the
MESSENGER
n. I
VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE I | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
THE FACE OF FEAR See pg. 8-9
Illustration by Mason Kellerman
ROLL CALL Editor in Chief Associate Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Production Editor News Editor Features Editor Arts&Entertainment Editor Sports Editors
Opinions Editor In-Depth Editor Photography Editor Illustrator Page Designers Staff Reporters
Staff Adviser
Waha Siddiqui Connor Del Carmen Zara Tola Arpitha Sistla Stephanie Lei Aarushi Bute Carter Van Buskirk Akhila Swarna Marin Ellington Annie McGinnis Molly Sillitto Lauren Pickett Ben Hughes Mason Kellerman Peyton Rubenstein Anika Talyan Emmie Foley Sydney Goldsmith Lajja Patel Ritam Sakar Rutaiba Siddiqui Grace Taylor Emily Jorgensen
INSIDE Students organize a resale business.
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volleyball
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ONLINE
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musical Students take the newly offered Black Literature class.
Visit our website to view more stories and MHSNews: marquettemessenger.com
The Messenger’s Editorial Board takes a stance on the district’s reopening plans.
The varsity girls volleyball team dotes on team dynamic.
Marquette Theater Company (MTC) organizes the fall musical.
Religious institutions practice amid the pandemic.
Students adopt pets during quarantine. Black students reflect on racism and inequity in the community.
business The Library is updated virtually and for second quarter.
7 black
literature
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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. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Messenger will be published six times for the 2020-2021 school year. 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
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or the administration. The 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.
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issue I
NEWS
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Admin trained in contact tracing anika TALYAN
MHS STAFF HAVE BEEN USING contact tracing to decrease the spread of COVID-19 throughout the community. Contact tracing occurs when a staff member interviews a person who may have COVID-19. They ask them questions such as who they have been in contact with within six feet for more than 15 minutes. During the summer more than 20 staff members went through contact tracing training from an online John Hopkins course. Staff members who do not teach classes are chosen to take this course because they are available to help with contact tracing during the day. These Gina Emms, nurse, calls a member of MHS who has COVID-19 and asks them a staff members include grade level secfew questions to start off the process of contact tracing. Photograph by Anika Talyan retaries, administrators and guidance counselors. people will have to quarantine. If a people who have been in contact with Gina Emms, nurse, is one of these student tests positive while learning in someone who tested positive,” Emms contact tracers. person, only the people within six feet said. “People are being honest and supWhen a COVID-19 case is conof them have to quarantine, not the portive of the system.” firmed, the process of contact tracing whole class. Jessica Unruh, nurse, said she is begins with a 15 to 45-minute call to If a student shows symptoms at mainly contact tracing for staff. determine who they may have been in school, they are then taken to an isolatShe said contact tracing will be one close contact with. ed area until a parent or guardian can of the hardest Then, peopick them up. parts of her job “We’re able to ple with whom “Unfortunately, there will be too once school rethey have been narrow down the many people who get quarantined and opens. in close contact that’s going to disrupt their lives,” Dr. Principal Dr. people who have been in with are notified Hankins said. “But it’s something we all Steve Hankins, a to start their contact with will have to do.” one of the pri14-day quarMember of Health Occupations mary contact antine period someone who tested Student of America (HOSA) Sneha tracers, said now while monitoring Chandra, senior, said contact tracing is positive” that school has the presence of important. reopened, there COVID-19 symp“It’s a safety net to help stop the will be a lot of toms. spread of the virus,” Chandra said. “It’s GINA EMMS, NURSE new cases, and “We’re able to a necessary precaution and it helps from that, many narrow down the everyone affected.”
BY THE NUMBERS 57.8 percent of MHS students returned to in-person school 42.2 percent of MHS students remained in online school Average of 20 or fewer students in most classrooms Information from Anna Speaker, registrar
Virtual learning replaces inclement weather days aarushi BUTE
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS announced that in a case of inclement weather, schools will conduct a virtual half day, similar to the Monday schedule during virtual learning. Assistant Superintendent Supervision of Schools Dr. Lisa Counts said the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) requires a minimum of 1,044 hours of instruction and 36 weather make-up hours. Currently with the schedule for the second quarter, which only has three classes and is a shorter school day, MHS is not meeting the required instructional hours. “Normally we would build in snow days for high school students but we can’t do that anymore so we decided to come up with another plan,” Dr. Counts said. RSD schools can provide instructional hours with an Alternate Method of Instruction (AMI). It will be similar
SNOW DAY #1-#6
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to the current distant learning with prescribed lessons over Zoom. Junior Principal Carl Hudson said teachers will teach students for approximately a half hour. “I believe teachers will either review a lesson or teach mini-lessons during that time,” Hudson said. “But either way, students will be able to be engaged.” If RSD exceeds the 36 hours, or six days of virtual half days allotted, then normal school days will be added to the school year to make up for the lost instructional hours. “I think this is a good plan,” Hudson said. “Students will still be able to wake
Last Day for Students
Last Day for Teachers
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up late and play in the snow but also attend school in a safe and engaging way.” Srijana Akurati, sophomore, said this is the most efficient way to meet the hours requirement. “As much as I wouldn’t like to go to school during snow days, I would much rather do a half day with 30-minute classes then extend the school year and add several full days,” Akurati said. Akurati said it also will help students in the long run. “It will be the perfect time to do last-minute review with teachers” Akurati said.
Dr. Lisa Counts, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, proposes the inclement weather day plan to the Board of Education (BOE) Thursday, Oct. 22. Photograph by Zara Tola
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NEWS
nov. 2020
Library social media connects students akhila SWARNA
ously check the Library website or read emails we could send.” Normally, the Instagram posts inAFTER AWAITING THE PERFECT clude motivational book quotes, , event cookbook to recreate recipes with her details and book reviews. family, Junior Kami Matthews finally Also new to the Library and feaencountered the ideal cookbook: Teen tured on Instagram are the various Cuisine by Matthew Locricchio. take-home kits that have been offered “I was able to try new foods and as well as the inaugural Feature Teacher spend time with my family,” Matthews book clubs. said. For example, the DIY Candy Sushi However, the method in which Take-home kit has been a big success, Matthews heard about this cookbook Sharitz said. The Library received 10 was new to the MHS Library this year: requests in the first two days, and most Instagram. of the requests were from Instagram Matthews anticipates that other students will benefit from the Library’s followers. The most recent take-home kit includes a DIY Yarn Craft Kit in new Instagram page, @mhslibrarianwhich students can “learn to knit or sharitz. crochet,” according The owner of to the Instagram this page, Brittany post. Sharitz, head librar“I have been In addition to ian, said the Instaimprovements in gram page plays a learning about new the online spaces, role in the overall the Library staff has books through Mrs. connection between improved the physthe Library and Sharitz’s Instagram ical collection to students. page which has been make it more acces“I think students sible and appealing who are followgreat.” to the students. The ing my Instagram staff has replaced account are more older books and informed on the Kami Matthews, has reorganized the events and new collection based on materials in the Ligenre. brary,” Sharitz said. “It can be difficult not seeing “It takes less effort on a student’s part everyone we’re used to interacting to follow me than it does to continu-
with on a daily basis during the school year,” Sharitz said. “[But] this way, my students know what I’m reading, what materials the Library is purchasing, events we’re promoting, and I enjoy seeing what content students like.” Laura Marie Coverstone, language arts teacher, said these unprecedented times have also seen new opportunities for the students in the form of Library activities. “This year, students were able to interact with a virtual Library and participate in activities catered to their interests and social platforms,” Coverstone said. Coverstone also has found the Library and the staff helpful for book recommendations, information on how to access online copies of books and how to obtain a public Library card. “The Library staff has done a fantastic job of providing students with so many virtual options,” Coverstone said. “Whether students decide to stay out of the Library or venture in, I have no doubt that the librarians will continue to push out new materials and find new and exciting ways to get students involved in reading.”
Sharitz’s Instagram features books for upcoming holidays, inspirational quoatations and announcements.
www.mustangspiritstore.com
OPINIONS
issue I
75
SPEAK OUT GIVEN THE EVENTS OF 2020, HOW HAVE YOU COPED WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY?
LINDSEY CHAN
senior
Illustration by Mason Kellerman
“I focused on the good things in my life, like relationships with friends and family, and on what I have control over. While I cannot single handedly control the pandemic or an election, I can control what put on my college application, how much time I spend with friends and family, and if I wear a mask when I need to leave the house.
editorialBOARD
“I have been doing a lot of yoga, and watching movies and TV to help cope with stress and anxiety.”
KEEP THE QUARANTINE
Yesterday, Governor Mike Parson announced that comes harder to combat. And now, cases are expectthe current quarantine guideline in place for schools ed to increase within the com munity as the return would be relaxed, so that people who are exposed to in-person schooling continues today and winter to a COVID-19 case, but wear a mask, won’t have to sports continue to play indoors. quarantine for 14 days. With the amended quarantine guidline, it’ll be This comes after numerous school districts, like easier to ensure students who chose to return to the Wentzville and Mehlville, have had to revert to online school building continue to learn in-person. But at learning after initially returning to in-person what cost? Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles sent an email out Recently, a boy by the name of Peyton Baumgarth to parents earlier this week stating that due to quarpassed away due to complications from COVID-19, antines around the district, there have been staffing the first person under 18 to die of the virus in Misshortages that may not allow for in-person learning souri. Baumgarth, a former RSD student, had been to continue. Dr. Miles said they will make decisions going in-person to school, but after contracting the on a case-by-case basis for each school, so that one virus began quarantine. school can continue in-person, even if another school Even after these tragic deaths in school commucannot. nities, school faculty members around the naThe return to in-person learning altion are still being asked to put their lives ready poses substantial health risks to on the line, without any real choice those who opt to come back into the in the matter. Districts around the In this time of building to learn. But with no quarcountry have a duty to protect their uncertainty, students staff and students, to ensure that antine period, now the likelihood of exposure to a COVID-19 case need to feel secure and the building they walk into everywill be far greater than before, at day is a safe and nurturing place. safe when at school. a time when cases are already on However, throughout this Quarantining possible pandemic, we have seen them do the rise. On Wednesday, the CDC reCOVID-19 cases is part just the opposite and continue to ported a new record for the highest send their teachers into schools, of ensuring this. number of new cases in a day, with potentially risking their lives. 143,408 new cases that day across the Parsons has chosen to promote soU.S. Currently, the CDC reports that 94 cial interests over the safety of the entire percent of U.S. jurisdictions are experiencing community by relaxing a quarantine guideline increases in COVID-19 cases, and there appears to be that was made to protect citizens from a virus that no sign of the transmission rate going down. has no known cure. Asking staff members to come Wearing a mask is efficient in mitigating the into a school and risk exposure to students, some of spread of COVID-19, but it is not foolproof. There whom go to parties without masks and such, wasn’t is still a significant chance of catching the virus if a enough. Now, Parsons is potentially accelerating the person is in close proximity to a positive case, even spread of the virus on school grounds by allowing with a mask on. potential COVID-19 cases to continue to roam around Now is not the time to lessen our safety protocols. and possibly spread the disease. It’s time to enforce them. But, the choice is ultimately up to RSD. Will they Just within the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen choose to put the safety of students and teachers first a rise in COVID-19 cases on MHS’ sports teams. or cross their fingers and hope numbers won’t go up? Numerous teams all have had cases pop up as the RSD, it’s time to choose. weather gets colder and the spread of COVID-19 bePlease. Put your students and faculty first.
BROOKE ROGERS,
junior
I try to get in some reading every night. I play tennis with my friends. I play board games and watch shows with my family.
EVAN CANIS,
sophomore
I find dancing really fun and relieving. Also singing. And playing the piano. Basically anything music. MANASVI GOTTIPATI,
freshman
JEFF WALLNER,
Teacher
“I try to see the positives in every situation. I’m grateful for my life and every day I get. I’m surrounded by great people. My family, my teams, my coworkers. In a lot of situations there are only a few things that I personally can control and that’s positivity, outlook, and attitude. “
OPINIONS
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Quarter system is flawed sydney GOLDSMITH
nov. 2020
The nightmare is over lauren PICKETT
Ever since RSD made the switch to online learning in March, many changes have been made to the way students go to school. For one, RSD changed its traditional semester-based system to a quarter-based system. The quarter system caused stress in students that could have been avoided if RSD had stuck with the semester system that students were used to. Under the quarter system, students were enrolled in four classes for the first quarter, which lasted from Aug. 24 to Oct. 23, and three classes for the second quarter, Oct. 26 to Jan. 14. However, RSD does not plan to keep this quarter system for the second semester. Because of the quarter system, classes are incredibly fast paced, so much that some teachers are having to cut down on material to teach. This did not allow me to get used to the rigorous curriculum of a class until the quarter was over. Because the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires high schoolers to have 1,092 hours of school, some students are having to learn at a much faster pace, while other students will be learning at a more stretched out pace second semester. Students in semester-long courses had 9 weeks of 30 and 60 minute classes if they had the class in first quarter, but a second semester student in that class will have a full 16 weeks of 90 minute classes every-other-day. The shortened time meant that most classes did not have time to review any material that was taught the year prior. I was a fairly good math student last year, but in the first quarter, I struggled to get a hang of the new curriculum because I had no review time. Also, the two to three month quarter made it harder to raise my grade because I had assessments being graded. It took the entire quarter to recover from one bad grade that happened at the beginning of the school year. The burden of having a sped up class could have been avoided if RSD would have utilized the semester system even when doing virtual classes. It could’ve been overwhelming at first, but it would have allotted more time for students to get a feel for the curriculum and their teachers. I felt rushed and as if I couldn’t create a bond with any of my teachers or classmates because I was so busy trying to keep up. The quarter system has caused much stress on students and teachers.
I cried tears of joy. I took a breath for the first time in months. For four years, I adapted to living in a nightmare of anxiety for my future, my family and my beloved marginalized, minority communities. I exhaled with those dancing in street parties in Los Angeles, honking horns in rejoice in New York and spontaneously celebrating in London and Berlin. After days of uncertainty, Americans voted for change—electing Joe Biden as their 46th president and Kamala Harris, daughter of Jamacian and Indian immigrants, as the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president in the nation’s 244-yearexistence. This tight presidential race represents an intensely divided nation. As a Black female, I am terrified by the support from more that 70 million voters for the past administration, stained with racism, sexism and startling regression for human rights. In spite of Harris’ win, she alone cannot diminish the history of racism, white supremacy and sexism coursing through the veins of America. Harris is facing a country who demonstrated a strong resistance to her opportunity to hold a position in the highest ranking office. She is not the symbol of a healed, post-racial society nor the answer for racial inclusion or inequity. Still, I am ecstatic by the disruption of Harris in the timeline of white, male dominated White House and nation. She is an inspiration for Black women to set boundless goals, seek respect and
Illustration by Lauren Pickett
pursue political leadership in the face of racial and gender discrimination. Harris rightfully referred to Black women as the “backbone of our democracy” in her victory speech. Black Americans, most profoundly Black women, heavily aided Biden’s triumph through their ballots and their voter mobilization efforts. Black women historically carried the Democratic vote while the rest of the nation reaped the benefits. When will America break the cycle of refusing to elevate the same Black women who elevated Harris? The new administration may prove to be the leadership America has been starved of for years, infusing the needs
of all minorities into their agenda. Biden and Harris must be held accountable to support reform and plans for improving the social-economic conditions and upholding the rights of people of color and immigrants because racial diversification in the White House alone is an empty, symbolic gesture. In order for the next administration to govern with compassion, integrity and decency, everyone needs to work towards easing the tensions of the current ideological hostility, striving to embody the founding principles of liberty and justice for all and empowering a transition to a reborn nation.
Students must wear masks molly SILLITTO The use of masks has been a surprisingly controversial topic ever since the start of COVID-19 And though one may think wearing a mask in public is a no brainer, many are refusing to comply with the suggestion. It is vital that students wear their masks at all times throughout the school day with the return of in-person learning. The administration sent out a newsletter earlier this week stating “masks are expected to be worn throughout the day.” Some factors contributing to the spread of COVID-19 include physical contact in an enclosed space with a long duration of exposure. This can, and will, happen at school. And though administrators can try their hardest to enforce social distancing, the wearing of masks, and the proper CDC approved procedures, the
effectiveness of these guidelines comes down to students. Students must collectively agree to take this virus seriously. Throughout the five-hour school day, students are going to be going to and from classes. Sickness spreading in a school environment was already extremely high even before there was a pandemic to worry about. Now, there is more at stake. According to the CDC, most young people with COVID-19 show little to no symptoms. While this may seem like a positive, the lack of symptoms in youth may actually be detrimental. Unknowingly, students may be putting each other and those at home at risk. Students need to take into consideration the faculty and staff, who are at a greater risk. Wearing a mask helps to protect our teachers and the rest of staff, along with parents and grandparents back home. Wearing a mask should not be something that will have to be re-
minded of students throughout the day. A student should know to have their mask on at all times and to wear it properly. If every student at MHS wears their masks as they should be, then the inperson experience will be an overall safer environment. Be safe. Consider yourself and others around you, and wear a mask.
Photo Illustration by Molly Sillitto
issue I
FEATURES
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REPRESENT ME RSD is offering a new Black Literature class at the high school level, leading Black students at MHS to reflect on their representation in education.
that does not directly mention the civil rights movement, white supremacy or cite slavery as the central cause for the JORDAN KING, SENIOR, WAS EACivil War in the state’s 6th to 12th SoGER TO ENROLL in an unprecedented cial Studies Standards for Grade Level opportunity. She had the chance to see Expectations. herself, a Black female, in her school The only reference to Black people curriculum before she graduated high is to trace the development of African school. American culture in non-slave states Black Literature, a new course for and in the context of slavery for sixth juniors and seniors to explore literature to eighth grade U.S. history classes, acby Black writers, was offered solely cording to the Missouri Department of at MHS in the first quarter, but other Elementary and Secondary Education. RSD schools will run it in the second Mylah Childs, senior, said RSD’s quarter. core curriculums have basic representaKing said this class served as a tion of Black history and literature. segway back to school from summer As a Black female, she said her lack of protests against police brutality. The depth in understanding racial issues is course developed into a sanctuary for the result of the neglect of Black histocandid conversations about Black culry in her classes. ture, racism and discrimination. “History classes repeat the same “We can’t go into class with a heavy stories hoping students will just take heart because what goes on outside of them and move on,” Childs said. “Hisschool affects tory classes treat you tremendousAfrican Amerily,” King said. “If “People say ‘you should can history like we can’t feel safe an untouchable be happy your white classinside our house while we’re in mates want to learn about moment in the past and like it’s school or talk this’. Nobody cheered me something they’d about how we on when I had to learn rather forget than feel, we can’t feel learn from.” about U.S. history, so why whole.” She said She said the should I cheer them on for students in Black diverse perlearning about history?” Literature freely spectives from discuss modern her peers create or historical JORDAN KING well-balanced, topics such as in-depth discusSENIOR the Black Lives sions beyond the Matter and assigned novels. Black Power But she wondered why the class needed movements and messages from Maya to exist. She questioned why the histoAngelou. Students are also free to intery of other races wasn’t isolated to an grate topics about current events into elective class. scheduled conversations. “There’s not enough representation Childs began to feel a deeper conof the effect of Black history, and it’s nection to the class, which she said blocked because it is a choice,” King gave life and added importance to her said. “People say ‘you should be happy high school experience. your white classmates want to learn “We don’t only shine a fading light about this’. Nobody cheered me on on the accomplishments of the Black when I had to learn about U.S. historace in America, we shine a blazing ry, so why should I cheer them on for light on all Black accomplishments learning about history?” everywhere,” Childs said. King is one of many who expressed Executive Director of Equity and their views of the Black Literature Diversity Brittany Hogan helped create class and reflections of the depiction of the Black Literature class after a teachBlack history in education. er’s complaint that the Multicultural Literature curriculum was insufficient. LACK OF BLACK REPRESENTATION Hogan cultivated lessons over two years such as self exploration and Black The perceived lack of representafamilies. tion of Black history and culture in Hogan started “Read Like Me” aleducation is not unique to MHS. most six years ago with the objective of Missouri is one of several states allowing Black students to see them-
lauren PICKETT
selves in the curriculum. She targets elementary and middle schools with the highest enrollment of Black students and provides books for the schools. She said RSD needs to hold textbook makers accountable for the content in the new versions they purchase to diminish whitewashed historical narratives. “We cannot just teach the white side of history because we have to show all the people who created history,” Hogan said. “Oppression has been a huge part of Black people being in this country, but that is not all that is to our story.”
THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN Shelly Justin, language arts teacher, was motivated to teach Black Literature because she went to diverse schools and saw a lack of diversity at MHS. She sought out classes likely to attract more racially diverse students and explore the Black narrative that is suppressed. The reasons Justin wanted to become a teacher was to help students find their voice and the critical thinking element of the course helps students express themselves. Class discussions have ventured to more serious, controversial topics, like the outcomes of the Breonna Taylor case and intersectionality. Justin said it was enlightening to hear their fears and concerns. Justin was sad to find she was the only teacher to ask to teach the class. It boils down to fear from teachers, she said, and this lack of openness allows everyone to remain divided. Teachers are fearful of the conservative district and being punished for having conversations about race, she said. Racism in the district compounds these issues, but she said everyone must face their fears and have these discussions even if their views contradict. “It’s really sad that kids don’t have that outlet, especially our African
“The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” by Wes Moore, “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo and “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston are common reads in the Black Literature course. All three books explore the experiences of Black Americans and their handling of systemic issues.
American students,” Justin said. “Being a white teacher, it was scary and not an easy decision for me to teach the class.” She was pleasantly surprised to have a more racially diverse classroom. She aspires to see Black Literature have more student applicants and be a yearlong or college credit course. “It is important to have a class where people can talk to each other about these issues because that is where you learn and escapes stereotypes, racism and prejudices,” Justin said. “The more you know, the more enlightened you are, the better you can make change.”
8
IN-DEPTH
nov. 2020
PEER PRESSURE IN AN ISOLAT
As seen on pg. 1
stephanie LEI • waha SIDDIQUI
ing their social life for safety reasons. However, Anselmo recognizes there FAMILY GATHERINGS ARE is a pressure from both sides, one that monthly occurrences for Sri stresses following the guidelines and Varatharaj, sophomore, that is, before the one that is more lenient. the COVID-19 pandemic. But for a “A lot of teenagers are nonpartisan family filled with intense care specialabout the guidelines,” Anselmo said. ists and doctors, their regular gath“I see people wait for certain cues erings had been postponed multiple from others to see what they should times before the family felt comfortdo themselves. No one wants to be the able enough to meet up. first person to take their mask off.” Even so, the rules were strict: it was AJ Ohley, Class of 2020, is a freshan air-hug and air-five only zone. How- man at the University of Misever, when everyone began to remove souri-Columbia (Mizzou) their masks for dinner, Varatharaj and resonates with couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable Anselmo’s underand conflicted. standing of peer Varatharaj found herself eating din- pressure. ner in her respective corner, subconStarting sciously holding her breath and feeling college during isolated amongst her closest family and this time has friends. been a big She realized making “simple” adjustment decisions to attend social events in a for Ohley, COVID-19 world has placed her in the as he cannot crossroads of fear from the virus and use the tradifear from peer pressure. tional norms “I am scared of the virus,” of in-person Varatharaj said. “I don’t want to miss conversation out when my friends or family are to approach his inviting me to spend time together classmates, and he has or celebrate birthdays and holidays. I to develop a safe routine know the virus is dangerous, but it’s living on campus. easy to forget in the moment.” The only people he hangs out with Varatharaj said it’s difficult to resist maskless and not socially distant are small gatherings and activities, espehis roommates. cially when a Mizzou is majority of her close to Columfriends push her bia’s downtown “I am scared of the virus. party scene, to; however, her main source of where police I don’t want to miss out peer pressure have when my friends or family officers is not via video been present are inviting me to spend to cut down call or messaging. It is on evon crowds and time together or ery social media parties. Ohley celebrate birthdays and platform. said the precauholidays. I know the virus is tions Mizzou has “When I go on Instagram or dangerous, but it’s easy to taken limit his Snapchat, my freshman expeforget in the feed is full of rience, but they posts discourare important. moment.” aging people “It is a double from hanging edged sword,” SRI VARATHARAJ out with friends Ohley said. “As or taking masks a college freshsophomore off for pictures,” men, there is an Varatharaj said. expectation to “While I know they aren’t directly socialize and party, and the institution addressing me, the pressure is subtle, condones it. They are trying the best but definitely present.” they can to mitigate the spread, but it is Sully Anselmo, senior, understands hard to enforce at the collegiate level.” the pressure Varatharaj feels, but he considers following the guidelines critSOCIOLOGICAL STANDPOINT ical to the community’s safety. Since the stay-at-home order last Varatharaj, Anselmo and Ohley spring, Anselmo has interacted with express there is a societal pressure to only two family friends maskless. He adhere to what a collective group is said he makes sure to follow the safety doing. guidelines even in counties without a Joshua Hyde, sociology teacher, said mask mandate. the most critical socialization agents Anselmo said he was angry to see are parents, peers, media, school and other students partying and hanging religion. In the wake of a pandemic, the out without masks on Halloween. He behavior that parents and peers model said other teenagers are justified in be- directly impacts how one behaves, a ing angry because people are sacrificconcept known as herd mentality.
“It is possible to escape peer pressure, but it can be very difficult,” Hyde said. “The difficulty lies in the individual and the amount of pressure. As the behavior becomes more of a norm or acceptable with greater numbers in society, it is easier to justify going against the grain.” Hyde said the pandemic may go way over time, but the length and severity of it is dictated by human behavior and the ability to mitigate it. “As humans, one of our greatest strengths is the ability to adapt; however, we don’t always adapt at once as a collective whole,” Hyde said. “People react to changes in norms differently and that can lead to frustration, outrage and fear.” Katelyn Schaefer, clinical therapist with West County Psychological Associates corroborates Hyde’s viewpoint on the impact of media. She said many people find it easier to pressure their peers from behind a phone or computer screen than in person, challenging teenagers to hold themselves more accountable than before. In addition to the primarily online communications, Schaefer said negative peer pressure could be considered more dangerous as emotions and stress levels are higher than usual. “During stressful times we are more easily swayed to act out of character,” Schaefer said. “When we are in difficult emotional and social situations, we can act in ways we otherwise wouldn’t.”
PARENTAL CONCERNS Maren Bunderson, parent and School Store volunteer, understands students’ desires to attend social gatherings despite the pandemic. Bunderson said students face this pressure more than adults do, but she experienced her own peer pressure to remove her mask while travelling in anoth-
er state for volunteer work. “It was really hard to feel like I was doing something wrong, when in reality, I was doing something right,” Bunderson said. Despite the negative connotation associated with peer pressure, Bunderson has observed peer pressure influencing others to follow COVID-19 guidelines and be more self cognizant. Selvidge Principal Michael Anselmo, parent of Sully, sees the topic through a parental and an administrative perspective. Michael said the family unit is the most vital system of communication and enforcement, and his kids follow the guidelines because he and his wife modeled that behavior for them. “We use our family as a poker chip,” Michael said. “If my kids want to see their grandparents, they have been told they can’t hang out in large groups and be maskless.” Although the Anselmos stress following the health guidelines, Michael knows his kids don’t act the same way around him as they do with their friends. He said he takes that with a grain of salt and tries to encourage them to make good choices even if he’s not around. “I’ve seen my sons go
issue I
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IN-DEPTH
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into groups of people wearing a mask and get poked at,” Michael said. “But, they are strong enough to know what the right thing to do is.”
Jacqueline Siempelkamp Licensed Professional Counselor MS, NCC, LPS
ADMIN EXPECTATIONS Michael said most RSD schools have 75 percent of students returning in-person and 25 percent staying home. According to the MHS registrar, 57.8 percent of students have returned to in-person school and 42.2 percent have opted to stay online, making the in-person population of MHS more easier to monitor. RSD Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Terry Harris shares Michael’s sentiments. He stresses the viewpoint of a collective mentality, but he said the RSD community has to think of the individual’s safety as well as everyone else. “Humans are social beings, and young people miss that feeling,” Dr. Harris said. “However, if we all do our part, we can get on the right track.” Biased news media affect individual’s attitudes toward the virus, Dr. Harris said, and viewing nonpartisan sources is vital. “Not wearing a mask or socially distancing is a selfish
Q
9
HOW HAS PEER PRESSURE CHANGED IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19?
mindset,” Dr. Harris said. “This pandemic has put us in a position to be reminded of our compassion as humans and our empathy towards others.” Dr. Harris said there is little RSD can do to enforce mask mandates and social distancing outside of school. He said schools must treat conversations
about safety during the pandemic like they treat conversations around drugs and alcohol. In both instances, practicing safe choices outside of school can only be stressed. “We will struggle to overcome this pandemic if people don’t follow the rules,” Dr. Harris said. “This is not just about me. It is about we.”
To read the most latest updates, news, and emergency orders from the St. Louis Department of Health, scan the QR code.
“Online communications can increase feelings of isolation and missing out if friends are spending time together without said person. Online communications heighten this feeling with apps like Snapchat, where friends can see people hanging out in real time via stories and the snap map. When a said person sees these interactions unfolding in real time online, it makes it likely for them to want to participate in these activities too.”
IS PEER PRESSURE MORE SIGNIFICANT THROUGH ONLINE COMMUNICATION? “There are more components that occur online, such as knowing someone’s location, seeing something play out through pictures and video, as well as an “idealized” view of a situation through an online platform. These are examples of online communications that go past someone’s spoken words alone. Of course if someone is put into a situation in person, peer pressure can certainly still occur. Each situation is different, as are its factors so it’s difficult to say which form may be more or less effective.”
WHAT ARE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF PEER PRESSURE?
TIPS TO AVOID PEER PRESSURE • Identify your morals
Illlustrations by Mason Kellerman
and stick to them • Sympathize with yourself and others • Consider how your actions affect your community Information from verywellmind.com
“Experiencing peer pressure in high school can definitely contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Putting this situation in the context of a virtual environment can heighten feelings of isolation, especially when everyone is feeling disconnected to some degree or another.”
HOW SHOULD TEENAGERS RESPOND TO PEER PRESSURE? “I encourage students to set boundaries for themselves and communicate directly with others if they feel they are being pressured. I also recommend that students talk with people they trust about how they are feeling, whether this be with friends, parents, siblings, counselors or teachers.”
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FEATURES
nov. 2020
Students create clothing resale business
Q
Shop Prep STL sells lightly used brand name clothing items for reduced prices. Some brands that they sell include Lululemon, patagonia, and Chubbies. Alex Hohlen, senior, had bought and resold shoes prior to the creation of Shop Prep STL. This eventually lead him to expand his sales to other clothing items as well.
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Crystal Strate Business, Communication and Finance Teacher Future Buisness Leaders of America (FBLA) Adviser HOW DO YOU ADVISE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN STARTING A BUSINESS TO BEGIN?
“The most important thing is to find what they’re passionate about and build their business around that.”
DOES MHS HAVE NATIONALLY RANKED FBLA FINISHERS? “We are fortunate to have had so many top finishers. Last year, we had our first National winner, Robbie Zhang who received 4th place in Economics. We had 14 events place in the Top 10 at State.”
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH TEACHING BUSINESS? “ The world around us is always changing, and you have to be prepared to adapt. This includes technologies, methods for doing things, etc. “
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIELD OF BUSINESS? You can find business in pretty much any type of career out there. The opportunities are endless.
Senior Alex Hohlen, co-founder of Shop Prep STL, holds a limited edition Nike shoe in the headquarters of Shop Prep STL, located in his basement. Photographs by Carter Van Buskirk
never truly gain expertise.” and Springer have created a reselling Harrison Fleming, junior, learned process that works as quickly and about Shop Prep STL through word of efficiently as possible with the growing AS THE MARKET FOR ATHLETIC mouth and has been buying from them sales. wear continues to grow, many teenagever since. “Everything is listed ers are looking for alternative clothing “It’s like buying a brand on our Instagram “We’ve new product, for half shops. For two students, spare time prowith pictures, managed to turn the price,” Fleming voked a jump start to entrepreneurship size and price,” “It’s cliche, but, and business experience. an idea into something said. Hohlen said. literally, is what is Alex Hohlen and Christian Springthat we can profit off of “If you are happening. It’s also er, juniors, are the co-founders of Shop interested in very convenient and enjoy simultaneously.” Prep STL. The company, operating out that Christian and buying, you can of Hohlen’s basement, resells high-end Alex go to MHS. directly message clothing products at a more affordable ALEX HOHLEN, They really give the us.When you do price. local customers great junior buy from us, we ofHohlen describes Shop Prep STL, service.” fer porchpick up and started in May 2020, as an upscale PlaFleming said it is evident shipping nationwide.” Hohlen and Springer have a target to’s Closet, a retail store that sells similar Springer said Shop Prep STL has market. He said everything they sell is clothing products. Essentially, Hohlen received purchase orders from Nevada, trending among high school students said they take lightly used name brand Hawaii, California, Colorado, Florida, and will be in the future. With that in clothes such as Lululemon, Patagonia Connecticut and even Canada. mind, Fleming said the company will and Chubbies and sell them for under When I look at how far we’ve only continue to garner more customregular prices. come, I really do consider it an accomers. “We started back in May 2020,” plishment,” Hohlen said. “We’ve man“They undeniably have something Hohlen said. “The inspiration really was aged to turn an idea into something good going,” Fleming said. “Not only just the fact that I’ve been an entreprethat we can profit off of and enjoy is it positively impacting them, but it’s neur my whole life. I’m always finding simultaneously.” offering many, cheaper, more affordthings to resell. Once again, I saw clothes Since the creation of Shop Prep able alternatives to clothes that are STL, Springer said he has gained usually bought at a premium price.” were trending, so I figured out a way to insight on consumer behavior, money In the coming months, Hohlen sell them for cheap and buy them for management and organization. and Springer expect Shop Prep STL to even cheaper.” Prior to Shop Prep STL, “Because of Shop Prep, I have increase in size as more people learn Hohlen had been involved in buying learned things I would have never about it and demand increases for and selling shoes on websites such as learned within the classroom,” Springclothes. Until then, they continue to Facebook and Ebay. He credits these er sell clothes out of Hohlen’s basement. early efforts to building his knowledge said. “School can teach you the fundaand further their business experience. mentals of entrepreneurship, but until of business and entrepreneurship. you actually get out and do it, you will Today, with Shop Prep STL, Hohlen
carter VAN BUSKIRK
1. Missouri - 18.92% Sales- $8.73 average cost per shipment
Shop Prep STL Most Sales by State 3. North Carolina - 13.51% Sales- $18.47 average cost per shipment
2. New York - 16.22% Sales - $15.40 average cost per shipment
5. Illinois - 8.11% Sales - $8.64 average cost per shipment
4. California-10.81% Sales - $12.53 average cost per shipment
issue I
FEATURES
711
Seasonal changes bring new fall fashion trends
Student starts jewelry business
grace TAYLOR
liza COOPER
St. Louis has transitioned into autumn months, and students have altered their fashion to acclimate to the fall weather. They highlight how they have developed their own taste and how the season has influenced them.
Katie Orr smiled from ear to ear. She had just made her first sale: a pair of flamingo earrings and a few vinyl decals had been ordered by her family friend. “I was really excited,” Orr said. “When I started my business, I wasn’t sure if people would actually buy my things or not.” To Orr’s surprise, interest continued. She’s sold many more of her products since her first sale. Orr’s business is a small operation run from her house. She first started making things when she noticed there really wasn’t anything out there that suited her taste. “I had been looking for cute but simple jewelry, so I figured I’d just make it myself,” she said. She sells necklaces, vinyl stickers, earrings and bracelets, and targets her sales toward females, but mainly teenage girls. In order to advertise her products to the teenage age market, she uses Instagram and has more affordable prices than most jewelOrr’s jewelry that she sells. ry brands. But because she herself is a teenager, Orr also has school to balance along with her business. “I balance my business and school by telling people who place orders that their order most likely won’t be ready until that weekend,” she said. “That’s when I catch up on my orders.” Orr said for now it’s just a hobby that she spends 2-4 hours a week on, but it could turn into something more in the future. She said she loves it because it is something to keep her occupied but also a way to let people know who she is and what she likes to do. “I find it as an easy way to express myself,” Orr said.
Peyton Woley, sophomore, began embracing her style during quarantine. Quarantine allotted her more time to find her style, and she would save her money to buy new clothes. “I try to stick with an indie, streetwear look,” Woley said. “I try to take one item of clothing that I really like, for example a pair of patterned pants, and try to base the rest of the outfit off of those colors.” She gets her outfit inspiration from Emma Chamberlain, who has influenced teen fashion by rebirthing 90s that include scrunchies and Doc Martens. Chamberlain has been revolutionary in the fashion industry and her own personal wardrobe, Woley said.
Photograph by Ella Martak
For this fall, she has noticed flared leggings, zip-up hoodies and simple shoes such as Air Force Ones to be popular. “I had no sense of style at all before quarantine and I hope everybody forgets some outfits I used to wear,” Woley said.
Mary Kate Miesner, junior, started getting interested in fashion in middle school. She would challenge herself everyday to create a new outfit to wear to school. Over time, she has become more creative and developed her Photograph by sense of style. Kyra Culver On a normal day, she wears cropped tees with joggers or leggings, with either a cardigan or a jean jacket. She always accessorizes with rings, bracelets and belts. “I would define my style as casual chic since I wear a lot of black, white and neutral colors,” Miesner said. “I always try to add a piece of clothing or an accessory that makes each outfit unique.” Miesner said this fall she has noticed people wearing animal prints, leather, cropped tees and flannels. People have become versatile with some of these pieces pairing them with leggings, platform tennis shoes or Doc Martens. Social media has been a source of inspiration for her outfits, especially VSCO, a photo-editing app where users can post aesthetic pictures “The mantra allows users to feel comfortable in taking risks,” Miesner said. “I do believe everyone should embrace their own style and wear what makes them feel best.”
Photograph by Andrew Kim
Andrew Kim, senior, has gained a social media following from his outfits with about 4.3k followers on Instagram, 36k followers on his two TikTok accounts, and 11k monthly views on Pinterest. “The gain of following has given me more confidence to be more bold with the styles I try out,” Kim said. Along with these social media sites, Kim has a Depop where he resells secondhand clothes and shoes. He focuses on selling baggy fitting pants, graphic t-shirts and button ups. Some brands he resold items from are Supreme, FA, Palace, Kith and Jordan. Kim said he describes his style as “preppy oversized streetwear,” and during quarantine, he had more time to experiment with the oversized look, which is a staple in his fashion sense.
KATIE ORR,
sophomore
nov. 2020
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
12
RECORD S On Repeat
rutaiba SIDDIQUI
The Messenger asked students what their favorite music released or discovered during the stay-at-home order was. Below are a few responses. Scan the QR code to read more.
AMELIA ROSE
freshman
“I really liked Taylor Swift’s 'Folklore,' and my favorite song would have to be ‘Betty.’ But I would say I found a lot of music over quarantine. I had so much free time to really develop a music aesthetic. My top songs would be ‘Everlong’ by the Foo Fighters, ‘Come As You Are’ by Nirvana and ‘Jane Says’ by Jane’s Addiction.”
SAM STREMLAU sophomore
“I discovered ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ album by Pink Floyd. I would highly recommend those wanting to experience the extreme limits of music to give it a listen. The album isn’t simply a collection of songs. It’s an intricate story about what gives life."
LIV KALEMIS junior
“I’ve really been enjoying ‘Dreamland’ by COIN lately. My favorite songs would have to be ‘Cemetery,’ ‘Valentine’ and ‘Youuu.’ Also, I got really into the band Vampire Weekend over quarantine. Music means a lot to me, mostly because it’s a way to feel different emotions through sound.”
QUENTIN WILLIAMS senior
“My favorite album from quarantine was ‘Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon’ by Pop Smoke. I like the beats behind it, and I always listen to it. Especially when I’m driving because it keeps me focused and is good to vibe to.”
MTC rehearses for upcoming musical annie MCGINNIS
REBECCA BLINDAUER, THEATER director, chose this year's show "The Theory of Relativity" because it allowsfor COVID-19 safety precautions, including wearing masks and social distancing, while also providing entertainment. “I chose this show because it is a collection of songs centering around the themes of relationships, love and the overall human experience,” Blindauer said. She said the show consists of multiple solos and duets which limits the number of people at rehearsals. The solos will each be separately filmed then edited together to create the final production streamed from Thursday, Jan. 28 to Saturday, Jan. 30. “We are having to think about our performance more as a movie than a live theatrical performance,” Blindauer said. “But, I am trying to make it enjoyable and fun for the kids, even if
it is different.” While auditions are traditionally in person for theater productions, this year they were in the form of online video submissions. The auditions resulted in a cast ensemble of about 20 actors for the musical. Sarah Henderson, junior, said she is grateful the theater company still has a chance to perform during these questionable times, even if the production is virtual. “Nothing will be the same as performing for a live audience. A virtual musical can never beat the experience of live theatre,” Henderson said. She said dancing with a mask is her most difficult adaptation to following the COVID-19 safety guidelines. “Not rehearsing normally is saddening, but we are doing as much as we can with our given circumstances,” Henderson said. She said the biggest change in the theater production this year is the absence of a live audience, which is
MTC reads lines in the Choir Room in preperation for the "Variety Hour" Show, which aired Friday, Nov. 6. The members wear masks and sit at a six feet distance. Blindauer said the "Variety Hour" served as a transition into musical rehearsals. Photograph by Sully Anselmo
important to her. Adriano Robins, sophomore, said he looks forward to being a part of the cast even though the rehearsals and performances are structured differently compared to previous years.
“It's a heartfelt musical with a lot of purpose and meaning that people will desperately need during these times,” Robins said. “I can't wait to be a part of it.”
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Love From a Distance
Couples discuss how a virtual space, social distancing guidelines and safety precautions have affected their relationships. emmie FOLEY In the beginning of lockdown, Katelyn Erce, junior, and Logan Fahrner, junior, knew the feeling of the drastic social changes caused by the spread of COVID-19 and the consequent preventative measures all too well. Erce was on vacation in Africa for 12 days in the beginning of the pandemic and had to self-quarantine without her boyfriend once she returned home. “We did not like that we couldn’t see each other, even for just two weeks because we were so used to seeing each other every day,” Erce said. “We got into a bunch of arguments. They were stupid arguments, too. And I think it’s because we hadn’t seen each other.” Another issue that emerged for couples like Erce and Fahrner was the lack of places to go. Even after the stay-at-home order was lifted, several businesses were closed or required limited occupancy. “When it [quarantine] first started, we were bored out of our minds. I was like, ‘Oh my god there’s nothing to do!’ Our dates would be at my house or his,” Erce said. “Once things started opening, it was a bit different. I actually prefer dates now because they’re not as crowded.” This lack of physical dates has made it far more difficult for couples to interact face-to-face, but not impossible. Couples like seniors Caroline Cooper and Josh Cudney also have been affected by the lack of physical contact as a result of the pandemic, but the two kept an open mind and found new ways to spend time together without the threat of spreading COVID-19. At the beginning of the pandemic, Cooper and Cudney were unable to see each other often due to the stay-at-home order. “We would be on FaceTime most of the day just so we could stay in touch. That was really helpful because with texting you can’t hear each other’s voices and things tend to get lost in translation when it comes to tone. Being able to hear each other’s voices helped us with being as intimate as possible while we were away from each other,” Cooper said. Once the stay-at-home order was lifted, Cooper and Cudney remained relatively cautious, avoiding other people so they could safely spend time together
in each other’s homes. Online school proved to be helpful for the couple, allowing them to go over to each other’s homes during class Zoom calls. Although the pandemic significantly affected how the two interacted as a couple, Cooper and Cudney were able to work with what they were given in order to strengthen their relationship. “As weird as it sounds, it actually brought us closer together,” Cooper said. “We were already pretty close beforehand but we’re together nonstop now. Staff relationships have also been impacted by COVID-19. Katherine Schroeder, math teacher, faced challenges in her relationship with her husband. Schroeder’s husband is a nurse working at the hospital, and with the switch to the online quarterly schedule, Schroeder’s workload doubled. As a result of their colliding schedules, the two haven’t been able to see each other often during the pandemic. The pandemic also forced Schroeder to completely rethink one of the most important moments of her life: her wedding day. In March, the two had all of their plans laid out, only to return to the drawing board one week before their big day. But Schroeder said all was not lost. Although their big day didn’t go as they initially planned, the two were able to enjoy their wedding reception for two days, rather than one. Schroeder was grateful to have the additional time so she could sit back and enjoy the experience. “I got to wear my dress twice, and we got to celebrate with our family twice,” Shroeder said. “So our actual wedding day was nice. It was kind of like we eloped with our family.” The Schroeders and many other couples have been able to work through the challenges of the pandemic and draw something positive from their experiences. “It wasn’t what we thought it would be,” Schroeder said, “but it was still a really great time. We had our family there and really that’s all that was important.”
Attachments: 2 images
Seniors Caroline Cooper and Josh Cudney pose in front of a sunset. Katherine Shroeder, math teacher, poses for her reception pictures with her husband, Andy. Photographs by Beth Cudney and Lisa Meyer
Illustration by Emmie Foley
issue I
14
SPORTS
Girls volleyball has best season since 2013 zara TOLA “DO OR DIE,” This was senior Jenna Gruender’s thought as the varsity girls volleyball team walked into their Sectional game. Although the girls lost their match against Francis Howell at Sectionals Saturday, Oct. 31, this season marks the farthest the team has made it in a season since 2013. “The game against Francis Howell was extremely close, and we were neck and neck during every set,” Gruender said. “We truly gave it our all that game and left everything out on the court.” Gruender, who was selected for the second team All-District, said the determination she saw on the team was unlike what she had seen in past years. “Every single player had the motivation in them to do their best during each game which made all the difference,” Gruender said. Gruender said she wouldn’t have wanted to end her last high school match playing any differently. This was her favorite game she had ever played in. Mia Scanlon, freshman, said the seniors on the team, including Gruender, Olivia Meier, Alexa Rush and Janvi Huria, led the way to the team winning the District Championship.
certain shots, which we haven’t really had to do in the past.” Scanlon said their last match was a battle for the team, but even though the team was disappointed with the outcome, she said it shows a lot that the team didn’t just roll over and give up. “Our energy on the court that game was insane,” Scanlon said. “We all wanted it so badly and weren’t going to give up.” Coach Tammy Becker said the girls had amazing chemistry as a team this season. She said the team had a common bond and interest: they knew that they had something special and wanted to see it through. Varsity volleyball athletes and Andrew Hummert celebrate with their new District Champi “We knew if we could get to play onship plaque after defeating Francis Howell three sets to none, their first District Championship win since 2013. Photgraph by Ben Hughes through a global pandemic, we could do anything,” Becker said. “So when Scanlon said the support each girl things that usually worked for the team finally given the green light to start had for one another, the way that they didn’t work at Sectionals. competing, we were all pushed each other - in addition to light- “They had an outin.” hearted joking around - created a team side that was their go Even though the team dynamic she had never felt before. to hitter and we were “We knew if we could fell short at Sectionals, get to play through a Becker said the team “As an incoming freshman, it was just having a tough kind of intimidating going in and not time reading her and global pandemic, we will build on what knowing anybody,” Scanlon said. “But shutting her down,” learned for future could do anything.” they it literally didn’t even take a full pracScanlon said. “They seasons. tice for the girls to all welcome me and also were really strong “I think winning disnot make me feel awkward.” in the back row so we TAMMY BECKER tricts this year is just Scanlon, who was chosen for first as hitters just had to be the start of where this COACH team All-District, said in their last more purposeful and program can go in the match they were frustrated because deliberate with hitting future,” Becker said.
Mystique freshmen adapt to abnormal season grace TAYLOR
MYSTIQUE FRESHMAN HAVE NOT had a normal start to high school or dance season, but are trying their best to adapt and make the best of it. McKinley Krekeler, freshman, is one of three freshmen on the team. Every year, Mystique adopts a sister-system, where upperclassmen choose a lowerclassman to be their little sister for the year. Krekeler said her big sister is Juliet MacMurrary, senior, who, like Krekeler, was also on varsity her freshman year. “She chose me because she wanted me to feel welcomed on the team,” Krekeler said, “She is just so nice and she is an amazing dancer, so I am really glad she is my sister.” Dance isn’t always split up by age, so she didn’t have a difficult time fitting in with the upperclassmen. Everyone on the team has been welcoming and inclusive all season, Krekeler said. However, she has faced some challenges along the way. As a freshman on varsity, she has to dance at a higher level. “Being on varsity is a little intimidating,” Krekeler said. “You don’t want to let the older girls down or the coaches down.” Every summer, Mystique dancers instruct Mini Camp, which is a dance camp for younger girls who will feed into MHS. It was canceled this July due to most of RSD being closed at the
time. Emerson Greenblatt, freshman, is a member of junior varsity Mystique. She was disappointed that Mini Camp was canceled. “I have been going to Mini Camp since I was in first grade at Marquette because my sister was on Mystique,” Greenblatt said. “I have always wanted to be one of the instructors because I thought that was so cool when I was little.” Greenblatt also has a big sister in the Mystique program. Her big sister is Elise Windmueller, senior. Windmueller is a catalyst for helping Greenblatt become friends with more upperclassmen through connections she has made with the team over the years. “I can go ask her or FaceTime [her] and she will be there for me and give me all of the information I need,” Greenblatt said. However, there have been some challenges along the way. Mystique had to quarantine for two weeks after one member tested positive for COVID-19, but no one else contacted the virus, Greenblatt said. Junior varsity consists of all freshmen besides three sophomores. Greenblatt became close with the sophomores, especially Annie Alcorn, sophomore. Alcorn was voted team captain by her teammates. Her responsibilities include choreographing game-day routines and being the medium between the coach and the rest of the team. “Last year as a freshman I looked
JV Mystique poses as a close-knit team, bonded by the multiple difficulties they endured during their season. Photograph by Carson Hartung
up to my captains a lot, so I just think it’s fun to be in that role for the other freshman,” Alcorn said. Alcorn said she has tried to make this season as normal as possible for the freshman. She has made them learn routines in three days when they actually have more time, and has tried getting them pumped up for football games, even with the lack of supporters in the stands. Outside of practices and gamedays, Alcorn has organized team bonding activities such as pool parties and after practice food runs. She struggles
with not seeing the freshmen at school because the only time she sees them is during two-hour practice windows. Junior varsity Mystique coach, Carson Hartung, is a first year coach. At the beginning of the season, she was able to carve out time during practice for the girls to talk about their lives. They also talked about their shared experience of virtual school, which helped the girls relate to each other. “I’m very proud of their ability to stay positive and keep training hard for competition season despite the uncertainty of this year,” Hartung said.
issue I
SPORTS
Chris Kreh: Behind the athlete’s success zara TOLA
30 touchdowns and 2,238 yards rushed over 12 games. Friday night. Amidst the light breeze So, what does Kreh owe all of his and chatter of the crowd, one sound success to? can be heard: the clatter of cleats. He only has one answer to that A sea of green rushes in from the question: his team. side of the stadium; football players “I’m proud to say my teammates are warm for their big game. Amid what my key success is,” Kreh the green, two large white said. “They’ve always been letters stick out...one and there for me and always “I’m proud to zero. Number 10. pushed me to strive to say my teammates be the best and kind The number of the one and only Chris of strive to get to the are what my key Kreh. next level.” success is,” Chris Kreh, Kreh described senior, is widely his relationship known for being one with the team as a CHRIS KREH, of the best running “brotherhood” of sorts; backs in MHS history. all of the guys are friends senior This past season, on and off the field. which was only five games due “Every time that one of our to complications from the ongoing brothers gets hit or something like that, COVID-19 pandemic, Kreh scored 18 you always go and pick him up,” Kreh touchdowns and rushed a total of 1,157 said. yards. Cade Woodfin, senior and tight end Kreh said that in the current climate on the football team, also sees the team with COVID-19 he felt restricted as a “brotherhood” of sorts. every day at practice, but that despite “Everyone is willing to do anything the difficulty of practicing amidst for anyone, and that is what made this a pandemic, good things have still team so successful,” Woodfin said. “We managed to come out of the season. always support one another no matter “I think COVID has kind of taught what, through both the good and bad all of us that you got to kind of work times, and that is what a brotherhood through adversity, and you kind of just truly is.” play with your environment,” Kreh Woodfin said Kreh is a great said. leader for their team because of his Kreh’s junior year, he had a recordcharacter. Woodfin described Kreh as breaking season. Not only did the motivated, driven, and hard-working, football team make it to the semifinals, and attributes these qualities to what the farthest it has ever gone in MHS Kreh has been able to accomplish on History, but Kreh broke school the field. records for the most touchdowns and “He’s a guy who is always pushing yards rushed in a single season, with everyone around him whether it is on
the football field, in the Weight Room, or whatever. He’s a guy who always makes everyone around him successful,” Woodfin said. “No matter what challenge he faces, he will tackle it head on and not back down.” Michael Stewart, head football coach, said that all of the varsity players, including Kreh, have done a great job managing stress and overcoming obstacles this season. “I think there can be some pressure at any position when you step onto a varsity field,” Stewart said. “It takes 11 players doing their job to be successful and the kids understand that.” Stewart said the other players on the team have a lot of respect for Kreh. Kreh was nominated by his peers to be a captain for the past two years, a feat that Coach Stewart said is rarely accomplished by a junior. While Stewart acknowledged that Kreh’s athleticism contributes to his accomplishments in football, he emphasized the importance of his attitude. “He’s obviously a very gifted athlete, but his work ethic, selflessness and leadership skills have put him in this position to succeed,” Stewart said. Photograph by Carter Van Buskirk
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nov. 2020
SPORTS
AT A GLANCE
Boys cross country celebrates after qualifying for the State meet for the 12th straight year. Photograph by Jen Del Carmen
Boys cross country finished 11th at the State meet. Ethan Koop, senior, finished eighth individually to earn All-State honors.
Abby Bolt, Class of 2020 graduate, competes in a dual meet last year against Eurkea. Girls swim will look to bring home their third consecutive State championship this winter. Photograph by Jeff Swift
Winter sports competitions will take place during the first week of December.
The Mustangs prepare for a faceoff in their defensive zone against Lafayette in a game that ended as a 1-1 tie Dec. 6, 2019. Photograph by Jeff Swift.
Hockey prepares for season marin ELLINGTON JUNIOR ISAAC WEATHERFORD, VARSITY hockey goalie, joined the Marquette hockey team a little late after withdrawing from a team in New Hampshire over COVID safety concerns. However, he has taken many measures to make up for any time he may have lost. Hockey tryouts took place in August and there is no set schedule due to the season being delayed, but the teams have been participating in practice games to prepare. Weatherford has individually done workouts four times a week and has also picked up private lessons in addition to spending as much time as possible on the ice with his own teammates. “I feel my game has gotten better due to the time to workout and train,” Weatherford said. “It pushed me to be better for next season.” Hockey, which is not school sponsored, is not technically a MSHAA sanctioned high school sport, but it follows the same COVID-19 restrictions as the sanctioned high frequency contact sports follow. Junior Ryan McDonald, varsity defender, compares many of the regulations to those of fall high school sports and does not feel the season has changed significantly. “We’ve all gotten used to the restrictions COVID has caused,” McDonald said. The program has been practicing at the Maryville University Hockey Center since teams were selected in August. Picking up practice time became a little more difficult and facility restrictions prevented the team from spending as much time on the ice as they wanted. Hockey is allowed a limited number of spectators at games, and necessary precautions are taken while in the rink such as wearing masks and keeping water bottles separated. They are also being cautious in regards to social distancing. The coaching staff has taken charge during this time to ensure the safety of the athletes as well as to teach leadership and improve skills. “The head coach, Gary Tockman, knows hockey and I fully trust that he’s coaching our team in the best way,” McDonald said. Assistant Varsity Coach Craig Campbell has 20 years experience coaching youth hockey and said he is hopeful about the strides being made in preparation for the season. During his time coaching, he has developed his
St. Louis County High-Contact Sports Restrictions -Only two coaches allowed at practices. - Limited spectators. -Mask wearing when not participating in physical activity. -Screening process and mitigation methods must be exercised. - Submit a plan to St. Louis Department of Health
Information from St. Louis County Department of Health as of Friday, Nov. 13.
technique in a way that is beneficial in helping his players learn. “I prefer one-on-one coaching because I feel it is easier to convey my message personally to the player,” Campbell said. One thing that has remained the same in the season is the team’s holding of its preseason tournament where the Mustangs did not win the championship as they did last year. The tournament is used to assess the skills of the players on the team and it helps coaches to design practices based upon the skills that need to be addressed. “This year’s team so far isn’t as good as last year because we had 12 seniors graduate so last year was a strong veteran team,” Campbell said. “However, this year’s team is starting to catch up and could wind up being just as good or better.” Team captains are charged with the task of motivating their fellow teammates and keeping the team tightly-knit during the off season. Campbell said he recognizes the potential in his players and their strong goaltending. “We have an outstanding group of young men and two young women that are really coming together as a hockey team,” Campbell said. “They love to represent Marquette High School so we have a lot of spirit.”
“I will take every advantage being with the boys and not take anything for granted.”
Three MHS players attempt to force a De Smet player into a turnover. Photograph by Zara Tola
The boys soccer team ended their seasson in the District title game with a loss to De Smet. Their regular season record ended 7-4.
ISAAC WEATHERFORD JUNIOR