J2 Edition 2019

LADUE L the

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Ladue Horton Watkins High School | 1202 South Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63124 | APRIL 19, 2019

SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION

CONTENTS

Meet the

Staff News Writers: Natalie Ashkar, Jenna Boltzman, Clayton Coughlin, Faith Deddens, Sean Ferguson, Basel Heyari, Lucy Lochmoeller and Collin Waller Arts and Entertainment Writers: Grace Hu, Rhea Kaw, Sarah Suffian, Diora Ton and Caroline Tyrrell Feature Writers: Jamie Korenblat, Daphne Levy, Emerson Linden, Sophia Liu, Ryan Melnick, Annie Pan, Rhea Patney and Erin Turkieltaub Artists: Tonya Berry and Danielle Zhang

Behind the Cover Our thought process in creating this cover was to make it simplistic but also have a strong message. It shows how much social media makes up our identity. It also shows how quickly we reach for social media when we feel insecure. More often than not, we use social media to create a version of ourselves that we aren’t, one that we want the world to see us as.

Sometimes we just need to put down the screens and let our true personalities show.

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In Depth Writers: Madalyn Abady, Anna Apolinarski, Athena Vinch and Ethan Willick Opinion Writers: Caroline Edgar, Tariq Lashley and Carly Woodhill Sports Writers: Addie Bitting, Ava Bussmann, Domenic Fenoglio, Adam Lynn, Tommy Margulis and Dylan Melnick Designers: Chris Chen, Julia Gourtzelis, Charlotte Madden and Danielle Zhang Adviser: Sarah Kirksey

Our Policy The Ladue Loop is an annual newspaper created by the Journalism II Design class that strives to inform and entertain Ladue students, staff and community members, as well as to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. The publication hopes to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among our readers. It aims to reflect the diversity of the population it serves and observes the journalistic principle of doing no harm.

The Ladue Loop welcomes letters to the editors. Please bring signed letters to room 1311. The Ladue Loop maintains the right to revise submissions as long as original intent remains preserved.

CONTENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS News

6 - History of Earth Day

A deeper look into student’s plans for Earth Day.

A&E

10-11 - Coming Soon... Again

Old Disney classics return as remakes and sequels.

In-Depth

14-15 - Scrolling Your Life Away

Our In-Depth dives into how social media addiction is affecting teens nowadays.

Features

18 - Getting Well After the ACL

Freshman Emma Smith tore her ACL while playing basketball.

20 - Suffering from Senioritis

Are you a senior being affected by senioritis?

Opinion

21 - Sex-Ed or the Lack Thereof

One student’s views on the lack of sex-ed at schools

23 - Stand or Sit?

The debate over the pledge of allegiance; do you stand or sit?

Sports

25 - Spring Season Chills

Cold weather affects spring sports.

26 - Chesson takes the Next Step

Feature on senior Dale Chesson and his football success.

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NEWS

SCIBO: THE NUMBERS

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Teamwork is Key Christopher Ye (11), Akhil Kondepudi (12), Nevan Giuliani (12) and Felix Hu (12) conference together to solve a problem. (photo courtesy NSB)

Heading to Nationals Sean Ferguson news writer

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n the cusp of March, Ladue’s Science Bowl team conquered the regional tournament, guaranteeing a coveted spot at nationals on April 25.

Aside from competing against some of the brightest teams in the nation’s largest science tournament, the A-team will play for prize money and a chance to hear from U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry.

Felix Hu, a senior team member, was enthusiastic about the opportunity.

“At nationals, we get a day to tour the national mall, so we always visit Smithsonian museums, the Library of Congress, Lincoln

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Memorial, and more,” he said. But the experience itself is hardly the alluring part for the players–rather, the preparation and hard work required drives them.

“Each person is like a pillar, responsible for supporting the team in several of the six different subjects,” Christopher Ye said. “You learn to really encourage each other because each person is that important in attaining the whole group’s goals. It imbues a sense of responsibility and dedication for your team.”

Science Bowl is not the only way these players flesh out their knowledge and skill. Players frequently overlap into other STEM competitions, such as Science Olympiad (SciOly).

“SciOly has 20+ specific

events in which individuals take tests and are ranked on their performance, whereas Science Bowl is tournament-style, in which schools play each other head to head,” Gavin Giuliani, a player on the B-team, said.

The Science Bowl team hopes to break records this April with one of the best teams they’ve fielded thus far. Success is not the only goal, however. It’s more about becoming a better student in the world of science. Hu reiterated the importance of the activity, noting that “Science Bowl requires a lot more in-depth knowledge and split-second-thinking, which I think are two boons for anyone pursuing a career in science.”

Main topics for Science Bowl players to specialize in. They include Biology, Chemistry and Physics, among others.

Most players dedicate themselves to one or two subjects.

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Players on each competing team at a Science Bowl tournament. Every player has a buzzer, which can be used once per question by either team to attempt an answer.

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The number of times Ladue has won their Regional Science Bowl tournament. First place is a ticket to nationals in Washington D.C. where only one team can win.

NEWS

Advanced Placement Testing Basel Heyari & Collin Waller

A look at the changes in AP exams

How will changes affect how students perform on the exams?

Obviously we won’t know how the changes affect our students until the results of the tests. College Board (administrators of the AP program) have done some piloting of the program and have found that more students have scored a 3 or above and scores of 3 or above have increased across multiple student groups.

Do colleges really look at students’ scores?

Yes, but the reasons they look at the scores vary from school to school.

More selective schools use them as part of the standardized testing record for students (AP, ACT, SAT etc) to determine if a student is a good academic fit. Some schools don’t look at the AP exams at all for admissions purposes. Many schools will offer college credit for the AP courses depending on the exam score.

10000

311,759

82 Ladue students who plan to take AP tests next year (90 polled)

Psychology

30000

Gov & Politics 326,392

404,014

40000

20000

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501,530

50000

US History

The changes are not changes to the test, they are changes to the registration process. The biggest and most significant for the students is the fact that they will be required to register for AP exam in the fall semester instead of waiting until spring semester.

60000

English Literature

What are the big changes being made to the Advanced Placement tests this coming year?

America’s most-taken AP tests 580,043

College counselor Chad Sisk answers questions on AP exams

Nationwide and local statistics

English Language

Interviewing an expert

news writers

How can I prepare for it?

Ladue students share study advice for the exams

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Start studying early, don’t wait till the night before because there are a lot of materials.

- Kiara Crawford (12) Start studying at least a month before your test, and review backwards.

- Madalyn Abady (11)

Always on time

AP tests dates and times during May

6 US Gov. 7:30 Env. Science 11:30

Spanish Lang.

7:30

13 Biology 7:30 Phys. Mech.

11:30 Phys. E+M 2:00

7

8

Eng L+C 7:30 Euro. History 11:30 French Lang.

11:30

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Chemistry 7:30 US History Spanish L+C 7:30 7:30 German Lang.

11:30 Psych. 11:30

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Calc. AB 7:30 Eng. L+C 7:30 World Hist.

Calc. BC 7:30 Macro. 11:30 7:30 Statistics 11:30

10

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Micro. 7:30 Music Thry.

7:30 Comp. Sci. 11:30 Latin 11:30

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NEWS

History of Earth Day

What do freshmen think of Earth Day?

A well-known tradition explained Clayton Coughlin & Lucy Lochmoeller

A

news writers

pril 22, marks the celebration of Earth Day. This tradition started with Gaylord Nelson in 1970, but now people across the world try to honor the planet for one day to better the environment.

In 1969 an oil spill polluted bays in California. This prompted a different committees in Congress to come together and educate the public about harmful pesticides, waste and factories.

This first Earth Day was celebrated by 20 million people and prompted acts regarding the enviornment to be passed. “ I celebrate Earth Day because I think it’s important to take a day to look at the world around us and see if we’re treating it the best we can. I think our planet is taken for granted,” freshman Ross Waller said.

The Enviornmental Protection Agency was created due to the enviornmental

protection movement and produced more awareness. Even the modern movement pushing for a greener America is thought to be started with Earth Day. Now, 49 years later, the tradition is celebrated by 193 countries and is integrated into Ladue curriculum.

“The Earth has to last us a long time, and we need to teach students how to take care of it. If we don’t take care of it, it’s not gonna last,” gym teacher, Stephanie O’Neil said.

One example of enviornmental awareness in classrooms is Spanish III, where there is a unit about how to take care of the environment. Students learn to talk about the ways to conserve energy at home and as a community.

“I now do simple things like unplugging my chargers and turning of the lights because we talk and learn about them so much in Spanish,” freshman Bobby Harderster said.

Gaylord Nelson announces the concept for Earth Day.

1969

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1970

A Time Vine

“

I usually clean up this park by my house, it is very rewarding to help the environment.

-Maria Dolan, 9

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My parents have our family use the least amount of electricity possible.

-Harrison Lamar, 9

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Me and my Mom go out and plant flowers and set out birdfeeders in our yard.

-Julia Tullman, 9

A series of events that show the progression of Earth Day’s Legacy

20 million people participate in the first Earth Day.

1990

1972 The Clean Water Act, which fights pollution in bodies of water, is passed.

Endangered Species Act passed to protect animals in need.

1973

Ear 140 hel

NEWS

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Helping out, two volunteers organize the recycling and compost in their station. The St. Louis Festival demonstates and encourages good recycling habits.

Chess Fun Helping a little girl, a volunteer from Chess Club teaches her chess and helps her move the giant piece. Like chess, the festival has many games and fun activities to do for the kids that go. (Photos by Laura Allers-Lowry)

Earthday Festival

Grows

Annual St. Louis Earth day Festival grows in attendance as the concern of Earth’s state increases.

Jenna Boltzman & Faith Deddens news writers

R

esearch has shown that every year people grow more concerned over the Earth’s changing climate and begin to celebrate Earth day. St. Louis is the home of the longest running Earth Day festival in the country. Produced by earthday365, this event is newly renamed from St. Louis Earth Day. The St. Louis Earth Day Festival offers a variety of music, activities and food. This is provided by local businesses, artists and Green Dining Alliance restaurants.

Laura Allers-Lowry, the event

y Earth Day goes global with 140 countries taking part in helping environment.

manager of the festival, says that the festival has only grown in popularity as the years have gone on.

“The festival started out as a grass roots event that occurred in different locations throughout Forest Park, before it landed and stayed on the Muny grounds,” Allers-Lowry said.

The festival will take place on April 27 and April 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park.

“Without a safe and healthy world, the future is bleak or literally non-existent,” Allers-Lowry said.

Over a billion people in 192 countries participated in the 42nd 2012 Earth Day.

16.6% of Ladue students have attended the St. Louis Earth Day Festival. (based on 151 responses)

To honor the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Earth Day Network is creating a list of goals they want to achieve in order to better the environment.

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President Bill Clinton gives the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Gaylord Nelson for his work to better the environment.

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NEWS

Where do the cans go?

During the Fill the Bucket Fundraiser from March 4 to March 14th the Ladue School District partnered with Operation Food Search to collect food for people in poverty across the St. Louis area. How does this food go from the blue buckets to a child’s plate?

Natalie Ashkar news writer The canned food drive begins long before people start bringing in donations with a Beans series of meetings by the Character Education Committee to this district-wide event. At these meetings, the staff discuss ways to encourage maximum participation. “That’s where we came up with all of the ideas to have a competition per level,” Character Education leader Haydee Taylor-Arnold said.

plan

The truck then brings all of the items that students and staff have donated to the Operation Food Search wearhouse.

The food remains here until it is ready to be distributed to Operation Food Search network agencies. “Each month, Operation Food Search distributes more than $3 million worth of food to nearby community partners that in turn feed more than every single month.” the Operation Food Search website said.

200,000 people

Once a food pick-up is organized it is taken to those in need across the St. Louis Bi-State region. This includes the poor and homeless of all ages and backgrounds. “[We want] to people who are in need... and [having food that is] accessible is the most important thing for them,” Taylor-Arnold said.

support

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Next, students fill the barrel. Students brought donations for a variety of reasons including extra credit for classes or to give back to the com-

donated

munity. “The reason I is because I am fortunate to have enough food on my table and be able to eat and get what I want .. and I want someone who can’t do that experience it,” sophomore Harjas Singh said.

After the fundraiser ends, the donated food is loaded up onto an Operation Food Search truck for transportation. At this time, each school tallies up it’s total contributions. “At Ladue Horton Watkins, we

3 barrels

filled with canned food items,” Character Education Leader Marguerette Griese said.

Finally, hungry people eat the food the Ladue community have provided. Every item any student donated is put to use feeding a hungry mouth. “[The food drive] and makes us think twice before throwing [away] a plate of food or anything that you might think is disgusting... to someone who doesn’t have food it is gold and a dream,” Singh said.

brings us together

A&E

Out With The Old...

In With The New

All the Help You Need for a Thorough Spring Clean Diora Ton a & e writer

Students Pitch In

Dusting Off New Year Resolutions Committing to daily meditation and a vigorous fitness regime may have seemed like a good idea at the beginning of January, but four months into 2019, it’s time to refocus and prioritize. New year resolutions are famous for their low success rates, but the intimidation of high expectations shouldn’t detract from the importance of setting goals. As the end of the school year approaches, getting into a positive mindset focused on correcting bad habits and making future plans can ease the burden of impending deadlines.

Although an organized bedroom and empty desktop may seem trivial for the typical student caught up in the mania of a strict schedule, many studies have shown that an organized workspace leads to reduced stress and improved productivity. The wonders of cleanliness have been praised by celebrity authors like Marie Kondo and psychologists alike, but the secret behind organization lies behind the individual who utilizes it. Whether “cleaning up” for you means donating a bag of old clothes or completely redecorating your work space, a little spring clean can be beneficial to the most adamant of messy students.

Feng Shui Cures Mirrors and artwork are key in regulating the flow of energy in a room by bringing in more light and creating the illusion of open space. Feng Shui wealth colors, like gold and purple, are hues commonly associated with the reaping of luck and success.

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Athena Vinch, 10

The first thing I do when I start to clean is to get rid of all the clutter and decide whether all the things I have accumulated are actually necessary to keep. By the end of that process, I am down to the essetials and can begin organizing more in detail.

“ Georgette Seeger, 10

It is necessary for busy students to stay organized in order to have a clear, focused headspace. With a clear work space, students can keep their thoughts and actions organized. My tricks for cleaning are to stay focused and chip away at it bit by bit. This will make the process quicker and more efficient.

Feng Shui, or Chinese geomancy, is an ancient form of organization which claims to harmonize an individual with their environment using auspicious symbols and the movement of energy.

Crystals are a common cure, or object associated with good luck and clean energy, due to the belief that different types of crystals have the ability to draw out negative energy and alleviate stress. Different crystals combined with meaningful items in a space can bring in much needed clarity and activate good Feng Shui.

Nature is the ultimate symbol of peace and tranquility, so incorporating plants and water into a space will help attract those same elements into a room. Bamboo and money plants are common forms of greenery placed in homes and places of buisness to draw in good luck and prosperity.

Photos from Google Images

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AA && EE

Coming Soon Watch out for these

highly anticipated

1 Aladdin

Coming: May 24, 2019

Twenty-seven years later, Aladdin returns with a live-action remake of the 1992 original animated film. The star-studded cast is mentionable as it features Will Smith, Nasim Pedrad and Naomi Scott. The trailer shows that this movie follows the original plot while bringing new energy. We are hoping that this movie will maintain its original glory while offering a more modern take and fresh approach to the tale of a young boy with a few wishes.

3 The Lion King

Coming: July 19, 2019

Disney’s realistically animated remake of the 1994 classic, “The Lion King,” has countless fans waiting in anticipation of its arrival to the theater. The trailer reveals that the remake will maintain the true essence of the original film. The incredible cast includes the voices of John Oliver, Donald Glover and Beyoncé. With vivid animations and a classic storyline, this is one Disney remake of 2019 that we cannot wait to see.

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... Again

Disney remakes

AA&&EE Caroline Tyrrell & Sarah Suffian a & e writers

and sequels of 2019

2 Toy Story 4

Coming: June 21, 2019

The classic story of Woody and his gang will return for the fourth time this summer. While we can say that Toy Story 1, 2 and 3 all lived up to expectations, this fourth movie might be a bit too much. “Toy Story 4” will focus on a love story between Woody and another toy, as well as a small group of new characters. While there is some potential for this movie to be a hit, we are hoping that it does not leave us wishing “Toy Story 3” was the end.

4 Frozen 2

Coming: November 22, 2019

Anna, Elsa and Olaf return to the big screen six years later to embark on another eventful journey. The teaser trailer leaves us with many unanswered questions regarding the main plot and storyline. All that we know is that most of the well-loved characters will reappear in the new 2019 film. We are eager to see whether this sequel will be able to meet the mass success of the 2013 hit, “Frozen,” or just miss the mark completely.

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A&E

Let’s G A

E

Grace Hu & Rhea Kaw a&e writers

A review of Ladue’s most popular computer games

Tetris I’m no Tetris expert, so the game was confusing. The clunky, retro graphics distracted me from the actual gameplay, and strange controls like a clicking option, as well as the arrow keys made the blocks difficult to control. I can clearly see how one could spend hours playing this game, but it’s not for me.

2048 2048 is my personal go-to when I want to waste time. It’s a simple number game in which players use the arrow keys to combine numbers. The design is succinct and clean, and it utilizes a palette of warm colors. 2048 is highly addictive, and with the right strategy, it’s easy to obtain that 2048.

Papa’s Papa’s Pizzeria is an iconic game. It combines a gripping storyline with fun visuals and gameplay to help the player run a virtual pizza shop. The first few levels of baking crusts and adding toppings were fun, but the game got increasingly difficult as more orders started rolling in. Overall a fun game, but not for the easily stressed.

LadueLoopFacts A look into the history of other gaming devices

Released in 1972

Atari Pong Released in 1989 This game console sold over one million units. It came preloaded with Tetris.

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Game Boy Released in 2005

Wii

The Nintendo Wii began a new age of wirless and motion sensored remotes.

Released in 2011 The Nintendo 3DS was a successful hand-held console that sold over 73.5 million units.

3DS Released in 2017

Switch Source: Business Insider Australia

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One of the earliest video games. Pong revolutionized the video game industry.

This Nintendo hybrid console can be used in portable and stationary modes.

IN-DEPTH

There’s no escaping...

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IN-DEPTH

Fast Facts relatively few people 1 While are diagnosed as addicted, most peoples’ social media usage is so high that it has a negative impact.

media addiction is 2 Social associated with multiple

psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, loneliness and ADHD.

detox” is a good 3 “Digital way to treat social media

addiction through setting strict rules.

Washington Post, Psychology Today

Are you addicted?

Do you spend more than three hours a day on No social media?

Yes Does your social media activity stop you from No being productive?

Yes Do you feel like you’re missing out when you No don’t check every day?

Yes You are likely You are likely addicted. not addicted.

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Scrolling yo

Delving into the dangers of the s

Y

ou are jolted awake by the blaring of your alarm clock. You roll over, grab your phone and turn it off, silencing the cacophony of noise. Instinctively, you start scrolling through Instagram. You HAVE to know what went on from the time you went to bed to the time you were so rudely awakened. If this sounds all too familiar, we have some bad news for you— you might be an addict.

But don’t worry, you are in some good company. “The percentage of teens who check social media multiple times a day has more than doubled from 34 percent in 2012 to 70 percent in 2018,” Common Sense Media, an education organization, found.

Humans are social creatures and we seek out interaction wherever we can get it. We experience FOMO; if we see

all our friends on social m us, we feel separated fro while a like on a post giv of validation. Our brain c does us in.

“It tends to work as a g addiction would work, lo reward system and that dopamine rush. It t You want to keep gam going back and wo check and check sys to get that rush,” rus AP Psych teacher Amanda Kaupp said.

The hours we spend mi scrolling, tapping and sw can do serious harm to o health.

“It’s been damaging to ple with their anxiety and

“

“

How much time do you think you spend on social media every day?

Open up ‘Screen Time’ in settings. How much time do you actually spend?

Like

Caroline Waldman (11)

Expectation

Reality

6 ho min

your l i f e a w a y

he social media addiction epidemic

social media without ted from the action, ost gives us a sense brain chemistry also

levels because of the constant competition,” Kaupp said. Instead of the genuine connections we can only get with human interaction, we fill a void with comments and likes. Our self esk as a gambling teem also takes a hit as we compare work, looking at the ourselves to each others’ highlights d and worry constantly h. It tends to work as a whether we are missing gambling addiction would out on something. There physical effects that work, looking at the reward are come with addiction too, system and that dopamine like eye strain or insomrush. nia caused by the blue d. light emitted by your screen. end mindlessly So what can we do? The first step and swiping away is to hold yourself accountable: track m to our mental the amount of time you spend on social media (this is something you can ging to many peoeasily do in your settings) and create ety and depression limits for yourself. Try turning off no-

“

“

11)

y

6 hours, 32 minutes

Expectation

Reality

6 hours

in-depth writers

“

Um, 12 hours a day.

Isabel Edwards (11)

Athena Vinch & Madalyn Abady

tifications to minimize distractions. If you really feel like things have gotten out of control, it might be time to go cold turkey. Consider deleting apps from your phone, even for just a couple days to give yourself a break. You can also try to work on minimizing your screen time. “Setting parameters like with any habit [helps to stay productive], even if you have to put your phone in the dryer—not while [the dryer] is on obviously,” Kaupp said.

It may seem impossible, but just cutting out even a few minutes of social media consumption a day gives you the freedom to do so much more.

So the next time you start mindlessly scrolling, remember that there’s a life outside of the selfies, stories and status updates. It’s time to stop scrolling your life away.

“

Like 4 hours.

IN-DEPTH

Probably like 5 hours.

Isabelle Shepard (11)

Expectation

5 hours, 7 minutes

Reality

(page design by ethan willick)

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FEATURES

A look at the Lehde’s Men

Jamie Korenblat & Rhea Patney

T

features writers

he Lehde’s Men are a student-led male jazz combo here at Ladue High School.

They were officially founded in the fall of 2017 and were named after the Ladue high school band director, Aaron Lehde. Now, they have evolved into a prominent music group that plays at many events, such as the jazz concert, the Ladue Education Foundation Alumni Event and the Dad’s Club Trivia Night.

Lehde gives the group advice on occasion, but isn’t really involved past that. He doesn’t coordinate their schedule or choose their music.

“Sometimes, I find out the Lehde’s Men have performed after they perform,” Lehde said. “There have been a couple times where they say, ‘Oh yeah, we played last night,’ and I wouldn’t know.”

The Lehde’s Men do not use sheet music. They simply listen to the song they want to learn and figure out the notes and rhythms for it. This is a process unique to jazz bands called transcription.

“I think [transcription] is good because it is good for ear training,” freshman Jake Hinz said. “It also makes it easier to remember when you learn [the music] step by step yourself.”

The majority of the group members only played solo music in the past. However, joining the Lehde’s Men has opened their eyes to a new musical dynamic they hadn’t experienced before.

“I’ve played the piano, the guitar and the organ, but I had never performed with a group before,” senior Zach Wild said. “We’re almost like a sports team. We have to work together to accomplish a common goal, and jazz music is definitely all about communication.”

Overall, the Lehde’s Men is a way for students who love music to further explore their passion in a group setting.

“Being in the Lehde’s Men has made me love [music] even more,” Hinz said. “Being pushed to play my very best has really deepened my passion for [music].”

Meet the Lehde’s Men Hale Masaki- Bass Alec Hines- Drums Zach Wild- Piano Ryan Melnick- Guitar Gabe DiAntonio- Alto sax Noah Melson- Tenor Sax Nick Whitaker- Fiddle/tenor sax Kian Howe- Bass Jake Hinz- Trumpet

On Stage: The Lehde’s Men perform at the dad’s club trivia night. The crowd appreciated the live music and enjoyed the performance. “It was really fun to play the event and raise money for the LEF,” Ryan Melnick said. (Photo submitted by Zach Wild)

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Lincoln Grench- Alto Sax

Seniors direct one acts

Daphne Levy & Annie Pan feature writers

E

very year, the seniors direct one acts for the Ladue community to watch. This year seniors Courvaun Hill, Abigail Yearout, Trey Schwartz, Nikol Nikolova and David Steiner have joined together to create a performance of senior directed acts that will be showcased April 24-26.

Previous years, the seniors had been a part of the acting section of the one acts. This year, they strive to make the one acts better than before as they take their place behind the director’s chair.

“Last year [was when I] started to get more involved in the theater world and started to make a lot of friends that were in theater,” Nikolova said. “I thought that I really wanted to stay involved in that and stay a part of that community, and directing a one act was a cool way to kind of ‘go out with a bang’ as a senior.”

Earlier in this semester, the seniors hosted auditions for various parts for their shows. The audition consisted of picking a

FEATURES

monologue from one of the shows. Later on during the week, there were callbacks to finalize the cast.

“The audition process is so stressful because everyone is so talented,” Hill said.

“It’s so hard to not just take everyone, but it’s also so much Final Stretch Senior Courvaun Hill directs onefun because you get acts in the band room after school April 9. (photo submitted by Zach Weller) to see everyone do what they love to the audience. Each cast member do. It kind of gives you a piece of the [actor] and their has the responsibility of getting their lines down and really trying personality.” to connect with their character.

With the show’s deadline My responsibility is trying to help approaching, both the actors and them connect with their character, seniors strive to give the one-acts making sure the story is getting their all. The rehearsals are consistold the right way and making tent with everyone preparing for sure everything is going perfectly the final push. during the show.”

“A typical day at rehearsal is So as the stage for the senior very chaotically organized,” Hill directed one acts start to get set, said. “We always have set plans, the seniors and actors prepare for but things always go in a different their upcoming performances. way. It typically consists of just “I recommend everyone to really running the show and makcome; it’ll be fun and you’ll all have ing sure everybody can embody a great time,” Hill said. their character and display that to

5 Quick Tips for the Perfect Audition 1

Know what is expected of you.

4

Practice, practice, practice.

2

Read the audition packet to be knowledgeable of character descriptions and information about the shows.

5

Have fun! Try to enjoy the audition experience.

3

Pick a monologue from the show you like the best.

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FEATURES

Getting well

after a torn ACL

Varsity freshman Emma Smith tears her ACL Emerson Linden & Sophia Liu

STANDING TALL Freshman Emma Smith stands on crutches after undergoing surgery to repair her ACL. Smith will have to spend nine months in the recovery process after surgery. (Photo

by Emerson Linden)

E

FEATURES WRITERS

very year, nearly 200,000 ACL related injuries occur in the United States. Of one of them is freshman point guard Emma Smith who recently suffered an ACL tear during the girls’ varsity basketball game against Villa Feb. 23. Smith was jumping for a rebound, which resulted in her knees collapsing as she landed.

“I was in shock for like five minutes, it was pretty scary. [Coaches and teammates] were saying prayers and hoping for me to get better,” Smith said.

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of two ligaments located in the center of the knee which connects the femur to the tibia. ACL related injuries typically result from deceleration in which the individual may hear a popping sound. Tearing the ACL will result in lack of stability and extensive therapy. Smith has played basketball for nine years, and will be out of all sports for the next nine months. In those nine months, Smith will undergo extensive therapy to ease her back into participating in sports again.

“It’s just a little disappointing since it’s senior year and “I go to physical therapy and we do exercises to I love to play sports and now I’m out for the rest of regain movement of my knee so I can move it after surgery,” Smith said. While Smith’s recovery process is the season,” Isaacs said.

In addition, soccer player going smoothly, it also provides motivation for Eyob Tewelde tore his ACL Smith to push through and get back on [MY INJURY] MOTIVATES in June of 2018. Tewelde’s the court.

ME TO PUSH AND STAY recovery process is near Senior Sophie Isaacs also STRONG THROUGH THIS SO ing an end as he plans to recently suffered an ACL injury receive a doctor’s confirmaduring a girl’s varsity soccer game I CAN GET BACK ON THE tion for his return to sports March 22. Isaacs was running for COURT. in April of 2019. a ball when her right knee pivoted -EMMA SMITH “The recovery process has while her foot remained planted, resulting in a thorough ACL tear. Isaacs, who been slow, but not difficult. Physical therapy was has previously experienced an ACL in- elongated to ensure growth and stability in my knee.” jury in her left knee, completely tore Tewelde said.

For Smith, Isaacs and Tewelde, returning to sports through her right ACL, requiring will be a lengthy process. For all of them, the recovery surgery. Isaacs will have to go process consists of physical therapy and surgery to through physical therapy ease these athletes back into sports. However, the both before and after recovery process has been motivational for them to surgery in order to push through and to come back stronger. fully recover.

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FEATURES

Creation and Destruction 9/25 Anna Fiacco painted “Creation and Destruction” as part of the RISD application.

More than Just

Ryan Melnick Feature Writer

C

Paint

ooper Union School of Art is an up a new curriculum for me,” Fiacco said. item of wishful thinking for many The rising artist also has several works artists. However, for rising artist hanging in Ladue’s art gallery. Ladue High senior Anna Fiacco, it’s more than just School and it’s teachers have definitely a dream; it’s where she’ll be spending played a role in her success. the next four years of her life. Fiacco has “We’re pretty privileged to have a lot of gained recognition around Ladue High resources, and I never need to worry about School and the St. Louis area for her high not having supplies,” Fiacco said. “If I need quality artwork. For Fiacco, art is more a certain thing, Mr. Raedeke will go out and than just a hobby or even a career; it’s a get it for me.” lifestyle.

Fiacco also credits Raedeke as being a Fiacco has been creating art “Art is just what I major part of her success. for as long as she can remem“I think [Anna] has a lot of love to do.” talent and creativity, and I’ve ber.

“It’s just something I always enjoyed seeing her art over the enjoyed,” Fiacco said. years,” Raedeke said.

Fiacco has accomplished many artisFiacco’s artwork speaks on human natic feats within the walls of Ladue High ture and the real world. It portrays reality School. She completed AP art studio twice. with elements of the abstract.

Fiacco also takes Painting 4, a class made “My art focuses a lot around realism, specifically for her. portraiture and different aspects of figure “I basically drawing that make up parts of my life and ran out of touch on human nature,” Fiacco said. ‘It classes in tends to be pretty literal. I did a project on that track human insecurities. I painted realistic faces to take, and painted the parts they were insecure so they about yellow. I do a lot of hands and the made color yellow is very symbolic to different parts your life.”

Fiacco’s artwork has led to amazing opportunities. Next year, she will be attending Cooper Union School of Art as part of the class of 2024, where she will continue her art career.

“Art is just what I love to do” Fiacco said.

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Brynn 3/1

Self Portrait as an Array 1/22

Necrotic 3/22

Transparent 1/28

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FEATURES

Suffering from senioritis

How bad is your senioritis? Take the quiz below to find out

START

Erin Turkieltaub

features writer

Have you skipped school this semester?

YES NO

Fallen asleep in class?

YES

Taking an AP exam this semester?

5 OR MORE

Graduating early?

NO

YES Hanging in There: This last semester has been painful but you are still enjoying your last days at Ladue.

4/19/19

How many tests have you skipped?

NO

Taking a study hall?

20

NO

Committed to a college?

YES

YES

LESS THAN 5

NO

YES

NO Barely Surviving: Every day is a struggle to get out of bed and drag yourself through the doors of LHS.

Extreme Sufferer: You are definitely ready to leave and never look back on the last four years.

OPINIONS

Editorial Cartoon

staff artist

Tonya Barry

or lack thereof Carly Woodhill opinions writer

W

hen I walked into my first real health class as a freshman, I don’t know what I expected. Maybe learn about some diseases. It was a ‘health’ class, right?

And while I walked out with a decent amount of useful knowledge and a small amount of things that I would never need, one thing was glaringly obvious to me. The sex education was disturbingly lacking.

Yeah, we learned about STDs, but that was really it. I don’t think we even touched on consent. It was just ‘abstinence, abstinence, abstinence,’ over and over again, which just isn’t realistic for the teenagers who have their hormones running rampant.

I wasn’t taught about my own body, or how to take care of it.

I wasn’t taught was ‘discharge’ was, and not once was same-sex coupling touched upon, which I though was strange for a school district that is LGBT friendly.

I think rather than just pretending that everyone is going to abstain from sex until they’re out of high school and it’s no longer the school’s problem, teenagers should be taught more about sex, genital hygiene and other unconventional topics because the knowledge, however uncomfortable, is necessary.

I didn’t learn very much of anything related to sex ed- I relied on Google for any real education for sex ed or hygiene tips, such as the ones on the right.

The HPV vaccine is most effective when recieved in the teenage years. According to the CDC, ‘HPV vaccines provide close to 100% protection against cervical precancers and genital warts.’

Puberty can cause large discolored stretch marks on the breasts or other parts of the body. This is not your veins rupturing.

Shaving your body hair doesn’t cause it to grow back thicker.

*according to a 2017 report from the US Department of Agriculture

Ladue’s sex ed

What I Learned

the average cost of raising a child to 17 years old excluding the cost of college is estimated to be $233,610*.

You should get STI tested even if you’ve never had sex before you can get them anyway.

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OPINIONS

Veganism

What are the pros and cons?

Caroline Edgar

opinions writer

V

eganism is a heated topic for many people. There are vegans, vegetarians, pescetarians, meat eaters and people who fight furiously for each side over which diet is the most morally correct.

Although I respect everybody whose diet restricts their food options, I won’t ever become vegan. The pros and cons are quite unbalanced. While I do agree there are pros to veganism, the cons far outweigh the pros. One can easily lead a healthy and happy life eating meat and animal products just as much as those who don’t.

Only 2% of Americans are vegan

Pros

• Promotes weight loss

A vegan diet is extremely low in calories. A vegetarian diet is low, but a vegan diet is even lower, so this attracts many people to the diet.

Vegan diets can protect against hypertension, type 2 diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases because they are usually low in saturated fats.

Restricting yourself to a vegan diet is really hard, and the control over your diet can extend to other things you do in your daily life as well.

• Reduced risk of serious illnesses

• Promotes better self control

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One of the biggest arguments is that vegans will live longer, however most people eat meat and the average lifespan is quite long anyway, so it doesn’t make such a large difference that it affects the general population.

Another really common argument is that veganism promotes weight loss however, if you’re so dedicated to losing weight that you’re willing to cut all animal products out of your diet, you can exercise regularly and lose weight that way too. In my opinion, the vegan diet is unnecessary.

Cons

• Not everyone can afford it

It’s no secret that healthy vegetables and plant products are more expensive than other foods because they’re harder to produce quickly

Those with diseases such as anemia have lower levels of iron, and those deficiencies simply can’t be filled with a plant-based diet.

Most restaurants dont have a very large section of vegetarian foods, much less vegan. If dining out is common for you, a vegan diet may not be your best option.

compared to other industries.

• Some people need meat to live • Difficulty dining out

62%

SIT

STAND

37%

OPINIONS

or

STAND

Sit ?

The controversy over The Pledge of Allegiance Reginald Lashley

opinions writer

I

45.6 percent of people think pledges should be mandatory, and this is where the main problem is. Why, in “the country of the free” should any daily verbal confirmations of allegiance be a good thing? Just let people choose. Don’t feel pressured to stand or sit down during the pledge. Do what you want to do. Don’t feel pressured to swear your loyalty to a flag you don’t fully support. Do what you think is right. Do you.

45.6 % OF AME RI THE PLE CANS THINK DGE SHO MANDAT ULD BE ORY.

Information from tylt ProCon.com

n late 2017, during my time as an eighth grader at Ladue Middle School, I was already cynical about American society as a whole.

I found it, in my mind, reasonable I didn’t want to stand up every day and pledge my allegiance to a country in which I did not approve of its actions.

Apparently, to some, I was wrong.

One literature class in particular, only bolstered my opinions. We had an rather older substitute, who I’d estimate to be in his late 60s or 70s.

The daily announcements went on, and when the Pledge rang loud, I did not stand up. I continued on with my work, which proved to be a large problem for this substitute. I, seated in the front, was in clear view for this substitute, and apparently my act of defiance was a major problem. He slowly walked up to me, and told me that I in all my being, was completely disrespectful.

In short, his message was I was disrespecting the freedom that had been so hard-fought for. I didn’t say anything back to the teacher, but I remember that experience vividly. Now I just laugh at the experience.

Of course we fought for freedom, and won some semblance of it, but in WWII we weren’t out there as some glowing savior fighting in the name of freedom for all, we were getting our lick back. And Vietnam? We were

the invaders, the imperialists. We were the ones crushing Vietnamese freedoms. America dumped 388,000 tons of napalm on innocent civilians and used chemical weapons that to this day still are present in the soils.

And in Korea, we were the occupants, setting up our own tyrannical dictatorial state. We didn’t care if it was democratic, or even ethical. It was just to get back at the “commies”.

So, now, in this divided political climate, the simple decision of sitting or standing is a divisive and controversial issue. Look, if my forefathers “fought for my freedom”, why is it such a problem for me to use my freedom of speech to not pledge my undying support for a country I don’t fully respect? I don’t care if others stand or sit; I’m not going to shove my rhetoric down people’s throats. I don’t care if others stand or sit, so why is it such a problem if I sit? Look, I get it. You want to support the country. I have zero problems with that. In fact, having a patriotic faith to your country can be good and encourages people to want to be better for their country, and I absolutely respect that. But the problem is when this patriotism turns to nationalism.

No current law Students Required Students have the option

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SPORTS

Team Time Celebrating after a win, Ladue golf team members Lindsey Byer, Lauren Cedagreen, Rehgan Harris, Kacy Spratt and Grace Claney smile. (photo submitted by Riley Keltner)

Short Game Keltner lines up her putt while playing in a tournement for Truman State Universtiy where she attended college. Kelter coaches girls golf along with Jessica Kennedy. (photo submitted by Riley Keltner)

Keltner balances teaching and coaching Tommy Margulis & Adam Lynn sports writers

T

he job of a teacher has gradually gotten harder throughout the years. Between lesson plans, lectures, meetings and emails, the job of a teacher can often be exhausting, and that doesn’t even include grading every student’s assignments throughout the year. For many teachers, the job doesn’t stop after class ends. Some teachers don’t go straight home after work; instead, they join their students at sporting practice.

Riley Keltner is a History teacher at Ladue High School and is also one of the girl’s golf coaches. In addition to coaching, Keltner is also an avid golfer.

“I got into it at a young age because my parents played golf, but I didn’t really become serious about it until seventh grade. I was obviously really serious about it through high school and ended up getting a scholarship to play college ball at Truman State University,” Keltner said.

Keltner, currently in her second year at Ladue, stresses the difficulty of juggling teaching and coaching. At times, Keltner feels overwhelmed with keeping up with school and teaching because of all the time coaching can take.

“It’s actually kind of difficult because girls golf is at the beginning of the school year,” Keltner said. “Sometimes, we have matches in the evening, and sometimes

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I won’t get home until 8, and I still feel like I have stuff to do to prep for school the next day. I just know that I have to time manage because I know that I have to get stuff done. I do miss a lot of school as well because we have to play our A-Team matches during the school day.

So, just trying to plan ahead and stay on top of things.”

Keltner has been balancing teaching and coaching for a few years now and has some tips for other teachers who may struggle with balancing the two and how to manage their time better. She also brings up how she has had experience being a student athlete, which has helped her.

“You cannot procrastinate,” Keltner said. “It is something I really had to learn, which is why I’m thankful that I did play sports and had activities going on after school.

I had to manage my time because of that. It can be really stressful sometimes, but you just have to remember that everything will get done, and if something happens to not get done, you just have to hope that the people around you will be flexible and show you some grace and time.”

Freshman golfer, Catherine Fox, was a member of the golf team this past season. This was her first year being coached by Keltner. Fox reflects on this past season and how Keltner handled it. ”I remember some practices you could tell she was stressed, while others she was more under control, but overall I thought she time managed well,” Fox said.

SPORTS

Spring season chills Cold weather delays sports

Dylan Melnick Sports Writer

A

t the start of Ladue High School’s 2019 spring sports season, cold and wet weather has caused many of the sports to be interrupted.

The cold weather makes trying to play sports very hard sometimes. It makes it more difficult for players to run and prepare for games. Also, rain can cause fields to be very muddy and unusable for the teams to play on.

“When it is really cold outside you have to wear a lot of layers to keep you warm, and the layers really slow you down when you run. Also, all of your muscles are tight because it is cold,” freshman Kyle Cox said.

Many spring sports have turned to practicing indoors to combat the bad weather. However, practicing indoors is a lot different from practicing outdoors. Things that can be done outdoors are hard to duplicate indoors. Baseball has found

ways to successfully work around some of these challenges and find ways to practice inside.

“If the team is in the batting cage, we will usually hit and pitch for a little bit, and then if we are in the gym we usually do conditioning or grounders. Sometimes, we’ll talk about plays for games at the end of practices,” freshman Jack Mitchell said.

Even though practicing indoors is a viable option when the weather is not great, space inside is very limited. Many different sports have to find space, but there isn’t enough for all of them. Especially at the Fifth Grade Center, lacrosse, baseball and soccer have to share the turf field and indoor facilities.

“When our field is too wet to play on and we have to play on the artificial turf field, sometimes there just isn’t enough room to run certain drills while having to share with other sports,” JV baseball coach Mike Hill said.

When the weather is too cold for a team to have a normal practice, the coach has to make a decision on possible changes to practice quickly and has to communicate with the players about changes as well. Sometimes, the change in practices because of the weather can cause a lot of confusion.

“One day when it was cold outside, I went to the track for practice with some other track members just to realize that it was

Alternative options Nick Fiacco trains indoors for track during the offseason. Fiacco has been participating in the javelin throw event since freshman year. (Photo by Lauren Pesce)

changed to indoors in the gym and we were a bit confused from the situation,” Cox said.

The cold weather and practicing indoors can really affect a team’s ability to be ready for the start of the season. The teams have to practice on different surfaces that may be unlike the real field which can cause them to not be 100 percent ready going into the games.

Also, practice indoors just isn’t the same as being able to practice outdoors.

“There isn’t a substitute for being on the field and seeing a situation or looking at a situation and trying to replicate indoors or on a turf field. It just doesn’t translate,” Hill said.

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SPORTS

Chesson takes the next step Domenic Fenoglio

M

sports writer

ost high schoolers graduate to college with hopes of receiving a degree in their desired field, not playing football. However, Dale Chesson, is no ordinary high schooler. An all-state wide receiver that led his team to back to back state championship appearances and a victory his senior year, he was offered a scholarship to a wide array of schools before finally settling on Dartmouth.

“Hopefully if all goes well, I’ll graduate with a great degree and hopefully go to the NFL,” Chesson said.

Ladue football had a immaculate season, obtaining a perfect 15-0 record. This accomplishment was in large part due to the efforts of Chesson and his fellow seniors.

His stats speak for themselves, and his leadership did not go unnoticed.

“Dale was always a leader during practice and led by example,” freshman teammate Jared Rhodes said.

One major motivation for the team this year was their desire to avenge their last season. After reaching the state finals, Chesson and the Rams lost to cross state powerhouse Webb City. Their desire for revenge fueled them to defeat every team on their schedule before finally getting the chance to play Webb City again.

This time, for a trip back to the state finals.

35 3102

Career touchdowns

All-Purpose Yards 26

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25

“The Webb City game was a great moment for us, to beat them at their field,” Rhodes said.

After continuing to roll over anyone standing in their way, the Rams brought home the program’s first ever state championship. Chesson’s contributions were appreciated by more than just Ladue, as the colleges began to call. While most students were stressing over their applications to the colleges of their dreams, Chesson was fielding offers from schools recruiting him. He had an impressive 25 schools offer him a scholarship.

Dartmouth was where Chesson chose to commit. His decision boiled down to more than just the game.

According to Usnews.com, Dartmouth is ranked the 12th best school academically and is renowned around the world for its academics.

“Once I set foot on campus [all the people there] I felt at home,” Chesson said.

Football runs through Chesson’s blood as his brother Jehu is in the NFL. This sets an example for Dale, as well as a goal. The future is bright for the youngest Chesson brother, and his next step may prove to be his greatest one yet.

“That’s always been a thing we’ve [Jehu] joked about, playing against each other, but that’s the ultimate goal,” Chesson said.

1

Scholarship Offers

State Championship

39-5

Career Record

Photo by Mallory Ward

Boyd Shoots For Success

SPORTS

Ava Bussmann & Addie Bitting Sports Writers

Q&A with lacrosse player Maggie Lawton What team outside of Ladue do you play for?

I play for Brave Lacrosse which is a traveling team based in St. Louis.

How has traveling to tournaments across the country given you opportunities as an athlete?

[They] give me the opportunity to play against elite players and be scouted by college coaches. Tournaments also film games, so I can watch what I have done and create a highlight video. It also helps me gain the experience of traveling with a team, which I would do in college.

How has playing on your club team improved your skills?

Jaylen Boyd, junior star on the Ladue boys basketball team, has many goals for his future including college and the possibility of playing professionally.

“My goals are to play division one basketball and too be committed by the start of next season,” Boyd said.

His love for basketball wasn’t sparked until his father encouraged him to dedicate himself to only basketball.

“I was a two-sport athlete coming into high school, but once my dad made me quit, I got used to basketball being my main sport,” Boyd said.

This season his dedication for basketball has shown through, as the Ladue basketball team placed third in state. Not only did the team place third, Boyd had a

buzzer beating shot, sending the team to the state semi-finals.

“Basketball helps build character and for me it helps me to be a leader on and off the court,” Boyd said.

Basketball is a large part of Boyds life. He not only enjoys to compete and hopes to build a career off the sport, he has a strong passion for it that allows him to play for himself.

“What excites me about basketball is the love that I have for the game,” Boyd said. “Basketball is my solution when I’m not having a good day or just simply touching a ball makes me feel better.”

Senior leaves wise words for younger athletes “I think in a sport like football in order to be successful, your team has to be extremely close like a family. You have to have good chemistry and trust your teammates to do their job.” - Jason Garland

Playing on a club team improves my skills because I get to play against people from different states that have more experience. I also get to play all year, so I’m in shape for the school season.

Photo by Jordan Ganzer

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9 hours.

The average amount of time teens spend viewing media for enjoyment each day.

Common Sense Media 2015