Liberty Ledger - Issue 2 - January 26, 2021

V o l .

8

J a n u a r y

the

ledger

NEWS Read 6

about the Trump Administration’s transition

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2 0 2 1

I s s u e

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t s u l r e d n wa

IN-DEPTH

SPORTS

Read 11 about four forms of escapism

Read 15 about the updates in winter sports

CONTENT 8 OPINION

6 NEWS

The Finale Of Fhe Election, Explained

Big Shoes To Fill

New Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has been sworn in to replace Ginsburg.

The general election left room for home theatre.

10 IN-DEPTH 13 OPINION Wanderlust

Up, Up, And Away

Explore how others escape their reality, especially in 2020.

photos by Liz Hayes (top left), sumbitted by Mrs. Oliva (top right) and Brooke Huffman (bottom)

FOLLOW US!

Senior explains why going out of state for college was the right choice.

16 ENTERTAINMENT 19 SPORTS Grammy Nominations

@lhs.publications @LHSJourn Visit our site: LHSToday.org

@lhsstreaming A 2020-2021 School Newspapers Online Distinguished Site

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEB.

8: Late Start 8-12: School Counselor Appreciation Week 15-16: President’s Day - No school 16: PD day - No school 18: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.

MAR.

11-13: Spring play “The Crucible”

at 7 p.m.

18: End of 3rd quarter 18: Early Release 19-26: Spring Break

APR.

1: National School Librarian Day 4: Easter 10: Prom 12: Late Start 14: Junior meeting for senior photo

during A.I. 15: Board of Education meeting 7 p.m.

28: Film Festival 7 p.m-9 p.m

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Content | lhstoday.org design by: E. Thimyan

cover photo by Mollie Banstetter

The LEDGER Liberty High School 2275 Sommers Road Lake Saint Louis, MO. 63367 636.561.0075 ext: 28039 jonathanhall@wsdr4.org

Volume 8 Issue 2 Editors Lizzie Kayser* Brooke Huffman* Ianne Salvosa* Reporters Mollie Banstetter (Layout Editor), Emily Bohn, Paige Bostic (Executive Videographer), Sarah Downs (Photo Editor) Elizabeth Hamby (Assistant Editor) Irem Inan, Ally Schniepp (Sports Editor), Elaine Thimyan *Each editor also serves as a reporter

Intentions

Eagles Win On Senior Night

Beyonce’, Taylor Swift, Roddy Ricch and Dua Lipa lead the nominations.

The Ledger is a publication that releases 4 issues (one per quarter) throughout the year, distributing 1,000 free copies to the student body, faculty and administration.

The Ledger magazine is a part of the district’s curriculum and is designed to provide a practical

Seniors look back on their basketball careers.

journalistic experience for written expression on a variety of topics. It is a student-led publication class that reports on stories relatable to the school community. Students write, take photos and design the publication and the adviser will supervise the student journalists.

The opinions expressed in this magazine may not be those of Liberty, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District, faculty, staff or administration.

The main editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the Ledger editorial staff.

Reacting

Letters to all editors can be submitted in room 239, emailed or mailed to Liberty. All letters must be signed. Limit letters you wish to be published to 250 words. Letters may be edited for space requirements and libelous material to the discretion of the editors. If you have a news story idea or comment, please contact us in room 239.

Credentials

The Ledger is a member of the Sponsors of Student Publications of Greater St. Louis.

Advertising

To further facilitate the space available for student writing, advertising will not be offered in The Ledger.

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Double Feature

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Liberty Drama is currently working on two different productions

by Emily Bohn Reporter

photos by Alix Queen

Liberty has been prevailing throughout the current theatre climate, defying all odds with safety taken into account. With two shows in the works, one in the books, and another two in the calendar; the LHS theatre program has done anything but stopped.

The first show to come is “The Trail to Oregon,”a show produced entirely by students. Based on the Oregon Trail video game, it’s a musical with a small cast of seven and an unusual, hilarious plot. This is the first time such a feat has been done at Liberty, but it certainly will not be the last. The director and creator of the project is senior Michelle Yoder, and she is joined by sophmore Rhett Cunningham as technical director, junior Alyssa Place as musical director and junior Amanda Yoder as the choreographer. It will be performed Jan. 29 and 30, 2021.

Michael Gannon (left) Shaina Feinstein (middle) Aicha Beye (right).

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Anna Wright (right) Anna Decker (middle) Connor Higlen (left) Performing a dance number for “Trail To Oregon.”

Connor Higlen (far left) Michael Gannon (inside left) Shaina Feinstein (center left) Anna Wright (center right) Anna Decker (Inside Right) Shane Wolz (far right).

Anna Wright chills out during “Trail To Oregon.”

Next up is “The Crucible”, taking place March 11-13 2021. This three act play is much more dramatic, depicting the Salem witch trials in historically accurate detail. Some may even be familiar with the show already, as they may recall reading it in some English III classes.

Later in the year, Liberty will also be hosting their yearly main stage musical, which will be “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” set for April 29-May 1 2021.

Closing the doors for the season will be the senior-directed one-acts with dates yet to be announced.

News | lhstoday.org design by: E. Thimyan

3

The Hidden Dream: Breaking Down Barriers for Immigrants Liberty activist co-founds organization to address the challenges faced by visa-dependent children

by Lizzie Kayser Co-Editor-in-Chief America is Sarvani Kunapareddy’s home. For the majority of her life, Kunapareddy has known St. Louis suburbs, playing with friends underneath the American flag, pledging allegiance before class each day. However, due to her visa status, her future as an American is uncertain.

Kunapareddy, a senior, is one of four million immigrants left behind by the visa backlog. America’s complex and outdated immigration system makes it extremely difficult for visa carriers to obtain a green card. Quotas and caps can leave them waiting in line indefinitely. For some it takes decades; others won’t have the opportunity to become a citizen until after they die.

“It was painful to learn that I wasn’t really at home here,” Kunapareddy said. “It took me a while to get used to it. I blamed myself, even though I didn’t have control.”

Visa dependent children are considered international students when applying to colleges, rendering them ineligible for financial aid and most scholarship opportunities. In addition, once they turn 21, they “age out” of their parents’ visa - meaning they either have to apply for a student visa or self deport. The process is emotionally and financially taxing.

“In March, I applied for a scholarship that said there was no citizenship requirement. I ended up being a finalist and was going to have an interview, but because I was considered an international student, the interview was canceled,” Kunapareddy said.

Gazing at her future, now blocked by seemingly impassable barriers, Kunapareddy knew that she couldn’t just sit back. And so she fought— not just to change her own life, but for the lives of others.

“This couldn’t be the end,” Kunapareddy said.

Deciding they needed to do more, she and five other students cofounded The Hidden Dream organization in the summer of 2020.

The Hidden Dream’s mission is to “raise awareness of the countless struggles faced by visa immigrants, share resources, and create a community to uplift.” One of their largest emphases is on education.

Harishree Karthik is a 20-year-old neuroscience student who primarily works social media for The Hidden Dream. The aging out process has added unnecessary confusion and difficulty to her already strenuous higher education, pushing her to the back of a line she’s been waiting in for 13

photo by 1326 edited by Mollie Banstetter

4 design by: E. Bohn & L. Kayser News | lhstoday.org

years. Instead of being able pursue her career goals when she finishes school, Karthik has to restart the immigration process alone. “[When I] age out of the system, my father cannot include me as a dependent when he files for a green card,” Karthik said. “My parents have sacrificed many things for my chance at a life in America. But it seems like their hard work and resilience has gone to waste. Now I have started my own lifelong immigration process.”

To help fund the high cost of education immigrant children face, the group created a scholarship fund. Each year, they plan to give two $1000 scholarships to visa dependent high school seniors and undergraduate students. Out of a pool of 35 applicants, they recently selected two inaugural recipients. This is just the start of what The Hidden Dream wants their fund to become.

“I hope we can develop it into something bigger,” Kunapareddy said.

Kunapareddy remembers feeling out of place when she learned of her immigration status, surrounded by people blissfully unaware of what she was going through. In hopes of helping them feel less alone, The Hidden Dream aims to create a community for young immigrants. Via Slack, they can find support and connect with each other. In addition, The Hidden Dream holds virtual conferences and workshops to help them navigate college and beyond.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids start reaching out and beginning to feel understood,” Kunapareddy said. “They’re happy there’s others like them.”

Over the past four months, the Hidden Dream’s Instagram has amassed more than 2,000 followers. Here, they work to educate the general public and share relevant information. Their “Hidden Dreamer” series tells the stories of immigrants in their own words, emotionally painting the hardships most Americans will never have to face.

“America is a nation built on immigrants but has forgotten the importance of immigrants. I wish people understood the importance of immigration. There are many misconceptions like immigrants stealing jobs that cannot be further from reality,” Karthik said. “In reality, immigrants give a lot and suffer a lot to have a chance at the American Dream, which has become unattainable. Immigrants are hard working families trying to obtain a better quality of living.”

Kunapareddy shares similar sentiments.

“The American Dream is so well advertised and marketed, but falls short. There’s always been something falling out of my reach since high school,” Kunapareddy said. “It kind of fueled me more. I want to bring change about, because it’s out of reach for so many people.”

In a country that leaves millions of immigrants behind, the American Dream young kids were once taught is nonexistent. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be redefined. Instead, the “American Dream” lies in the hearts of Hidden Dreamers, resilient and diligent and hopeful, passionate and proud and bright.

You can follow The Hidden Dream @thehiddendream on Instagram, or visit thehiddendream.org for more information.

From Naturalization to Civic Participation Librarian Mrs. Oliva exercises her right to vote in her first presidential election as a U.S. citizen

by Ianne Salvosa Co-Editor-in-Chief

The ability to vote in the 2020 presidential election was a first for a number of seniors— and one particular staff member. This year, librarian Mrs. Oliva cast her first vote to determine the next president of the United States.

She opted to vote by mail— getting her ballot notarized by registrar Mrs. Berghoff— for the decisive election between incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. As a natural-born Canadian citizen, Mrs. Oliva had not been able to vote in past elections preceding fall 2019, when she gained U.S. citizenship.

“I have to say it was particularly awesome because I left Canada when I was so young that I wasn’t even eligible,” Mrs. Oliva said. “It was just exciting.”

Originally from Kelowna, British Columbia, she moved to the United States on a student visa to attend Lindenwood University, with an athletic scholarship to play field hockey. Following her college career she acquired an H1B visa, a temporary work permit. After it had expired, Oliva applied for a green card, allowing for permanent stay in the country. Before the green card would expire in February 2020, she decided to take the first step into the naturalization process in 2019 to match the U.S. citizenship status of her husband and son.

The naturalization exam consists of an oral exam on 10 of 100 potential questions. Oliva prepared for the exam by studying a booklet of practice questions and creating flashcards to aid her memory of the topics regarding U.S. history and government. She attributes the ease of the exam to her ability to speak English, as non-English speakers have to take a reading and writing test in addition to the civics test. However, she believes the format of the test increased the difficulty.

“The harder part is that you’re being asked those questions face to face,” Oliva said. “The person who’s sitting across from you is making a decision about your fate based on how you answer those questions.”

Nevertheless, she passed the exam and was recognized as a U.S. citizen at the naturalization ceremony, held at the Robert A. Young Federal Building in St. Louis. She was accompanied by her family as well as her fellow staff members and friends.

“I wanted to support her in any way we could,” biology teacher Mrs. Rosner said. “Adding that moral support and kind of saying I can be your pseudo-family while you’re here.” Librarian Mrs. Dotson and French teacher Mrs. Farrelly attended the ceremony as well. The naturalization process was a first for both Oliva and Rosner, who were taken aback by the gravity of the situation.

Mrs. Oliva is accompanied by her family, Mrs. Dotson, Mrs. Farrelly and Mrs. Rosner at her naturalization ceremony.

Mrs. Oliva displays her “I voted” sticker after voting in the 2020 presidential election.

photo by Jayce Haun

“It was pretty interesting to see the whole process and it definitely gets you really feeling patriotic just getting to watch her have that moment with her family,” Rosner said. “It was just really emotional and fun to see your friend do something that big and be a part of it.”

Immediately after she gained citizenship, Oliva began to engage in American civic duty as she registered to vote with people set up outside of the federal building. She believes voting is a way for citizens to speak out against issues in the government.

“I think it’s hard to complain about the way things are if you don’t exercise your right to vote,” Oliva said. “You have more grounds to say, I’m not happy about this, and I tried to do something about it.”

The simplicity and importance of the opportunity to vote also makes the first-time voter believe that all should engage in voting if possible. She views this as a recognition of gratitude towards the right to vote, as it was not always guaranteed for all citizens.

“It’s a way for us to just stand up and say this is what’s important to me,” Oliva said. “You know, there are other countries where especially women don’t enjoy that. And so we shouldn’t take it for granted.”

submitted by Mrs. Oliva

News | lhstoday.org design by: E. Bohn & L. Kayser

5

Popcorn, Candy And Other Concessions The finale of the election, explained

by Irem Inan Reporter The many who’ve been mourning the temporary loss of movie theaters Trump plans to continue with the withdrawal on Jan. 15, 2021, and without this year might find comfort in pulling a chair up to the White House lawn informing Biden on the classified details not available to the media and and watching a picture that would leave Hitchcock on the edge of his seat general public. Additionally, Trump terminated his Director of Homeland unfold. Grab popcorn, too — it’s the only concession experts forecast for Security Chris Krebs and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper following the 2020. election results.

The general election left room for home theatre, too. From election Where Trump has been firing, Biden has been hiring. Immediately day (Nov. 3) to results day (Nov. 7), millions of people didn’t dare part following an election, a president-elect is expected to assemble a transition with their television. It’s a justified fear: you blink and Texas flips. But this team. However, in order for this process to begin, the General Services anxiety didn’t discriminate between political parties, or, as it turns out, Administration must acknowledge the winner and allocate funds to their countries. team. Administrator Emily Murphy has refused to do recognize Biden as “[The things your president says] are heard and felt by people across president-elect, and consequently blocked the transition effort. Biden the globe,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Nov. 8. “And, similarly, maintains confidence that this won’t harm his presidency, and found a way there’s a very good reason why many of us across the globe have been glued to move forward without government funds. On Nov. 9, his team revealed to CNN since Tuesday. Because who wins this election — who becomes the current members of the Biden-Harris transition team. Many of them president — matters.” were revealed to be working as volunteers, while some are being paid by Khan is one of eleven world leaders to have congratulated Presidentdonations Biden’s team has collected from supporters.

Elect Biden on his win. The one person Biden can’t seem to hear back from Concessions from presidents past could make a movie of flashback is President Donald Trump. scenes that don’t need to be rendered black-and-white in order to show “He only won in the eyes of the FAKE NEWS MEDIA. I concede a stark contrast between then and now, but falling down that rabbit hole NOTHING!” Trump shared on Twitter on Nov. 15. “We have a long way to doesn’t include a way out of the present. One way or another, on Jan. 20, go. This was a RIGGED ELECTION!” political officials from both sides confirm that the US will see a transition “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration,” to a Biden presidency, whether it be through the assistance of the Secret Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared five days prior. These statements Service, or a voluntary exit. Biden is moving forward with this in mind, and have only been fueling a fire that many fear could engulf and overwhelm the has already begun listing promises for his first 100 days in office. government.

Biden has promised that, pre-inauguration, he will assemble a But despite global worries, Trump’s refusal to concede is not expected coronavirus taskforce to push for COVID-19 laws on his first day. to be a lasting threat to American democracy. The right of a president-elect Furthermore, he plans to rejoin the World Health Organization, which to take office as of Jan. 20 at the end of their predecessor’s term is defended Trump cut ties with on July 8. The US also officially withdrew from the by the 20th Amendment.

Paris Agreement officially on Nov. 4, but this won’t last, either — Biden It’s been defended by Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch is determined to re-enter that agreement as soon as possible. In an effort McConnell on Twitter, too: “The winner of the November 3rd election will to establish the US as a world leader against climate change, he will be be inaugurated on January 20th. There will be an orderly transition just as going forward with his $2 trillion environmental plan to achieve zero net there has been every four years since 1792.” emissions by 2050. He also plans to invest up to $300 million on reforming However, Trump’s response could have lasting consequences beyond police and the criminal justice system. The Deferred Action for Childhood the surface level. He has been refusing to let Biden in on intelligence Arrivals immigration policy could achieve permanence as early as his first briefings against the advice of Republican senators and other high-ranking day. Simultaneously, he’ll be creating a task force to reunite families divided members of his party. at the Mexican border. What’s become known as the “Muslim ban” could Biden has resorted to meeting with former security officials whom he also see an end in the first 100 days. worked with under the Obama administration. His COVID-19 advisory If any of this brings a sense of déjà vu, it could be because a majority board has also expressed worry about the repercussions this could have of Biden’s promises are overturning decisions Trump put in place. The on the pandemic. If Trump doesn’t allow Biden’s team to access vital period from Jan. 21, 2021, to May 1, 2021, could play the last four years information about vaccine distribution and case counts, the nation could of the Trump administration in reverse. It’s not clear whether the events of face a longer quarantine, and a harsher second wave.

Jan. 6, 2021 should be considered a finale for the Trump administration The anxiety felt by Republicans and Democrats alike proves this is or a season premiere for the Biden administration. The coup attempt on no longer a partisan issue. By withholding critical information from the the Capitol, encouraged by Trump, has invoked bipartisan rage, and is president-elect, Trump is creating a national security risk. For example: brewing up disastrous results for the President. He’s currently banned or Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller recently confirmed that the temporarily restricted from: Twitter; Pinterest; Twitch; Reddit; Apple; Trump administration plans to withdraw more troops from Afghanistan and Shopify; Google pulled his social media app from their app store; YouTube; Iraq before Biden’s inauguration. Longtime members of his party, Senators Facebook; Instagram; Snapchat; Discord; and Stripe. The House of Mitt Romney and Mitch McConnell, have warned him that the decision is Representatives is beginning their second impeachment trial against Trump unwise, especially this close to the switch in power. Despite their warnings, on Jan. 11, and it may continue past his departure from office.

The whole world will be watching what’s in queue, and the Trump News | lhstoday.org presidency will hold a bad aftertaste long after people leave the theater.

6 design by: B. Huffman & I. Inan

Fake News, Court Fills And Swamp Monsters: The Downfall Of Donald J. Trump Examining how the current president changed America’s political climate, for better or for worse

by Lizzie Kayser Co-Editor-in-Chief

In a matter of minutes, the entire nation shifted. enemy. Anything Trump didn’t like was “fake news,” starting off with small What was once chaos and cacophony made way for silence, as flags and quips that he was being misrepresented until, eventually, proven facts were signs were removed from front lawns and “TRUMP 2020” fizzled out of not even true.

TikTok comment sections. Americans who feared “four more years” let out This is what Trump thrives on. A “government of the people” cannot a collective sigh of relief: while the monster under the bed still lurked, they, function when the people don’t know who they can trust, thus making the people, had rendered him powerless. them suspicious of those they disagree with and easily susceptible to For the past two weeks, Trump has been unwilling to accept his loss, fear-mongering and propaganda. Trump has brilliantly taken advantage despite most major news outlets calling the election and those in his inner of American pride, an individualistic need to have the higher ground. The circle urging him to do so. He’s claimed voter fraud because mail-in ballots issue isn’t that the government alone is unwilling to openly solve problems; exist and voter fraud because mail-in ballots as a culture, we don’t want to address them weren’t counted. He’s retweeted conspiracies at their roots. Blaming America for its own and refused to begin the transfer of power. His wrongdoings is seen as unpatriotic—Trump stubbornness, while childish and irrational, said it himself, so Trump has mastered the didn’t chip any of his ardent following: it’s how art of vilification. Muslims become terrorists, he hooked them in the first place.

Mexicans become rapists, liberals become Running against Hillary Clinton in 2016 communists—all scapegoats Trump created was probably the best thing that could have to isolate. Hate, whether newly formed or happened to Trump. Just a “career politician,” already brewing, has boiled to the forefront Clinton was the paradigm of shadiness and during the Trump presidency. corruption, what Americans believed was Despite his loss, Trump’s ideology wrong with the current government and the shows no signs of fading. He has filled the Democratic establishment. It was in Trump’s courts with staunch, extremely traditional favor, then, to not act like a typical politician. conservatives and left the nation a deep and For those unaffected by his frequent racist, noticeable divide. While Biden received more sexist and ableist remarks and oppressive policy votes than any other presidential candidate promises, his brash personality was a welcome in U.S history, he surpassed Trump only with change from the distant government they had the same 6 million vote margin Clinton did—a grown used to. sign that Trump’s support has grown rather photo provided by Wikimedia Commons In his campaign, Trump promised to than dwindled. For liberals and progressives After four controversial years in office, President Trump lost the 2020 election. “drain the swamp” of corruption in alike, the fight is yet to come. government. These towering, democratic swamp monsters had taken the I didn’t consider myself a political person in 2016. When Trump was government away from the people, clouded it in dishonesty and removed elected, I grabbed some popcorn and went on with my day. It was like a dignity from office. By setting himself apart from other government officials game. That’s all it was to Trump, anyway. But I quickly realized that I was a in presentation, he detached himself from the nature of deceit that made pawn rather than a bystander in that game. The decisions Trump has made, him such a perfect businessman and candidate. His lies, while maybe not whether directly or indirectly, have threatened integral parts of my identity kept on a private email server, have been omnipresent throughout his and future. I was and am still afraid, and I don’t even experience half of what presidency. According to The Washington Post, Trump has made nearly other Americans face. Whether it dons a red hat or aviators, corruption and 25,000 false claims during his time in office, averaging 50 a day. Trump is bigotry will still remain in our country once Biden is inaugurated. no better than the swamp he said he’d drain; in fact, he’s the very epitome of Uncomfortable as they may be, politics become integral where picket what he hated. fences do not stand. The American people do not get to stop caring just With lies fueling his agenda rather than simply accompanying it, because a more clear-cut representation of hatred has been voted out.

Trump worked to discredit those who were against him- or, at least, those he perceived as such. Journalists, whether exposing him or not, were the

Opinion | lhstoday.org

design by: B. Huffman & I. Inan

7

Big Shoes To Fill

Amy Coney Barrett has been sworn in as the new Supreme Court Justice. Here’s everything you need to know

by Elaine Thimyan Reporter After the late feminist icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg died in mid-September, President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett as the Supreme Court justice that would fill the vacancy. Barrett went through four days of confirmation hearings, and on Oct. 26 she was sworn in as the fifth woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

The process to nominate a court justice is no easy feat. The president will make the nomination, this usually comes after discussing nominees with senators. From there, the Senate Judiciary Committee will examine the nomination for consideration. This will come to the confirmation hearings. The nominee will be questioned about judgment, philosophy and qualification. After the hearing, it’ll be sent to the Senate to be passed.

Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing lasted over the span of four days. She was questioned about policies, current issues, and her stance, most of which Barrett did not answer. She avoided questions regarding climate change, the Affordable Care Act, LGBTQ+ equality, police brutality and more.

Refusing to answer, she told the hearing she was following the Ginsburg rule of “No hints, previews and no forecast.”

There was also a lot of controversy regarding Barrett’s nomination. One of the big

factors that many Republican senators were reminded of their words from the 2016 election.

Eight months before election day in 2016, there was a vacancy in the court while Obama was president. Many Republican senators, like Lindsey Graham, were seen saying that the next president should choose the nomination since the race had already started. With Barrett’s nomination, they had sworn in the candidate eight days before the election.

Across America it has been called that after the election, President Trump will call voter fraud. And with that, it could end up in the Supreme Court’s lap leading for the court to pick the next president. It also caused controversy because it was RBG’s wish to let the next president choose the court nomination.

It was a hot topic of debate in the second presidential election.

And since then, Democrats have criticized her legitimacy as a nominee since she was voted in without the presence of any Democratic senators.

Amy Coney Barrett is the new Supreme Court Justice and there are many minorities worried about their rights being rolled back.

And even though we never know how a justice will rule in their lifetime role in the Supreme Court, many people are hoping that their rights will be protected in the highest court of the land.

Who makes up the Supreme Court?

Of the 9 Supreme Court justices...

Female

Catholic

Male

Protestant

Jewish

Amy Coney Barrett was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice on Oct. 26. photo provided by Wikimedia Commons

8 design by: L. Kayser

Opinion| lhstoday.org

White

Hispanic

Black

Painted Blue

Journalism and activism are two separate entities that tend to overlap

by Ianne Salvosa Co-Editor-in-Chief According to the public, the media’s favorite color is blue.

In the news, we get to see the advance of socially liberal issues and learn about activists taking the lead. We hear their stories, become educated on their passions, and are handed resources on how to join their fight.

While journalists have a role as a reporter, they take part in the activism as they amplify the activists’ voices and give them a platform to expand the reach of their message. But are journalists and activists mutually exclusive?

In short, yes. The role of a journalist is to report on the news with the intent of informing the public. They are meant to deliver facts while using quotes from their interviews to inject human spark. Quotes deliver opinions, comments and reactions from interviewees, bringing a point of view to the article that the journalist cannot introduce themself.

As a student journalist, I see my role within a school as a storyteller.

I have the ability to interview students and staff about their interests and feature them to highlight what makes them unique. I can conduct interviews on the personal lives of my peers, creating awareness of the issues that affect them. I can recap the events of our school, documenting any happenings that could otherwise just become a memory.

Journalists play a role on any level they are a part of, whether it’s education, politics, or sports. But they cannot implement every aspect of activism in their reporting. For example, they cannot express support for a particular politician in their writing. Even if that politician has a platform that I agree with, directly supporting them in an article would be an example of bias.

Bias is a highly disputed facet of journalism, as it is a dangerous tool with the power to sway the opinions of readers. It is only intended to be used in opinion articles, to show the journalist’s perspective derived from their personal life experiences and values. Historically, bias has a negative effect on journalism, with eras of “yellow journalism” where reporters sensationalized the news for attention. Even today, journalists can have a bad connotation and are deemed untrustworthy.

Often portrayed as the “liberal media”, the world of journalism is seen as a realm not welcome to those of differing opinions. Accusatory fingers are pointed towards news outlets like CNN or MSNBC for having a liberal bias. On the other hand, outlets like Fox News and The Rush Limbaugh Show are known for being more conservative.

Supporting certain legislation and politicians is a key part of activism, as it propels their desired policies. Groups like The Sunrise Movement publicize their endorsement of certain politicians, like Alexandria OcasioCortez, that meet their standards.

Naturally, journalists are going to have opinions on the stories they write. Especially while being exposed to data and quotes, they have enough information to formulate their own thoughts. So even though they cannot express it in an article, it is important to note that journalists are also people. They still reserve the right to express their beliefs and advocate for them— just not in their work. As soon as they step out of their shoes as journalists, they can step into the shoes of an activist. In their role as a human being, they can stand up for what they believe is right and pursue solutions to any inequities they see.

Like any other profession, a journalist’s personal life belongs to themselves and they can have their own outlets to advocate for the issues they believe in. On their personal social media accounts, journalists can

publicly support politicians and express their feelings towards their actions.

They can don the merchandise of organizations and participate in marches and protests. They can vocalize their beliefs to their peers and engage in conversations discussing the activist topics they’re passionate about.

Journalists don’t have to waive their freedom of expression when they step into the newsroom. Instead, they have to maintain impartiality while they work. Journalism and activism work in tandem but are not the same ideas. While one can paint itself blue and the other cannot, both work to achieve a level of truth in the country, documented purely in black and white.

NEWSFLASH In a rapidly changing media landscape, reading from a newspaper is no longer the norm. How do you get your news? Here’s how other Americans are catching up:

26%

49% of Americans rely on TV news to stay informed, making it the most widely used platform.

20%

of U.S. adults watch news on YouTube. 42% of news content on YouTube is made by independent creators.

33% use online news sites.

often use social media for news.

Of these, 57% expect what they see to be largely inaccurate.

Source: Pew Research Center

Opinion | lhstoday.org design by: L. Kayser

9

ART

Winter Brooks For sophomore Winter Brooks, escaping doesn’t necessarily mean leaving the house. Since childhood, art has been her outlet— whether her canvas be a drawing, a photograph, a poem or a baked good. Through her artwork, Brooks learns more about herself and connects with others.

“I express my feelings and passions through different types of art. I tend to express gratitude.

I am so grateful for every second I live, so to show

that I slow down and take pictures of the beauty I see in the world to express how thankful I am,” Brooks said. “I discovered the different ways that I can connect with others even though art tends to be something I do by myself. I can connect with others by showing people my passions and the way I feel more subtly than just saying how I’m feeling.”

Brooks’ preferred form of art is photography. photo submitted by Winter Brooks

Eric Welker Treasure can be found in common places, and senior Eric Welker has exemplified just that through his experiences thrifting and antiquing.

“I find it fascinating owning a piece of the past,” Welker said. In addition to the uniqueness of a purchase, he believes a benefit of secondhand shopping is that it saves clothes from going to landfills, making it environmentally-friendly.

Welker describes his best purchases as his contributions to a collection of Garfield memorabilia. Most recently, he has added on a Garfield thermometer and cat food holder.

Welker shops knowing that he won’t be the only

R H T

IFTIN G

benefactor of his purchases; a goal of his thrifting and antiquing adventures is to support small businesses in St. Charles County.

“Knowing that the global pandemic took a toll on many of them, I wanted to help in whatever way I could,” Welker said. He recommends thrifting to others as he believes these businesses are often overlooked and have a constant cycle of new items that could be intriguing to any shopper.

“It’s honestly like a lottery pool waiting for someone to win the jackpot and find something good,” Welker said.

Welker maintains a Garfield memorabilia collection that he adds on to when he thrifts. photo submitted by Eric Welker

AVELING R T

Morgan Feinstein This year isn’t something anyone would call exciting. But vacations are always exciting, and while trips have been restricted there are things still worth celebrating.

“We traveled to Arizona for my 16th birthday,” sophomore Morgan Feinstein said. This year has people begging to catch a break.

COVID-19 has made traveling restricted or not at all possible. But traveling that was done, Feinstein said it wasn’t that much different.

“When we got on the plane they had every

other row empty and no one from different groups could sit together so other than having masks it didn’t feel much different on the flight,” Feinstein said. Vacations are always good to get away and that’s especially true for 2020. Any celebration helps to escape the hassles of the year.

“Traveling relieved a lot of stress for me. I love packing and traveling as well as being familiar with both the places we traveled to,” Feinstein said.

Feinstein traveled to Arizona for her 16th birthday. photo submitted by Morgan Feinstein

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In-Depth | lhstoday.org

W NDERLUST A

How do you escape?

By Lizzie Kayser Co-Editor-in-Chief, Ianne Salvosa Co-Editor-in-Chief & Elaine Thimyan Reporter

Escapism is defined as the desire to step out of reality and engage oneself in an activity that distracts from everday life. As students transition into second semester and the pandemic persists, they partake in a multitude of escapes, from physically venturing out of their homes to artistic endeavors. The idea of Wanderlust embodies every form of escapism, as the confines of quarantine and school year cause students’ minds to seek different ways to destress.

Junior Blake Hunter is inspired by future travels.

While he hopes to visit many different countries in his lifetime, Hunter is most drawn to England, the birthplace of his family history. “[My grandma] was actually born there during World War II, during the English bombings. I would like to see what she experienced,” Hunter said. “[Maybe by letting] her tell her story of when she was living there and what she had to go through, seeing places that she liked to go as a child and seeing what her childhood was like in her perspective where she grew up.” While he

Blake Hunter

TE R I L

ATUR

E

dreams of passports and plane tickets, Hunter’s current escape is reading. Through books, he is able to expand his horizons without leaving his house. His love of literature and passion for writing makes him feel a deeper connection to his grandmother’s home.

“I want to experience old historical sights that were important in literature,” Hunter said.

One day, he hopes to follow in footsteps of his beloved authors. “I want to see if i can do that with my writing,” Hunter said.

Hunter’s love for English literature connects him to his family’s English heritage. photo submitted by Blake Hunter

In-Depth | lhstoday.org design by: I. Salvosa

11

Home for the Holidays

A small survey of LHS students reveals some trends in Thanksgiving celebrations

by Paige Bostic Executive Videographer

by Paige Bostic Executive Videographer

After having survived one of the biggest holidays of the year, Halloween, America moved on to another big one – Thanksgiving. The holiday is nearly as old as the idea of the New World itself. While America looks much different than it did in 1621, this tradition of togetherness has weathered all it could take. Of course, as almost all people agree, 2020 was a year different than others.

With this difference comes changes in many people’s Thanksgiving traditions, some taking great steps to see their family, and some not seeing them at all for the first time during the holiday. The Ledger conducted a small, anonymous survey of 56 students to see how their Thanksgivings went. Most students surveyed kept their Thanksgiving at home, with 25.4% surveyed traveling by car or plane. While some surveyed students did not travel, they still had their concerns.

“Unfortunately,” said a surveyee, “my family wasn’t concerned about COVID even though we have immunocompromised people in the house.” | lhstoday.org 12 Feature design by: P Bostic

However, this doesn’t mean that Thanksgiving was a lonely affair for 58.2% of surveyed students. There is a possibility that the growing trend of Zoom Thanksgivings this year kept families connected without travel. Some students felt nervous at the polarizing ideas of in-person Thanksgiving, which has sparked some hot debates across America. One student answered on a short-answer portion of their survey on behalf of students who physically saw their families.

“I do not want to be shamed for mine and other people’s choices,” said the anonymous student. Thanksgiving has been an interesting holiday break for Liberty students. Thanksgiving was fun for all, but it was a prime example of a difficult choice: of how to see loved ones without risking anybody’s safety.

Up, Up, and Away

Why Brooke Huffman chose to go out-of-state for college

by Brooke Huffman Co-Editor-in-Chief

I’d always known I would leave Missouri when it came time to go to college. As a kid, I expected to be at Princeton or Harvard, well on my way to winning a presidential election. As I grew up, that urge to explore stuck with me, though it was slightly less ambitious than before. My hopes darted from school to school, admiring NYU’s urban appeal, Northwestern’s incredible academics, USC’s everlasting sunshine. I was looking for a school that had national acclaim, somewhere bursting with famous alumni, a place that created stars. It wasn’t until later that I sought out a community.

My first glimpse of “my people” came when I’d attended the Duke Summer Studies program in North Carolina the summer before freshman year. Of course, I had close friends back home, but I’d never felt at ease with a large group of people. I struggled to feel like I was fitting in, but it wasn’t like that at Duke—I’d transformed into this extrovert with the courage to introduce myself to everybody in sight. It’s not that I wasn’t offered that opportunity in Missouri, but it’s hard to feel comfortable in your own skin when you feel like people haven’t changed their perceptions of you since middle school. When surrounded by not only new people, but people that are so similar and supportive, you’re offered a chance to reinvent yourself in the best way possible.

I clung onto this feeling, determined to find a school that I felt understood me, and on the way developed a not so healthy superiority complex regarding people who chose to stay in-state. I had this idea that the only way to be successful was to break outside of your bubble, which is completely untrue, but it only pushed me further to “escape” Missouri.

Luckily, I was able to drop this mindset and evaluate schools on merit rather than distance.

The thing is, I’m lucky to be a journalism major living in Missouri, with one of the best journalism schools in the country only an hour and a half away. Mizzou is an incredible university, and when I say I could never see myself going there it has nothing to do with the academics or the students there. I just don’t think I’m the type of person that could thrive there—I’m not very agreeable, I get anxious much too easily, and cheering on athletics has always been the last thing on my mind. It just didn’t feel right to me, I didn’t feel like it was where I was meant to be.

submitted by Brooke Huffman

I found my dream school by coincidence—they sent me an application fee waiver and I applied on a whim. After a little research, I discovered Emerson College (Boston, Massachusetts) was a modern-day artist’s colony, filled to the brim with hippies, activists, and passionate students. I felt that ping, and went absolutely wild when I found out they’d accepted me. I’m not concerned about being homesick in the usual sense—I don’t think I’ll miss my bed, or my room, or my usual routine—and with technology, it’s impossible to lose touch with the people you care about. I’m going to miss driving around the city with my music absolutely blaring and snuggling my dog after a bad day. I’ll miss picnics at O’Day Park with my friends and making plans for sushi at the last minute. I’ll miss my mom’s chocolate chip cookies and minestrone soup, piled high with parmesan cheese. I mean, I guess I will be a bit homesick actually. Who wouldn’t?

Regardless, I’m finally able to be me, to study the topics I care so much about, and to live in a city I’ve already fallen in love with. I’ve made so many plans and so many friends already: sipping boba in the Boston Commons, movie nights with my potential roommates, and taking a road trip to the coast and swimming in the ocean after dark. I’m genuinely thrilled at the mere idea of it, of the dream I’ve been holding on to since I was 6.

And, I guess, I can still see my dog on holidays.

s 76 mile>>> ge is 1,1 n Colle>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Emerso>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> > >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> s! ui away from St. Lo

Opinion | lhstoday.org design by: P. Bostic

13

Eagles Win On Senior Night

Three seniors on the varsity basketball team pour their heart into their sport

by Elizabeth Hamby Assistant Editor

Senior year. The year of lasts, and the time when students photo by Sarah Downs Toni Patterson, Sara Gordley and Alyssa Frey are the three seniors on the varsity girls basketball team. start to prepare for an independent life. For these seniors, this year They were recognized on Senior Night on Dec. 8 in a 49-47 against Winfield. is nothing like what they expected, yet they all have one thing in common. They pour their heart into their sport. schedule really helped me to ease into a much bigger school than I was used Toni Patterson, Sara Gordley and Alyssa Frey are the three seniors on to,” Frey said. the varsity girls basketball team. They were recognized on Senior Night on She is undecided about where she is going to school but she plans to be Dec. 8 in a 49-47 victory against Winfield. Trailing 39-35 after the third a physical education teacher along with being a coach. quarter, the Eagles rallied in the fourth to win the game.

“I’ve been playing basketball since fourth grade and I’ve loved every Toni Patterson, who scored 15 points on senior night, wears the No. second. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am,” Frey said.

5 on the back of her Liberty basketball jersey. After four years on the team, Frey led all scorers in the game against Winfield with 20 points and 11 she is so proud of herself and where she’s gotten. rebounds. She has made an impact on Walterbach and he says that he loves “I’m very proud of myself on how far I’ve come with getting to my that she can fit into the team so nicely and he admires her aggressiveness. senior year of high school and getting to do it all with genuinely good These remarkable seniors couldn’t have made their mark on Liberty people who’ve helped me become who I am now,” Patterson said. basketball without the help of staff and coaches.

Mr. Walterbach, the team coach, has watched her grow from her “I’m grateful to all the teachers and staff who put the time in to ensure freshman year and describes her as a valuable part of the team. that I have everything I need to succeed in the future,” Patterson said. “[Toni is] super competitive and she has been a four-year varsity starter,” he said.

Patterson plans to go to either Truman State University or the University of Missouri, to go into law or criminal justice. Sara Gordley has had a little different experience for her senior year, the prime reason being Toni Patterson: One of the leaders of the the pandemic. league in blocks, with 13 so far this season.

“I’ve been quarantined twice already and I didn’t like going back and Patterson is one of the Eagles’ best defenders and forth between virtual and in person,” Gordley said. has kept some of the best scorers in the league to On the bright side, she has gotten to catch up on sleep and hang out with her boyfriend more in her free time. She is going to Murray St. their all-season scoring lows.

University, but she doesn’t think that she will continue her basketball career Sara Gordley: Gordley leads the team in going forward. assists, with 28 total, and fouls, 31 so far this She wears the No. 10 on her back running around with dedication to season. the game on her mind.

Alyssa Frey: Scores an average of 15 points “(Sara) always has a smile on her face and she has come to almost all of the off-season workouts,” Walterbach said. a game and has scored 165 points in 11 games, As for Alyssa Frey, she just moved here from Nebraska and her year has making her the 34th highest scorer in the area. been adjusting to Liberty.

“Being a new student my senior year starting out with the hybrid

Senior Stats

photos by Derrick Docket

14 design by: A. Schniepp Sports| lhstoday.org

Boys Basketball

Coach Sodemann What is your record?

2-5 How is your season going?

There have been ups and downs throughout the season. We have had several games canceled/ postponed due to COVID. What are some highlights so far this season?

Winning two of the three games in the holiday tournament.

What are some goals you have for the rest of the season?

To continue to get better each day!

Girls Basketball

Coach Walterbach What is your record?

5-7 How is your season going?

It’s been good. I think we are improving so much every week.

What are some highlights so far this season?

In our last tournament, we went 2-1 also I think a lot of the underclassmen are really stepping up and helping the varsity team.

What are some goals you have for the rest of the season?

Obviously, keep improving. If we keep improving, I think we can get some more wins.

Winter Sports Wrestling

photos by Liz Hayes, Jayce Haun, Monica Reyes, Lola Cadice and Sarah Downs

Girls Swim

Coach Kling Coach Althage What is your record?

What is your record?

12-3 4 -1 How is your season going?

How is your season going?

The season is going good. We had big Good! We haven’t been able to have many meets wins against Camdenton and Centralia. We but our girls are still improving each one. haven’t had as many duals this year. It’s been What are some highlights so far this season? an up and down year with those.

Several girls have State Consideration times!

What are some highlights so far this What are some goals you have for the rest of season? the season?

The Eagles recently had success at the For girls to go to state individually as well as all 3 girls conference meet. Elektra Lowe finished relays. second place in the 132-pound division. Lillia Clay was third at the 122-pound class.

What are some goals you have for the rest of the Records as of Jan. 14, 2021 season?

The team’s goals is to win conference, win districts and take as many kids to state as they can on both the Sports | lhstoday.org

design by: A. Schniepp boys and girls side.

15

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Roddy Ricch and Dua Lipa Lead Grammy Nominations The nominees for the 63rd Grammy Awards (airing on Jan. 31, 2021) have been announced

by Irem Inan Reporter

The distinction between Record of the Year and Song of the Year remains unclarified by the Recording Academy, but in writing, Record is awarded to the artist and its musical engineers, whereas Song is awarded to the songwriter. Often, the same song may take home both awards. Many of the nominees are reminiscent of the previous “Big Four” category, save for one big, new player — “Cardigan” by Taylor Swift. It peaked on the Hot 100 at number 1, and spent 15 weeks on the chart, beginning from its mid-August release. It’s the lead single produced from Folklore, the highest-rated album of her career. Beyoncé’s surprise release earned her another nomination in this category. photo by Sruthi Ramesh

The competition for 2020’s best album won’t be a landslide win, no matter which nominee prevails. The Metacritic scores for the majority are high and close: Women in Music Pt. III, 89; Future Nostalgia, 88; Hollywood’s Bleeding, 79; Folklore, 88; Everyday Life, 73; and Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition), 77. HAIM’s work also earned a notably high rating of 8.6 from Pitchfork, which surpasses the reviews of the remaining nominees. photo by Sruthi Ramesh

The Best New Artist nominees produced many popular names, but a few fresh ones, too. Both the chart data and critic reviews favor Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Phoebe Bridgers. Though Stallion and Doja proved their strength mainly in Billboard and other music charts, Bridgers made it on the list through the heart of critics. Her recent album, Punisher, gained a universal acclaim score of 90 on Metacritic, making it the 53rd highest-ranked album of all time on the website. However, it should be noted that, though Stallion’s Good News doesn’t make this year’s eligibility period cutoff, it’s no less critically acclaimed. It earned its own high score of 85 on the site. Doja’s Hot Pink earned favorable reviews with an average score of 73. photo by Sruthi Ramesh

Few of these can be considered surprises. Music industry experts have been sure on Doja Cat, Beyoncé, Eilish, and Lipa for months in advance. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd’s absence, however, leaves a gaping hole — one worth 1.6 billion streams worldwide, which is what the hit song garnered on Spotify. It was the platform’s most streamed song of the year. The single also peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and spent 52 weeks on the chart overall. The remainder of the songs earned prestige on Billboard this year, too: “Say So” peaked at number 1 and charted for 38 weeks overall; “Savage” peaked at number 1 and charted for 28 weeks overall; “Don’t Start Now” peaked at number 2 and charted for 52 weeks overall; and “Circles” peaked at number 1 and charted for 56 weeks overall. With “Black Parade” on this list, Beyoncé has become the sixth artist in history to collect Record of the Year nominations across three decades. photo by Sruthi Ramesh

16 design by: S. Downs

Entertainment | lhstoday.org

Plastic Hearts

“I obviously love the old Cyrus but her new album is really a good representation of how she’s growing as an artist. Sometimes she’s seen as immature, but I think this album really brings out who she is now. The song that stuck with me is “Angels Like You.” That song really brings out the vulnerability in me and a lot of other people.”

Grayce Page (10)

Cyrus brings personality and versatility to seventh album

by Mollie Banstetter Layout Editor Miley Cyrus has always been in the spotlight. Even before her hit Disney sitcom, Hannah Montana, her dad Billy Ray Cyrus was a big name in the music industry, which put a lot of eyes on her at a young age. Though Cyrus has seemingly already gone through her rebellious phase, her new pop-rock era rebels against the pop box she has been put in.

During the summer, Cyrus performed Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” at the iHeart Music Festival. This cover blew up quickly, with fans demanding that she release it on streaming sites. Cyrus promptly released her cover along with the album’s first single, “Midnight Sky.” In the “Heart of Glass” and “Midnight Sky” videos, Cyrus revealed a new short blonde mullet, bold red lips and all black attire, dawning a new era that is 80’s rock reminiscent. Cyrus plays with different sounds for her albums all the time, like hip-hop, pop, country and slightly psychedelic, but this is the first glimpse of rock that fans have gotten from her.

In this album, love plays the villain. She loves someone but knows she’s not what they need, alluding to her failed romances in ballads such as “High” and “Angels Like You.” These songs have a soft tone of melancholy that is delivered through her powerful vocals, reminiscent of the rock band Heart.

Cyrus’ raspy voice transports you into the world of rock she has created through songs like “Bad Karma” featuring Joan Jett, “Night Crawling” featuring Billy Idol and “Gimme What I Want.” These songs feature heavy drum beats and guitar riffs that amp, perfect for blasting in the car.

Two covered songs are featured, “Heart of Glass” by Blondie and “Zombie” by The Cranberries, along with a “Midnight Sky” and “Edge of Seventeen” (by Stevie Nicks) remix. While some were a little confused as to why they were added onto the album instead of released as singles, they fit nicely and flow well within the record.

In my opinion, I feel that Miley Cyrus’ seventh studio album “Plastic Hearts” is a great album that fits her voice quite nicely. It was an unexpected genre choice coming from Cyrus, but even more unexpected was her powerful range. With all of Cyrus’ reinventions of herself over the years, I would be pleased to see her stick with this new Rock n’ Roll era.

photo submitted by Grayce Page

“I think Miley stepping out and releasing a rock n’ roll album was amazing. I’m a big fun of rock n’ roll and seeing pop artists lean more towards rock is something nice to see. “Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky remix) [feat. Stevie Nicks]” is currently my favorite on the album. She’s taking such a big song and adding her own little thing on it and it caught my attention immediately.”

Madeline Francis (10) photo submitted by Madeline Francis

“I really liked it. Rock and roll fits her voice the best. I liked the song “Prisoner” because it featured Dua Lipa. I liked the song “High” because it shows off her vocal range. I liked the song “Never Be Me” because of the lyrics. The lyrics for “Never Be Me” really describe how she feels about her relationship with Liam Hemsworth and how she has never had a relationship that she doesn’t partially ruin.”

Lauren Maxwell (11) photo submitted by Lauren Maxwell

What You Thought

Liberty students share their take on Miley Cyrus’ new album “Plastic Hearts” and explain their favorite songs from the album.

Entertainment | lhstoday.org design by: S. Downs

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The Best Books You’ll Read in High School English Class The student-ranked top five books on the English curriculum

by Brooke Huffman Co-Editor -in- Chief

Classic novels don’t exactly have the best reputation- they’re known to be stuffy, boring and completely over analyzed. This, of course, doesn’t excite many people for English: a class where you expect to read the most stuffy, the most boring and the most overanalyzed classic novels- the worst of the wost.

However, most of these books are actually enjoyable. They open you up to new perspectives, inspire new ideas, and are occasionally fun to read. Below are the best books you’ll get the pleasure of reading in an English class, according to a student survey.

#5 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (Advanced English Ⅱ, English Ⅱ & AP English Language and Composition)

It’s no secret that boomers are afraid of technology, but Bradbury takes this fear to new heights. Warning of an assimilated society that bans books and lives with eyes permanently glued to their screens, Fahrenheit 451 creates an eerily similar dystopia to the world we live in today. It offers each reader a choice- will you fall victim to the addictive nature of technology, prone to censorship and happily ignorant, or will you fight the system in pursuit of knowledge?

#4 The Crucible by Arthur Miller (English Ⅲ)

Known as one of the best plays ever written, The Crucible has been performed and read for centuries. It tells the story of a town ravaged by paranoia after witnessing a dancing ritual in the woods, said to be the work of witches. This book is a must read for those who are interested in the Salem witch trials, or anyone who wants to learn about how a tiny lie can burn an entire town. If you want to skip the reading and see the plot play on stage, don’t miss Liberty’s production of this show, which takes place in the theater in March 2021.

#3 Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (Advanced English Ⅰ & English Ⅰ)

A classic love story filled with tragedy, before you even read the play you can already sum up its plot. However, after careful analysis, you can unearth a lot of hidden depth within the plot and its characters, and see that Shakespeare is satirizing young love rather than dramatizing it. Plus, who can forget about the movie adaptation with young Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes?

#2 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Advanced English Ⅰ & English Ⅰ)

As the introduction to high school literature, of course this book is a beloved favorite. Tackling racial bias in the 1930’s era American south as well as childhood naivety, at the center of this book is a question of ethics and morals. Once again this book does contain many racial slurs as well as rape, so please take care of yourself before choosing to pick up this novel.

“Most of these I read on my own, but I think my favorite was definitely To Kill A Mockingbird because Atticus was just so amazing in my eyes, and I just loved his relationship and the plotline associated with Scout and Jem,” junior Elizabeth Hamby said.

#1 Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (Advanced English Ⅱ & English Ⅱ)

At the top of the list we have Of Mice and Men, a book that’s actually been banned quite a number of times by schools across the country. Though centered around the American Dream, this novel offers a variety of perspectives on topics such as racism, sexism and ableism. It’s hard not to care for the plights of the cast of characters, despite their many flaws, and of course, you’ll find yourself tearing up at the ending.

“My favorite would be Of Mice and Men, it honestly moved me to tears,” junior Chynna Yeh said.

18 design by: M. Banstetter

Entertainment| lhstoday.org

COVID Couture

During quarantine, many people have found new styles to express themselves

by Sarah Downs Photo Editor

From the pastels of spring to the black ripped jeans of winter, 2020 has provided multiple styles and different trends for all types of people. This year was the year of the tiedye, throughout all seasons. All types of stores, like Rue 21, Hollister, Zumiez, Pacsun, Shein, Romwe, etc. followed this trend. Pastel blues and pinks for the soft springtime and the black bleach tie-dye for the fall and wintertime. Now, these tie-dye patterns consist of being on hoodies.

Another style trend was butterflies and floral patterns, mostly roses. Zumiez is known for one of its big-selling brands, Thrasher and Virginity Rocks brand, but it also took on the role of consisting of a now more popular brand, Obey, which consists mostly of roses.

This year’s fashion has a few different styles, soft girl/boy, alternative, e-boy/girl, preppy chic, and modern boho. But since there are so many different styles, multiple people are trying different ones. Senior Liam Graham describes his style as a more casual approach because he is not the type to go out and flaunt what he wears. photo submitted by Liam Graham

Graham’s style is a mixture of throwback and modern trends.

“It’s easier just to dress up in a nice shirt, pants, and shoes than to plan out some elaborate and expensive outfit,” Graham said. “Sometimes less is more.” Graham is influenced by many things and many people as well.

“I take inspiration from my dad, sometimes my friends, and sometimes the internet,” Graham said. “I make my own style, I mix things up here and there.” People are influenced by who they are around the most, watch or listen to.

Sophomore Mia Wikoff’s style is influenced by some of her favorite musicians such as Yungblud, Lil Peep, My Chemical Romance, Nikki Sixx, and Kurt Cobain. However there’s one artist that had a bigger impact on Mia, and that is Harry Styles.

“Harry Styles taught me to own who I am and love myself, so with that I took it upon myself and took inspiration from so many of my favorite artists,” Wikoff said.

Both Graham and Wikoff don’t stick with certain brands and go to a huge variety of stores to fit their style, which shows how common stores like Target even stay on top of trends. This year has been a year that we reflect on ourselves and our fashion can really reflect how people change.

photo submitted by Mia Wikoff Wikoff’s style has an ecelctic style, one that takes inspiration from many different decades.

Entertainment | lhstoday.org design by: M. Banstetter

19

Name the Popular Songs From 2020 Finish the crossword puzzle and uncover the top songs of the year

by Mollie Banstetter Layout Editor

Across

2. This is the hit single from the artist’s first alternative/indie album.

3. This is the band’s second song fully recorded in English 5. This summer anthem was this artist’s first No. 1 single in America.

6. This pop-turned-rock song was re-popularized when a celebrity covered it.

7. This rap song instructs the listener on how to moonwalk.

9. This song opened many opportunities for the artist, including a remix that features Beyonce.

10. This song’s music video featured the popularized TikTok dance fans made for it.

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Down

1. This was the most listened to song in 2020.

4. This song features the powerful vocals of two current pop icons. It was released during the beginning of quarantine.

8. This song was released as the second single from the album Rumors.

Interactive | lhstoday.org design by: M. Banstetter

Interactive| lhstoday.org design by: M. Banstetter

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