September 2018

LADUE PANORAMA NEWSPAPER

09.26.2018 VOLUME 67, ISSUE 2 LADUE HORTON WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL 1201 S. WARSON ROAD ST. LOUIS, MO 63124

“Who is your favorite Disney character?”

Meet the

Panorama staff

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editors-in-Chief: Hannah Suffian and Anya Tullman “Dory. Wait, that’s Managing Editor: Katie Shaw Pixar. Let’s just do Head Copy Editor: Adam Rush Stitch.”

Design Editor: Felix Hu Photographer-in-Chief: Zach Weller In-Depth Editors: Anna Liner and Ande Siegel News Editors: Connie Chen and Sydney Crump Features Editors: Katie Holland and Bradford Siwak “Doug the dog from ‘Up’ is amazing.”

Sports Editors: Jackson Bry and Jacob Korn

Opinions Editors: Cassie Beisheim and Alex Fu A&E Editors: Hugh Chan and Malavika Kumaran Art Editors: Egret Jin and Jackie Zeng

“Simba.”

Panorama Photo Editor: Carolina Alisio Sports Photo Editor: Abbie Hoefer

CONTRIBUTING STAFF

Writers: Hieran Andeberhan, Daniel Chayet, Davina Lettau, Aman Rahman, Autumn Ryan, Hope Shimony and Cindy Wang Photographers: Faith Deddens, Grace Hensley, Nicole Kalishman, Rahul Khanna, Maggie Lochmoeller, Sunny Lu and Jillian Mann Artists: Anna Cui, Jill Goldwasser, Allison Hsieh, Nathan Lu, Ale Pinon-Dickey, Louisia Yang and Michelle Zhou

“Peter Pan.” Web Editors-in-Chief: Anik Jain and Will Minifie

Business Manager: Stephen Bowen Social Media Editor: Sunny Lu Online Photo Editor: Burke Howe Adviser: Sarah Kirksey

Digital Photo Editor: Rose Hauser

Letter from the

editors

Editors-in-chief Anya Tullman and Hannah Suffian

We have all heard the saying before: “You don’t need to drink to have fun.” However, peer pressure fills a teenager’s mind and experimentation begins. A couple shots won’t hurt. One beer can’t do anything bad. This mindset spreads to teens across America through stereotypes enforced by social media and pop culture. Celebrities play parts of underage drinkers in TV shows and movies such as “Mean Girls,” “American Vandal” and “Gossip Girl.”

Teen house party scenes are common, with intoxicated teens and red solo cups scattered everywhere. This only serves to glorify party culture for our generation. Check out Panorama’s investigation on teen drinking and party culture on pages 11-13.

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09.26.2018

2

“Cinderella.”

Behind the

“I really like Elsa. I know that’s basic.”

cover

Photo editors Carolina Alisio, Zach Weller and Abbie Hoefer

For this month’s cover, we wanted to capture a picture that represents the issue of American binge drinking. In order to take this photo, we had to think of a liquid that was similar in appearance to beer. We gathered red solo cups and chose watered down beef broth. After dropping the cup several times, we were able to get a photo that reflects the story we want to tell. Although we only chose a solo cup, it ultimately represents the party culture that is so prominent in our society.

Page design by Anya Tullman

Table of contents

Thank you to our generous

FEATURES

Panorama’s success would not be possible without your support.

G.I. Charlie .................................................... 4 & 5 After learning about the Missouri National Guard last year, senior Charlie Gu joins this summer.

Triple threat ....................................................... 6 Junior Tori Campos joins intensive theater program.

NEWS Long lost library ................................................. 7 The library is now closed to students after school.

New clubs .................................................... 8 & 9 This year, 11 clubs join the Ladue community.

IN-DEPTH

Blocked sites ..................................................... 10 MacBook Airs come with popular sites blocked.

Teen drinking .............................................. 11 - 13 According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, by age 18, 60 percent of people have had at least one drink. See how this statistic applies to the Ladue student body.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Spider-Man PS4 review ..................................... 14 The video game, released Sept. 7, impressed fans.

Teachers vs. pop culture ................................... 15 Do Ladue teachers know the latest slang terms?

SPORTS

Road to recovery ................................................ 16 Two Ladue athletes bounce back after injuries.

Kramer goes D1 .................................................. 17 Senior Hadley Kramer commits to college for golf.

Swimming for a cure .................................. 18 & 19 Senior Paige Mitchell swims 2.4 miles for cancer.

OPINIONS

Staff editorial ...................................................... 21 Stop making clubs for your college applications.

“You should smile more”..................................... 22 A first-hand account of issues female workers face.

Only the beginning ............................................ 23 Why Crazy Rich Asians deserves some criticism.

Page design by Anya Tullman

sponsors.

Ladue Blue sponsors ($100+)

Immerse + Atlas Supply Company The Jain Family Les Kaufman Ladue Education Foundation & Alumni Association The Shimony Family Amy and Stanley Small The Suffian Family Bob & Carolyn Suffian The Tullman Family

Gold sponsor ($75) The Katzman Family

Silver sponsors ($50)

Walter & Leonssia Beisheim The Bry Family Susie Harris The Levy-Thomeczek Family The Page Family - Luke & Jake

Friendly sponsors ($25)

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More The Fruend Family Lily Hauptman Mimi Hensley The Huber Family The Moore Family

Our

Nancy Rush Robert Rush Gary Siegel Grandma Judy Stecher Emma Weller

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 our readers. It aims to reflect the diversity of the population it serves and observe the journalistic principle of doing no harm. All surveys are completely anonymous.

Panorama welcomes letters to the editors. Please bring signed letters to room 1311. Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions as long as original intent remains unaltered. Cover photo by Zach Weller.

Table of contents and staff pages by Anya Tullman.

Bylines display staff members’ Twitter handles.

Panorama is produced 10 times per school year by the journalism class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School at 1201 S. Warson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124. The publication lab is located in Room 1311, (314)-993-6447 ext. 5844. Read more stories online at laduelead.com. Follow @laduepublications on Instagram and @laduepanorama on Twitter.

3 laduelead.com contents

Enlisted: ADAM RUSH head copy editor | @AdamRush01

P

er regulation AR670-1, Charlie Gu throws on his tan shirt first. He goes through the motions of what will soon become a familiar routine as he starts to painstakingly put on an unfitting hand-me-down uniform.

He tucks in his shirt, straps his belt and runs his arms through his jacket. Pausing, he makes sure to stick his name and rank onto the uniform. He puts the rest of his clothing on, and, after five minutes, he’s nearly done. As a finishing touch, Gu places the United States flag on his right shoulder. It is his first time wearing the esteemed uniform of the Missouri National Guard. His initial thought: “It’s really hot.”

That first thought is an apt description of Gu’s time in basic training this summer. The senior’s 72 days at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri were jam-packed with workouts, firearm training and tactical drills. His instruction consisted of three different phases: red, white and blue. “[Red phase] was pretty mundane. It trains you to follow regulations for everything and follow the rules,” Gu said.

“When white phase came around, we just shot [weapons] the entire time, including machine guns and grenade launchers. Blue phase was by the far the best part. We did obstacle courses, threw grenades and [conducted mock] field operations.”

Gu first thought about joining the National Guard when a recruiter came to talk to his AP Government and Politics class last year. At the time, he didn’t give much consideration to signing up, but after a couple of weeks, the idea began to grow on him. When he told his parents about his choice, both were surprised and initially against his decision to enlist.

In part, his father’s opposition stemmed from his own experiences as a teenager in China. When the Cultural Revolution began in 1966, a 15-yearold Willie Gu was sent 2,000 miles away from his home and was forced to do brutal work by the Chinese government. Since he had faced hardships as a teenager, Willie did not want Charlie to endure similar suffering at basic training.

“I know what it’s like to go through those tough conditions, so I was totally in shock [when he told us],” Willie said.

“But when he said he wanted to serve the country, [my wife and I] were moved. At that point, our objections went away.

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gu joins armed forces

Who can say no to such a noble idea? We owe everything to America, and he can do something for the country.

What better way is there to pay back the gratitude we were given?”

Like most new recruits, Charlie figured his drill sergeants would act like how they are portrayed in movies — brutal and callous toward soldiers. And initially, most of his interactions with his superiors only served to reinforce that belief. In one instance, Charlie and his fellow soldiers were even told that the weapons were worth more than they were. Yet, after seeing a drill sergeant comfort a soldier who had failed out of his training, Charlie began to understand that they were not as inhumane as he first thought. “[Drill sergeants] want to make you think that they don’t care about you,” Charlie said. “But then [they would] give speeches about how they had soldiers die in their hands and how they would have to give a folded flag to people’s families. And the more I thought about it, I realized drill sergeants aren’t machines; they’re people too. I [understood] they’re really the most human out of all of us. They just have to do what they do because it’s their job.”

On the final day of Charlie’s training, his entire family came to Fort Leonard Wood to see his graduation ceremony. For Willie, witnessing Charlie become an official member of the United States Armed Forces was one of the best days of his life.

“I had tears in my eyes the whole time,” Willie said. “It [was] my son wearing the uniform. All of a sudden, he didn’t seem like a teenager anymore. He’s a grown man.

Just that alone was well worth the time [Charlie] spent with the National Guard.”

After nine weeks away, one of the first changes Charlie’s family noticed was his newfound sense of maturity. Since his return home, Charlie’s younger brother Jimmy feels his brother has become more disciplined and responsible because of the rigorous training he underwent.

“I thought it was a great choice for him to join the National Guard,” Jimmy said. “I saw that he was changed for the better. He took this as a good opportunity to train himself and improve as a person.”

When Charlie first left for basic training, despite the atmosphere of hostility towards immigrants and minorities in today’s political climate, he never worried about how he would be treated. In fact, he was surprised to find recruits from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles when he arrived.

Yet, as time passed, the recruits’ differences never seemed to matter to him or anyone else.

“When you get there, everyone’s the same,” Charlie said.

“The military is just a mishmash of people. There’s no color, no social status, no economic status. You’re just a soldier.

You’re just green.” v Page design by Bradford Siwak

FACING OPPORTUNITY Senior Charlie Gu plans to be a bridge engineer for the Missouri National Guard. At basic training, Gu formed lifelong bonds that he still keeps today. “We were getting through [training] together,” Gu said. “If someone was down, [we would] help each other.” (Photo by Zach Weller)

5 features laduelead.com

Campos triples her talents Junior Tori Campos joins intensive program to pursue her passion for theater

KATIE HOLLAND features editor | @katiieholland

commit to solely one thing, especially when it’s something I want to pursue, you kind of have to prioritize it over everything. I still want to be involved in Ladue theater. I want triple threat in show business is someone who can to be involved as much as I can.” act, dance and sing. The Stages Triple Threat ProCampos has since gotten one of the four roles in gram is for high schoolers who enjoy theater and Ladue’s fall play, “The Glass Menagerie.” Sophomore Ron are willing to make a serious commitment to the workload, Weiss, also in the play, is familiar with Campos’s devotion so much so that they want to pursue a career in it. to theater.

To audition, the program expects a mental, physical and “Tori is just great. Great to work with and really just to emotional investment from its students. Junior Tori Camhave the privilege of knowing,” Weiss said. “She puts all pos is proving that she has her effort into what she does, and it shows.” what it takes by prioritizing Campos looks I’m definitely looking at her work with the program forward to expandover everything else. the cutthroat competiing her talents in “We had to prepare a tion of the theater world. theater by worktwo minute monologue and ing with Triple It’s terrifying, but I’m pre- Threats, which 32 bars of a song,” Campos paring every day, and I said. “For the dance portion, has more than they taught us a routine at a couldn’t be more excited. enough to ofpretty fast pace, and if you fer to enrich didn’t make it past the dance auditions, you didn’t get the her performance skills. chance to move forward. I’m definitely the least confident “It’s for sure going in dance.” to be a challenge, but However, dance was not the only thing hindering I’m eager to get in Campos’s confidence. In fifth grade, Campos auditioned for the swing of things,” Triple Threat Tots, a modified version of the program for Campos said. younger kids.

Campos also looks “I did not make it,” Campos said. “I failed completely, forward to the comand it kind of scared me away from [the program] a little munity aspect of the bit.” program, as well as After performing in a play produced by Stages, a high connecting with her school version of “Heathers,” an overwhelming number of peers like she does in people told her to try out for Triple Threats.

Ladue Theater.

“I didn’t think I had the skill for that, obviously, after my “Triple Threats past experience – but even the director pulled me aside is such a big team,” and told me I should audition again,” Campos said.

Campos said. “They’re Finally, Campos decided she would, in fact, audition just such a family over again. While still focusing on her commitment to the Ladue there.” theater program and Vive Voce, Campos started preparing Campos continues to for her audition. think about her future “It was one of those things that was like, if I make it, I’ll in theater and looks have to make all these adjustments to my schedule, but forward to the challenge only if. And then I made it,” Campos said. ahead of her.

Triple Threats demands commitment. Meeting two “I’m definitely looking times a week, all while having to memorize songs, dance at the cutthroat comroutines and monologues for upcoming roles doesn’t petition of the theater leave time for much else. Campos had to make some hard world,” Campos said. “It’s decisions and ultimately decided to take a step back from terrifying, but I’m presome of Ladue’s performance-based clubs. paring every day, and I “I did have to quit Vive Voce, which was a tough decouldn't be more excitcision in itself,” Campos said “It’s hard when you have to ed." v

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Page design by Katie Holland; photo by Sunny Lu

After-school library closes this year School adminstration closes library due to fewer staff and safety concerns SYDNEY CRUMP news editor | @sydneycrump4

A

t first glance, the closure of the after-school library may not seem important to Ladue students.

However, for some, this change can mean a loss of resources and time to complete their school work. For the first time in 14 years, after-school library is closed primarily due to a lack of library staff.

In previous years, library staff took different shifts in order to cover after-school library. However, with less staff this year, they were unable to keep the program running.

Additionally, some students were not using the library for its intended purposes.

“What we’ve found over the last couple of years is that students aren’t in the library after school using library materials,” Librarian Michelle Schmitt said. “They come [to the library] to wait for somebody to pick them up or to spend some time with their friends.”

Despite understanding the administration’s reasons for closing the library, students like junior Abigail Bernstein have found that they still need a quiet place to study after the final bell rings. For Bernstein, after-school library was convenient because her home isn’t always an ideal place to do homework, and transportation to the public library is difficult to find.

“Sometimes I would chat and do some study groups, but it [was] pretty much just studying and doing homework in the library,” Bernstein said.

Similar to Bernstein’s circumstances, senior Zachary Wild stayed after school in the library at least once a week to work on homework and participate in study groups. Wild

felt disappointed with the closing of after-school library because it has many resources. “[The library] is not being utilized to its full potential because it’s not open after school, which [are] the hours when students are most able to use the library,” Wild said.

Although after-school library is no longer open, Schmitt would like to remind students that the library opens at 7 a.m., and that students have access to it during their lunch period. Schmitt also said that if a student needs library resources for research purposes, most of them can be found online, which allows students to access a virtual library wherever they are.

“We always want to have students in [the library, and] we want students to use the library,” Schmitt said. v

LIBRARY LIFE Starting this school year, students are no longer allowed to stay after school in the library. After 2:45 p.m. every day, the librarians close the doors. “For me personally, [I am mostly impacted by the] printer resources and [needing] a quiet place to study,” junior Abigail Bernstein said. (Photo illustration by Zach Weller)

Students share opinions on the closing of after-school library Does the closing of the library after school impact you? yes no

37. 5% 62.5%

How will the closing of the library impact you?

7.9% 17.4% 8.7%

(Results based on voluntary Google survey of 368 responses) Page design by Connie Chen & Sydney Crump

5.9%

It will not impact me much I need a quiet place to study after school

60.1%

I need WiFi or the printer after school I need a place to stay while I wait for my ride I study with my friends after school

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The Bookies

BJCH Make A Gift

The Bookies is a club for students who want to read more non-school books and engage in a book club setting. It was created by seniors Lily Humphrey and Davina Lettau. Each month, members of the club will choose a new book and discuss it at meetings in room 2150. “I think this club will help encourage students to read for fun and to see reading as a hobby more than a job,” Lettau said.

The BJC Healthcare Make A Gift club will make gifts and crafts to comfort hospital patients in one of the BJC hospital locations. Members will meet once a month in room 1310 starting in October. “By participating in BJCH Make A Gift, students will not only earn service hours, but make new friends, gain artistic skills and make a positive difference in the community,” sophomore and founder Vivian Marsters said.

Fishing Club This club will teach students how to properly fish. Members will meet on one Thursday every month in room 1324.

They will also have fishing trips on Saturdays. “[The] Fishing Club will impact Ladue by bringing students together with a common goal of having fun and doing something they love,” junior and co-founder Lili Toledano said.

This year’s new clubs CONNIE CHEN news editor | @iamconniechen SYDNEY CRUMP news editor | @sydneycrump4

art by MICHELLE ZHOU art by JACKIE ZENG art by EGRET JIN

Young Americans

Physics Club

Young Americans will give students an opportunity to listen to others’ opinions on American politics in a bipartisan manner.

Members will meet once every three weeks in room 2404 or the cafeteria. “This [club] idea started when Linnea [Holy] and I were discussing politics. At the end, we only grew closer after fully understanding one another through our effective conversations,” senior and co-founder Michelle Liu said.

In Physics Club, people will learn about, well, physics. This club will meet every three weeks in the morning in room 2368. “[Through Physics Club,] people will start to see physics as one of [the most] applicable classes at our school,” senior and founder Kevin Jiang said.

“Also, they will see that physics can explain lots of things.”

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Spread design by Connie Chen & Sydney Crump

Astronomy Club In Astronomy Club, people will learn about space and the universe. Junior and founder Elizabeth Fridman plans to bring in guest speakers as well. This club will meet every other Wednesday after school, and the first meeting will be Sept. 26 in room 1326.

“I can’t wait to share my passion of learning about space with the club,” Fridman said.

Writing Club Writing Club provides a collaborative space for students to write and receive feedback.

It will meet every Tuesday after school in room 2404 beginning in October. “It can be difficult to find time to just sit down and write, and even harder to find people who will offer genuine advice without being pushy, but in this club both can be found,” senior and co-founder Elena Welch said.

Girls Code The purpose of Girls Code is to provide a place for girls to receive advice regarding academics or life in general. The club will meet every other Thursday in room 3340.

Junior and founder Kendal Whitney plans to include team building activities during the club meetings as well.

“I believe this club will impact girls very positively,” Whitney said.

New to Ladue New to Ladue will help new students make friends and get to know Ladue. Their first meeting was Sept. 1 and each month they’ll meet in room 1311. “It will encourage [students] who already have friends they’ve been with for a while to branch out and invite a new student to sit with them at lunch or come to a sport event with them,” junior and founder Mara Miller said.

Chinese Club In Chinese Club, people will learn how to speak and write Chinese. Club members will learn about Chinese culture as well. The club will meet every Tuesday in room 2368. “I think this club is going to be a class for those who [want to] learn Chinese, but it would be without a teacher and homework,” senior and co-founder Guangye Lai said.

Latino Heritage Club Senior AJ Sierra and junior Maria Gonzalez founded this club to help build a community of culture among Ladue’s Latino students.

One of the club’s goals is to host a dance or small celebration with Latino music and activities. Members will meet in room 1310 twice a month. “I hope it impacts students in a good way, [and] that they would be willing to learn and try some new things with us,” Sierra said.

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Ladue blocks websites on laptops Administration hopes to decrease distractions in the classroom CINDY WANG staff writer | @cindy_wang_123

L

adue High School students are now equipped with school-issued MacBook Airs as a result of the district’s Limitless Learning Initiative. However, many students have noticed that the new laptops come with restrictions.

The school uses Filewave and Smoothwall to manage what students are allowed to access on the MacBook Airs. These systems have been in place for many years on school devices, such as the iPads and ChromeBooks. Websites featuring inappropriate content and social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, have been blocked by Smoothwall. The downloading of applications and software is filtered and managed by Filewave.

“Legally, we are bound by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide a filter on any device that accesses the Internet,” Instructional Technology Specialist Adam Stirrat said.

Although the blocked websites and applications may not distract students from academics after school hours, DESE regulations still require

the school to filter Internet access there were many attempts to downoff-campus. Therefore, the downloadload and request Fortnite as well as ing of applications and free browsmusic-streaming applications. ing is restricted at home. However, “I can understand why the school students are able to install school-apwould block gaming apps and webproved applications, such as Google sites containing potentially mature Chrome or Microsoft Office, through content, but blocking music apps such the Ladue App Portal located at the as Spotify makes little sense to me,” top bar of their computer screens. junior Madeline Stoces said. “Music Students can even request access to helps many students, myself included, certain websites concentrate more and applications, on homework and It’s reasonable that sites though some find less on outside such as social media and distractions.” this to be unnecessarily tedious.

According to Netflix are blocked during “People should Stirrat, the reason school hours, but I bebe able to download for the restrictions lieve that people should more applications on music apps is without having to because of the be able to access these contact [the] adminis- sites at home. limitations of the tration to put it in the school’s network.

-Seema Patil (12) portal,” senior Seema The administration Patil said. “There are feels that having hunmany coding applications that I’d like dreds of students constantly streamto use both in and out of school, but I ing music would negatively impact the am unable to download them.” school’s network by making individual While students are able to gain aclaptop connections slower. cess to certain applications after con“When we talk about restricting, tacting the technology department, it’s a game plan to position us where some applications remain restricted. we [can] give students a network that Immediately after the computers were works and is a safe and secure envihanded out to students, Stirrat said ronment,” Stirrat said. v

“

Students share their thoughts on laptop policy ASSER

L GOLDW

art by JIL

Do you agree that some websites should be blocked on MacBook Airs?

What is one website you think should not be blocked?

61.4% said no

78

students said Netflix

(Results based on a voluntary Google survey out of 368 responses)

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Page design by Connie Chen & Sydney Crump

party’s over 90%

of alcohol consumed by teens involves binge drinking

but only

1%

of parents believe their teen binge drinks

Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality

Page design by Katie Shaw; photo by Zach Weller

11in-depth laduelead.com

Drunk on danger D

Teenage drinking can have dangerous long-term effects rinking, smoking and partying are ic excellence, according to Sara Gibbs, parts of the usual weekend agen- a counselor at the National Council for da for many high schoolers. From Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. The pressure teens stealing liquor off their parents’ top put on by schools, parents or friends can shelves to asking an older brother to buy increase the likelihood of a teen seeking a six-pack, these activities can be found refuge in drugs or alcohol in an attempt in basements around the nation on a to deal with social stress. weekly basis.

“I think one thing with Ladue in parWhile this is ticular [is that] most nothing new, people think [drug students can see use] just happens the prevalence in poverty, or it just and popularhappens to people ity of alcohol that are high risk,” and partying in Gibbs said. “But on American pop the other end of the culture. The spectrum, accommedia frequently plished teens at very fails to depict good schools are the negative actually under-recrepercussions ognized as high risk.” of party culture, If this is the -Principal Brad Griffith which encouragcase for a teenager es irresponsible who participates behavior that can lead to a slippery slope in heavy drinking, drug use or partying, of physical damage, emotional harm or, using these methods to escape one’s in some circumstances, death. stress heightens the potential for danger.

One reason why Ladue students resort Principal Brad Griffith has personally seen to partying and how these destructive means can be drinking can be dangerously unhealthy for both individuthe communi- als and their families. ty’s emphasis on academ-

“

If the dominant influence in our culture is the party, drinking [and] drugs, then there’s going to be that appeal for [students] to experiment with drugs and alcohol.

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ANNA LINER in-depth editor| @liner_anna ANDE SIEGEL in-depth editor| @andesiegel “[If] any kind of teenager engages in [that behavior], it has the potential to become a problem,” Griffith said. “In my time, I’ve seen issues spiral completely out of control at houses where parents aren’t present, or even worse, at houses where parents are present. That has some significant and serious repercussions, not only just for the families but for the students themselves.”

In a study conducted by the Mental Health and Counseling Center of the University of Texas, data showed that low self-esteem can create a likelihood of teens turning toward alcohol or drug consumption. Gibbs stressed the importance of combating such unhealthy coping mechanisms by participating in extracurricular activities and surrounding oneself with a supportive environment.

“The most important thing is be comfortable with who you are, and realize and understand that your greatest concern should be what is in your own best interest, rather than trying to do what other people think is good for you,” AP Psychology teacher Bob Westerholt said.

“You shouldn’t rely upon chemicals and drugs and everything else to make you happy. You really need to find happiness within yourself.” v

Spread design by Anna Liner & Ande Siegel; photo by Zach Weller

Fast facts on teen drinking A teenager will die from drunk driving every

15 minutes 119,000

How alcohol affects the brain The prefrontal cortex controls decision-making. Alcohol can interrupt rationalization, explaining why people become more impulsive when intoxicated.

Alcohol interferes with how the hippocampus controls memory, explaining blackouts and long-term memory loss.

minors visited the emergency room for injuries related to alcohol in 2013

In 2010, excessive teen drinking cost the U.S.

24 billion 60%

of all teen deaths from car accidents involve alcohol

Sources: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Research Society on Alcoholism, Center for Disease Control & Prevention. All statistics based on U.S. data

The amygdala is responsible for recognizing social cues and emotions. Alcohol reduces the amygdala’s reaction to dangerous situations.

The cerebellum controls movement and balance.

When intoxicated, a person can lose balance and coordination.

13in-depth laduelead.com

PlayStation’s Spider-man LETs you be the hero Insomniac Game’s New Superhero Title elevates the Genre

the start...

ADAM RUSH head copy editor | @AdamRush01

THE STORY...

Just for a second, imagine having the powers of Spider-Man. You would be able to swing through the skyscrapers of New York and crack jokes during fights with animal-themed villains, all while leading a chaotic dual life. The new Playstation exclusive video game “Marvel’s Spider-Man” manages to incorporate nearly every aspect that defines the wall-crawler as a hero, delivering what may be one of the best superhero games of all time.

THE CITY... art by JACKIE ZENG

In “Marvel’s Spider-man’s” opening moments, Insomniac games, the developers behind this new iteration of spider-man, perfectly capture the feeling of swinging through skyscrapers and buildings as Spider-Man. the game constantly makes the player feel like a superhero.

As in-game podcaster J. Jonah Jameson says, New York is really “Spider-Man’s playground.” Whether web-slinging or fighting crime, The open world mechanics feel fantastic, and will be remembered for the new style of gameplay Insomniac created.

T H W I P

What the game does best is honor Spidey’s history while simultaneously telling a Brand new story. Although Insomniac keeps the essentials of Spider-Man’s character, IT alters some of his backstory, allowing for a new take on a decades-old hero. YET, WHAT makes the game standout is the little moments that develop peter’s character, ensuring that the player has a connection to both spidey and peter. Every time spidey fights a villain, the fight has repercussions for Peter Parker’s life, not just Spider-Man’s. Insomniac recognized that Spider-man’s dual lives are one of the most important ways to examine the man behind the mask and tell his story in a new way.

The COMBAT...

art

when playing as spider-man, there ARE always villains to fight, whether THEY ARE one of Spidey’s greatest foes or just a crook. utilizing his unique powers, spidey flips around opponents, launches enemies into the air and webs them from AFAR. Much like web-slinging, combat gives the player a sense of excitement nearly every time. Additionally, peter builds unique gadgets that aid combat, allowing for a personalized approach to every situation, which lets the playeR CHOOSE HOW THEY WILL FIGHT.

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09.26.2018

5 out of 5...

In every moment OF “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” it is easy to see the thoughtfulness and care Insomniac put into making Spider-man’s world come to life. every aspect of Peter’s life inevitably collides, and that idea was used to create a fantastic narrative. The story, open-world, web-slinging and even the villains all come together to truly let you become one of comic’s most iconic heroEs. Page design by Felix Hu

Craft’s Cinder House spices up St. Louis HUGH CHAN A&E editor | @hugheychan

BON APPÉTIT Grilled piri piri chicken breast served with goat cheese polenta, fig salad with lemon vinaigrette and a hot honey sauce.

(Photo by Hugh Chan)

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n the spacious eighth floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, elegance and authenticity come together at Cinder House, acclaimed Chef Gerard Craft’s new restaurant. The restaurant’s website describes the establishment as one that fuses global flavors with a particular focus towards South American and Iberian cuisine.

Wooden tiles of every pattern and shade provide the foundation for the dining room along with glossy white and black panels, while different pieces of modern glass art create a chic environment. Soft leather chairs in tones of white, beige and navy line gleaming ebony tables.

The food comes relatively quickly; the appetizers are brought to the table only 10 minutes after ordering.

Dia’s cheese bread, named in honor of the chef’s grandmother, comes with small cheese pockets encapsulated in airy puffs of pillowy dough. Alongside salty slices of pink prosciutto, acerbic pickled vegetables accompany a surprisingly light savory cream made of lard that the waiter informed me takes a month to prepare. Brazilian coxinhas – also known as fried croquettes – seem plain from the outside but are filled with spiced shredded chicken and oozing cheese.

Shortly after the appetizers are cleared from the table, the piri piri chicken entrée arrives. Marinated in piri piri peppers, the skin of the grilled chicken has a smoky profile, but the

meat beneath is inexplicably moist and flavorful. The chicken sits atop a heap of dense polenta infused with goat cheese, and an extremely spicy chili honey sauce envelopes the entire dish. Beside the chicken and polenta, a salad consisting of various greens and fig halves is dressed with an acidic lemon vinaigrette to help counteract the intense heat of the chili honey sauce. With dishes such as the chicken, Craft has managed to develop authentic South American and European flavors while modernizing them enough to make Cinder House a clear standout in St. Louis’s food environment.

Amidst much hype, Craft’s new restaurant has managed to surpass expectations and further cement his legacy as one of St. Louis’s most esteemed chefs. In a city essentially devoid of South American flavors, Cinder House brings an entirely new aspect to the city’s culinary scene. v

Price: $$$ ($30-$50) Rating:

Teachers vs. pop culture Pano asks teachers what they think various pop culture terms mean Debra Carson

Keith Harder

Fire: “I want to say it’s when you dont have a job anymore.”

Flex: “Show your strength or showing your power over another person.”

Dank: “Dank is something that’s kinda gross.”

On me: “It’s my fault or my responsibility.”

Page design by Hugh Chan & Malavika Kumaran

Robert Snidman

Tea: “A drink you have that’s hot or cold and could be sweetened with sugar.”

Clout: “Prestige or power.”

Ellen Summa

Don’t at me: “Don’t come at me or challenge me!”

Shook: “Your biological system has been depleted and now you’re shaky.”

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Two athletes bounce back from injury

ANIK JAIN web editor-in-chief | @anik_jain

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Kevin Jiang

ate last year, senior Kevin Jiang collided with a teammate at soccer practice. He thought it was only a minor injury, but it turned out to be much worse: he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In sports, in the midst of a team’s successes or failures, it can be easy to forget about the trials that many athletes face over the course of their careers, especially when they are trying to recover from major injuries.

Afrer the injury in spring 2017, Jiang was unable to finish his seasons with his club team, St. Louis Scott Gallagher, or at Ladue. Before the injury, Jiang and his coaches had big expectations for his junior year.

“It [stunk] to hear that [Kevin] hurt himself in the club season and [wasn’t] able to play with us in the high school season,” coach David Aronberg said. “I was sad to hear about Kevin’s injury, especially since he had to miss the entire season last year.”

Jiang underwent surgery and a rigorous recovery process. Throughout it, Jiang had doubts about whether or not he would be able to return to his previous form.

“Soccer was a way of letting out steam and getting a good workout,” Jiang said. “Without that means of release, I was pretty restless to get back on the pitch or, at the very least, start running again.”

Despite going through the long road of recovery, Jiang wouldn’t change a thing. As unpredictable as injuries are, athletes believe there aren’t many experiences that can surpass being able to play with full intensity and go all out, risking injury.

“Whether it is the underdogs taking a title, a bench player popping in a last minute goal or getting your ACL blown out, sports are something to live for,” Jiang said. v

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Samantha Fischer

hen sophomore Samantha Fischer suffered a major concussion, it was unclear just how much it would affect the rest of her gymnastics career. However, that career ended when she crashed into a pole bar at practice last fall.

“Samantha was involved in an incident during gymnastics training that forced her to hang up her leotard due to her injury,” gymnastics coach Dylan Karg said. “This incident could have been much worse than it was, but it was nonetheless scary.”

Fischer had to battle both physically and mentally to return to her athletic career after her concussion, which forced her to miss a lot of school. Fischer was torn because she had to give up the sport she had cherished since childhood.

“Since I had to quit gymnastics because of my injury, I was very upset and angry,” Fischer said. “At the time, gymnastics was the most important thing in my life.”

Although the severity of Fischer’s injury caused her to give up the sport, Fischer found that she could apply her talents elsewhere.

Fischer decided to start diving and has recently picked up track and field, eventually making the state diving, varsity track and JV golf teams.

“I realize what a big part gymnastics was to my life, but that I had to move on and find something new to pursue,” Fischer said.

“Being an athlete can be hard because you can’t predict what is going to happen in the future.”

The fact that Fischer has been able to return to atheletics quickly and be successful has amazed former coaches.

“Although Samantha was unable to continue her career in gymnastics, which was a very hard thing for all of us, she has taken what she learned in the gym and has been so successful because of it,” Karg said. “She is such a determined young woman and has continued her success in athletics.” v Page design by Jackson Bry

SWINGING Hadley Kramer looks into the distance, tracking his shot. Since childhood, he has had a passion for golf. “I just love it because it’s easy to become obsessed with it and work at it nonstop,” Kramer said.

“It’s a very addictive game.” (Photo

by Carolina Alisio)

Kramer goes Division 1 Senior commits to play golf at Hampton University HOPE SHIMONY writer | @hope_shimony

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enior Hadley Kramer’s dad first brought him to a golf course when he was 3 years old. Since that day, Kramer has been obsessed with the game, obsessed with the players, obsessed with large tournaments and especially his own improvement.

In July, Kramer committed to play Division 1 golf at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. As he continues his golf career through the end of high school, he strives to push himself toward the most consistent and accurate game possible.

“My main goal is to play golf at the [most] competitive level [I can],” Kramer said. “Competing at the Division 1 level was something [that drew me to Hampton].”

Kramer’s skill is a result of his work ethic and his determination.

Kramer plays year-round, apart from Ladue practice, in order to improve his form and mental concentration during matches.

“One thing I’ve learned from Hadley is that hard work pays off,” senior and teammate Noah Melson said. “He puts a lot of time and effort into golf, and it shows on the course.”

The Ladue Golf program’s goal is to develop close relationships among the athletes and the coaching staff. Todd Basler, the head varsity golf coach, has continued to coach golf even after his retirement from teaching due to the relationships he formed with the athletes. “[I love] watching the improvement and the progress the boys develop [throughout] the years,” Basler said. “Most importantly, I continue to enjoy the relationships with my golfers which [will] last a lifetime.”

As Kramer moves into a more competitive level of golfing at Hampton, he plans to continue to develop as an all-around player.

While golfing, Kramer has vowed to continue to prove himeself each and every day. “[I will] not stop working my butt off because I’m getting so much better every year,” Kramer said. “There’s no reason to stop now.” v Page design by Jacob Korn & Jackson Bry

ATHLETE of the month:

senior running back

ANDREW HUNT Stats through Sept. 13 (three games played) How do you think the team and yourself have been performing this year?

I think we’re playing well, but there are definitely things we can clean up and improve on.

Even when we win, there’s always mistakes that we can fix to make our team better.

195

total yards

Are there any players or role models that you’ve looked up to over the years?

I look up to Chino Davis, who was my mentor when I was a sophomore. He really helped me learn the game and understand how to get into the game day mindset.

3

total touchdowns

What has been your favorite part of playing football for Ladue?

My favorite part about playing for Ladue is definitely the team mentality that we have. It’s really a family on the field, and it’s a lot of fun.

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MAKING A SPLASH Senior Paige Mitchell participates in a charity swim to raise money for cancer research Aug. 25. Swim Across America organized this swim, in 2017 they raised $4.8 million. People put on temporary tattoos and wrote the names of people affected by cancer in order to honor them. “It’s really cool to have all these different types of people, different ages, just to swim and raise this money for cancer,” Mitchell said.

“Having a community that cares is really important for something like this.” (Photos

by Zach Weller)

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Spread design by Jackson Bry

Senior swims for Siteman

Paige Mitchell swims for charity to honor her mother JACKSON BRY sports editor | @jbry422

passed away. Instead of letting the trauma in her life get to her, she uses it to fuel her to always strive for her goals, never give up and herever senior Paige Mitchell goes, get stronger. a green bracelet goes with her.

“I think that [Mitchell] is a dedicated perThe bracelet, which she carries in son that has such strength, and it comes out her swim bag, has the phrase “Be a success,” of what she went through,” Mitchell’s swim followed by her mother’s initials. Mitchell’s coach, David McCray, said. “She has goals for mother, Kate Mitchell, lost her battle with herself; she is definitely strong-willed when cancer in December 2015. Mitchell has also it comes to having goals and doing what it lost two uncles to cancer. takes to reach those goals. It’s really importHonoring her late loved ant to her to be involved ones, Mitchell trekked all in a cause that allows her the way out to Alpine Lake to swim on her mother’s Watching [my mom] in Innsbrook to swim in a behalf.” non-competitive 2.4 mile After her mother’s struggle through cancer swim Aug. 25. The open death, getting back in the was definitely a hard pro- pool was one of the first water swim was put tocess,” Mitchell said. “Each things Mitchell thought gether by an organization called Swim Across America day I try to ‘Live to find of doing. So, getting a in order to raise money for chance to swim, while joy,’ which is my famicancer research. simultaneously raising ly motto. We strive for Members of her club money for cancer, was a swim team, Clayton Shaw perfect fit for her. that every day and that’s Park, also went to the “There are two things helped me get through event. Personally motivated that are probably the that loss. It doesn’t get by the closest to Paige’s heart: easier, but I like to use loss of swimming, and then obher family the sadness in other viously this event [which] members, raising money for ways, like with the [Swim was Mitchell cancer research,” Paige’s Across America] event. raised father, Glenn Mitchell, $905 said. “With Paige losing towards the her mother to cancer, she can event, which in total raised do something she loves and raise money to $208,352 for Siteman Canfight for a cure.” cer Center.

Mitchell was empowered by her losses “Doing [the swim] for in order to become a better swimmer and the people I loved made it live her life to the fullest. She attributes her a lot easier,” Mitchell said. success to the people around her who have “I think it was pretty cool helped her through her difficult times, as to take something I love well as always having a positive attitude and doing, which is swimming, following her dreams. and then be able to honor “Watching [my mom] struggle through the people I love. It was cancer was definitely a hard process,” Mitchell cool having everyone there said. “Each day I try to ‘Live to find joy,’ which to swim for a purpose.” is my family motto. We strive for that every The people in Mitchell’s day and that’s helped me get through that life are amazed by her level loss. It doesn’t get easier, but I like to use the of commitment to honor sadness in other ways, like with the [Swim the people she loved who Across America] event.”

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09.26.2018

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Page design by Anya Tullman

ACTIVITIES FAIR Senior Evan Mutic completes the form to sign up for Club Neuro at the activities fair Sept. 4. Club Neuro was among several clubs Mutic signed up for. “It was really loud and crowded, but I signed up for a lot of clubs that I otherwise wouldn’t have even known about,” Mutic said. (Photo by Nicole Kalishman)

Pano perspective: cut the clubs Ladue’s affinity for starting clubs is ruining the reason for having them

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veryone remembers their freshman year activities fair. The cafeteria was swamped with people holding big, ornate posters, with yells reverberating around the room. Freshmen, just days into their high school experience, leave the fair having joined 15 clubs – most of which they will never actually attend.

The sheer amount of clubs at Ladue is absolute overkill.

According to the activities office, Ladue currently has 99 school-registered clubs. Since last year, we have gained 17. This proliferation is ridiculous. Many of these clubs end up with low attendance rates, not amounting to much of their original purpose. This is exhausting for teachers to sponsor and pointless for students to attend.

The idea behind each club tends to be good, but the passion of the founder may not carry over to the participants or attendance rate.

Generally, clubs are started by students with the sole purpose of embellishing their college applications.

College and Career Counselor Scott Page design by Cassie Beisheim

Cornwell said he “would understand ment in school. However, starting a why students would want colleges to club just to put it on a résumé is not recognize them for their efforts.” How- worth it. Colleges look for deeper ever, he continues, “Often, a couple of levels of involvement instead of an interested students start a club, but assortment of clubs that have no when they graduate, interest in the correlation. club wanes. Colleges are more imWhile the creation of clubs should pressed when clubs stand the test of not be discouraged, there should be time.” More effort should be put into higher standards for forming one. A maintaining existing clubs by pushing minimum number of people have to them to recruit more new members sign up and attend each meeting, and proving that they have genuine along with qualifications for students purpose. who want to start the club. When a On one hand, student wants to start a club, a vetclubs do provide a ting process could Colleges look for deep- take place. Submitpositive outlet for er levels of involvement ting long-term goals, students to pursue passions, hold leadinstead of an assortment outlines for meetings ership positions and and a list of students become well-rounded of clubs that have no interested will prove members of society. The correlation. passion and intent. surplus of clubs ensures While Ladue prothat there truly is something for evvides many opportunities for its stueryone and a time to do it. Joining an dent body that should not go unnoorganization at school can also give ticed, it is essential that they are used colleges and universities an insight wisely. Regulations on the creation of into a student’s personal interests and clubs will allow for Ladue to maintain proves their dedication and involveits prosperous reputation. v

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Sushi, smiles and sexual harassment IM beisheim BEISHE @cassie CASSIE | r o it d se opinion

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09.26.2018

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or a typical teen, Sunday is filled with schoolwork – students are constantly cramming for that Monday test. For myself, Sunday is filled with shifts at Sushi Ai, and we’re fairly busy due to our buy-one-getone-half-off deal on all-you-can-eat sushi. As a result, I’ve managed to master bussing tables, seating customers and running six plates of rangoons to three different tables all at once.

Having such a demanding job has made me infinitely grateful for my staff. From the occasional free roll to an extra tip from a server I helped out, the little perks are truly what make the long days bearable. Along with our staff, we have some wonderful customers as well. Just a few Sundays ago, I was clearing an outside table for a couple when they came over to thank me for “always being on top of everything.” However, the group that arrived after them behaved differently.

As I collected the last few plates from their table, I looked up and smiled at the customer. He smiled back and said these special words: “I like your smile. You should smile more!”

To many, this is a compliment, something to boost one’s spirit and self-confidence. As a woman who is aware of where it leads, these words made my stomach drop. The man, at least eight years my senior, continues to lean toward his friend, smiling.

“And you’ve got a nice ass, too.”

With my heart pounding, I nervously laughed, avoiding eye contact and stacking cups to take inside. I rushed

back in, away from the man. Before I got near a counter, two cups of water slipped from my grasp. The whole restaurant turned toward me as I rushed to clean it up, panic painted all over my face. It took three employees and a roll of paper towels to make the area dry enough to walk on.

I had acted on my feet in an attempt to professionally exit an uncomfortable situation, but it backfired completely. I had no training to deal with the place I was put in. I was only taught to be kind to “disagreeable” customers. It felt like my job to allow that man to hit on me.

Although this generation is more aware than ever of sexual harrassment, it doesn’t stop happening. What happened to me was normal in our culture, and it continues to happen day by day. I get winks from men wearing wedding rings and requests for my phone number from older men, even after I tell them I am in high school. But the issues for hosts and waiters don’t end there.

I took the job thinking respect would be an expectation. Within my first week, I was proven wrong.

Bussing tables, I found smeared sushi and bills with crosses over the tip lines. Not only is this rude, as I have to clean those rice-ridden tables on nonexistent tips, but it is a disservice to the servers who live off customer gratuity. As a busser, I make $8.

Servers typically make $3.85, or half of the regular minimum wage. That extra 10-20 percent tip from customers is what makes their living. Unfortunately, people don’t always take note of how hard servers work, and their income is diminished by folks who would rather pocket an extra $6.

So please, let my experience educate you. There are two main lessons to take away: first, DO NOT HIT ON PEOPLE AT WORK. You’re essentially exploiting their kindness because they need your service. Second, if you are not going to tip, do not go out.

Prioritizing courtesy makes restaurant workers feel like people. As humans, we are prone to ignorance, so it will take self-awareness and compassion to realize that we are used to treating workers unfairly. We as a society MUST change our treatment towards those serving us. v Page design by Cassie Beisheim

IA YANG art by LOUIS

ALEXANDER FU opinions editor | @alexlfu

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s pescetarianism a religion? Does yarn come out of the ground? If Batman’s parents are dead, how was he born? Clearly, dumb questions do exist. The product of a misguided soul that spoke too quickly can bring “big cringe” or “much laughs.” Schools typically form a judgment-free environment, encouraging students to ask a lot of questions, but there is a point where flapping one’s mouth faster than the ability to streamline thoughts can lead to unfortunate consequences. Now, since everyone has fallen victim to saying something stupid now and then, I think a proper explanation of how a dumb question forms can help everyone reflect on the rationality of their thoughts.

The origins of a dumb question start with a fleeting thought or someone else’s comment. From the beginning, a person’s lagging brain fires off the wrong neurotransmitters. A rapid-fire chain reaction of errors then occurs, compounding like the butterfly effect, further triggering wrong signals and, eventually, creating a very, very dumb thought.

All people think of things that should not be verbalized, whether they be dumb, cheeky, irrelevant, depressing or disturbing. Normally, people’s brains filter their thoughts into that-which-can-be-spoken and thatwhich-cannot-be-spoken. However, the condition of brain-deadness may cause someone to skip the filtering step, and a person’s dumb thought gets the express pass down their head and out their mouth: “Can you safely look at a picture of the sun?” If this person is not completely burned out, they may revitalize for a moment to reassess the stupidity of what was spoken and conjure the feeling of eternal regret.

Everyone has said something stupid at some point, and in many cases, others do not dwell upon it ... Actually, I lie. A lot of people meme-ify these things. To avoid becoming a meme, just think thoughts through. Rationalizing a second longer means speaking 10 times smarter. But on the off-chance that someone’s neurotransmitters misfire–or maybe they always misfire–don’t be TOO much of a jerk. Just a little jerkiness suffices. v

Page design by Alexander Fu

Just a piece of fiction

SUNNY LU social media editor | @sunny_llu

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fter years of critique on Hollywood’s whiteness, 2018 is turning out to be one of Hollywood’s most diverse years in history. Notably, “Crazy Rich Asians,” the first all-Asian cast movie in 25 years, created a huge splash at box offices and in critics’ reviews. Yet, while the media and the general public are rife with praise for “Crazy Rich Asians,” its controversies have generally been overlooked. It has been really interesting to see Hollywood’s scope of representation widen in 2018, but, evidently in “Crazy Rich Asians,” more representation does not equate to less criticism.

Singaporean anti-racism activist Sangeetha Thanapal wrote a Facebook post in April addressing the problematic aspects in the film. She heatedly asked, “Why should Western Chinese representation come at the expense of minorities in Singapore? Why is it that so many [people of color] in America, Europe and Australia lack such compassion for the suffering of minorities in the Global South?” Thanapal then addressed her light-skinned, East Asian audience: “You’re not the only people who deserve to be represented, and when you support this movie, that’s what you are saying.”

While Thanapal’s points are valid, I don’t believe the book or film exists to combat racism and oppression.

This movie is about “crazy rich” Asians, so the issue is in the plot rather than the diversity Hollywood included.

It is not fair to equate Asian Americans embracing their mainstream representation to being complicit in race issues they might not even know about. Additionally, if we are going to critique the film for inaccurate representation, why aren’t we not mad that “Call Me By Your Name,” set in 1980s Italy, had no people of color? The context in both films cannot include everybody.

One piece of fiction should not have to carry all the incredibly diverse narratives Asian people have in this world. We cannot treat “Crazy Rich Asians” as the epitome of Asian representation. However, if its box office rates continue to soar and the reviews continue to be good, one day, hopefully in the near future, we can tell increasingly diverse Asian stories on the big screen. v

23opinions laduelead.com

1 in 6 teenagers in the U.S. binge drink Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention