the
MESSENGER
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VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | OCTOBER 2019
Two A school years later
S A SOPHOMORE, SOPHIE Hultberg, senior, participated in the Students Demand Action walkout followed by the protest outside former Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley’s office April 20, 2018. As one of the younger people there at that time, she said she felt empowered and inspired by all the speeches, poetry and presence of passionate upperclassmen all fighting for the same cause. She said the unity was a beautiful experience. However, as her little sister began high school this year and the number of local threats has grown, she said she feels more scared at school this year than her sophomore year when the gun control movement gained momentum following Parkland. “Back when I was a sophomore, I was into gun control, but I felt 10 times safer at school,” Hultberg said. “I didn’t hear about threats or other
high schools going into mayhem. It was really spread across the country, nowhere really local. I feel more uncomfortable going to school now than I did sophomore year.” Hultberg said this fear lead her and her sister to stay home from school Sept. 16 in response to a social media threat at MHS made by a juvenile later determined to be out of state. “It’s hard when your parents have to be the ones to tell you that it’s unsafe to go to school while the school’s still saying come here everything is fine,” Hultberg said. Hultberg said with the fear and contemplation comes a lack of focus. But she couldn’t afford to miss more school. “It’s so difficult having the anxiety that that can happen to you going to school but also knowing you can’t do your schoolwork unless you go, and if you don’t go, you’re not going
to do well when it comes down to academics,” Hultberg said. “It’s stuck in the middle: good education or anxiety free?” Hultberg said two years later the need for action and change persists, but she has hope. “I feel like we really are fighting,” Hultberg said. “While there’s not much we can do about it in the moment, there’s a lot we can do in the long run and I think activism is a huge part of it.” Hultberg isn’t alone in her concerns. Administrators have begun re-evaluating safety procedures and the West County chapter of Moms Demand Action meets to advocate for change.
See pg. 8-9
INSIDE
ROLL CALL Editors in Chief Kavya Jain Marta Mieze Associate Editor Sarah Harris Copy Editor Mansi Mamidi Online Editor in Chief Kailin Zhang Executive Producer Jackson Estwanick News Editor Waha Siddiqui Features Editor Jessica Li Arts&Entertainment Editor Caroline Cudney Sports Editors Jeff Swift Connor Del Carmen Opinions Editor Will Roach Managing Editor Jennifer Bosche In-Depth Editor Sabrina Lacy Production Editor Tanner Rojewski Events Editor Austin Richard Data Journalist Zara Tola Illustrators Jilian Bunderson Mason Kellerman Advertising Manager Akhila Swarna Staff Reporters Michael Schmitz Molly Sillitto Arpitha Sistla Lauren Pickett Alayna Higdon Emily Kaysinger Sydney Goldsmith Shrija Maganti Staff Adviser Emily Jorgensen
16 football
In the spirit of October, the Messenger shares how to carve pumpkins for Halloween.
Flex Time
4
coaches
pumpkins Adam Starling balances his role as a coach between different sports alongside John Meyer.
Visit our website to view more stories and MHSNews: marquettemessenger.com
A new studentorganized club connects students with East Asian Culture. French classes traveled to the University of Missouri St. Louis for World Languages Day.
The Messenger is published eight times a year by students enrolled in the Newspaper Production class at Marquette High School, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. The publication office is located in Room 226, (636) 891-6000 ext. 26228 Opinions of Messenger columnists or the Editorial Board are not representative of the opinions of the entire Messenger staff, the newspaper or the administration. The Messenger
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FRIES outrageous - I have experienced situations where I’ve spent 20 minutes - a whole third of my limited Flex Time - standing in the lunch line. It is completely unacceptable for students to have their own precious time eaten away by lunch lines. I find that the Grab and Go system will work well with the students and that many students will be happy with the new school structure. Sincerely, Ritam Sarkar freshman
music
OUR POLICY
A viral Area 51 meme invaded the internet and minds of social media users around the world.
FLEX LUNCH
7
Scott Szevery, social studies teacher, offers students Flex Time music sessions.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR I find the situation on Grab and Go lunches to be infuriating and I stand by you 100 percent! What used to be the case was that Grab and Go lunch stations were available on the second floor, to give students a quick opportunity to skip the large lunch lines and snatch a snack to fill up their stomach but not their time. The only problem with that is that it was only in effect for the first day of school before hastily being taken down by the school board, their reasoning being that they are searching for better places to keep the stations. I find this completely
Administration discusses solutions to the loss of instruction hours due to Flex Time.
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ONLINE
Girls tennis and National Alliance on Mental Illness held a fundraiser for suicide awareness.
The undefeated football team accounts for the spirit Joe Porcelli, team manager, brings to the team.
I am thoroughly disappointed with the french fry ranking; they have left out the best fast-food french fries, McDonald’s. Nothing is better than pulling up to McDonald’s and getting a large fry for less than 2 bucks and stuffing your face with them. McDonald’s french fries are almost always piping hot and perfectly salted. They have the perfect texture, soft, yet not soggy, and you never have to worry about them being burned. Also, they smell phenomenal. McDonald’s french fries have the perfect mix of an affordable price, great texture and
amazing flavor. Sincerely, Zoe Schultz freshman
NEWS
issue II
3
Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles addresses a remark about trauma education at the Board of Education (BOE) meeting Thursday, Oct. 3. The BOE discussed budget adjustments, self-administered medicine for students and the new 2020-2021 calendar. Photograph by Mansi Mamidi
Board of Education approves new calendar Due to new state legislation, the Board had to re-evaluate the 2020-2021 calendar. Start and end dates are final, but final exams and Professional Development Days are undecided. jessica LI • mansi MAMIDI IN RESPONSE TO NEW STATE LEGISLATION calling for all school years to start no more than 14 days prior to Labor Day, the RSD Board of Education (BOE) redesigned the calendar for the 2020-2021 school year, and parts of it were approved on Oct. 3. The new schedule has the year start Monday, Aug. 24, and end Thursday, June 3. First semester will end Thursday, Jan. 13, and second semester will end Thursday, June 3. Besides starting and ending dates, however, no decisions were reached about the fate of Late Start and Early Release days, when final exams will take place or what types of final exams will be given.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS
editing the law in any way to allow for greater flexibility in starting and ending dates, but that if they did, then the BOE would re-examine the calendar. “We want to provide a calendar that allows the best academic balance for our students,” Dr. Miles said. “In prior calendars, that balance was really well placed.” Dr. Miles said because the shift causes school to end in June, he expects the state may issue legislation calling for school to end by Memorial Day. “It’s my hope that the state legislature analyzes all of this,” Dr. Miles said. “Of course, it’s very common for schools on the East Coast to even start after Labor Day, but here we’re certainly not used to that.” Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Support Services Dr. Shelley Willott is the leader of the Professional Development Committee and is helping make the decisions on Early Release and Late-Start days, as well as when finals will occur. Dr. Willott said that, because the new legislation also calls for 1,044 hours of instruction time, as opposed to the 176 days instruction the state legislature required before, Early Release Days will probably be scrapped.
FINAL EXAMS In addition, Dr. Willott said the new schedule has brought discussions of alternate ways of assessing students to the forefront, so that there is flexibility when they later decide whether finals are going to take place before or after Winter Break. “A lot of talk has been around about how the new schedule isn’t going to allow enough time for students to learn everything and still be able to take a final before Winter Break,” Dr. Willott said. “These discus-
Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles said the new schedule and upcoming changes as a result of the new schedule are really exercises in exploring best practices. “We’re leaning more towards full-day professional development as opposed to half day development, but we’re still looking at it in its totality for the upcoming school year,” Dr. Miles said. Dr. Miles Professional Development Early Dismissal - Grade said he doesn’t Day No School Recording Day anticipate the state legislature
Monday, Oct. 5 Monday, Nov. 2 Friday, Feb. 12 Monday, Apr. 5
Jan. 14 Jun. 3
High School Professional Learning Community (PLC) Late Start TBD
sions about alternate finals have always been in the mix, but now there’s urgency behind them.” Dr. Willott said the district is not only looking to move away from a paper-pencil final within production and art classes, but also looking to review assessment strategies in all other departments. Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said if finals aren’t moved to after the break, it will be unfair for semester-long classes because they won’t get as much instructional time in the fall. “Your course would be around two weeks less than second semester for the same content, the same material and the same class,” he said. Dr. Hankins said there are also benefits to having finals after break. For instance, teachers have more time to grade and students have more time to prepare. When Bryden Behrens, junior, heard finals may be moved after Winter Break, he was shocked. “This means for us that we have to spend all of Winter Break studying and working to be successful on our finals,” he said. Behrens said having break between semester one and finals allows more time for students to forget information taught in class. “You’re supposed to put the past semester behind you and get started to live your life for the next new year,” he said. Dr. Cathy Farrar, science teacher, said the change in the 2020-2021 calendar will strain Advanced Placement (AP) courses. “We are pushing school back a couple of weeks, but the AP exam dates do not move,” Farrar said. “That puts a challenge on AP students whose summer workload and course pace might change.” Dr. Miles said RSD’s annual calendar committee will help to gather feedback, and then the district can work with the community to strengthen the calendar. High School Final Exams -
Early Dismissal TBD
4
NEWS
oct. 2019
State legislation leads to Flex Time re-evaluation marta MIEZE AYESHA KAZMI, JUNIOR, LIKE MOST other students, has spent her hours of Flex Time making up quizzes and receiving help from multiple teachers. However, due to the recent discovery of Missouri legislature credit hour qualifications, those hours don’t hold the same value as a school day. On July 5, 2018, the Missouri legislature ruled in favor of the change that schools must be in session for at least 1,044 hours rather than 174 days. And in order to earn their credits, high school students are required to spend at least 7,830 minutes, known as Carnegie minutes, in the classroom. However, by that date the Board of Education had already approved the 2019-2020 schedule, which implemented Flex Time at all high schools, not knowing the state didn’t count Flex Time toward these requirements. “I just feel like Flex Time is a time of extra studying, time for yourself given to you throughout the day,” Kazmi said. “I’m here. I want my time to be counted.” Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Support ServicesDr. Shelley Willott said the measures on instructional time have to be achieved along with the original 1,044 hours of school that students have to attend. While Late Starts, Early Releases and Flex Time count towards the 1,044, they don’t factor as much into Carnegie minutes because some instructional time
is lost. “So the solution to that will be to reduce the amount of Flex Time that we have to ensure that we have the instructional minutes required,” Dr. Willott said. She said this reduction of Flex Time will not only make up for the time missed on Aug. 26, but also will cushion in case of another inclement weather day first semester. Due to the inclement weather day schools are between 20-45 minutes behind on instructionKatherine Andrews, senior, talks to Matthew Del Pizzo, social studies teacher, during Flex Time about her girls al minutes. tennis match. Following recent state legislature, Flex Time has set schools behind on the required 1,044 credit To solve the problem this semes- minutes. To solve the problem, high school principals are meeting to discuss possibly scheduling a few Friday A Days without Flex Time. Photograph by Tanner Rojewski ter, Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said an “There will always be an opportuni- tion for next year if the district decides option is being disty for Flex,” Dr. Hankins said. to keep Flex Time as it is now, which cussed by the high school principals to Planning for next year, Dr. Willott Schmidt said is beneficial to meet with schedule a few Friday A Days without said Flex Time is not the only aspect individuals, but does not hold the same Flex Time in the future to make up the affecting the amount of instruction weight as class time. lost time. minutes so another option is to reduce “We’re losing almost 30 minutes a He said currently there is no rush to the number of Late Start and Early week an AP class and trying to make up make a decision and the principals will Release days. for that time during Flex Time is not evaluate student and teacher feedback Philip Schmidt, science teacher, efficient because I don’t get the same to make a final decision for this semessaid getting rid of Late Start and Early groups of kids together in the same ter, as well as the future. Dismissal days would be a great solumanner,” Schmidt said.
Flex Time lunch raises concerns for students with allergies kailin ZHANG AS THE BELL RINGS FOR FLEX TIME, students flock the halls, eating lunch, working on homework and chatting with friends. While Flex Time gives students the freedom to eat lunch at different times in various locations, it also presents challenges for students with allergies. Miranda Knittel, freshman, is allergic to tree nuts. To look out for her own safety, Knittel said she stays attentive every day and takes precautions in order to ensure her well-being at school. “I know what I’m allergic to so I make sure to pay attention to labels,” Knittel said. “There is still that concern that I can potentially eat a tree nut, but I’m careful about it.” Knittel said designating areas for students with severe allergies to eat lunch in can be an effective way to help students. Knittel hopes the school continues to communicate with those who need special accommodations. “They can help people who can’t be near certain foods,” Knittel said. “While I just have to make sure I wash my hands if I ever end up touching a tree nut, other students may suffer from more intense allergies such as airborne allergies.”
Miranda Knittel, freshman (pictured left), eats lunch with her friends during Flex Time. Students with allergies and their friends tend to stay wary of allergy concerns due students being able to eat around the school during Flex Time. Photograph by Kailin Zhang
Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said the staff is aware of the potential dangers and is working with students with allergies to ensure a safe environment. “Before, when all students ate lunch in the Commons, students with allergies were able to physically move away,” Dr. Hankins said. “But now
that students are eating in various classrooms during Flex Time, students with allergies who are in the rooms after Flex Time don’t have that option anymore.” “Whether it’s having a designated area in that classroom for kids to eat, or making sure all desks are being wiped
down or completely eliminating eating in that class, we want to make sure it’s safe,” Dr. Hankins said. Gina Emms, school nurse, said it is important for students with allergies to be an advocate for themselves and communicate with peers and teachers around them TOP FIVE ALLERGENS in order to ensure they IN THE U.S. are in an allergy-safe 1. Cow’s Milk area. 2. Eggs Emms said MHS 3. Tree nuts is not a 4. Peanuts peanut-free school, so 5. Shellfish Flex Time can make Information from Food it hard, Allergy Research and especially Resource Program for kids with allergies to peanuts and tree nuts, for students to look out for their allergens. “Students with allergies need to look out for themselves and make sure they’re wiping tables down before using them,” Emms said. “It is important to educate the students around them so they know what signs and symptoms to look for and what they can do to help a student in case of an allergic reaction. ”
issue II
OPINIONS
SPEAK OUT
75
After 16-year-old environmental activist Greta Thunberg spoke to the United Nations on Sept. 23, people took to social media to encourage or discredit her based on her age, so we asked:
WHAT IS A TEENAGER’S PLACE IN ACTIVISM? “Kids need to be protesting and using social media to get the message across. They should be using their voices instead of keeping them all closed up.”
Harrison Seeling, senior, uses Flex Time to eat lunch in Room 213 after finishing an essay. Meanwhile, Amanda Yu, senior, occupied her time by working on a project for her sociology class. “Flex Time is a great opportunity for me because it allows me to work on projects with people outside of my class period,” Yu said. Photograph by Tanner Rojewski
editorialBOARD
NIA OVCHAROVA,
freshman
PROTECT FLEX TIME AS THE BELL FOR FLEX TIME RINGS, SARA opportunities. There are about 69 clubs and Parikh, senior, goes to one of her teachers for organizations at MHS, many of which utilize academic help. Flex Time for practices or meetings. In that 30-minute block of Flex, Parikh can Students receive academic help, eat lunch only stay in that class. All hallway doors get and hang out with friends without being tied to locked for that half an hour, so if Parikh needs a bell. With Flex Time we’re able to utilize our to leave class, even if only for the restroom, time without having to cut out time for those she needs to find someone to unlock the doors. same activities before or after school when On C Days, Parikh’s Flex Time is shorter, with many students have other commitments. lunch shifts during the second hour. After experiencing Flex Time, students are Parikh is not a student at MHS, but is less stressed out. According to a survey by an instead a Lafayette student. administration, 74.7 percent of 1,623 students After trying out Flex Time as it who responded found that Flex Time has currently is at MHS and was decreased their stress. implemented at all RSD high If anything, a more flexible According schools, LHS experienced Flex Time makes MHS more to a survey by multiple fights, leading equitable and gives every to the dissection of Flex single student an opportunity the administration, Time. While the concerns to become involved in the 74.7 percent of that sparked these community and succeed 1,623 students who changes are valid, LHS’ academically. It encourages restrictions completely us to be self-reliant responded found counter the intentions of individuals who manage our that Flex Time has Flex Time. own schedules and dedicate decreased their Our current Flex Time time to people and activities we is vital to allow students to care about. stress develop time management skills, To say the least, our current take ownership of their academic Flex Time is worth being grateful for. work independently. We appreciate the efforts of administrators As with any change, especially one granting like Principal Dr. Steve Hankins that give us students’ autonomy, there will be faults and the opportunity to have and use this time as we failures. In order to develop time management please. The administration’s willingness to hear skills, we need space to make mistakes and feedback and ways to make Flex Time better is grow from them. Flex Time is built on the worth recognizing and appreciating. foundation of student freedom and educational We encourage the student body to use ownership. it wisely and with purpose. Give it a chance If a student is forced to sit in one spot for because clearly its structure is fragile. Find a half an hour, this is not any better than just new club to join, tutor someone or simply enjoy another class. If a student is required to remain a bit of time for yourself. with one teacher for half of Flex Time just to Especially as the semester kicks into gear, ask a question that could take only five minutes, students’ workloads also become harder to students are losing out on the ability to get help manage. With final exams in December, time for more of their classes. seems to wear thinner and thinner. Recognize Flex Time gives students so many Flex Time as a privilege and treat it as such.
SAM FARUQ,
“They just want to save the planet. They’re doing good for the world and don’t want the planet to die. They just want people to listen and be heard.”
sophomore
MAYCE MCEVOY,
junior
“Younger people should be organizing protests. Let the adults vote and the young people express their feelings of the movement. But in the end, the adults deal with the legal stuff.”
“Society depicts that people our age don’t have a voice, which is true. Our generation is the most diverse one we’ve ever had. We’re trying to make a message that we are the face of the MARIELA VERA-BRIGGS, world.”
senior
JOSHUA HYDE,
history teacher
“Young people are exercising their rights. I think young people should be encouraged to speak their mind. The planet is theirs as well, and they’re just as intelligent as the older generation.”
mansi MAMIDI
Clubs should stop colonizing Flex Time THROUGH THE ARMAGEDDON that Flex Time has been so far, teachers and students have found solace in how we now have time for activities we haven’t had time for after school, the activities students scrambled to find time for in the midst of after school activities. Flex Time seemed perfect for this very reason: students could now truly do it all. That is, until, every club tried to claim Flex Time for themselves. The extra time set aside for students to get academic help has turned into the after school shuffle in the middle of the day. Club meetings overlap within the period, with some students having to run across the school for each block. Flex Time was intended to help students do homework and receive help so they could be available for the activities they had after school. It was essentially a study hall for everyone, but those same activities are now taking up the space meant to help students academically. There are about 69 clubs at MHS. Clubs like Speech and Debate use the extra time during the day to practice for competitions. A lot of different clubs use the extra time to host introductory meetings because more students can attend. Clubs that are discussion based, like Politics Club, meet during Flex because their meetings don’t take very long. Students also might feel more obligated to attend the club meetings during Flex as opposed to going to other teachers they need to meet with because fellow club members know they’re in the building and meetings only take up so many blocks within Flex Time. Not to mention that some clubs no longer meet before and after school because of the extra time. However, this infringes on the purpose of Flex Time. Because all teachers and students must be in the building during Flex, there’s a greater likelihood both for students to go for help and for teachers to be able to help. Often, after school, students have commitments that impede them from having enough time for help, and teachers aren’t always in their rooms or in the building at all due to their own commitments. Although it makes sense for clubs to use Flex Time to guarantee attendance, academics should still come first, and there should be some regulation over how clubs can to use Flex Time and how much of it they can use. Until then, maybe clubs should stay an after school special.
oct. 2019
OPINIONS
6
YOUTH PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS
As part of the Global Climate Strike, the student-organized St. Louis Youth Climate Strike attracted more than 200 protestors in front of St. Louis City Hall Sept. 20. Youth and adults alike walked out of their schools and jobs in support of climate justice. Photographs by Jackson Estwanick
Eco-fads fail to enact change alayna HIGDON I ONLY USE REUSABLE water bottles, but I also use plastic bags, drink out of plastic straws and use gas in my car. Although I am taking a step to better my actions, is it really making a difference? If everyone’s lifestyle was modeled after mine, the human race would take up 3.6 Earths, according to the Global Footprint Network, an organization that develops and promotes tools for advancing sustainability. Reducing consumption of meat and dairy are the top things people can do individually to help reduce their carbon footprint, according to Nature’s Path, a privately owned food company that promotes sustainability and environmental education. But only 5 percent of Americans say they are vegetarian and 3 percent say they are vegan, according to a Gallup Survey in 2018. As the fad of environmental awareness increases, the actions to conserve do not match the attitudes shown. Buying reusable water bottles and metal straws is a step in the right direction to sustainability and staying
eco-friendly, but it is not enough. The trend is easy for people to participate in because it has instant gratification. It does not take effort or constant focus to use a reusable water bottle. It takes more effort to change a person’s eating habits, begin composting, consciously recycle or carpool. There is a double standard when it comes to the fad of environmental sustainability: people tend to participate in the easy, gratifying and effortless tasks with the misinterpretation that they are positively impacting the environment; when in reality, their limited efforts have a smaller impact than perceived. Nevertheless, all environmentally friendly behavior is appreciated. Any conscious decision a person makes, from deciding to carpool with a friend to a party, recycling unnecessary school papers. Little things will eventually lead to greater outcomes, but ecofads have very little effect on the environment. Learn the effect each person has on the world. Sustainability is a way of life that humans must adapt to be able to live.
Activist of the future molly SILLITTO GRETA THUNBERG, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist, who has inspired recent worldwide climate strikes, is taking the future into her own hands. Back in January 2018 in Sweden, Thunberg stood alone to fight for climate change. A year later, floods of teenagers have gone on strike, abandoning school to protest for change. On Sept. 20, St. Louis held its own strike to grasp the government’s attention. Climate change is a problem that must be brought to the attention of global leaders, and Thunberg is doing just that. The generation of today is now waking up and becoming more aware. Thunberg is much like a lighthouse in a storm. She is an inspiration to many. On Sept. 23 at the United Nations Climate Summit, Thunberg gave a strong and emotionally charged speech on climate change and how it is impacting the world. She explained that what leaders are doing is simply not doing enough. “How dare you! You
have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,” Thunberg said tearfully. The high schooler’s voice, though small and fragile, screams at world leaders. Thunberg faced backlash and mockery from powerful figures like President Donald Trump, who tweeted, “She seems like a very young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future.” His patronizing words clearly propose that Thunberg is simply a little girl who doesn’t know any better. Despite this, Thunberg holds her chin high, writing in an Instagram post, “I guess they must simply feel threatened by us.” MHS is flooded with ambitious students who want to better the world with clubs like the Eco Team and Tree Huggers. Much like those students partaking in these clubs, Thunberg is the perfect example of someone who wants to make a change and is standing up and yelling that it will come. I hope MHS will become more active with helping the environment. It would be extraordinary to see students as passionate about the world as they are with sports and dances.
issue II
FEATURES
77
Deep Listen session educates students on influential music kailin ZHANG AS STUDENTS WALKED THROUGH THE HISTORY wing during Flex Time Oct. 4, those familiar with The Beatles recognized snippets of “Here Comes the Sun,” “You Never Give Me Your Money” and various other tracks off the album Abbey Road. The tunes were coming from the room of Scott Szevery, social studies teacher. With the lights shut off and the lyrics displayed on the screen, students gathered to enjoy the songs. They were taking part in the first Deep Listen session held by Szevery. Kaitlyn Chan, senior, was one of the students participating. Chan said, as a freshman, she always looked forward to Szevery’s class because he would play music as students walked into class. “I don’t think I’ll forget that,” Chan said. “I also heard some pretty good music through that class.” Chan said the session was a great opportunity to gather with other students to enjoy music and was a calm moment during school. She plans on coming back to future Deep Listen sessions and appreciated learning more about music. “There’s never a part of the school day where it is just silent, so it is relaxing to hear the music,” Chan said. “Essentially, I’ve never heard The Beatles before, and they have some really good songs. I think everyone should know a little more about music.” Szevery said the goal of the meetings is to come together and appreciate some of the great works from the last 50 years of music history. His inspiration came from the recognition that many students share a love for music. “I’ve been a music fan ever since I was a little kid and I have a huge music collection,” Szevery said. “As a history teacher, I’m also interested in the different eras of music and the history behind it all. Something that’s been meaningful in my life is being exposed to new music, so I hope I can open some new doors for students.” Szevery said meetings are currently scheduled for the first session of Flex Time Fridays, but the date may change if there are conflicts or students would rather come in on a different day. He said information will be posted through the school announcements so students can know when to come. “My goal each meeting is to talk for a couple minutes about a classic album from the 60s all the way to the present and just discuss why people love it and why it is famous,” Szevery said. “Then just play it with lyrics up on the screen so that students can see it as a work of art and maybe be able to relax at the same time.” Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said part of the motivation for establishing Flex Time in the first place is to get students more involved and provide an opportunity for people to explore their passions. “It’s really twofold. One, we want this time’s main goal to be academics and help take the academic load off some of the students who get lots of homework or need time to meet with teachers,” Dr. Hankins said. “After academics, we want students to get involved. Even if it’s not traditional clubs, if it’s something fun every once in awhile, I’m all for it.” Dr. Hankins said the administration is getting feedback in order to continue to improve Flex Time. The administration sent out a survey to students and staff last week to collect information on what’s working, what’s not working, what things people would like to see and how Flex Time is going in general. “In the future, I’d like to see students really taking advantage of Flex Time academically,” Dr. Hankins said. “I’d also love to see outside speakers come in and other activities that help provide opportunities to open students’ eyes to the possibilities that are out there.”
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1.
2. 1. Scott Szevery, social studies teacher, turns on the stereo to play the album Abbey Road for students during the first Deep Listen session. 2. Students discuss the music they plan to listen to during the next session. Photographs by Kailin Zhang
was The CD es m d by Ja 0. e t n e v n i in 198 Russel
FEATURES
10 HOW DO YOU DE-STRESS? “I like to listen to music or take long showers. I like to be around my friends if I get really stressed out because they help just keep me cool.” ALI HART,
senior
JONATHAN MCCRAY,
“I like to listen to music, talk to my friends and sometimes read. It helps me calm down, think things through and gather my thoughts. ”
sophomore
“I like to go for walks. That’s one thing that I enjoy doing with my family. Working out is helpful to de-stress.” TRACY WAECKERLE,
associate principal
oct. 2019
Teacher implements de-stressing activities connor DEL CARMEN WHEN LIV KALEMIS, SOPHOMORE, FIRST learned coloring and playing with strange items such as feathers and beads were a routine part of her French class, she was surprised but also energized. “When I found out we were doing some de-stressing activities, I was really excited because there are often days where we learn some different things and you just need a break,” Kalemis said. Kalemis said she has started to do many of the breathing exercises she learned in class at home in order to maintain tranquility and because they help her to focus and calm down before studying. “I strongly encourage other teachers to do these exercises just once a week because they take so little time but are so helpful,” Kalemis said. Emily Thompson, French teacher, said she started doing de-stressing activities to help calm students for all classes. “I have many older students who take AP classes, and I wanted to help them feel less stress in their whole life, not just French,” Thompson said. Thompson finds the activities to be most beneficial on block days because they offer a short break from class. However, she hopes to gradually incorporate more French into the breaks in the future. Thompson said the strangest activities generally have the greatest impact on students. “It’s always weird stuff or a kid activity that forces you to be calm and in the moment,” Thompson said. “We do activities with senses, coloring, beads, playdough and feathers.” In addition to relaxing students for exams, she said the destressing activities allow students to learn more
effectively. “I want students to feel comfortable in my class because when you learn a language it can be scary to be making so many mistakes,” Thompson said. “If they associate French with relaxation, maybe they’ll learn more in class.” Ashley Hobbs, AP Psychology teacher, said destressing should be taught in class due to higher levels of mental disorders in adolescents. “Anytime we teach kids to deal with stress, it’s a life skill that goes beyond the classroom,” Hobbs said. Hobbs emphasized the importance of solving stress through problem-focused strategies that directly address what is causing stress compared to emotion-focused strategies that attempt to solve stress through temporary fixes. She added the habitual usage of emotion-focused solutions can increase stress. Hobbs also said it’s important to remind students about the insignificance of the small details in a class. “I remind students that you won’t remember what your score was on a five-point quiz in five years, so there’s no reason to stress about it in that moment at all,” Hobbs said.
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FEATURES
issue II
11
LOVE project promotes empowerment mansi MAMIDI BRITTANY HOGAN, COORDINATOR of education, equity and diversity, wanted to bring a space for high school girls of the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) program. Now, the Learning Oneself Very Extensively (LOVE) project has been implemented for four years throughout all Rockwood high schools. “It’s not enough to just bring black inner city kids into high performing white suburban schools and expect them to do well,” Hogan said. “You have to make a place where they can freely communicate about their feelings and experiences.” In order to allow the girls to check in often, members of the LOVE project meet once a week, with a different day for each high school and with a different hour every meeting. Within a new environment, Hogan said it’s important to have discussions about identity and sisterhood with these students to make sure they don’t feel overwhelmed or misunderstood. The program includes activities like journaling, holding discussions, meditating and team-building to create a sense of community within the girls. “We’re always trying to talk about our relationships with ourselves and with other people,” Hogan said. “It creates a sense of mindfulness.”
The girls are chosen through recommendations by their eighth grade counselors and principals to participate in the program once they reach high school. Hogan said she often sees girls who are leaders and who are willing to do the work to be better people after being chosen for the project. Tyne Lampkin, sophomore, has been a part of the LOVE project for the past two years. “I think it’s really helpful for girls like me,” Lampkin said. “We can talk to someone and feel free to share our feelings and learn to love ourselves.” Lampkin said she would like to see the project continue for every year of high school because of the benefits she felt it brought to everyone in the project. Lampkin said the project taught her to care about others and how to make life a little bit better. “It’s about being able to love yourself for who you are,” Lampkin said. Right now, the LOVE project caters to freshmen girls throughout the district, but MHS’ chapter has both freshmen and sophomore girls. Sophomore Principal Carl Hudson said it was due to the positive feedback from the girls. “When students are coming up to you and telling you they want to continue something, you know you did something right,” Hudson said. “And if it’s benefiting them, then why stop?”
Tanaya Coe, sophomore; Amir Long, sophomore; Ganae’ Killian, freshman; and Joshlyn Troupe, freshman, hang out outside the foreign language hall. Each girl is a part of the LOVE project in which they learn about self-love and communication most Wednesdays. Photograph by Jackson Estwanick
Hudson was the liaison for the MHS chapter of the LOVE project for the past three years and gave it to Freshman Principal Keena Moore this year. Hudson said the project was a deed from district administration to provide support for VICC students. “When it first started, teachers would come and teach about self esteem and how to interact with others,” Hudson said. “Unfortunately, the boys’ teacher had a scheduling conflict, so we’ve been without a teacher for the boys for the past two years.” Because the project is so focused on open communication and vulnerability, Hudson said it’s been hard to find
a replacement for the boys’ teacher. It is important for them to click with the boys and develop trust, so the district is continuing their search. Hudson said feedback from initial years showed a positive impact on the students. The girls have communicated they’d like for the project to continue on throughout high school, but Hudson said current resources and funding don’t allow for the project to be able to continue all four years, so it instead focuses on transitional years: freshman and sophomore years. The LOVE project often meets on Wednesday.
Women’s right to vote nears 100 year anniversary mansi MAMIDI JORDYN WILLIAMS, SENIOR, TAKES part in Politics Club and Marquette Academic and Cultural Club (MACC) to make sure her voice is heard. This upcoming year, Williams will exercise her right to be heard on a much larger scale, in the 2020 election. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of women being able to vote in America. During this milestone in history, Williams said it’s important to remember what the 100 years actually marks and stress intersectionality. “This year is really just 100 years of white women being able to vote,” Williams said. “Black people were stunted from true suffrage by Jim Crow laws, grandfather clauses, poll taxes and poor minorities still face issues due to transportation issues. And election day isn’t a federal holiday, so people have issues getting off of work.” Williams said the importance of voting is intertwined with knowing the country’s history and knowledge of current affairs, with disenfranchisement still being prominent. “As a black woman, it’s important that my voice is heard,” Williams said.
HISTORIC LANDMARKS OF WOMEN’S POLITICS Infographic by Jessica Li
“Women of color are and have been participation of not just women, but silenced through issues that affect poor also minorities in general.” communities of color, like not being Sullenger also stressed the imporable to get to polls due to work, transtance of registering to vote as soon as portation and a billion other factors.” possible because it creates good habits Williams said it’s important to keep in the way of civic virtue. in mind that voting has such an impact “I don’t want to because true hear people comIllustration by equality hasn’t plain when they’re Mason Kellerman yet been reached. not doing what they Williams also said can,” Sullenger said. those who have “When people vote, been incarcerated they’re trying to aren’t allowed to help fix the probvote, even though lems they see.” they’re expected Sullenger said to follow legisAmerica is further BALLOTS HERE lation that gets behind than she passed. would expect. “When we “I think we have vote, we help speak up for those who a long way to go in terms of represencan’t,” Williams said. “Every struggle tatives looking like their constituents,” is connected, so it’s crucial to try to Sullenger said. “But I think there’s a affect change.” confidence developing within minority Erin Sullenger, government teacher, groups that recognize that they’re capasaid she agrees there’s work to be done, ble and needed to be in those spots.” which makes voting more important. Sullenger said she hopes students “This is a big milestone to be rerealize voting is an easy way to try and membered and taught,” Sullenger said. enact change. “But it’s shocking that it’s still a slow “If students aren’t wanting to run progression for women and people of for office or write policy, it’s important color in politics. I hope to see further to participate through voting,” Sulleng-
1850 First National Women’s Rights Convention held
National Women’s Trade Union League is established for better working conditions for women
1888
1920 19th Amendment, which allows women to vote, is ratified
er said. “And that’s especially important if they want to see women and minorities being better represented.” Senior Tom Churchill, co-president of Politics Club, said voting puts into practice fighting for one’s beliefs. “Defending yourself and making it tangible is a litmus test for what you believe in,” Churchill said. Churchill said, right now, Politics Club is made up mostly of white men with few women or people of color. He said he knows it’s daunting when both club officers are one type of person. “It’s still really important for girls to come in and discuss issues with us too because that’s how it is in the real world,” Churchill said. Churchill said part of that comes from the nature of politics, in which those who yell the loudest get the most attention, but that nothing should be based on a single voice. “Politics has the ability to become an echo chamber really quickly,” Churchill said. “But if you’re talking about politics, people will disagree with you, and that’s important. You really only learn from those who aren’t like you, so having women and minorities in a space that is white male dominated is super important.”
National Organization (NOW) for Women established
1966
1972 Congress passes Title IX of the Higher Education Act
oct. 2019
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
12
Carving out time for fun caroline CUDNEY DAVID PISONI,
Pisoni Pumpkin Pie sydney GOLDSMITH
1 GET A PUMPKIN
4 TRACE AND CARVE A DESIGN
2 GATHER SUPPLIES
5 ADD YOUR FINAL TOUCHES
You can buy a pumpkin at a pumpkin patch around St. Louis like Brookdale Farms in Eureka, Stuckmeyer’s Farm Market in Fenton or Eckert’s Grafton Farm in Jersey County. These patches have great pumpkins as well as fun activities, so you can make a day out of it with friends and family. Or, you can buy them at local grocery stores such as Schnucks, Trader Joe’s or Sam’s.
Once you get home, you need to gather your supplies and find the perfect spot: a large, open table. You will need a towel to keep a clean work space, a sharp knife, a sharpie, a spoon and a fun design to carve.
3 PREPARE YOUR PUMPKIN
Before you start carving your design, make sure the pumpkin is cleaned out inside so you can put the candle inside later. You can cut a circle around the stem, then pull it out so there is an opening in the top. Then you can start scooping the seeds out into a bowl with a spoon or your hands. Make sure to keep the seeds, so you can have roasted pumpkin seeds as a fun and delicious snack later.
Fall Comic
Grab your phone and sharpie. Find a fun face or cool design to start drawing on your pumpkin. If you aren’t a great artist, you can print the paper with the design of your choosing and tape it on top of your pumpkin. You can then cut it out through the paper. Next, start carving. Take your time and be careful when carving out your pumpkin.
Finally, add anything else you want to your pumpkin like a bow or paint until you are finally happy with your result. Then put the candle in the center and light it so it is ready to be put outside your front door.
USE THE SEEDS
“MY FAMILY IS A LITTLE NUTS about pie," David Pisoni, senior, said. "We make a delicious pumpkin pie and although it may not come out looking all bright orange and beautiful, it sure does taste amazing.” His family holds pie making competitions every Thanksgiving and this family recipe has been tweaked and edited over the past 20 years after his dad first created it with inspiration from several Food Network recipes. "Most of the time, the pies outnumber the people," Pisoni said. "It's an absolute blast and brings our family together in some friendly competition.” Each pie receives a number, and everyone fills out a list of their first, second and third favorite. The pie with the most points wins a $60 prize. “I have won the contest several times on my own, so I like to think I'm the best,” Pisoni said.
For the recipe, check out the online story by using your phone camera:
jilian BUNDERSON Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a knife to cut the pumpkin and scoop out seeds with the large spoon. Rinse the seeds thoroughly in a colander to separate all the pumpkin bits from the seeds. Pat the seeds dry with a towel or paper towels.
Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Stir once. Cool 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Toss the dry seeds with melted butter in a separate bowl and sprinkle in salt and pepper. Spread the seeds on an ungreased pan.
Recipe from Pillsbury Kitchen
mason KELLERMAN
How do you heal a jack-o-lantern?
With a pumpkin patch!
issue II
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Survival Skills:
What students need to get through a school day 295 students responded to a survey asking what in their backpack they can’t survive the day without. sabrina LACY
PHONE 30.8% “When I’m done with work, and my teacher allows it, I go on my phone. I can reach my parents and family without having to ask to call them. There have been times where a family member is in the hospital and I get updates over text. It’s also easy to inform them of my plans and what’s going on. I don’t play around on my phone often at all. I use it for personal reasons more.” - Mia Bussmann, sophomore
JACKET 18.6% “You never know what temperature a classroom will be, so I have my jacket with me all the time.” - Olivia Heidbrink, senior
CHROMEBOOK 21% “Everything we do in class is based off of our chromebooks. Its not a bad thing because we’re lowering paper usage, but with the recent wifi malfunctions, there are definitely some setbacks with all internet based schoolwork.” - Yana Dragnev, freshman
WATER BOTTLE 7.8% “I get dehydrated pretty easily so it’s good to have a water bottle with me throughout the day.” - Ella Andrews, freshman
OTHER 21.8% “My planner helps me feel organized and more put together as it keeps all of my assignments in one place” - Anna Paul, senior “We are always doing labs and things that require us to pull our hair back. I’d much rather use a hair tie than have to make up a lab on my own time.” - Madeline Gwinner, sophomore
13 7
14
oct. 2019 7
SPORTS
What’s in your bag?
KAINEN BORROUGHS SOPHOMORE CROSS COUNTRY
kailin ZHANG
With student athletes carrying extra bags to school, The Messenger asked: What are the most important items you carry in your sports bag?
1
“I run cross country and I carry shoes, an extra pair of clothes and snacks. Snacks help to provide energy for running and I usually carry fruit snacks, granola bars and protein bars. Sometimes I watch what I eat to perform better, but not usually. I bring an extra pair of clothes because it is comfortable after running. I also have running shoes because if you have bad running shoes, they can mess up your feet,” Kainen Burroughs, sophomore, said.
2
ANNA CHRIST SOPHOMORE SOFTBALL “I play softball, so I find my water bottle especially important because I need to hydrate throughout the day. I carry earbuds in my bag as well because it gets me hyped up for the game and helps me stay more concentrated,” Anna Christ, sophomore, said.
3 MAYA ESPARZA SOPHOMORE VOLLEYBALL
4
“I play volleyball and in my bag are my shoes, my uniform and my Airpods. My shoes are needed for traction and I also use them to support one of my friends whose sister just passed away so we write little notes on them to commemorate her. My uniform represents my team and the Airpods are the headphones I use before games,” Maya Esparza, sophomore, said.
AT A GLANCE Football stands 6-0 for the first time in school history. They will play 7 p.m. tonight at home against the 1-5 Pattonville Pirates.
“I keep tape if I need that for an ankle wrap or something. I use it maybe every couple games just cause, I keep it wrapped because of something,” Jacob Brinker, senior, said.
JACOB BRINKER SENIOR SOCCER
Girls volleyball is 14-6-2 and will face the Seckman Jaguars at 5:30 p.m. today at Seckman.
Ethan Koop, junior, currently leads the boys cross country team with a 5k time of 16:31, 16th in the St. Louis area.
Vs.
Follow @MustangReport on Twitter for athlete coverage and live tweeted games.
issue II
15
SPORTS
TRADING PLACES:
Coaches flip positions at seasons connor DEL CARMEN
Adam Starling, head softball coach; sophomore Jess Willsey, shortstop; and seniors Mackenzie Gareau, second base, and Katie Weiss, firstbase, go over the ground rules with the home plate umpire prior to a game against Seckman Sept. 9. The Mustangs lost this game 6-1. Photograph by Ryan Bundy
Starling, Meyer and the softball team are soon to begin their postseason run. MSHSAA will decide their next game and placement in Class 4 District 3. John Meyer, assistant varsity softball coach, discusses strategy with Lauren Argo, sophomore, between innings. This is Meyer’s first year coaching softball. Photograph by Ryan Bundy
JOHN MEYER, VARSITY BASEBALL coach, and Adam Starling, varsity softball coach, have coached together for 17 years. “We know each other’s strengths and how to work together to get the most of our athletes,” Starling said. While Starling is head coach during the softball season, Meyer is the assistant coach. Then, when baseball starts in the spring, Meyer will be head coach while Starling will be assistant. Even though both softball and baseball share a lot of equipment and have offseason batting cage sessions which overlap with the other’s season, Starling said problems never arise over who gets access to facilities. Starling said Meyer has always respected his role in baseball and most recently in softball, regardless of his start as a j.v. baseball coach. “Our relationship has only improved the longer we have been together,” Starling said. John Meyer has coached baseball since 2003; however, this is his first year coaching softball. “The fundamentals of throwing, catching and hitting are pretty similar,” Meyer said. “Softball is a little faster with shorter base paths, but for the
COME TO OUR STORE!
most part it’s pretty similar.” Meyer also said Starling helped bring him up to speed on the things he didn’t know about softball, but generally they think similarly about strategy. “We’re also very familiar with each other’s ideas,” Meyer said. “We could probably finish each other’s sentences.” Meyer said both programs feed off each other’s success, citing how softball finished fourth at State and baseball finished second at State in the spring. Katie Weiss, senior, said since Starling filled the role of varsity softball coach and Meyer as assistant, the team has become more unified. “We used to keep j.v. and varsity separate, but at the beginning of the season we began to practice more together,” Weiss said. To ensure the tradition of success continues even after the current seniors graduate, Weiss also said it’s important to have unity in the whole program. Weiss said the team was nervous when they heard Amy Doyle was stepping down as head coach, but was put at ease when Starling was named to the position. “The transition was really easy because he had been in the program and he’s a very good coach,” Weiss said.
You want it? We have it! • Personal essentials: deodorant, hand sanitizers, Kleenex • School essentials: pencils, sharpies, locks • Spirit wear: hoodies and sweaters • Food/ snacks: candy, cup noodles, chips • Drinks: Gatorade, juice, water
MHS School Store
Open Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 12.20 p.m.
16
SPORTS
oct. 2019
Porcelli energizes football team kavya JAIN AS THE SUN SETS AND THE FRIDAY night lights begin, students can feel the energy of an undefeated season. They also can hear Stang Gang erupting into a chant, only the name they say isn’t a player’s name, but a manager: Joe Porcelli, sophomore. Senior Claire Jones, who manages the football team alongside Porcelli, said Porcelli goes into the locker rooms with the boys, rides the bus with them and participates in the huddle as well. Porcelli even wears a jersey, number eight, given to him by a teammate. “I think he has a really special place in the boys’ hearts,” Jones said. “While last year I had a bond with some of the boys - there’s nothing like Joe with the boys,” Jones said. While one of Porcelli’s major responsibilities is filling water bottles, Jones said players are equally concerned for the hydration of Porcelli. “On really hot days when we would have practice, literally every single player was filling up his water bottle,” Jones said. Aside from managerial tasks, Jones said Porcelli’s biggest contribution to the team is “heart.” “We could be losing zero to a bajillion thousand and he will walk up to every player and tell them that they played their hardest and that he’s proud of them,” Jones said. Porcelli himself said the first day he walked into the locker room, there was a change in energy and he wants that energy for the team. “I want that energy for them to
Marquette Mustangs
Joe Porcelli, sophomore, fills up water bottles during the annual Homecoming game Sept. 27. The Mustangs won against Lindbergh 37-7 to remain undefeated. Photograph by Kavya Jain
come from me,” Porcelli said. “I can bring my energy to them.” Porcelli said his favorite part of managing the team is bringing water out to the players and talking to them. He said being on the field makes him feel like a part of the team. After the fun he had working with the freshman program, Porcelli said he decided to move up with the junior varsity and varsity team because all of his friends are on the varsity team. “They respect me and I respect them,” Porcelli said. Michael Stewart, head football coach, said Porcelli did a great job in
Lafayette Lancers
Eureka Wildcats
the supportive role as manager for the freshman team last year. Porcelli approached Stewart about joining the varsity program this year. “You can’t turn down that kid,” Stewart said. Stewart said Porcelli has great spirit and enthusiasm everyday at practice. “He loves being part of the program and we love having him around,” Stewart said. Stewart said there was already a connection between Porcelli and the team because of his older brother Nico Porcelli, who played on the team in the 2016 season.
Ladue Rams
“Having him around more lightens the mood,” Stewart said. “It kinda lets you take a step back and realize some things aren’t so serious out on the football field and you can have a little fun at the same time.” Middle linebacker and running back Matt Kadlec, senior, has known Porcelli for a long time because their older brothers were friends. Kadlec said Porcelli is always running around, patting players on the shoulder pads and offering them water. He even participates in warm ups sometimes. “There’s always been waterboys or managers, but Joe sees that as a job, a big responsibility,” Kadlec said. “He’s always in it with us every step of the way.” Kadlec said it is difficult to be in a bad mood when around Porcelli. He said the successful season is made more meaningful because they are able to share it with Porcelli. “I think everybody just sees him as another one of the guys and he’s friends with everybody,” Kadlec said. “It’s definitely a boost for the camaraderie of the team.” Ann Porcelli, Joe’s mother, said he takes his position very seriously and personally. “He would take a loss as hard as any team member would,” Ann said. Ann said she is thankful for the place the team has made for Joe. “I would just like to add how grateful and humbled I am at how the team has accepted him,” Ann said. “He loves being part of something. ”
Kirkwood Pioneers
Lindbergh Flyers
Conference realignment creates more competition connor DEL CARMEN WHEN THE SUBURBAN WEST Conference was replaced by the St. Louis Suburban Conference, many MHS teams’ regular season schedules experienced many changes and may experience more competitive opponents. The St. Louis Suburban Conference is composed of many of the same Suburban West teams; however, the teams are divided into divisions based on competitiveness. Before, the Suburban West was based exclusively on school locations. Activities Director Shane Matzen explained the decision. “For every sport, the 30 Activities Directors (ADs) from schools in the area sat down and consulted their coaches to group us into like competitiveness within each sport,” Matzen
said. Matzen said the change occurred to foster more competitive matches and maintain participation in sports. “We had schools that traditionally hadn’t been strong in a sport,” Matzen said. “Then, they would play their Conference schools and get beaten easily. When you do that for years, people don’t want to go out for that sport anymore.” Following the change, Matzen heard claims that the ADs were settling to have the less competitive play each other and never face superior competition from a school with stronger athletics. Matzen said this could bring participation numbers up for a small school, allowing them to eventually move up to the most competitive division. “Just from our Conference, did the change make sense? No,” Matzen said.
“But we are a part of an association, and we want what’s best for everyone.” Tim Healy, senior, said the Conference format change made winning meets more difficult for the swim and dive team. “Mehlville and Oakville were replaced by Ladue and Kirkwood, who are strong teams,” Healy said. “I think it was the first time in four or five years we didn’t win Conference.” Although Healy said winning meets was more difficult, the format change benefited swimmers later in the season. In order to qualify for the State meet, athletes must meet performance standards. Healy said competing with talented athletes puts pressure on the team to perform, and allows more MHS athletes to meet the State performance standards. “It’s fun to win, but having a stron-
ger Conference forces you to work harder and swim faster times with the hopes of eventually going to State,” Healy said. Football is the only sport to not experience the Conference format change. The change will take place next year though, and Michael Stewart, head varsity football coach, is embracing it. “It will be refreshing to play schools we normally wouldn’t play and overall, it will better prepare us for the playoffs especially since we’re moving to a new District,” Stewart said. After winning the Suburban West Conference last year, Stewart said he’s more ready than ever for another challenge. “We’re excited for the change because we’ll likely be in the top tier, which means you play the best every game,” Stewart said.