May 2022

PANORAMA

LADUE HORTON WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL 1201 S. WARSON RD. ST. LOUIS, MO 63124 APRIL 2022 VOL. 71 ISSUE 10

02 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY MAC HUFFMAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS ADVISER

NEWS Controversial Changes Rooted In STL

4

Sarah Kirksey

5

COPY EDITORS

FEATURES What’s The Buzz?

6

Through The Tetons

7

INFOGRAPHIC Encompassing AAPI

8-9

IN-DEPTH The Cost of Living

10-11

Pulse of Poverty

12-13

Editorial: Pano Perspective Spending Summertime

Olivia Hu Mac Huffman

MANAGING EDITOR Emmi Walker

14

Olivia Chen

15

PHOTO EDITOR Sydney Collinger

HEALTH & SPORTS A Change Of Plates

16

Over The Top

17

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Gone Thriftin’ In Bloom: 85 Summer Ideas

Pages 5 | news

DESIGN EDITORS

ART EDITOR

OPINIONS

ROOTED IN STL

Max Eastman Allen You

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

18-19 20

NEWS STAFF Pranavi Chintha Mac Huffman

INFOGRAPHIC Riley Coates

Encompassing AAPI

Non-profit organization Planting Shade works to plant 1,000 trees in St. Louis

Pages 6 | Features A look into the innerworkings of Mike Hill’s beekeeping

Pages 8-9 | Infographic Various parts of AAPI representation and culture

THE COST OF LIVING

SPENDING SUMMERTIME Pages 15 | Opinions

A CHANGE OF PLATES

Pages 16 | Health & Sports

People of lower income have limited access to food and healthcare

Panorama debates over the best way to spend time this summer

Paid lunch and new stations coming next school year to Ladue

Pages 10-13 | In-Depth

FEATURES STAFF Avery Anderson Olivia Chen

IN-DEPTH STAFF Max Eastman Olivia Hu Emmi Walker

OPINIONS STAFF Sophia Hillman Richie Jiang

HEALTH & SPORTS STAFF Allen You Annie Zhao

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT STAFF Sydney Collinger Luke Lochmoeller Mimi Zhou

ARTISTS Emilie Tian

EDITOR’S NOTE Poverty is an all encompassing issue that affects every aspect of a person’s life, and unfortunately is an issue many of us at Ladue are far too unaware of. In this issue of the Panorama, the in-depth focuses on how experiencing poverty can affect an individual’s physical and mental health. The article dives into the complex reasons behind why people experiencing poverty have less access to healthy food and less access to healthcare services.

This issue of the Panorama was made without any senior contributions which, although sad, allowed many younger members to showcase their journalistic talents. Creating an issue of any publication in a month is an admirable feat by itself but doing that sans any senior articles, design or guidance is harder still. However, many younger members on staff truly stepped up and filled roles that may have seemed unattainable at the start of this year. The progress they have made this year is significant and a promising sign for next year’s issues. Finally to the seniors, we say thank you for laying the framework to allow us to succeed in this issue and many more to come.

TABLE OF CONTENTS | 03

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

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 Association, 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 on our website at laduepublications. com. Follow us on Instagram @laduepublications.

Front cover design by Olivia Hu. Back cover design by Mimi Zhou.

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04 | NEWS

SPREAD DESIGN BY MAC HUFFMAN | PRANAVI CHINTHA

DOBBS V. JACKSON IF ROE V. WADE IS OVERTURNED, THE FOLLOWING STATES WOULD...

BAN ABORTION

Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas Georgia • Idaho • Indiana • Kentucky Louisiana • Michigan • Mississippi Missouri • North Carolina North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma South Carolina • South Dakota Tennessee • Texas • Utah

‘PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION’ BILL

Roe v. Wade is the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide, which could now be overruled by Dobbs v. Jackson. The official decision will be released in June, but on May 3 a draft of the decision was leaked.

The draft would overrule Roe v. Wade, letting states decide on the legality of abortion.

The law, which is also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill, passed Feb. 24 in Florida, and removes all LGBTQ+ mention and content from kindergarten to third grade on the premises that it is not ageappropriate. The bill has vague wording, so it is unclear if students with queer parents will be unable to discuss their families or not.

According to some educators the law also allegedly infringes on teachers and students First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech. If a teacher shares or allows for students to talk LGBTQ+ content, they could face legal action against them and their school district.

Public opinion on when abortion should be legal in the U.S

4%

2

2

PROTECT ABORTION

3

Alaska • California • Colorado Connecticut Delaware • DC • Hawaii Illinois • Iowa • Maine •Maryland Massachusetts • Minnesota • Montana Nevada • New Jersey • New York Oregon • Rhode Island Vermont • Washington

6%

7%

2%

RESTRICT ABORTION Alaska • Florida • Kansas • Nebraska Pennsylvania • Puerto Rico • Virginia West Virginia • Wisconsin

1

legal in all cases

legal in most cases

illegal in most cases

illegal in all cases

THE LAW AFFECTS

76 SCHOOL DISTRICTS

CONTROVERSIAL CHANGES

A summary of pressing issues regarding diversity, human rights and education ECONOMY

TRANSGENDER ATHLETES

20 19.33$ 15

$ per hour

10

5

0

11.62$

Actual minimum wage If it had grown with productivity If it had grown with average wages

7.25$

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

UKRAINE EXPLAINED 1991

The USSR falls and Ukraine gains its independence along with many eastern European countries.

As inflation has decreased the value of a dollar, the minimum wage has not increased to compensate for this loss, leaving those who work minimum wage jobs in poverty. Many accessible jobs don’t pay a livable wage, therefore this creates a choice for Americans: either work at a job that doesn’t pay a livable wage or be unemployed. There are 8.4 million unemployed people in the U.S and 10 million job openings.

February 2014

Protests escalated and Yanukovych stepped down due to corruption, alliances with Russian oligarchs and violation of human rights.

November 2013

Former Ukraine president Viktor Fedorovych Yanukovych decided to not join the EU. This decision started the Maidan protests because most Ukrainians wanted to join.

February 2014

THERE HAVE BEEN 32 TRANSGENDER COLLEGE ATHLETES

States that have proposed bans on trangender athletes in high school Alabama • Arazona • Colorodo • Georgia Idaho • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky Louisania • Massachusetts • Minnesota Mississippi • Missouri • New Hampshire Ohio • South Carolina Tennessee Washington • West Virginia

February 2022

After years of rising tensions, Russia invaded Ukraine again and captured Kherson.

Russian president Vladamir Putin took advantage of the turmoil in Ukraine and annexed Crimea.

May 2022

5.5 MILLION UKRAINIANS HAVE BEEN

DISPLACED

ACROSS EUROPE

March 2022

THERE HAS BEEN OVER

$ 63 BILLION

OF DAMAGE

TO INFRASTRUCTURE

Sources: ABC, BBC, CNN, NBC, NPR, Pew Research Center, Time, U.S Department of Education and Washington post

May 2022 As of May 12, 7,061 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the conflict through bombings, gunfight and missiles.

NEWS | 05

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022

ROOTED IN STL

Non-profit organization Planting Shade works to plant 1,000 trees in St. Louis PRANAVI CHINTHA news staff

C

arrying buckets of mulch as shoes drag across the damp ground and the rain goes from a soft trickle to a full-on pour, may not seem like a fun afternoon for many.

However, for juniors Ben Horowitz and Nathan Goldstein, this memory is only one of many cherished moments from their time planting trees around the St. Louis area.

Planting Shade, a non-profit organization, has set a goal of planting 1,000 trees, in each respective area, to bring environmental change. This non-profit was created by Evan Neid, a current senior from Virgina. In St. Louis, this project, only one charter of 15 that are taking place internationally, is run by Horowitz and Goldstein.

“Our original goal for the organization was to plant 1,000 trees by the end of my senior year and we far exceeded that goal,” Neid said. We’ve planted over 12,000 tree seedlings internationally.”.

In order to achieve this goal in the St. North County. Once the dates for plantLouis chapter, It took multiple steps for ings were organized, it was time to pick Horowitz and Goldstein. First, they had out the ideal planting spots. to research what it would take to make “We looked for wet or damp areas betheir vision come to life. cause the trees we plant are river birches,” “A lot of it Goldstein said. “But as was reaching out long as the area wasn’t to people in the completely dry and we I talked with arborists, community that felt like it would be city council members already know this properly irrigated, we and people who worked would plant.” stuff,” Horowitz said. “John Melton On Wednesday, to fight climate change. used to work for April 20th, all 1,000 They recommended an organization trees from the Virginthat planting trees was ia Department of Forthat also plants a the best thing.” lot of trees and he estry arrived at Goldadvised us on how stein’s house. After, EVAN NEID we should actualthey only had three ly do the plantings and how we should weeks to get them all into the ground. maintain the trees. A lot of it is just get- Partnering with the National Honor Soting in touch with people that are in the ciety and the National Science Honor community.”

Society, they were able to get this done After the initial research, the majority with the help of volunteers. of the effort went to reaching out to lo“Being with friends and planting trees cal sites and proposing their idea. These is a rewarding experience,” Goldstein sites vary from places such as the Fifth said. “Everybody feels accomplished at Grade Center to a homeless shelter in the end of a long day.” P

“

FROM SEED TO TREE

The steps from idea to action

1 2 3 4

Contact sites

Nathan Goldstein and Ben Horowitz get in touch with local places to coordinate plantings.

Scout out location

They go to the location before planting and marks out where to plant the trees.

Get the materials

They gather mulch, shovels, gloves, buckets of water and most importantly, the tree itself.

Plant

Volunteers, alongside Horowitz and Goldstein, plant the river birch trees.

illustration by | PRANAVI CHINTHA

TOP LEFT: Non-profit organization Planting Shade plants trees outside the JCC in St. Louis. During this planting, they planted 30 trees. “I’ve never really met a person that doesn’t like planting trees,” junior Ben Horowitz said.

TOP RIGHT: Junior Nathan Goldstein wears his Planting Shade t-shirt. Their logo is currently being remade.

“We’re going to do a lot of fundraising,” Horowitz said.

“If [people] want to support us by buying a t-shirt, we’re going to be selling.”

BOTTOM LEFT: Juniors Will Moore, Akshar Barot, Fischer Thompson and senior Bryce Berstein pat soil around a planted tree. “I hope others get to see teenagers making a difference,” junior Nathan Goldstein said. (Photos courtesy of Ben Horowitz)

06 | FEATURES

SPREAD DESIGN BY AVERY ANDERSON | OLIVIA CHEN

TOP LEFT: History teacher mike Hill holds up his beekeeping glove and tool to open the hive, preparing to open the hive and examine the swarm. “I’m really careful when approaching the hive,” Hill said. “They can get very defensive.”

ABOVE: Hill removes a swarm of bees from his hive. He is fully covered in his bee suit, complete with gloves and a face guard. “It’s super important to check on them this time of year. I check on them at least once a week in the summer,” Hill said. (Photos by Sydney Collinger) BOTTOM LEFT: Hill’s bees are depicted close up resting on a honeycomb. Each swarm has a queen bee that is the foundation of the colony. Without it, they cannot survive.

“Right now there’s a lot of pollen in the air and they keep flying in and out of the hive,” Hill said. “The queen is laying eggs and all the bees are really active. Spring is a very busy time of year for them.” (Photo courtesy of Mike Hill)

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

A look into the innerworkings of Mike Hill’s beekeeping AVERY ANDERSON features staff

I

n the suburban backyard of social studies teacher Mike Hill, two brightly painted boxes sit alongside the edge of his fence. The boxes appear to be ornately furnished birdhouses or, perhaps, some sort of hand-painted lawn decor, but a closer inspection of the boxes reveals their true purpose.

First, a faint droning noise can be heard. Next, a buzzing insect or two will whiz by your face, just long enough for you to recognize the signature yellow of a honey bee. These boxes are anything but ordinary, as inside they each house roughly 10,000 bees, and Hill takes care of each and every one.

Hill has been beekeeping for about seven years and first got interested after former Ladue teacher and colleague of Hill’s, Dr. Eric Hahn, introduced him to the art of beekeeping.

“I think they’re fascinating,” Hill said. “I went over to Eric’s house and he showed me everything and I was like, ‘Wow, I think I want to do this.’”

There are many factors one must take into account before deciding to beekeep,

one of the most important being: where do you get the bees? According to Hill, there are two main ways of collecting bees to start a hive. The first being to purchase a hive of bees, which is five boxes of live bees dropped off somewhere to later be picked up. The second option is not for the faint of heart.

“You can always gather your bees from a wild swarm,” Hill said. “What will happen is a beekeeping group in St. Louis will post about a swarm of bees they found.

Then you take your box and head over there. You can literally scoop and dump the bees into your box.”

There are many other logistics to consider when starting to beekeep, such as how to take care of the bees. Bees are living things and deserve adequate care, but since they’re so small and pack a painful sting, the question remains: how do you take care of them?

Hahn has been beekeeping for eight years, so he has plethora of beekeeping experience. Ever since a visit to a friend’s house where he stumbled upon a bee hive in the kitchen, he’s been fascinated by them. Years after this visit, Hahn finally lived out his dreams and started to cultivate hives in his backyard.

“It’s so overwhelming, especially at first,” Hahn said. “You need to know how to hold them and all the different techniques. Every beekeeper does things differently, so Mr. Hill probably does things differently than I do by now.”

Both Hahn and Hill collect honey while beekeeping. Hill yielded fifteen gallons of honey last year alone, and obtains much more every year. The honey is merely an added bonus for beekeeping — the main reward is knowing that with each hive Hill maintains and each new swarm he obtains, he’s making a difference in the wellbeing of the one of the world’s most important pollinators.

“Eight years ago nobody was talking about ‘save the bees’ or anything like that,” Hahn said. “There was no movement but then all of a sudden I was like, ‘Wow, I’m glad I’m into this.’”

In all, beekeeping is more than just a big white suit and honey. It’s a process that helps to maintain the ecosystem and all of its inhabitants.

“They’re amazing,” Hill said. “I can do something that helps bees maintain a healthy population because you got to have bees and pollinators or we don’t really have anything.” P

FEATURES | 07

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022

THROUGH THE TETONS

Junior Lily Gage plans to backpack in the Tetons over the summer LUKE LOCHMOELLER a&e staff

G

“

et more in touch with nature.”

This is the mantra that convinced junior Lily Gage to plan a backpacking trip to Wyoming through the Grand Tetons. The Tetons is an expansive mountain range known for the wildlife and scenic lakes. This backpacking trip will be roughly 40 miles long and will kickoff Gage’s backpacking career.

“I’ll be in the Tetons for a week and a half or so,” Gage said. “I’ll be with a big group of girls and we’ll be backpacking together. It’ll be a great first long trip.”

Gage originally planned to take this trip as a camper. Unfortunately, COVID put a stop to that, forcing it to be held virtually. This summer, she is coming back to take on a higher role as a counselor on the journey.

“She participated in this camp in the Tetons two years ago, but [due to COVID] they actually held it virtu-

illustration by | OLIVIA CHEN

ally which looked a lot different,” Lily’s She has been intrigued by the idea of mother, Lynelle Gage said. “She is going backpacking with a camp for a while, as a camp leader which will be interestalbeit not in America. ing on their two week backpacking trip “I’ve always thought it would be rethrough the Tetons.” ally cool to backpack through Europe Although Lily has been on many and sleep in different hostels and stuff hikes around the St. like that,” Lily said.

Louis area, none of Light camping them have ever been and backpacking close to the scale of trips with her famiThis will be a good her upcoming trip. opportunity to actually ly have steered Lily This upcoming expeonto the path she’s go out and experience on. As a first-time dition is going to be a pivotal moment for counselor, Lily is something new.” her outdoor interests taking on responsias she embraces her LILY GAGE | JUNIOR bility as well as dolove for nature. ing what she loves “I really enjoy being outside alongside her friends and campers. and I’ve always considered myself out“We’ve done some camping some doorsy,” Lily said. “But I’ve never really backpacking in the past and she’s alhad the time or energy to actually act ways been interested in doing more on that. I think that this will be a good of that,” Lynelle said. “That has been opportunity to actually go out and exher inspiration for this trip. This time perience something new and be more in though she is going with a camp touch with nature.” which will be interesting. It will be so A love for nature is not the only thing fun I’m sure. I think it will be a great that drove Lily to plan this trip however. experience.” P

“

08 | INFOGRAPHIC

SPREAD DESIGN BY RILEY COATES

ENCOMPASSING AAPI Exploring various parts of AAPI history and culture *May observes Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, using the acronym AAPI

BOOKS

FAMOUS FIGURES

Influential Asians and Pacific Islanders

About and by AAPI figures

Khaled Hosseini

Min Jin Lee Source: Goodreads

George Takei

Ocean Vuong

Kamala Harris

George Takei

Tammy Duckworth

First female, Asian American and African American VP. Highest ranking woman official in history.

Famous actor, author and activist for immigration and queer rights. Grand Marshal for first ever Japanese Heritage parade in NYC.

Second Asian American woman to serve on US Senate. Retired Army pilot and Lieutenant Colonel of National Guard.

Kalpana Chawla

Hiram Fong

Tilsa Tsuchiya

First Indian-American woman to go to space in 1977. Won the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

First Asian Pacific American elected to US Senate. First Hawaiian US senator, along with Oren Long.

Renowned Peruvian painter and printmaker.

Won the Bienal de Teknoquimica Prize for painting.

STOP AAPI HATE

RESOURCES Nidhi Chanani

Conan Gray

Mary H.K. Choi

Raveena Aurora

• • •

asianamericanstudies.cornell.edu asianamericanadvocacyfund.org stopaapihate.org

Source: Genius

Mitski

MUSIC Japanese Breakfast

Asian and Pacific Islander artists and creators to support

INFOGRAPHIC | 09

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022

ORIGINS OF AAPI MONTH

The establishment of the heritage month through the 20th century 1977

1978

1990

2009

Several joint resolutions were proposed to designate the first 10 days in May as AAPI Heritage Week, neither passed.

N.Y. representative Frank Horton again proposed a similar third resolution, which was signed into Public Law on October 5.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week was observed for the next ten years, before Congress expanded it to a month.

After being officially expanded to a month in 1992 under George H. W. Bush, the month was renamed as AAPI Heritage Month.

Source: asianpacificheritage.gov

GLOBAL GAZE

Recognizing diversity of Asian and Pacific Island regions illustration by | OLIVIA HU & RILEY COATES

INDIA Population: 1.4B Pop. in US: 4.6 million Common Religions: Hinduism, Islam and Christianity National Flower: Lotus Source: Pew Research Center

CAMBODIA

Population: 17.2 million Pop. in US: 350,000 Common Religions: Therevada Buddhism and Islam National Flower: Romduol

AFGHANISTAN Population: 40.6 million Pop. in US: 250,000 Common Religion: Islam National Flower: Tulip

PHILIPPINES

Population: 112.5 million Pop. in US: 4.2 million Common Religion: Roman Catholic Christianity National Flower: Sampaguita

10 | IN-DEPTH

SPREAD DESIGN BY OLIVIA HU

THE COST OF LIVING Underprivileged communities have limited access to food and healthcare MAX EASTMAN copy editor

W

hat being healthy means and how to achieve one’s chosen definition of health is a highly controversial question in today’s world. People fight almost religiously in defense of a certain diet or a certain workout routine that “solved” their health problems. With the world so obsessed with health and wellness, it seems almost impossible that so many are naive to the main determinant of someone’s health: their economic status.

The idea that a person’s economic status has any effect over someone’s health is something that is very easily overlooked. “Just eat healthy and go to the doctor. It’s not hard” is too commonly the sentiment of Americans who live well above the poverty line. However, the millions that are experiencing poverty are painfully aware of the effects of low economic status on health.

The two things that most directly affect a person’s health, that are also the most disproportionately unavailable to people experiencing poverty, are access to high quality food and access to healthcare. Many Americans take both of these things for granted, but for those struggling with poverty, not having access to either of them can be hugely detrimental to their health.

ACCESS TO FOOD Not having access to high quality food is a problem that has plagued the less fortunate for hundreds of years. The wealthy illust ra

are able to eat to their leisure amounts ing from food insecurity as well as HIV/ while those who are struggling are left AIDS or cancer, said. “There is also very to fend for themselves. However, despite little public transportation in the area as the drastic increase in technology and well.” wealth in the world, millions still suffer In addition to food deserts, there are every day with food insecurity. To com- areas referred to as food swamps, “areas bat this issue (in St. Louis, specifically) where the only place people can go to food shelters have teamed up to better get their food is unhealthy,” according serve the community. to Lock. However, availability of places “We are part of a group called the to buy healthy food is only a small part St. Louis Food Pantry Coalition,” Juliet of the puzzle of solving food insecurity.

Holden, senior DiThere are many rector of Resource other factors that Development of impact a person’s The Circle of Conability to feed A single mom was asked, cern, a food shelter themselves, a main ‘did you ever skip meals located in west St. one being a perLouis, said. “Panson’s income. because there was not tries from rural ar“Food deserts enough money for food,’ eas to all the way are a horrible said ‘Yes, when my children within the city are problem in many, are at their father’s I don’t all members. We many areas,” Holdeat dinner.’” are all part of that en said. “There are group and we share parts of St. Louis JULIET HOLDEN ideas, resources not very far from and surplus food.” our door that are Although connected by the need to suffering because of them. But in our help feed the St. Louis area, the pantries area, that’s less of a problem. We have within the coalition are different. This grocery stores all over. For us at least, is because they have to be unique to ef- when it comes down to it, income is the fectively serve the community. In some main thing that causes food insecurity.” places, for example, there is just no food People who are facing the hardships to be found, which is called a food desert. of poverty are often faced with extreme“Shop and Save removed all eight ly hard choices to make when trying to of their grocery stores from Florissant do something as simple as shopping for years ago, and there has been no addi- their families’ groceries. Parents are regtional investment into grocery stores in ularly faced with saving money for other the Florissant area,” Julia Lock, executive expenses, including housing, utilities or director of Food Outreach, a shelter spe- feeding their children. cifically equipped to help those suffer“If you’re in a grocery store, to make sure you’re eating healthy

tion by | OLIVIA HU

“

IN-DEPTH | 11

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022 food, there is an idea that you should shop the outer rim of a grocery store. You’ll get your produce, fresh meats, dairy, frozen vegetables and fruit and some frozen ingredients. That’s the general idea. But if you are in a grocery store and your budget is primary, you might go straight toward canned green beans and canned fruit because it is cheaper. It can be exhausting because you have to make a series of decisions to try and spend less money but still eat healthy.”

Because poverty is such an all encompassing problem that affects every part of a person’s life, many of the food pantries in St. Louis try to offer other services to help their clients get back on their feet.

“Another service we offer is utility help,” Holden said. “We don’t pay all of the utility bill, but we help them make sure their lights aren’t turned off or their water or gas.

A lot of people don’t know that if you get your power shut off, you can lose your kids.

We also help with rental assistance, which is important because moratoriums for evictions went away. We also give out gift cards to grocery stores. We run holiday programs and help with school supplies. All of those things are needs that we help meet.”

Solving food insecurity is a very complex issue that involves many factors, but two things remain true: without access to high quality food, a person’s health will decline and helping those in poverty get good food must be a priority.

“Food is bigger than just being food,” Holden said. “It captures all that we are historically. It holds a special place within our families, within our communities and within our culture. Food is bigger than food.”

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE In addition to food insecurity, people in poverty have a much harder time finding access to healthcare facilities. This lack of access stems from many different reasons, but whatever the reason, the negative impact on one’s health is always apparent.

“I would say there is a direct correlation

between a person’s economic status and care clinics are equipped to deal their access to health care,” Rina Patney, a with. pediatrician who works in the East St. Louis “We provide substance use area, said. “It has been proven with years of disorder treatment as well,” Buhresearch that when people have less access linger said. “Somebody may have to health care, they an addiction will have more health or substance issues.” use probAs people expelems because I love working [in East St. riencing poverty ofof a mental Louis]. They are so grateten have very limited health disorful and appreciative of time away from work der or overor don’t have access what you do. For me, that’s use of pain topersonal transpormedications. enough to make the drive tation, going to the They may each day.” doctor one day, a denbe using tist the next and then alcohol or RINA PATNEY a therapist later can be opioids in a unrealistic. To combat manner that this issue, some low cost healthcare clinics hurts them. And it’s not just a deare trying to be all encompassing and offer tox service. We provide follow up many different types of service all under the treatment and we surround peosame roof. ple with other care, such as med“Affinia Healthcare is very comprehen- ical and dental services they may sive in our care,” Yvonne M. Buhlinger, vice need.” president of development and communiPeople who are experiencing ty relations of Affinia Healthcare, said. “If poverty have every right to feel [new patients] see that we provide a lot of resentment against the healthcare other services, they’re more likely to come system, as the system has allowed back and get care for themselves utilizing them to slide through the cracks. those services.”

However, they acknowledge that Doctors working in lower income areas the healthcare industry has many are often backlogged with patients due to flaws, many of which affect them a shortage of both doctors and healthcare exclusively, but they rarely hold it providers. These doctors are required to go against their doctors. above and beyond to help their patients.

“I love working [in East St. Lou“Sometimes we try to anticipate what the is],” Patney said. “I think it’s very patient is going to need in the future so we unique working where I work. For can put in a referral earlier and by the time starters, they really need you. They you actually need the service, it is closer to need your services. They really apthe appointment time,” Patney said. “Also, a preciate you. They care about their lot of times I will make a phone call directly kids, and they really respect you as to another doctor to make a referral for a well. They are also so grateful and service because with the nurses having so appreciative of what you do. For much to do, it could take a couple weeks if I me, that is enough to make have them make the call.” the hour and a half Specifically, substance abuse is a medical long drive each issue that disproportionately affects people day.” P experiencing poverty that health-

“

12 | IN-DEPTH

SPREAD DESIGN BY OLIVIA HU

PULSE OF POVERTY A look at health-related statistics and establishments around St. Louis

FOOD SHELTERS

Circle of

Concern drawing

or photo

LOUIS COUNTY ARE

FOOD INSECURE

WITH

109,030PEOPLE IN ST.

56,780 IN ST LOUIS CITY

$$

EGGS

MEAT

FRUITS

$$

$$

from the Circle 95% allows them to save money

say receiving food

to put towards bills

HEALTH CENTERS is the

$21,342

Affinia

average annual

health insurance

cost in the USA for a family

COMMON COSTS PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

AMBULANCE SERVICES

ER VISITS

DENTAL CARE

cost about $1,200 each year

cost $400 to $1,200 each plus mileage

cost around $1,717 each

cost about $978 each year

DAIRY

illustration by | OLIVIA HU

UNOBTAINABLE FRESH FOODS

$$

IN-DEPTH | 13

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022

average monthly

cost of a gym membership in 2021

costs $188 to $279 annually

YMCA

costs $426 to $578 annually

annually

is the

$37.71

$452.52

GYMS

planet fitness

MEMBERSHIP COSTS XSport Fitness

costs $775 annually

Lifetime Fitness

costs $877 to $997 annually

Equinox

costs $2,116 to $2,860 annually

Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, Cigna dental plans, Circle of Concern, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, health.costhelper.com, Food Business News, United Healthcare, steelsupplements.com

and

DONATE

VOLUNTEER

HERE

14 | EDITORIAL

SPREAD DESIGN BY MIMI ZHOU | SOPHIA HILLMAN

illustration by | OLIVIA CHEN

PANO PERSPECTIVE

Voter registration should be a requirement to graduate and can be incorporated in class 15 out of 15 Panorama staff members agree

T

urning eighteen is a huge milestone. Becoming an adult not only comes loads of new responsibilities but also loads of new privileges. In addition to being able to now sue someone, get a tattoo, buy a gun, join the military and get a Costco card, you are now able to vote.

Being able to vote should be something that everyone is excited about. You are now able to affect the outcome of political races in the area you live. You are able to bring about meaningful changes to your community. You can directly improve your life by using your vote.

In the most recent election, America finally saw an increase in youth voter turnout, according to Tufts University, with 42% of youths voting in the 2016 election but 52% voting in the 2020 election. This increase in turnout is a positive sign, but looking at the data pessimistically that still means 48% of youths didn’t exercise their right to vote.

Although voter apathy is the result of a variety of different complex reasons, one not-so-complex one is a potentially confusing, and frankly, boring registration process. With many new adults being very busy with schoolwork and extra curriculars, this registration process is often the last thing on students’ minds.

An extremely easy way to solve this problem is by mandating that voting registration is a graduation requirement for

students who are eligible, as CPR certification already is.

School is the perfect place to fill out the registration forms as well. Teachers will be able to guide students through the forms, removing tons of the stress and uncertainty associated with registration. For students already planning to register this will be an easy time to do so. But for those who were not planning to register or were going to be unable to do so for some reason, this will make a huge difference as it gives them the choice to vote.

In addition, having a school show that they prioritize political involvement by mandating voter registration to graduate is good for the student body. Simply creating an environment that promotes political involvement will indirectly end up creating more politically educated graduates. These politically informed students are then going to be more likely to make informed voting choices.

This positive impact on local and national elections can be attributed to a more informed voters. In this way, we can ensure the health of our nation’s democracy.

All in all, removing one of the largest barriers to entry for voting will do nothing but good for the community as more people will be able to vote. The choice to vote is their own but at least removing this barrier of entry allows them to make a choice, not have one made for them. 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.

OPINIONS | 15

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022

SPENDING SUMMERTIME

Panorama debates best way to spend time this summer FOR A RELAXING SUMMER RICHIE JIANG

FOR A PRODUCTIVE SUMMER SOPHIA HILLMAN

opinions staff

opinions staff

M

Y

ion by | SOPHIA HI LLM strat AN illu

any students view summer as a time to hang out with ou don’t need to go on an extravagant vacation to friends and sleep in, but others see their summer the other side of the world or have a life-changing as just another hurdle in their path to college and experience, but you should spend your time this their future. This summer, rather than feeling the need to do summer doing something productive. Some ways to be activities to set up for your future, consider prioritizing your productive are getting a job, volunteering, starting a new wellbeing and current desires. hobby, going for a walk, taking a road trip or going outside; True, sometimes your parents really do know best. the options are endless. You have two and a half months to Sometimes you really do need to do something. But, if there’s enjoy not worrying about school, so take advantage of it. another to-do lined up, and you’re not in the mood, just don’t Doing something to fill the long summer days will not only do it until you feel like it. Don’t feel pressured by your parents fight the boredom that comes with freetime, it can make you or the future to eke out more work when you’re low on energy. step out of your comfort zone and find new interests.

Too often, people view choosing to not do While sleep is great, and everyone should strive another activity or task as a lack of work for nine hours of sleep every night, sometimes LLOW SUMM E ethic. After all, doesn’t everybody catching up on sleep can turn into sleeping M ER have important things to do? This your days away. This is why summer judgement, and student work should be a time to do beneficial costs culture, can make one feel as things with your time.

60% of people $1,500 per have high stress if they need to always keep There are many benefits student related to to reteach the next thing in mind. Yes, to being productive over the succeeding materials one could tack on another summer. The first benefit is activity to make things just that it makes you feel good. vacation can teachers spend a bit better for their future.

The best feeling is waking increase 4-6 weeks performance However, this focus on up early and having hours to re-teaching by 80% materials lost the future, and doing just complete everything you need over summer one more thing, leads to to get done. It leaves you with a sunlight continuous stress and a sense feeling of accomplishment that improves 2.5 months sleep by of always being in a rush. In is hard to find anywhere else. of math releasing contrast, one can choose to Secondly, you get to do things are lost melatonin slow down and focus on the you normally don’t have time for present, leading to less stress and during the school year. If you want SU more relaxation. to read a new book, learn a new skill or MM Of course, sitting around watching explore St. Louis, you now have the time.

ER SE ACKS TB movies the entire summer might not be Finally, you’ll feel less stressed and you will the healthiest choice either. Although it might be have more time to relax. With the time in a day being fun, upon looking back, you’ll probably think it’s not really finite getting up early can leave more time to relax later. what you wanted to do with your time. Striking a balance Being productive during summer is attainable, but it takes between mindless fun and overwork can be difficult, but it will some time to break old habits. However there are a few things ultimately lead to you having a far more relaxed and enjoyable that can help. First, make a to do list. It can be for one day or summer. If you don’t know what you want, take some time the whole summer. Next, though it may sound repetitive, but this summer to figure it out. waking up earlier rather than later is the best way to ensure You likely already spend your school year juggling a productive day. An added bonus is that it will make getting schoolwork, demands from your parents and your own desires. back into school schedule easier. Now you will have time to And once you get a job, you’ll have even more to do. Don’t get do the things that you want to do. It’s alright if every once burnt out before the future even arrives. A quiet summer can in a while you spend a summer day being lazy and relaxing, be a good thing. P everyone deserves a reset day once in a while. P Sources: IDtech, Worktolive, Dailybruin

16 | HEALTH & SPORTS

SPREAD DESIGN BY ALLEN YOU | ANNIE ZHAO

A CHANGE OF PLATES photo by | SYDNEY COLLINGER

Paid lunch and new stations coming next school year ALLEN YOU copy editor

They say the best-tasting food is free food.

By that logic, school lunch is about to taste very different. Starting next school year, Ladue’s food servicer, Chartwells, will change school lunch in response to new laws and interests in the cafeteria.

illustration by | ALLEN YOU & EMILIE TIAN

NEW COSTS

NEW STATIONS ASIAN-INFUSED At this station, students have a choice between...

Brown/White Rice

Stir-fried Rice

Pork

Chicken

SMOOTHIE BAR In the new smoothie bar, smoothie flavors will be on rotation. There will be about “two to three choices a day,” according to Director of Dining Services David Wall. Possible blends could be...

Strawberry

Blueberry

Wall also speculates that they may or may not put protein in the smoothies.

But they’ll “follow the program,” according to Wall.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the USDA, with authorization from Congress in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, began reimbursing school lunches so students could receive meals without cost. This effort, which has lasted all the way through this school year, was recently considered for another extension by Congress.

“It was voted on in the last week of March,” David Wall, Ladue’s Director of Dining Services, said. “They put it back up for vote and they said that it’s time for it to go, just like everything else. Everything’s opening back up.

They felt like it has served its purpose.”

Since the measure failed, the free meal waivers will end June 30. This means that, starting next school year, Ladue will not be offering universal free lunch and instead revert to the pre-pandemic system of lunch.

“If I’m a freshman or sophomore in high school right now, I’ve never paid for a meal in high school,” Wall said. “There still will be free and reduced meals. And there were before the pandemic. Some qualify for free [lunch] and some, maybe they’re doing better economically, get reduced. So those will still be in existence next year. But the free program, what was called the School Meal Waivers, are going away at the end of the school year.”

Even with free and reduced lunch, there are concerns about the transition back to paid lunches.

“It will make lunch less accessible,” junior Amit Kadan said. “COVID is still not fully recovered, so it’s better off being free for now.”

NEW TASTES But price isn’t the only change coming to school lunch. New food stations are arriving to the cafeteria as well.

“I can’t really go into too much detail yet, because we’re still trying to finalize some of the ideas,” District Chef David Lawhorn said.

“I know we’re going to have a smoothie bar and then they want us to do sort of an Asian infused station. So I’m not sure if it’ll be a permanent thing or if we’ll kind of rotate in and do a week long Asian-themed station and then the next week, have a Southwest-themed station. So we’re still hashing those out and seeing where everything’s going to lay.”

Lawhorn and Wall, when creating new stations, first take into consideration state dietary and nutritional guidelines.

“We’d have a dietitian that is available and on-staff here in the region,” Lawhorn said.

“When we come up with ideas or recipes, we’ll forward it onto him or her, depending on which one it is, to look through it. And they say, ‘Yeah, this’ll work’ or ‘Hey, you’ve got way too much sodium. We got to figure out a way to get that sodium back out of it or find a new recipe,’ for example.”

Lawhorn and Wall are both employed by Chartwells, the company that services the food for all of Ladue School District. At the end of the day, students at Ladue are customers of Chartwells, and the pair must create stations based on what sells well, often grasping from the court of lunchroom opinion.

“It really just comes to trying to think of what I can put out there as a team that will be best received from you guys as a customer,” Lawhorn said. “I think the high school student’s palette is almost as sophisticated as a developed adult right now. I bet that if I would offer sushi up front, that it would fly off the shelf as well. You guys as a generation are so much more advanced than I was as a high school student. Mine was this simple, standard, Midwest, meat and potatoes type of diet. Nowadays, you guys have access to everything. I’m jealous.” P

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022

HEALTH & SPORTS | 17

OVER THE TOP Senior Daniel Byer learns and improves through pole vaulting ANNIE ZHAO health & sports staff

A

s sweat beads glide across his forehead, senior Daniel Byer exerts force on his pole to launch himself over the bar. Within those few milliseconds, every single movement counts towards success.

During free fall, Byer sees the bar sitting still on top of the thirteen feet six inch mark, earning him first place.

Track and field is widely assumed to include only running on the track, but there are actually nineteen different events. Richard Witt describes that this year has revealed Byer's hidden potential, which is achieved through continuous hard work.

“I told Danny a couple of weeks ago that I don’t know his limit,” physics teacher and pole vaulting coach Witt said. “Since coming into the season his PR (personal record) has been around 10 feet, but now, 13 feet or above would be a better goal. He’s one of the top 15 vaulters in the state, even though he started a year ago.”

Although he only began in junior year, Byer’s unwavering mindset pushes him to persevere, no matter what his scores are.

At times, there is

photo illustration by | MAC HUFFMAN

pressure to perform well. But, the external thoughts never cloud his goals; Byer continues to prioritize selfdevelopment and specific objectives to him, like trying to twist in the middle of the air.

“My goal is to continually improve,” Byer said. “It won’t bother me if I don’t place, but I’d like to improve personally, especially on turning. If I can turn well, then I can get like a couple inches higher. I’ve already started jumping over my top hand and then I can bring it my legs over. I’ve started doing that, but I haven’t gotten the hang of it and I need consistency.”

Byer describes that the nerves hit him amid driving to the meet. However, during the competition, it’s never “a hostile environment.” His teammates and even competitors are all rooting for him to do well. This is because pole vaulting is built and created upon the foundations of teamwork: everyone is in this together.

“Pole vaulting is a close knit community,” senior Sydney Adams said.

“We always uplift each

other and help each other become better through tips. This year, we have three freshman girls and a freshman boy, some sophomores and then some juniors who have joined this year.

Coach also always helps us and gives good feedback. He takes videos of our vaults, so then he can help point out specifically what we need to improve.”

This year, Byer was able to complete a record jump of 13 feet 6 inches, which was the highest score for a Ladue pole vaulter since 1996. Although breaking his limits are milestones for Byer, he cherishes the moments. One of his favorite memories of vaulting was at the beginning of this year, when Byer was able to recoup his past record of twelve feet at practice.

“Around 75 percent of the time I do what I’m hoping for,” Byer said. “If I don’t do it correctly, Witt will critique a little. So, then I’ll try and fix it. The majority of the time I’m doing what I need to fix, which is what I consider success. In all honesty, I’m taking it week by week: that’s the mentality.

I'm trying to improve every single day.” P

18 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPREAD DESIGN BY SYDNEY COLLINGER

GONE THRIFTIN’

A quick glance into the thrift shopping community at Ladue ANNIE ZHAO health & sports staff

C

lothes. A necessity. A pillar of life. Food, water, shelter and clothing are basic needs for survival. Clothes are vital, as well as a way to express one’s personal style. In recent years, there have been a steady rise in the number of consumers for a dangerous type of fashion that tends to exploit resources: fast fashion.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “thrift” was first used during the 13th century to express “savings.” In the low income areas of the Middle Ages, secondhand trade was born, which included clothing. It wasn’t until another five hundred years later, in the mid-1800s, when organizations

like Goodwill and the Salvation Army creating the more modernized idea of thrifting we know today.

Fast fashion utilizes cheap, toxic textile dyes, exploits underserved communities and influences a consumerist lifestyle. However, thrift shopping helps relieve some of the consequences of fast fashion. While thrifting can’t eliminate the existing harms of fast fashion, it can prevent mass waste of energy and resources to create new clothes, plus it’s more affordable.

For the past few years, the current culture has popularized thrifting through social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram. Thus, from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021, there are more than 25,000 recorded “consignment,

PICK YOUR SHOP THRIFTING TERMS TO KNOW

resale, and not-for-profit” shops in the United States.

When people purchase items from thrift stores, or buy secondhand clothes online, they are more likely to find their individuality and showcase their uniqueness.

The exciting feeling that bubbles in one’s stomach when finding a new piece of clothing for their wardrobe is a feeling one would be hard to replicate another way. Additionally, to continue this sustainable cycle, the next time you find yourself at a thrift shop, it is best to donate any pieces of clothing that have not been worn recently. Similar to how Macklemore states in his well-known song “Thrift Shop,” thrift shopping is truly about “how fresh can you look by not looking like anybody else.” P

Sources: Yelp, BBC, Sammydvintage

“That’s a steal” • Buying something so cheap it’s almost as if you haven’t paid anything for it.

“Tonnage” • When first stepping into a thrift shop and marveling at the size & selection.

“Yard Sailing” • This consists of sailing from one Yard Sale to the next during prime Yard Sale season.

TYPES OF THRIFT SHOPS

Direct donations

• Typically less expensive • Money raised goes to a charity or non profit • Takes donations without offering store credit

Resale & consignment • Vintage pieces go for less than original price • Some offer store credit in exchange for goods • Typically more expensive

THRIFT SHOPS IN ST. LOUIS Direct donation • Goodwill [7531 Olive Blvd] • Goodwill Outlet($0.99/lb)[3728 Market St] • Savers [9618 Watson Rd] • Society of St. Vincent De Paul [11015 Olive Blvd] • Salvation Army Family Store [4121 Forest Park Ave] • Found by the Pound($3/lb)[6740 Romiss Ct.]

Resale & consignment • NCJW [295 N Lindbergh Blvd.]

• Avalon Exchange [6392 Delmar Blvd.]

• Ditto Family Resale [10027 Manchester Rd.] • Refresh [1710 S Brentwood Blvd.]

• Reset Vintage Apparel [2607Bellevue Ave] • Plato’s Closet [14220 Manchester Rd]

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 19

OD L GO $4 WIL

LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM | MAY 2022

GOOD $5 WILL

CENT ST. VIN $2 UL DE PA

ST. VIN CENT $5 DE PA UL

OD L GO$3 IL W

ELLA BRAIG

“

FRESHMAN

Usually, when you go to the thrift store, you’re not really looking for anything in particular, but when you do find something, it’s like, this is exactly what I needed.”

ISAAC WEINSTEIN : ON THE FLIP SIDE

$20

CHEAPSKA TE

UPTOWN

S I D E: E FLIP

EXCH

N AVALO $10 ANGE

[Thrifting] is cheaper and also sustainable, so it’s better for the environment. [I look for] clothes that are different than stuff I already have”

ON TH

“

SOPHOMORE

AUSTIN COBURN

“

JUNIOR

N AVALO 2 $2 ANGE

EXCH

N AVALO $26 ANGE EXCH

[I like to thrift because] it’s exciting.

You don’t have to buy new clothes to find cool clothes.”

In Bloom Scan to read 85 summer activities for 85 days of summer vacation

PICTURED: The Tower Grove Farmers’ Market is one of a handful of markets open year round in St. Louis. With over 50 local vendors, live music, coffee and fresh flowers, this outdoor market is one of the most popular ones in the city. It is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays 4 p.m. to sunset. (photo by Sydney Collinger)