See
“The scale of the tragedy will be sensed for generations.”
The last orginal teacher at MHS, Frau Kimberly Hotze, German teacher, is retiring. See full story on pg. 7.
Water polo team experiences much success. See full story on pg. 14.
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05 BILL TO REMOVE WORK PERMIT
A Missouri bill has been proposed to remove work permits for teens.
06 SUCCESS IN SCIENCE COMPETITION
Junior Alice Liu placed fourth in the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair.
10 STUDENT FOR THEATER AWARD
Senior Adriano Robins is the only MHS student nominated for Best Lead Actor in the region.
13 CAN AI REPLACE MUSIC ARTISTS?
Messenger staffer, Brooke Eck, considers whether AI can replace pop stars.
16 WATER POLO RECORD BREAK
Senior Nico Case broke the school record of most goals scored in a single game of water polo.
Photographs by Kevin Arens, Aarushi Bute, Elliott Jorgensen, Chloe Schmitt, Ping Wang
Front page illustration by Emma Tyulyayev
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| Stephan BosnjakFollowing the death of Principal Carl Hudson during the 2022 school year, MHS staffers created the Carl Hudson Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship offered to two minority students who write outstanding essays as part of the application process.
Senior Markeese Hunt is one of the two scholarship recipients this year.
“I was actually pretty happy that I get to share a part of him with me,” Hunt said.
Hunt wrote his scholarship essay on the educational difficulties he faced throughout high school.
“Well, I wrote about my challenges from freshman year to now, with me not taking education seriously to now knowing that it’s very important to me,” Hunt said.
Hunt said he was excited for the role the scholarship would play in his future at Missouri Baptist University where he will play football.
Rhonda Costa, administrative assistant for the Freshman Office, has a close connection with Hudson’s family.
Costa said she helped Hudson’s family contact Lisa Nieder, administrative assistant to the Activities Office, and Paula Ake, college counselor, in order to help set up the scholarship.
“The application process is really about you as a person, things that would make you be like Mr. Hudson,” Costa said.
Students had to submit an application to a committee composed of Costa, the principals and the college counselors.
The Hudson family prefers that each year a boy and girl is picked, and so far the council has held to this trend.
Kilea Jenkins, senior, is the second recipient this year.
“The whole goal of it is to really do a scholarship that really is just about the people and their personality and their perseverance and everything that
Omoye Ehimare, senior, was pleasantly surprised when she was informed she was eligible for the National African American Recognition Program.
“I didn’t know it existed in the first place, but it was just cool to be able to get that recognition,” Ehimare said.
Ehimare was one of three students at MHS to receive an award from the College Board National Recognition Program.
While the program doesn’t offer any money, Ehimare said she is excited to see how it will benefit her future as she attends the University of Southern California.
encompasses them. It doesn’t have anything to do with their grades,” Costa said.
Costa said Hudson always supported all students and the Hudson family wanted to give back to students who struggle financially.
“Not all kids get scholarships because of their academics, but a lot of kids go to college and still need that financial help,” Costa said. “Their goal with this scholarship is to help those kids who need a little bit more in the benefit department of getting a scholarship.”
The scholarship fund allows Hudson to positively impact the community just as he always found ways to help students at the school during his life, Costa said.
kids if they had certain grades they want. He would plan a dinner for them. He would give them a certain amount of money. He would always come in just to try to have these kids reach certain goals.”
Senior Principal Dr. Richard Regina said the scholarship is a way for Hudson to keep giving back to MHS.
“In the next couple of years, there’s not going to be too many students that know about Mr. Hudson anymore, and that part is sad, but the part that makes me happy is that some of these students who are sixth, seventh and eighth graders who have never have met Mr. Hudson, there’s a chance that he can make a positive impact on them as well,” Dr. Regina said.
Dr. Regina also said the scholarship continues Hudson’s role in the school.
“I think it’s important because it allows his legacy to live on and it provides students some financial resources as they head off to college,” Dr. Regina said.
“It’s just cool to know that the hard work I put into school is getting recognized,” Ehimare said.
Julia Welker, A+/testing coordinator, said the program offers recognition to underrepresented students who identify as Black, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous or who attend high school in rural communities. These students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and a high score on the PSAT or AP tests. The students submitted applications for the award.
Welker said the recognition award is an academic honor, and students can include it in college applications and resumes.
Anna Hill-Jones, junior, also received an award from the National African American Recognition Program.
Hill-Jones said when she was first informed she was eligible for the program after receiving emails from the College Board, she was incredibly proud.
“He would have them come work and sweep the floors. That way he could give them money, just so he wasn’t giving them money for free, but had them work towards something,” Costa said. “He would make bets with
Hudson’s family and MHS organizations that set up fundraisers throughout the year helped to fund the scholarship. There is enough money as of now to award students for the next five years. of college students receive a scholarship
7% $46 billion is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education in scholarships each year
31% of college tuition is paid for by scholarships and grants
“I was really excited and surprised too. I guess I just wasn’t expecting it,” Hill-Jones said.
Hill-Jones felt it was important she, as an African-American student, was able to receive recognition for her hard work and success in school.
“I feel like there’s usually not a lot of opportunities for people in African American communities,” Hill-Jones said. “I’m just glad that I did get an opportunity to win an award like this.”
Isa Oliver, senior, received an award from the National Hispanic Recognition Program. Oliver first learned of the program when she was informed by her counselor that she was eligible.
“I was mentioning how I was Hispanic, and she told me there was a really good program for that,” Oliver said.
Oliver said she was proud to be one of the few students who received the award.
aiden BURKHARDT • willem HUMMELSenior Kilea Jenkins (above) studies in Contemporary Issues. Senior Markeese Hunt (left) plays 9-square in Team Sports. Jenkins and Hunt both recieved the Carl Hudson Memorial Scholarship for the 202223 school year. The scholarship was created last year to honor former principal and Marquette Academic Cultural Club sponsor Carl Hudson. Photographs by Cassie Sun
“The application process is really about you as a person, things that would make you be like Mr. Hudson.”
Rhonda Costa, administrative assistant
The goal of Student Council, or STUCO, is to make MHS a more inclusive environment by increasing school spirit.
“We do that through things like the Homecoming dance,” Kara Zonies, sponsor, said. “We have been doing things like Black History Month. If you notice whenever we have a spirit week, we are the ones that always put out the banners. All kinds of things.”
The club is student-based, and students have to complete volunteer hours doing things within the school community.
Zonies said STUCO collected prom dresses for girls in need, and the people who helped out earned volunteer hours.
Currently, STUCO does not have a structured constitution that clearly lays the foundation for the club, but two weeks ago, the club went to a leadership meeting for area STUCO leaders in Valley Park where they were shown how other student councils are structured.
They found that in other STUCO organizations, the constitution spells out exactly what is required from different positions.
Zonies said they are going to have new chairpeople called “senators” who will be in charge of tasks like outreach.
“So when we do our canned food
drive during Homecoming, they are going to be the ones who are going to organize that,” Zonies said. “We are going to have a decorating committee, and they are going to be the ones who are going to do the banners every time we do spirit week. We are going to have someone in charge of diversity.”
Zonies said in the past a lack of a constitution has led to a problem where some officers have not performed duties that were expected of them.
“If the president does not fill what it is that is expected of them, the runner up is the person that then takes over that position,” Zonies said.
The new constitution will also contain the expected amount of hours members must complete and how to record those hours to decrease confusion and to provide a reference to members, Zonies said.
Zonies said a main advocate of the new constitution was actually the student leaders.
Junior Jayla Freeman, president of STUCO, said the constitution they have currently is outdated, and no one really pays attention to it.
“I think it has created an issue of we don’t really have a set of rules to follow, so this year we have been just playing it by ear,” Freeman said. “So we are hoping to rewrite it just to make it more accessible for the members.”
However, despite the lack of a constitution, Freeman said STUCO has
done a good job in avoiding the issues that not having a constitution could have caused.
Freeman said a cohesive constitution allows for a central group of ideas and core values.
“It helps us define ourselves and what our mission is going to be throughout the year, and how we are going to go about conducting our business,” Freeman said.
Benjamin Buckallew, sophomore, has been elected as secretary of media for next school year, a position that has been built by the new constitution.
“Last year we only had a president and two secretaries, one person filled both spots,” Buckallew said. “This year we have double the amount of people helping out in the secretary spots, so we are still building our positions with this constitution.”
Buckallew said there are now four positions: secretary of media, secretary of management, vice president and the president.
“It’s going to help straighten out a bunch of stuff in STUCO and it’s going to help us not only in this year, but in many years to come,’’ Buckallew said.
Everyday, Major Terry Zuber, ROTC teacher, walks into a classroom with about 10-20% of her students missing each hour.
“School is your job as a student and your grades are your paycheck,” Major Zuber said. “No matter what you pursue in your future, this is your framework.”
There are no disciplinary consequences for excused absences, making skipping school easy for students with complying parents. Credit suspensions for absences were discontinued several years ago due to the students who receive high grades, even with low attendance.
“We want our kids to be successful, and at what point does the teacher say ‘hey if you continue to choose to be late, I can’t help you’,” Major Zuber said.
Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said attendance at MHS is low for last year, around 92%, and statistically, that takes into account some of last semester/year pre-COVID. He said this rate is up to par with all the other high schools in the district.
Dr. Hankins said the National Security Education Program (NSEP) is an educational program in which MHS has received accreditation. MHS has continued to participate in the program to earn the accreditation with distinction. Only small schools have reached it because of their small population.
One part of the accreditation with distinction is attendance. The score is determined by if students have attended all their classes in a day, 90% of the time. The rate is determined by how many people attend school in one day. Dr. Hankins also said attendance may be low because teachers provide more
Evan Berkel, freshman, checks out of school early due to illness. This year, attendance has been low for every grade level and high school across the district, Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said. Photograph by Cassie Sun
online resources as a result of the pandemic, which allows students to catch up outside of class.
“So if you’re a kid, well, it’s easier to miss school,” Dr. Hankins said. “It’s good for those kids that are sick. We want to reduce their anxiety, but at the same time, there are some kids realizing that they can miss a day or two without impact.”
Attendance is important for students, Dr. Hankins said, because it can impact grades and mental health.
There are incentives for good attendance such as the A+ Program that offers scholarships for good attendance that can be used at local community
Freshmen 93.9%
• Sophomores 92.77%
Juniors 91.9%
• Seniors 91.2%
The average attendance for the entire school is 92.37% this year. The breakdown for each class is below: Information from MHS registrar
colleges and some other colleges on report cards because attendance is shown through the grades.
Brooke Lawson, senior, usually leaves school early or takes mental health days.
“I’ve left school early a few times because I find that I just can’t get my work done, and I struggle to get it done at home,” Lawson said. “So I like to go to restaurants, and I find I can just crank out all my work.”
Because it’s her senior year, her absences have only affected her food class and human anatomy class, and she makes up labs when she misses.
Junior Principal Amy Sturges said students can’t replace the difference in learning in-person and online.
“As much as technology is awesome and things have evolved over the last couple of years, especially given everything in the past, you still can’t replace the teacher interaction and receiving that one-on-one feedback,” Sturges said.
Last summer, Sneha Deo, freshman, applied for a variety of jobs and found employment at Culver’s in Ellisville.
“A lot of places didn’t accept 14 and 15 year olds,” Deo said. “I like making money so I can spend time with my friends, do fun stuff and not always ask my parents for money.”
As a 15 year old, Deo is required by the state of Missouri to obtain a work permit signed by the school, student and employer to be able to work. The permit helps to ensure she doesn’t work past 7 p.m. on school nights and no more than 8 hours daily.
However, a new bill in the Missouri Senate may remove the work permit enabling students aged 14 and 15 to work without any permission or interference from the school. Ten other states have passed or may pass legislation that would ease restrictions on child labor.
ment at around 3.5%,” Maki said. “But we don’t think they should balance a labor shortage on the backs of teen workers.”
The Child Labor Coalition was active in opposing legislation that removed the work permit for those 14 and 15 years old in Arkansas, Maki said. Their reason for opposing it, and why they would oppose this legislation in Missouri, is because the work permit provides age verification and ensures jobs are safe and allowed.
“When you remove those checks, more of the responsibility falls on the employer, the parents and the teen,” Maki said. “The teen and the parents tend not to know too much about child labor law, and, frankly, some employers tend not to know too much about child labor law.”
Ried Maki is the coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition and director of child labor advocacy for the National Consumers League. He leads the coalition by organizing meetings, advertising and interacting with Congress and federal agencies to influence and change government policies pertaining to child labor laws.
Maki said the overall trend of weakening child labor restrictions is due in part to large conservative majorities in many states across the nation that now feel they are able to take on these long-held protections.
“Some of these legislators are saying the reason they want to weaken protections is that there’s a labor shortage, and this may be true with unemploy-
Maki said the work permit can help ensure that students who are already struggling in school don’t attain a part-time job.
“We’re not against kids having part-time jobs, but we would like to see the federal and state protections maintained,” Maki said.
Andrew Rekart, freshman, is 15 years old and works at PJ’s Tavern in Ellisville. He said he has positive and negative feelings about the removal of the work permit, as this may speed up the hiring process and make it easier for job-seeking youth to find employment.
“I could see it being a downside though, because at that point, their parents could force them to work,” Rekart said.
Scott Szevery, AP U.S. History teacher, said the topic of child labor is an important part of U.S. history. Over a century ago, it was decided that children should have a childhood and receive an education rather than slave away in a factory, Szevery said.
Szevery said he questions the motives of legislators making it easier for minors to work. Students are often too busy to have a job on top of classes, homework and extracurriculars. The time for work is later, as students will be working for the rest of their adult lives.
However, it is sometimes necessary for teens to work in struggling households, Szevery said.
“I think what we need to decide on as a society is the best way to help those struggling families,” Szevery said. “Is it through child labor or government assistance that allows those kids to stay in school.”
As a student at STLCC, you can earn college credits that are guaranteed to transfer. Connect with an academic advisor to plan your schedule and get the classes you need to jump-start your four-year degree.Kathryn Schuermann, senior, worked at Sarah’s Cake Shop on Clarkson Road. She obtained a work permit to work as a 15 year old. Photograph by Molly Levine
brooke ECK · prashu SIDDELLA
Bright lights, themed costumes and a valuable learning experience.
From April 19-22, the Force Green Robotics Team and 192 more teams from across the world competed in the First World Championships in Houston.
Senior Shravya Sunkugari, who is part of Force Green’s outreach and documentation team, said the large number of teams were intimidating, but she enjoyed the chance to meet possible mentors and talk with other teams that were passionate about robotics.
“The creativity and diversity in robot design and outreach projects was crazy compared to State,” Sunkugari said.
Force Green qualified for Worlds through the Missouri State Championships, where they were awarded the second place Inspire awards. There are three Inspire awards given to the best overall teams in the competition, based on categories such as programming, public outreach, design process and technical communities.
Winning the second place Inspire awards gained Force Green the third qualifying spot to compete at Worlds, where they competed in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) championship.
This year, the theme for FTC was PowerPlay, where the team’s robot, nicknamed Scarlett, competed against other teams by putting cones on different level poles.
Scarlett has a 3D printed claw, which is used to pick up the cones. The robot’s movements are preprogrammed for 30 seconds, but the rest of the game uses a telerobotic system, or control of the robot through a remote control.
Freshman Sneha Deo, who is a member of Force Green’s outreach team, said her favorite part of
Worlds was being able to interact with teams from different countries.
“I’ve learned so much about the different cultures from around the world, and while there were language barriers, it was certainly a cool experience,” Deo said.
Force Green won a third place Think award at the competition, recognizing the team’s expertise in the design process. Garrett Palmquist, team coach, said the team’s success is in large part due to their well-rounded capabilities.
However, while Palmquist assists his team with the design process and brainstorming, he leaves the actual creation and building of the robot to the students.
“FIRST defines the coaches as mentors,” Palmquist said. “We provide guidance, advice and coaching to the students, but they are the leaders of their efforts.”
Palmquist said he hopes to use the experience at Worlds to inspire ideas on expanding community outreach efforts. He hopes Force Green can connect with more business and technical professionals and look into setting up ongoing educational events with local schools or organizations.
The Force Green team also hopes to improve and simplify their robot design by creating a more efficient design process, which would leave more time to program and practice driving their robot. The team is also looking to improve specific components, such as arm type, based on the challenge for the upcoming season, which will be revealed in September.
Overall, Palmquist said he hopes the experience at Worlds will provide the team with motivation and inspiration.
“Something magical happens when you gather 1,000s of brilliant, creative and inspiring students in a building,” Palmquist said. “Even though they may be competing with each other, they are also making new friends, going out of their way to help each other, and forging memories and experiences which will stay with them for their lifetimes.”
Alice Liu, junior, placed fourth last week at the largest pre-college STEM competition in the world, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
She was the first student from MHS to ever place at ISEF.
“People submit their projects to a regional or state fair, and if they advance, they all meet up at the giant convention in Dallas, where they present their projects to a panel of judges,” Liu said.
Liu’s project was a “Modified Nanoporous Gold Sensor for the Electrochemical Detection of Acetaminophen.”
“My topic was about a method to detect pharmaceutical pollutants, specifically acetaminophen, which is an ingredient in Tylenol,” Liu said. “So I used a chemical and monitored the current change to find out whether or not the pollutant was present.”
Liu’s project and presentation earned her fourth place in the American Chemical Society Education Division. There were more than 80 finalists in this category at ISEF.
Not only was this ISEF a competition, but it was also a place to learn about others’ STEM journeys.
“I wish I could have gone to more of the seminars they had where there was a panel of different people talking about their STEM journey,” Liu said. “It was a lot of fun and really cool meeting people from all around the world.”
Dr. Cathy Farrar, science teacher, is where Liu learned of ISEF.
Participants first have to compete locally and take either first or second place. Liu placed second in the St. Louis Science Fair, which qualified her for ISEF.
The presentation that competitors have to give is based heavily on self research.
“You have to be the one to come up with the question, to do all the work, to do all the analysis and then you compete at the local level and then you get a spot at ISEF,” Dr. Farrar said. “Then from all the people that get sent they have a selection process. There’s all kinds of reasons you can get disqualified from competing. You get past that hurdle, then you get to go to ISEF.”
Dr. Farrar stresses the importance of Liu’s project because when acetaminophen levels are high, it may increase the risk of liver damage.
She also shares her excitement for Liu’s accomplishments.
“It is like the biggest competition for science research at the high school level in the entire world,” Dr. Farrar said. “If all scientists were Alice, the world is in good hands with that because she’s awesome.”
“It was certainly a cool experience.”
Sneha Deo, freshmanAlice Liu, junior, presented her project and presentation within the chemistry category last week at the largest precollege STEM competition in the world, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Photograph by Ping Wang
Having been a teacher since MHS first opened in 1993, Frau Kimberly Hotze, German teacher, is retiring after this school year. She is the last of MHS’ original staff to retire.
“I feel so honored to have been able to be part of the first group of teachers here,” Hotze said. “It’s been so rewarding to help set traditions along with other students and staff.”
MHS opened fall of 1993 to only freshmen and sophomores. Each year after another grade was added until the first seniors graduated in 1996.
Hotze’s favorite aspect of teaching has been the development of not only the school as a whole, but each individual student.
“I have students come back and visit years after they’ve graduated,” she said. “Past students will say hi if they see me, even if they only took my class for a year or so.”
And it’s not just the students’ change that astonishes Hotze. She said it’s been incredible to see the education system itself advance.
“I started out with a chalkboard and chalk and now I have a computer,” Hotze said.
One of the things she is most proud of is her opportunity to teach students about the language and culture of Germany. She said she hopes learning the new language could inspire them to expand their horizons and travel around the world.
“My goal is that they’ll want to travel anywhere, hopefully to a German-speaking country,” Hotze said.
Junior Greta Woitach, president of the German Club, said she enjoys working with Hotze to organize the club’s activities.
Woitach said Hotze always makes her passion for teaching the German language evident to her students.
“She really cares about her students and wants to make everyone learn German in the best way she can,” Woitach said.
Principal Dr. Steve Hankins has many fond memories of working with Hotze.
“I’ve been able to go in her classroom and just see the amazing work she has done with the German kids and the German program,” Dr. Hankins said.
Marc Tenholder, Class of 1996, was a student of Hotze’s his sophomore year, a student teacher his senior year
and visited Hamburg, Germany, with her.
Tenholder said Hotze is one of the reasons he majored in German at Louisiana State University, along with his German background.
“Because of her and the influence of her, my family and I have a lot to be thankful for,” Tenholder said.
In the beginning of learning the language, Tenholder said he struggled but
because of Hotze’s teaching, he learned to love it.
Tenholder said it’s hard to believe Hotze is retiring.
“I think it’s wonderful and good for her,” Tenholder said. “She deserves a happy retirement and I know that she will leave a legacy.” marquettemessenger.com
“She really cares about her students and wants to make everyone learn German in the best way she can.”
Greta Woitach, junior
david MOSS
Karina Solomakhina, senior, is from the U.S., but the rest of her family is from Ukraine, and most of them currently live there and have been faced with hard choices as the war there has now lasted for more than a year.
Solomakhina said three of her dad’s nieces and their families have moved to Canada recently as a direct result from the attempted Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has now lasted for 14 months.
“Learning English makes them nervous because it’s a big change and it’s harder to learn a new language when you’re older,” Solomakhina said.
She said they are now looking for jobs to support their family.
“It’s really great that Ukraine has been able to
hold up this much,” Solomakhina said. “It sucks that they’re still in this position though.”
Dr. Sophia Wilson, professor of political science at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and president of the American Association for Ukrainian Studies, said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been nothing short of genocide.
“There is an abundance of evidence that there were war crimes committed, not as a side effect of war but as a strategy of war,” Dr. Wilson said.
Dr. Wilson said civilians in much of unoccupied Ukraine face Russian artillery fire and aerial bombardment, while those under Russian occupation face the violence and harsh repression of the Russian
Major Events in the Russo-Ukrainian War
military.
Russia has also attempted to suppress Ukrainian culture and language in occupied regions. As part of this, thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcefully deported to Russia where they are prevented from studying their native language and are taught how to be Russian, Dr. Wilson said.
“They’ve given Ukrainians two choices: either subjugate or die,” Dr. Wilson said.
Though it is generally assumed Russia did not expect significant Ukrainian resistance, Dr. Wilson believes otherwise. After the Ukrainian Revolution in 2014, a democratic government was formed. Russia, fearful of their lack of control over the new democracy, attempted to occupy the country by supporting rebel groups in Ukraine.
“Ukrainian civilians then went on the street, and they fought against these Russia-orchestrated coups
The Russo-Ukrainian War has led to many key moments and developments for both countries.
April, 2022
Russia pulls back from Kyiv
Military deaths may be more than 23,000 but not confirmed Dead or wounded may be nearly 30,000, though the actual number is likely much higher
Information from MediaZona and United Nations
May, 2023
Russia launches 8th attack on Kyiv since month started
September, 2022
Kyiv Kharkiv Mariupol
March, 2022
Ukraine forces Russia back from Kharkiv
March, 2023
July, 2022
Global food security problem is ended when Russia and Ukraine start trading grain again at Ukraine's Black Sea Ports
Fighting in Bahmut, with each side claiming they control the city, Ukraine gets its first delivery of Western Tanks Kherson
Russia claims control of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, which is Europe's largest
counteroffensive leads to Russia pullback from Kherson
March, 2022
Russia strikes Mariupol Theater, in what has been considered one of the deadliest acts of the war
October, 2022
Bridge blown up by truck with explosives.
Russia blames Ukraine and launches missile strikes on Ukraine power plants that leads to power outages
May, 2022
Bahmut Military deaths may be more than 30,000
After a 3-month siege, Ukraine surrenders to Russia forces in Mariupol
in 2014,” Dr. Wilson said. “We need to remember that history.”
Dr. Wilson said Ukrainians cared very deeply about their democracy and culture, and Russian intelligence knew the people of Ukraine would resist the coming invasion in 2022.
“That is why they came in by bombing on the first days with terror and gun use against civilians,” Dr. Wilson said.
Dr. Wilson said the war has been constantly changing, but Ukraine has had some overall success against Russia. Ukraine has regained their Northern territory along with several cities under siege by the Russian military.
And despite the continued bombings, Dr. Wilson said the country is returning somewhat to a state of normalcy, with people heading back to work and children back to in-person school in the capital of Kiev.
With the help of young Ukrainians and motivated college students, Dr. Wilson said many bombed-out buildings have been rebuilt.
Solomakhina said her family has sent money to their relatives in Ukraine and checked in on them through Skype video calls. Currently, they are holding up despite many fears and difficulties.
“They’ve heard the bombings from a distance,” Solomakhina said. “For now, I think they’re in a safe place.”
Dr. Wilson said the conflict, though terribly harmful to so many, is an important moment for Ukraine.
“The scale of the tragedy will be sensed for generations,” Dr. Wilson said. “Ukraine is not just some distant country in Eastern Europe. It’s where global history is changing right now. A hundred years from now, when they are looking at 2023, this is one of the major events that they’ll be studying, because this is definitely a point of no return.”
Dr. Wilson said the idea that the war results from harmful Russian imperial ambitions in their former territories. This creates a Russo-centric attitude regarding the conflict. Dr. Wilson said this conflict is bringing more focus on Ukraine as a nation of significance.
Isabella Tyulyayev, sophomore, said her mother is from Ukraine and her father is from Russia. Tyulyayev’s mother still has many family friends in Ukraine.
Tyulyayev said the conflict will get worse before it improves.
“I don’t think people are actually thinking about those who are being affected by the conflict and are needing help,” Tyulyayev said. “They’re just thinking about the politics behind it.”
Roman Kidin, sophomore, said his father came to the U.S. from Russia more than 20 years ago at age 17. Most of his family still lives in Russia, and two of his uncles have been forced to fight in the Russian military against Ukraine.
Kidin said his relatives in Russia are acting as if they are completely fine, but his dad knows they are not.
“They’re really struggling on money and basic necessities right now since the economy’s very low due to U.S. embargoes,” Kidin said. “My dad has to send a lot of money to support them.”
Kidin said he doesn’t support Russia’s invasion, but he doesn’t completely support Ukraine either.
Oksana Tyulyaev, MHS Parent, poses with flowers at a wedding in Ukraine. Tyulyaev lived in Eastern Ukraine for 19 years, and moved to the U.S. because of the economic situation in Ukraine and because she had relatives here. "My parents thought it would never end in Ukraine," Tyulyaev said. Photograph used with permission by Oksana
Oksana Tyulyaev, MHS Parent, plays horse on a tree with her sister. Tyulyaev lived in Ukraine until she was 19 and said she really liked the community there. "I miss that a lot, when we moved to the U.S. we didn't have the opportunity to socialize with people like that," Tyulyaev said. Photograph used with permission by Oksana
Karina Solomakhina, senior, and her family members attend a kids camp in Ukraine. Karina has had family move from Ukraine to Canada due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and has some family still living in Ukraine. "It's really scary. We want to help our family in Ukraine as much as possible," Solomakhina said. Photograph by Karina Solomakhina
“A lot of people think Russians are the sole problem,” Kidin said. “I think they don’t see the other side and the whole story. Russia wants to liberate Russians living in Ukraine that are being persecuted.”
Katie Bauman, AP European History teacher, said the war is taking longer than Russia likely anticipated.
Ukrainian nationalism and pride in their country has played a significant role in their ability to repel Russian forces, something Russia may have underestimated, Bauman said.
“Russian people themselves aren’t necessarily getting the full story of why they’re invading Ukraine nor the atrocities that are being committed,” Bauman
said.
Because of the atrocities —attacks and rapes of Ukrainian people in occupied cities by the Russian military—Bauman said she wishes the U.S. could do more to step in and prevent further conflict.
The U.S. has so far sent $30 billion worth of military equipment to Ukraine, according to the Department of Defense; however, Ukraine has asked for additional support.
“I do not think Russian aggression is done,” Bauman said. “If they are successful in Ukraine, I think that that’s certainly a jumping off point for them to continue their expansion further into Eastern Europe.”
“A hundred years from now, when they are looking at 2023, this is one of the major events that they’ll be studying, because this is definitely a point of no return."
Dr. Sophia Wilson, professorTyulyaev Tyulyaev
Recently, Adriano Robins, senior, learned he was once again nominated for the Best Lead Actor award for the St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards (SLHSMTA).
Put on by The Fabulous Fox, The Muny and Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, SLHSMTA is a regional chapter of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards), which recognizes high school theater companies and their actors for their outstanding theater accomplishments.
The awards ceremony will be held tonight.
“A bunch of schools get recognized for their theater achievement,” Robins said. “There’s Outstanding Production, Best Lead Actress and Actor, which is what I’m nominated for, Best Supporting, and a ton of other awards.”
The winners of Best Actor and Best Actress will get to go to the Jimmy Awards in New York and compete against other students who won their regional awards.
Robins is the only MHS student nominated this year, along with a choreography award recognizing Kyle and Victoria Rudolph, who are both MHS graduates.
“It was truly an honor because it just made me feel like we’re getting on the map with theaters around St. Louis," Robins said.
Robins won the Best Lead Actor award last year.
“Last year I was just riding the high of being seen and having people like my performance,” Robins said. “This year I definitely feel more grounded and focused, thinking about what I can do to prepare again.”
Robins will attend the Ithaca College theater program, looking forward to further his theater career.
Rebecca Blindauer, theater teacher, said she expected Robins would be nominated again this year.
“I think there was maybe, at least on my part, some expectation that he might get nominated again, but I also knew that he was nominated last year, so we weren’t sure and it’s really super cool,” Blindauer said.
Blindauer praises Robins not only for his talent but for who he is as a person.
“He’s crazy good at what he does, and it makes me feel even better that he’s a really great person too," Blindauer said.
Isa Oliver, senior, said she views Robins as both a role model and a friend.
Oliver said Robins is memorable not only due to his talent but also the way he carries himself on and off the stage.
“Not only is he a great singer and actor, but I think the way he carries himself and the confidence he has onstage is pretty unmatched,” Oliver said. “He has a kind of charisma that I think a lot of people are drawn to, and I think that translates onto the stage, which makes his performances very notable.”
1. Adriano Robins, senior, belts out "Morning Glow" during the MTC production of "Pippin," alongside the ensemble. Robins starred as the lead male role, Pippin, and has starred in other MTC productions such as this year's play "Clue" and last year's musical "Legally Blonde."
2. Sophia Chirco, freshman, and Adriano Robins, senior, face the audience during "Pippin." Chirco and Robins went on to sing the duet "No Time At All" with the ensemble accompanying them in the background.
3. Adriano Robins, senior, and Stephan Bosnjak, sophomore, rehearse last year's spring play "Puffs." Robins and Bosnjak danced alongside many of their crew members in preparation for opening night.
When you pull up to Ballwin Sno-Cone, located at 151 Ries Road, a camp fire illuminates the area and the sound of music blares as kids run around to play arcade games. Ballwin Sno-Cone isn’t just a dessert place, but rather a place that hosts live music and events, like movie nights. Ballwin Sno-Cone has multiple snow cone flavors for a low price, including specialty flavors that include extras like ice cream. Also, Ballwin Sno-Cone offers other foods like hotdogs, chicken strips and funnel cake. Overall, the welcoming atmosphere and variety of menu items makes Ballwin Sno-Cone a must-visit this summer.
R&M Tropical Sno, a small stand-alone shack, serves snow cones with a variety of flavors ranging from Blue Razz to Creamsicle. There are picnic tables along the front, and when you order, you have the option to pay a quarter for a snowball or $1 for five that you can throw at your friends or family. The creamsicle flavor was good with an immaculate flavor that matched that of a real creamsicle pop, and for $3 for a small it wasn’t priced badly. And the customer service was great.
Kiraboos Shaved Ice can be conveniently accessed by people who live in Ballwin, Ellisville or Chesterfield. Kiraboos offers many outdoor seating options, along with great customer service. The menu offers a plethora of flavor options — they have everything from Honeydew to Wedding Cake. However, the two flavors that we tried, Black Cherry and Pina Colada, tasted quite artificial. Furthermore, the consistency of the ice is almost too thin, causing the snowcone to melt very quickly.
Messenger staff reviews local snow cone stands in preperation for summer.Photographs by Liza Cooper and Jacob Robinson
“The best thing is that I have a lot of freedom. It’s less work and more relaxing. I have a lot more time.”
“If I have a job, I can make money, but I don’t have any serious bills I need to pay except car stuff. It’s nice, because if I was an adult, I’d have to pay rent and other things.”
“The best thing about my age is trying to figure stuff out. Because as of right now, I know where I’m headed — but there’s still a lot of options available for me.”
Texas legislators in the House recently voted to pass Senate Bill 17, a bill that requires the state’s public universities to cease operation of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, initiatives and offices. With a 83-62 vote, the bill eliminates a university’s ability to accommodate the needs of their diverse populations and promote inclusive and healthy environments.
This is a grave mistake.
The proponents of the bill, namely Rep. John Kuempel, R-Seguin and Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, wrongfully believe that DEI offices in schools are “politically charged” and emphasize equity over merit.
These reasons reflect the general aversion toward DEI efforts. Even in RSD, there has been a constant tug of war with DEI between the interests of students and the community.
“I would say freedom. I can drive, but I also don’t have that much responsibility.”
Within the past year, the RSD Board of Education (BOE) cut contracts of SistaKeeper Empowerment Center, the L.O.V.E. Project and leadership programs conducted by Tony Thompson Inc. These programs were tailored primarily for Black students and were considered a means of achieving equity within the district.
The mere mention of anything race related within the curriculum causes a frenzy among the community. On top of that, the resignation of former executive
“The best thing is that I still feel good. I can still move and my students keep me young. I don’t know if that’s because I’m 49 or if it’s because I work in a high school, but I feel young.”
director of student services Dr. Terry Harris due to challenges among the community showcases the cynicism towards DEI.
However, as students of MHS, a diverse public school with an active DEI committee, we witness the importance of DEI work firsthand.
Many successful programming included the Festival of Nations and murals that reinforce MHS values. As students, we feel that the DEI committee’s work has made our school feel more interconnected. Promoting diversity isn’t meant to be threatening simply because every single person is diverse. Diversity doesn’t necessarily refer to race, ethnicity or cultural backgrounds. The word is all-encompassing. Age. Social class. Genders. Sexual orientations. Religious or moral systems. Physical ability.
Each individual is a culmination of their identity and experiences. The push for diversity is meant to be uplifting, not threatening.
DEI work arises out of the motivation to make all feel comfortable within their place of work. Encouraging unique perspectives and open dialogue is a facet of the DEI mission.
At MHS, our diversity is our secret weapon. If more students ally with the DEI cause through DEI community initiatives, then we can make substantial progress within our own school.
The war is convoluted, but with more support for DEI, we can achieve more unity and inclusivity.
It’s freshman year. I’m sitting in biology class, tapping my pencil impatiently on the desk. Glancing over at the clock, I make a mental note that I have 30 minutes left in the class. I turn back towards my teacher, who is explaining Watson and Crick’s model of DNA. I glance back at the clock. Twenty-nine minutes.
It’s sophomore year. I’m at home, listening to my teacher explaining Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison over Zoom. I look at the analog clock sitting on my office desk. 9:45 a.m. I pick up “Song of Solomon” and reread the passage my teacher is talking about. Look back at the clock. 9:48 a.m.
It’s junior year. I’m at the first home football game of the season, screaming at the top of my lungs with my friends because we scored a touchdown. I am hungry and wonder when the game will be over. I glance at the time on my phone. It’s 7:45 p.m. But special teams is coming out onto the field for another kickoff, so I forget about my hunger.
Now, it’s senior year. I am so busy. I am spending time with my friends on the weekend, reading my 2,000 page history textbook and figuring out summer plans. I am so busy, but the thing I want most is for time to freeze.
If there is one thing I truly regret doing in the past couple of years, it’s wishing time away.
During freshman and sophomore years, I only wanted to be older. Older people have their lives figured out and acne-free skin. Older people don’t have to read Toni Morrison and analyze the metaphors.
Wishing away time was something I enjoyed doing. I loved thinking about what dress I would wear to Graduation or the look on my parents’ faces when I showed them my diploma.
I spent so much valuable time during the beginning of high school thinking about the future instead of actively experiencing the present. I don’t remember the color of my first Homecoming date’s tie or the grade I got on my first Spanish vocabulary test –random things that make up a high school experience.
But now, I wish I had paid more attention and stopped looking at the clock. High school is a time of growth, opportunity and freedom. At no other stage of my life will I be able to learn about forensic science and then go to a coffee shop after school with my friends I’ve known since kindergarten and pay with my mom’s credit card. Who would want to wish that away?
A large part of the reason I changed
Recently, Montana lawmakers signed a bill into action that would ban the popular social media app TikTok starting in 2024. TikTok sued the state of Montana on Monday, May 22, citing an infringement on the First Amendment.
One of the things my friends and I like to do to preserve our high school memories is take pictures with small digital cameras, disposable cameras or camcorders. I used my digital camera during fun events like Wacky Olympics and football games, but also during other times where I just wanted to capture everyday moments.
my mind was the onset of COVID-19. The time I had to spend alone, away from people and places I previously had taken for granted, made me reconsider the true importance of savoring my high school experience.
I hate cheesy texting abbreviations, but YOLO is now a moniker I swear by. You only live once and wishing time away is a waste of time in itself. This change of mindset has enabled me to feel at ease with my current self and situation without wishing for something greater.
Even though I didn’t realize it before, I now know one of the greatest pleasures in life is experiencing the present and living in the moment.
Recently, videos of AI generated songs being “covered” by artists who have never sang them have been going viral.
In short, AI bots are able to produce tracks of artists singing songs they have never sang, and the results are scarily accurate.
This development in music technology has sparked conversation about the future of music.
Will pop stars be replaced by AI bots? Will anyone actually have to sing their music?
While this AI technology is impressive, the music industry and our beloved pop stars will undoubtedly remain stable for a very long time.
One of the most amazing parts of music is the ability for people to connect to it emotionally. If robots write and produce all songs, that emotion in music that so many people are drawn to will disappear completely and many people’s reasons for listening to music will no longer exist.
AI-generated music also cuts off the ability to introduce new artists. Plenty of people enjoy exploring new artists and bands. Because AI can only replicate a limited number of voices, the music industry could no longer push new artists, thus making a large dent in the industry’s profit.
Arguably the biggest reason against AI is it could never fully replace real musicians in live events. For a lot of people, the best part of listening to an artist is getting to go to their concerts and see them perform live.
If real people were no longer writing, producing and singing their songs, concerts would go extinct. The emotional connection between artists and an audience cannot be replicated by a robot.
While AI will most likely be used to create new melodies and beats, we don’t have to worry about robots replacing our favorite musicians any time soon.
While I do agree that banning TikTok could have negative consequences, states should have the right to ban the app, especially when it concerns national security. It sets a precedent to pass new and stronger laws against cyber attacks. TikTok, in particular, has evidence of releasing personal information from average citizens. In a leaked audio of a meeting, China-based TikTok employees have repeatedly said that they have been accessing this data. Aside from security concerns, TikTok was fined for illegally processing the data of 1.4 million children under 13 without parental consent. With all its potential to harm in mind, there should be action taken that protects the data of citizens. While banning the app may seem abrupt to many, states do have the right to take action when it threatens the security of their citizens.
Rumored TikTok bans have been in circulation since the Trump administration and the beginning of quarantine. They all have one thing in common: impracticality. Realistically, there isn’t a feasible way to impose bans like these, unless states are administering the devices themselves or are in control of the devices’ settings. The driving force behind these bans is security concerns toward the Chinese government and its access to information about users in other countries. However, when users sign up for any social media, regardless of its origin, they sign an agreement to share certain information with the company behind the screen. Not only is it of the users’ discretion where and when they share their information through social media, but it is also a freedom we relish in the age of technology we live in.
If there is one thing I truly regret doing in the past couple of years, it’s wishing time away.Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter performs at the Factory on Sunday, April 30. While AI could replicate Carpenter’s voice, her stage presence and connection with fans cannot be replaced with a robot. Photograph by Cassie Sun Photograph by Liza Cooper
When Brigg Ernstrom, senior, started throwing javelin during his sophomore year track season, he said he never predicted breaking a school record two years later.
There was a record set last year of 43.89 meters, and Ernstrom threw for 49.87 meters at Sectionals on Saturday, May 20, at Poplar Bluff High School, setting the new school record.
“I wasn’t expecting to break the record so early in the season,” Ernstrom said. “That was definitely not my goal coming into this season.”
Ernstrom said he never thought he would enjoy javelin as much as he does now. When he started two years ago, he was having a lot of fun with it, so he decided to keep with it and work on improving each season.
“Breaking this record makes me want to throw
even further than that for the rest of the season,” Ernstrom said.
Ernstrom is currently placed ninth in the state for javelin, and to help Ernstrom get better this season, his teammate Nate McKay, senior, critiques his throws before going into any meets.
“He just really helped me get better,” Ernstrom said.
McKay said Ernstrom has soared this season after taking his corrections about the little stuff, and it makes him happy to see him so successful.
“I’m super proud of him,” McKay said. “I hope I get to join him at State so we can go together and continue doing well.”
Matt Nienhaus, track and field coach, said he was pleasantly surprised with how quickly Ernstrom became so successful in javelin.
Javelin is a combination of natural ability and hard work, and Nienhaus said Ernstrom has the perfect mix of both.
“Brigg is committed to success,” Nienhaus said. “He is the type of athlete that would probably just keep going if we didn’t shut him down.”
Nienhaus said he is thrilled for Ernstrom, and he believes he can be successful at State this Friday and Saturday.
“However, we make no assumptions,” Nienhaus said. “We will continue to tweak things to find that next best throw.”
By remaining undefeated in their Conference matches and placing second at Districts, the boys golf team not only qualified for State, but came home with a fifth place trophy.
The golf team traveled to Bolivar, Missouri, to play in the State Championship Golf Tournament at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club on Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 16.
Connor Hopwood, senior, played at State for the first time and said he is proud of the team for pushing through heavy wind and rain on the first day and placing in the top five.
“The weather was unfortunate,” Hopwood said. “But, I still feel like I hit the ball extremely well.”
The par for the course was 72, and Hopwood shot a 77 on the first day and a 75 on the second day. He said while those scores are not his best, he still feels like he played well for the team.
“Being with this group of guys is just so fun,” Hopwood said. “We get to talk to each other on the course and create strong bonds.”
Eric Schweain, head coach, said Hopwood and the other seniors were phenomenal players and role models for the team this season.
Going into this season, Schweain put his players into a competition with each other early on to prepare for the big tournaments like Districts and State, and he said it proved to work well for the boys.
“I have so much respect for them because they were competing against each other,” Schweain said. “But, they were also helping each other which shows the true nature of golf.”
Schweain said the main reason for success this year is simply the player’s talents. He said there has been a strong cycle of golf players over the years and that has shaped the golf program to be as strong as it is today.
“The players are dedicated to golf,” Schweain said. “As a coach, I benefit from these young men that put so much into their craft.”
Thomas Shuert, sophomore, practiced on his own at Meadowbrook Country Club throughout the season to prepare for his first time at State.
Shuert said he did not play his personal best at State, but he is proud of himself for just making it there.
“I already have a goal for next year to play better at State,” Shuert said. “I have something to look forward to.”
“Breaking this record makes me want to throw even further than that for the rest of the season.”
Brigg Ermstrom, senior
Gathering in the Lifetime Fitness parking lot at 7:45 a.m., a herd of seniors on bikes, golf carts and even mowers prepared for the Tour de Clarkson, the annual tradition of seniors taking alternative wheels to school.
Ellot Barkofske, senior, joined the group with a bike, excited to participate in another senior activity.
“It’s a long time tradition and I wanted to do it with my friends,” Barkofske said. “I thought it would be fun and it’s just another thing to add to the end of the year festivities.”
The herd went with a police escort down Clarkson Road from Lifetime Fitness through the entrance of MHS, around the track and into the parking lot.
“I’m sure it looked funny when there’s 50 bikes on Clarkson following a police escort,” Barkofske said.
Sam Stremlau, Senior Class president, planned the tour with Chase Heeb, senior. He sent an email to Chesterfield police and talked to the School Resource Officer in advance.
“Just seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and knowing that this is basically the last hoorah was my favorite,” Stremlau said
Stang Gang announced on Instagram the criteria for rides, telling everyone to bring anything non-traditional including bikes.
School Resource Officer Steve Aspinall led the group safely to MHS.
“I made sure the intersections were shut down at Kehrs Mill and Clarkson Valley so we could get the kids through safely,” Officer Aspinall said.
The officers gathered the seniors and set ground rules, which included staying in the lanes and between police cars for safety.
“Everyone was safe. No one was injured and that’s all we want,” Officer Aspinall said.
John Winka, senior, said the experience was enjoyable.
“Everybody helped out. If you didn’t have air in your tires, they would give you air. The police were very helpful and they escorted us,” Winka said. “It was just fun to have a big group of people riding bikes to school.”
Seniors ride down Clarkson Road on the annual Tour de Clarkson, celebrating senior year. With a police escort, about 50 students rode bikes, golf carts and mowers to school. Photograph by Geoff Cooper
Sam Stremlau, senior, parked his bike in his usual parking spot at the start of the school day. Stremlau said it was a good way to close out the year while having some fun with his class. Photograph
“I’m sure it looked funny when there’s 50 bikes on Clarkson following a police escort.”
Elott Barkofske, senior
Although the girls water polo team made it to State, they lost to Ladue with a score of 6-4, placing second.
“We were expected to win the game,” Sydney Barkley, junior, said. “I wouldn’t say we were cocky, but we definitely felt like we had to prove ourselves.”
This was the second year the team has placed second at State, and Barkley said she was excited to return to State
for the third time.
Olivia Bryzski, freshman, describes the game being, “highly emotional.”
Despite it being her first year on the team, Bryzski recalls her teammates, “bottling up their emotions,” in order to take home the State Championship Title.
Bryzski said the team has gained confidence and learned to work better together, which led to their successes later in the season.
“A lot of it is just mental.
We’ve had a better attitude going into the recent games,” Bryzski said.
Bryzski is already brainstorming strategies to come out on top next year
“I see so much talent in my teammates,” she said. “We strive to work together, rather than focusing on players that stand out more than others.”
Claire Maniscalo, head coach, implemented more play time in the pool and pushed for a hard work ethic among the team this year.
The changes landed them first place
at District Semifinals.
“We didn’t expect to win,” she said. “Especially considering we were going up against larger teams such as Ladue.”
Maniscalo described the team’s success leading up to the State Championships to be surreal.
“This year they started a fire in them,” she said. “And they won’t stop until they win.”
Additional reporting by Claire Lowder and Annabelle Miller.
Shooting the yellow ball past the goalie’s outstretched arms, Nico Case, senior, had no idea he had just broken the school record for most goals scored in one water polo game, raising the previous record of 12 by one goal.
While the record had been matched multiple times in past years, Case was the first to beat the 2003 record during a game against John Burroughs on Wednesday, April 19.
“I was not expecting it,” Case said. “Especially two years ago or last year, I would not expect that many goals.”
The highest number of goals Case had scored in one game had previously been seven, so once he hit nine goals during the Burroughs game, he thought he might have a chance to break the record.
Case has been playing since eighth grade after seeing his brothers play, and said he has been able to improve his game by getting stronger and faster.
Case said he felt he not only got better throughout the season but the team also improved along the way.
“There’s a period of adjustment where you have to get to know the new team, learn how each of the players play, know our weaknesses and our strengths and build upon that,” Case said.
Though Case won’t be returning for another season at MHS as he is graduating, he plans to coach club water polo and is considering playing on a recreation team in college if he gets the chance.
Claire Maniscalo, head coach, said that in her four years of coaching, she has never seen a player get close to breaking that record.
“Thirteen goals in a game is pretty impressive,” Maniscalo said. “So it was really neat.”
Case has been playing for Maniscalo since his freshman year, and she has seen his growth as a player, especially with him taking on the role of captain
“This year he had to take a closer look at not just himself, but his impact on the entire team,” Maniscalo said. “So, it wasn’t just a focus on him getting better. He was a lot more focused on making sure that his entire team grew with him.”
Roni Rozenblit, senior, has been teammates with Case since elementary school in club swimming and has been on the MHS swim and water polo teams with him since freshman year.
Rozenblit said Case definitely showed potential early on in the year to break the record.
“He is a very skilled player,” Rozenblit said. “If anyone was going to do it, it was going to be him.”
Rozenblit couldn’t play during the Johns Burroughs games, which gave Case the opportunity to break the record.
Rozenblit said he will miss not being Case’s teammate
“It’ll be different, but I enjoyed the time we had,” Rozenblit said.
