19-20 Marquette Messenger: Issue 4 by Marquette Messenger

the

MESSENGER

n. IV

VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE IV | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | DECEMBER 2019

Searching for answers See pg. 8-9

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Feeling Lucky

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

Disney fans can now have access to 7,000 episodes of shows and 500 movies through Disney +.

MACC changes Turnabout to Winter Dance in hopes of higher attendance.

The boys basketball team reflects on the start of the season with younger players.

Winter Dance

16basketball The girls wrestling team grows in numbers while losing the original members.

wrapping

ONLINE Visit our website to view more stories and MHSNews: marquettemessenger.com

The American Cricket Academy taught students a new sport in this MHSNews video.

With the spirits of the holiday season in the air, the Messenger shares alternative ways of gift wrapping.

Students learned about German culture on the Wanderbus. MHSNews challenged a student and a teacher to a typing competition.

frozen dessert

Students working at different frozen dessert places share their experiences.

wrestling

OUR POLICY 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

SNAPCHAT @MHS MESSENGER

takes responses for any issue. Send these in at mhsmessenger@rsdmo. org. The Messenger reserves the right to edit submitted material and to refuse to print material because of space limitations, repetitive subject matter, libelous content or any other reason the editor in chief and adviser deems appropriate, including advertisements and letters to the editor.

INSTAGRAM @YOURMHSNEWS

FACEBOOK @MARQUETTEMESSENGER

YOUTUBE @MHSNEWSPRODUCTIONS

TWITTER @YOURMHSNEWS

EDITORS’ NOTE As we are wrapping our gifts for the upcoming holidays, we are wrapping up our last issue of the semester, the year and even the decade. In this issue we ponder re-evaluation: of sexual education, finals, academic dishonesty and even gift wrapping. Just as we munch on holly cookies and complete our final, refocusing by looking to other publications to improve and to set goals for ours, let’s look into ourselves and do the same. Grow through inner reflection, find what you wanted to do this semester but didn’t, switch up your routine if it’s not working or lean into it if it is. Don’t make temporary changes like New Year’s resolutions. Be your authentic self. As seniors heading into our last semester of high school, we find it is important to not be regretful of

our experiences. So don’t wait. Talk to that person you wanted to talk to this semester but didn’t, try something new during Flex Time, join someone new at the lunch table. Click reset, not because it’s a new year and you want to be a new you, in fact forget the calendar. Reset this second because, as we know, a blank page can be one of the most intimidating yet wonderfully demanding things we can be faced with. Think self-awareness, not change because we don’t mean reinvention, but trusting your instinct, embracing impulse—choosing authenticity. This semester has been full of success. The football team made history. Our community came together for Jennifer Shipp, language arts teacher, as she battles cancer. And we, the Messenger, won first place in Best of Show at the National Scholastic Press Association

conference. Goal setting and reflection are at the core of keeping this momentum into the second semester and the rest of our lives. It is never too late to strategize for improvement. In newspaper, we decided not to wait for the blank page a new semester hands us to change our approach to leading, we are tearing one for ourselves. We are starting now and so should you. Unlike most things that are done in Room 226, self-examination and conscious living have no deadline, yet they are not worth putting off. Cheers, Marta and Kavya Editors in Chief

issue IV

NEWS

AT A GLANCE Missouri state law mandates the teaching of HIV education but not explicit sex education, which parents can choose to opt out of. Information from Guttmacher Institution

18 Izabel Cockrum, junior, leads a discussion with students on their experiences with sex education in the RSD. Laura Dorris, junior, and Ryan Kelley, senior, listen. Photograph by Zara Tola

states and Washington D.C. require that when sex education is taught, information on contraception be provided. Information from Kaiser Family Foundation

Petition calls for sex education revisions zara TOLA

Cockrum said their main focus is on RSD schools, but they would like to try STUDENTS FROM ALL OF THE RSD and tackle policies made by the state high schools are working together to that prevent all-inclusive sex education. change the sex education curriculum in “If we are forced to change Missouthe health classes to be less focused on ri’s laws rather than just change Rockabstinence. wood’s policies, then that’s what we’ll Izabel Cockrum, junior, has been do,” Cockrum said. “As for right now, leading a sex education petition at MHS we’re really focusing on Rockwood and in hopes of convincing RSD that chang- getting as much support as we can from es need to be students and made in health faculty.” classes. Through Katherine Programs that promote the petition, Greenstein, abstinence as the only option which has been senior at LHS, have been found to be circulating for is an intern for ineffective in delaying sexual the National a month. Cockinitiation while programs that Abortion Rights rum said she hopes to change combine a focus on delaying Action League health classes (NARAL), a prosexual activity with other so students can choice organizacontent are effective. benefit from tion that is helpbeing informed ing the students Information from United Nations about what sex is to try to make Educational, Scientific and Cultural and what kinds changes to sex Organization’s 2018 study of contraception education in RSD. are available to Greenstein said it avoid pregnancy. was there she got “We just want to make Rockwood the help she needed to bring the sex schools not just have abstinence-only education petition to all four RSD high sex education,” Cockrum said. schools and to start the conversation Through social media and by wordinto student’s right to sex education. of-mouth, Cockrum said she hopes the “The Rockwood sex education curpetition will gain momentum and enact riculum failed to give me an education the changes she and other students I was satisfied with,” Greenstein said. want in sex education. The petition is “Someone in the office had mentioned offered in online and paper versions, so wanting me to engage young people in as of right now, the number of signees a discussion surrounding reproductive is unavailable as they are still in the justice and I knew that sex education midst of counting them. As of right was what I wanted to tackle.” now, Cockrum is hosting meetings at As of right now, Greenstein is hostMHS to start conversations on stuing meetings at LHS to gain student dents’ personal experiences with sex perspective on what is wrong with the education and what they think should sex education curriculum and how they be changed. can change it. “It’s just important that we have Greenstein said the fact that Misthat strength in numbers,” Cockrum souri has minimal sex education laws said. “Especially because we are so means the faculty member who is young, we are not necessarily given the teaching gets to decide what they want respect that I think we are worthy of.” or don’t want to teach. She also said

The next Board of Education (BOE) meeting is Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Rockwood Annex in Eureka.

the curriculum of sex education is not inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. “The school is supposed to teach us the important things and prepare us for after high school. Right now, it’s not doing that,” Greenstein said. Patrick Fine, content facilitator for RSD, said a committee is currently reviewing the health education curriculum. “Missouri law mandates abstinence education and any information given to students is medically and factually accurate,” Fine said. “We are currently reviewing our 6-12 grade health curriculum. We are moving to a skills-based approach.” Fine said health classes must follow the guidelines of Missouri House Bill 501, which regulates that schools must stress abstinence in their curriculum, but also teach about contraception and STDs. Otherwise, it is up to the board of the school district as to what other topics are taught in class. Parents also must be informed of what is taught and can opt students out of sex education if they choose. Joe Schoedel, health teacher, teaches the most health classes at MHS. Schoedel said past students may not have gotten in-depth education, but the health education classes have changed this year to give students detailed sex education. “It’s definitely a sticky subject that many teachers don’t want to talk about,” Schoedel said. “We have addressed inconsistency at MHS.” Regarding his personal practice of teaching, Schoedel makes sure to thoroughly teach the subject in the disease prevention unit, including types of contraception and all of the details regarding STD and STI prevention. Schoedel said he wants to make sure every student gets a quality education, and he is open to discussing concerns students have over the way sex education is being taught now.

Board of Education (BOE) President Loralee Mondl and Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles discuss agenda at the BOE meeting Oct. 3. Photograph by Mansi Mamidi

First semester ends Friday, Dec. 20.

DECEMBER 20 Second semester schedule changes must be made by 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Visit your counselor to make changes.

Photograph by Connor Karst

Second semester starts Monday, Jan. 6.

JANUARY 6

dec. 2019

NEWS

MACC changes Turnabout to Winter Dance mansi MAMIDI THIS YEAR THE WINTER DANCE IS set for Feb. 8, but with one key change: the name. Previously named Turnabout, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now called Winter Dance. As usual, Marquette Academic & Cultural Club (MACC) will plan the Feb. 8 school dance. Sophomore Principal Carl Hudson, MACC adviser, said the dance itself is a fairly new addition to MHS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students in the Class of 2014 expressed interest in having a winter dance,â&#x20AC;? Hudson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At that point, a winter dance hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been happening for years. But because they were interested, we instituted it again, and the name just sort of came and stuck.â&#x20AC;? Hudson said students came to him over the years and said they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend the dance because the name implied they needed to bring a person of the opposite gender or that they needed a date in the first place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If all we needed to do was change the name to have more people feel welcome and eager to participate, then thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy fix,â&#x20AC;? Hudson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had girls tell me how their friends didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come because they felt they needed to invite a boy, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not the case.â&#x20AC;? Hudson said there doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a difference between the ideas of Winter Dance, Homecoming and Prom. He said the dance is for people to come and have a good time, with or without a date.

Hudson also said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called Winter Dance, as opposed to Winter Formal, because he wants to dispel the notion that this is an overly formal dance and to make it more casual. Junior Issaka Thomas, secretary of MACC, said the name change came about this year because of internal changes already being made. The previous board members were all seniors, Thomas said, so when this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board came together, they discussed the name change based on what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d heard around school along with Hudson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dance usually takes place in the winter time, so the change made sense,â&#x20AC;? Thomas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And while girls can certainly ask guys to the dance, the interpretation of the previous name isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t what the dance should be centered around.â&#x20AC;? Kate Pogue, senior, said the name change is good because of the previous nameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s implications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Turnabout really lacked inclusion,â&#x20AC;? Pogue said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It left out people who might not want to take someone of the opposite gender and reinforced the idea that girls canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask guys unless thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a specific reason or event that calls for it.â&#x20AC;? Pogue said she knows the sentiments behind the name were good, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re outdated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was probably meant to empower women to reverse traditional roles, but at this point it makes it seem like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not okay for that to happen,â&#x20AC;? Pogue said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So the change makes the dance

Members of Marquette Academic and Cultural Club (MACC) design posters about leadership skills to be posted around the school Thursday, Dec. 5. Jordyn Williams, senior, president of MACC, leads the club meeting. MACC promotes inclusion and addresses adversity in the community which is why they are leading the name change of the Winter Dance to be inclusive to all. Photographs by Tanner Rojewski

more open and welcoming.â&#x20AC;? However, Pogue said she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if the name change will increase attendance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Upperclassmen already know that not a lot of people go,â&#x20AC;? Pogue said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll change with the under-

classmen, but it could take time.â&#x20AC;? The theme of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance is Winter Wonderland. Giveaways for Homecoming and Prom tickets will be held during the dance. The price and date of ticket sales will be finalized in January.

District discusses potential to final exams First Semester Finalchanges Exam Schedule lauren PICKETT

TEACHERS GATHERED MONDAY, Dec. 2, to watch a video regarding upcoming discussions for potential final exam changes for the 2020-2021 school year. The content of a traditional final exam, constructed with multiple choice and written portions and administered on a certain half day by a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class hour, is now up for debate. Academic departments have started discussions to propose changes to their exams, including the possibility of eliminating a semester final exam. Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said during the two Early Dismissal Days in January and February, high school teachers and a curriculum coordinator will reach a consensus about the content, structure and weight of each courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final. Dr. Hankins said some classes already implement finals alternative to traditional multiple choice and written portions, but these upcoming discussions will allow all departments to review and revise their finals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening up the door for curriculum to really talk about what makes the most sense for them to accurately assess their course,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Hankins said. There may be courses where a traditional final will remain most ef-

Modified A Day 7 - 1:17-3:17

. 19

1 - 8:28-10:28 0 - 7:20-8:22 0 - 7:20-8:22 2 - 10:38-12:38 3 - 8:28-10:28 5 - 8:28-10:28 4 - 10:38-12:38 6 - 10:38-12:38

fective, but the models of universities will be considered as some assessments are more unique based on the course content. For example, math courses may still administer a traditional final exam, while a food and culinary class may use a project-based approach, so students may demonstrate their knowledge effectively. Dr. Hankins said offering a variety of assessments can only benefit students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to college, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to continue your education, whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the workforce, military or a trade school,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Hankins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue to learn and evolve in order to be successful, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different on whatever path you take.â&#x20AC;? By the end of a semester, Dr. Hankins said students might have a reduced number of finals or a final that will account for a lower percentage of their grade. He said teachers also will benefit as they will have more freedom to organize and progress their class.

The district will be analyzing data and research on student content retention to determine what will be most beneficial for students and staff, Dr. Hankins said. He said the final exam schedule may change because of the January and February discussions and the later start of the school year following state legislature, where schools must start two weeks after Labor Day, pushing finals two weeks after Winter Break. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully these changes will allow students to prove what they know in a much better way, and it could take some of that stress off,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Hankins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As always, finals will cause stress no matter what, but our main goal is to make sure assessments are really reflective of the content of the course.â&#x20AC;? As for student input, there will be surveys administered after these updates are implemented in 2020-2021. Josh Caruso, junior, said these decisions should be up to teachers as they know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best for their students to show mastery of the course and to retain information.

On Tuesday, first through sixth hours are about 37-minute long classes with lunch during fifth hour. The seventh hour final will occur the last two hours. Infographic by Alayna Higdon and Waha Siddiqui

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finals should be worth a big portion of the grade because you should be able to show what you learned over the year,â&#x20AC;? Caruso said. Science teacher Dr. Cathy Farrar, member of the RSD committee that discussed final exam changes, said finals will still be essential. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to have something to work toward for students,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Farrar said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you take the final out, everything becomes kind of disconnected, and no learning should be disconnected. It should amount to something.â&#x20AC;? Dr. Farrar also said these discussions are necessary as there are still mixed feelings on a range of topics like exemption policy, and different courses in each department may have unique final exam ideas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the moment, there just needs to be a discussion within the faculty at the course level about what they would expect, would like to do or see as something that could be done,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Farrar said.

OPINIONS

issue IV

1/5

SPEAK OUT

HAS YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA USE INFLUENCED YOUR DESIRE TO BE POLITICALLY ACTIVE? HOW SO? “Social media hasn’t necessarily affected me, but now that politicians are using social media, I feel like I’ve been more exposed to politics than I would have about five or six KARIM ELBESHBESHY, years ago.” freshman

One in five American 15 year olds who took the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2018 have the expected reading proficiency of a 10 year old. Photo Illustration by Jackson Estwanick

editorialBOARD IMPROVING LITERACY JACK BERRY,

EVERY THREE YEARS, THE U.S. TAKES PART IN the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tests 15 year olds around the globe on core subjects of reading, math and science. Including 79 countries and economies and representing more than 32 million students, the results of the 2018 test determined that the U.S., while performing adequately, had certain unacceptable results, indicative of necessary changes in our education system. For 18 years, students in the U.S. have not improved in their reading abilities while multiple other countries, such as Germany, Estonia and Portugal have. The lack of progression in education is regression, especially in America where inequities are most clearly visible through the public school system. The lack of improvement in school performance is indicative of the way we have been and are continuing to fail our children. Aside from comparing ourselves to other countries, an admittedly flawed measurement when accounting for our supposedly holistic education system, we are lacking as per our own standards as well. Two-thirds of American children are not proficient readers, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. And this lag isn’t made up for by age. The PISA determined a fifth of American test takers’ scores at age 15 showed they didn’t reach the proficiency of reading abilities expected of a 10 year old, according to Andreas Schleicher, director of education and skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Clearly, our literacy education is flawed from the start and these setbacks follow students through their educational careers. Literacy is vital to becoming a responsible citizen and a knowledgeable consumer of media, especially during times when information is everywhere and can be misconstrued in a matter of minutes. However, our district is working toward improving student literacy and helping those who might be struggling. RSD recently bought access to Learning ALLY and has been using Read 180 for the past three years. Both programs were built to

help those struggling in learning and reading, giving students and educators opportunities to utilize more resources to improve literacy education. The district also addresses the need to help immigrant students achieve literacy in English through programs like Building Bridges. Incentives such as this result in the U.S. having a smaller achievement gap between native-born students and immigrant students than in peer nations, according to the PISA. Clearly, the district efforts are working. This year, according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 61.1 percent of third graders were either proficient or advanced in reading compared to the state average of 48.7 percent. However in the past year our district’s third grade reading proficiency actually decreased more than 6 percent from 67.8 percent in 2018. As a district we are outperforming the state average, but this recent decrease in scores calls our methods into question and highlights the need for change. While we appreciate the district’s attempts to improve literacy, there is more we can do. Reading should be a larger part of every curriculum. Even in STEM classes, rather than being tied to the chapters of information in a textbook, we should incorporate real-life works from legitimate authors. We should focus our curriculum on learning from reading to expand the applications of our subject matter and move away from memorization to score points on a test. Reading should be a part of every subject, just as it is in the real world. Social studies classes like Psychology could read “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” Health classes could integrate a large arrange of nonfiction literature, which would engage students more and further help them retain the information learned. Even math classes like Statistics could incorporate “Outliers,” which is already part of the AP Language and Composition curriculum. The opportunities are endless and yet we are missing out on them. There is so much room to grow and expand when it comes to literacy. Why are we limiting reading to only language arts if in reality it belongs in every subject?

sophomore

CADEN BERRY,

junior

TESSA KREIKEMEIER,

senior

KELSEY SMITH,

spanish teacher

“For me on social media, I don’t really post my political views, but I do have social media. I feel like posting your views on social media won’t get your opinion out because not a lot of people will see it.” “My social media use has done the exact opposite. It has completely made me kind of neutral toward politics. I have my opinions and all that but I see how angry and passionate everyone gets and it’s not really my style.” “It didn’t really affect me when I was a freshman, but as I’ve gotten older, I feel like there are a lot more controversial topics that relate to me more. So I think social media has definitely encouraged me to be more politically active.” “As a teacher, I have to be politically unbiased, and I can’t express my views one way or another. I don’t feel it is right to post politically sensitive subjects because I don’t want the wrong idea perceived of me.”

dec. 2019

OPINIONS

6 The Messenger surveyed 240 students about holiday traditions: 54.6

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Christmas is not celebrated too early

percent said businesses should wait until molly SILLITTO after Thanksgiving WHEN HALLOWEEN COMES TO AN END AND skeletons and pumpkins are put away, a new jingle to start arises in the distance. Jingle bells. advertising for Every Nov. 1, Christmas lights are thrown onto Christmas. roofs and jolly music is blasted on local radio stations.

Minted, an online marketplace company, surveyed 2,000 Americans and found that 3 in 10 subjects had no problem with seeing holiday decorations in stores before Thanksgiving or even Halloween. With good harvest in the fall of 1621, William Bradford documented that the pilgrims of Plymouth planned to have a feast with all of their harvests to give thanks for the surplus of food. Joined by the natives, who had helped the pilgrims in hunting, fishing and gathering, it was the peaceful encounter will ROACH of thanks that created the concept of two cultures coming together. THE TRADITION OF GIVING PRESENTS ON The tradition still holds a place in America every Christmas day is based on a passage from the Bible fourth Thursday of November. (Matthew 2:11) that portrays wise men giving rare The positive outlook of Thanksgiving is the gifts like gold to the newly born Jesus. ideology of a whole day dedicated to being thankful Although there are several different interpretafor friends and family without the stresses of secret tions of how many wise men were present or what santas or gifts for friends. A day simply filled with their real identities were, the celebration of Christchats around the dinner table and pumpkin pie. What mas has expanded to become an overhyped comcould be better! mercial venture of compulsory giving that But Thanksgiving is not a worldwide holiday. harms mental health and takes advantage There are only a few select countries, the United of an innocent holiday. States being the most well-know, that celFor example, Statista, a data collecting 96.3 ebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Even company, found U.S. retail stores generated percent of in the U.S., some Americans disagree more than $3 trillion in 2013. The holiday season brought in 19 percent of those students give or with the concept of Thanksgiving the amount of Native sales. While that may be a heaping receive gifts during considering bloodshed that took place in the helping of consumer indulgence for the winter season, forming of America and therefore business, the toll on said consumers is massive. but only 65.8 percent believe it should not be celebratAccording to a survey by Mind, a observe this tradition ed.Though Thanksgiving is a charity dedicated to researching mental religiously. special holiday and should not be health, 41 percent of consumers reportoverlooked or forgotten in its prime ed falling into debt due to extra spending, time, the Christmas spirit trumps any putting people out of commission during a type of spirit Thanksgiving has to offer time when they should be more worried about and is much more all-around inclusive. spending time with family than trying to attain Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, mistletoe and financial stability. Christmas feasts. The holiday of Christmas is certainMental health issues worsen during the supposedly festive season. From the same Mind survey, they ly a magnificent one with numerous iconic festivities that will take course every year. One simply can’t found 76 percent of people who responded had troubeat the atmosphere of Christmas time. Everyone ble sleeping during the Christmas season, 60 percent smiles a little bit more in the streets as December had panic attacks and 36 percent of people resorted comes around the corner. to self-harm to cope with holiday stress. It is a time for joyous laughter, and though the Most of this stress spawns from the social expecstresses of holiday shopping are enough to give gray tation to give the perfect present during the winter hairs, it is always worth it in the end with the amount season. Thanks to business commercializing Christof good memories created. mas, we have transformed what should be a generous So, let people celebrate Christmas act into a ploy to spend more money. any time they want. ThanksgivGiven these factors, the holiday season may not be worth the stress; however, winter holidays like Ha- ing is a beautiful holiday in many people’s hearts and can be dedinukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa still hold significant cated completely to November. religious and cultural significance. But the Christmas season is Instead of simply getting rid of these holidays, also an important one. Even we should attempt to separate the idea of compulsoScrooge found love in the winry spending associated with this time of year from ter holiday, so let others express religious worship and meaningful time spent with their love for it too. friends and family.

Christmas is far from a perfect holiday

Don’t let #MeToo fade mansi MAMIDI REMEMBER THE #METOO MOVEMENT? That media firestorm depicting powerful man after powerful man being accused of all sorts of heinous behaviour: sexual harassment, pedophilia, rape, sexual assault, etc? Remember that? I ask that question because it seems like we’ve forgotten. In the moment, in those months of 2017, it felt like real change was coming. And more men were being accused, and it felt like something was just meant to come, that fate and karma were going to finally provoke legislation and protections and the world would finally be a better place. And then one year passed…and then another...and now it’s the end of the decade and we’re right back to where we started. In the past week, there have been innumerable articles on the rape and murder of a 27-year-old woman in India and on a rape victim who was set on fire and murdered on the way to her trial to testify, also in India. Protests and riots have broken out, demanding legislators to do something, anything, and to rectify their mistakes in regards to the lack of action the Indian government and courts made in a 2012 gang rape and murder case. But even protestors know there’s little to no hope and that the powerful stay powerful because they maintain that status through the demeaning and dehumanization of others. And America is no different. There was initial outrage for the Ray Rice domestic violence case, with the National Football League (NFL) running commercial after commercial championing nomore.org, an advocacy website to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, for a year until outrage died down. And then the commercials stopped. But players continue to face minimal punishment for domestic violence charges, even into the 2019 season with Tyreek Hill not being punished for child abuse charges and being signed to a multi-million dollar contract for the Kansas City Chiefs. Within the initial outrage at the height of the In India, about 100 #MeToo movement, and sexual assaults a social media fire, we saw a similar pattern, are reported but as the fire died to police daily. down, women were Information from the still speaking but not being entirely heard. National Crime Records The #MeToo moveBureau. ment enabled women to speak out, which is great, but repeat abusers like musician Chris Brown or Indian actor Salman Khan, still participate in media and it’s like the heinous crimes they committed never happened. The Royal Family has helped protect Prince Andrew, who was friends with deceased pedophile Jeffery Epstein, and Poland and France have protected director and pedophile Roman Polanski from U.S. indictment since 1978. Real change and real consequences have only come for some of these criminals, and the only thing to do is share, discuss and point out these issues and cases as they occur, forcing it to the forefront of the media landscape. When governments don’t take action, the people must stand up for what’s right and force those uncomfortable conversations to happen. Until real consequences come, it’ll seem as though the #MeToo movement was just another blip in the system.

Decade Decade

issue IV

FEATURES

Fashion trends

In 19 days, the trends of this decade will become the trends of the 2010s as 2020 begins.

DECADE AT MHS

Some teachers who have been teaching at MHS for the last decade share how the school and community has evolved. austin RICHARD

caroline CUDNEY

“My favorite trend was the Nike elite socks. It was one of the only trends I really participated in, and it was super popular from around fifth to seventh grade.” Caitie Chismarich, senior

AT MHS SINCE 2000

“I really like the Adidas and Vans shoes that became popular recently. They’re comfy and stylish.” Mekhi Taylor, sophomore

STANLEY MINOR,

band teacher

“I think mom jeans are so cute and comfy. I am glad this style has come back in the last couple of years.” Lauren Bartlow, senior

marta MIEZE

Some of the most popular teen TV shows of the 2010s, as by student suggestion.

NAME

“Over the last 10 years, there’ve been a lot of changes in how we view dealing with students and assessing students. With whatever we do here, we want to make sure the students are successful. How we look at that, how we get to that point, those have been a lot of changes over the years.”

AT MHS SINCE 1993 “Our curriculum has been updated and the focus on foreign language or world language curriculum has been a little more conversational, so they’re changing the way we approach teaching.”

Entertainment Phineas and Ferb

iCarly

KIMBERLY HOTZE,

German teacher

DATE OF RELEASE

May 1, 1999

NUMBER OF VIEWS ON MOST WATCHED EPISODE

5.4 million views on “Spongebob, You’re Fired” on Nov. 11, 2013

NETWORK

Nickelodeon

Sept. 8, 2007

11.2 million views on “iSaved Your Life” on Jan. 18, 2010

Oct. 12, 2007

AT MHS SINCE 1993

Aug. 17, 2007

9.8 million views 3.8 million views on “Who Will on “Last Day of Be the Family the Summer” Wizard? Part 2” on June 12, 2015 on Jan. 6, 2012

Disney

PHILIP SCHMIDT,

science teacher

To read more about students’ favorite shows from the decade, visit marquettemessenger.com

Sports Throwback connor DEL CARMEN

2017 Michael Stewart was named head coach of the football team. Stewart led the team to their best finish in school history.

2019

Softball wins their first State title in school history. The team had multiple future Division 1 players.

“In the last decade, the school has really grown in population and maybe not so much in physical space, so it’s a lot more crowded than it used to be. In the last 10 years, the sports teams here have come a long way. I’ve seen, in the last 10 years, a lot of the people I started working with in the building have retired or moved on to other things.”

2012

Noah Kaupila, Class of 2014, wins the State Cross Country meet and runs a course record time of 4:13.57.

2013

Boys basketball has their best season ever led by future Mizzou center Ryan Rosburg. The team finished in fourth place at the State tournament.

IN-DEPTH

dec. 2019

issue IV

IN-DEPTH

Academic dishonesty in Generation Z era The availability of resources on the internet brings intergenerational differences to light in defining cheating

AND

SPEAK OUT HOW DO YOU DEFINE ACADEMIC DISHONESTY?

VIANCA CASTANEDA,

junior

RICK REGINA,

senior principal

AUDREY MCURRAY,

“Cheating on a test and looking through your Apple Watch, and writing down answers on a sheet or notes. I don’t consider asking or looking at other peoples’ answers as academic dishonesty, like homework, because if they don’t understand what the questions are and they really just don’t know how to answer it, then it isn’t academic dishonesty. I don’t think it’s dishonesty with that because it’s just homework. There’s a difference between having it as homework and tests. Tests are just what knowledge is based on like of the subject and homework is just points.” “For me the easiest way to define academic dishonesty is taking credit for work that is not your own. That is a wide variety and very vague definition, but that could include looking at someone else’s answers on a test. There’s a line there where if you’re typing up a research paper and you mess up a citation, in my mind that’s not academic dishonesty, that’s just a mistake and we’ll work through that.”

“If it’s homework or you’re just catching up on something, it’s not academic dishonesty. I feel like that’s just helping each other out, but then when it’s like an assignment that needs to be turned in, a very important assignment, like tests and quizzes then it shouldn’t.”

junior

JESSICA BROWN,

language arts teacher

“Academic dishonesty would be using other people’s work or answers as your own or sharing your work with other people to use as theirs. I think that involves for anything from plagiarizing sources through copying a paper. Anytime you’re coming by answers in a way that is not your own work would be academic dishonesty.”

kavya JAIN

lot of other nuances too,” Dr. Hankins said. Dr. Hankins said another goal of the survey was to determine whether the consequences in place actually deter students from academically dishonest behavior. By collecting feedback from the community on logical consequences, Hankins said the district can evaluate their current practices. “Technology has created new opportunities,” Dr. Hankins said. “With all of the opportunities it creates to do new and different types of assignments, it also opens up the door to provide different ways of cheating.” Using the data from the survey results, Dr. Hankins said the subcommittee will make recommendations on communicating to students what’s expected of them and how they plan on handling academic dishonesty. Dr. Natalie Fallert, coordinator of secondary literacy, speech and K-12 library media, is working with a group in the RLC to

JANVI HURIA, JUNIOR, SAID WHEN WRITING essays, while direct plagiarism may not be common among Gen Z students, using the internet to guide thinking is beneficial and today, unavoidable. Huria said writing while conferring another source or directly copying paragraphs without crediting is unacceptable; however, it isn’t necessary to credit large ideas or structure borrowed from a paper. She said oftentimes one may be implicitly influenced by something they read on the internet without realizing it, and the distinction between fair and unfair can be blurry. “I can just copy and paste an entire prompt and get spontaneous results, and I think that is beneficial in helping generate ideas, but I also think it takes away from some of the creativity and a bit of the struggle that is required to write anything with solidified ideas that you can truly defend,” Huria According to Rockwood said. policy, academic Huria said dishonesty is bringing denying students of their resources answers into a testing would be immorarea, copying homework al and truly preor assessments, venting students from using them providing answers to is impossible. another student, using “Older generations may unauthorized notes or perceive themtechnology or taking selves as having credit for work that one it harder because they didn’t have didn’t do. the resources we have today, but I think as our resources evolve, our curriculums need to evolve so we are still taught to think critically,” Huria said. Huria said if answers are available on the internet, questions aren’t fostering critical thinking and are counterintuitive because the purpose of school is not only to gain a knowledge base but, more importantly, to learn how to think. “If there is a question that can be Googled, then there’s an issue with the question itself,” Huria said. Huria said there is an established culture of not telling when students become aware of academic dishonesty in their classes because of the sense of community students feel with each other. She said while completely plagiarizing is looked down upon, if work is partially borrowed or based off someone else’s, that still isn’t as shameful as being the one to call out another student. On Nov. 8 the administration sent out a survey to all students regarding academic dishonesty. Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said the survey was sent district wide from Rockwood Learning Council (RLC), a group of RSD administrators and teachers, to understand student definitions of academic dishonesty because that is where the conversation begins. “Before it was a lot easier when it was just paper and pencil—bringing in a cheat sheet, that was cheating—but now with technology, there are still cut and Photo Illustration by Jackson Estwanick dry versions of academic dishonesty, but there are a

explore academic dishonesty. Dr. Fallert said aside from determining what punishments would deter students from cheating, the committee hopes to understand what prompts them to do so in the first place. “Are our kids so stressed out that they are resorting to cheating?” Dr. Fallert said. “Or do they truly not know the information? Is it that the assignments are pointless from their perspective and not worth doing?” Dr. Fallert said the survey would help draw a clear line between cheating and not cheating, avoiding generational misunderstandings. “It’s not necessarily about teaching our kids that

this is cheating but also about teaching the adults in the room that maybe that’s not cheating anymore,” Dr. Fallert said. After the committee meets in January to discuss the survey results, Dr. Fallert said students and staff can expect changes in policy, governing rules and procedure, day-to-day practices, to avoid inconsistencies in punishment at different RSD schools. Dr. Fallert said these changes would allow for vertical progression in consequences from middle to high schools and alignment with community views. After reading an article titled “Cultivating Critical Thought in the Gen-Z Culture of Sharing,” Brittany Sharitz, language arts teacher, altered the way she taught “Fahrenheit 451” to illustrate to her students the value of reading a novel rather than relying on online tools such as SparkNotes. Sharitz said she used to attribute the plagiarism and cheating she encountered to the pressure students feel to perform well and succeed. However, after reading the article, Sharitz said her eyes opened to the impact of the internet in establishing a culture of sharing among younger generations that causes them to view ownership in a different way than older generations. Sharitz said this leads to differing definitions of academic dishonesty, and in response, teachers must make their expectations clear. “I think what that means is if older generations want to be clear on what we consider cheating and what we don’t, we just have to make that explicitly clear,” Sharitz said. “Younger generations see this synthesis of products and recreations of items that older generations aren’t used to, and they are also being told that it’s not necessarily wrong.” Sharitz said she and many other teachers have had to become more creative in their assignments to make sure they are getting original ideas from students. She said sometimes this is done by timing assignments so students are unable to access outside resources, or by asking new questions that can’t be found online. Sharitz said the modern student has a heavier workload and, because of this, prioritizing is important. She said if there are assignments that can be completed faster by using outside resources, it is natural for students to turn to those.

AMANDA CAVANAUGH Lincoln-Way East High School English teacher and author of “Cultivating Critical Thought in the Gen-Z Culture of Sharing”

1. WHAT ARE SOME DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF GEN Z AND HOW DO THEY INFLUENCE EDUCATION? “One of the most interesting things I’ve noticed is how Gen Z seems to participate in a cultural capital that their teachers and parents do not. The internet has transformed information into currency and Gen Z deals in information and sharing. Gen Z is also under a lot more pressure than any generation before, in my opinion. Most students believe that without the AP credit, the glowing transcripts, a million extra curriculars, etc. they won’t get into college or get the kind of money they would need to go. And they’re right. It’s way harder to get into college in 2019, and the worst part is that a college education is a given for most jobs, and those jobs are not likely to be very helpful in alleviating the burden of college costs, which are at an absolute breaking point.”

2. HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA SHAPED GEN Z’S RELATIONSHIP WITH LEARNING? “Social media has definitely allowed students quicker and easier ways to get answers, but I don’t see this as a bad thing, necessarily. I remember my high school algebra teacher claiming that it was important for me to do work without a calculator because I “wouldn’t always have one on me.” And Gen Z will probably forever have Google at their fingertips. The goal can’t be for them to memorize or internalize information, but rather how to use these tools effectively to problem solve and think critically.”

3. WHAT TEACHING STRATEGIES HAVE LOST EFFECTIVENESS WITH GEN Z? “If we teach the way we always have and expect our students to forever deliver the same results, we aren’t paying very much attention and we’re assuming it’s our students jobs to adapt to us rather than the other way around. I think anything that, by its nature is ‘busywork’ is ineffective for Gen Z because if they can find it on the internet, it’s not a useful assessment—they’ll find the answer from each other or online.”

4. HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION AND HOW WE DEFINE ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP CHANGING? “I hope that we spend our time teaching students how to find good information rather than how to avoid looking, how to use it appropriately and how to think hard and question it. We need to stop railing against students discovering the answers and instead, show them what to do with them once they find them. I’d like to see high school classrooms transform into places of inquiry and discussion, and that only comes from a good rapport between students and teachers which promotes questioning and mutual respect.”

IN-DEPTH

dec. 2019

issue IV

IN-DEPTH

Academic dishonesty in Generation Z era The availability of resources on the internet brings intergenerational differences to light in defining cheating

AND

SPEAK OUT HOW DO YOU DEFINE ACADEMIC DISHONESTY?

VIANCA CASTANEDA,

junior

RICK REGINA,

senior principal

AUDREY MCURRAY,

junior

JESSICA BROWN,

language arts teacher

kavya JAIN

AMANDA CAVANAUGH Lincoln-Way East High School English teacher and author of “Cultivating Critical Thought in the Gen-Z Culture of Sharing”

FEATURES

dec. 2019

Holiday Dreams gives back to students zara TOLA

Photograph by Katie Schowe

Student Stocker waha SIDDIQUI BRIANNA KOMERACH, FRESHMAN, STOCKS drinks in the morning before school. Komerach said she enjoys helping out the support staff in the morning because it keeps her busy and allows her to work in an educational setting. Komerach got the opportunity because her mother works for child support services within the cafeteria. Komerach was approached by her mother’s boss to potentially take the position, and Komerach said she was interested. She went through the entirety of the interview process any potential employee would have and began work. Komerach said she thinks the job will give her real-life experience.

Check out the full story, along with MHSNews coverage, online.

‘TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING AT MHS. While many students look forward to receiving gifts this season, not every family at MHS has the financial means to get gifts for their students. This year, the community gathered together to make sure that everyone can at least have one “Holiday Dream” come true. The Holiday Dreams program allows anyone in the community to donate money or gift cards for students in need so they can buy anything they want for the holidays. Brenda Casey, social worker, started the Holiday Dreams program at MHS five years ago. Casey said she likes to start the program in October and end it by Thanksgiving break. After that, the card distribution begins. So far this year, the program has distributed 60 $100 gift cards to students in need. “I sent an email out to all of the staff and all of the parents who are on the MHS Parents Association, and I asked them to forward it to any parents they may know, any community members, any churches, anybody just to forward it on,” Casey said. In the future, Casey said she hopes more student organizations will get involved. This year, the baseball team handed in a check for about $500, and in the past, STUCO has sold candy gram to raise money for Holiday Dreams. Shelly Justin, language arts teacher, got her students to raise money for Holiday Dreams by donating loose change, raising $300 in all her classes combined. Freshmen Grace Watters and Rishita Yenumula decided to take this project to their neighborhood and ask their neighbors to donate their change to the program.

“People really need help during this time of year,” Yenumula said. “They need to be in the spirit, and it really helps them to get in the spirit.” By themselves, the girls raised $48 for students in need. Watters was inclined to help because she loves to help others, which she often does through her church. “I just kind of thought of the idea when she [Justin] said it was going to help so many people,” Watters said. “In the past, I’ve done a lot of food drives and soup kitchens.” Lisa Nieder, Activities Office secretary, donated gift cards to the program. Nieder said while she loves giving back during the holidays, people tend to only focus on donating at this time of the year. Nieder said people should make it a regular practice to give back to those who don’t have as much. “Human kindness is something that we should all strive for; you never know when you’re going to have hard times,” Nieder said. “Kindness should happen year round, not just holidays. It’s the season of giving, so we think about it a little more, but we need to think about it all year long.”

Jason Persky Tutor for ACT & other subjects “High success rate helping kids get into their top colleges.” jason.persky@gmail.com 314-229-3999

issue IV

m me r u s

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

december sarah HARRIS

Students working at various frozen custard, ice cream and frozen yogurt spots in St. Louis share what it’s like to work in the winter months.

FROZEN CUSTARD 17.3% CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH 16.5% MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP

Frozen Custard was first created in 1919 when four brothers added egg yolks to their frozen desserts. The egg yolks slowed the melting process creating a creamier product.

ANDY’S 2.2 miles SILKY’S 2.5 miles TED DREWES 19 miles

KY’S L I S

13.7% COOKIES & CREAM 12.9% CHOCOLATE

8.2% VANILLA

ANNIE VILBIG, senior, has been working at

Silky’s for two years. Vilbig is a shift leader, meaning she can handle machines, close without a manager and help with drawers. “I have made a lot of friends there and I have really good relationships with my coworkers,” Vilbig said. Between the two, Vilbig said she prefers Silky’s over Andy’s. “I prefer Silky’s because the custard is so silky and tasty,” Vilbig said.

ANDY’S

ICE CREAM Ice cream is a mixture of milk, cream, sugar and sometimes other ingredients. It is frozen into a soft, creamy mixture.

OBERWEIS 2.8 miles COLD STONE CREAMERY 7.5 miles FREEZING MOO 4.3 miles

ERWEIS B O

AJ BERGER, junior, has worked at Oberweis

since the beginning of the summer. Berger is a scooper, which is essentially a crewmember. He scoops the ice cream, helps close and works the cash register. During the school year, Berger mainly works weekends and one day during the week. “We get out around 10, which is relatively early for a food restaurant,” Berger said. “It gives me enough time to do homework and get to bed at a reasonable time.” Berger said his favorite part about Oberweis is the environment. “Typically, people aren’t sad when they are getting ice cream. They are happy about it,” Berger said.

FROZEN YOGURT Frozen yogurt is made a mixture of yogurt, milk and cream. The term “frozen yogurt” is not regulated by the FDA, so there is not a standard for how much yogurt is actually in frozen yogurt.

FROYO 5 miles MENCHIE’S 4.8 miles

NCHIE’ E S M

TOP

The Messenger surveyed 255 students about their favorite flavor of ice cream. These are the top five flavors.

Infographic by Sarah Harris and Caroline Cudney

CLAIRE SCHMITZ, senior, has worked at

Andy's for two years. Schmitz takes orders, runs the machines and makes the custards. "I am pretty balanced, but my favorite thing to do is make the custards and shakes because I have been doing it the longest," Schmitz said. Schmitz prefers the behind-the-scenes work, especially because of the people. “My coworkers are definitely the best part about working there. I have made a lot of friends that make the environment so fun,” Schmitz said. “Everyone makes it less stressful, especially since it can be such a busy place.”

MARIA MCADAMIS, sophomore, has worked

at Menchie’s since June. “I like my job because it’s easy,” McAdamis said. “All I have to do is count cash and run people’s credit cards.” She said her hours are flexible and her boss is understanding of her school schedule. Usually she arrives at her job at 6 p.m. and is able to clock out at 9:30 p.m. McAdamis said she enjoys working as it has taught her important life lessons. “Working at a young age teaches you how to communicate with other people in a professional setting,” McAdamis said. “It also has taught me how to manage my money.”

dec. 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

That's a wrap! lauren PICKETT

Four eco-friendly gift wrapping alternatives

HOW T0 WRAP 1

Get gift

Fold both ends over

Place gift in the center of wrapping paper, and fold one side over

3 Photograph by Jackson Estwanick

1. RAID THE KITCHEN

2. CLOSET CLEANING

Potato chip bags, headbands and buttons

Old tank tops and wooden chopsticks

Before throwing a potato chip bag in the trash, consider using it to wrap a small box. This shiny, minimalist look can hold jewelry, gift cards and more. After washing the bag and cutting it at the seam, it can be used as wrapping paper and decorated with headbands and buttons.

Inspired by Furoshiki, an ancient Japanese practice, any present could be wrapped with fabric, scarves, towels or cloth. Whether it is decorative or plain, an old tank top was able to get the job done. The wrap can stand alone or be adorned in ribbons, tags, pins and wooden, biodegradable chopsticks.

3. GO ON A COFFEE RUN

4. READ THE NEWSPAPER

Starbucks shopping bag, vintage gift toppers and twine

Newspaper and strips of an old t-shirt

A Starbucks coffee stop may result in some impulse purchases of snacks or a new cup. Their 100 percent recyclable brown paper bag was cut at the handles for wrapping. Twine and a vintage gift topper is a way to avoid using tape or glue. These items can be reused for a day of shopping or a gift decoration.

Saving local newspapers from a grocery store, the daily mail or even the Messenger, is an easy way to “spread the news” to family and friends in a gift wrapping alternative. A strip of an old t-shirt was fashioned around the box to serve as a reusable ribbon.

7 = 1 2 09 3

Cut off ends

1 5

Fold corners in Fold corners up and tape it

Place ribbon on top Tie a bow

Photographs by Katie Schowe

Paul J. Pontillo

30+ years of experience stlouisacademic.com paul@stlouisacademic.com 314-532-5185 Tutoring • Algebra 1, 2 • Calculus • Honors Algebra 2 • Statistics • Geometry • ACT • Pre-Calculus

(LA052S) (PB010S)

issue IV

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Listen Up: sydney GOLDSMITH FRIENDS LIKE SOPHOMORE SOHAM Saraf and Sid Suratia can talk for hours on end about anything and everything. From global issues to plans for the weekend, the friends can babble on and on. But what makes Saraf and Suratia’s conversations unique, is that over the summer they decided to sit down and make a podcast called “Fobcast” out of their friendly chats. “It started in Honors U.S. History,” Saraf said. “Our teacher would say ‘it’s the Sid and Soham Show,’ and we were like that’s actually not a bad idea.” The term “Fobcast” was quite controversial Saraf said. The term “fob” is a derogatory term for Indian people, but they wanted to take ownership of it and make fun of it. “A fob, which stands for ‘fresh off the boat,’ is someone who is considered to be out of touch with pop and ‘American’ culture, and we wanted to show that this isn’t true,” Saraf said. They cover topics like modern culture and “Okay Boomer” and AirPods, but they also try to break down what’s going on in the world on a political level. Saraf said he and Suraita have a good dynamic because they share the same interests and sense of humor, but they bring different features to the table. “I think I bring more analysis while Sid has a lot more organization with

13 7

Students start a podcast to discuss a wide variety of popular topics

what we want to discuss,” Saraf said. “I also think I’m less professional than Sid when it comes to talking and recording as he likes to have more pointed discussions.” Recently they added a third member, Kautilya Jammalamadaka, sophomore, to the podcast and occasionally they have guests come on to join the conversations as well. As for the future of the The Fobcast is available podcast, Saraf said they want to on Google Podcasts, dive into deeper topics, but they Anchor and Spotify. To still want to maintain the bit of fun that segments like “Here’s the listen to the podcast on Spotify, use your phone Chai Beta” bring into “Fobcast.” camera to He also said they want to work scan this Sophomores Soham Saraf and Sid Suratia sit down to talk in the to become more professional QR code. place they came up with the idea to start a podcast. The two with the podcast as time goes began “Fobcast” after their freshman year after leading most of on. their U.S. History class conversations. Photograph by Kavya Jain Saraf said his personal once a week. Now they try to two of them, and it’s fun.” favorite episode is the “Juulpost once every two weeks, Kumpati said her favorite episodes Podcast,” which even moved but with school it’s been are the “Juul-Podcast” and an episode a friend of his so much that harder to find time, Suratia that goes in-depth about mass she reached out afterward and said. shootings in America. talked about the facts she had learned Although they said they created She said the two of them are “really from the episode that shocked her. it just for fun, they have gained a funny and charismatic” so it keeps the “There hasn’t been an episode following with 100 followers on podcast fun and interesting no matter that we’ve gotten bored of talking and Instagram alone. One of these followers what they are talking about. Their didn’t want to talk about,” Saraf said. includes Nidhi Kumpati, sophomore, unique views are something she said Suratia said that with a world full who said she is a loyal listener and every teen can probably relate to. of news and different issues always friends with both Suratia and Saraf. “I see a bright future for the going on, they like to try to explain “I like the topics they talk about podcast, and I think podcasts are these events in a way that a teenager and how they are able to put a modern something that us teens think are old or can relate to or understand. He also or teen outlook on it,” Kumpati said. stupid, but their podcast is something said they like to add humor to lighten “It’s not super uptight. It’s kind of like that’s fun and a lot of teens would enjoy everything up. you’re having a conversation with the it if they tuned in,” Kumpati said. In the summer, they posted up to

dec. 2019 7

SPORTS

Linebacker Chase Callahan, senior, brings down the Pattonville runningback in their Senior Night victory, 38-20, Dec. 11. Wide receiver Ben Cohen, senior, runs a route Nov. 15, in the District title game at Joplin, which they lost 35-7. Photographs by Jeff Swift

Teammates face off in ACS All-Star Game arpitha SISTLA FOR SENIORS CHASE CALLAHAN AND BEN and has an aunt currently battling it and said he is Cohen, their high school football careers didn’t end honored to be able to help out through the game. with the team’s loss against Joplin at Districts Nov. “I know how much family feels pain, and I’m just 15. The two will play one more game, the American glad we can help,” Callahan said. Cancer Society (ACS) All-Star Game Dec. 15. In addition to the general public, coaches, former “When me and Ben were cleaning out our lockers, NFL players and cancer survivors, college football we were the only ones who got to keep our stuff, and scouts and recruiters will be at the game. we both just looked at each other like, ‘We got one Stephanie Hadfield, senior manager of community left’,” Callahan said. development at ACS, organized the all-star game. The ACS All-Star Game is 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at Hadfield said the goal of the game is to raise funds Lindenwood University. Out of the 78 schools in for ACS research and patient programs like Hope the St. Louis area, 31 schools including MHS are Lodge, a cancer residence for patients and caregivers being represented. The game will be accompanied where patients only have to pay for food, and Road by a national anthem singing, as well as a Survivor to Recovery, where ACS volunteers provide cancer reception by the new Xtreme Football League team, patients rides to and from life saving surgeries. the St Louis Battlehawks. “Every single school across St. Louis has been Callahan and Cohen were nominated by football touched by cancer, and [we] wanted to have a unifier coach Michael Stewart and selected by the ACS’ for all of those schools to come together and be a part coaches board committee, which is made up of past of something bigger,” Hadfield said. head coaches and former NFL players. Hadfield said the ACS game is an honor for those Out of the 100 plus nominations sent to the selected because ACS’ goal is to put together the ACS, Callahan and Cohen were selected best possible football teams they could. to be part of the elite 76 players chosen. Hadfield said there hasn’t been an Callahan plays for the Red team, while all-star football game in St. Louis since The game Cohen plays for the White team. 1987, so the ACS game gives players will be played at a brand new experience of playing “I’ve been told many times in my life that I’m not good enough, and Hunter Stadium in a huge game, and for a meaningful I’ve been overlooked. This is a great cause too. at Lindenwood opportunity to showcase that I can Hadfield said the reason Callahan University @ 1 p.m. and Chase are on opposing teams, play with 4-star and 5-star players,” Cohen said. like many other duos from the same Dec. 15 In addition to being honored to schools, is to promote the attitude that represent MHS, Cohen said he is excited the real game is against cancer. he can “get the pads back on” one last time “They’re supposed to be on opposing before the year ends. teams because in the end it doesn’t matter who wins, He said he is looking forward to experiencing we’re defeating cancer that day,” she said. brotherhood and being part of a community with his Last year, Hadfield lost various friends to cancer, ACS team, many of whom he already knows from two of whom were Rockwood employees. playing over the years. Hadfield said games, and other events like these But most of all, having personally known family can lift up and support the community, and generally friends who have battled cancer, Cohen said he is make people feel better over all. Hadfield said it’s her looking forward to being able to give back to cancer job to create moments for cancer victims to genuinely survivors through the game. enjoy themselves. “It’s a heart-wrenching cause, but we are able “It’s about the honor and participating in to give a light for these people, something to grasp something bigger than themselves and getting to onto,” he said. support the ACS and playing for people that are Callahan lost his great grandmother to cancer fighting every single day,” Hadfield said.

“When me and Ben were cleaning out our lockers, we were the only ones who got to keep our stuff, and we both just looked at each other like, ‘We got one left,’” Chase Callahan Senior

Seniors Chase Callahan and Ben Cohen comfort each other following their loss to Joplin. Cohen recorded two catches for 22 yards and Callahan 3 tackles. Photograph by Jeff Swift

Where do they lead? Callahan:

Cohen:

3 defensive touchdowns

4 receiving touchdowns

103 defensive return yards

322 receiving yards

2 tackles for loss yards

16.9 yards per reception

issue IV

SPORTS

Rush of new wrestlers changes team dynamic Girls wrestling team doubles in size shrija MAGANTI SEVEN GIRLS HAVE ENROLLED THIS year in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by boys: wrestling. Last year was the first year MHS had a girls wrestling team. The three girls who joined the wrestling team last year decided not to participate this year. Leah Ozersky, junior, became the first girl medalist in MHS wrestling history when she medaled at the Rockwood Summit tournament last year. Ozersky first joined wrestling because her friend encouraged her to, but she began to take the sport more seriously when she realized she had talent. “Leading up to the first tournament, I would get thrown around by guys a lot, so I went into the tournament thinking they were gonna kick my butt,” Ozersky said. “But I won, then I won again and then I got second place.” Although she enjoyed the sport in general, Ozersky decided to not return because it took a negative toll on her. “It affected my mental health, well being and even my grades,” Ozersky said. “The meets and everything just stressed me out a lot. It was fun, but it

Alyssa Washington, freshman, practices her half nelson on Lindsey Stelzer, junior, during practice. Washington is one of six freshman girls on the team. Freshmen Maddy Barton and Shravya Sunkugari grapple while Rebecca Strong, freshman, observes. Photographs by Shrija Maganti

wasn’t the best thing for me.” Although wrestling didn’t work out for her, Ozersky said it’s a great sport to be involved in and it’s amazing there are more girls interested. Most of the girls on the team this year are freshmen. Freshman Maddy Barton tried wrestling because of her family’s interest in the sport. She won her first match at the dual meet against Francis Howell Dec. 5. Barton said she realized how enjoyable wrestling is and felt more confident after her win. “The season has been so much fun

so far, and I’m glad I tried wrestling,” Barton said. “A lot of people think that wrestling might be a sport for guys only, but that’s not true. It’s nice to try new things and see what you’re capable of.” Jake Dieffenbach, wrestling coach, said he expects there to be about twice as many girls on the team next year as there are this year. “Majority of the girls this year are freshmen, so I think it will trickle down by word of mouth to the incoming eighth grade group,” Dieffenbach said.

COME TO OUR STORE!

Girls wrestling will compete at Fort Zumwalt East in a tournament Dec. 20 and Dec. 21. He said he hopes the trend will continue, so that in three or four years, MHS can have a decent sized girls wrestling team that may even break into different levels, like varsity and junior varsity.

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.

“Young & New”: boys basketball faces new challenges

SPORTS

dec. 2019

Brendan Harter, junior, drives the ball past the three-point line against Troy’s Griffin St. Pierre. In his first varsity game, Harter scored nine points and dished out five assists. Josh Merz, senior, shoots a free throw in their 82-70 loss against Troy Nov. 26. Photographs by Jeff Swift

Untried boys basketball looks to reach new heights this season jeff SWIFT A YEAR AFTER THE BEST REGULAR season in school history, as the team had a record of 20-5, a fresh faced squad looks to carry the program to new heights. But this team is not without hitches and flaws, as they have no returning starters and only three seniors from last year’s team. One of these seniors, Josh Merz, is the only returning player who consistently played for last season’s 20-win team. Merz said the new look team is going to need to balance their inexperience with their talent. “Only a few of us have much experi-

ence from last year’s team, but we have a lot of talent, and I think that shows when we play,” Merz said. Merz, who is second on the team in rebounds with five, said the team is full of talent, but even more so with grit. He said that showed in their first game against the Troy Buchanan Trojans, which they lost 82-70. “Troy was a tough loss, but we played really hard the whole way through, especially at the end,” Merz said. “We made a lot of mistakes, and that shows our experience, but we have talent and grit, which I know will pay off this season.” Owen Marsh, junior, is one of the team’s many new faces. He played in only six games last season for the varsi-

ty squad. “I’m likely one of the most experienced players this season, and that says a lot about this team,” Marsh said. “We’re not inexperienced or bad. We’re just young and new.” Marsh led the team with 20 points and 12 rebounds in the team’s season opener against the Trojans. “For a lot of us, including myself, this game is as important as any other, and that means that it’s very important and we played our hearts out,” Marsh said. Eric Schweain, head coach, said he wants to develop this team not only for next season, but for later this season as well. “Our goal for this season is to win

as many games as we can and play hard,” Schweain said “Once we do that, that’s when the next season will be our main goal, not now.” Schweain said his hopes are for this team to be able to go out and do just about anything in their coming games. As for quantifiable goals, Schweain said he wants the team’s goal to be to constantly improve and strengthen their game, and worry less about goals that could ultimately hurt their play. “I never like to set quantifiable goals. That can lead to a losing mindset and basketball isn’t that black and white,” Schweain said. “We can only think about bettering ourselves and this team, and that will be the main goal of this season.”

Hockey faces trials against strong competition waha SIDDIQUI THE VARSITY HOCKEY TEAM started their season with a couple of changes: new players replaced old ones that either graduated or got drafted into professional hockey and the team is now a member of the Municipal Conference among many private schools in St. Louis. As of Dec. 10, the team has had ups and downs playing against challenging teams. They currently have a record of 3-3-2. Senior Devin Tockman, right winger, said the team not only faces the challenge of new players, but also joining the Municipal Conference from the Suburban Conference has provided a new opportunity to play against competitive schools. “It can be difficult to play against private schools considering a lot of their players can be recruits,” Tockman said. “However, we are working hard and we are recognized as one of the

best hockey programs at the public school level.” While schools are not allowed to recruit under Mid States Club Hockey Association (MSCHA) rules, they do draw upon a wider pool of student athletes in the St. Louis area. Tockman said he has also noticed a distinction between the current team and the previous year’s team. “We lost a lot of great players to college last year, but with new people on the team, there is a new opportunity to step up,” Tockman said. “Having new kids involved develops an intensity at that next level. I just think everyone is chipping in and is there for each other.” He said support from the MHS community constantly motivates the team and keeps them going, even through the losses. Brady Stultz, senior, is a member of Stang Gang who has responded to positive reinforcement from athletes with the promise to be present at all their games. “It’s not just hockey players, but

Hockey plays the 2-5-1 De Smet Spartans at the Chesterfield Sports Complex @ 7:40 tonight. all athletes have said that when the crowd is involved, the players play a lot better so our cheers and attitudes are important,” Stultz said. “We can also see that from how the game goes.” Gary Tockman, hockey coach, said there is something unique this year compared to past years. “In years past, some depended on the elite players to win, but now everyone is stepping up and supporting each other as a team,” Gary said. “Every game is a hard game. We just have to work hard each time.” Varsity hockey defeated the undefeated St. Louis Priory Rebels, 5-3 monday and will play against the 2-5-1 De Smet Spartans 7:40 p.m. tonight at the Chesterfield Sports Complex.

Justin Rapp, junior, drives the puck to try and score a goal against the Lafayette goalie. The Mustangs tied this game 1-1, Dec. 6. Photograph by Jeff Swift