Panorama 8/23/21

PANORAMA LOST FRESHMAN WHO HAS GIVEN UP

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RANDOM CLOSET #2122

SENIOR WHO IS MORE LOST THAN THE FRESHMAN

CAFETERIA FROM “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL” P.E. CATACOMBS

A QUIET PLACE

POTENTIALLY RADIOACTIVE POND

BALLROOM STAIRCASE

LOCKERS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN OPENED

FORBIDDEN FOREST

FIRST DAY ISSUE 08.23.21 | Volume 70 | Issue 1 | Ladue Horton Watkins High School | 1201 S. Warson Rd. | Ladue, MO 63124

02 | CONTENTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY SOPHIA LIU

TABLE OF CONTENTS News

4. Pandemic Policies A look at COVID-19 protocols for the school year

5. The Summer Scoop

A recap of 2021 summer news

2021

LIVE

BREAKNG NEWS

Features

6-7. A Summer To Remember

Students participate in unique summer opportunities

NEWS

FEATURES

IN-DEPTH

OPINIONS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HEALTH & SPORTS

In-Depth

8-9. SSD Spotlight

Glimpse into the lives of a few Ladue students with disabilities

10. An Alternative Agenda

Students with disabilities share their school day

Opinions

11. Editorial/Pano Perspective Students should know the rights they have at school

12. Frozen Treat Feud

Panorama settles the debate on frozen desserts

Arts & Entertainment

13. Gossip Girl Botches Revival The original Gossip Girl versus the reboot

Health & Sports

14-15. All Hands On Deck

Ladue students row competitively over the summer

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 principle of doing no harm. Panorama is a member of the National Scholastic Press Assocation, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Educators Association.

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

Panorama is produced 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. Front and back cover design by Sophia Liu. EIC photo by Danielle Zhang.

CONTENTS | 03

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | 08.23.21

PANORAMA STAFF Editors-in-Chief Domenic Fenoglio Sophia Liu Marissa Mathieson Rhea Patney Associate Editors Clayton Coughlin Lucy Lochmoeller Oviya Srihari Art Editor Danielle Zhang Photo Editor Ginger Schulte

News Editor Ryan Tung

Arts & Entertainment Staff Mimi Zhou

Features Editor Mika Kipnis

Health & Sports Staff Emmi Walker

In-Depth Editor Joanne Sung Features Staff Olivia Hu

Artists Nicole Gorrell Erica Shi Max Yang

In-Depth Staff Mac Huffman Annie Zhao

Adviser Sarah Kirksey

Opinions Staff Allen You

EDITOR’S NOTE The first day of school this year marks the first time in the building for many staff and students since March 2020. On top of that, the freshman class is joined by many sophomores in having their first day ever of in-person high school. Because of this, Panorama hopes to engage readers and spark discussions throughout the year to help students feel welcomed back to school. Included inside this edition is a sticker with information about the social media and website for Panorama. We hope for a great school year and look forward to documenting it.

For the in-depth story this month, we chose to highlight the Special School District and some of the students in that program. Ladue is extremely lucky to have a diverse student body, and we aimed to emphasize that this month.

The cover shows a comical map of the school in reference to the newness so many students feel in coming back. Elsewhere in this issue we recap summer news, feature rowing athletes, learn about student’s summer experiences and have a heated debate between ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Marissa Mathieson

Rhea Patney

Welcome back! Pull sticker here

Sophia Liu

Domenic Fenoglio

IC

Social-Distancing

Students and staff should social distance when possible. Follow floor decals for appropriate distances.

Daily Screening

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Masks must be worn by all students and staff at all times while indoors.

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50% of eligible students

Health Screening

Virtual Option Students who prefer to remain online for at least one full semester may utilize the district’s “Virtual Learning” option. Here, students can obtain live and prerecorded virtual instruction from partner organizations. Currently,w students may enroll in Launch, a curricular program through the Springfield Public Schools, or programs approved by the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program.

n by | RY AN TUN G

Plan

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Vaccinations

Students and staff should conduct a personal health screening each morning before school.

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SPREAD DESIGN BY RYAN TUNG

Source: Ladue

In-school Protocols

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04 | NEWS

85% of eligible teachers

have been vaccinated

District Facilities

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mobile handwashing stations

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hand sanitizing stations

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plexiglass barriers in high interaction spaces

NEWS | 05

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | 08.23.21

THE SUMMER SCOOP

Panorama recounts the biggest stories of summer 2021 RHEA PATNEY editor-in-chief

CONDO COLLAPSE

2021

LIVE

BREAKING NEWS

Stories as of Aug. 10

Originally surfacing in India, the delta variant of COVID-19 quickly spread across the U.S. and is now the dominant variant in the country. The CDC has deemed the variant up to 60% more contagious than the original COVID-19 strain.

In response, St. Louis County reinstated an indoor mask mandate for all individuals at the end of July. However, the controversial mandate is now on hold after legal challenges.

TOKYO OLYMPICS The 2020 Tokyo Olympics finally materialized after a year-long delay. Although no spectators were allowed at any competitions, the U.S. brought home 113 medals, including Caeleb Dressel’s five gold medals in swimming. Additionally, gymnast Simone Biles sparked heavy controversy when she withdrew from five final competitions due to mental health concerns. However, many praise her for shining a light on prioritizing well-being, especially amongst the top athletes in the world.

illustration by | RYAN TUNG

DELTA VARIANT

Champlain Towers South, a 12-story condominium in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida, partially collapsed June 24, killing 98 people. Authorities discovered the building’s concrete and steel supports had been corroded, likely caused by saltwater flooding.

A former employee claimed that the building flooded with up to two feet of seawater every month. The issue was first reported in 2018.

OLYMPIC TRIALS

The 2020 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials were held June 24-27 at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. After four days of competition, the Tokyo 2020 U.S. Gymnastics Teams were selected, including six women and five men for the artistic team. The final day of competition had an average of 5.287 million television viewers, topping the average viewership of every other Olympic Trials competition. Over 20,000 people attended the event in person.

GULF FIRES

Flames appeared on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico July 2. The so-called “eye of fire,” fueled by a leaking underwater pipeline owned by Mexico’s Pemex petroleum company, began at 5:15 a.m. and raged for five hours. Pemex claimed that a lightning storm ignited the gas leak and that they took immediate action to contain the disaster. Environmental damage claims are now being investigated.

06 | FEATURES

SPREAD DESIGN BY MIKA KIPNIS & OLIVIA HU

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

Four students pursue passions by participating in unique summer activities

OVYA DIWAKARAN (10) MIKA KIPNIS features editor

Classical Indian music fills the stage as sophomore Ovya Diwakaran takes her first melodic steps, falling into the rhythm of music she has grown to cherish. Looking out into the audience, Diwakaran notices familiar faces of her friends and family who came out to support her on this monumental day. After 10 years of hard work and numerous hours of practicing and memorizing choreography, Diwakaran’s nerves shift to excitement as she begins her Bharatnatyam Arangetram, a traditional Indian dance ceremony.

An Arangetram is an old tradition for students of Indian classical dance to perform their debut performance. It marks their

ANIKA SPEICHER (12) Trumpets break the peaceful silence of the early morning, as senior Anika Speicher, member of the summer coast guard academy (AIM), scrambles to start her day at 5:30 a.m. Despite being tired, she must stand at attention, keep her body straight, place her feet together and remain silent.

Members of AIM have little time to go to the bathroom and get ready before getting called to morning calisthenics.

Afterward, they change into their uniforms, and the rigor of the day begins.

“They never gave [us] a schedule, so [we] had no idea what was going on ever,” Speicher said. “I didn’t have a watch, so I was even more lost.”

Depending on the day, members of AIM participate in different activities. The academy places a heavy emphasis on academics. Therefore, visiting museums, touring buildings, going to panels, building antennas and flying drones are common things to do on the day-to-day basis.

For many, the “cutthroat” life of the military can be challenging to adjust to. The extreme change in pace from normal life to military life — such as getting yelled at, not being able to look around or talk with people, speaking in third person and marching — can be jarring, but Speicher had a relatively

graduation from learning how to dance and their beginning of performing alone and training other dancers. Although Diwakaran has chosen to stop dancing to focus on her passion for musical theater, she enjoyed following in the steps of her mother, who also completed her Arangetram in her childhood while living in India.

“Over the years, Bharatnatyam has really helped me grow as a dancer and as a person,” Diwakaran said. “Not only are the fundamentals I learned extremely helpful for western dance, such as ballet, jazz and tap, but the facial expression is key to Indian dance; this has helped me in theater.”

Preparing for an Arangetram takes a long time, and every detail of the makeup, clothing and jewelry matters. First, Diwakaran gets her hair and makeup done, which takes about two hours total. Her costume is filled with bright colors and detailed designs so that they pop on stage. To stand out even more, Diwakaran wears necklaces, earrings, belts, bangles, ankle bells and hair pieces, all of which were bought in India.

“After we finished getting ready, we had to stretch and warm up so we could do all the poses for the performance,” Diwakaran said. “The performance was almost three hours. It was a huge investment in time and talent, but it was worth it.”

smooth adjustment. This experience has proven to her that she wants to pursue the military throughout college and beyond. “[It was a] shock at first, but I feel like I adjusted pretty well,” Speicher said. “You get used to it pretty quickly, and you don’t really have time to think about home.”

After getting a college email from West Point — the United States Military Academy — during her sophomore year, Speicher became intrigued by the idea of not only having a unique college experience, but also serving her country in the military one day. Although most summer programs were virtual, Speicher felt it was important for her to attend an in-person academy. By doing so, she answered the question that she had been asking herself: “Will I like the military?”

“I wanted to have an in-person experience this summer like this bootcamp,” Speicher said.

“The biggest takeaway for me is that being in the military is what I want to do.”

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | 08.23.21

ROSHEN CHATWAL (12) OLIVIA HU features staff

At first, it’s silent. Slowly, notes begin to echo off the concert halls, carefully weaving through the audience.

The sounds are precise, with each orchestral section incorporating a unique voice to the music. The piece continues with slow crescendos, sharp runs and beautiful melodies until the entire orchestra unites to play the final note. This vivid composition comes from the National Youth Orchestra 2 (NYO2) program senior Roshen Chatwal attended during summer break.

NYO2 is a musical training program that takes place in New York. To apply, each student must submit a staff nomination, written and video essay, solo and videos of excerpts. Even then, admittance into the program is competitive with a mere 10% acceptance rate. Because of this, Chatwal felt grateful for the opportunity but had set expectations for the experience he would have in such a competitive environment.

“My expectations were that we wouldn’t really be having any fun, [and] it would just be rehearsals,” Chatwal said. “They were exceeded for sure. I made a ton of memories and had a great time. The music felt like something that we could enjoy rather than a burden.”

KATHY BIAN (11) As it approaches noon, most students during the summer are still lying in bed and grimacing at the sunlight that shines brightly through their windows. Snoozing for what they believe will only be ten more minutes, they continue to sleep until their phone erupts with texts about lunch plans, causing them to wake up frantically.

This is not the case for junior Kathy Bian as she wakes up bright and early to attend the selective and prestigious Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA).

MSA is an academic program for incoming high school juniors that provides them with unique opportunities and extracurricular activities. In a usual setting, the program would take place at the University of Missouri’s

FEATURES | 07 Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the orchestra was unable to perform at Carnegie Hall like expected. In fact, even after all participants underwent a ten day quarantine, the musicians were still required to wear masks and maintain limited contact.

“It was frustrating since we expected to be free after the quarantine,” Chatwal said. “It was not fun when you want to play music with people and the administrators, who also want you to play music with people, tell you ‘you can’t.’”

Despite the obstacles, Chatwal’s experience was unlike many other high school musicians. Throughout the program, he learned to build a sustainable career in music and played in several student-led ensembles. His favorite part was learning from professionals, who came from renowned orchestras all over the country.

“They gave us coaching on our music and areas of the instrument overall,” Chatwal said. “I had a lesson with Bill Vermaelen, who is regarded as the best horn pedagogue in the country. It was unreal.”

campus and last for three weeks. However, this year, classes were exclusively virtual and were shortened — only lasting for two weeks.

“My class — Science and the Senses — was in the morning, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Basically you learn about how you hear things, how you see things and how you taste things,” Bian said. “Sometimes we would be in breakout rooms, sometimes we had project days, some days we had note days and some days were experiment days.”

Other than classes, MSA also offered optional seminars, which allowed students the oppportunity to learn about prominent and interesting topics from guest speakers. They ranged from multiple topics, such as learning American Sign Language to playing Dungeons and Dragons. Getting the opportunity to hear and learn from others during these seminars was one of Bian’s favorite parts of her time at the program.

“I wish I attended more because they were very interesting.

We met a Holocaust survivor and a guy who told crazy and inspirational stories. We also talked about the 13th Amendment and watched a documentary about it,” Bian said. It was interesting to hear from different people’s experiences and see what life is like for other people that maybe aren’t as privileged as I am.”

08 | IN-DEPTH

SPREAD DESIGN BY JOANNE SUNG & ANNIE ZHAO

favorite food: broccoli

summer 2 attendin school visiting H mini-go swimmi

loves getting tacos at Mission Taco plays softball through TASK

beaches over mountains

favorite vacation destination: Seven Dwarves Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida

is a part of the club Best Buddies

CHARLIE BRUNNQUELL [9]

loves playing basketball

JACK HANSE AINSLEY BIERLING [12] favorite music: One Direction and Taylor Swift (favorite song depends on the day) favorite

favorite type of pizza: cheese

holiday: Christmas

favorite foods: pasta, cheeseburgers

favorite colors: pink and purple

illustration by | JOANNE SUNG

AMAN PATNEY [9] favorite food: roti favorite desserts: ice cream, cake

favorite park: des peres park

loves playing basketball and ping-pong with friends swims with the regular swim team at the J

plays the drums favorite song to play: Payphone by Maroon 5

Eats at the Imo’s owned by her neighbors, Mike and Joyce, every Friday

“

Mike usually works at Imos on Friday nights.

Me and Mike like to drink coffee together, dance together and he makes me laugh.”

is a part of the club Sparkle

plays hock

MOLLY KATZMAN [12]

PIZZA PREFERENCES TO PREFERRED PA

Get to know more about students in Ladue’s Special School

IN-DEPTH | 09

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | 08.23.21

2021 activities: ng summer

Hilton Head olfing ing

SSD SPOTLIGHT

Ladue’s Special School District students share their experiences JOANNE SUNG

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ANNIE ZHAO

“Charlie is a little stubborn sometimes, especially for new things, but once it’s not new, he’s all in,” Sara Brunnquell said. “His personality is also very n average day at Ladue Horton Watkins High focused on his friends; he’s very observant of how School will invariably vary from student to his friends are doing — if they are upset or happy student. But for junior Jack Hansen, above or hurt. Once, when Charlie’s friend was upset at all, an average day at school is: school, he very clearly said ‘she’s upset, where’d she “Crowded.” go, let’s go find her.’ So, he went and found her and The elements of a public high school envi- asked her if she was okay.” ronment, often accepted by many without a However, Sara Brunnquell has found that with second thought, can present numerous learning bar- age, inclusion during the normal school day has riers for students with disabilities. This is the case grown more difficult. The Special School District of for Hansen — who has been diagnosed with cerebral St. Louis County (SSD) is a separate school district palsy, a condition that affects his ability to move governed by the federal Individuals with Disabiliand balance. ties Education Act (IDEA). Ladue is one of the many “I can only use one hand,” Hansen said. “Two school districts that partners with SSD, so inevitably, handed things [will get in my way] like tying knots more work done with SSD translates to less work for example.” done with Ladue.

In a world built for the non-disabled, people “SSD provides the support and accommodations with disabilities face countless obstacles through- that are needed for kids like Charlie,” Sara Brunnout their lives. For instance, when freshman Charlie quell said. “But on the other hand, as he gets older, Brunnquell was born, he it becomes more separate in the was diagnosed with Down building — most of his classes syndrome, a genetic disorwill be with SSD. Being a part of Ainsley has loved her time at the Special School District emder that causes development Ladue and is happiest when bedded into another school disand learning delays. He has always enjoyed music as it she is with her friends.” trict, you feel a bit separate.” helps him calm down, and Over time, Ladue has imJEN BIERLING he rarely spends a car ride proved in including students without it. with disabilities in classes, clubs “[I like listening to songs from] the Lion King,” and sports designed for everybody. As a result, seBrunnquell said. nior Molly Katzman was able to find a welcoming Due to his passion and appreciation, Brunnquell community within Ladue’s field hockey team. naturally wanted to learn more. However, he was “This team is always really excited for you,” hindered in some of his own pursuits of music.

Katzman said.

“There is ableism somewhat embedded in our soShortly after she was born, Katzman was diagciety, without people realizing it,” Sara Brunnquell, nosed with Fragile X syndrome. A cousin to autism, Charlie’s mother said. “Many extracurriculars pretty Fragile X syndrome causes learning, developmental quickly become not accessible to everybody. Charlie and behavioral challenges. was registered in a music class at one point, but was “At the end of the day, though, she wants to do asked to be taken out because he wasn’t able to keep what typical kids want to do,” Rachel Katzman, Molup. It’s in the past, and it was a while ago, but it was ly’s mother said. “She has an incredible memory, still alarming.” remembering people’s pets from six years ago. She Despite such occurrences, Charlie Brunnquell wants to be with her friends, go out on the weekwas still able to find other activities that welcomed ends, wants to get ice cream, wants to go to somehim. From participating in a swim team and taking one’s house. She really wants to do everything you taekwondo classes to joining a community theater, probably want to do, but she’s just at a different level.” volunteering and learning job skills, Charlie BrunnKatzman fell in love with field hockey while quell has kept himself busy. watching her older sister, Lily, play for Northwestern in-depth editor

in-depth staff

“

10 | IN-DEPTH

AN ALTERNATIVE AGENDA Students with learning and other disabilities share their experience at Ladue in the Special School District

START DAY! YES NO GOOD JOB ON THE TEST! YOUR HARD WORK PAID OFF, 98%.

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL Disabilities aren’t a one size fits all situation, so neither are accommodations. Some students walk with a teacher when arriving and others walk to class alone. illustration by |JOANNE SUNG

WORKING IN SSD CLASS [I GO TO CLASS] AND I PUT MY STUFF DOWN AND PLAY ON THE COMPUTER FOR A WHILE AND SEE MR. FORTUNE.

“

MOLLY KATZMAN (12) Accommodations come in many forms.

Some students do all their work online or need an adjustment period when they are in a new space.

WORKING IN STANDARD CLASSES

CONTINUE DAY? GO TO CLUBS GO HOME

IS IN SSD FOR MATH, “ CHARLIE READING AND WRITING. HE’S IN GENERAL EDUCATION FOR P.E., MUSICAL THEATER, COMPUTER ANIMATION, SCIENCE AND HISTORY WITH AMAZING ACCOMMODATIONS.

GOOD GAME!

GOING HOME...

University. Since then, she has learned the rules from her sister and is looking forward to her 12th year playing, as well as her last year playing for Ladue.

“Her favorite thing in the world is to play field hockey and be on the team,” Andy Katzman, Molly’s father said. “She loves her teammates and her coaches, Lindsey Porter and Stephanie O’Neal.

They have been incredibly supportive of Molly and we are beyond grateful.

One year the Ladue team went to watch Lily play field hockey and Lindsey took the team to Northwestern. It was one of Molly’s highlights at Ladue.”

Similarly, senior Ainsley Bierling found camaraderie and made lots of memories through the Sparkle Effect; a national, all-inclusive, cheerleading club for students across America.

Bierling has PURA Syndrome, which can cause developmental delays as well as intellectual difficulties. Through Sparkle she has made friends with both students with disabilities and students without disabilities. She has also learned to foster school spirit.

“Ainsley requires assistance with all aspects of daily life,” Jen Bierling, Ainsley’s mother, said. “Ainsley’s disability also impacts her ability to speak, but she understands everything and is social. Being a part of Sparkle is one of her favorite parts of school.”

Additionally, Aman Patney, a freshman with Down Syndrome, is also very passionate about his hobbies. He has played the drums for four years and takes weekly lessons from the School of Rock. In fact, he even performed his drums in the talent show at Ladue Middle School “[My favorite song to play on the drums is] Payphone,” Patney said.

Ladue offers a place for students with disabilities to be passionate about the things they love and learn with their peers. The community created through sports, clubs, teachers and even just being with other students in the hallway is what makes their high school experiences memorable.

“We just need to remember that Charlie, and kids like Charlie are a part of Ladue first, or a part of P Ladue also,” Sara Brunnquell said. ..\.

SPREAD DESIGN BY MAC HUFFMAN | LUCY LOCHMOELLER

SARA BRUNNQUELL (PARENT) Students’ days are a mixture of SSD classes, where they work closely with teachers, and general education classes which include elective classes.

GOING TO CLUBS & SPORTS FOUND OUT ABOUT A CLUB THAT CHARLIE IS GOING TO “ WE PARTICIPATE IN; ITS CALLED SPARKLE. THE TEACHERS AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CONNECTED US WITH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE RUNNING SPARKLE THIS YEAR

SARA BRUNNQUELL (PARENT) Jack Hansen (11) joined the basketball team in 8th grade and has played ever since then.

WOW! THAT WAS A LONG DAY, GOING HOME NOW!

THANKS FOR PLAYING

GOODBYE!

EDITORIAL | 11

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | 08.23.21

illustration by | DANIELLE ZHANG

PANO PERSPECTIVE Students need to understand their right to free speech in school 16 out of 16 Panorama staff members agree

H

igh school students must know their rights at school to understand what can and cannot be said and done. Students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate,” said the Supreme Court in Tinker v. Des Moines. This landmark case established students’ rights so long as they do not infringe on the rights of another student or cause a substantial disruption to the learning environment. In layman’s terms, students can express their freedom of speech in any way they choose if it does not violate these guidelines.

That precedent has stood since 1969. However, in April, Mahanoy v. B.L. was argued in the Supreme Court. The trial attempted to draw back students’ rights in an unfair and unconstitutional way.

The facts of Mahanoy are simple: a high school student did not make the varsity cheerleading team and took to her Snapchat to complain. She expressed her discontent with the school and cheerleading coach using curse words. The school responded by suspending her from the cheerleading program for a year. Feeling that her right to freedom of speech was violated, the girl sued the school.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the student, but did not set a clear standard on a school’s ability to restrict off-campus speech. In other words, unlike Tinker, Mahanoy did not create

guidelines about what can and cannot be restricted with regards to social media. This distinction means that students are still in danger of losing their rights.

Here at Ladue, administration has the authority of prior review (the ability to view a publication before it is published), but cannot block publications unless they infringe on the aforementioned guidelines from Tinker. Mahanoy aimed to expand the schools’ authority to regulate speech off-campus grounds to students’ homes, putting forth those same guidelines. This unlawful leap would have deprived students of their constitutional rights away from school.

Moreover, it would be near impossible for schools to police every post every student makes on social media. It would take important time away from instruction and administration that is essential to the functioning of a school. Consider the thousands of posts students make every day on social media; monitoring all of these posts for potential wrongdoings would cost the school considerable time.

Without student voices leading the charge for freedom of speech, the choices are left to adults who may not understand the needs of a younger generation. The advent of social media has created new obstacles, so now more than ever, students need to know their rights and help fight for the continuation of them in order to create a healthy school environment. 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.

12 | OPINIONS

SPREAD DESIGN BY LUCY LOCHMOELLER | OVIYA SRIHARI & MIMI ZHOU

FROZEN TREAT FURY It’s time to settle this icy issue and decide between ice cream or frozen yogurt illustration by | NICOLE GORRELL

PRO ICE CREAM

PRO FROZEN YOGURT LUCY LOCHMOELLER

ALLEN YOU

associate editor

• • •

I

eats FroYo more than she admits spends $45 a month on frozen yogurt puts more toppings than yogurt

t’s time for society to grow up and admit that frozen yogurt is better than ice cream. I’m not going to sit here and try to convince you that ice cream is bad, because it’s obviously not. Ice cream simply doesn’t have the guts to do what frozen yogurt can. Ice cream and frozen yogurt may have the components, but the ability to create and perfect it to your exact liking is what puts frozen yogurt on top.

This is a serious discussion, so you may be wondering, “Lucy, how are you qualified to make such a controversial statement?” Well, I have dedicated my life — and wallet — to gathering research at local ice cream and frozen yogurt shops.

I’ve tried all the flavors, all the mix-ins. I can confidently say I’m well versed with frozen desserts. I have found frozen yogurt more enjoyable than ice cream because you personalize it.

You get to play with the frozen yogurt to topping ratio, mix different flavors and endless toppings. You can even make it healthy by choosing lighter flavors and fruit instead of candy. Plus, the price is set by weight so you can get more toppings for less money. Usually, more than one topping for ice cream costs extra.

Follow closely, and let me break it down for you. What is better: plain ice cream or flavored ice cream? Flavored. What is better: ice cream with or without toppings? With toppings, of course. Ice cream and frozen yogurt have both. Now, what is better: putting the fate of your ice cream enjoyability in the hands of some miserable ice cream parlor employee or skillfully and passionately crafting your own creation? I don’t even need to answer that last one.

If you think that frozen yogurt is bad, then you must dislike happiness in general. There is no excuse for not liking it; frozen yogurt is the alpha version of ice cream. Some might say ice cream on crack. Keeping in mind that you create your own frozen yogurt, I’ll leave you with a final thought: you are the creator of your own destiny. Therefore, if you think frozen yogurt is bad, then you are creating your own destiny wrong.

opinions staff

• • •

loiters in the ice cream aisle uses a particular spoon for ice cream is, in fact, lactose intolerant

W

ith these hot summer days scorched by triple-digit temperatures and intense humidity, a refreshing, frozen treat is crucial. But which one? After some consideration, it’s clear everyone under the sun should pick a scoop of ice cream over frozen yogurt.

Just on eating experience alone, ice cream easily tops frozen yogurt. For starters, frozen yogurt needs extra toppings to overcome its lack of sweetness and bland aftertaste, while ice cream functions on its own with its signature rich sweetness. Even with toppings on frozen yogurt, the strange texture and tartness still remain, which worsen the overall eating experience. Ice cream, on the other hand, acquires a fluffy and creamy texture from its higher milk fat content that makes it enjoyable all the way through.

And one shouldn’t bother being guilt-tripped into eating frozen yogurt because it’s “healthier.”

Sure, ounce for ounce frozen yogurt is lighter in calories and fat. But as mentioned before, to overcome the lack of sweetness, toppings are necessary, which add a lot of calories into the mix. Many frozen yogurt flavors also introduce a ton of sugar to achieve a desired taste. As a result, a plethora of frozen yogurts have more sugar than many ice creams.

Let’s also get another thing out of the way. Yes, you may know that I’m lactose intolerant. Every time I eat frozen yogurt or ice cream, I’m prepared to endure the trip to the bathroom I set myself up for. So let’s be crystal clear, the sheer emptiness I feel after each spoonful of frozen yogurt does not warrant any of the pain my body suffers through. But every lick and taste of ice cream makes each minute on the toilet worthwhile. Through my lived experience with both dairy products in my digestive system, I can confidently say that ice cream is the superior frozen treat.

Looking at it plainly, sacrificing taste for some mythical “health benefit” is never worth it when there’s some creamy, rich ice cream around the corner waiting to be enjoyed.

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LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | 08.23.21

HBO BOTCHES GOSSIP GIRL REVIVAL Panorama compares the pilot of 2007 TV show Gossip Girl with its 2021 reboot MIMI ZHOU a&e staff

T

he “Gossip Girl” reboot kicked off its first season on a lackluster note. This remake of the iconic 2007 TV show started streaming July 8 on HBO Max. Both series follow the glamorous lives of wealthy students at the same exclusive private school, but they are set a decade apart. The Constance Billard School is densely populated with bratty trust fund babies and devious socialites.

While the original successfully delivers the glitz and glamor of said lifestyle, the reboot fails to do so. Instead, it chooses to split the focus on weird relationships between students and teachers.

In the reboot, the teachers want to regain control after spending years being stepped on by students. Instead of teachers throwing students into detention, they find themselves thrown out if they

give students a B. Naturally, the teachers decide that the best way to fix this is to create an Instagram account exposing the deepest and darkest secrets of their students — a nod to the Gossip Girl blog from the original series.

Teachers stalk students and deliver awkward lines of dialogue as students act like emotionless adults and partake in abnormal activities such as orchestrating fashion show fiascos, bribing school boards, the list goes on.

These odd decisions push the show even further into unrealistic territory.

While the original was nowhere near relatable, at least the characters weren’t robots and had actual personalities.

In addition, the chemistry between characters is completely lost in the reboot. Julien, a popular social media influencer, is the counterpart to Blair from the original, who is an extravagant and demanding diva. Both have their own squad of girls. But, the major difference

is that Blair’s act like mindless minions, while Julien’s seem to think independently. Because of this, the writers miss out on a great opportunity to take advantage of the endless funny moments that come from this power dynamic.

As opposed to the original pilot, which hurls you into the deep end of high-profile social life, the reboot works to ease you in. This one redeemable quality allows time for writers to lay down the foundation for strained relationships and then build in room to dramatically tear those relationships apart. You’re gradually introduced to the characters and their complicated backstories. One way this is done is through a family photo that reveals a nuanced connection between two half-sisters.

All in all, the “Gossip Girl” reboot doesn’t exceed the original by any means, but it’s not completely awful. It’s worth a watch if you’re looking for any semblance of Gossip Girl. XOXO P

WHO’S WHO? While the reboot isn’t an exact replication of the original series, it still draws heavy inspiration from its predecessor

JULIEN vs. BLAIR

OBIE vs. DAN

AUDREY vs. SERENA

Queens with questionable kings.

Lonely souls with big hearts.

Bold, blonde and a little bit of baggage.

illustration by | ERICA SHI & MIMI ZHOU

14 | HEALTH & SPORTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY CLAYTON COUGHLIN

ABOVE: Senior Jeremy Toledano (middle) rows in a time trial at the Youth National Regatta in Sarasota, Florida. Toledano enjoyed his time in Florida and cannot wait to race again. “It was really cool because we were racing on the same course that they hold the Olympic team trials for the U.S. team,” Toledano said. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Toledano) LEFT: Senior Caroline Schuldt (middle) and her teammates drive their boat forward at the Head of Hooch race in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Schuldt’s team did not perform to her standards at this regatta. “We were just glad to have the opportunity to race at such a high level,” Schuldt said. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Schuldt)

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Four Ladue students row competitively at nation-wide tournaments CLAYTON COUGHLIN associate editor

EMMI WALKER health & sports staff

CAROLINE SCHULDT, 12TH The coxswain shouts words of encouragement to her rowers as they propel the boat towards the finish line of the Women Youth 4+ Time Trial. Senior Caroline Schuldt, from her stroke position at the stern of the boat, begins to set a faster pace allowing her and her three teammates to overtake a competitor by 1.01 seconds.

Schuldt led her team to a 7 minute 26.648 second finish in their two kilometer race at the Youth National Regatta in Sarasota, Florida this June. She has been competing in rowing since her freshman year and committed to the University of Pennsylvania in April, like her father who rowed at Union College in New York.

“When you feel like giving up on rowing you just can’t because everyone’s depending on you,” Schuldt said. “Rowing has taught me to not stop because nothing really is as hard as rowing.”

Schuldt endures year-round training and regattas, practicing as often as six times a week. Schuldt does not consider rowing to be either an individual or team sport, but rather a mixture of the two. Because of the limited spots on the boat for regattas, teammates must compete in separate time trials and vie for a top spot. “[We] are always surrounded by other girls who are pushing everyone to be better,” Schuldt said. “We have to be perfectly in sync with the other girls in the boat and also trust the other girls in the boat or we won’t be fast at all.”

LILY GAGE, 11TH 90 degrees. Humid. Moisture clings to her skin, wiped away just to reappear moments again later. Her hands are so sweaty she starts to lose her grip and struggles to recover. Junior Lily Gage is in the middle of her 2km test, a time trial of 2000 meters on a rowing machine that determines whether or not she will be able to compete in the upcoming regatta.

Although Gage dislikes having to do 2km tests, almost passing out at times, she admits that they are a vital source of motivation to do better and train harder. Gage, along with her teammates, recently took part in a race in Chicago, Illinois as well as placing second place at the Midwest Championships in the spring.

“We were all really nervous for the [Midwest Championship] race when we got to the start line,” Gage said. “The first heat went alright but we needed to drop 20 seconds. During our final, we all just committed to leave nothing on the course and we dropped a whole minute from our heat to our final.”

Gage revealed that her rowing success was not because of any raw power, but from carefully practiced technique which she has refined over the course of three years. Gage’s first year of rowing as a novice was one filled with exhausting workouts and “tough it out” practices. Still, Gage’s team remains competitive with one another as a way to challenge each other.

“On the water, you are a group,” Gage said. “However, you can’t count on a spot in a boat, because you know that the girls below you are working just as hard to try and take your spot. The constant evolution of the boat [lineups] make you want to be better.”

SPORTS | 15

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | 08.23.21

CHLOE GAITHER, 11TH

JEREMY TOLEDANO, 12TH

Junior Chloe Gaither felt uneasy going into the final race of the Chicago Sprints. After the four and half hour drive to Chicago, after Gaither and her team of seven performed so well in the preliminary heat to be one of two teams to qualify for the final and after a day of waiting to compete, Gaither’s team was slated to face another team from St. Louis.

More specifically, a team from the very same organization: St. Louis Rowing Club (SLRC). Gaither’s squad ended up winning in Chicago by exactly four seconds and took second place in the Midwest Championships, finishing the last race of the season on a high note. “[We were] really just putting it all out there for the finals,” Gaither said. “We all worked so hard to be able to achieve that moment and be able to get second place together.”

Gaither attributes a lot of her team’s success to the quality of her coach and training. Because of COVID-19 her team was not able to practice as much as other teams, yet Gaither and the entire SLRC persevered.

“At our practices you can always count on people to be there,” Gaither said. “If you’re alone it’s going to be a lot harder than if you have teammates that keep yelling at you to push harder.”

When he first started rowing, senior Jeremy Toledano always looked up to the older athletes for advice, especially the team elected captain who was the most respected teammate.

So, after Toledano found out that it was now his turn to step up and lead the program, he could not help but feel an enormous sense of pride and responsibility.

Toledano transitioned into being a rower the spring of his freshman year of high school after mainly focusing on basketball. His experience with his rowing teammates and the team atmosphere was a breath of fresh air for Toledano.

“There is something special about rowing,” Toledano said.

“I feel like I’ve bonded the most with my teammates in rowing more than any other sport, because rowing is such a hard sport. It really brings everybody closer.”

Toledano enjoys the variety that rowing training brings.

In the span of a week, Toledano will workout on rowing machines, practice rowing technique in the water and do several different stints of mock races ranging from hour-long endurance tests to brief seven-minute sprints.

“I definitely will be rowing in the future,” Toledano said. “I don’t know if I’m gonna be rowing in college yet but whether I am or not, I’m still going to be rowing for fun.”

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT Learn more about the specifics of rowing such as the lingo and equipment This boat represents what position each rower rows on their respective teams.

stern

coxswain

direction rowers face

= Jeremy Toledano

= Chloe Gaither

= Caroline Schuldt

= N/A

OAR EVOLUTION square- the first iteration of the oar, typically made of wood now only used in training

macon-

a shorter version of the square making it faster, but now only used in training

hatchet-

the most efficient paddle shape making it used in most high level competitions

7 6

port

= Lily Gage

starboard

8

5 4 3

1847

2 1

1960 1992

bow

direction boat moves

illustration by | CLAYTON COUGHLIN

BOAT BREAKDOWN

SEATING CHART

NEW TO LADUE Meet the new staff members joining the high school faculty

ABBY EISENBERG

SARAH HEUERMANN

(English Department)

(Visual & Performing Arts Department)

ENGLISH TEACHER

LEAH JONES

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR (Counseling Department)

MATT MAIER

STRINGS TEACHER

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COORDINATOR

BENJAMIN NIMS BIOLOGY TEACHER (Science Department)

(Health Department)

DIANA REDDEN

COLLEGE & CAREER ADVISOR (Counseling Department)

ANDY ROSS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (Administrative Team)

Not pictured teachers: Emily Hogan, Kimberly Sher-Vonk and Kerry Bennett. Hogan is joining the visual and performing arts department as an art teacher. Sher-Vonk and Bennett are both joining the Special School District faculty.