Ladue HS Panorama Volume 60, Issue 1, 9/9/11

Panorama

ladue horton watkins high schoolw1201 s. warson roadwst. louis, mo 63124wvolume 60 issue 1wseptember 9, 2011

@MOeducation, controversial section in ‘Facebook Bill’ spurs legal action, injunction #decisionpending EMILY BELL —editor in chief

SUBJECT: BILL 54

I “We want to question the intent and whether it was properly written. “I think the original intent was for student safety, but I think that got lost along the way.”

-Superintendent Marsha Chappelow

art by AUDREY KOCHER

EMILY BIEST —news editor

n its lawsuit against Senate Bill 54, the Missouri State Teachers Association was granted an injunction, August 25.

162.069 bans private contact between teachers and students online and requires districts to draft social media policies. Two lawsuits were filed, one by the MSTA and one by the ACLU. The Missouri General Assembly placed the section on the special session agenda for the September 6-9. Gov. Jay Nixon said that he will ask that sections 1-4 be repealed. Alternatively, the Assembly can rewrite portions.

“On the whole, the bill does a lot to protect students, does a lot to protect teachers,” MSTA Online Community Coordinator Aurora Meyer said. “The language and policy of the social media portion are where we have some concerns.”

162.069 would have gone into effect August 28, and district policies in place by January 1, 2012. Now, the rest of the bill will go into effect while the injunction halts the section.

“I’m personally aggravated that we need to write these laws, they seem to be a substitution for good judgement on the part of the teacher,” English teacher Kim Gutchewsky said.

Bill sponsor Jane Cunningham(R) said the bill originated to stop sexual misconduct in schools.

Based on Associated Press statistics from 20012005, it also addresses ‘passing the trash’, or having transparency in district hiring practices.

“We were the 11th worst state in the nation,” Cunningham said. “87 educators lost their licenses during that time period for sexual [mis]conduct.

It’s not isolated, it’s extremely prevalent, and it’s growing up to the minute.”

Not everyone agrees with Cunningham’s opinion of the misconduct problem, particularly its online aspects.

“Many aspects of this bill are directed at actual

problems,” Rothert said. “The communication aspect in the bill only addresses imaginary problems.”

The section’s controversy overshadowed other bill portions. Most of the controversy stemmed from two complaints: vagueness and infringements on First Amendment rights.

“The bill of course is much too restrictive,” social studies teacher Robert Snidman said. “I question whether or not the bill will stop the criminal activity it is trying to prevent.”

District specific policies raised concerns because of the potentially wide range of policies.

“We want to question the intent and whether it was properly written,” Ladue superintendent Marsha Chappelow said. “I think the original intent was for student safety, but I think that got lost along the way.”

The MSTA lawsuit was filed August 26, after teachers lodged complaints.

“If the bill had just said that school districts need to set their own policies, no problem with it,” Meyer said. “When we get concerned is when they start going into specifics of what is what isn’t allowed. ” Ladue Middle School teacher Christina Thomas filed the ACLU lawsuit August 26, after being contacted. Thomas was concerned about Ladue’s wishes.

“I knew Ladue wouldn’t be upset that I did this, since it’s not just about the school district, it’s about the law and the interpretation of it,” Thomas said.

In order to comply with the state requirements, Ladue sent a staff memorandum August 9, explaining the law and laying out expectations for behavior. One of these expectations states that “teachers may not ‘friend’ even their own children on a Facebook or other social networking site, if their children are students or former students, as defined by law.”

“The thing is it was prohibiting what I could do as a parent, and I’m not okay with (story cont. on back)

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NEWS

C U adue L E Newsweek ranked LHWHS 103 in “America’s Best High Schools”; that number is up from 282.

Jialin Ding (10) competed in the Junior Closed Championship June 2011.

Max Schindler (11) attended the Mathematical Olympiad Program this summer.

Emily Bell (12), Sayli Sant (12), Sarah Fee (12), David Abraham (11), and Chloe An (10) attended the National Forensics League National Tournament in Dallas, TX June 14-21.

Sarah Adams (11) and Daniel Magruder (12) accepted scholarships from the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program to study for the school year in Germany.

New blue and white tile flooring replaced the blue carpet in the Commons.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Local Scouts sue for right to sell cookies Girl Scouts forbidden from selling at cookie booth BEZA GETAHUN —news writer

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fter a Hazelwood resident complained, Hazelwood forced a neighborhood Girl Scout cookie stand to close. A lawsuit was filed against the city and has since gained national and media attention.

Hazelwood residents Abigail and Caitlyn Mills have pleaded for a license to sell cookies since the complaint was filed. When their request was denied, the sisters asked their family to sue, claiming that besides the city’s pride, Hazelwood has no reason to enforce the ordinance.

“They are only doing this because they don’t want to admit that they are wrong; it’s not fair, selling Girl Scout cookies is meant to build character. They [Hazelwood] make it seem like a crime,” junior Julia TsuchiyaMayhew said.

Hazelwood representatives said that the family was warned about the city code on home occupancy, which states that there can be no entrepreneurship if it causes undue stress on the neighborhood. However, selling Girl Scout cookies had never been a problem before the complaint against the Mills sisters.

In an interview with the New York Times August 15, Mills said that Hazelwood representatives told her that if the incident involving their neighbor’s filed complaint had not occurred, the rules against the cookie stand would not have been enforced.

Many citizens of Hazelwood are disturbed at the new development. Mills and her children said that although their street was busy, the traffic was never uncontrollable. After hearing about the incident, philanthropist George Hutchins bought 36 boxes of cookies from the Girl Scout troop and asked for one free box to be delivered to the neighbor who had filed the

art by AUDREY KOCHER

complaint, with a note reading ‘Have a nice day. Sorry for all your troubles.’

Although the situation was internally resolved, Hazelwood still refuses to give the sisters the privilege of selling cookies in their neighborhood. City representatives say that they support the Girl Scout organization, but will not make an exception for the sisters to break the city’s law.

“Any occupation, profession or activity that is customary, carried on by family [is permitted] which does not alter the exterior of the property or affect the residential character of the neighborhood and no unusual traffic is generated,” Communications Director Tim Davidson said.

Some scouts do not take the same position as the Mills. Ladue junior and member of senior Girl Scout troop 990 since kindergarten, Olivia Jaeger takes the side of the city.

“Its probably better that they are enforcing the law. I think it is a lot easier to keep in track of the money if the troop leader is in charge of setting up where they sell the cookies. It should be at a public place like a Schnucks,” Jaeger said.

Developments in the case between the Mills Family and the city of Hazelwood continue, as neither side backing down.w

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

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NEWS

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Study finds social media may cause psychological problems

Frequent use of technology may decrease teens’ ability to concentrate JEET DAS —news writer

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he lure of the Internet is a powerful force. After only a short time on the computer, many students check Facebook profiles and chat with friends. However, an August study at California State University revealed the use of social networking sites can have many psychological effects on teenagers.

The study’s results state that being on Facebook for more than two hours a day can result in psychological problems such as narcissism, antisocial behavior and aggressive tendencies. Overusing technology such as phones and computers could also make teens more susceptible to anxiety, depression and future health problems.

“To [teenagers], it’s not the quality that’s important, but the connection itself. Phone or face-to-face conversations allow for a minimal number of connections, while other tools let them connect to the world,” psychologist Dr. Larry Rosen, who ran the California State study for the American Psychological Association’s annual convention, said.

In one of Rosen’s experiments a group of students were monitored while studying for 15 minutes. Every three minutes, the students got distracted or tried multitasking. Rosen concluded that those who check Facebook one or more times during a 15 minute study period receive lower grades than without interruption. “[Facebook] gets in the way of homework or other things you need to do,” sophomore Justin Chee said. “A lot of people procrastinate and just go on Facebook forever, so they don’t do what they’re supposed to.”

Although the study concluded that extensive use of technology can produce negative side effects, the California State study also found that using Facebook increased ‘virtual empathy’ shown by those who use social networking websites frequently. Teenagers have become more capable of showing compassion for distressed friends, using the Internet to help im-

FACEBOOK FRENZY For most teens, use of social networking sites is a staple in

everyday life. The number of people using Facebook soared from just one million in 2004 to over 750 million in 2011. (photo by Elizabeth Ornitz) prove the moods of peers. The study describes Interaction online comes with positives and the distinct likelihood of this virtual empathy negatives. Excessive use of social networkcarrying over to ing sites may damage the real world mental health and To [teenagers], it’s not the qualand improving make school more ity thats important, but the conthe relationstressful, Rosen said. nection itself... other tools let ships between The Internet also teenagers in provides a positive them connect to the world. real-life, everysource for improv-Dr. Larry Rosen day situations. ing social skills and “I think it’s maintaining frienda lot easier to ships. As the number communicate of people who use with friends through Facebook. You don’t have social networking sites continues to grow, more to deal with the seriousness of school or class; and more people will become aware of both the it can be much more relaxed,” junior Sydney dangers and opportunities that Facebook can Fontaine said. offer to its users. w

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Global Update: A snapshot of the world today SARAH ALLEN —news editor

MIRANDA SIWAK —news editor

Protests against government corruption sweep India

Spurred by activist Anna Hazare’s 12 day hunger strike as well as protests demanding stronger anti-corruption laws, the Indian parliament agreed to consider key elements of Hazare’s anti-corruption bill. The legislation would give the national corruption watchdog the ability to investigate the prime minister’s office and the judiciary.

Japan chooses new party leader

After Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan resigned Aug. 22, finance minister Yoshihiko Noda was elected Aug. 29 as leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan. Kan’s resignation was in part related to his mishandling of the Fukushima nuclear plant crisis after an earthquake and ensuing tsunami in March. “[Kan’s] resignation won’t have much impact [on Japanese nuclear policy], but hopefully the bill he pushed [on renewable energy] through will help Japan move away from reliance on nuclear power,” said Laura Miller, Ei’ichi Shibusawa-Seigo Arai Endowed Professor of Japanese Studies and Professor of Anthropology at St. Louis University.

art by ANDREW RUBIN

Texas Gov. Perry declares candidacy for GOP nomination After declaring his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination Aug. 13 in Charleston, S.C., Texas Gov. Rick Perry took the lead in opinion polls. Gallup said Aug. 24 that 29% of Republicans say they support Perry in the primary elections while 17% support to Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Libyan rebels capture capital city After months of civil war, Libyan rebels captured Tripoli, Libya’s capital, Aug. 21. While the rebels are united by a desire to see dictator Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi go, ethnic divisions may complicate the creation of a new government if Qaddafi falls.

“There are three [ethnic groups] in Libya [who] don’t necessarily get along with each other [and] won’t necessarily want a democratic process where all three are involved,” social studies teacher Dr. Hahn said.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

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NEWS

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Failed murder conviction leads to proposal of new legislation Illinois proposes bill intended to protect abducted children HAOHANG XU —news writer

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early two months after Florida mother Casey Anthony was pronounced not guilty for the murder of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee, outraged Americans are pushing for new legislation that would have sent Anthony to jail.

By July 7, lawmakers in Florida, Oklahoma, New York, and West Virginia announced that they were drafting versions of the bill, nicknamed Caylee’s Law, that would make it a felony for parents not to notify law enforcement of a missing child within 24 hours of the disappearance. Now, up to 20 states are considering similar legislation.

“Why would a parent not report a child missing within 24 hours unless they did some-

June 15, 2008: Casey Anthony claims to have seen daughter Caylee for the last time

July 15-16, 2008: Caylee has been missing for one month; Casey is arrested

July 19, 2008: Caylee is confirmed dead

social studies teacher Robert Snidman said.

“We’re punishing parents while not giving them the tools to fix the problem.”

Though much of the public supports the intentions of Caylee’s Law, many view other ways of preventing child endangerment as more practical. For example, law enforcement could focus on removing children from abusive home environments.

“Terminating the parental rights of those

July-August, 2011: Caylee’s Law proposed in Illinois

July 5, 2011: Casey is found not guilty of murdering two-year-old Caylee

thing?” freshman Iris Yang said. “It could save After the trial, thousands expressed their lives.” support for legislation requiring parents to Some worry that the emotions surrounding report missing children, largely as a result of the Anthony case will impair judgment of the Anthony’s failure to report Caylee missing for bill. As Wall Street Journal writer Steve Martini 31 days. Within two days, a petition in support observed July 12, attaching Caylee Anthony’s of the cause on www.change.org collected over name to the bill “implies that anyone who 300,000 signatures, growing to 1.1 million opposes the bill – even for good reasons – is under a week later. indifferent to “Nobody the death of thought that Why would a parent not report a child its namesake,” what happened missing within 24 hours unless they posing clear with Casey challenges Anthony would did something? It could save lives. to the honest happen,” senior discussion of Jeff Bigg said. “I -freshman Iris Yang the bill. think the whole “[The purpose [of proposal of the movement] Caylee’s Law] is a knee jerk reaction, inspired was to give law enforcement some teeth to prosecute someone further for obviously wrong by anger rather than experts talking with the legislature about ways to improve the system,” cases of child neglect.”

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who abuse or neglect their children, giving care and protection to children, and other procedures that address poor parenting are more important than pursuing [this issue] as a criminal case,” Michael Burton, the Administrative Judge of the Family Court in the St. Louis County who deals with matters of domestic law, said.

In spite of conflict, most agree that Caylee’s Law needs careful review and consideration.

“I feel like something like [this bill] needs to be detached from the Casey Anthony trial before we can really evaluate its legitimacy,” junior Julia Smith said. “Remove all sorts of hyped-up emotion and propaganda and really ask ourselves, is this wrong? Is this a crime?”

Smith stated, “If the proper steps to refine and edit the law into something reasonable, valid, and enforceable are not taken because people want it put into action so badly, the results could be chaotic in future kidnapping cases.” w

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Save a Life to make its return to Ladue National organization addresses teen challenges MARINA MAY —news writer

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fter a brief hiatus, the Save a Life club is back. This years club leaders, seniors Sarah Levy and Stephanie Starr, are working with video and technology teacher Don Goble to promote Save A Life’s message within the Ladue community.

“At its root, the message of Save a Life Campaign encourages courage,” Goble said.

“It encourages young adults to make smart life decisions and to be a positive influence in the lives of their friends and families.”

Within the next year, the club hopes to make a name for itself in the district. Leaders plan to participate in various volunteering opportunities around the community and build mentoring relationships with Ladue’s youth.

“We are working to build recognition slowly, by going into elementary schools, and maybe even working with DARE officers to

help connect with the younger generation of kids,” Levy said.

The leaders at Ladue are also working to uphold the message of the nationwide Save A Life campaign. Originally founded in the Ladue area in 2006 by Dave and Fritz Fahrenkamp, the Save A Life Campaign honors the memory of their son, Colin P. Fahrenkamp, who died in a car accident in early 2006.

The national campaign spreads their message through a public service announcement contest, which originated at Ladue, and is currently run by Goble and the heads of the Save A Life national campaign. The first PSA came from Goble’s students, until the Fahrenkamps asked him to produce one of his own. The video gained national attention when it aired after The Fray’s live performance during VH1’s “Big in ‘06” show.

“We were able to use the song ‘How to Save A Life’ by the Fray, which was the last song Colin Fahrenkamp downloaded before he died,” Goble said.

With such a strong following in the national community, the leaders of the Ladue chapter are optimistic about how their ideas will contribute to the Save A Life club’s efforts.

“It’s definitely the little things people can do, that could make a big difference in some one’s day, or even their life,” Starr said.

These “little things” can range from putting the phone down while driving, helping

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Q&A

(photo by Gretchen McCarthy)

Panorama asked Molly Beck, Ladue’s speech and debate team’s new head coach, about her personal experiences with speech and debate.

What’s your favorite debate memory and why?

My favorite debate memory is when Shivi Yadava [Parkway South ‘11] found out she double qualified to the NFL National tournament in Original Oratory and Humorous Interpretation. She worked so hard the entire semester to prepare and was so passionate about the work she was doing.

What’s your favorite part of coaching debate and why?

My favorite part of coaching debate is working with students who are exceptionally talented and smart. I find myself learning from my students everyday and I believe that if you have a career you love and that constantly allows you to learn and grow, then you are in a good place.

What’s the most important experience or skill that you have gotten out of debate?

The most important thing debate has taught me is that you can never be too prepared or too organized.

What are you looking forward to this speech and debate season?

The 2011-2012 speech and debate season will be very exciting! We are going to some wonderful tournaments and I am looking forward to enjoying many team successes.

someone pick up dropped books, to intervening in a potentially dangerous situation, like stopping a friend from drinking and driving.

These actions let students get involved in making a better community for Ladue.

“If you can find a way to slow down, think about your actions and choices, you’ll be amazed at the incredible opportunities you may be presented with,” Goble said. w

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Discovering

Syrian food Second Ranoush location opens in Kirkwood

CHRISTINE WANG —a&e/features editor

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yrian food is not a cuisine most are familiar with. The words knafeh, shawarma and kafta certainly don’t register in most people’s minds as words let alone foods.

At Ranoush, Syrian food is not only the main attraction, the location and atmosphere make it a prime spot for dining.

Ranoush is in the heart of downtown Kirkwood. This is the second Ranoush location in St. Louis, the first being in the Delmar Loop.

However, the two locations differ dramatically. Unlike the Delmar Loop location, which is dark, a bit creepy and hookah-smoke filled, the Kirkwood restaurant is extremely family friendly. There were at least three other families there, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but considering it was a Tuesday night and

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the body of the restaurant is not big at all, it baklawa was very flaky and lightly sweetened is. That’s not to say Ranoush is a playpen for with cinnamon. The nuts mixed in the puff passcreaming children. The overall atmosphere try added a nice texture. Each meal comes with is relaxing but all customers were outfitted in complimentary watermelon which was beautidressy casual attire. There were lots of windows fully plated and a light end to a unique meal. and even though I’m not entirely sure what The best element of this restaurant is their Syrian decoration is, Ranoush has some very staff. The waiter at my table was attentive impressive authentic-looking décor. enough to notice sunlight getting into my eyes The food was so-so. There were parts that I and spent about five minutes hanging a colordid and didn’t enjoy but overall, a satisfactory ful, sheer, tassel-adorned Aladdin like carpet meal especially at the speed it came. The menu to block out some of the light. He also came to offers about five hot and cold ‘mezzas’, which check on my table at least every ten minutes, are appetizers and around ten entrees and finally which was great. two desserts. My waiter informed me that the A close second to the staff is the patio. falafel was a popular starter and after ordering it Since Ranoush is located in calm downtown I could definitely see why. Four medium-sized Kirkwood, the patio is in front of the restaurant balls were $5.25 which was a little on the pricey side but after biting into one, concerns on the price melted away. Each ball was fried to a golden brown on the outside and were creamy inside, offering an amazing contrast in texture. The falafels came with a mayo- like sauce which I didn’t particularly like because it drowned out the flavor of the falafel.

The falafels were absolutely delicious and the highlight of the meal. The JUST ONE BITE One of Ranoush’s signature dishes, chicken shawarma, is presented with pita bread and entrees were decent and a Syrian salad. (photo by Christine Wang) relatively cheap, around $14-15, with almost all coming with a Syrian salad and pita bread. All literally overlooking Kirkwood road near the the plates are extremely vibrant with basically railroad tracks. It is larger than the restaurant every color present on the plate, thanks to the building itself and that’s not an exaggeration.

Syrian salad, which has peppers, tomatoes and With over 20 tables, it offers an ideal location a lemon olive for a cool summer afternoon. Honestly, props oil dressing. The to Ranoush for the patio. Even though this chicken shawarma seems like a basic concept, most restaurants came with small offer patios that don’t appropriately shade their pieces of chicken customers. I have been to multiple restaurants and was too that have a tiny patio with a couple tables and strongly flavored a flimsy little umbrella over each that casts a with sumac. The shadow only when the sun is at a certain, limbeef kafta tasted ited angle. At Ranoush, there is huge balcony of better but looked covers to block the sun at almost all angles. No like a pounded sunglasses needed. It’s also a great place to take out meatball that or walk your dog while eating lunch or dinner. was grilled on Even though the food is not the best I’ve a skewer and had, I recommend people to visit if not for the texture was the food, than just for the other great aspects. a little mushy.

Although it is a bit expensive, the location is The menu only wonderful as so is the fast and courteous cusoffers two destomer service. Located at 200 North Kirkwood serts, baklawa Road, Ranoush is a great new addition to the and knafeh. The downtown Kirkwood culinary scene. w

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PANORAMA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

‘TeamSTAGES’ teens shine in spotlight with 35 songs was paid for her role in the in comparison ensemble cast. to Ladue choirs’ “Ladue has a pretty average of 25 significant presence in songs a year. In this group,” Hafer said.

“I think it’s a really neat PUPPY LOVE Members of TeamSTAGES, pose as pup- addition, Ladue thing for our school to pies in ‘101 Dalmatians’ during a press photoshoot. choirs practice have so many students The production of ‘101 Dalmations’ took place in June for roughly four hours a week, involved in the musical and July. (photo courtesy by Eric Pugh) while Teamtheatre community.”

STAGES meets While the group puts sidered to be the premiere LEO DICERA and practices six hours a on multiple concerts high school acappella en—a&e/features writer throughout semble in St. the year, they Louis, being Even when you’re in TeamSTAGES adue’s student body also perform locally and boasts some unique you start to wonder what’s going at community nationally talent. Whether on? Is this really happening? It events such as renowned. in academics, athletics just feels so surreal. the Clayton Bearman or arts, Ladue students Art Fair sings 2nd consistently stand out.

-senior Kelsey Bearman and at local Soprano, Four such students shine theatres such while Hafer, through the greater St. week in addition to indias the Fox Theatre and Jonas and Zenger sing the Louis acapella ensemble, The Sheldon. Recently, Bass/Baritone, Alto and 1st vidual practice time.

TeamSTAGES. Members of Teamthe group performed at Soprano parts, respectiveSenior Kelsey Bearman STAGES have the opDisney World in Orlando, ly. As an acappella group, and juniors Dylan Hafer, portunity to perform with Florida, and also opened the music is solely vocal Courtney Jonas and Hanna Broadway professionals for Broadway actress, without any instrumental Zenger represent Ladue in STAGES producKristin Chenoweth. accompaniment or backin TeamSTAGES, which tions. Over the summer, In October, the group tracking. boasts only 19 members. plans to travel to New In comparison to Ladue Bearman was cast in the Part of the regional theatre STAGES production of York City and perform choirs, TeamSTAGES company, STAGES ST. “101 Dalmatians,” and at the soon-to-be opened features a larger repertoire, LOUIS, the group is con-

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Double Take

actor Seth Rogen

math teacher Michael Farrell

actress AnnaSophia Robb

9/11 Memorial at the former World Trade Center complex. TeamSTAGES will be singing a custom arranged rendition of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful “Singing at the memorial will be a really good opportunity for us to show our respect and care to the families of 9/11 who have lost their loved ones,” Zenger said.

While in New York City, TeamSTAGES plans on attending three Broadway musicals and will have exclusive access backstage. In addition, the group plans to attend a series of master class workshops led by several Broadway professionals such as Sutton Foster and Shoshana Bean.

“Even when you’re in TeamSTAGES you start to wonder what’s going on?

Is this really happening?”

Bearman said. “It just feels so surreal.” w

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

freshman Peyton Farmer

actor Daniel Sunjata

senior Will James

celebrity photos courtesy of www.dailystab.com, www.dailymakeover.com, www.mnn.com

PANORAMA

After a year traveling and studying abroad, senior Emily Hahn returns from Germany was worried about school and everything that comes with studying abroad,” Hahn said.

“Of course, my host family was nice and very thoughtful. My host sister and I were polar opposites, and just as any real siblings, we fought a little bit and she was not too happy about her parents suddenly having to pay attention to me,” Hahn said.

School placed an even greater challenge on Hahn. On top of not having an established group of friends and separated by a communication barrier, her schedule was an intense change in schedule and she had little SKIING ON THE SLOPES Skiing on Mount Gross- time for after-school activities. lockner in Austria, senior Emily Hahn enjoys the “School was fun; being scenery. Mount Grosslockner is the tallest moun- able to meet new people and tain in Austria. (photo courtesy by Emily Hahn) learn from being taught by new teachers was cool. I have to say though, the school days did feel so long at first and the homework load was MACKENZIE PASS crazy even compared to Ladue,” Hahn said.

—a&e/features writer “One of my favorite out of school memories reeted at her front door by an ordinary is going to my first disco, and I saw a guy fist cardboard box, senior Emily Hahn pumping with a machete! I felt like I was on curiously opened up her mail to see Jersey Shore or something!” the contents inside. Out of all possibilities, a Being on unknown territory, Hahn was scholarship to study abroad in Germany was forced to break out of her shell. She tried a vawhat she least expected. riety of new things, many of which she would “It was never my ultimate dream or anyhave never had the opportunity to participate in thing to go to Germany; it was just something in America. that I decided to take a chance on a whim by “ I made myself try at least one new thing putting myself out there. I was so surprised to every day. I am so glad that I did that, because find out that I, of all people, had been chosen it made me really grow as a person. I did so for this amazing experience,” Hahn said. many cool things, like learning to snow ski in The application process for the scholarship Austria,” Hahn said. had many stages including going through the Looking back on her journey, Hahn would US Government. After completing interviews, definitely recommend traveling abroad to her Hahn felt confident of her chance of receiving peers. With a few words of advice, she emphathe Congress Undesbundstag Scholarship, but sized how great of an experience she gained by nevertheless was surprised when chosen. After spending her junior year away from home. much thought and persuasion from her parents, “Studying abroad taught me so many things she knew she had to take advantage of this about myself and others. There aren’t really as unique opportunity. many differences among other teen cultures.

“I figured I spoke the language, and my They dress almost the same, even party a family has German roots, so why not go? I lot like American teenagers. But, it’s not for accepted the scholarship, but I was still nervous everyone, especially as early as high school,” about meeting my host family, and of course Hahn said.w

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The Best Kind of Delivery AMY D AI

A Long Way from Home

A&E/FEATURES

art by

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

SARAH KLOEPPLE —a&e/features editor

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othing is better than the smell of freshly baked cookies. They seem to be a conventional snack food, good any time of the day, but what if you could take it a step further?

Dough to Door is a way for you to take that step. Opened August 5 located in between Vintage Vinyl and Blueberry Hill at 567 Melville Avenue by managing partners Jonathan Weinberg, Ernest Dixon and Tamika Moore, it offers made-to-order cookies. The best part? They deliver.

I visited the bakery on a Saturday afternoon with two friends and was unsure of what to anticipate. But just by taking a look at the chalk board style menu, I was easily sold as I learned that there was more to choose from than the mundane chocolate chip cookie.

My only complaint with the bakery was the time it took to make my custom order.

It was a 40 minute wait so I recommend ordering ahead of time. Plus, while you wait, they have plenty of games like Yahtzee, and a Ladue favorite, Apples to Apples.

After our wait, they brought out our individual boxes of cookies, and the smell was overwhelming. They were more than I expected out of a cookie: warm, soft and completely mouth watering with each bite.

And a piece of advice: when you visit, don’t get your cookies without milk!

They’re open Sunday through Wednesday from noon to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Did you get that? You can order cookies at one in the morning.

Though they only deliver to the surrounding University City area, Washington University campus and parts of Clayton, it’s still a great place to hang out on the weekends. So I urge you to visit Dough to Door, and I can maybe guarantee you’ll fall in love with cookies all over again. w

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THE RETURN OF FALL TV

Sept.

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The Vampire Diaries 7-8pm

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How I Met Your Mother 7-7:30pm

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Glee

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Modern Family

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Parks & Recreation

7-8pm

8-8:30pm

7:30-8pm

The Office

8-8:30pm

Grey’s Anatomy 8-9pm

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Family Guy

8-8:30pm

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Gossip Girl 7-8pm

PANORAMA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

New club aims to assist families in need DueCare looks to give back to Ladue community “As a member of

DANA MAGRUDER —a&e/features writer DueCare, I help to get

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ith the economic issues of today, some Ladue families struggle to keep their belongings and necessities, like cars, shelter, and supplies intact.

Junior Alex Patershuk founded a new club, “DueCare,” to make a difference for need-based families in the Ladue School District. The club focuses on enlightening the community on socioeconomic issues such as poverty that even takes place in Ladue.

“When I found out there were families in [Ladue] that can’t afford basic necessities it inspired me to start an organization that could help,” Patershuk said.

Last March, the Family Assistance Committee, began addressing the issues that families who suffered during the economic downturn faced. Emails were sent out to district parents to help raise money for the cause. This upcoming year, DueCare plans to build on those efforts by bringing attention on the current issue of some Ladue students’ hardships.

people involved and come up with fundraising ideas that would be a success in raising money towards the Family System Fund,” senior Annie Beath said.

The Family Assistance

art by ANDREW RUBIN

Committee collects the money and divides it between the need-based families in an effort to help them get back on their feet.

For some families, one month of a utility bill will be paid for by DueCare funds so that the family can use their money and regain economic strength.

Prom tickets, yearbooks, ACT tests and lunch money are also examples of what DueCare will help fund this year.

“This past summer we got together to prepare for

the upcoming school year.

We were able to go out and purchase basic school supplies such as pencils and backpacks and sort them by grade and school so that everyone would have the proper materials to succeed in the school year,” Patershuk said.

A key focus of the club is to keep everyone’s identity confidential; even as backpacks and supplies were purchased, they were bought in all different colors and patterns to avoid being recognized as a donated item.

Even before the school year began, on July 30, DueCare set up free physicals in Ladue High School’s cafeteria in which all students could participate.

DueCare hopes to create fun fundraising events all students and staff will be able to participate in, as well as help organize the Winter Informal. Meetings will be held twice a month to discuss what people need, and creative ways to raise money.

“I think the idea of the club is when people think of helping others they think outside of their own world to make a difference. Even if we make a small difference with the Ladue district it’s a success,” advisor Scott Cornwell said. w

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Q&A Panorama wants to know your answers on all things entertainment! Here’s what you said this month.

PANORAMA

A&E/FEATURES

11

What was the best movie in theaters you saw this summer?

“The Help.”

Kristin Flinn (10)

“Friends with Benefits.”

Trey Walker (12)

“Harry Potter!”

Susanna Barrett (9)

Quizbowl wins big At national competition, academic team places 13th in the country bowl team traveled to

SAYLI SANT Atlanta, Georgia to com—a&e/features writer pete at the High School

F

or most students, the 2:20 bell on Friday afternoon signifies the beginning of an anxiously awaited weekend.

However, for some Ladue students, that bell means it is time for weekly Quiz Bowl practice.

The Ladue Quiz Bowl team is a group of students who compete in academic competitions that test trivia-type knowledge in nearly any subject from chemistry to literature to music. Led by coach Mike Hill, team members practice for upcoming tournament every Friday.

“It’s as competitive as any sport that I’ve ever played,” Hill said. “My favorite part is the fact that I learn something every time I sit in practice.”

This past summer five members of Ladue’s quiz

National Championship Tournament. While there, team members Zev Kane, Jeremy Novack, Max Schindler, Haohang Xu, and Ben Zhang faced some of the best academic teams in the nation.

“The national tournament gave us a chance to play on harder questions and against stronger teams… It was also a lot faster paced,” sophomore Zhang said.

The team competed in 14 rounds over the course of two days. At the end of the weekend, the team tied for 13th place.

“This is tied for the best a team from Missouri has ever done at this national tournament,” junior Schindler said. “We didn’t really expect to go that far.”

Individually, Schindler was also named a Tourna-

ment All-Star for winning the 13th most points of all the competitors during the 10 preliminary rounds.

Despite losing grads, Zev Kane and Jeremy Novack, team members seem confident that the quiz bowl program will continue to grow.

“Losing Zev hurts since he was an amazing fine arts player but Haohang is doing a good job of starting to fill in that gap.

Plus, Ben is very good at mythology, so if he keeps that up we should be fine,” Schindler said.

The entire Quiz Bowl team currently includes over a dozen members.

Although some are more experienced than others, team members appreciate a variety of perspectives.

“We had quite a lot of good people join Quiz Bowl last year,” Zhang said. “It’s fun to play with different people and have them help with their vari-

WINNING! (From left to right) After placing thirteenth at the competition, social studies teacher Mike Hill, alum Zev Kane, junior Max Schindler, sophomore Ben Zhang, junior Haohang Xu and junior Jeremy Novack receive their trophies. (photo courtesy of Zev Kane) ous strengths.”

Although they all practice together, at tournaments students usually compete on teams of only five. Sometimes, this means that the team focuses more on members of the “A” team.

“This year we want to do a better job of cultivating a B or C team that is competitive since that will strengthen the whole program,” Schindler said.

“Our plans are to study hard, get better, and try to go even farther.” w

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PHOTO

PANORAMA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

FRESH N’ FROZEN Right: Senior Kelsey Bearman tries out the new Punch’d app at Fro Yo on Olive.

Photo by Gretchen McCarthy

Spirit of

Our City in a Weekend:

COLORS OF THE HIMALAYAS Photo by Gretchen McCarthy

AROUND THE WORLD Above:

Japanese group Cobu, performs at the Festival of Nations.

Right: African American Ensemble performs West African dance.

Right: Nepalese jewlery display at the Festival of Nations Photo by Elizabeth Ornitz

Photo by Elyse Mack

THE LOCAL SCENE

Above: The band SuperJam performs at the St. Louis Zoo Jungle Boogie Concert.

Photo by Gretchen McCarthy

REFLECTION OF AFRICA

Above: Moroccan booth at the Festval of Nations.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Photo by Tyler Christener

PANORAMA

PHOTO

13

CHILL OUT

Left: Freshmen Kate Rubin and friend enjoy the new Chill in Ladue.

St. Louis

Photo by Elizabeth Ornitz

August 26-28, 2011

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES

Right: Freshman Eden Smith checks out ‘The Help’ at AMC 12.

Photo by Gretchen McCarthy Photo by Elizabeth Ornitz

PRAYERS FOR PEACE

Top: Nepalese prayer flags at the Festival of Nations.

Below: A Tibetan Buddhist Monk demonstrates traditional paper art.

Photo by Elizabeth Ornitz Photo by Gretchen McCarthy

Photo by Gretchen McCarthy

CENTER STAGE AFRICAN GEMS Above: Kenyan booth displays cultural novelties.

Left: The African American Ensemble performs West African dance at the Festival of Nations.

14

OPINIONS

PANORAMA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Sorely missed Ram Shack reopens its doors Have no fear, the Ram Shack is back...for good

art by BOWON JOUNG

ALEX SHIMONY —opinions writer HANNAH SCHWARTZ —opinions writer

T

he entire student body expected huge changes for this school year: fewer teachers, bigger classes, and the loss of the Ram Shack. Where else are there hot, freshly baked cookies and any type of candy imaginable? Where else are school supplies and

Ladue apparel sold in a economically friendly manner? The Ram Shack was a magical place, and all that is no more...or so we thought.

DECA, Ladue’s business club, used to run the Ram Shack before school and during second and third periods. Students were able to buy things the vending machines didn’t offer during the school day. In addition, DECA students earned practical arts credit for taking Ram Shack as a class, where they learned to

take inventory, track items that sold best, and how to interact with a customer.

The entire student body benefited from the store. It encouraged school spirit by selling a huge variety of Ladue apparel, provided practical knowledge of a small retail shop, and gave the high school a sense of community.

Fortunately, this beloved staple of Ladue hasn’t closed its doors for good. The Parent Association offered to take on the job of running the Ram Shack. The re-opening will allow students to buy things they need, while supporting our school.

The parents will volunteer their time and effort to keep the store’s spirit alive. In order to maintain previous years’ high standards and quality, favorite items will reappear.

Maybe most importantly, however, this “psych-out” may have been an awakening for students. The Ram Shack and its benefits may not have always been noted, until only an empty room remained. After the re-opening, the store may not be taken for granted.

As the beloved Ram Shack re-opens this fall, keep in mind the generosity of the Parent Association. Their interest in giving us back an important aspect of our school experience should be applauded by all. w

New PIN system has to go Unnecessary change made to lunch payments TARI NUSSINOV —opinions writer The Ladue School District started a new lunch system this year by inserting computerized sale registers in the cafeteria.

According to the district, the new system should make purchasing lunch more convenient by requiring a five digit PIN number rather than cash or an identification card.

Once the PIN number is entered, the amount purchased should auto-

matically deduct from the student’s account.

The new system also allows parents to make deposits into their child’s account as well as check the balance at any time, which most parents find more convenient.

Many students believe that the previous lunch system worked fine. This new system is tedious and unnecessary. The register lines slow the lunch lines down as students constantly forget their five-digit PIN number.

These random, computer-

generated PIN numbers are not related to the other numbers and login-ins Ladue students have to remember. Also, adding to the slowness of the lines is that the cafeteria workers have not adjusted to the new system.

One concern is that other students will type in the wrong PIN number and use all of another student’s money. When students pay for their lunches, there is no verification that the student who typed in the PIN number is the PIN number’s owner.

Get pinned As the line piles up, freshman Rees

Williams tediously enters his PIN number during lunch. The new PIN system raises concerns about sanitation and identities being compromised. (photo by Jeanne Wilkinson) Another concern is about the cleanliness of the new system. With students coughing on their hands and then touching the keypad right before they eat, germs and diseases can be passed around very easily.

As the school year progresses, hopefully the new lunch system will become much more convenient for students and staff to use.

However, until then, Ladue, this new PIN system has to go. w

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

Is Senate Bill 54 the solution?

HANNAH CROPF —opinions writer Over the years, social media has become part of how teachers and students interact with each other, but under Missouri Senate Bill 54, this electronic contact will end. Bill 54 from Sen. Jane Cunningham, prohibits teachers from engaging in private communication with students under the age of 18. Instead, public domain websites and school-based email addresses will be used.

I

Absolutely!

n the past year, rape and sex abuse charges plagued a wrestling coach at Parkway West High School and a dance teacher at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy in St. Louis. According to a 2001 case study from the Counter Pedophilia Investigative Unit, an estimated 15 percent of students will suffer sexual abuse from their school staff during their academic career. Doesn’t it make sense to reduce the likelihood of such cases by whatever means necessary?

Prevents perpetrators

Bill 54 targets potential perpetrators where they are most likely to attack: private communication. Facebook chats and texting offer all the luxuries of one-on-one communication without the nonverbal, emotional element. In addition, with the new cultural phenomenon sexting, there’s no telling what kind of dirty messages teachers could send students before the two even meet in private. With this bill, the government limits the chances for teachers to initiate dangerous contact.

Leaves time to adapt

One common misconception regarding Bill 54 is its official starting date. The controversial clause regarding private communication won’t go into effect now until Feb. 20, 2012. This gives lawmakers time to tweak the bill and students and teachers time to work out a new system of communication. Rather than complaining about a law that has yet to take effect, school administrations should educate students of the nuances of the bill to address the present confusion. After all, the best way to deal with change is to adapt.

Bill 54 doesn’t close communication between teachers and students, it simply limits it. Texting and social media are privileges that, like all privileges, can be abused. By setting restrictions, the government establishes boundaries to keep innocent people out of trouble, while still leaving enough room to enjoy the benefits of modern technology. w

Absolutely not!

A

fine line exists between rape prevention and paranoia. Bill 54 may aim to stop sex abuse in Missouri schools, but it ultimately overgeneralizes a complicated issue.

Ignores positive interactions

Bill 54 is more than a matter of inconvenience. It fails to take into account the possibility of positive interactions between teachers and students outside school walls. The legislation stipulates that even if a minor wants to keep in touch with his/her teacher after graduation, he/she will have no choice but to wait until he/she turns 19. Even then, the laws leave a gray area as far as how much contact is acceptable, since restrictions vary by district.

Good intentions aren’t always followed

True, the bill has good intentions, but so did Prohibition. By abolishing the manufacture and sale of alcohol, the federal government could curb death rates, domestic violence, and overall stupidity, right? But it didn’t. People who wanted desperately to drink alcohol found ways around the law. The same goes for sex offenders. How will this bill stop predators if they aren’t even fazed by the fact that statutory rape is illegal?

Overreaction to the issue

A perverted text message from a teacher is traumatizing, but it can be reported. A text can be traced back to the sender, leading police officers to the perpetrator. In fact, text messages provide some of the best solid evidence in these sorts of situations, because unlike a spoken conversation, they provide concrete proof of an otherwise clandestine affair. To block all texts from teachers to students is equivalent to shutting down an entire bakery because one cake was burnt, leaving no way of knowing which baker or bakers caused the scandal.

No matter how noble the cause for Bill 54, the document fails to understand or address the problem of teacher-student rape, and in the process, overlooks positive relationships and nuances in modern communication. w

OPINIONS

15

1

annotations CHLOE AN —opinions editor

Now introducing the newest Facebook wannabe—Google+. Just take everything from Facebook and mix it with just a dash more privacy. Measure out a pinch of creativity and rename everything. And of course, add a few things to make something totally unoriginal into your own super-secret recipe, like the group video chats for up to 10 people and the newsfeed for your interests.

In the middle of June, Google released a new social network, Google+, with the ability to group your friends into circles and create a personalized newsfeed about things going on in the world that interest you as well as updates about your friends. But Google+ advocates can’t wait to point out their pride and joy that Facebook doesn’t have—group video chats called “hangouts” that allow you to video chat with up to 10 people. While Facebook has developed group chat and video chat, it hasn’t been able to take that leap to merge the two.

Put into practice, however, Google+ doesn’t seem so hot anymore. The first hurdle is transferring all of your friends and information and contacts to a new network. Most people are happy with what Facebook provides for them, and it is just too much work to learn a new layout and re-circle all of your friends. Plus, with Google+, not everyone uses it anyway.

Google+’s second hurdle to overcome is Google’s not-so-successful history with social networks. In 2009, Google Wave invites were being sold off of eBay for $70. It didn’t work out too well. Trying to learn from its mistakes, Google made an invite-free social network soon after, one a lot of us are more familiar with: Google Buzz. But this time, the network was too much like spam, sending so much clutter to our emails we were weeding them like gardens. So a lot of people approach Google+ with a sense of skepticism.

But hey, maybe third time’s the charm?

All in all, while Google+ has some great features and potential, like group video chat, for now, it just hasn’t been able to kick off yet. Facebook wins this round. The champion is undefeated. Who’s next? w (This column represents the opinion of the writer.)

16

OPINIONS

Views from the Burrow art by AUDREY KOCHER

PANORAMA

Paying for news access leaves public in the dark Uninformed citizens pose problems in democracy

MOLLY BURROUGHS —opinions editor Lyle Monroe Bensley, a 19 year old from Galveston, Texas, attacked a random woman in her home Aug. 17. According to MSNBC, Bensley hissed at the woman, warned her he needed to feed, and attempted to suck her blood by biting her neck. He later claimed to be a 500 year old vampire.

Let’s assume our goals for the new school year are average; we want to avoid pain, suffering, Mt. Everest sized piles of homework, and stress. If we spent every moment petrified that Bensley’s buff, bikergang older brother felt like visiting our street, we probably wouldn’t get a lot done.

We’d get an armed escort and when we came home each day, we’d be too terrified to do homework and would spend the night welding titanium bars over all the windows.

Thus, homework piles would reach perilous levels, causing them to topple, which causes pain, suffering, and stress.

The point of this anecdote is not to glaze people’s eyeballs with absurd amounts of frankly bizarre drivel. The single common denominator relating Bensley and our new school year is fear.

Most people are afraid of something.

According to a 2006 article in Forbes magazine, the average child today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the ‘50s. Certainly most high school students fret about their grades, jobs and bank accounts. Unfortunately, we run the risk of being swallowed by our worries, consumed by them until we are smothered and can’t even figure out how to change our lifestyle to alleviate them.

The solution? Don’t be afraid. Don’t worry about Bensley’s nonexistent older brother or a potential tower of assignments.

Especially freshmen, or those who are freshmen at heart, don’t be afraid to take up a new sport or try something you’ve never heard of before. You don’t want to have regrets at the end of the year, or wish you’d challenged yourself a little more. w (Columns represent the opinon of the writer.)

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

SARAH JACOB —opinions writer

W

e are a nation of people who like things to be free.

Newspapers across the nation find it harder and harder to keep themselves afloat during these hard economic times. To keep its papers alive, many companies are implementing a new subscription fees; in addition to charging for a hard copy, newspapers such as the New York Times are also charging for online access.

Previously information online has been open to everyone, but now people will have to start paying for it.

Although many news corporations face this option of charging for news, it’s not the right way to handle the situation. There’s little doubt that newspapers need a new source of income; but cheap news keeps most citizens informed.

Advertising fees cover most of the expenses newspapers face. Unfortunately the number of newspaper advertisers today has decreased significantly, causing issues for papers. The internet has taken many former newspaper advertisers. We live in a digital age, so it is only fitting that newspapers publish in an area that we depend on.

When people look up newspapers online, they should be able to read the current news immediately: for free. If newspapers need money, they should have implemented a charge the day they offered news online. Instead they decided to wait years, allowing consumers to grow accustomed to free news.

Currently T.V. stations such as Fox 2, KSDK and countless others distribute their broadcast news for no charge. If T.V. is not demanding payment for access, then Internet mediums shouldn’t ask either. If press corporations start to charge citizens for online access,

many people may stop checking the news, and that is a risk America cannot take.

The U.S. has a democratic government in which the people play a major role; but if people aren’t informed of current events, then the nation will be based off people’s assumptions. How can citizens make educated votes and form valid opinions if they cannot afford to pay for the news?

Papers like the New York Times cost about $420 per year for online access. During these hard times, most people don’t feel a need to put that kind of money NG U O NJ O into journalism.

W BO by Forty-one percent of art American citizens get their news online. Taking away information from that

many people is impractical and unadvised.

Frankly, neither allowing press corporations to diminish due to lack of income nor allowing citizens to suffer due to lack of news access sounds very good. If the newspaper industry dies, not only do thousands of jobs, but a tradition and example of our First Amendment rights are lost. Similarly, if charging for online news causes the number of viewers to decline, people will be oblivious of current events.

One solution for both these problems lies in the newest medium: smart phone apps. If press corporations cater to smart phones, they create a new potential source of income. Apps are a haven for consumers and advertisers alike, therefore press corporations should be looking at apps as well. w

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

OPINIONS

17

[staff]EDITORIAL Ten years ago, as this year’s senior class began their day as second-graders, a hijacked plane hit the north side of World Trade Center.

Many of us don’t remember exactly what happened September 11, 2001. We can only piece together faint memories of moments and conversations. For some of us, all we remember was an unexpected early release.

But 9/11 means so much more than that. The World Trade Center was not only an economic powerhouse, it was also a symbol of dedication to world peace and belief in art by ANDREW RUBIN

humanity. When the Twin Towers fell, America was brought to her knees. We united as a nation and mourned for those who lost their lives. As we tried to pick up the pieces of our shattered nation, we grew even more proud to be an American citizen.

Yet, ten years later, those feelings of honor, unity, and remembrance have faded in the background. 9/11 now means terrorism, hatred, and prejudice against Muslims.

We have forgotten the families left without a loved one, the sacrifice made by the heroes, the troops sent overseas to serve our

country in the ongoing war against terrorism.

So here’s to the father who had to leave for work before his daughter woke up, to the brother who rushed into the hungry flames to try to save people he had never met before, to the recent graduate who had her whole life ahead of her, to the person on the plane who was on her way to visit her family.

The lives of those lost are worth much more than just a moment of silence.

This 9/11, Panorama asks you to remember those we lost and salute those that continue to fight for our freedom with us.

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

art by BOWON JOUNG

[staff]EDITORIAL Panorama is produced nine times per school year by the newspaper class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School, 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63124 (314) • 993-6447 ext. 5463 • http://www.ladue.k12.mo.us.

Panorama strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness.

Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of Panorama editors, not necessarily the school or school district. Signed editorials represent the writer’s opinion.

Panorama welcomes and encourages letters to the editors. Signed letters of 300 words or fewer should be brought to Room 216. Panorama reserves the right to edit as long as the intent remains unchanged.

EDITORS IN CHIEF Emily Bell Caleb Ellis

PHOTO EDITORS Gretchen McCarthy Elizabeth Ornitz

A&E/FEATURES EDITORS Sarah Kloepple Christine Wang

SPORTS EDITORS Hamm Hooper Jason Kaplan

NEWS EDITORS Sarah Allen Emily Biest Miranda Siwak

BUSINESS MANAGER Denis Volobuev

OPINIONS EDITORS Chloe An Molly Burroughs

WRITERS Hannah Cropf Jeet Das Leonardo DiCera Mike Figenshau

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

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

PLEASE RECYCLE

Few pieces of legislation have caught the eyes of students and teachers the way Senate Bill 54, or the “Facebook Bill,” has.

However well-intentioned the law might have been, it still stands as an overreaction that could have devastating effects on relationships between students and their teachers.

Over a period of five years Missouri has been witness to 87 sexual abuse cases between high school students and faculty. Use of social networking websites and email addresses has come under scrutiny as some people perceive those electronic mediums to facilitate unrestricted access to adolescents private lives.

Despite the good intentions of SB 54, the implementation of the bill has received stout opposition, and rightly so. The idea that students should not be able to contact their educators is illogical.

Students depend on emails and text messaging to coordinate with teachers, club sponsors and coaches on anything ranging from the status of an essay or absence to the rescheduling of a team practice. It is irrational to try shutting down these methods of communication out of fear that they will be exploited.

Additionally, the vagueness of several components of the bill leaves many teachers and educators wary of establishing any

kind of connection with students, even graduates.

Here at Ladue, we are fortunate enough to have teachers who not only instruct, but mentor. So many lives are changed by the staff at this school, making it a crime in itself to try inhibit sustaining these friendships.

The injunction to freeze the implementation of SB 54 is fortunate, and hopefully it will allow legislators to make necessary alterations. No one contends that the bill seeks positive reform, but it must make changes that don’t ail the health of communication between students and staff, and more importantly, the life-long relationships that can be achieved.

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

18

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PANORAMA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

SPORTS

19

2011 season brings new expectations for determined Ram squad JASON KAPLAN —sports editor

T

he Rams lined up to tackle the 2011 season, with a shot at fighting their way to the state championship this year. The team has one goal in mind: winning.

“Summer training this year was the best its been in a while, and that shows the dedication that our players have,” senior and fullback Mike Horton-Loftin said.

Over the summer, the Rams had morning workouts from 8:30 to 10:30 every weekday, other than Wednesday. The team also traveled to the Illinois State Football Camp for three days, and had seven-on-seven scrimmages every Tuesday night.

“The workouts are intense, but our coaches expect us to be there. There are a lot of sophomores on Varsity, so it is up to the older guys to help them keep their heads on,” Horton-Loftin said.

Coach Mike Tarpey recognizes his players’ commitment and dedication.

He said the joy of coaching is watching his players develop and improve from week one to the final game.

“We as a staff take pride and satisfaction in watching these kids improve on the field, and gaining confidence in themselves. It is our job to help them become better

TIME OUT Stand-out wide receiver

Jehu Chesson watches from the sideline. Chesson had six catches for 95 yards. (photo by Lee Goodman) players and grow as young men,” Tarpey said.

The Rams were 11-2 last year, winning both conference and district championships, but suffered a loss in the quarterfinals at Warrenton.

The district is full of natural rivals, including MICDS, Clayton and University City, each bringing a new level of competition for Ladue.

“This year I want to beat who ever shows up on the schedule, and they can bet their

DOWN, SET, HIKE! The Rams line up for an offensive play against the Park-

way Central Colts. Despite a hard fought game, the team lost 31-14. (photo

by Jeanne Wilkinson) life insurance that we will not back down. Our logistical problems. greatest strength is our IQ and how we are able “We try to achieve the best atmosphere posto learn and play fast,” senior and wide receiver sible, but lights and Friday night games create Jehu Chesson said. a better energy for both the players and the stuChesson is a returning all conference player, dent body as fans. That energy is contagious,” along with Horton-Loftin, senior and middle Tarpey said. linebacker Daylen Dean and senior and running One major preventative is the lack of lights, back Deavin which makes it Edwards. impossible to We as a staff take pride and satisfacChesson is play games on tion in watching these kids improve currently in Friday night. the college Ladue football on the field. It is our job to help them recruitment games primarily become better players and grown as process. take place away. men, “I have Rather than -Head Coach Mike Tarpey not deview games cided on any from our home schools but field, fans are I am still looking and plan to use my official faced with traveling to away games. visits on the top five schools I choose. The list “This team means a lot to me because it is as I have promised other agents from rivals what I like to do, and the individuals on this and recruiting organizations is coming soon, team do things that other students choose not to “Chesson said. take part in,” Chesson said. “That is what I feel The Rams bring a fresh look to the field this they should take pride in, and to quote a great year with senior and quarterback Brandon Carr. coach, ‘own it,’ (Tarpey). This means whatever This strategy will help Ladue fight Clayton and you do, not just in football but in life, own it Normandy, both of which are bound to bring and do it to the best of your ability.” w increased energy with their new coaches.

“This year we have more of a pocket quarterback in Carr who distributes the ball extremely well to the skill players around him,” junior and wide receiver Sam Glancy said.

The team is continuously told to focus on playing six seconds at a time, and not rushing the game. They work as a team, but need support from students in order to stay strong.

“I hope to be a leader on and off the field, and be the best teammate possible. We will WHAT TIME IS IT? Led by an enthube great this year, but we still need support,” siastic group of seniors, fans bonded Horton-Loftin said. and cheered on their school. (photo by Ladue has lacked school spirit the past few Jeanne Wilkinson) years. Coach Tarpey said that this is due to

”

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SPORTS

PANORAMA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Locked and loaded: girls’ tennis looks to dominate again

After two years of state success, expectations are high, despite key departures NATHAN PERLMUTTER —sports writer

T

his year’s girls’ tennis team hopes to start and end the season just as they have in the past, state championship titile.

Kevin Lackey is the new Varsity head coach, replacing Jason team’s Theodosiou.

Lackey will work with returning Coach AJ Sansom. Although Lackey has not coached a girl’s tennis team before, he has experience in coaching the boys junior varsity team during the spring. Sophomore Cam Newton has high hopes for the season and the team’s new head coach.

“Kevin is a really good coach and he can help us during matches because he knows what

to say. He is fun, positive, and makes it more of a team,” Newton said.

Another difference to the team this year is the departure of junior Lindsay Whitehead from the team. Whitehead has played number one singles since her freshman year, but is not playing this year because she is looking toward the future in her competitive sports career.

During the tennis season, the Missouri State High School Activities Association regulates the amount a student can play a sport outside of school. One of these limitations includes restricting players to only two tournaments outside of school. Whitehead is looking to bring up her USTA ranking for better eligibility and scouting from colleges. But, even with her loss the team still looks to have a promising season.

“I don’t really think they will be affected very much.

BACK ATCHA As she As long as reaches out, senior the team has Libby Ferris goes down a good top six to return a ball. Ladue [on varsity] looks to build on the last they will do couple years of successs well, way in to at state. (photo by Eliza- the post seabeth Ornitz) son,” WhiteSERVED Eying the ball, head said.

Although Sophomore Cam Newthe girls’ ton lines up to hit it over the net. Newton is one squad has had of top returning varsity success in the players. (photo by Eliza- past it does not mean they beth Ornitz) don’t have to work as hard this year. Lackey is looking to focus everyone on the team in improving their doubles skills. His new strategy is due to the fact that during the season the top four only play singles, while in the post season the top

four can play both singles and doubles.

Lackey is confident that there will not be a shortage of talented players on this year’s team. Since the season started on August 23, the coaches have determined what will be STAND TALL Freshman necessary to Katherine Burkemper reach their gets ready to serve. Lagoals for due looks to build on the the season, last couple years of sucincluding cess as the state chambringing pionships. (photo by home a state Elizabeth Ornitz) championship trophy.

“I think that we have to be more fit than in the past and have more mental stability. We have the talent and skill we need to do damage during the playoffs,” Lackey said.

A key factor in this team’s success is their mental game and their endurance during the long matches of the post season.

“My biggest concern is making sure we are ready during the days of districts. There are a lot of back-to-back matches which can be both mentally and physically enduring,” Lackey said.

This year’s practice schedule is a little more rigorous than in previous years. However, that means the practices may be difficult.

“Kevin does all of the drills with us and when we have to run he does it too. He is very involved and is trying to help us improve as a team,” Newton said.

Two other varsity players, Molly Burroughs and Kelsey Bearman, also will not be playing this for the team this season.

“Our team will miss them because they were fun and had a lot of talent, Oglander said."w

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

SPORTS

21

Numerous changes highlight 2011 season New Athletic Director heads list of changes to Ladue athletics

“I hope all of the athletes continue working hard, helping one another to be their best and that both teams win state championships!”

On the diamond, Jenn Tuttle takes over as head coach and will be assisted by Darci he athletics department have several subCadieux. Tuttle is an English teacher at Ladue stantial changes this school year. Ladue High School.

School District hired a new athletic di“I played softball in high school, college rector, and new coaches for the tennis, football, and still play to this day. I have always wanted softball and cross-country teams. In addition, to coach softball at the high school level. Softnew fees are instated to offset costs. ball has awarded me so many opportuBrian Garner, former Ladue Middle nities in life and I hope to give back,” School principal, replaces Kurt Knoedel- I hope we build on the success of past Cadieux said. “We hope to strengthen seder as the new athletic director. Garner sports seasons, fill the loss of our seindividual skills, increase knowledge will also be an assistant principal. niors, and celebrate the individual and of the game and build a strong founda“I hope we build on the success of tion. We aspire to finish with a winning past seasons, fill the loss of our seniors, team accomplishments this year. record.” and celebrate the individual and team ac-Athletic Director Brian Garner One change that will affect all complishments this year,” Garner said. athletes is the appointment of new Another change is Kevin Lackey. Preathletic trainer Michelle Padgett. She is viously the junior varsity tennis coach, he lar activities for many reasons. I was interested contracted from St. Louis Sports Medicine and takes over girls’ varsity team. Lackey, a Ladue in cross-country because it provides any athlete Training Centers to tend to all sports injuries.

Horton Watkins 2001 graduate, coaches partthe opportunity to be a team member. It [crossBesides coaching changes, financial reforms time when not working at his human resources country] pushes the individual yet builds team intend to address district funding. All students, firm. Lackey led the Rams to finals at the 2001 unity,” Lupardus said. regardless of participation, are now required to state tournament and played Division I tennis Lupardus has started the season with a pay $50 at the beginning of the season to offset at Furman University in South Carolina. boom. She is coaching many students and has costs of activities.

“I hope we improve, play hard, and ultibig hopes for the season.

“The fee will help all costs. It will help mately go to state,” Lackey said.

“We have over 90 athletes participating on cover supplies, materials, and travel fees,” Lackey replaces Ladue Middle School both the boys and girls teams,” Lupardus said.

Garner said. w physical education teacher, Jason Theodosiou.

MIKE FIGENSHAU —sports writer

T

He values his new coaching opportunity.

“The quality of the girls as people and as tennis players has exceeded my expectations. I feel lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to coach them,” Lackey said.

New math teacher, Hannah Lupardus, will be taking over the duty of assistant cross-country coach. She is replacing Tim Levine, who resigned to pursue other endeavors.

“I wanted to get involved with extracurricu-

”

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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

lSept.7- Girls Tennis vs. Parkway West

lSept.9- Girls Field Hockey vs. Marquette

lSept.10- Boys Football vs. Berkeley

lSept.15- Boys Soccer @ Clayton

22

SPORTS

PANORAMA

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

2003 Ladue alumna kicks it up a notch From Stacy Park to the Women’s World Cup, Becky Sauerbrunn lives the dream

in tournaments. After placing third in a tournament in Cancun, the team played Italy twice, beating them 1-0 both times, to earn a spot in the World Cup circuit.

“We traveled to China, Italy, Portugal, and adue alumna Becky Sauerbrunn, a memEngland to train and play. We trained for three ber of the United States Women’s Naweeks at a time with breaks in between. Gotional Soccer Team, got the opportunity ing in, I had no expectations, to play in the 2011 Women’s I knew I didn’t have a great World Cup. shot at making the team, I’m In order to get to where she sure it must have been a close is today, Sauerbrunn had to decision,” Sauerbrunn said. spend countless hours honing Even though she wasn’t her skills and working with her a starter, Sauerbrunn still team. She began her career by experienced much excitement playing for the Olivette League throughout the World Cup. in Stacy Park and continued on After a thrilling victory over to play high school soccer at LaBrazil, Sauerbrunn got her due. Science teacher Sweeney chance to start.

La Barge coached Sauerbrunn “In the game against all four years she was in school Brazil the center back got a at Ladue. red card. When you get a red “She was our scholar athcard you can’t play for two lete,” La Barge said. “She gradugames. Since I play center ated with a 4.0 and full ride back, I was substituted in offers in volleyball, basketball, to play in the game against and soccer.”

France,” Sauerbrunn said.

Matthew Prange, then assisSauerbrunn’s supporters tant coach of the Ladue soccer provided her with encourageteam, coached Sauerbrunn from ment during this high acher sophomore through senior complishment. This support year. Prange was impressed with helped her remain calm and her field vision -- seeing the ball confident in the biggest game in context to the field and preof her life. dicting where it will go next -“Everybody around me which was key in her supremacy FROM LADUE TO LIMELIGHT Before emerging as a national senin the game and as a teammate. sation, Becky Sauerbrunn was a star at Ladue. During her four year was more nervous than I was, career as a Ram, she set numerous scoring records, most of which which comforted me. My “I had never coached girls family was in Germany prior to my first years coaching stand today. (photo courtesy of Sweeney La Barge) along with my boyfriend Becky. I thought it might be and his family. I went in feeling good; I was normal to have a player like Becky. The longer sionally. Her performance with her professional team lead to an invitation from the national surrounded by my loved ones and I was very I coached, the more I learned players like soccer team’s coach, Pia Sundhage. prepared. I had trained pretty much my whole Becky don’t come along very often,” Prange “At the end of my second season playing in life for this,” Sauerbrunn said. “Once I touched said. the professional soccer league, I got a call from the ball, everything calmed down. In the end Sauerbrunn is the only person in the history the national team coach. She said someone it’s just a soccer game.” of the professional league that has played in Finally reaching the pinnacle and playing every game where she dressed out. This type of got injured, and they needed a substitute. The with the best of the best, Sauerbrunn reflects dedication prevented her from doing things like team training camp had already started; I came 4 or 5 days late and I didn’t really have any the ultimate example of delayed gratification going out or hanging out with her friends. expectations. Somehow I made it through cuts, and success.

“A big part of getting what you want is and I made the team,” Sauerbrunn said.

“To me, making the world cup team was the knowing what you want,” Sauerbrunn said.

This spot on the national team allowed realization that if you work hard, you can get “A lot of it is you have to be dedicated and Sauerbrunn to travel all over the world, playing what you want,” Sauerbrunn said. w willing to sacrifice a party Friday because you

KAREN FIGENSHAU —sports writer

L

have practice Saturday morning or not hanging out with friends because you have a game. I missed proms and graduations, but in the end it was worth it because it led to something much greater.”

After playing soccer at the University of Virginia, Sauerbrunn went on to play profes-

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

PANORAMA

The Monthly Poll This month Panorama asks: If you had the number one pick in your fantasy draft, who would you choose?

A. Michael Vick B. Arian Foster C. Adrian Peterson D. Drew Brees Tweet your answer @itsduetime by Sept.

29. Results will be tallied and posted in next months issue.

Visit www.laduepanorama.com

LET’S GO RAMS! Arms flying high, the cheerleading team raises sophomore Jordin Knight while enthusiastically supporting their favorite team. (photo

by Jeanne Wilkinson)

SPORTS

23

HOOP’S HUDDLE HAMM HOOPER —sports editor

W

hen the NFL and the Players’ Union finally reached a settlement to end the NFL lockout, millions of football fans breathed a sigh a relief. Not necessarily because the NFL would resume game play, but due to the fact that yes, fantasy football was back. Fantasy football is one of the greatest bragging rights that any fan can own. Common people may perceive fantasy football owners to be a bit irrational for printing out a Yahoo Champion Certificate from 2008 and framing it above their fireplaces, but to fantasy owners all around, this bears more significance than hoisting up the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Yes people, fantasy football is that important and these three tips are here to help you succeed.

Tip 1: Great Names = Great Success You can always judge the quality of your opponent based off their team name. The great fantasy football owners employ witty names that usually involve making a joke or pun about a NFL team or player.

Examples could be “ A Favre Dollar Foot long” or “Silence of the Rams” which incorporates a nice blend of NFL pronouns and pop culture. When you have a great team name like these, you immediately strike fear into your opponent and make them think, “Gosh this guy’s a pro.” In contrast, if your team name is something boring such as “ The Destroyers,” your opponent is already looking at next week’s match up.

Tip 2: Pick Jailbirds I don’t know what these jails are doing nowadays, but it seems to be working. If you see a guy coming fresh out of the joint on your draft board, go for broke and grab him. Take the jailbird from last year, Michael Vick. Coming off of a couple years in jail, Vick tore it up with the Philadelphia Eagles and was a fantasy owner’s dream come true. He single-handedly put the aspirations of many fantasy teams on his back. This year’s jailbird, Plaxico Burress, seems poised for big things as well as he snagged three catches along with a touchdown in his first preseason game. Put your morals aside and pick the ex-convicts.

Tip 3: Take it too seriously!

This tip is by far the most important. Remember, fantasy football isn’t just about the money even though an extra 110 bucks in the pocket can’t hurt. It’s about bragging rights. You want to be able to hold this momentous achievement above your friends heads’ until the next season. In order to do this however, you gotta go the extra mile. This means waking up at the crack of dawn to grab the top free agents before anyone else is even thinking about it. This means doing your research on which player might have a breakout game and save your team. It’s all about getting the W and remember, as race car driver Ricky Bobby once said, “If your not first, your last.” w

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

that,” Thomas said.

Sophomore Justin Cole agrees that Ladue’s new policy is too restrictive.

“If the government begins to intrude on such routine things in our life as Facebook, there is no telling how far they could go to eliminate our freedoms guaranteed to us from the Constitution,” Cole said.

A Facebook group created by Marquette High School alumnus Cameron Carlson became a watch center for teachers, students, and lawyers. A letter writing campaign, petition and discussions shared details and updates. The discussions raised in the group helped propel the lawsuits forward, and in the ACLU’s case, it was the ignition, after Rothert saw the group.

“The controversy around the bill is good,” Carlson said. “Not only does it make people go out and do their research, but it also forces constituents to actually get involved in the legislative process. ” After receiving national media coverage, dissent grew. Cunningham said that the controversy is misguided, as the specific section is secondary to the rest of the bill.

“Some people haven’t read the bill,” Cunningham said. “There is some misinformation being distributed, either out of ignorance or out of purposefulness. ” While discussion continues in the community, Ladue’s classrooms are buzzing. At the start of the year, students were told that they must use their school emails to contact teachers.

“I understand the reason for the policies we have in place, but I do think it poses a hassle when students have to check different emails that aren’t allowed to be forwarded to main accounts, and instead of having a normal class group on Facebook, teachers must resort to other methods such as Twitter in order to effectively teach their students,” senior Lila

PANORAMA Greenberg said.

Some students feel that they have lost the right of privacy. Because of the focus on stopping ‘hidden communication’, all emails and texts must be visible by a third party.

“I don’t like how parents have to be part of our emails, we can’t have private communication [with teachers], so I feel like if we do it over the school email, that’s good enough already, since the administration can check it,” senior Chad Davis said.

Teachers Debra Carson, Jennifer Hartigan and Gutchewsky now use school-approved class Twitter accounts.

Clubs and sports, which use texting and the internet to communicate activity changes and updates, are also affected by the bill.

“The way the bill has affected me is that it also applies to texting students,” math teacher Carson said. “I run clubs and organizations and I should be able to text the students in those clubs. If we’re out of town, calling their parents isn’t going to help.”

The bill and its conflicts have raised issues of the role of technology in the classroom.

“The social networking piece [is] how kids communicate. Why shouldn’t we try to reach kids using that? ” principal Dr. Bridget Hermann said.

As Ladue adapts its technology, Bill 54 opened a discussion that can lead to positives.

“Maybe all of us come out of this a little better off knowing what social media can and can’t do,” Chappelow said. Teachers may have changed how they’ve used social media, so I think that’s a positive ramification that could come out of this.”

Rothert said that the ACLU lawsuit is pending, based on the special session.

“The injunction is a great victory for all teachers; however, it is not a permanent solution,” Rothert said.

The final version could still set limits or boundaries on student-teacher contact online.

This leaves districts waiting to see how their school could be affected by the bill and any future changes. w

COVER

24

Legal 411 The lawsuit filed by the MSTA received an injunction from Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem August 25. Essentially, an injunction is an order issued by the court that orders the defendant to take a specific action.In this case, the section limiting contact between teachers and students on social networking sites will not go into effect until Feb. 20.

“In the long run we hope... to determine constitutionality, which we believe it is not,” Meyer said.

The injunction has postponed the deadline for school district policies.

Though both lawsuits focus on section 162.069, they are very different. The MSTA lawsuit is in the state court system and targets the vagueness of the law.

Thomas’s lawsuit, however, is filed in the federal court system, and questions the constitutionality of the law.

“Our concern is that the law violates the first amendment because it’s written very broadly and very vaguely in a way that will require teachers to censor themselves and prevent... expressing themselves,” ACLU lawyer representing Thomas, Anthony Rothert said.

Writing the Bill Writers spent four years crafting the bill, also called the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act. Section 162.069 was added two years into the writing process. The bill centers around a story of a student who was sexually harrassed by her art teacher over 30 years ago. It is sponsored Cunningham, with support from Chris Kelly (D) in the House. During the writing of the bill, MSTA and NEA were consulted. The bill was passed unanimously.

Major Players MSTA

The Missouri State Teachers Association was consulted in the drafting of the bill, but due to disagreements about 162.069, they filed a lawsuit which received an injunction.

“Our members asked us to be proactive” Aurora Meyer said.

ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union is representing Ladue teacher Christina Thomas in a lawsuit against the Ladue School District, which is parallel to the MSTA lawsuit.

“Our lawsuit is on behalf of all Missouri public school teachers,” Anthony Rothert said.

Senate Bill 54

The bill is sponsored by Senator Jane Cunningham, representing the 7th district, a portion of St. Louis County. She believes that that the bill addresses inappropriate student-teacher relationships.