

talkative group of students disrupts the class lesson.

The very next day, seating assignments are instituted, and the entire class loses the freedom to choose where

throw up their hands in frustration. After all, if they make the effort to follow the rules but regularly suffer the same punishments as those who don’t, why play by the rules?

Another consequence of collective punishment is that it often strains the relationship between students and faculty. Such policies only irritate the rule-abiding student body and as a result oftentimes leads to a general loss of respect for the school administration and staff.

Lastly, since such policy does not hold individually incorrigible actors personally accountable for their conduct, they have no incentive to mend their behavior. Because these individuals don’t fully shoulder the brunt of the punishment themselves, they never truly come to face with the consequences of their actions.

As a result, their behavior never changes, and the vicious cycle inevitably continues.

So despite all its flaws, why is this policy of collective punishment so liberally implemented? Simply put, it’s easier.

When a situation presents itself where a perpetrator can’t be easily identified, it is indeed easier to punish everyone rather than finding those responsible. Such wrongdoings cannot go ignored and need to be addressed, but at what cost? The privileges of all art by ELAINE ZHANG students? When the faculty struggles to find a particular offender this policy is often implemented to send a message to the group as a whole.

The hope is to get students to cease their bad behavior and deter other students from committing similar offenses. The desired results are not often achieved, for such a policy does more harm than help.

So what should be done instead? The solution is simple: punish only those who committed the offense. While it may take more time and effort to single out a culprit, it’s a vital process that is necessary to creating a just disciplinary system. By punishing only the offender (and thereby rewarding good student citizens by allowing them to keep their normal privileges and freedoms), emphasis is appropriately placed on personal responsibility. Of course, students must also make a concerted effort to improve their behavior as a whole. The school simply is a better place when everyone is on their best behavior. Still, individuals should be held accountable for their own actions, and not the actions of those around them. Just as individuals are recognized for their accomplishments, so, too should they bear the consequences of their misconduct. Only by shifting the paradigm can wrongdoers truly learn from their mistakes and change their ways. «

ART EDITORS Audrey Kocher Ashley Turner

BUSINESS MANAGERS Andrew Cherrick Nick Nash

WEB MASTER Warren Biest

WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Justin Cole

PLEASE RECYCLE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Chloe An Emily Biest A&E Editors Karen Figenshau Charlie Garside

Features Editors Sarah Jacob Sabrina Medler News Editors Ali Gold Alli Loynd

Opinions Editors Annie Cohen Mike Figenshau PHOTO EDITORS Elyse Mack Jeanne Wilkinson

WEB EDITORS Yoav Kadan Rachel Wagner-Muns Sarah Kessel WRITERS Juliann Bi Will Deutch Salim Douaihy Hannah Frankel Levi Greenberg Hayden Hunt

Jacob Jacob Bram Levy Michael Petersen Hannah Schwartz Janey Sheth Hannah Snidman Andrew Tsiaklides WEB WRITER Henok Getahun

PHOTOGRAPHERS Sydney Ellis Sammy Leary Magda Lijowska Jessica Puyo Jenna Shanker Danielle Thompson Emma Weller ARTISTS Juliann Bi Ting Ding Matthew Hooper Mary Xiao Elaine Zhang Eric Zhu ADVISER Jillian Proehl

October 14, 2013

panorama

OPINIONS

15

Staff EDITORIAL Students should work to uphold the honor code in order to create a bettter community for all Colleges and universities across the country employ an honor code to varying degrees of success. At some schools, the signing of this code is a mere formality; it is an unspoken understanding that the principles of the code will be largely unfollowed and unenforced. But at other institutions, such as the University of Virginia or Rhodes College in Memphis, an honor code is something to be taken seriously. At these schools, the code is upheld to the letter of the law, making it possible for students to confidently leave their belongings in the library when they run to the coffee cartel for a pick-me-up or take un-proctored exams.

Most students recognize the existence of Ladue’s honor code.

However, finding someone who can recite its contents is a rarity.

Many are unaware that it is available for reference, hanging in classrooms across the school and even printed in the student handbook. This book holds a wealth of knowledge about rules and guidelines of the school, if only students deigned to open its pages. Though the honor code remains surprisingly unlisted in the table of contents, page 8 holds a bolded copy. It reads: “A Ladue Horton Watkins High School student does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate the behavior of those who do.”

This honor code contains nice sentiments, but in reality, many students do not follow them on their own volition. Because of this, the school must enforce a large number of rules and regulations.Of course, in a utopian society, teachers would love to test students without the fear of them cheating. However, our instructors have embraced reality and taken the necessary measures to prevent this. Multiple versions of quizzes and tests as well as safeguards against plagarism such as turnitin.com decrease students’ ability to cheat. Policies about stealing or lying can be more difficult to enforce; however, locking classrooms during lunch hours and an on-campus police officer can help.

The last portion of the honor code remains much more difficult to address. Keeping students accountable for the behavior of their peers? That would require a shift in mindset for the entire

school, perhaps of the entire generation. We were raised with the knowledge that tattling was bad. It was our job to protect our friends; although we occasionally “told on” siblings, keeping a secret was looked upon much more favorably by our peers. Loyalty often took precedence over honesty.

While much has changed since elementary school, this concept is still deeply embedded in our minds. We want to protect our friends, not betray them. This portion of the honor code completely contradicts this notion.

In an ideal world, students would follow the tenets of this code to the letter, rendering a large number of the rules at our school futile. However, it’s no secret that the principles of the honor code are broken almost on a daily basis. Due to this, the seemingly excessive amount of rules become necessary. It is the responsibility of any administrator to examine the group of people he is responsible for and determine the best policies to ensure their safety and happiness. In our case, this means hall passes and parking lot monitors. The administration must enforce policies that students deem annoying, because the reality is that such rules ensure that the school can run smoothly.

Balancing between an honor code and concrete rules is tricky indeed. As students, we can make this task a bit easier. Maybe if we all work a little harder to be “honorable” we can make a huge difference. Let’s try and hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Staff EDITORIAL Any given week in the month of October, the typical Ladue student will complete hours worth of homework, attend various club meetings, practice sports or music and perhaps work on one of those tricky college essays. At any other high school, most kids will also attend a football game.

Sure, some high schools have very unsuccessful teams who frankly aren’t fun to watch (compare the St. Louis Rams), but our team brought home conference championships the past three years in a row, nine players awarded first team all conference players last year and is currently ranked number one in its district. If you’ve been to a game this year, and chances are you haven’t, you know that it’s no fun to drive all the way out to Saint Louis University High School on a muggy Thursday night only to have the band outnumber the “student section” by two to one.

“So why don’t we have the games at Ladue?” some clueless freshman may ask. Beside our subpar field, ideally located in a floodplain, we don’t have lights, thanks to an ordinance mandated by the City of Ladue, making night games at home impossible.

Unfortunately the humid St. Louis weather can’t be changed. The bottom line is that two Saturday afternoon games a year aren’t going to cut it anymore. Without a convenient time and place, student attendance simply won’t happen. But the final piece of the puzzle, the student section (or lack thereof) can improve quite easily.

art by ASHLEY TURNER

Until the day that the honor code is upheld across the board, students may feel bogged down by rules and regulations. The bottom line is, these rules are for our our own good, so we should do our best to follow them. Maybe one day we will all learn to live by the honor code and have no need for further regulations.

In the mean time, we must work to strengthen the character of the school as a whole, and learn to live by the honor code we are supposed to follow. « (Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama stafff.)

Ladue needs to become more active in its spirit efforts to create a stronger sense of school pride

While the homecoming game managed to attract a crowd after the rain subsided, being there for the team means more than just merely showing up and watching. Being a fan means cheering for the team; it is not a responsibility that should lie solely on the shoulders of Blue Crew. The students should be the loudest group in the stands, rather that one dad from the other team who thinks every other call is bad. We are our own best supporters.

Some say that Ladue’s lack of morale can be attributed to its academic focus, but why should the two be mutually exclusive?

Attending football games does more than support the players. It shows respect for the dancers, cheerleaders and band members who work hard to ensure a peppy atmosphere for those who choose to make the games part of their hectic weeks.

Beyond the football field, showing school spirit should be an art by AUDREY KOCHER exciting way to involve the entire Ladue community in the pride we have for what we do. It’s about more than one game a year; it’s about more than an entire season. Dressing up for spirit week, participating in the parade and yes, supporting our athletic teams demonstrates to everyone that we love our school.

So take a Thursday night off from studying and make the hike to a football game. Support the Quizbowl team on a Saturday afternoon. Attend a band, choir or orchestra concert. Tear yourself away from those nasty college essays and take the time to acknowledge what our study body accomplishes. If we let our school spirit encompass more than just winning games, it will be more fun and more meaningful for everybody for ourselves, our classmates, and our community.

Ladue is a pretty amazing place filled with amazing people, and taking pride in it can only help to make it better. « (Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama stafff.)

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panorama

OPINIONS

The Fig Picture

art by AUDREY KOCHER

We can’t ignore ignorance

Dealing with the Syrian crisis:

US should wait for Russia’s next move opinions editor

opinions editor

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’ll admit it: “Billy Madison” is one of my favorite movies. I can’t help but love Adam Sandler’s lovably childish character, the outrageous plot and the elementary school dodgeball games. But one line sticks with me. As Billy competes at the trivia contest against his arch-nemesis Eric, Billy compares the Industrial Revolution to a story he’s read called “The Puppy Who Lost His Way.” The host responds, “Mr. Madison, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.” Although Billy Madison is a nice guy, some people in real life deserve such an insulting response to their crazy remarks. Ignorance might be blissful in certain circumstances, but it is a serious problem that breeds hatred and misunderstanding.

Incorrect word association is a major problem caused by ignorance. In other words, people take one word to be associated with unpleasant political, social or economic issues and fail to look beyond the word’s superficial implications. For example, when Ariel Castro, the kidnapper who held three women as sex slaves in his home and pleaded guilty to 937 charges of rape, kidnapping and aggravated murder, killed himself one month into his prison sentence, social networking users rejoiced - for the wrong reason. Many of them confused Ariel Castro with Fidel Castro, a Cuban communist revolutionary and politician who served as Cuba’s president from 1976 to 2008, and proclaimed that Castro’s suicide had finally rid the world of communism. One even tweeted that “we [could] finally have good cigars.” This might be funny, but it’s a shame that people can confuse a psychopathic sexual deviant with a Latin American politician just because of a common Hispanic surname. Incorrect word association means that some people are simply too lazy to read and speak to better-informed people if they don’t understand something.

Ignorance also encourages people to dread what they do not understand. People who hate things without rationale usually resent the idea that they do not understand complex ideas. This is especially true for religious and political ideologies. It is much easier for one to disregard, disapprove of and disagree with others’ beliefs than it is to understand and acknowledge them. Ignorance discourages people from delving into beliefs beyond their own. Ignorance allows our society’s desire to learn, understand and discover to slowly decay, and this affects us politically, socially and economically. Ignorance is killing education and enlightenment.

Another problem with ignorance is that it spreads like wildfire. With the use of social networks like Facebook and Twitter, ignorant people can easily proliferate their baseless beliefs and accusations in seconds, and social networks enable and encourage their users to spread them, with features such as “retweeting” on Twitter and “sharing” on Facebook.

As Facebook posts rack up more and more likes, the more times they show up on users’ news feeds, and the more people are exposed to false information.

Luckily, ignorance can be alleviated. If people take the time to read books, magazines and reliable websites, strive to form their own opinions and try to understand beyond what they know, we can improve our society and become wiser, more respectful and more respectable. « (This column reflects the opinion of the writer.)

October 14, 2013

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n the current situation with Syria, an aggravating quandary looms over the United States. Since the spring of 2011, the Syrian civil war has dominated world media and erupted into a gruesome conflict. More than 100,000 Syrians have been killed in the war. On August 21, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad allegedly released Sarin gas missiles that killed nearly 1,400 citizens in Damascus. President Barack Obama opted for military intervention soon after, but Russian president Vladmir Putin’s stipulation on removing Assad’s chemical weapons has shifted the course of the diplomatic conflicts.

As it stands, the United States should wait for Russia’s next move. Putin has yet to agree with the UN on hands-on intervention in Syria.

A few weeks ago, the problem was that whatever decision Obama made was a twisted version of a zero-sum game, meaning that for every gain there is an equal loss. One way or another the United States would have lost, whether from a humanitarian or political perspective.

If we wait for irrefutable evidence of Bashar al-Assad’s crime against humanity and negotiations in the UN, we risk the lives that could potentially be lost in that time. If we dive in right now and support rebel forces, more lives could still be lost in the extension of the civil war, due to the variety of factions of the rebels. After all, even in a stable country such as the United States, not everyone favored the Constitution when it was first drafted.

Luckily, in mid-September in Geneva, the United States and Russia agreed to collectively work towards a plan to bring under international control Syria’s stockpile of chemical weaponry, inspect it, and destroy it the following year. Syria will face penalties if it fails to comply. This prompted President Obama to instigate a moratorium, or temporary halt, for the vote in Congress on the authorization of limited military intervention.

Lately, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has given the United States concrete evidence that chemical weapons were indeed used in Syria. Furthermore, the OPCW has also confirmed that Syria holds a 1,000 metric ton arsenal of chemical weaponry, which the country admitted to be in possession of recently; this will allow allies to formulate a plan to destroy the stockpile. Syria has also moved to join the Chemical Weapons Convention in addition to its confirmation of having chemical weapons, which strengthens the incentive to keep stationed American forces at a standstill for the pending compliance of Assad.

Syria’s decision on joining the CWC has been welcomed in the UN and the eyes of the world, but it’s not time for us to heave

a sigh and relax yet. The sheer amount of chemical weapons stockpiled in Syria is an issue in itself. Assad has demanded a copious monetary sum from the United States to support the process of removing the weapons: $1 billion, in addition to the $340 million we are already sending for humanitarian needs. To add to the irrational request, Assad still refuses to admit that his forces were involved in the Aug. 21 attack on the outskirts of Damascus in Ghouta.

First off, atrocities are atrocities and must be accounted for, in whatever ways possible. Syria’s compliance right now doesn’t change the fact that more than 100,000 lives were lost in the elapse of the crisis.

There should not be a coup d’etat, but Assad should not be allowed to continue with his regime. A formal resignation from him is required for this situation to end. Chemical warfare is a heinous crime against humanity. But to the United States, Assad’s dictatorship is just as much of an eyesore as said crime, and getting Assad out of the picture just might be Obama’s true objective. Our goal art by ERIC ZHU is obstructed by our precarious relationship with Putin.

Third, the United States cannot succumb to Assad’s financial demands.

That just green-lights future disasters like those that have occurred in Damascus and Bosnia. The only sensible move we can make right now is to continue playing it out with Assad and putting him on the spot with our military. As for Russia, they can make no immediate disapprovals as long as we do not remove ourselves from the Geneva agreement.

Chemical warfare is a heinous crime against humanity. But to the United States, Assad’s dictatorship is just as much of an eyesore as said crime, and getting Assad out of the picture just might be Obama’s true objective. Our goal is obstructed by our precarious relationship with Putin.

That said, the world is currently at a stalemate of sorts, though the UN’s intent on removing the chemical arsenal is unequivocal. For now, the United States should refrain from making any drastic decisions and withhold the moratorium in Congress. In the words of Teddy Roosevelt, we should speak softly and carry a big stick. How far that can get us remains to be determined, but for now, it is our only way to keep Assad at bay. «

October 14, 2013

panorama

OPINIONS

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GREAT DEBATE: To what extent should seniors’ parents be involved in the college application process? as little as possible

of choice or potential professors shows interest and allows name recognition that can only benefit applicants. Contact with these individuals by a student also gives university staff another way to get to know a student. Having a parent contact the school makes opinions writer applicants seem dependent and unprepared to leave home and fend for themselves. e all know those parents who hover over their high Similarly, parents should leave online forum browsing and school children. These “helicopter parents” check posting to their children. Students can read reviews of colInfinite Campus more often than their students do, leges from current and former students on websites like College oversee homework completion and even help proofread important Confidential and College Prowler, which can majorly influence assignments like essays. While this behavtheir decisions to apply. After looking at these ior probably does not benefit their children sites, students can learn about schools they’re much anyway, the college search and interested in, but also criteria for potential colapplication process is even more important leges. If parents do this research instead of the for students to go through with as minimal students themselves, the students may not find parental involvement as possible. schools that will fit them well.

Students must first identify potential Finally, parents should remove themselves schools. Many parents begin directing their from the essay process. While test scores, children right from this stage, pressuring activity lists and GPAs all provide useful them to apply to certain schools and avoid information, essays are the only time where others. These reasons are sometimes legiticolleges can hear applicants’ voices in their mate because of finances, but other times, applications. Essays add personality to sets of parents desire an acceptance letter from a test scores. Most importantly, essays are the college they themselves aspired to attend, only part of college applications that students or a well-known school they can name-drop can directly control every part of. Standardto the appreciation of family, friends and ized test scores either improved or didn’t coworkers, skewing a student’s true desires. and GPA won’t change (as much as we may High school students should be able to wish otherwise), so it is crucial that students’ choose where they spend the next four years essays represent their own voices, thoughts of their lives. Their parents don’t come with and ideas. art by TING DING them to college, so why should they decide?

High school students have much to thank This element of freedom should begin in the admissions process, their parents for: love, protection, a house to live in, and much not on the first day of freshman year. more. Yet when those acceptance letters arrive in the mail one When it comes to contacting admissions officers and other day, parents do not need to be thanked. College is about freedom university staff members, parents should also take the backseat. and independence, and both of these ideas start right from the Asking questions of those who determine admission to a college admissions process. «

What do you think?

(Photo by Warren Biest)

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Applying to college should be a team effort. Parental help is good as long as the student maintains ownership of the process.

-College and Career Counselor Ken Fox

(Photo by Elyse Mack)

as much as possible

tended. Many fiercely independent seniors believe parents should be left out of the college search, but in reality, when parents try to help their children select schools, it has no effect on their children’s freedom because the students still retain the right to apply opinions writer opinions editor to the school or not apply.

Additionally, parents should help their students meet deadlines ith early action applications due in November and and complete application materials. Some people believe that regular decisions due in January, the deadline for students should be held solely responsible during this process, applications is rapidly approaching. No matter where but a few problems arise. This is simply not the time to test a they are in the process, seniors should discuss their current situastudent’s responsibility. Students can be ineligible for evaluation tion with their own parents or guardians, who should participate by forgetting to submit an essay, recommendation or transcript. as much as they can in the process.

There is no harm done if parents help keep track of applications.

Parents should be involved especially Also, the college admission process is a joint venture between the from a financial standpoint. College is parents and students. Parents can easily cooperate with, but not expensive, as some schools cost more than micromanage, their children. $60,000 to attend each year. Parents play Finally, parents should help as much as possible on the key roles in seeking merit- or need-based essay without writing or rewriting it. Parents can be valuable aid. A student must consult his parents resources for essay topics by providing important about his family’s finances before deciding childhood memories or family stories to write on a school and must cooperate with his parabout. However, while parents can read essays ents to find an affordable school. Parents and give suggestions for improvements, the tasks deserve to be involved in the process if of editing and rewriting should be left for teachers they are paying for their child’s education. and students to maintain a strong personal voice Second, parents should be involved as and a sense of individuality. much as possible in the college search proAlthough seniors gain a profound sense of autonoart by MATTHEW HOOPER cess. The application process works best my during their last year of high school, their parents should when students can browse through lots of schools and identify guide them as much as possible while they apply to colleges, a select few that would be viable. Parents can provide valuable helping them identify schools and complete and submit applicainformation on schools, such as the ones they and their friends attion materials to guarantee a smooth application process. «

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It depends on the kid. If the kid is motivated, the parents should sit back and be a sounding board. But if the kid isn’t motivated, the parents should step in to guide him.

-Karen Barker

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panorama

SPORTS

October 14, 2013

Boys’ soccer team continues success The team aims to take districts by storm sports writer

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he varsity soccer team has started off strong with eight wins and only two losses this season. The team partook in two tournaments as well, finishing in first place in the Quincy tournament and third place in the MICDS tournament.

The boys kicked off their season with the Quincy tournament in late August. They have participated in this tournament for the past three years but had never won until this year.

“Beating Quincy for the first time ever was pretty special,” head coach Matthew Prange said. “The way the boys handled themselves on and off the field was about as good as it could get.”

After bringing home the hardware, the boys dove right into their next tournament at MICDS. The team played their first game Sept. 3 and won 5-0 against Priory. They went on to play John Burroughs, ranked in the top ten for small schools in St. Louis and faced their first loss of the season with a final score of 0-1.

“We had a lot of scoring chances, but we just couldn’t put any in the back of the net,” senior captain Eric Petersen said.

However, the team bounced back and won their third game of the tournament 2-0 against Principia. Ladue was still unable to advance into the championship game, due to their one loss, but earned third place out of a total of eight teams.

After the tournament, Ladue began their regular season games. The team went on a three game winning streak, all of which were won by five or more goals. At their game against Saint Charles West, junior defender Austin Burton was injured while playing.

“My leg started hurting as I was moving around more and more,” Burton said. “When I swung my leg to clear a ball out, I

felt my hip flexor just pop.”

Burton was forced to leave the game and moves to the injured list for the rest of the season. His absence leaves behind a large space in the team’s lineup.

“It will definitely be a big hole to fill,” sophomore Chris Naunheim said. “Burton has always been a strong defender, and the team will miss him.”

Ladue went on to finish off Saint Charles 5-0. Senior goalkeeper Eric Stuber added on his third consecutive shutout, greatly contributing to the team’s victories, according to many of his teammates.

“I feel like we have been playing some really great soccer,” Stuber said. “If we keep it up, we might even set some team records.”

Ladue’s three game winning streak was broken after a loss to Webster Groves, who is ranked number seven in all of St. Louis. The game had fans on the edge of their seats until the eventual heartbreaking loss in penalty kicks.

“We failed to capitalize on good goal scoring opportunities,” coach Dave Aronberg said.

The loss hurt that much more because Webster Groves was in Suburban South conference with Ladue, making the Rams 0-1 in conference play.

“After the loss to Webster, it will be hard to win our conference,” Petersen said. “But we will still try to at least place in the top few spots.”

Coach Dave Aronberg still believes the team can win the conference, even with the loss to Webster Groves. Everyone on the team plans to continue their season all the way to districts, hoping to win it in back to back years. After that, the team will move on to sectionals, where they lost last year to Parkway Central. That game ended with a controversial call that resulted in a penalty kick for Central, all with zero time remaining. This season, however, they hope to continue even further than they ever have before. «

Photos Up-Close: Can you guess what sports these feet belong to? Scan here for answers!

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(Photos by Jessica Puyo and Sammy Leary)

FREEZE FRAME • (Top) Clenching his jaw and

biting his lip, senior Patrick Sullivan lives every moment on the line, literally. He stands just outside the boundary line, about to throw in a mighty toss to his teammates. The very next play, Ladue got the ball and made a pass. “Soccer is fun because it pushes you physically and mentally to work as a team,” Sullivan said. (Bottom) Fighting over the ball, junior Justin Espinosa blocks his opponent from making a steal.

Espinosa has served as a key player this season, according to many of his teammates. “Justin always works hard,” junior Austin Burton said. (Photos by Jessica Puyo)

panorama

October 14, 2013

SPORTS

Bump, set, spike it

The fresh faces of girls volleyball start off with a stellar season sports writer

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fter an admirable 3-2 start to the season, the girls volleyball team is ready to continue its winning success and advance into the playoffs.

“We are looking for a conference championship repeat for sure,” junior Iris Yang said.

This year’s team makeup is quite different from last year’s. The team graduated four seniors last spring and lost two other starting players due to transfer and injury.

“Previously we had a team that had been playing together for two years and had a lot of playing experi-

IN THE ZONE • Eagerly

awaiting the ball, senior Emma Conrad stays focused and ready.

(Photo by Jessica Puyo)

ence together because we had no game feeling confident and that we loss and show them all that we’ve seniors on the team in 2011,” senior can handle anything that is thrown at been working for.”

Emma Conrad said. “[Because] we us,” Schaaf said.

The two games against Clayton don’t have the same team anymore, Chemistry is very important for were very close. The team is ready to I’d definitely say the way we play has the team. From activities and functake the devastating blow and use it to changed, but not our attitudes about tions outside of games to on-court their advantage. the game.” teamwork, the team is very close.

“With Clayton being our main Despite these changes, the rivals, I [definitely] think team is motivated. The loss this loss will motivate us Just the makeup of the group, of many key players has not to work even harder to beat lowered goals. them when we play again they seem to get along on and “[We] are very happy with later in the season,” junior off the court. Everyone’s goal is how the season has started out Julia Sachs said. to play well and win. and have high expectations Coaches McCaffrey and for the rest of the season,” Rachel Perkowski have junior Mary Kate Fox said. helped the team grow this -Coach Roberta McCaffrey With only four seniors on year. The players follow the team this season, the young squad “I think a huge factor that has lead their advice to improve and succeed. looks for support from senior captains to our team’s success is the fact that “The volleyball coaches have Conrad and Julie Schaaf. The two we are so close,” Schaaf said. “We always been outstanding in what they have been playing for years. make improvements as a team, and do,” Conrad said. “They care for “They are great captains and lead we make mistakes as a team. When their players on and off the court and the team by example,” Fox said. it comes down to it, all of our hard are always fun to be around. I have “They keep us motivated and working work shows in how we play together learned a lot since I entered the Ladue hard.” on the court.” volleyball program.”

Conrad and Schaaf have assumed The great teamwork has allowed Some players have turned their new responsibilities as captains this the team to improve as the season game up a notch this year. The team year. But Conrad does not see her role progresses. It is vital to their success has contributions from every grade. as being allowed to boss her teamas a cohesive unit.

“Julia Sachs is having a tremenmates around; rather, she wants to “Our team gets along together dous year, leading the team in all ofhelp them. very well in and out of volleyball,” fensive categories,” McCaffrey said.

“I do have a bigger responsibility Yang said. “We started off the season “Hunter Byrne, freshman setter, is than the rest of my teammates, but I close, and our teamwork has been starting on varsity and really has had feel that my main purpose and goal improving every game.” to step up and has led the team.” is to be a good team player, bring us After a close loss to rival Clayton With the season winding down, as a team together and make sure that Sept. 19, the team is looking forward the team hopes to gain momentum everyone is putting forth all their efto a rematch. They expect to meet heading into conferences. They have fort,” Conrad said. again in conferences. to keep doing the little things in order The captains also make sure the “Our rematch against Clayton is to remain successful. team has confidence going into the also a game that will be a great ac“We have to continue to practice game. They feel it is their responsibil- complishment if we come out with a hard, improve, and learn from our ity to motivate players. win,” Schaaf said. “I think it’s impormistakes,” McCaffrey said. “We have “I consider it my responsibility to tant that we prove to ourselves we can to take care of teams in conferences make sure that the team goes into a come back from such a heartbreaking and be conference champs.” «

Senior Sit-down Each month, Panorama sits down with a senior athlete. September’s athlete is Kate White from the girls cross country team.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Drop your plans and hitch a ride to go cheer on your Rams at these must-see matchups:

• Oct. 16- Girls Field Hockey vs. Brentwood • Oct. 17- Boys Soccer vs. University City • Oct. 19- Boys Football vs. Ft. Zumwalt North • Oct. 31- Boys Swimming vs. Lindbergh Visit http://laduetoday.com/calendar-test/ for more upcoming events.

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(Photo by Elyse Mack)

Jason Kaplan: How is the season going so far?

KW: We are better than we ever have been. Districts is later this month, so we’re hoping to win that again. Last year we got moved up to class four and made it to state but didn’t place, so this year we’re hoping to do even better than before.

JK: Where is your favorite place to run a meet at?

KW: We had a meet in Arkansas so that was a really fun meet.

There was a collegiate race, too, so that was a lot of fun.

JK: Tell me about your funniest cross country memory.

KW: When I was a freshman, Coach Person told the guys that if they won state then she would jump into the lake. So after they won, she had to jump into the pond at state and it was great.

JK: What’s it like being a captain?

KW: It’s really fun but there is responsibility to it, too. Coach expects us to be on our game all the time and get everybody where they need to be, but it’s fun.

JK: Did you enjoy talking at the Pep Rally Oct. 3?

KW: Talking at Blue and White Night made me less nervous for Pep Rally, so it was really fun.

(Photos courtesy of Kate White)

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panorama

SPORTS

October 14, 2013

A different blue, the same Jehu 2011 graduate enjoys success at the college level with Michigan sports writer

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raduating students disperse to the most prestigious academic institutions in the country, looking to make their mark. While many of these students have only set their sights on academic success, some aspire higher. Jehu Chesson, a rare mix of size and speed, brains and brawn, is currently a red-shirt freshman on the University of Michigan’s top-ranked football team and is a prime example of the fact that character can take an individual further than they would ever imagine.

Chesson was a four-year starter on Ladue’s varsity team and helped them achieve deep playoff runs, reaching the quarterfinals two of his four years. In his high-school career, Chesson amassed nearly 3,500 yards receiving, acting as one of the key play makers for the Rams. When his high school playing days were over, it was time for Chesson to choose the place he would be continuing his football career as well as his education. For him, one option stood out among the others.

“When looking for colleges, I wanted a place where I could compete in the classroom as well as on the field,” Chesson said.

“Michigan provided both of these. I also wanted a place that was built on tradition and had resources to push me beyond success.

It’s a lot for an 18-year-old to grasp, but choosing a college is nearly a blind decision because you don’t know if the school will meet your expectations. So far I have been challenged in all areas and have been able to compete. I am working on my last two expectations – a Michigan degree and a 43rd Big 10 Championship in school history.”

So far, Chesson’s college years have brought him success both on and off the field, and he is eager to see what will come in ensuing years. He feels he owes this in large part to his high school coach, Mike Tarpey. Tarpey instills valuable character traits, not only for football but also in life.

“The staff at Ladue played an important role in my preparation,” Chesson said. “They equipped me with tools that allow me

to be successful. My biggest lesson I walked away from Tarpey’s office was the one about character. When it is all said and done, what kind of man you are will determine what types of people [that] surround you.”

TIGHT GRIP • Holding to the ball tightly, Jehu Chesson celebrates his first collegiate touchChesson has certainly made down. Chesson caught the ball in the third quarter of the game to put Michigan ahead of Akron sound decisions in this depart- 21-10. The Michigan Wolverines ended up winning the game 28-24. Chesson’s new team is 4-0 and is ment. His family has been with currently ranked 19 in the latest AP poll. The Ladue product has three receptions for 56 yards, boasthim at nearly every turn, facili- ing an impressive 18.7 yards per catch. This is Chesson’s first full season on the team as he did not tating his success. According play in all of last year’s games to save his four years of eligibility. (Photo courtesy of Jehu Chesson) to another high school coach of his, David Bryant, they played a huge part in his character. said. “My dad was there to see it which was pretty cool to me. He “Jehu is a very high-character guy,” Bryant said. “He is a hard was happy to see it because the last one he saw was the touchworker with a really good attitude. He has great parents, and you down versus MICDS [in 2011].” can tell that he was raised right. When you speak to him, all of Tarpey is not surprised in the least at Chesson’s success. He that comes through.” knows that for Chesson, to expect anything less would be affront to both his character and talents. Tarpey has seen many natural athletes pass through the school, but Chesson was special.

“What really sets him apart is his work ethic and character,” When looking for colleges I Tarpey said. “He’s a great kid, and for somebody who has an abundance of talent, he’s an extremely humble person. His comwanted a place where I could bination of size and speed create problems for people on the field. compete in the classroom as A player like him leads for a lot of match-up issues. And due to well as the field. Michigan prohis work ethic, his attitude, and his intelligence, he can definitely learn the system he’s in.” vided both of these.

With his exceptional character and outstanding athletic abilities, Chesson has his sights set on the future. He knows that his - Jehu Chesson road to further success won’t be easy, but he is ready for the task at hand. No matter where Chesson goes in the future, he can Chesson has already seen his outstanding work ethic pay off. always root his success back to the fields, and hallways, of Ladue.

During a regular season game against Akron on Sept. 9, Chesson “You have to stay passionate,” Chesson said. “What ever you caught his first collegiate touchdown, a 33-yard bomb. are playing for or whatever it may be that motivates you has to “I thanked God for the first touchdown and bringing it so stay ignited. My counselor always reminds me, ‘The price of sucsoon, by His will and grace I will have many more,” Chesson cess is high, yet so are the rewards’” «

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Girls’ team rewrites history Field hockey squad defeats Burroughs

sports editor

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he varsity field hockey team accomplished something that had never been done by the team before. The girls defeated the tough Burroughs squad Sept. 19 for the first time ever with a decisive 3-1 victory in an outstanding team win.

“It was a big game for us, and it was obviously nice to win against a team we hadn’t beat before,” math teacher Barbara Dwyer said.

The team played an overall dominating game. Ladue got on the board first when junior Riley Kniptash scored in the opening half. After scoring, Ladue never faltered their lead.

“It’s important to score first because it sets the tone for the rest of

the game,” Kniptash said, Not only was the offense highly effective, but the defense overpowered the Burroughs team.

Ladue opened the second half with a 1-0 lead, and quickly increased their lead. Junior Sarah Waldman notched the second goal of the game.

“Even when you’re winning, it’s always good to improve your lead,” Waldman said.

Their only defensive stutter came when the Bombers scored on a breakaway goal, bringing them within one goal of Ladue with a score of 2-1. With only 46 seconds left in the game, freshman Neely Lochmoeller scored the third and final goal of the game to recapture a two-goal lead.

Burroughs had very few opportunities to break the strong Ladue

defense. Even when the team received penalties, the girls remained strong, stopping their opponents time and time again.

“Twice we had to play a player short due to being issued yellow and green cards,” Dwyer said. “We were able to hold them scoreless during those times.”

The game was a huge team victory that improved their win-loss record to an impressive 6-0. The victories in big games against respected opponents is crucial to their success. The team is eying a return to the Elite 8 in the state tournament, but this year their goal is to improve to at least the Final Four, according to Dwyer. The team has a good chance to reach their goals after key wins.

“The win should definitely

improve our seed for the Midwest Tournament as Burroughs is usually in the top 8,” Dwyer said.

The lady Rams have proved that they can compete with any team and will not concede even if they are considered the underdog.

“Being able to tell the girls after the game that it was the first time in team history that we’ve beaten Burroughs was the icing on the cake.”

Dwyer said. «

TEAM CAPTAIN• Focused on the ball, senior Concie O’Keefe dribbles up the field to advance the ball into Burrough’s territory. This is O’Keefe’s fourth year playing field hockey for the school, and she is a true leader for the rest of the team.

(Photo by Danielle Thompson)