Sept. 16, 2005 Image

Inside This Edition

•Stars and Gripes have returned. see page 2 •Rockwood pitches in to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. see page 5 •How do you get to school?

Check out the pros & cons of the trip. see page 8 •Looking for something different this weekend? see page 16

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Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 Vol. 37 • Issue 1

Lafayette High School • 17050 Clayton Road • Wildwood, Missouri • 63011

Two’s company, 2,063’s a crowd

Teachers, students feel growing pains

E

Ashley Edlund • Reporter nrollment predictions for the 2005-2006 school year were off.

Way off.

In a large school like Lafayette, space is always a hard thing to come by. But when classrooms don’t even have enough space for each student, it becomes more then just an inconvenience.

Officials predicted Lafayette’s enrollment at 1,983, but after students enrolled over the summer and school got started, the actual number jumped to 2,063.

Unfortunately, staffing was planned for and hired to serve that early number meaning class sections were pushed beyond the limit.

Principal Larry Schmidt said it is difficult to predict the number of students that will attend a school.

But, “even if more arrive then predicted, it is our responsibility to provide all students with the best possible education that we can,” he explained.

Some of the largest classes are upper-level courses.

For example, AP Chemistry has 34 students and AP Language and Composition has 31.

This number is far above AP’s class size recommendation of 15-20 students. Mr. Steve Klawiter’s AP U.S. History class had 12 students last year, but has 28 students this year.

“If the [AP] classes were smaller, you could get more personal with people,” said sophomore Ryan Bueckendorf.

While most classes have a cap or maximum of 30 students, Associate Principal Sheila Albers, said she was forced to raise caps on classes to accommodate student enrollment.

This is the case in Ms. Melissa Noel’s classes. Her 1st and 2nd Hour AP Lang and Comp classes are all over 20, and 6th Hour started off the year with 36 students. Although the class size was reduced to 30 students, the classroom remains crowded.

“It’s still too full,” Noel said, “Every desk is full. The first week of school, students were sitting on the floor.”

“There is a push here to put more kids in the AP program,” Noel said, “And they [district] aren’t making adjustments in the schedule for the increased quantity.”

Math classes are also crowded with up to 31 students in classes at all levels.

“When you have even just

photo • Naji Pitts

•Close Quarters. Students in Ms. Melissa Noel’s 6th Hour AP Language class listen as she describes the day’s assignment. Last year, there were 55 in AP Lang, but this year enrollment has grown to 75. Noel’s 6th Hour class started off the year with 36 students, causing some students to spend the first week of school on the floor. Crowded classrooms are a common scene as enrollment has spilled over its projection.

an extra five kids, you don’t get as much one on one time,” math teacher Ms. Kathy Soucy said. “[As a student,] you’re competing with more people for my time.”

“It’s harder to get one on one attention from the teacher,” junior Jacqueline Vouga agreed.

Art History teacher Ms. Jean Peters said larger classes have made making a connection with more difficult. “It becomes more of a challenge to touch our students on a personal level and get to know their individual learning styles,” Peters said.

Art teacher Ms. Betsy Rivas has 31 students in her Art Fundamentals class. She said, “As a teacher, it is difficult to get to each student.”

Junior Clifford Sykes agreed.

“It is hard to concentrate,” said Sykes. “The teachers are trying to help the kids who don’t understand, [but] you don’t understand either.”

To correct the problem, Principal Larry Schmidt and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kelvin McMillin have been working to create more staffing points, or teachers, to split up class sizes.

The enrollment and staffpoint process is based upon a

Class Facts:

•projected LHS enrollment 1,963 •actual LHS enrollment 2,063 •Missouri’s Department of Secondary Educations says the desirable class size is 28; maximum class size is 33 formula of the number of projected students. The ratio of that formula decides how many points each school receives.

Enrollment is predicted by the Finance Department which takes a look at past history and uses it to predict enrollment for the upcoming year. So the higher the projected enrollment is, the greater the number of points each high school receives. Points are used instead of dollars for budgeting purposes.

But, some relief for large classes arrived last week. “Since the beginning of the year, we have received an additional 1.4 staffing points,” Schmidt said.

Extra sections in the math and language arts departments have been added to relieve class

sizes.

“We always try to staff our classrooms at an appropriate level for the education of our students,” McMillin said.

The 4th Hour Algebra 2 classes of Ms. Becky Bohemer and Soucy, have been split to reduce the number of students. To take the rest of those students, Ms. Jacqueline Purler was hired to teach one class.

Flex class enrollment is also very large. This program is designed to have students meet once a week in a large group and then meet in small groups two times a week for a seminar.

Larger classes, like Mr. Roger Fischer’s 71 students in two sections of Chemistry, mean larger seminars.

Albers said enrollment is up because the flex programs have such great reputations. “[We have] outstanding teachers in AP and flex and kids who want to challenge themselves and who are motivated to do well,” she said.

Still, some students say they don’t feel cheated by the larger classes. “Large group [for flex] is a huge room,” said senior flex student Sean Ryan, “You don’t even notice.”

Albers said, “My goal is to always keep class sizes as low as possible.” But, she said without staffing points from Central Office, there was no option for administrators over the summer other than putting new students into already full classes.

page 2 • editorial

sept. 16, 2005

&

yeah, we’re being sarcastic

Overstuffed classrooms endanger student academic performance Great test scores, great student GPA, new technology in classrooms – Lafayette is a school rich in academic pride. Except for one little problem.

Class sizes have ballooned this year more than ever before, especially in higher level and AP classes. The Missouri Department of Secondary Education ideal class size is 28 students per class.

Many classes have up to 34.

Every year this is a problem, and every year the administration is forced to throw out a quick-fix solution like an extra teacher here and there hired after the start of the school year when it becomes apparent to the higher ups that there is a larger enrollment than the district administrators predicted.

LHS administration has tried to correct the problem by siphoning students out of one hour and placing them in a smaller class. But that isn’t going to cut it across the board and for the long term.

Excellence breeds excellence, and now that Lafayette has gained recognition for academic superiority, more high-level students are coming to the school, overfilling AP classes and overwhelming teachers.

The irony is if the upper-level students are the pride of LHS, why aren’t they being accommodated? Why isn’t this problem being fixed, for their sakes?

This is a recurring problem – why does it keep happening? Grades and AP scores will suffer if this is not addressed.

These students challenge themselves and work tirelessly to keep scores up and prepare for AP exams, and the current environment is not just distracting – it’s detrimental to their success.

Teachers aren’t able to give students personal attention. In mentally strenuous classes like AP Language or pre-calculus, students often need oneon-one help to understand difficult concepts or ideas.

The higher class rosters means students are packed together, making rooms stiflingly hot and uncomfortable. More students mean more commotion – more side conversations and more ways to lose focus.

Most importantly, extra students change the way teachers run the class.

Previous methods, activities and notes that were meant to accommo-

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Publication Information

Staff Members

News Editor • Lauren Graham Opinion Editor • Naji Pitts Campus Editor • Britt Peters In-Depth Editor • Sabina Saakova Feature Editor • Kevin Pinney Entertainment Editor • Niky Norton Sports Editor • Bobby Mortimer Ad Manager • Nick Kelly Artist • Kate Webb Adviser • Nancy Y. Smith MJE Photographers • Dawn Allison, Beth Guckes, Mike Kurlowski, Alexis Myers Staff: Ashley Edlund, Jeanne Francois, Darren LaCour, Kevin Montes-de-oca, Sarah Morris, Lori Vaughn

editorial Opinions do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons and reviews reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of the Image Editorial Board.•

date 55 AP Language students won’t work with 85. Teachers may not give the same assignments. Or they may become overwhelmed by grading a tremendous amount of papers and homework.

This ultimately may leave students less than fully prepared for AP exams or other standardized tests, and this is not acceptable. That defeats the entire purpose of taking an AP class.

It may be impossible to fix this problem this semester, or even this year, but if Lafayette wants to continue to be a bastion of academic excellence, changes need to be made soon.

The administration not only owes it to us, they owe it to themselves.•

Stars To: • Stars & Gripes. It took a year off, but due to popular demand, it triumphantly returns to the Image. Don’t say we never gave you anything.

• Hurricane relief efforts. No joking here – all the money, support, prayers and donations are tremendous, especially to someone who is restarting his life from scratch.

• New soap in the bathrooms. There’s nothing better than foam, and now our hands can be sanitary, even if the rest of the school isn’t.

• The new salad bar in the lunch line.

Now the vegans can feel morally superior and look good doing it. The rest of us will continue to eat the “meat” items in the lunch line.

•The St. Louis Cardinals. Despite injuries, our position players and pitchers have put up a phenomenal season. Let’s try not to choke in the World Series this year, okay?

• Homecoming quickly approaching.

Time for girls to start stressing about dresses and shoes, and guys to start stressing about paying for the girl.

• Ms. Gillian Gonzalez, the Welcome Center lady. Finally, the age old tradition of mispronouncing names over the intercom has gone international.

Gripes To: • Hurricane Katrina response time. Let’s see, the administration didn’t respond and send help until four days after the fact. We need to find a way to motivate our government to respond to these sorts of disasters quicker. Like tell them there’s oil there.

• Kanye West. Way to go, Kanye, let’s bring personal politics into other people’s misery. Whether or not George Bush cares about black people we can debate later, but right now what we all know is that nobody cares about your opinion.

• Class sizes. AP classes are fuller than Reuben Studdard at an all-you-caneat buffet. I guess in a way it prepares students for college – huge classes with teachers that don’t know you.

• Lake Chesterfield draining again. Maybe this is an omen – an omen to change the name to “Grassy Knoll Chesterfield.”

Goes to show you can’t use money to plug up a giant hole in the ground.

• Rising prices. Between rising gas prices and parking passes costing $100, it’s going to be difficult to drive a stick shift minus an arm and a leg.

• $1.25 for a bottle of soda. It’s honestly a conspiracy, because nobody carries change, so we have to use $2, which gives 75 cents back – just enough to buy a can. Think about that and try to sleep at night.

• Renaissance videos during lunch. Now we can celebrate the intelligent students by mocking the idiots whose names don’t appear on the scrolling list.

• The St. Louis Rams. Proving to us how much they’ve improved their defense and special teams yet again.

The Image is published nine times a year by Lafayette’s Newspaper Publication Class. Subscriptions cost $25 per year. Free issues are distributed on campus.

The 2004-2005 Image was named an International First Place winner from Quill And Scroll, Superior by the Sponsors of School Publications of Greater St. Louis and received a rating of All-American with four marks of distinction from the National Scholastic Press Association.

Philosophy Statement

The newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population. The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. Operating as a public forum, student editors will apply professional standards and ethics for decision making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. While the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

How To Reach Us:

We are located in Room 213 at Lafayette High School, 17050 Clayton Rd., Wildwood, MO 63011. Our phone number is (636) 458-7200 ext. 2338 and our e-mail address is smithnancy@rockwood.k12.mo.us

op-ed • page 3

Focus should be on people

the image

letters to the editor Dear Editor, As a former student at Lafayette and a lacrosse player, I was appalled at the lacrosse coverage in the recent yearbook.

First, how can you combine guys and girls lacrosse on the same page spread? Give these kids some recognition and their own sections. The pages go into almost no detail as to what happened in the spring season and very few players are even acknowledged.

I know lacrosse, along with hockey, is a club sport, but I do not understand why you would not include it in the sports section. These kids labor just as hard as football, soccer, track swimming, field hockey, tennis, baseball, basketball, wrestling and volleyball players. They go to practice everyday just like any other sport at Lafayette only to find they are put in the “club” section of the yearbook.

Lafayette was one of the first high schools in Missouri to offer lacrosse; they have a top notch program and have always been top ranked compared to all the other high schools in the state. These kids take a lot of pride in their SPORT. I hope that the year book staff will give this SPORT the coverage they deserve next year.

Sincerely, Matt Reyering, Class of 2005 Dear Editor: I was told to cover up by a principal because I was wearing spaghetti straps. I understand now that we can’t wear spaghetti straps because bra straps show (I looked into the dress code policies). The next day, I went into the Senior Office to get more information on dress code so I wouldn’t violate it anymore. While I was in there, the secretary told me that what I was wearing was inappropriate.

It violated none of the dress code policies. I had two tank tops on. One had one-inch straps and the other was a halter top. No bra straps were showing, no chest or midriff, and pants.

What’s wrong with that? I see so many people walking around with stomachs hanging out, and every time almost any girl bends over, you can see down her shirt.

This isn’t just with tank tops; it’s with tight T-shirts too, even long sleeve shirts.

And don’t even get me started on the shorts and skirts some of the girls wear. So why are they picking on me?

There are so many people wearing less and violating the dress code more than me. They should tell these other people to obey the dress code and they should leave me alone because I’m not doing anything wrong.

Or they could just not be so strict about what we can and cannot wear. It’s not like people are running around in crop tops and bikinis.

Sincerely, Jenn Thrasher, 10

Letters to the Editor Policy

Participation through letters to the editor by students, faculty and the community is encouraged.

Letters must be signed but names will be withheld upon request and with the concurrence of the Editorial Board. Letters should be limited to 300 words.

The Image reserves the right to reject, edit or shorten letters. Deadlines will be announced in the school bulletin and in each issue of the paper. Letters may be submitted in writing to Mrs. Nancy Smith in Room 213, or to any Image staff member, or via email to smithnancy@rockwood.k12.mo.us

This month the Image asks “What do you find yourself spending most of your money on this school year?”

Photos compiled by Jon Davis, Miya Aiken-Norfleet and Alexandra Vranas

Lauren Duenow, 12 “The Katrina hurricane victims.”

In the course of a week, thousands of people lost everything - their families, their friends and loved ones, their homes and all their possessions. A city was entirely swallowed up and surrounding areas did not fare much better.

So many of those who lived in New Orleans were living just above sustenance level – they had nowhere to go and no ability to leave the city. Many of those trapped in the city were elderly or handicapped, while some of the families living there had been there for hundreds of years. Their entire heritages were based in this city. All of that was erased in a matter of days.

But instead of lending a sympathetic hand and support, all I seem to hear from many people is criticism and complaint.

They are more concerned with broken banks than broken hearts.

One-quarter of the nation’s oil came through the port of New Orleans. But that isn’t the only industry that took a huge hit from this catastrophe. There are countless other products imported through Gulf ports like coffee, steel, rubber and wheat. Economists all over the nation are having aneurysms – but don’t we have more pressing matters at hand?

Millions have been without food and shelter. In the United States of America, in one of the biggest cities in the nation, there are millions without basic necessities of life.

The hurricane was on a Monday, and the help didn’t come until Thursday. We can invade foreign countries in a day, or help tsunami victims overseas, but when our own countrymen are in need of help, the government moves slower than a lineman in a cross-country event.

And just when support finally starts pouring in, we have rapists, looters and armed robberies all over the city. Way to go, Einstein, you stole a television in a flooded city that’s without power, gas and food. Not only is that illegal, but what are you going to do with a 36-inch HDTV when you’re wading chestdeep down Bourbon Street?

There were cases of snipers picking off paramedics trying to help people. This is the most despicable thing I’ve heard of.

They call hurricanes an “act of God,” but, it looks like God hit the wrong people.

In the midst of all this, we have the privileged upper-middle

class complaining about gas costing $3.20 a gallon. Granted, the prices are almost high enough to inspire me to purchase a Vespa (almost), but we

by Naji Pitts should be grateful that we have a house to drive home to.

I’m proud to live in a society that is so heartless and greedy that our only concern when millions have lost their livelihood, their city, their heritage is that gas is $3 and how are we going to afford to drive the Escalade to school every day. I guess we can’t take that trip to the Bahamas this year – life is so tough.

What strikes me even more is the fact that there are people who can transform a city’s sorrow into profit by gouging these prices up so high. I suppose the ability to punch lives into calculators and tabulate them like statistics is what makes a shrewd and successful businessman. Or president.

Our generation has now witnessed two of the worst catastrophes in American history. And one common thread between the 9/11 disaster and Hurricane Katrina is that these sort of situations either bring out the best in people, or the worst.

Everybody is affected by this, one way or another, and how we deal with that adversity is how we determine our worth as human beings.

Our economic concerns should take the back seat. Our wants and desires pale in comparison to the suffering of those in New Orleans. To make a difference in any aspect of life requires sacrifice. If that sacrifice means you don’t buy that new pair of Express jeans or that new stereo system for your truck, then that’s what it takes.

I didn’t write this to guilt people into donating. I didn’t write it to preach. It’s a reminder to not take things for granted.

Just imagine if the roles were reversed, and you woke up tomorrow and everything you had worked for your entire life was washed away. Think about how you would feel if you were sitting for days without help, or food, or any sort of hope.

Would it really matter that some students in the suburbs had to pay $3 a gallon for gasoline?•

Ladies and gentlemen - now start acting like it Darren LaCour • Reporter

Women are the most beautiful creations on the planet. It’s a fact. And while the fairer sex might not always play fair, there’s something captivating about a girl. As the famous Brian Fantana would say, “I lo-o-o-ve the ladies.” Yet how tragic it is when they don’t love themselves.

I have this theory that girls’ self-esteems are at record lows.

Why you ask?

Everywhere you look you see those ad-saturated perfumepackets, also known as magazines, with headlines like “How To Be Beautiful: What You’re Doing Wrong” and “Beauty Secrets: Top Ten Reasons Why You’re Ugly.” And girls feel bad about their images? No way!

But that’s only the beginning. See, as a guy, I have this insider scoop on the way guys talk about women, and let me tell you, it’s pretty decrepit. Half of the things guys say, I didn’t even know existed, let alone could be used to describe people so perversely. Apparently there was this convention where some guys decided, “Let’s see who can be the biggest [expletive] to girls!”

I didn’t get the memo.

Here’s where the irony comes in. At this convention, the guys decided to play a trick on all the girls. You know how women always laugh and act like they control their men like little robots? The truth is, WOMEN are the ones under control!

Yes, that’s right. We act like your slaves and you believe it, because we have you hooked up to this feeding tube of lies.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at what you wear. Whereas the original function of clothes was to cover the body, now they serve to see how many guys you can slap for gawking while that body hangs out. You must believe that the only way to get a guy’s attention is through his roaming eyes. That’s not true;

Ankit Bhargava, 11 “Cookies.”

Jared Simorka, 10 "I don't have any money."

it’s just the fastest way.

Now girls, the question for you is how you can beat this system. Well, for starters, we have this lovely thing called the DRESS CODE. This code states that underwear should be worn (that’s right, worn) UNDERNEATH your normal clothes.

Meaning don’t show it.

And also, these skirt competitions you ladies are holding to see who can fit the smallest amount of fabric around your waists? I hereby declare the winner me, and since you don’t want to see that, I hereby call off the contest. Additionally, there’s this thing called the Baywatch effect, and since there is no beach in sight, it would make sense to limit this jiggling. It’s quite distracting. And by quite, I mean very much.

Oh, and guys? Let me offer you a few words of advice. A big woman with a big voice once sang a small word made from seven smaller letters: respect. A compliment about her hair, or better yet her personality will score you a lot more points than a puddle of drool, and it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.

We kind of have this duty to make girls feel good, and dirty words aren’t going to cut it.

Believe it or not, women are actual people, with feelings even more complex than yours.

The bottom line is guys need to let girls know they’re pretty cool while looking them in the eye, not up and down. And girls, it would help a lot if you weren’t trying to get us to do those neck exercises. I think we really have a lot to learn here. I mean, I’m all for this equality business, so since guys don’t dress like bimbos, women shouldn’t have to either. We can leave that up to the elephants. Just keep your clothes in good taste, girls, and guys, show a little respect. You stay classy, LHS.•

Blake Douglas, 9 "Cards. I do magic."

Tim Jones, Principal "Food. Because I have to eat out a lot."

news • page 5

the image

District works to help in Katrina recovery Darren LaCour • Reporter In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, citizens around the country are scrambling to put together any relief they can. Lafayette is no exception.

Collections during lunch by the AFJROTC, as well as other clubs, are just one way that students have started working to help the hurricane victims.

Activities Director Steve Miller said all proceeds collected from admission to Lafayette football games will also go to the relief fund.

Community Service class teacher Ms. Barbara Davis and her students led a recent project which she dubbed “Operation Travel-Sized.”

For the project, students were asked to bring in travel-sized shampoos and other items to donate to displaced families.

In addition to the Lafayette efforts, Rockwood created a committee in order to concentrate the district’s efforts.

The first priority the committee addressed was where to send the money the district collected.

Ms. Diane Tinucci, committee chair, said, “The committee decided to channel funds to both the Red Cross-Katrina Fund and the Salvation Army. The change assures we have supported local and national efforts.”

This money comes from the Rockwood Katrina Relief Fund,

which has been created for students, staff and parents to donate money for the victims.

Many have heard rumors of new students being enrolled in Rockwood Schools.

Tinucci said Superintendent Craig Larson reminded the principals, “Rockwood’s foremost responsibility is the education of children, and, although need is great for our southern neighbors, well-intended relief efforts should complement and not consume a school.”

For this reason, Rockwood wants to pay extreme attention to the new students coming from New Orleans, ensuring their comfort and easing the transfer.

In Chesterfield Valley, St. Louis County has transformed the former Gumbo Prison Facility into a Relief Shelter thanks to many donations by Rockwood staff and families of furniture, clothing, toys etc.

The date of the arrival of the evacuees keeps changing, but it is expected to be soon.

On top of the efforts already mentioned, Rockwood plans on enacting a “Phase II” program later in the year to help restore schools in the affected areas.

However, that will be in the future. When the time comes, Rockwood officials say they want to help in any way they can.

In the interest of commit-

photo • Ashley Edlund

•Generous donations. Giving up his lunch time, senior AFJROTC member Jeff Dantin collects money from charitable students. The proceeds, estimated to be about $2,775, so far will be sent to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. Volunteers hope to collect enough donation to aid the thousands strugglig in the aftermath.

ment, the district has decided to strongly back a few programs instead of supporting many.

“We won’t, as a district, jump into a thousand things, although

a thousand things are needed,” said Tinucci. “Quality not quantity.”

Right now, any efforts students and parents can contribute

are both greatly appreciated and needed.

Tinucci said, “Rockwood is a family helping the Family of Man.” •

Hurricane’s devastation hits close to home Darren LaCour • Reporter

“I don’t think they were ready for the hurricane or for the levee breaking,” senior Andrew Kasper said.

His words are echoed by many in the halls of Lafayette.

“I think it’s a horrible situation because they don’t know where to put the water, the orphaned children and they don’t have supplies,” senior Jenna Schoenefeld said. “I think they’re just scared.”

Everyone has seen Hurricane Katrina’s devastation on the news, but for some Lafayette members, the tragedy hit close to home.

Mr. Chad Miller, a Class of ’95 graduate and son of Activities Director Steve Miller, was among the thousands forced to leave their homes.

The night before, Chad was working in Charity Hospital, the hospital that would later be held hostage by angry, desperate survivors.

Sufficient warning and lucky scheduling enabled Chad, his wife and brotherin-law to flee Sunday morning before the hurricane hit.

“They took anything of value with them,” Miller said.

Fleeing to St. Louis, Chad and his wife had only a temporary reprieve. A second year resident at Tulane University, he obtains experience working in hospitals in the New Orleans area.

The Wednesday after Katrina hit, he was on call again. Chad made for Baton Rouge to work at hospitals outside Louisiana State University campus.

“Once people there are healthier, he’ll head to the next hospital to help,” Miller said. “That’s just his character.”

Recently, Chad was able to return to his home in Metairie in Jefferson Parish.

The results were distressing: water had been as high as three feet in the house, and mildew will certainly creep up the walls.

Fortunately, there was minimal structural damage and there were some salvageable items. Beforehand, he had put things up high in case of flooding. Their clothes and furniture, however, were all ruined.

Chad and his wife are left in a difficult place.

While they have insurance, there is no guarantee of when they can get an esti-

mate for the damage.

With a year and a half remaining in his residency with Tulane, this relocation could mean finishing the semester in Houston. For now, the Millers are staying in an apartment they found through a long chain of friends.

“They’re just taking one day at a time,” Miller said.

Senior Renee Ruello also felt the chilling effects of the disaster.

Having lived in Slidell, north of New Orleans, and also in Mississippi, the images on the television were all too familiar.

“It’s so surreal to see all my old homes,” Ruello said. “I feel so helpless.”

Her grandmother, aunt and great aunt all live in southern Louisiana and were fortunate to evacuate in time.

When they returned to survey the damage, they were relieved to discover there was not much flooding and that the houses were still intact.

Friends of Ruello who lived in Mississippi, however, were not so lucky.

“A lot of my friends had three to four feet of water in their houses and now the

mold is growing up the walls,” Ruello said.

“One of my sister’s friends in Mississippi lost everything.”

Clearly, this disaster has struck many people more than they expected. Despite this devastation, both Ruello and Miller try to find the good in the situation.

“It’s neat to see how much everyone cares,” said Ruello of the hospitality of everyone in the neighboring areas.

Miller agrees people should be the primary concern.

“They need to take a count of the people still there. Then they can reevaluate the situation,” Miller said.

Other students also recognized the value of the aid extending across the nation. Freshman Katie Moorcamp said, “I think it’s really cool how everyone across the nation is helping out.”

Schoenefeld, too, is encouraged by the response. “I like the positive, uplifting reaction from the people,” she said.

The survivors of Hurricane Katrina have a long road to recovery ahead of them.

With the help of neighbors and rescue workers, the mending process of this long road to recovery has begun.•

page 6 • news

Sept. 16, 2005

New Teachers

New staff members abound in classrooms and offices.

Here are the new faces of the new teachers on campus this year.

-compiled by Lauren Graham • News Editor

-information from staff questionnaires and staff directory • photos courtesy of Mr. Bill Stewart

Kelli Beck Mathematics First Year Beck enjoys playing soccer at Webster University, running, and dogs.

Brittany Bowers Social Studies First Year Bowers likes travelling, reading and spending time with her family.

David Choate Language Arts Second Year Choate is the new Student Council Sponsor.

Landis Duffett Language Arts Fourth Year The most daring thing Duffet has done is hang out with a member of the Chinese mafia.

Brian Fish Foreign Language Fifth Year Fish enjoys fitness, sports and spending time with his friends and family.

Mandy Glenn FACS Fourth Year Glenn is a co-sponsor for FCCLA.

Katie Klahn Language Arts Eighteenth Year Klahn’s favorite place to visit is Paris, France.

Kevin Koch Science Sixth Year Koch’s talent is turning himself into a pretzel, but does not anymore by doctor’s orders.

Katie Kupfer Science First Year Kupfer claims to be phenomenal at karaoke and makes great mix CDs.

Thomas Lohmann SSD Fourth Year The most daring thing Lohmann has done is serve in the Army.

Sharon Luedloff SSD Twentieth Year Luedloff enjoys sewing, reading and shopping with her friends.

Julie Montgomery SSD First Year St. Marten is Montgomery’s favorite place to visit.

Jessica Platt Music First Year Platt loves tennis, yoga, church, water polo and hiking.

Bob Tonnies Mathematics Third Year Tonnies will work with the Robotics Club.

Patricia Weng Mathematics First Year One of the most daring things Weng has done is canoe in a swap with alligators.

Jake Wilson Social Studies Fourth Year Wilson competed in Mr. LHS when he was a student at Lafayette.

New Staff Additions 2634 Hwy 109, Suite B Wildwood, MO 63040 636-458-8818

Located across from the Wildwood YMCA

Student Discount Fill for $15 Full Set for $22 Manicure & Pedicure for $28

Several new support staff members also joined us this year. They include: •Ms. Lisa Johnson, attendance •Officer Ollie Helbig, school resource officer •Ms. Ann Fessler & Ms. Barb Kavanaugh, secretaries •Ms. Jana Falke, science resource •Ms. Sharon Wojciechowski, production •Ms. GIllian Gonzalez, receptionist

Long Term Subs Include:

Ms. Ann Boyette, foreign language Mr. Paul Jaycox, language arts Ms. Jeanette Oberg, foreign language

features • page 7

the image

America Meets

Scotland

In August members of Lafayette Thespian Troupe 5236 performed in the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, more specifically the American High School Theatre Festival.

The group of 24 went to Scotland to perform their original play, “My America.” The group met people from all over the the world. In addition to performing, the group toured Scotland and London. Below are their thoughts: Most of us had not been out of the country so we saw many new things. We became much closer because of it. There were, of course, many sights to see as well as tours of castles and museums that had to do with the country’s history. If asked whether I would do the trip again, I would say yes every time. -Andrew Breyer, 11.

Going to London/Scotland was an extremely rewarding experience. Simply going there would have been enough, but being able to perform and constantly be around theater with hundreds of other teenagers was amazing. It was an awesome opportunity to see different types of theater from all over the world, and the people we met were so much fun. I made many new friends, and got closer with people from Lafayette that I normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to get to know. It was definitely the highlight of my high school career.

- Rachel Hartmann, 12 Scotland is freedom. This trip blew me out of the water and I can’t wait to go back. Not only did we have a fun time touring London and Scotland, we learned as much about ourselves and the other people in the group. We are so close, it’s unbelievable. I trust the people on this trip more than I trust myself. Friendship is common, but the trust that we all have, is incredible.-Courtney Manchenton, 11 Scotland was awesome. We saw some really great shows the other schools performed. It was cool being able to see the three castles we saw there.The shopping was great and our performances were good whenever the audience was energized and had enthusiastic feedback.

- Molly Brown, 10 This was one of those lifetime experiences you will never forget. Although it was more work than I ever imagined, being able to perform in front of an international audience was amazing and something we were lucky to experience. The friends I got closer to and the events and places I was able to explore would never have been possible without this once in a lifetime adventure.- Alexandra Vranas, 10 Scotland was the most memorable trip I have ever been on. The friends I made and the experiences I had will last a lifetime. After a year and a half, since the end of my freshmen year, of preparation, we were ready to go. If you don’t know, we wrote an original play that consisted of vignettes, or skits, about serious and comedic things involving America. The play went well and we had a great time presenting it.

However the play was not the highlight. We had a great time on the plane and an awesome time in London. We met a lot of new people and built great friendships with each other. Scotland itself was amazing and so were the shows. They definitely broadened our knowledge of theatre and brought us closer together. -Ryan Jaccard, 11

Counter Clockwise From Above: •Traditional Scottish dancing and bag pipe playing at the Military Tattoo in the Edinburgh Castle.

•Right off the plane, these Thespians head out on a tour bus.

•During the final tech rehearsal, Andrew Kasper, 12, becomes philosophical.

•After climbing on top of a giant hill, Arthur’s Seat, Ryan Shepard, 11, collapses.

•On the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the group meets a model of a Scottish bag piper.

Page compiled by Alexandra Vranas and Courtney Manchenton Photos courtesy of Rick Willmore

page 8 • features

Sept. 16, 2005

The differences between transportation by car or bus begin to show as the new year starts rolling

vs.

car

The Pros.

•Driving is usually faster than taking the bus.

•Since driving is faster than riding the bus, that allows more time for students to sleep or get ready in the morning.

•There’s a stereo. Even if its not the best, it’s better than the nothing that is on the bus.

•There are seat belts. If there is a wreck, passengers won’t get tossed around.

How do students get to school?

A - 13% E - 24%

B - 13%

C - 15%

The Cons.

D - 35%

•There are some expenses like gas, insurance and sometimes even repairs.

•Police wait for anyone to speed on the way home so they can pull students over.

148 students polled

A - Parents drive B - Drive other students D - Ride with another student C - Drive solo E - Ride the bus

bus

The Pros.

•It’s free. Students don’t have to pay a dime to ride the bus.

•Sometimes friends ride the same bus as each other.

•No attention span required. Students can make it home safely without even thinking about driving.

•There is a spacious interior available for your enjoyment.

The Cons.

•With friends, come enemies. Sometimes people you don’t really like ride the bus with you.

•There are no emergency pit stops to get coffee or food.

What are things you like about driving or taking the bus?

What are things you don’t like about driving or taking the bus?

“I don’t take the bus because I can be more independent. Also, because I can blare my music out of the windows.” - Hibbard

“The bus is the only form of transportation I’ve got and I can’t leave when I want.” - Lavallee Matt Hibbard, 11

Kevin Pinney • Feature Editor

Danielle Lavallee, 11

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features • page 9

the image

Teachers hop on technology bandwagon Smart boards, online grades, teacher web pages help students take more active role in learning

photo • Lori Vaughn

• Boarding pass. Writing on a new smart board, sophomore Parry Hough participates in a lesson on ancient Greece in Mr. Steve Klawiter’s World History class. It is just one of up to six smart boards that arrived this year.

What’s New in Technology?

Even with the defeat of Prop W last spring, plenty of new technology found its way into the building. Some new additions include:

Sarah Morris • Reporter Technology isn’t just about Google for research papers.

“Most people think, ‘It’s Friday, computer fun day,’ but a computer is a valuable tool,” technology coordinator Ms. Diane Tinucci, said. “It’s just like a pencil is a tool, but you don’t think about it, ‘Ooh, I’m using a pencil,’ but a pencil affects greater learning…just like a computer,” she said.

For example, Mr. Bill Senti, Fine Arts teacher, has created a website from which his students retrieve their homework assignments, but also submit discussion questions based on the reading assignment for class the following day.

Ms. Sarah Rummel, Social Studies teacher, has her students do Webquests frequently.

“It’s not so mundane as ‘answer the questions on this worksheet,’” Tinucci explained. “It’s more that you’re on a mission.”

A typical assignment, for example, is to make a time capsule.

Webquests also eliminate the time usually wasted by students in the search of decent internet sources, as reliable sources are listed for the students.

Also, the Language Arts Department will see new Smartboards this year. Smartboards are especially helpful in Language Arts, as an essay can be projected onto the whiteboard, edited by the students with dry erase markers, and printed with the marker-made corrections on the page.

“It’s nifty-noodles,” Tinucci said. “It really is.”

LHS has long employed a concept called Computer-Based Learning.

Primarily used in physics, the concept uses electronic thermometers, distance-measurers, and other such equipment. It also helps in the elimination of human error.

Although Snapgrades has been functioning fairly well, it is about to be ousted in favor of a new district-wide student management system called Infinite Campus, a program that acts as both grade book and online grades. Once a teacher enters a grade into his grade book, it is instantly updated online, where the student has access to it.

Infinite Campus is expected to be online as soon as January. •

•Graphics Design and Newspaper/ Yearbook Classes share a brand new computer lab complete with Adobe Creative Suite 2 software and new printers. Funds came from curriculum implementation •Plans to purchase five to six new

smart boards are in place before the year is over.

•There are 30 new computers in the Writing Center •The industrial technology department purchased all new software and computers that allow 3D modeling

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Advances prove useful to staff, teachers Smartboards: Information from a computer is transferred to a whiteboard, where the projected image can be drawn on. The computer can be controlled from the whiteboard, and all edits made on the whiteboard can be saved to the computer or printed.

Mastery Manager: Is a program that not only grades a final, but assesses the skill level of the student. For instance, a test in addition, subtraction, and multiplication can be added to the program, and it can find the student’s weakest area.

EVE: Stands for Essay Verification Engine. The program checks an essay for plagiarism from sources on the internet as well as papers entered into the program in the past (so no using your brother’s research paper). Students can EVE their own papers as well.

United Stream A program teachers use to download or stream educational videos from the internet.

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page 10 • in-depth

Visitor from Germany fits well in new surroundings

•Travelin’ Teacher

Rivas shares travel journal from China trip

Sabina Saakova • In-Depth Editor The new room was decorated; new bed sheets and pillows were purchased; the floors shined with Mr. Clean. Excitement ran through senior Alex Balducci’s house early this summer as the family began preparations to welcome a new daughter to the bunch.

The parents had already raised two daughters who are now in their 20s and were close to getting Alex out of the house and on his way to adulthood.

But, this wasn’t your typical bundle of joy. Moving at 600 miles an hour, covering a distance of 4,600 miles, Esther Vollmer arrived from Stuttgart, Germany. For the next year, this foreign exchange student will stay at the Balducci residence.

A few months before Vollmer’s arrival, Balducci had applied through the American Field Services (AFS) to travel to Costa Rica to study for his final year of high school. Unfortunately, he missed the deadline.

Fortunately, when one door shuts another opens. After some discussion with the AFS workers, the Balducci’s were on their way to becoming a host family.

“The organization sent student profiles and told us to select about four or five profiles that we thought would match best with our family. During out interview, four more biographies were shown to us and it was then that we saw Esther’s profile,” mother Denise Balducci said.

The Balduccis were looking for someone who was interested in music, outdoor activities and strong family principles.

Vollmer’s profile seemed to be a perfect match. Within several weeks of the interview with the AFS workers, the family was able to contact Vollmer at her home.

“When I spoke to Esther’s mom she sounded happy, but still a little nervous.

She wanted her daughter to have a good

Sept. 16, 2005

This summer Art teacher, Ms. Betsy Rivas spent three weeks touring China.

Her trip was taken with 18 other teachers from Missouri. The following are exerpts from her journal: I’m a firm believer that the way to better understand a culture is to immerse yourself in it .As well, learning more about other cultures helps me to better identify our own .

So given this amazing opportunity from the Freeman Foundation, learning about the Chinese way of life, past and present, helped me continue my quest for the meaning of life. photo • Sabina Saakova

•Female bonding. Along with her host mother, Denise Balducci (right), and host sister, Colleen Balducci (left), exchange student Esther Vollmer helps put away leftovers after dinner. These ladies will spend the next year together, learning a little more about one another’s cultures.

experience,” Mrs. Balducci said.

Those feelings were echoed by the Balduccis, who were anticipating Vollmer’s arrival with some worry.

“I was a nervous wreck. It was like I was bringing another daughter into the house.

It’s hard to bring somebody new into your home when your own kids are already set in their ways,” Mrs. Balducci said.

So the story really begins at the St. Albans Church, where the Balducci’s arrived Aug. 11 to meet Vollmer for the first time.

“I was originally going to go down with my parents to pick up Esther. Then I decided it was going to be a little scary, so I didn’t go and waited for them to come home,” Balducci said.

During the brief car ride to the church, feelings of anticipation filled the Balducci’s old red Explorer. Now, two months since Vollmer’s arrival she and the Balduccis are happy to have found each other.

“I enjoy my host family very much.

They make me feel like I am really a part of the family,” Vollmer said. The Balduccis had the same to say about her. “It seems as though she has been with us from the start,” Mrs. Balducci said.

Vollmer is outgoing, so getting along with her host family has been easy. She has also easily fit into her role as a member of a busy familly. She has taken on common responsibilities around the house.

“Our family is pretty laid back. We don’t have strict chores, but Esther always helps with dinner and other tasks that are asked of us around the house,” Alex said.

The Balduccis and Vollmer hope to learn a little more about one another and their cultures as the year progresses.

For now, Vollmer is happy to be living under the Balducci’s roof. When asked if she missed her home and her friends, Vollmer said, “I don’t miss home painfully. My family and friends are always in my heart.” •

NANJING St. Louis sister city 7.July NANJING FOREIGN LANGUAGE SCHOOL – Next stop was NFLS, which is a partner school with SLUH in St. Louis .We met an English teacher and about eight students, all of who studied in the U.S. for at least a semester.

We learned of their school’s practices for learning, what their school days were like, and what their perspectives were about American high school students .Some of their comments included: • Chinese students were generally amazed that American students had so much energy to wake up, go running, go to school and then get into sports or other activities after school.

• The Chinese students found American to be very friendly and open .There were surprised to find out how different American people were from their American political leaders.

• Their American experience was a real eye-opener for the Chinese students.

Through their immersion they realized how socially unaware and under-developed they are as a whole in China. •

•In Her Own Words

Student has high hopes for future; but says transition is difficult Jeanne Francois • Reporter

•The guys. Excited before the start of the Fall Pep Assembly, Keita Yoshizawa takes a moment to huddle with his new friends.

The group is looking foward to celebrating senior year with Yoshizawa.

Konichiwa

photo • Sabina Saakova

Students reach out to help foriegner feel at home

Sabina Saakova • In-Depth Editor An unfamiliar atmosphere, one in which understand those around you is difficult, can often be uncomfortable.

Upon his arrival from Japan, exchange student Keita Yoshizawa, had no idea he would find his new atmosphere so pleasing. With the help of some senior guys, Yoshizawa has had the time of his life.

Senior Jared Winchester can’t help but smile every time he talks about his new foreign friend.

“Keita is so much fun to hang out with. He is just like one of us, always making us laugh and joking about girls,” Winchester said.

Winchester said Yoshizawa’s English is not very clear, so the group finds alternative methods.

“I use easy English words and hand gestures to speak to my host family and friends,” Yoshizawa said.

For back up, the exchange student carries his eDictionary, an electronic device allowing him to translate Japanese and English words.

Junior Mark Welegala, another student who reached out to Yoshizawa said, “We show him around school and try to make him comfortable by introducing him to more people.”

Hanging out with their new Japanese friend has allowed the guys to appreciate Yoshizawa’s culture.

“In Japan, the students pick up rocks on the soccer fields so players don’t get hurt. The other day when we were walking around the track, Keita asked if they should pick up rocks around the field. I told him we didn’t need to do that because we were tough. Keita laughed,” Welegala said.

Getting used to his new culture has been an interesting journey for Yoshizawa, who is always eager to learn more.

“Keita is always excited about what’s going on.

Right now he is talking about Homecoming. Keita says he would like to find a date for the dance,” Winchester said.

I’m from Belgium and have been interested in discovering another country for a long time. I like traveling and meeting different people.

This year will be something harder and more serious than going on the beach and meeting some friends.

It has been difficult to leave my friends and family. I don’t understand English very well so it has been hard to make friends with many people.

Normally, I’m not shy and I like meeting people, but here I’m shy and can feel myself sadder than usual. Perhaps it’s because everything is different.

I’m positive and looking forward to knowing how my life will be two or three months from now. I chose to come to America to learn another language and to discover a new culture. I hope to bring new things to the American people.

In Europe, we have a lot of information (not always positive) about this country, and I wanted my own opinion.

At school there are a lot of activities. I think it’s great because I can get to know other students.

Every afternoon I play field hockey. Sometimes I’m a little lost during the practices because it is difficult to understand all the rules.

I like my day at Lafayette. Everybody is nice and the courses are interesting. We can eat, drink and talk in class. In Belgium rules are strict. At my school in Belgium there were only about 1,000 students.

My host family is very nice. My host parents have two children. Adam is 26 and he lives in Florida. Caitlin, my host sister, is 11. I have already discovered a lot of interesting things with my host family and my weekends are very busy!

It’s important for me to get along with my host parents because they will be my new family for one year. Hopefully everything will go very well. So far they have been very nice and understanding.

I miss my family, my boyfriend and my friends, but I think I am getting the chance to live a very special experience. •

sports • page 11

the image

Lady Lancers bump, set, spike their way to victory with a quick 8-1 start to season Darren LaCour • Reporter Starting off the season with a strong 81 record, the Lady Lancers are a force to be reckoned with.

Composed of seven returning varsity players and five new additions, the Lancers have their sights set high, with their goals ranging from winning Districts to being ranked in the Post-Dispatch to leaving a legacy.

“This year we are running a 6-2 offense where we rotate our two setters.” Head Coach Steve Burkard said. The two setters are senior Megan Long and freshman Korie Klosterman.

Senior captains Long and Lauren Hibler both know the team’s aspirations are high, but they’re also confident they can be obtained. “We all want to win,” Hibler said.

That being said, the captains acknowledge things the team needed to work on in order to play to their full potential.

Their main concerns are communication on the court and learning how to play together as a team. Since three of the team members are freshmen, they don’t have any varsity experience, and the group has never played together before.

Despite their newness to the team, freshmen Whitney Seaton and Korie Klausterman are both proving to be essential to the chemistry.

Freshman Brooke Boggs and junior Amanda Gober are also playing exceptionally well for their rookie status. Claire Wood has also proved to be a valuable ad-

dition to the team; “She passes nails,” said Hibler of the junior’s accuracy.

These five new girls are not fazed by the jump to varsity. “The team has great chemistry and work ethics. All the girls have a tremendous desire to be successful and they all dislike losing,” Burkard said.

Of course, the returning varsity members provide the crucial backbone of the team. Hibler and Long take charge and are really leading by example, evidenced by the hustle both show on the court.

Sophomore Casey Chernin is returning with even more power than before, and is one of the team leaders in kills.

Adrienne Geile, a returning senior, is stepping up, setting a great example and being the only varsity middle that can play right now.

The other star middle, junior Allison Kerr, is injured and anxious to get back on the court. Rounding out the returning varsity squad are seniors Michelle Moody and Allie Reed.

Determination is exactly what the Lancer plan to use to drive them, along with a new sense of unity.

“We’re all really good friends,” said Geile. All the girls seem to agree that this year, the team really understands the meaning of that word.

Some upcoming games that are going to be important for the girls are Linbergh, Parkway West and Marquette. “We’re hoping for large vocal crowds at each match.”

Burkard said.

photo • Bobby Mortimer

Up there • After receiving a set from senior Megan Long, sophomore Casey Cherlin spikes the ball over the net during pre-game warm ups. The girls ended up defeating Northwest 2-0.

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page 12 • sports

Sept. 16, 2005

Boys soccer transforms

photo • Bobby Mortimer

What now? • Defending the ball, sophomore Stephen McMahon looks for an open pass. He has two goals this season. The boys beat Parkway West 2-1 in their opener.

Bobby Mortimer• Sports Editor The boys soccer team last year finished its season at 196-2.

After losing their assist leader, Tim Gabel and goal scorer, Tim Walters, the team has been relying on new players to step up.

“We’re are a lot deeper this year. My bench is much better than the past which allows us to compete like last year,” Head Coach Tim Walters said.

The team has come out in the mindset that they need to win.

They started the season 2-1-1.

The varsity team is led by senior captain Sean Mueller and junior Brad Schweizer.

But, there are also many young players on the roster who have stepped up.

There is a lot of talent spread

out across the field with the endurance on the wings with senior Chris Bartelsmeyer, junior Ryan Garrone and the midfielders with seniors Marc Christian and Andrew Freeland.

“We got a good core defense with me, Schweizer and junior Drew Bishline,” Mueller said.

They have changed their setup to allow them also to get more opportunities on offense by placing three forwards up top. “We just have to take each game seriously to win every game,“ Mueller added.

“Sean Butler has improved into a good player. He should be one of the top scorers,” Bartelsmeyer said.

Right now, three players are even in scoring. Bartelsmeyer and sophomores Brandon Man-

zonelli and Stephen McMahon, each have two goals.

Even though the team is only starting four seniors the depth on the team and the talent level allows them to make up for it.

“Matt Bleazard, a freshman, has come in and done a nice job.”

Walters said.

“If the kids work hard we will be in the game if they decide not to work we wont have a chance, but right now the kids are working hard” Walters said.

The team has transformed from a two person team to a complete team with talent spread across the field and bench.

The Lancers face Pattonville tomorrow at 1 p.m. and then gear up to take on district rival Marquette on Sept. 27.

brought out big number for the cards this year.

Carpenter is finishing off one of his best season yet with 21 wins and he up for the Cy Young Award.

Marquis has the second best batting average on the team with .375, but found it hard to capitalize on the mound earlier this year but has stepped up in the last few starts.

The Cardinals can’t rely on just one person. They need the

team to play at its best. Which means Tavarez and Isringhausen have to step up their game!

Since last month they both have ERA over 4.

It doesn’t help the team much when they work so hard to gain lead till about the 8th inning when we put them in to blow the game or make it more difficult than it needs to be. If they keep on this bumpy road the Cards wont advance far at all in the playoffs.

Last year the Boston Red Sox

embarrassed the Cards in the World Series. They came in and swept the cards in a quick four games, and sent the Cards home with their heads down.

What it comes down to is if we have the ability to step up against the American League and actually win.

We have proved that we can win in the National League and on the road but we need to step it up against the American League in the World Series.

The Side Liner: The next stop could be World Series Champions The St. Louis Cardinals have come out swinging this year. St Louis, with a record Bobby Mortimer of (92-53), has •Sports Editor another chance for the World Series.

But the Cardinals need to stay healthy.

Too many players have been out for numerous injuries and

that’s got to stop if the Cards are going to advance in the playoffs.

Even though their bench has worked for them the entire season so far. They still need to stay on top of their game.

So, Taguchi has been a key player in the Cards success this year, replacing Randy sanders in the outfield. He batted .345 in the month of August and has been an enemy at the plate and in the field.

The starting pitching has

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sports • page 13

the image

Strong pitching, bats spark softball team Lori Vaughn• Reporter

The softball team has always been topnotch with excellent pitchers and dominant hitters and this year is proving to be no different.

Leading the team are starters Dhaniele Akers, Erin DeStefano, Lauren Duenow, Jenny Mann, Jodie Shead and Jackie Tippee who are all seniors.

The Lancers were ranked fourth in the preseason rankings by the St. Louis PostDispatch and are already living up to this high standard. The Lancers have an opening record of 9-1 (as of Sept. 13).

Coach Scott DeNoyer points out that the team has improved from last year with “more experience, more speed, more con-

fidence and a greater desire to continue the winning tradition of LHS.” Many new additions to the team have contributed to their overall success including freshmen Meghan Lamberth and Paige Park and juniors Sarah Bieser, Shelby Krammer and Jessie Reynolds. Both freshmen are great defensively and offensively. Bieser and Reynolds are excellent base runners and Krammer as a catcher has already thrown out several opponents attempting to steal.

Several players from last year are also making a difference this season. DeStefano, who last year was on the Second Team All-State last year, returns and is bet-

ter than ever according to DeNoyer. She is 6-1 on the mound this season. Junior Chelsey Carmody has also stepped in to pitch, but is really making her mark offensively with 21 hits and 13 runs. Shead follows closely with 12 runs.

All the seniors except DeStefano make up the outfield and have already made their presence known by taking away hits from opponents. “Our seniors are money.

We try our best to keep the team together and keep building the team’s chemistry,” declares Mann.

DeNoyer said one of the team’s strengths is being able to rally and score numerous runs in one inning or to “man-

ufacture runs bunting and stealing.”

The team’s number one goal right now is to win each game one at a time but to eventually win a State championship.

DeNoyer said the team is going to be a feared once in the post season and that they “will achieve whatever they believe they can achieve.” Affirming that statement Mann said, “I really think our team is good enough to make it to State, the only question is if we believe we can.

If we believe it, there is nothing stopping us.”

The Lady Lancers play home versus Kirkwood today at 4:15 p.m.

The team is now preparing for the Hancock Invitational on Sept. 24, which is the best competition before the State meet, held in early November.

“Hancock is a chance to see where we are,” Head Coach Scott Brandon explained.

The team’s main goal is to perform well at State and the short-term goal right now is for everyone to get healthy.

Baker placed 15th at State last year, and hopes to place in the top 10 this season.

“We’re a happy bunch,” Brandon said.

“We seem to have a lot of fun and laughter can help take away the pain.”

The boys cross country team did not know what to expect going into the First

Capitol Invitational. The course at McNair Park is a fast, flat, easy one, however, the heat played a big role that day.

The team only had a few runners, due to some not having enough practices to qualify to run. And although the team was not at full strength, they were surprised to receive good finished after some good times.

Senior Nick Robinson missed his personal record (PR) by only a few seconds.

Junior John Buttram missed his PR by one second and sophomore Eric Lutz broke his personal record by 17 seconds.

Robinson is the lone senior on the team, however the leadership and experience he brings as a four-year varsity run-

ner is immeasurable.

Robinson has competed at State meet for two straight years, and the goal is for the whole team to qualify this year.

Coach Randy Seagrist said the team also hopes to place in the top four at Conference, Districts and Sectionals.

Lutz, Buttram, and also junior John Neumann should all be good runners for the team eventhough they lack the experience.

“We work together and push each other,” said Robinson.

Robinson also said this team is the best he’s seen in his four years, not only because he is a senior, but because Lutz and Buttram are never far behind him.

Boys, girls squads finish well in First Capitol Invite John Cox • Reporter

In the recent First Capitol Invitational held at McNair Park, the girls cross country team placed second. Team powerhouse senior Emily Baker won the large school division and ran her fastest time in the first race of a season.

Senior Kelsey Henshaw took ninth and junior Sara Flower also placed. In addition, sophomore Kristen Sommer won the junior varsity race at the meet.

Last weekend at the Stan Nelson Invitational at Northwest, Baker took third and Henshaw placed ninth.

“A lot of people have stepped up,” Baker said of the team’s early success. Henshaw, Flower and Sommer have worked hard and have all made improvements.

Lady Lancer Golf: Dropping shots toward District victory Lori Vaughn• Reporter Teeing up to conquer Districts, the Lady Lancer golf team is ready to take on the competition, and despite losing five seniors the season has started off well.

The returning seniors, Lauren Casper, Ellen Mays and Caroline Song, ave led the team to a 4-2 record losing only by a couple of shots to Summit and Lindbergh.

Head Coach Gaylen Laster said the team could just as well be 5-0 because they are playing extremely well.

Newcomer junior Shannon Hinkle expressed her excitement about the way the team is gelling. “We have already beaten Marquette, Mehlville, Seckman and Kirkwood and our team chemistry improves every day.”

Laster said this year’s squad “is more consistent and not making mental errors that last year would have cost them a match.” This results in lower scores and more victories.

Hinkle, freshman Abby Katsev and sophomore Taylor Obermeier, who are new to varsity are making a great contribution to the team by further lowering the scores.

Laster believes his team is ready for any future competition but needs to work on putting and chipping in order to enhance their level of play.

The number one goal of the team is to win Conference and eventually Districts.

The girls team has some tough competition coming up against Parkway South, but Coach Laster and the girls believe their hard work over the summer and the beginning of this year will pay off.

With scores depleting, girls working together and a sharp mental game shining through a conference championship is well within their grasp.

Varsity plays on Sept. 19 at 3:30 p.m. against Borgia at Franklin Co.

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page 14 • sports

Young tennis team still on target to match last season’s successes Kevin Montes-de-oca• Reporter Last year, the girls tennis team ended the season with an outstanding record of 16-2 (15-1 in the regular season). They ended up being the Conference Tournament champions for the second year in a row, They were also District runner-up and Sectional runner-up.

So far this season (as of Sept. 13, they are 3-1.

“Our team last year was very balanced and every player on the varsity team won a deciding court in a match at least once, and we also had very strong depth, but also had good strength at the top of the line-up,” Coach Donna Stauffer said.

Sophomore Kristin Donnell, junior Rachel Costello, and senior Ellen Pappas agree one of their biggest strengths is the team’s work ethic.

Pappas said, “We have a lot of hardworking seniors this year, and all of them have been hard working all four years, but this year they have been great leaders and have really stepped up to their positions on the team.”

Unfortunately, the number one singles player, sophomore Gabriela Demos, is currently recovering from shoulder surgery and has been playing doubles, which means the other singles players have had to move up and play a higher position.

The biggest weakness of the team last year “was probably that although our players work very hard all year practicing, many of them only play competitively during the high school season, which means we come into the season not as match-tough as some of the other top teams,” Stauffer said.

Donnell, Costello and Pappas also agree one of their biggest weaknesses continues to be mental toughness in the game and not letting anything on the

Sept. 16, 2005

Field hockey calls out all teams ready to compete Allyson Angle • Reporter

photo • Beth Guckes

•Fan-tastic. The girls tennis team showed off their skills to crowds during the Aug. 19 Fall Fanfare. Senior Meghan Scobie serves from the back of the court to get the volley started.

court change the way they play.

In their early matches, the Lancers have found success. They defeated Eureka 7-0 and Parkway Central 6-1 before losing a close one to Parkway South 3-4.

But, they came back to beat St. Joseph’s 6-1. The team is very talented, but much younger, which also poses a potential weakness, because the team is now much less experienced. Eight of the top 15 players are sophomores. To improve and overcome some of the weaknesses, the team

must work hard to fix them, which means having varsity and those wanting to play varsity play competitively year round.

The team’s goal is to win Conference and Districts, then advance the team to Sectionals and State, and send players to State as individuals.

“I feel we have grown close and I believe that there will be a unique bond by the end of the season that will remain long past their high school experience,” Stauffer said.

Despite only having six returning varsity players, the girls field hockey team is doing well. Five seniors, Katherine Aslin, Annie Ballard, Kelly Dowell, Melissa Lantz and Meg O’Connell, and one junior, Alicia Brennan, are the only returning varsity players.

The team’s season record last year was an impressive 20-3. So far this season (as of Sept. 13), they are 3-2-2.

“We lost a lot of good players, but we’re still building and we keep getting better everyday,” captain O’Connell.

She leads the team with nine goals.

Lantz and senior Lauren Goade each have four.

The Lancers have played two games and one tournament. They won both of their games against Marquette (6-1) and Visitation Academy (4-1).

They played four games in the Gateway Classic over Labor Day weekend. It is a tough tournament featuring some of the nation’s best teams. The Lancers lost to last year’s Kentucky State champions. They tied both games versus last year’s Illinois and Missouri State champions and defeated a team from Pittsburgh.

“All the public schools want to play us, and all the public schools want to beat us,” O’Connell explained.

And, it’s for good reason. The team has not lost a public school game in seven years. They hope to keep this tradition going strong for another year.

Fortunately teams that will provide a tough game for the Lancers this season are all private including MICDS, Cor Jesus and Nerinx Hall.

The team plays in the Bluegrass Tournament today and tomorrow.

Water polo turns corner, overcomes tough opening schedule Allyson Angle • Reporter The Lancers got off to a rough start with a tough opening to their schedule.

They played three out of four of the best teams in State from last year: SLUH, Parkway South and Chaminade. Each defeated the Lancers.

But, their first win of the season was a sweet one as they controlled Marquette 10-6. Then they beat up on Fort Zumwalt West 17-5.

The returning varsity starters are seniors Scott Chida, Alex Frueh, Zach Levko, Marc Phillips, Scott Sibley, goalie Alex Vojslavek, and juniors Ben Kappel

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and Steven Noce. A strong first year varsity player is junior Max Beushausen. He is much improved from last year, a very hard worker, and a huge asset to the team.

The Patriot Classic held at Parkway South last weekend proved the team is getting stronger.

They played SLUH on Friday and showed much improvement from the first game versus them. They scored three goals in the first quarter to SLUH’s 0. The Lancers led until the fourth quarter, and ended up losing 8-6.

The team was pretty happy about how

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they played that game.

“We almost beat the best team in the state. It’s just a matter of who wants to win and step it up this year,” Vojslavek said.

So far, Levko continues to be the offensive powerhouse with 25 goals. Rounding out the offense, Noce has 19 goals, Phillips has 15, Beushausen has 13, Frueh has 12 and junior Steve Shelley has 11.

At the tournament on Sept. 10, the team lost to Parkway South 5-3, but it was a much closer game than the first time they played them this season.

Their second game in the tourney was

their win over Marquette.

Overall the team agrees that weaknesses are their offense and the swimming.

“Although we’re struggling, we are improving and are close to turning the corner,” Head Coach Jamie Waeckerle said.

The Lancers have the Conference Tournament coming up next week. They face Lindbergh on Sept. 19 and last year’s State champions, MICDS, on Sept. 21.

Speaking for himself and his fellow senior leaders on the team, Vojslavek said, “We have to make sure everyone is focused and ready to play.”

sports • page 15

the image

Hungry For Victory

Football has tough start, but looks to come back Bobby Mortimer• Sports Editor Last year varsity football ended its season at 7-3, just failing to make the playoffs.

This year the team has come out slow with a 0-2 record losing to Pattonville 27-20 and Hazelwood West 14-56, but they are still determined to turn things around.

Preparing for the game involves long hard practices and tons of food.

Every Thursday before a game the team heads over to senior Woody and Buddy Blevins’ house after practice to feast.

“It helps with bonding with players and brings team unity,” senior Brad Davis said.

But clearly, a good pre-game meal is not enough for victory.

After the first two games there are some on field improvements in order.

“We need to improve on our defense and scoring in the red zone,” Woody Blevins said.

Still, the defense has improved. One of the team’s goals is to stop the running game and not allow the other team to get opportunities.

“We have changed our formation on defense by moving to a 5-2 defense instead of a 4-3,” senior Chad Miller said.

“Strengths of our team is the chemistry of our players and their work ethic. Our team never

quits and plays hard every game,” Head Coach Boyd Manne said.

Many players have stepped up to be leaders. The Blevins’ have been vocal leaders and Aaron Truitt sparks the offensive line.

While the record does not reflect it, the offense has been strong.

Senior Cartez Parker leads in rushing with 175 yards and in scoring with three TDs. And, quarterback senior Billy Graft leads the Suburban West Conference in passing with 26 completions out of 46 attempts for a total of 373 yards.

“On our team though there no specific one leader; we all have the responsibility and the willingness to work together,” Davis said.

So even with the setback, the seniors are hungry for more than the pre-game feasts.

They know what victory tastes like. During their freshman and sophomore years, they only lost one game and in their junior year on varsity they boasted a record of 7-3.

Team members said their ultimate goal is to win Districts and finish out the remaining seasons with W’s by taking each game one at a time. photo • Dawn Allison They hope to get their first Huddle up• During their first game of the year, senior Brad Davis (77) and other varsity players crowd around mark under the win column to- Head Coach Boyd Manne to go over some plays. The Lancers fell in their home opener to Pattonville 20-27. night against Oakville at 7 p.m.

Tonight the Lancers face Oakville at home at 7 p.m. looking for their first win.

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in•out•about page 16 • entertainment

Upcoming Events Creepy Crawl 314.621.9333 Sept. 22 @ 7 p.m.

Panic! At the Disco Sept. 23 @ 6 p.m.

Sophomore, Vegas to Verona, Novella Oct. 6 @ 7:30 p.m.

Gatsby’s American Dream, Gym Class Heroes Oct. 27 @ 7 p.m.

Fenix, TX The Pageant 314 726 6161 Sept. 17 @ 7 p.m.

Los Lonely Boys Sept. 22 @ 6 p.m.

My Chemical Romance, with Alkaline Trio

The City Museum:

One of the fun places to play on the “new” Washington Avenue. photo • Niky Norton

Sept. 25 @ 7 p.m.

Keane, with The Long Winters Sept. 28 @ 7 p.m.

Jason Mraz

Wonderful new Washington Ave.

Providing new places for teens to have fun Niky Norton • Entertainment Editor For those sick of the same old places to spend out on weekends, it would be nice to have somewhere new to go that offered fun things to do and interesting cuisine without having to spend all of our lunch money.

Thanks to the resurrection of Washington Avenue, there is a new place for the youth of St. Louis to go that is a safe and original alternative to the mall or the movies.

Senior Jonnie Williams, a resident of Washington, speaks very highly of the area and explained a brief on the history.

The former garment district and “Gas-Light Square” has

come a long way from a somewhat shady past, he said.

Before the street was renovated, Washington featured glass eaters and other performers and slowly adopted a dangerous reputation.

Desperately trying to create a more attractive and touristfriendly downtown, $14.5 million dollars were spent by the St. Louis Planning Commission to renovate the area.

Although the streets are littered with 20-somethings and SLU students, high school kids can enjoy what Washington has to offer, too. Among its many attractions, kids are mostly drawn

in touch with teachers

Pardieck plans amazing event Niky Norton • Entertainment Editor Outside from his traditional role in the classroom, Mr. Doug Pardieck, science teacher, has taken on the role of event organizer by planning a version of The Amazing Race for his friends and colleagues.

The race will benefit charity, but will also focus on fun. It kicks off tomorrow at Milo’s on the Hill.

The 15 teams, comprised of LHS teachers (see list below) along with 15 volunteers and teachers from other schools, move through 12 stops where they receive riddles and challenges. The challenges, when successfully completed, help the team to solve the riddle faster.

Competitors pay $10 each which will go to a charity chosen by the winning team, which also receive $20 gift cards for places chosen by the other teams.

Pardieck got the idea from a murder mystery party he took part in Kansas City.

Due to the success of Pardieck’s races, held once in spring and once in fall, he has been offered a position from a business to organize the race for employees.

Teachers scheduled to compete include Ms. Barbara Davis, Ms. Carrie Guenzler, Mr. Chris Lofgren, Mr. Greg Mathison, Mr. Steve Klawiter, Mr. Adam Dunsker, Ms. Becky Boehmer, Mr. Jason Schneider, Ms. Mandy Kotraba, Mr. Jake Wilson, Ms. Cindy Brown.•

to the City Museum.

This labyrinth-like coliseum of winding floors offers slides, tunnels, underground worlds of jungle gyms and an outside euphoria of welded metals and deconstructed airplanes.

This is literally a playground for adults. Although there are some tight squeezes, the more you explore and wander, the better. Even with the steep admission price ($12), the cost is completely worth the adventure.

Plan a full day for this venture, you will want enough time to take in all the museum has to offer.

Other musts for high-school-

ers are Gus’s Clothing Store (a frequent of Williams as well as celebrities), Windows on Washington (a quasi-banquet hall/ restaurant), and the Central West End Bed and Breakfast, run by William’s family.

The St. Louis Planning Commission had the right idea when they thought to make Washington Avenue the first of many renovations for the city.

The new Washington Avenue is “more safe and fun. [The area] gives people something new to do,” Williams said.

So this weekend, gather up a group of friends and go play downtown.•

Culture Close-up:

There’s more to India than the Taj Mahal Niky Norton • Entertainment Editor Instead of wasting away evenings and weekends doing the same old things, students could be out experiencing different cultures and getting a better insight into life outside of the United States.

Thanks to the multitudes of many multi-cultural Lancers, along with foreign exchange students, Students have the opportunity to experience culture first hand.

This issue, senior Venu Raghaven gives some insight into how to experience Indian culture in St. Louis.

Food: “A regular meal might consist of chicken curry and rice with various vegetable dishes, or soups like mulligatawny, ‘pepper water.’” Check out restaurants like India Palace, the House of

India, and Rasoie.

Music: “There is a lot to see at music concerts. You get a mentality for the people as well as the music, which is mostly religious, so people really respect it.”

Where to experience it: The best place to take in the full culture is at a concert, but if that’s too big of a step, gather up a group of friends and spend a night at an Indian Restaurant or find out more information about dance or art exhibits at The Ghandi Center off of Weidman Road.

Religion: Though most people of Indian decent are Hindu (95 peercent), there is a small minority of others led by Christianity, then Muslim. Raghaven’s temple is Sri Venkateswara, behind the Ghandi Center.•

Oct. 4 @ 7 p.m.

Doves Oct. 9 @ 7 p.m.

Twista/ David Banner Oct. 10 @ 7 p.m.

The Black Crows Oct. 15 @ 6 p.m.

Story of the Year, with Funeral For a Friend, Anberlin Oct. 20 @ 7 p.m.

Chevelle, with Taproot Oct. 31 @ 8 p.m.

Busta Rhymes Nov. 12 @ 7 p.m.

Bright Eyes Nov. 13 @ 6 p.m.

The Nintendo Fusion Tour: Fall Out Boy, with The Starting Line.

Motion City Soundtrack, Boys Night Out, Panic! At the Disco Mississippi Nights 314.421.3853 Sept. 28 @ 7 p.m.

Built to Spill, with Mike Johnson Oct. 6 @ 7 p.m.

New Pornographers, with Destroyer Oct. 16 @ 7 p.m.

The Decemberists with Cass McCombs Nov. 8 @ 6 p.m.

Matchbook Romance, with Armor For Sleep, Gatsby’s Great American Dream UMB Bank Pavilion 314.298.9944 Sept. 16 @ 6 p.m.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Sept. 17 @ 6 p.m.

Coldplay If there are any concerts that you want heard, give the name of the band, the venue, the date and the time to Mrs. Nancy Smith in Room 213.•