Panorama August 2020

pano rama

LOOK INSIDE:

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READ ABOUT HOW THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT EXPANDED YOUTH ACTIVISM

Ladue Horton Watkins High School 1201 S. Warson Rd. Ladue, MO 63124 08.24.20 Vol. 69 Issue 1

THE FIRST DAY ISSUE

STAFF Editors in Chief

EDITORS’ NOTE

Hugh Chan Grace Hu Ethan Willick

Associate Editors Domenic Fenoglio Rhea Patney Art Editor

Danielle Zhang

Photo Editor

Grace Hensley

News Editor

Caroline Tyrrell

Features Editors

Clayton Coughlin Oviya Srihari

In-Depth Editors

Marissa Matheison Sophia Liu

Opinions Editors

Caroline Edgar Carly Woodhill

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Lucy Lochmoeller

Health & Sports Editors

Katie Holland Erin Turkieltaub

Web Editor

Annie Pan

News Staff

Zeru Marut Mika Kipnis

Features Staff

Abbey Carrico Ryan Tung

In-Depth Staff

Joanne Sung

Opinions Staff

Kanishk Shanmugam Nico Skapof

Arts & Entertainment Staff

Emily Walkier Tariq Lashley

Health & Sports Staff

Kiran Varadachari Thomas Margulis

Business Managers

Jacob Korn Sarah Suffian

Artist

Nicole Gorell

Adviser

Sarah Kirksey

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STAFF & CONTENTS

illustration by | ETHAN WILLICK Throughout the upcoming academic school year, many events of national and international magnitude — COVID-19, social movement protests and the presidential election — will be covered by Panorama, albeit through the lens of the Ladue community. While these issues will inevitably be contentious topics, we want to cover these events in a way that will generate discussion rather

Ethan Willick

than conflict. Ultimately, Panorama hopes to be representative of the community’s diversity in student voices and share the perspectives of those who are unheard.

Panorama, much like the rest of the world, has been affected by COVID-19. In order to maintain public safety guidelines, Panorama will only be physically available via mail but will be accessible online.

Grace Hu

Hugh Chan

COVER STORY For the first day issue, we chose the Black Lives Matter movement as our in-depth topic because throughout the summer, it has been at the forefront of daily news. However, rather than focusing on the movement as a whole, we concentrated on the increasing participation in the movement from the Ladue youth community.

For this issue’s front cover, we decided on a relatively simple cover with a solid black background to signify the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement. Multiple signs with messages in line with the theme of the movement fill the bottom of the front cover, further expanding on the issue’s focus of social justice.

On the back cover, we included a collage of various pictures from Ladue students to provide a visual representation of how the student population has been directly involved in the movement.

SPREAD DESIGN BY GRACE HU

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS

4 5 6

Meet the new faculty coming to Ladue this year.

Ladue releases its re-entry process for the semester.

MSHSAA allows schools to regulate sports and activities in response to COVID-19.

FEATURES 7

Students volunteer and provide the Ladue community with face masks.

IN-DEPTH 8-9

The impact of youth advocacy on the Black Lives Matter movement.

OPINIONS

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Pano Perspective: Wear a mask.

A review of cheap and quality masks.

Pano weighs in on the debate between distance and in-person learning.

A&E

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Pano goes to Black owned restaurants around St. Louis.

HEALTH & SPORTS 14 15

Students remain eager to return to athletics in hopes of being recruited.

Student athletes face changes to summer practices due to COVID-19.

PANORAMA POLICY Panorama is a monthly newspaper that strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness.

The publication hopes to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among students. It aims to reflect the diversity of the population it serves and to observe the journalistic LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

principle of doing no harm.

All surveys are completely anonymous and the results cannot be used against respondents.

Panorama is produced 10 times per school year by the newspaper class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School at 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124. The publication lab is located in room 1311, (314)-993-6447 ext.

5844. Read more stories online at laduepublications.com.

Follow @laduepublications on Instagram and @laduepanorama on Twitter. Editor in chief photo illustration by Ethan Willick.

Cover art by Joanne Sung. Back cover photos submitted by Molly Beck, Catherine Fox, Chase Mijori and Harjas Singh.

AUGUST 2020

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illu str at io n

NEW TO LADUE

by

H A NG LE Z EL I AN |D

Get to know the new staff coming to Ladue this fall CAROLINE TYRRELL

hen Howard p te

Howard will join the Fine Arts Department as a drama teacher and will be directing this year’s fall play and spring musical. Last year, he worked for the Special School District and directed the spring musical. Although he wanted to pursue a career in acting, Howard realized teaching is a more rewarding and gratifying profession.

h Turley ora

Turley will be joining the Math Department and will be teaching Algebra II and Geometry Concepts. She grew up in St. Louis and attended the University of Missouri, where she tutored students and discovered her love for teaching. She often spends her time crafting and watching “The Wizard of Oz” and “Friends.”

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news editor

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Jones will be a part of the World Languages Department as a Spanish teacher. Along with her love for teaching, Jones is a big soccer fan and enjoys playing in her free time. Jones found her passion for Spanish in college and decided that teaching would provide her the opportunity to use the language every day.

Garrison will be joining the Social Studies Department and will be teaching psychology and personal finance. He has taught at Chaminade, Villa Duchesne, Lindenwood University and the University of Cincinnati, and this year will be his 10th year teaching. He enjoys reading, hiking, cooking and playing chess.

* The Panorama reached out but could not contact Nicole Harrison. Harrison will join Ladue as the school nurse. She graduated from Southern Illinois University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. For the past 11 years, she focused her work on pediatric care while working as a Triage Nurse with SSM Medical Group.

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NEWS

SPREAD DESIGN BY CAROLINE TYRRELL & OVIYA SRIHARI

PANDEMIC PLANNING Ladue reaches reopening decision for fall semester OVIYA SRIHARI features editor

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his summer, Ladue’s administration worked remotely to create a school re-entry plan aiming to keep students safe while still meeting their academic needs.

“The end of May is when we started to realize the fall wasn't going to look normal,” Ladue Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Amy Zielinski said. “We really realized that we needed to start thinking about re-entry in a very different way.”

Since April, planning for the semester has included surveys, school board meetings and collaboration with other local school districts. One key decision is how students can expect to move between tiers this fall.

“We're working with the St Louis County Health Department to help us determine [when to move tiers],” Zielinski said. “Loosening up [tiers] will probably be by quarters. Tightening down may have to be done more quickly.”

Regardless of national news or local opinion, District Superintendent Jim Wipke that Ladue remains committed to safety first. The school board voted to re-open at Tier 3 for Grades 5-12 on Aug. 3.

“This whole coronavirus has been politicized to some degree, but

we’re not getting involved,” Wipke said. “We’re deciding on ‘what does the data say?’ That’s going to influence what decisions ... we make.”

The Return-to-Learn plan released July 20 reflects Wipke’s statement. The plan includes safety measures such as masks and handwashing stations. However, some students still remain skeptical of the process, including senior Lauren Xie, who is choosing Option 2.

“I wish the school didn’t make [Option 1] an available option because ... teachers have to teach both

in-person and online,” Xie said. “I do understand why [Ladue] did it. At the end of the day, most students are going to say they want to go back to school.”

Not every decision made this semester will be met with unanimous approval. However, Ladue’s first priority is health and safety.

“We’ve listened to our staff [and] parents,” Wipke said. “We recognize we’re not going to keep everybody happy, but ultimately, we need to make decisions based on the wellness of our students and staff.” p

EXPLORING the OPTIONS

Ladue’s two-option reopening system at a glance

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option 1: tiered Students return to in-person classes five days a week on campus.

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Students alternate between in-person school and E-Learning.

Students attend classes online five days a week through E-Learning.

option 2: all-virtual Families that choose Option 2 commit to a semester of virtual instruction, separate from Option 1’s E-Learning Program.

The Virtual Learning program collaborates with institutions such as Mizzou Online and the Clayton School District.

the ROAD to REOPENING: a timeline of the re-entry process JULY 02

Ladue Superintendent Jim Wipke releases a letter with an expected timeline of re-entry decisions

JULY 20 JULY 17 Special board meeting is held to introduce the two option system

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

The Return-to-Learn plan, an outline of the school’s re-entry plan, is released

AUGUST 03

Re-entry plan officially decided, Board votes to re-open at Tier 3 for Grades 5-12

AUGUST 05

Deadline to choose between Option 1 and Option 2 for the upcoming semester

AUGUST 2020

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MSHSAA REGULATES ACTIVITIES MSHSAA lets schools decide what activities to run amidst COVID-19 ZERU MARUT news staff

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fter stating that schools going fully virtual would not be allowed to participate in sports or activities July 15, the Missouri State High School Activities Association reversed this decision and left it up to local schools to decide which activities can happen this upcoming school year.

“The statement sent to me said that MSHSAA values academics first and that [if] classroom teaching/education isn’t happening, then activities/ athletics should not happen,” Speech and Debate coach Molly Beck said.

Beck disagreed with MSHSAA’s position, as she thinks some activities, such as debate, are viable in a virtual space. Schools and organizations were already working on a format to make debate possible online.

“Multiple organizations are working to create virtual tournament setups so schools can host online invitationals and the St. Louis coach-

ing community has already started talking about how we can train our judges and recruit alumni to judge,” Beck said.

But regardless of what was possible or not, Aug. 5, the MSHSAA Board of Directors granted relief of certain bylaws, allowing schools to participate in virtual activities if they choose to. As of Aug. 10, speech and debate is allowed to compete virtually.

“Thankfully, under this new ruling, extracurriculars can be held in ways that are safe during our pandemic-ridden times,” senior Anna Reis said.

Youth sports have been a prominent topic surrounding reopening recently; however, after the announcement, it seems that fall sports are a real possibility. MSHSAA is allowing schools to participate in the sports of their choosing as long as they follow all health department requirements. “[If sports were canceled] I would miss out on a lot of the social aspects of high school that I would typically enjoy,” senior Gavin Gorski said.

“I [wouldn’t] be able to challenge

myself while competing against other schools.”

For some, it’s the learning experience of extracurriculars that makes them valuable. Reis, for example, thinks that clubs are a great way to learn new skills.

“I think clubs with virtual capabilities should be permitted to have meetings because I believe in the value of extracurriculars,” Reis said.

“Whether you’re debating, writing a newspaper article or advocating for change in your community, activities teach you life-changing things.”

Overall, Ladue has many decisions to make in regards to what activities should happen amidst this pandemic.

They will have to consider several factors that could impact the safety of students, staff and administration.

“On the one hand, I think the more conservative our community is in regards to COVID, the less it will spread,” Gorski said. “But sports are also an integral part of the Ladue community and bring joy to their participants. ” p Story as of Aug. 10

What activities should happen during virtual school?

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Sela Masaki (10) Debate should definitely happen. It’s possible to hold tournaments and practices online. Debate challenges the mind and that’s what we need.”

NEWS & FEATURES

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Mel Woodson (12) I think it would be safe for us to play football because we have a great administration. I know they will do everything they can to keep us safe.”

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Kacy Spratt (11) Golf should be one of the activities they let be played. The team is small and it is easy to play while social distancing since we play in groups of four.”

SPREAD DESIGN BY RHEA PATNEY & CLAYTON COUGHLIN

ABOVE: Shriya Koneru sews together a mask to donate to Project Masked. She is currently working to help those in need of face coverings. “[I] see people struggling during this pandemic, so it feels really good to help,” Koneru said. (Photo courtesy of Shriya Koneru) LEFT: Mahith Samarathunga (second from the right) and other members of the STL Mask Project unbox a new shipment of masks. He is currently spreading STL Mask Project’s message to his community. “By wearing a mask in public we will be helping each other [by] slowing the spread of the virus,” Samarathunga said. (Photo courtesy of Mahith Samarathunga)

MAKING MASKS AND CHANGE Student volunteers create and distribute masks to support the Ladue community CLAYTON COUGHLIN features editor

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s the number of COVID-19 cases increases and the number of masks decreases, many Ladue students reject the idea of standing idly by while their community struggles. Through initiatives like STL Mask Project and Project Masked, over 1,000 masks and $8,000 have been raised by over 35 student volunteers.

“Our plan is to help out the community,” sophomore Mahith Samarathunga said, “[and] promote wearing masks in public, while at the same time, from the money we generate by selling these masks, help people [that] have lost their jobs and the ability to earn enough money to provide food for their families.”

When he realized his community was in dire need of masks, Samarathunga launched into action.

With donated money and masks from charitable citizens as well as the masks from Samarathunga’s father, LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

a doctor, the STL Mask Project has been successful in selling masks and using the profits to feed those in need through Operation Food Search.

“I update our social media sites with the latest information regarding COVID-19 from the CDC sites and information about the food insecurity in Missouri,” Samarathunga said. “I handle all correspondence with the project and communicate with various community organizations to find out their [specific] needs.”

A similar program to STL Mask Project is Project Masked, a Club Neuro program. While Project Masked depends on its volunteers to hand-make and deliver masks, STL Mask Project relies more heavily on the donation of masks.

“I spend about two hours a week for Project Masked,” senior Shriya Koneru said. “I hand-make masks, pick them up from other people helping out [and] later deliver them to youth across St. Louis.”

Another leader of Project Masked, junior Maria Dolan, has also been

sewing and giving masks to multiple local health centers. Recruiting new members is a difficult task for Project Masked because skills such as sewing are necessary, but Project Masked is grateful for every volunteer that wants to contribute to their cause and finds a position for them.

“On the leadership side of things, I help coordinate the pick up and delivery [of] masks and other supplies and create documents to recruit many people to be a part of this initiative, now partnering with places all over the world,” Dolan said.

While Project Masked is more focused on masks and protecting the youth from COVID-19, STL Mask Project is working hand in hand with Operation Food Search to help feed the community. Despite the different approaches, both organizations help lift up the St. Louis people during this COVID-19 uncertainty.

“We want our message of ‘Wear a Mask, Slow the Spread and Feed the Hungry’ [to] reach as many people as possible,” Samarathunga said. p AUGUST 2020

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YOUTH ADVOCA

Younger generation advances Black L SOPHIA LIU in-depth editor

MARISSA MATHIESON in-depth editor

RHEA PATNEY associate editor

Historical Context Since the murder of George Floyd June 25, massive protests and demonstrations have erupted around the world, creating increased awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement. In recent months, the movement has evolved into a youth-led coalition with social media and demonstrations being used as ways to garner support.

Throughout history, youth activism has been important when calling for change. More than half a century after the Civil Rights Movement, student voices have remained on the forefront of the country’s view of social issues. The ongoing protests regarding womens rights, climate change and the Black Lives Matter Movement demonstrate that the younger generation is not satisfied by simply watching from the sidelines.

“I really think it is so great that all of the Black youth of America have come together and spoken out about the mistreatment of Black lives in society today,” junior Maleah Muhammad said. “I also love how many young people have taken the time to educate themselves about the tragedies that occur in the Black community on a day-to-day basis. The fact that we have all come together to advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement is absolutely remarkable and will be an event that is a part of history forever.”

Social Media Movement With the growing popularity of social media, teens have started to use platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat as a way to support various movements. According to Pew Research Center, 69 percent of Americans feel these platforms are important for attracting politicians’ attention, while 67 percent feel they are creating sustained movements for social change.

“Social media is a way for you to escape and you can’t really escape [the movement] on social media right now,” senior Lauryn Donovan said. “So I think it’s so helpful just with getting the message out and reiterating the fact that this is an important issue that needs to be solved.”

However, social media is not perfect. Sometimes, it can cause performative activism, or activism done to simply follow a trend. For example, 22.9 million people posted a black square onto Instagram June 2 to signify their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Many activists were quick to note that just simply posting the black square could be a form of performative activism.

“Everybody can post a black square, you can post yourself holding a Black Lives Matter sign all you want,” Donovan said. “But at the end of the day, if you’re not actively trying to dismantle systems of oppression, then it is used more as a trend than actually trying to understand.”

Changes in Curriculum In an effort to start conversations about race at school, students and staff have been discussing inclusion and diversity. Some students have called for classes to examine the origins of racial inequality.

educate yourself

Social Media

Podcasts

resources to further understand topics related to Black Lives Matter

@coolbeenart @ibramxk @theslactivists

#tellblackstories About Race Code Switch

illustrations by | NICOLE GORRELL

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IN-DEPTH

SPREAD DESIGN BY SOPHIA LIU, MARISSA MATHIESON & RHEA PATNEY

ACY RISES

today’s teens get involved

Lives Matter Movement

“In January, I went to the school board and talked about how I had an issue with not a lot of history about Black people and people of color being taught in our classes,” Donovan said. “I spoke at a district conference to express how, as a Black student, not seeing myself represented in the curriculum affects [my] mental health.”

After hearing the concerns of students of color, Black Studies teachers Brandon Murray and Ashley Lock are changing the sequence and content of Black Studies I and II. Murray and Lock aim to educate students on youth resistance through themes related to agency, resistance and empathy. “[Mrs. Lock and I] teach Social Studies and English, and stories are at the heart of both our subjects,” Murray said.

“The writer R. Eric Thomas wrote ‘Every story, whether truth or fiction, is an invitation to imagination, but even more so, it’s an invitation to empathy.’ Black Studies is a rigorous academic experience, but it’s also an experience in empathy-building.”

Whether it’s through local schools educating students or through massive waves of advocacy on social media platforms, youth activism has had a profound impact on the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement. With the use of technology, students all over the country have been able to share their experiences while calling for change.

“Sometimes members of society [who are] more resistant to radical change, offer as a counterargument: who really cares about this? The presence of the youth — on the streets and on social media — answers that question, definitively,” Murray said. “If we briefly scan the history of other movements, we learn quickly that progress was predicated on the involvement of young people; the younger generation’s energy, perspective and passion often sustain and advance movements that might otherwise stagnate.” p

Books

Films

“The Fire This Time” “The New Jim Crow” “Queenie”

“13th” “Just Mercy” “Stay Woke”

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

students share why the Black Lives Matter movement is important to them

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Kayliah Motes (11) The Black Lives Matter movement is important because it forces people to open their eyes to police brutality and how it’s impacting the lives of Black youth. The first step to change is educating others on the topic.” (photo courtesy of Kayliah Motes)

Avinash Kamath (11) Black Lives Matter is an important movement because it’s more than just bringing attention to the deaths of Black people. It’s making sure that those deaths aren’t in vain by using our voices to fight against systemic violence against Black people. It’s a call to understand that their fight is our fight too.” (photo courtesy of Avinash Kamath) AUGUST 2020

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illustration by | DANIELLE ZHANG

PANO PERSPECTIVE Wearing a mask is not an option, it is a civic responsibility 24 out of 26 Panorama staff members surveyed agree

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he decision between wearing a mask or not seems to have become a political issue recently, even though public health should not be a matter of opinion — everyone needs to wear a mask. COVID-19 will not go away on its own. This crisis will persist until both nations and individuals do everything they can, and an easy way for the latter is to wear a mask.

COVID-19’s transmission centers around indirect person-to-person contact. This contact happens as a result of the respiratory droplets that people produce when doing things such as coughing or even just talking. These droplets can be transferred by an infected person to anyone else quite easily if they are inhaled. Social distancing of six or more feet helps to combat transmission, but it is also important that one puts a barrier over their face, which is the role a mask plays.

There is confusion that stems from the early days of the pandemic when information was scarce. Masks like the N95 needed to be saved for healthcare workers and cloth masks as an alternative were generally seen as unneces-

sary, since people were still uncertain of how COVID-19 was spread. The CDC recommended against wearing masks because of this misunderstanding at the time, but has since reversed its stance and declared publicly that wearing masks is necessary to flatten the curve.

While many arguments have been made against masks, some of these assertions are incorrect. For example, the common claim that masks inhibit the intake of oxygen has been proven to be untrue. In an article published by the American Lung Association, director David G. Hill stated that “there is absolutely no scientific evidence that mask wearing or physical distancing weakens the immune system.” It is true that wearing a mask for any extended period of time can cause discomfort, but that is a worthwhile sacrifice for public health and safety.

Wearing a mask is important in fighting this threat to humanity. The pandemic is not yet over. There is still a war to win against what should be a common enemy. The least that every able individual can do is wear a mask to protect themselves and others. p

Editorial Note: Each editorial, Panorama selects an issue that the staff thinks is important to address and expresses a view that belongs to the majority of the staff. Panorama welcomes the opinions of its readers, and encourages letters to the editors. Please bring signed letters to room 1311 or email Panorama at publications01@ladueschools.net. Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions for length as long as original intent remains unaltered.

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EDITORIAL & OPINIONS

SPREAD DESIGN BY LUCY LOCHMOELLER

MASK OFF A review of cheap, pricey and fashionable mask options

LUCY LOCHMOELER a&e editor

Target Masks Pack of Two for $4

The mask selection at Target is limited to the brand Goodfellow & Co, which only has large and extra large options, and a small selection of adult small and medium sizes with no brand name. The small and medium brandless masks are not true to size, as they are loose and fall off the nose. Also, extra fabric gathers below the chin, which is irritating. However, both brands are similar in fabric, straps, design and sizing. The masks are easy to breathe through, despite the thick fabric. While the sizing is off, the Target masks are affordable and work well.

Rating: 3.5/5

Athleta Masks

The Athleta masks come in a pack of five, with a black, gray, red, camouflage and navy blue. The fabric is soft, breathable and is much better quality than Target’s because it is not as itchy and feels more durable. Despite having three layers of fabric for protection, it is lightweight. There are adjustable straps and a flexible nose piece, so this mask fits perfectly, and can be altered to fit anyone's face size and nose shape. While they may be a pricer option, these lightweight and comfortable masks are worth it.

Gap Masks Pack of Three for $15

Rating: 4.5/5 LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

Pack of Five for $30

Rating: 4/5 Unlike Target and Athleta, Gap has a wide variety of masks in many sizes and designs. There are floral, striped, colorful, cheetah-printed, camouflage, geometric shapes and single-colored masks to choose from. The fabric is thick and protective, and is fairly easy to breath through.

However, they are not as lightweight as the other two options. The straps are made of a very soft fabric, and although they are not adjustable, they are stretchy and comfortable. For a mask that is protective, comfortable and has cool patterns, Gap masks are a fantastic option.

AUGUST 2020

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DISTANCE VS IN-PERSON Online classes are the safer and more flexible option for this year

In-person class are the most overall effective option for this school year

CAROLINE EDGAR

ABBEY CARRICO

opinions editor

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features staff

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istance learning is the best option for the n-person classes are the ideal way to proceed with 2020-2021 school year. In-person classes may classes at Ladue. Although distance learning has be what we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean its benefits, it suffers from deep educational flaws they are the wisest option to implement for the future such as the lack of internet connection for students, considering the pandemic makes in-person classes difficulty comprehending material and the task of unsafe to attend. focusing from home, which can heavily impact learnOne reason for the use of distance learning is the ing. Having classes in person fixes these issues and flexibility it provides for those with irregular schedbetters the student body’s education. ules due to the pandemic. Parents are still working In order to participate in distance learning, stuand some students may need to watch their sibillustration by dents need access to the internet, which unfor|D lings. Parents who work in healthcare may AN tunately not everyone has. According to be busier than usual, and they shouldn’t data the National Center for Education have to worry about watching their Statistics April 14, 9 million children children on top of their already stressdon’t have internet access at home. A ful jobs. Even if a parent doesn’t majority of those students without have a job in healthcare, they may internet fall into a lower income have lost a job or taken a pay cut, bracket, and distance learning could so their child may need to pick up result in a larger disparity between a job to help provide for the rest socioeconomic classes. of the family. Dropping these jobs In addition, distance learning recould result in the family not having moves in-person teacher and student enough money, and students with communication, making complicated these jobs need the flexibility provided subjects difficult to understand. If a by online classes by being able to do their student cannot understand the material, work whenever. Distance learning is perfect their scores and proficiency in the subject will for this type of complicated schedule. suffer. It’s important for students to have a connecMost importantly, safety should always be the tion with teachers to better their education. priority, and having in-person classes would conflict A final important issue with distance learning with this priority. The U.S. currently has the highest is that some students struggle with focusing for an number of COVID-19 cases in the world, and carryextended period in the distracting atmosphere of ing on with no changes will increase the likelihood their homes. A student’s house may be buzzing with of students contracting it. The easiest way to limit talkative family members. Interruptions like this pick the spread of COVID-19 is to keep everyone home. away at a student’s focus, keeping them from learning According to Trevor Nace, a senior contributor for the best they can. Meanwhile, a classroom is watched Forbes, the U.S. has had a 75 percent increase in by a careful teacher’s eye, making sure such distracCOVID-19 cases compared to Spain’s 29 percent and tions are not present, and the environment made by Switzerland’s 35 percent. With these numbers, it’s evthe school is specifically designed to lessen distracident that leaving places open is making the situation tions. In the end, it’s troublesome to take classes from worse, and this country’s lack of meaningful action is home and efficiently learn material without being at prolonging the pandemic. To try and flatten the curve school. Due to the lack of internet, communication as much as we can, we shouldn’t send students back and focus, distance learning isn’t as effective for stuto school and should instead utilize distance learning dents as some people may have hoped, and in-person to ensure the safety of our student body. p classes are the way to go. p

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OPINIONS & A&E

SPREAD DESIGN BY CAROLINE EDGAR & DOMENIC FENOGLIO

SPOTLIGHT ON BLACK OWNED RESTAURANTS Panorama visits some of the best Black owned restaurants in St. Louis DOMENIC FENOGLIO associate editor

illustrations by | JOANNE SUNG It is easy to see why C and K Barbecue has been a staple on Jennings Station Road since 1983. The building has the look of a classic diner, but C and K’s flavor proves more sophisticated than its appearance suggests. Barbecue is hard to get perfect; oftentimes the meat may be overcooked or slathered in too much sauce, but C and K cooks and seasons its meat to perfection. The sauce contains the classic sweetness of St. Louis-style barbecue, but also has a hint of pepper that adds the perfect kick to the melt-in-your-mouth brisket. One bite turns into an empty plate in a matter of moments. In the St. Louis food scene, C and K barbecue sits high on the list of go-to spots for barbecue.

La Patisserie Chouquette offers a wide selection of treats that surprise even the most cultured pastry aficionados with their overwhelming flavor. The apple pastry — which has a doughy, cream cheese-filled interior with a crispy exterior — looks and tastes like heaven compared to the staple McDonald’s apple pie and shows just how good the dessert can be. The macarons are offered in a variety of flavors, including blueberry-lemon, mango and mocha. They are prepared wonderfully, with each flavor finding a way to highlight itself while still maintaining the classic macaron taste. Ultimately, La Patisserie Chouquette does a remarkable job of offering their original takes on dessert classics.

Steve’s Hot Dogs are a symphony of flavors. The restaurant’s menu features an array of specialty burgers and hot dogs, but the most interesting item is the gorilla mac and cheese dog. Not only does the presentation look great, but the taste is uniquely perfect. Mac and cheese and hot dogs are simple foods on their own, but pairing them creates a surprisingly delightful treat. They complement each other with a twist on the classic meat and cheese combination. Just the right amount of bacon is sprinkled on top to add a salty note that helps highlight the softer flavors. At Steve’s Hot Dogs, innovative medleys create a new standard of how tasty a hot dog can be.

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM

AUGUST 2020

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With hopes of games and practice schedules returning to normal, Senior Jahan Robinson visits the high school track. Robinson has been preparing during the prolonged offseason and is eager to return to athletics. “I know it’s unlikely, but I’m really hopeful about going back and getting to play,” Robinson said.

“I hope I’m right.”

(Photo by Katie Holland)

NAVIGATING THE ROAD TO RECRUITMENT Student athletes seeking collegiate recruitment adjust to changes due to COVID-19 your peak year to prove what you have to your coaches and scouts.” sports editor Due to the impact of COVID-19, Robinson may not get or many high school athletes, the ultimate goal is the chance to play his senior year either. In order to mainto play the sport they love at the collegiate level. tain his physical shape, Robinson continues to go to soccer Athletes perform to the best of their abilities and atpractice regardless of the uncertainty of the season. As far tempt to gather their highlights in compilations for scouts as recruitment, Robinson attended an altered campus visit — and all the users of Hudl.com­­ ­— in hopes of catching the and soccer training camp at Rockhurst University. eye of their top schools.

“I’ve been going to [identification] Senior Jacob Mann, a wrestling camps, which I wasn’t doing before state champion and Princeton COVID,” Robinson said. “There’s a new The point of the ID commit, has been devoted to the rule where scouts can’t come see you, but camp is really just to sport for the majority of his life.

I think it’s worth going to them.”

While his sights have been set on Varsity soccer coach David Aronberg show the coaches the wrestling at the collegiate level recommends visiting coaches and schools best player you can be. since he was a child, the dream in order to make the best decision. This JAHAN ROBINSON | senior became reality his junior year with proves difficult with new restrictions in his commitment to wrestling at place due to COVID-19.

Princeton University.

“I think the biggest thing is to do “The beginning of my junior year is when college your research and recruit the school that you think will coaches started to contact me and invite me on [campus] be a good fit for you both in soccer and academically,” visits,” Mann said. “The recruitment process is very fun Aronberg said. “College athletics is a whole different ball but incredibly stressful at the same time.” game.”

Mann considers himself lucky to be finished with reAside from going to training camps, Robinson has been cruitment prior to his senior year. However, athletes that utilizing other tools offered by colleges and universities, are still seeking recruitment during this time are facing such as virtual tours, to help make the best decision. Dedifferent struggles than Mann did. spite the challenges to practicing and training for sports Jahan Robinson is one of the many senior athletes — as well as finding recruitments ­— due to COVID-19, he seeking recruitment for athletics in college. Robinson remains eager to return to the field whenever possible. plays soccer and runs track and is interested in pursuing “I think most athletes, especially seniors, are just ready either of the sports at college. for things to get back to normal,” Robinson said. “Now is “In terms of track and not being able to have a seathe time we have to start making some important decison, it was really unfortunate because that’s where scouts sions. Everything is really up in the air right now. I’m just actually start looking at you,” Robinson said. “It’s probably trying to keep myself prepared for anything.” p

KATIE HOLLAND

F

14

HEALTH & SPORTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY KATIE HOLLAND & ERIN TURKIELTAUB

ALTERED ATHLETICS Athletes face summer training cancellations due to COVID-19 ERIN TURKIELTAUB sports editor

I

n previous years, student-athletes filled their summers with intense conditioning and training to prepare for the season ahead, but the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated this practice.

Activities Director Nick Gianino played an extensive role in the decision making process for how summer training would be conducted. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March, Gianino has worked to keep students engaged in all aspects of activity.

“We’ve tried in July to athletically phase back in with specific guidelines, and it’s doing okay, but it’s been a roller coaster to say the least,” Gianino said.

In order to ensure the safety of all athletes, a task force made up of doctors, athletic trainers and health professionals in conjunction with the CDC helps Gianino with the decision-making process. With advice from his colleagues, Gianino set up a new system of summer conditioning. In past summers, two groups would complete strength and conditioning workouts simultaneously, whereas now there are seven different groups exercising at separate times.

“Face masks are required when you enter the building and when you are in the weight room,” Gianino said.

“Our athletic trainers temperature check at the door; the temperature has to be under 100.4. All of our coaches and athletes have to do a screening where they answer a series of questions that surround the COVID pandemic and how they are feeling from the health perspective.”

Another aspect of Gianino’s job includes discussing guidelines and plans with the coaches. Although Gianino and other coaches are not happy with the complications of COVID-19 on their season, the health and safety of the athletes is their top priority. Ladue football coach Mike Tarpey has experienced the disapointing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand.

“On July 6, we were able to start working out at the high school [by] lifting weights and doing cardio and different types of conditioning outside,” Tarpey said. “Then we were able to start football, and unfortunately, because of the COVID numbers, we were only able to get two days of football specific practices.”

For some sports, such as girls’ volleyball and field hockey, distanced training and individual drills have been a success. For contact-heavy sports such as football and soccer, distanced training poses a few difficulties.

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“You have to do things at a distance; a lot of line play in football is dependent upon the guy next to you, where usually he’s a foot or two feet away and sometimes you actually want them right next to each other,” Tarpey said. “In two days we got a lot accomplished with those limitations, but I just always feel bad for the kids because when you go out for a sport, you want it to be that sport.”

Similar to coaches and administrators, student-athletes have encountered various challenges throughout the process of summer training. Junior Hayden Zych has turned to personal training sessions to prepare himself for the possible upcoming season due to the postponements and cancellations of soccer practices. Although team practices have currently been held off, Zych plays with a small group of teammates to maintain his skill level.

“I am worried that we won’t even have a season because it’s the most fun time of high school,” Zych said. “It would be a bummer if it got canceled along with the school year.

I just really hope we can get a game in and have real fans there.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been unable to participate in activities that used to be a part of everyday life. Without the ability to play, Zych quickly understood the value soccer had in his life.

“Throughout quarantine, I realized how much soccer and activity meant in a world that was shut down,” Zych said. “I didn’t realize how much it kept me in shape, and it was a big learning experience for me.” p

Senior Alexander Orywall squats in the weight room during one of the open trainings. Although masks are required in the weight room, Orywall enjoyed his time in the gym. “While I still had to wear a mask and maintain some distance between myself and other students, I was able to work out and get ready for the season,” Orywall said. (Photo by Domenic Fenoglio)

AUGUST 2020

15

NO JUSTICE NO PEACE

Over the summer, Ladue students and staff participated in a number of demonstrations that were in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement across St. Louis

FAR LEFT: Ladue alum Victoria Neal and senior Lauryn Donovan speak at a protest in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement in Ladue June 5.

(Photo courtesy of Molly Beck) LEFT: Crowds of protestors in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement march through downtown St. Louis June 9. (Photo courtesy of Molly Beck) BELOW: Several student protestors attending a Ladue demonstration June 5 stop in the streets while holding signs in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. (Photo courtesy of Harjas Singh)

RIGHT: Senior Chase Mijori adjusts her facemask at a youth led protest June 5. “Going to the protest on June 5 made me feel so powerful and also supported in my community during these times,� Mijori said. (Photo submitted

by Chase Mijori)

ABOVE: Protestors march through downtown St. Louis by the Gateway Arch June 7. (Photo courtesy of Catherine Fox)