VOLUME12ISSU E WINTER2024
Liberty’sM a g a z i n LIB S o 5 2 722
Editors-in-Chief
Meghan Lynch and Ella Quinney
Layout Editor Faith Vaught
Copy Editor
Loukya Vaka
Reporters
Keena Boschert, Lexi Hufty, Vanessa Jackson, Sage Kennedy, Brielle Vassel
*Each editor also serves as a reporter
The Ledger
Liberty High School 2275 Sommers Road
Lake Saint Louis MO. 63367 libertyledger17@gmail.com
The Ledger is a publication that releases four issues (one issue per
Students write, take photos, and design the publication while the adviser supervises the student journalists.
The opinions expressed in the magazine may not be those of Liberty High School, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District faculty, staff or administration. The staff editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the
“Lost in the Pages” explores and reports on the rapidly declining literacy rates in the U.S. and how it’s affecting our children. Read the Ledger’s featured story on pages 10 and 11.
By Ella Quinney, Editor-In-Chief
OnOct. 24, the WSD school board met. At this meeting, the topic of potentially making changes to Power Lunch was discussed.
The discussion was led by Secretary Renee Henke. She began by sharing her biggest concerns with power lunch: seating and safety.
Of course, the issue of seating options at lunch isn’t a new concern. In fact, since the closing of the hallways during the last school year, seating has become a widely acknowledged problem. Administration has done their best to solve this problem by buying new tables, as well as adjusting the layout occur.
Henke said, “How are these kids accounted for in the case of an emergency? And, if there is a missing student, how are they [the staff] able to tell first responders where to go to find this student?”
Whether this discussion leads to changes in how Power Lunch is run, or if it gets rid of it altogether, is still unknown. Although Henke did say that she didn’t want Power Lunch gone, she explained that she wanted to ensure that students were safe and using the time wisely.
The conversation then shifted towards how students actually use their lunch time, with member Jen Olsen taking over. Olsen noted that the students who use their lunch time effectively are the ones who don’t need the extra help, and that those who don’t use their lunch time well. “Are the ones in the gym playing basketball, or hanging out in the hallway with their friends,” Olsen said.
Olsen believes that if changes are made to Power Lunch, the changes should include setting a guideline for being allowed to participate in certain activities,
such as playing basketball. This guideline would be related to having no missing assignments.
School superintendent Brian Bishop disagrees; he believes that students need a short break in their day. Bishop said that he had several students reach out to him personally, telling him about how an hour-long lunch has helped them stay grounded, and benefited their mental health.
Liberty principal, Edgar Nelson, shares some of these sentiments: “It was more to give kids a time to visit with each other and hang out,” Nelson said.
Nelson also believes that Power Lunch is beneficial for clubs. It allows students who have jobs or sports to attend a club. Nelson went on to discuss how the social and emotional aspects of Power Lunch are really beneficial, as well as how Power Lunch gives students a time to relax.
However, Nelson does have a few concerns about supervision. Nelson finds it hard to organize supervision and know if students are causing problems in more than one area. Additionally, he finds keeping the school clean to be a
struggle with Power Lunch.
Nelson’s response to safety procedures during SOAR time revolves around the safety presentations given at the beginning of the year–with hide, run and evacuate being his biggest points in case of an intruder. He went on to explain that the evacuation drill (fire, earthquake, etc.) is for students to evacuate and find the teacher they were with the previous hour.
Many thoughts and ideas have been passed around between schools across the district and the Board of Education. However, the amount of say that the principals have in this decision is minimal.
Nelson shared that one of his ideas is to make Power Lunch two days a week, in order to regain some of the class time that was taken away when we switched to this program.
As for where the school board and superintendent are in regard to actually implementing changes, Nelson believes that they are still a little while away from having any concrete decisions made.
Photos by E. Quinney
peoplefromplacesI’veneverheardabout.”AnandaKrishnadu(10)
United States new“There’salotofculturehere,whichIthinkisinterestingbecauseIgettomeet
Demographic changes are rapidly changing the population
United States Demographic changes are rapidly changing the population
By Meghan Lynch, Editor-in-Chief, and Loukya Vaka, Copy Editor
TheUnited States of America: the world’s melting pot. A complex mix of people and cultures, all coming together to form a vast country. Interestingly enough, this statement becomes even more relevant now, possibly more than ever.
The country is experiencing what is commonly being called the “Browning of America.” Put simply, non-whites within the U.S. are becoming a larger part of the population. Based on the Census Bureau it is predicted that the United States will not have one racial group that is the true majority by around the 2040s. According to a Brookings’ article: “The US will become ‘minority white’ in 2045, Census projects,” “...Whites will comprise 49.7 percent of the population in contrast to 24.6 percent for Hispanics, 13.1 percent for blacks, 7.9 percent for Asians, and 3.8 percent for multiracial populations.”
This change is one that is happening quite suddenly, and it’s ever more apparent in the youth of the United States. Now, minorities are the majority of public schools, and it’s projected that whites are making
up around less than half of the under-30 population. The answer to why the Browning of America is rapidly approaching us is also being uncovered: according to Milken Institute Review, “two factors are driving diversity up the age range. First, there’s rapid growth of young minorities, especially Hispanics, due to past immigration and now mostly high fertility. Second, there’s the rapid aging of white America. Between 2015 and 2030, there will be an absolute decline in the size of the white population under age 65. And even among seniors, racial minorities will begin to gain.” One must also take into account the still-rising number of immigrants coming to the U.S. every year.
Naturally, the “browning” of America has brought out many different reactions and feelings. It’s safe to say that, in general, most white Americans are concerned about what this population shift will mean for their everyday lives. This creates hostility and apprehension towards immigrants and minorities themselves, even when it’s unnecessary. This behavior towards immigrants is not new nor is it unpredictable.
of the
of the
Gabriel Harper, political scientist and American Government professor at St. Charles Community College, explained, “Just like you’ve seen throughout U.S. history, you see an anti-immigrant backlash going on right now in the United States due to increasing immigration mostly from Latin American countries.”
This population trend only continues to gain more attention over the years, and along with it comes an entirely new situation within the country that has major implications on many parts of current American life. From politics and education to even an increase in racial tensions, awareness of the Browning of America is causing changes throughout the nation. However, one must also wonder what this means for the very construct of culture: relating to both the various cultures within the country and the overall culture of the United States. In essence, one thing is very clear: the culture of the United States will continue to shift in some ways based on the changes that are rapidly occurring within the nation.
By Meghan Lynch, Editor-in-Chief, and Loukya Vaka, Copy Editor
For Tanaya Ananda Krishnadu (10), the U.S. represents an aspiration for some people who immigrate from other parts of the world: a land of opportunities along with diversity. And, it’s clear to her that American culture is a distinct blend of cultural aspects from far and wide. “There’s a lot of culture here, which I think is interesting because I get to meet new people from places I’ve never heard about,” Ananda Krishnadu said.
Ananda Krishnadu was born in Tamil Nadu, a state in the southern region of India, and her family then moved to the United States when she was just 3 years old. So, from a young age, Ananda Krishnadu grew up experiencing life in the U.S., while also being influenced by the culture of her ethnic background.
To her, the national culture of the U.S. has been growing into something unique since the beginning of the country’s very history. Ananda Krishnadu also feels that her personal culture plays a large
role in her life. Specifically, the concept of language was something special in her experience. “When I moved to the U.S., my parents wanted to make sure that I knew where I came from, too,” Ananda Krishnadu said. “I do speak three languages: English, Telugu, and Tamil. I mix all three of these languages together when I speak, and my parents are the only ones who can decipher what I’m saying when I do that. I feel like that’s unique to me and where I come from. And, the incorporation of English, Telugu, and Tamil in my life is what makes me who I am today.”
Another student who had an interesting perspective on both national and personal culture is Lorelei Wise (11). When it comes to national culture, she said that it’s polarized, yet still unique and important.
“I think some people view [United States culture] as being rooted in tradition, whereas other people view it as being rooted in progress. I feel like they could both coexist,” she said. She also remarked that our national identity is reflected in our national culture, and that how we present ourselves sends a message to other countries about who we are. “Especially in America,
we kind of have this idea that our personal culture is our right and in doing so, that reflects the national culture,” she explained.
Wise also explained that both the national culture and her own personal culture are very similar, in the way that they both often are represented by contrasting views. “Within my family, there’s a really unique culture, because I have one side of the family that’s very traditional, and the other is very progressive,” she said. Wise went on to further explain that because her family is like this, their dynamics have greatly affected her personal culture. “I would say my personal culture is always trying to look to be progressive, but also working to understand all sides of the situation,” she said.
Her religion has also greatly affected how she sees herself and what her own values are. Wise is a part of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints. “I agree with the fundament of it, but I also agree that some of the culture that it’s been wrapped up in is something I don’t align myself with,” she said. She also somewhat reflects our national culture, explaining that a lot of the United States’ culture can be contradictory and, at times, hypocritical. Overall, Wise is a perfect example of how unique every person and their own culture is, and how we all contribute to the diversity of our nation.
By Lexi Hufty, Reporter and Ella Quinney, Co-Editor-In-Chief
Deepcalming breaths, a strum of the guitar, a few notes on the accordion, and a quick prayer. The stage is calling.
Iker Cuevas (12) has loved music since he was a kid. He began his musical career with an air guitar and a dream. A dream that quickly grew through Cuevas learning as much about music as he could. He received his first accordion and guitar from his mother, pushing him to learn about these instruments. Now, Cuevas performs regional Mexican music on stage.
To get to this point in his life, Cuevas has had many defining experiences. From ages 3 to 11, Iker lived in Mexico with his grandmother. As his father was out of the picture, and his mother was in the U.S., Iker’s grandmother took on the role of both his parents for these eight years, playing a big part in his
upbringing.
“Leaving her was the hard part, I go visit her now, but I don’t see her every day–which kind of (stinks),” Cuevas said. She raised him to be Catholic, which is a large part of his life. Cuevas does his best to learn from Jesus and the apostles, he reads the Bible when he can, and does his best to go to church every Sunday.
Later, when he was 11, Iker moved to the U.S. from Mexico. He barely spoke English and knew little of American culture, but he found his place in his new home: Cape Girardeau. This new city was full of unfamiliar people and customs, but he quickly caught on with the help of his classmates and teachers.
With the support he received from his school, Cuevas was able to learn a lot of valuable lessons. “They
taught me how to get along with everybody,” Cuevas said.
Since then, Cuevas has moved around a lot, with Liberty being the fourth high school that he has attended. As a result of this, he’s had the opportunity to learn a lot of lessons: “It’s really about how you treat people, if you’re outgoing and friendly then that’s how others are going to be to you, too,” Cuevas said.
Much like Cape Girardeau, Cuevas has found a place at Liberty to call his own. He found his people through football and wrestling. These sports teams have helped him make friends and build relationships with his teachers.
Kevin Haynes, the wrestling coach, is one teacher in particular that Cuevas has been able to connect with. Cuevas said, “Coach Haynes has always been there, and is always trying
to help me.” This support has helped Cuevas to become the best version of himself that he can be.
For Cuevas, the journey of finding himself has been one filled with memories, people who have influenced him greatly, and a readiness to experience the moments that are yet to come. From moving to America when he was 11, and moving from school to school as a high school student, to his music career and passion for wrestling, Cuevas has experienced so much of life in his 18 years.
With heritage and knowledge gained from his past, as well as strong passions driving him forward, Cuevas’ life continues to be one that is musical, meaningful, and memorable.
“My friends are always there for me, and my parents always helped me before I moved out. My friends, if I need something, are always there to support me. My coaches have always been there, Coach Haynes has always been there, and is always trying to help me.
“
Submitted
by I. Cuevas
“Well, I’m obviously pretty nervous. I performed for my
biggest
crowd
on
Sunday, well not
my
biggest, but a show type of thing. I usually play at parties and stuff. It feels good.
“
“Everyone was nice to me, and they taught me how to get along with everybody. Nobody really judged me based on my culture.
“
llison Greer (10) has faced challenges that most would find overwhelming, but her resilience and positivity have made her a true inspiration. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2022, she manages the condition with strength–balancing her health with her passion for basketball. Her journey, however, hasn’t been easy.
In seventh grade, Greer broke her fibula during a game. Then, just a year after her diabetes diagnosis, she tore two ankle ligaments playing basketball. This injury led to a rigorous PRP therapy regimen to help her heal in time for the high school basketball season. Nonetheless, despite these setbacks, her dedication paid off: in November 2023, she earned a spot on the varsity basketball team. Unfortunately, the road wasn’t smooth for long. In January 2024, another game injury resulted in an ACL and meniscus tear–an injury that would keep her off the court for months.
“It was devastating,” Greer said, reflecting on the challenge of staying positive and focused while being unable to play. Crutches became a part of her daily life, making it even harder to navigate the school halls at Liberty. But, she reminded herself of a favorite quote: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone win.” Those words, originally from Kobe Bryant, stayed with her and reinforced her resolve.
Beyond the physical work that comes with recovery, Greer’s injuries impacted her on an even deeper level. While each
By Sage Kennedy, Reporter
setback made her more determined, they also made her more cautious. She admits that she approaches things with more fear now, mindful of the possibility of getting hurt again.
Greer said, “when I go up for a layup now, I don’t say, ‘Don’t miss the layup’. Instead, I ask myself, ‘is there anything around me I could slip on? Is anyone behind me who could fall on me, or get me hurt again?’”
Managing diabetes on top of this only adds to the weight of Greer’s responsibilities, as she constantly monitors her blood sugar, insulin levels, and pump. It’s no longer as simple as asking, “What’s for breakfast?” Now, the question is, “How much insulin do I need to take to eat this food?”
Despite the difficulties, Greer says that each challenge has made her a stronger, fiercer athlete and person. She reflects on lessons she has learned along the way, sharing that “some things I can take away from all that I have been through are not doing it for anyone but yourself and always keeping your head. ‘There is always light at the end of the tunnel.’” Greer knows these words are true but admits the journey can feel lonely. Her support system, though, helped her through–reminding her of her “why’s”, even when she felt isolated.
Throughout her recovery, Greer has committed herself to physical therapist, Jeremy, who was crucial in her comeback.
“They pushed me when I needed it,” Greer said. Gradually, she worked her way back, going through strength tests and even a special movement assessment called the dartfish test–which ensured she was ready to return to the game she loves.
Coach Walterbach was impressed with how quick Greer recovered from the injury. She was cleared after nine months, which was quicker than the normal 12-month recovery process.
“She’s a freak of an athlete and super strong,” Walterbach said.
Now, Greer back with renewed excitement for the upcoming basketball season. Her first game against Holt she made six 3-pointers.
“This experience made me mentally stronger,” Greer said. Her story isn’t just one of the injuries and setbacks; it’s a reminder to stay positive, work hard, and appreciate the support of those around her.
“The moment you give up is the moment you let someone win.” Allison Greer (10) “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone win.” Allison Greer (10)
By Loukya Vaka, Copy Editor and Brielle Vassel, Reporter
The connections cannot be made. The very meaning of what is before you is lost as your eyes helplessly glance along. Back and forth you go, but it’s all a blur. So, back and forth you continue to go, for what else can you do? Is this your failure, or the failure of the very system you’ve been placed in? Yet another answer that is not within your grasp.
Welcome to the eyes and minds of many children in the United States, struggling to learn arguably one of the most basic–yet crucial–parts of life: literacy. From preschool through high school and beyond, kids all over America struggle with literacy. This scourge of weakened literacy is not a problem that is suddenly affecting the nation now: it’s been impacting individuals
for decades. Now, the problem appears to be getting worse. Data collected by the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) showed that about 34% of students are below basic reading level in the fourth grade, and another 31% of the students are below the proficient reading level. Furthermore, about 27% of eighth grade students are below basic reading level, and another 39% are below the proficient reading level.”
Plus, with the building blocks of literacy being damaged, or even missing, from youth, there are consequences that are apparent in the adult population: The National Literacy said, “21% of adults in the US are illiterate as of 2024. 54% of adults have a literacy below a sixth-grade level (20% are below fifth-grade level).”
So, how did we get to where we are now? In actuality, there are many different causes that factor into the loss of literacy. One of these causes can be seen within the classroom through the change of teaching methods, especially relating to phonetics. In the past, phonetics were commonly used to teach kids to read by sounding words out–emphasizing the importance of understanding the sounds of specific letters. However, over the past few years that has changed.
“There was a pretty massive shift from phonetic-based instruction to sight words or word recognition. I feel that some of that has affected reading literacy rates moving forward,” said Alexander Schaper, an English teacher who is connected to
the topic of literacy due to his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as his master’s thesis that focused on declining reading rates for teens.
Phonetics, however, cannot be pointed to as the only problem. Poverty also plays a big role with Americans’ lack of literacy. The National Literacy Institute says, “In impoverished regions educational opportunities are frequently scarce exacerbated by the necessity for struggling families to prioritize immediate income generation over sending their children to school.” Due to different reasons, such as lack
Literacy is a crucial subject that affects all aspects of one’s life. Today, people are stuggling with literacy at all ages.
tutoring and other educational services–that they may need, due to financial reasons. When considering all of these situations, it’s easy to see that it may be difficult for literacy to be a priority for kids and teens. However, the detrimental effects persist regardless.
Of course, there’s another question looming above us all: why should we care? After all, ironically enough, being able to read this very article is a primary example of many individuals who are adequately literate. However, it is clear that the issue of low literacy cannot be overshadowed any longer, for the inability to read and write words on a page affects larger aspects of the entire country and the world. For instance, low literacy rates are actually costing the United States money. According to Forbes, “A new study by Gallup on behalf of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy finds that low levels of adult literacy could be costing the U.S. as much $2.2 trillion a year.” Additionally, it’s become apparent that the illiteracy of citizens could make
by Brielle Vassel
the U.S. less competitive on the global stage.
Ultimately, an all-important question that resides on the whole world’s shoulders is, “How do we find the solution?”
To Schaper, the problem could potentially be solved if there is more involvement within the government and the education system. “I think we can do more, and we can also invest more. Particularly, in the past 20 to 30 years we’ve especially learned the importance of early interventions for literacy. I believe that this means that we can dedicate more state dollars and local dollars to early childhood programs,” Schaper said. “I also think investing in adult education is really powerful. And, having community programs is powerful, as well.”
It’s also important to understand the benefits of improving literacy by each and every person making their own effort. Another way to improve literacy extends to the individual people in the United States, too. Specifically, a positive relationship with literature can begin right in
the homes across the country. “In families, you can read to your kids, or you could have book clubs. But, you should do it for enjoyment; don’t make reading a chore,” Schaper said.
Perhaps, another factor of improving literacy derives from understanding one overarching concept: every person is unique and can learn in different ways. Nicole McFadden–who teaches Child Development, and is a mother of three–said, “As a parent, it’s my opinion that teachers should have more freedom to teach how they want to teach, instead of having to do certain things at certain times in a certain way, because the kids could be more successful. There’s so much rigor. Rigor is great, but it’s also great to just do things at the kids’ pace and even teach in a fun way.”
Furthermore, the ability to purely enjoy reading does wonders in itself. Schaper pulled from his own experience within the setting of a school classroom. “Something I’ve learned from teaching for 10 years is not everything you read has to be accompanied by a quiz, huge
paper, or project. Sometimes, you just need to read something that you chose to read for no other reason than because you like it. So, the connections that people can make to their reading through enjoyment is powerful. Read anything. It’s okay to have allegiances to the type of stuff you like to read.”
In essence, the importance of addressing lower literacy rates is simple: the children of today are the future, for they are the ones who are steadily evolving into the adult minds of tomorrow. So, when younger people are experiencing setbacks that make them unable to read and write at even a standard level, it can certainly be considered a dire situation. In the end, there are many reasons why literacy is essential, and a problem of this caliber will only continue to grow into an overwhelming force, unless something is being done now. From the government and school districts to homes, the cure to illiteracy must be found by refusing to leave the issue unattended, cultivating interest in each heart, and working towards making a difference together.
In fact, as an individual grows, their difficulty with literacy can grow alongside them, too.
more than $30,000 in the attempt to receive a college degree, which then takes them around 5-20 years to pay off. This has brought many, especially the lower class, to an important question: is college worth it?
The truth of the matter is that college will cost you, in more ways than one. Less than half of all college students graduate on time, or at all–with 1 million students dropping out yearly. Choosing to leave college is an expensive decision to make, as a person could become stuck with student loan debt, with no degree to show for it.
In some people’s lives, putting valuable time towards obtaining a college degree can simply be unrealistic. Around 55% of young adults aged 16-24 are employed. Whether someone is a part time worker or not, finding the time to go to school full time while also working enough hours to be able to support yourself is not an easy feat–especially with the added expenses college education brings. For some, there is absolutely no time that can be committed to getting a degree. Plus, many Americans have to work to support other family members, pay their rent, feed themselves, and pay for potential health issues. These people commonly find themselves working more than one job, eliminating all free time whatsoever. For these American workers, college would only bring them more debt.
A lot of people do not know what career they wish to pursue
when coming out of high school. Said individuals still feel pressure to go to school for the sake of continuing their education, but this may negatively impact them. While college is notorious for helping individuals understand themselves and what they wish to commit their lives to, it is expensive to change majors. If a person has no idea what they want to do for work, much less what they wish to focus on in college, swapping between fields of study can bring them a lot of debt. In this situation, being unsure costs a person money.
Additionally, the time spent going to school could be placed elsewhere, like establishing a person’s name in a competitive field, creating connections, and getting experience in the workforce. While we attribute most well paying jobs to those who hold degrees, there are careers that only require an apprenticeship or prior training to secure a position. A degree may give you a broader selection of careers to pursue, but if you have a job in mind that does not require a degree, it could be more cost efficient to consider not going to college.
Many young adults find themselves working jobs that don’t even require the degree they worked and paid to get. In 2022, around 41.4% of recent bachelor degree earners were working jobs that didn’t require a degree at all. This situation is referred to as underemployment, and many adults find themselves
Many students feel pressure from counselors, teachers, and parents to sign up for college, but that may not be the correct path for everyone.
by
K. Boschert
entangled in it post graduation.
A reliable and less expensive alternative to the typical four-year college could be attending a trade school or a community college. Trade schools allow students to hone their skills in one specific occupation, and cost far less than the typical four year college. Furthermore, students attending a community college can gain an associates degree after one to two years of classes, for way less than a four-year school.
You do not need to go to college to be able to find yourself. Selfunderstanding comes through real life experiences and opportunities, which don’t have to be explored through college. Discoveries can be made in the workforce, rather than in school. College is not for everybody, but whether or not a person should go is a decision that cannot be made overnight. While a person may experience pushes to further their education, it is their choice to make.
Photo by V. Jackson
Iscollege worth it? This age old question has been debated by civilization for years. Many say it is, but others say it isn’t. People who say it isn’t worth it emphasize that college is too overpriced, time consuming, unnecessary classes are required, and there is no promise that a person will receive their dream job, or any job with the degree(s) they’ve earned. This is all true, but everything in life comes with its positives and negatives. There is no right or wrong answer if a person should or shouldn’t go to college. There are, however, a few reasons why going to college is important. College is one way for a person to reach their desired goal in the workforce. Depending on the job they want, they will need that extra level of education to qualify for an opportunity to be even considered. For example, to become a licensed physician, a person must obtain a medical doctorate (MD), according to Missouri State University. Even if a person doesn’t need a college degree to qualify a job, they will stand out above other participants. This is because of their higher level of education.
Another example would be someone obtaining a bachelor’s degree versus someone who has an associate degree. The bachelor’s
By Vanessa Jackson, Reporter
degree holder will be more likely to obtain the job because of their higher level of education. Nevertheless, if a person decides to attend college, there are many types of schools to choose from. There are community colleges, public colleges, private colleges, technical colleges, and so many more. Each college is different in their own way, but are designed to help people find their pathways to reach their goals. Consequently, depending on what college a person attends, and their employer, some companies might overlook other candidates. For example, they might overlook a community college graduate for a Harvard graduate. That does not mean that the Harvard graduate is better at the job or smarter than a community college graduate. It can be just because they went to an Ivy league school.
According to the University of Missouri Career Center, a desired candidate contains leadership skills, teamwork skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, dependability and a strong work ethic, maturity and professional attitude, adaptability and flexibility, a good personality, related work experience, initiative and
motivation, creativity, intelligence, and strong grades. Remember, just because a person isn’t good at one of these skills, doesn’t mean they aren’t good at the others.
Even though this all sounds wonderful, college is expensive. There are a few ways, however, to help pay for tuition, if you are considering attending college. Colleges offer many scholarships of their own, like athletic and academic scholarships. However, there are others like the ROTC scholarships when joining the army to pay in-full for a person’s college education. Joining the A+ program allows a person to receive scholarships in select schools, or can give a person two years free at a junior/community college, allowing them then to transfer to a four-year college for their last two years.
There are first generation scholarships, workplace college reimbursement programs, and again so many more scholarships that may be available. It just depends on what the college a person attends offers them. Every person should take the opportunity to go to college, because they never know what success a degree might bring them.
By Keena Boschert, Reporter
the National ACLU, filed a lawsuit challenging, critically-acclaimed library books that are by and about people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups–as well as its policy requiring automatic removal of every
and about people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups–as well as its policy requiring automatic removal of every book that any student, parent, or guardian formally objects to, regardless of the merits
within the district, and the current superintendent approval. After
named 17 books that were to be permanently banned. The books that have been removed are namely
understanding your body, accounts of
gender, and recovery are banned, books by author Colleen Hoover, namely, that feature deemed perfectly fine. Hoover, known for her big name within Liberty’s library. This brings into question the true reasoning behind our
School District, for her poetic portrayal of sexual assault.
formally objects to, regardless of the merits of that objection. All but one of the books were returned to shelves within the district, and the current procedure for removing a book is one that requires superintendent approval.
“I remember sitting in my school library in high school,” Kaur said in an interview with NBC News, “...Turning to books about sexual assault because I didn’t have anyone else to turn to.” Kaur herself pointed out that many books banned by districts feature “LGBTQ identity, race, gender, sexual assault and American history.” This is incredibly evident in the 17 books permanently banned by our own district. Is it truly just coincidence that a woman of color’s book detailing sexual assault is permanently banned, while a white woman’s greatly criticized portrayal, “It Ends with Us” stays in schools?
Is it merely an accident that books featuring straight, white, explicit material fly off the shelves in our library, but a novel explaining an author’s hardships with understanding their sexuality and gender sit collecting dust, permanently banned?
As stated in Wentzville’s policies and regulations, “Members [of the Board of Education] shall remember always that the first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the School District.” But, seemingly, this only applies to protecting students from gay or other marginalized authors’ writings. If our district is banning these books to save the students, as they say, there should be no exceptions in their scope. If it is perfectly fine for books depicting the explicit actions of straight characters to remain on shelves, then there shouldn’t be bans on books that may expose students to gay relationships and the struggles of sexual assault survivors–especially if those depictions may help teens understand themselves. With a long list of other court cases and accusations made against our district, many question whether or not the district is truly protecting students’ “educational welfare,” or if they are working to uphold their own political ideologies.
In the modern cultural zeitgeist, celebrities are the center of society’s attention. Every day, there’s a new article about what they’re wearing, where they’re going, who they’re dating, etc. It’s a complete oversaturation of information. While it’s normal to admire someone for their achievements, it’s not normal, nor is it healthy, to put celebrities on a pedestal and expect them to sacrifice their lives for the sake of our entertainment.
Society loves celebrities. We’re obsessed with them. One could argue that the craze has gotten worse over the last few years due to social media–and that is somewhat true–but we’ve always been fixated on the lives and actions of famous people. For instance, Beetlemania in the 60s is a good example, as it highlights the fanaticism surrounding celebrities.
We often treat celebrities as if they’re not real people; we deny them of their basic rights to privacy and act as if their only purpose in life is to please us. There are numerous examples of this, but a very recent one is the controversy surrounding Chappell Roan. She skyrocketed to fame over the past several months or so, and found her new life to be drastically different. After months of harassment and what she called “predatory behavior (disguised as ‘superfan’ behavior),” she released a statement on Instagram regarding the lack of respect she’d received since becoming a mainstream celebrity. “I do not accept harassment of any kind because I chose this path, nor do I deserve it,” she explained in her post.
Another example that comes to mind is when George Clooney, an incredibly famous actor, got into a bad motorcycle accident back in 2018. He hit a car going about 70 miles an hour and miraculously landed in a way that didn’t kill him. In 2021, he was a guest on a podcast called “Smartless,” where he
said, “There was this moment when I hit the ground…I’m laying on the ground and I’ve got glass in my mouth. I really thought this was it. All the people that got out [of their cars] stood over me, and once they realized it was me, they pulled out their cameras and started taking pictures. I’ll remember that forever, because I always think: that moment that was probably going to be your last was somebody’s entertainment.” He later said he’d wished someone would’ve used their phone to call for help. He miraculously avoided serious injury, but can you imagine how horrible that would have been? Feeling like you’re going to die, and people are gawking at you like you’re a caged zoo animal? It’s dehumanizing, and quite frankly disgusting that this behavior has become normalized in our society.
Anyone in the limelight knows how difficult it can be to have your entire life on camera to be picked apart and scrutinized. Not only that, but public opinion turns so quickly: someone can go from being loved to vehemently hated in a split second. The entertainment industry is unfair and cutthroat, and we, as a society, mirror that cruelty. We hold people to impossible standards that nobody could ever realistically live up to. Then, when people inevitably fail to meet these unfair expectations, we criticize them for it.
This behavior could be called a “mob mentality.” Merriam-Webster describes a mob mentality as “the tendency of the people in a group to think and behave in ways that conform with others in the group rather than as individuals.” Celebrity culture is a breeding ground for a mob mentality. When one person attacks a celebrity or influencer, hundreds of thousands of others attack that person, too. In general, we need to be more empathetic as a whole. We need to be kind and considerate, rather than cruel just for the sake of being cruel. It doesn’t do any good to berate and obsess over people you do not know. It must be understood that people have intrinsic value, and just because they choose to be in the public eye does not mean that value goes away. At the end of the day, they are still
Girls basketball has moved from to a higher level of competition. Last year, they had a very successful season, finishing 18-8. However, this year they will be challenged and tested every night with each game they play, because they have moved up the chain with being put in a new conference and their non-conference games being more difficult and losing one graduating senior. Nevertheless, they are up for the challenge with having a lot of returning players, including their top five leading scorers, and gaining more experience, because last season, they had a large amount of first time varsity players. Also this year they have had the highest number of girls try out. As Coach Walterbach stated, “basketball is hard, basketball is long, basketball shows a lot of personalities and basketball tests you physically and mentally”. However, even through all this, “I’m super proud of them for sticking to it and learning real life skills.”
“I want to break the assist record.”
Olivia Schmersahl, 10
“I want to get at least 30 wins.” Jacob Spoor, 12
The goal this year is to be the best - win conference champs and place top 5 in every competition. With returning two state qualifiers and four seniors, their goal is closer than ever. Last year, the team was made to start from scratch, with many students graduating, but now the team has the experience needed to succeed. In wrestling, everyone is involved and has the chance to shine. While many students may prefer to not give much effort or try hard, Haynes inspires students by saying “Choose the hard right over the easy wrong.”
As a new sport, the Girls Wrestling team wants to expand both their team and their experience. With three state qualifiers returning, as well as much more familiarity with the sport, the team looks much better at the start of the season than it did last year. “About 95% of the kids that I have never wrestled before high school. A lot of those kids end up being, in the future, state qualifiers,” Haynes says. He notes that wrestling is a “mental sport”, and that worrying about wins or losses isn’t helpful, but that simply being there and gaining experience is.
“I want to do good in districts, if not make it to state.”
Sophia Spakowski, 11
By Lexi Hufty, Reporter and Vanessa Jackson, Reporter
“I would like to break steals in a season record.” Terran Smith, 12
Boys basketball has high expectations, but each season will always comes with its different challenges. With six seniors graduating last year, the coaches expect their players to compete and improve at a high level. Each year, the coaches take each player’s strengths and weakness and the team as a whole and as the season progresses, they are able to see their improvements and what they still need to improve. However, in order to accomplish this, they have to show up to practice with a positive, team first attitude. As Coach Sodemann stated, “skills can be taught but effort and attitude are a must. We have a mantra of ‘Be the Standard.’ We want our level of play to be at a standard that others can look to. This begins with how you carry yourself off the court. Are you prepared for class? Are you on time? Are you a good citizen? It doesn’t mean that you are perfect, it means you are striving to be the standard. If you are a solid human being, success will find your way.”
“I want to beat my 100 breaststroke record.”
This season, the Girls Swim and Dive team has to start anew, with both a new head coach (Greg Franklin) and assistant coach (Scott Braswell), as well as having lost six seniors last season. This year will really focus on improving existing swimmers’ skills and teaching new swimmers. Swim team focuses more on selfimprovement than competitiveness - you might have gotten a faster time than the other person, but did you beat yourself? Even shaving a second off of your time is something to celebrate.
Billie Eilish’s tours and concerts are renowned for their captivating and immersive experiences. Known for her hauntingly beautiful voice and distinctive style, Eilish creates an atmosphere that draws fans into her world. The stage production is often visually stunning, with creative lighting, impressive visuals, and sometimes even interactive elements that enhance the overall experience. “So much about this concert was memorable. Billie herself was amazing and had so much energy, even though she was sick during the show. The effects during the show were also incredible, especially the fire,” Echo Brooke (11) said.
Eilish’s performances are marked by her emotional connection with the audience, often sharing personal stories and thoughts in between songs– which adds a deeply personal touch to the concert. Her ability to convey raw emotion through her music and performance
By Faith Vaught, Layout Editor
Twenty One Pilots Twenty One Pilots
With her powerful vocals and dynamic performances, Sabrina brings a captivating energy to the stage. A typical concert includes a mix of her biggest hits and newer tracks, creating a memorable experience for attendees. There are also elaborate stage setups–such as creating a bedroom, a bathroom, a fireplace, and two spiral staircases on the stage. With stunning visuals, and engaging choreography, Sabrina Carpenter’s tour is a must-see for anyone who appreciates pop music and live entertainment. Fans can expect an evening filled with great music, heartfelt moments, and an electrifying atmosphere. Additionally, Carpenter often interacts with her audience, sharing personal stories and insights into her songs, which adds a unique and intimate touch to the concert. The tour also features impressive opening acts: she will walk out in what appears to be only a towel with glitter on the inside before unwrapping herself to do an outfit reveal. Typically, every show has a new color as well. The entire event is a showcase of emerging talent and established artistry. Carpenter‘s tour promises a night of unforgettable performances and genuine connection.
Kaleigh Reitzner (10) has been a big fan of Billie Eilish since she was in seventh grade. She has been to six of Eilish’s concerts; the most recent one she went to was in Detroit, Michigan.
Reitzner camped out for 28 hours in the line and found it to be quite enjoyable. “We made a bunch of friends in line, got wristbands and stuff,” Reitzner said.
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