18-19 Marquette Messenger: Issue 1

the

MESSENGER

n. I

VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

DIVIDING FLEX TIME Discussions arise around the addition of flex time in next year’s schedule marta MIEZE

Katie Kenney, junior, checks her phone while eating lunch. Hugo Talbott, senior, works on his Chromebook. A group of students chat at the lunch tables. All three of these activities would be options for students during next school year’s flex time. Photographs by Tanner Rojewski

W

ORKING ON HOMEWORK, eating lunch, meeting for a group project or getting help from teachers.

Those are some of the things students will be able to split their time up doing next year when RSD implements a new flex schedule in high schools, which will follow the same blocked schedule MHS follows now but additionally include an hour of flex time.

MHS faculty and staff are currently discussing two different options: Option 1, which includes an hour of flex everyday, and Option 80, which includes flex only on B and C days.

However, other high schools don’t have the options and will all adopt

Option 1.

“We are looking at our facilities and what is best for our students,” Associate Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said.

Dr. Hankins said the blocked schedule this year was a way to help students transition into the flex schedule next year, which is one of the reasons MHS did so while other high schools didn’t.

The structure of the schedule will remain the same, Dr. Hankins said, with the addition of extra time for flex, making classes a little bit shorter.

“Some of the feedback I’m getting from students is right now the blocks feel a little long, so the blocks will be a bit shortened next year,” Dr. Hankins said.

pg. 4

ROLL CALL Editor in Chief Online Editor in Chief Associate Editor Production Editor Copy Editor News Editors Features Editor Arts&Leisure Editor Sports Editor Opinions Editor Page Designer Social Media Editor Photo Editor Business Manager Staff Reporters

Staff Adviser

Kavya Jain Jen Bosche Kailin Zhang Jackson Estwanick Marta Mieze Sarah Harris Mansi Mamidi Jessica Li Jeff Swift Will Roach Sabrina Lacy Waha Siddiqui Tanner Rojewski Abigail Nebot Sam Hall Rene Moore Michael Schmitz Kayla Schweitzer Jilian Bunderson Alyssa Shellabarger Emily Jorgensen

CONTENTS Thomas DeGroot, junior, styles hair at his mother’s salon, The Stylist Salon.

He, like many students, runs his own business.

7 business

MHS’ new Safety and Security Committee meets in the Theatre to discuss its plans for the school year.

the

MESSENGER marquettemessenger.com

FACEBOOK @MARQUETTEMESSENGER

SNAPCHAT @MHS MESSENGER

14

12

books

swim

safety and security committee

4

Giuseppe Gereau, freshman, trains with St. Louis Scott Gallagher to play professional soccer after high school.

More books feature protagonists of color.

soccer

15

OUR POLICY

INSTAGRAM @YOURMHSNEWS

TWITTER @YOURMHSNEWS

Simon Hermansen, junior, swims for the boys swim team. He is an exchange student from Denmark.

YOUTUBE @MARQUETTEMESSENGER

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 takes

responses for any issue. Send these in at www.marquettemessenger. com.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE Giving you the September issue is a bittersweet moment for us. On one hand, it allows us to let go of our grievances from the previous year and start anew, creating the paper we wish to see with new fonts, new headers and new organization. On the other hand, it’s intimidating to put together 16 pages that will set the tone of our beloved publication for the rest of the year. No amount of preparation is enough, yet here we are giving it our all. Last year our paper redefined boundaries and challenged traditions and for that we faced backlash, yet tradition has persisted in everything we do whether that is listening to BORNS or eating pineapple pizza and

popcorn, food for the gods, at layout.

After all, routine keeps us grounded.

So this year let’s look forward to consistency in our lives and our paper but not let that hold us back from taking risks. This past summer I deliberated what my vision for this paper would be and I settled on diversity. Diversity in coverage and in the newsroom; because at the end of the day it all comes back to people. This year 30 percent of our staff is bilingual and 35 percent are people of color. A paper by the people, for the people, about the people. In news, we bring to you the people behind new policies at MHS, in sports an exchange student from Denmark, and in in-depth an

alumna battling an eating disorder.

However our coverage is only as strong as our student body. With a plethora of guest writers and letters to the editor, we blossomed into a true public forum for the Marquette community last year, and I can only hope this status holds true this year. I implore you to help us in our mission and send your opinions, feedback, and story ideas to mhsmessenger@ rsdmo.org. So join us. Become passionate about the facts.

Until next time, KAVYA JAIN Editor in Chief

issue I

NEWS

3

CHAMPIONS fosters student engagement sabrina LACY • sarah HARRIS

MISSOURI INSTATES DYSLEXIA TESTING

Photo illustration by Jackson Estwanick

sarah HARRIS

wood is committed to supporting all students who struggle with learning to read,” Dr. Steffan said. “It N SEVENTH GRADE, FRESHMAN ISAAC WEATH- is exciting to have a new intervention to support erford’s, parents noticed that he was working at a students who need a new a different teaching techslower speed than his classmates. nique.”

After getting him tested, he was diagnosed with Shelly Justin, language arts teacher, attended the dyslexia. required Rockwood training for teachers.

“It has been very tough because not a lot of people Justin said the training was more interactive know how to handle it,” Weatherford said. “You just allowing the teachers to experience what it would feel have to work much harder than other people and it like to have dyslexia. can be difficult to overcome that challenge.”

“It was really enlightening because the exercises After Governor Jay Nixon signed a bill requiring were meant to show how a kid who doesn’t learn and the screening of every Missouri student, Rockwood see things like everyone else can easily get frustratcreated Phonics First, a hands-on interactive program ed,” Justin said. aimed at teaching beginning, at-risk, struggling, learnWhile Justin has seen the impact of dyslexia firsting disabled, dyslexic and ELL readers. hand with her son and brother, she said the training When Weatherford lived in Kansas City, his gave the teachers a goal to strive for: include all differteachers lacked the knowledge necessary to help him ent types of learners. learn. He said that Rockwood is a “I think we need to do activities better school district and he’s excitlike that more often because we are all ed to hear that they are instituting wired differently,” Justin said. “We live Phonics First. in a society that has these rigid expec15 to 20 percent of “I think Phonics First is going to tations and if you aren’t that kind of help a lot because they will identify person it’s very hard to adapt.” people have some the problem early making it easier Frank Weatherford, Isaac’s father, form of dyslexia. to solve the problem,” Weatherford has always been supportive of Isaac by said. “I think they should take it at a helping him with school. lower age, around first and second “When he was first diagnosed, we DYSLEXIC CENTER OF grade, and then an older age like got him a tutor,” Frank said. “It was around seventh grade because it UTAH hard because some days he wanted to can sometimes be hard to identify play baseball but he had to go read after dyslexia at a young age.” school. However, we were willing to Weatherford said his parents make these sacrifices.” have always been supportive as they have striven to Along with the tutoring, Frank awards much credit provide him with the best educational experience to Rockwood and their teaching styles. through books, tutors and assistance.

“Even though Kansas City and St. Louis have the “My sister is dyslexic and my dad himself thinks same state laws regarding education, Rockwood has he’s dyslexic, too,” Weatherford said. “There’s a book been more accommodating for special learning disabilcalled “Fish in a Tree” about a dyslexic girl. Readities,” Frank said. ing through the book helped me figure out what my He said Phonics First will greatly help benefit those problem is and that I’m not alone.” who do have learning disabilities because they will Dr. Stepfanie Steffan, coordinator of Elementary be identified at a young age and they can receive the Literacy and Title Programs, said this program will proper help. help benefit the students.

“In first grade and lower, students are learning to “Some children learn to read in a different way read but starting in third grade, students are reading than the norm,” Dr. Steffan said. “Their brains proto learn,” Frank said. cess information differently, and therefore, they need Because the average dyslexic student’s brain has a different instructional model.” to work 4.6 times harder than a non-dyslexic students Because this program has been instituted to help brain, many dyslexic students come to resent school. students make adequate progress in reading interven- Recent studies have shown that 35 percent of dyslextions, the goal is to have all kids reading at grade level ic students dropout of school. expectations, Dr. Steffan said.

“It’s unfortunate when dyslexic students dropTo maintain this goal, Rockwood reading interout of school because in the long run, the positives vention teachers received 30 hours of training within eventually outweigh the negatives,” Frank said. “After the first week of school. school, it becomes a good gift because those with dys“The Reading Intervention department in Rocklexia tend to be more creative and hard-working.”

I

AT THE 2009 GRADUATION, A SENIOR WALKED up to Senior Principal Dr. Dan Ramsey, and gave him a huge hug, thanking him for everything he had done for her.

There was only one problem. Dr. Ramsey didn’t recognize her.

“I swear I’d never seen her a day before in my life, and I felt horrible,” Dr. Ramsey said. “The problem is that there’s just so many kids, and we are trying to make sure kids don’t fall through the cracks.”

Around the same time, a Ted Talk by Rita Pierson was released regarding role models and how every student needs a champion.

Both of these motivated Dr. Ramsey to start the Champions Program at MHS in 2013.

“We all had different ideas on who was struggling and it was hard to sort through that,” Dr. Ramsey said. “We kept working to try a system to identify and help kids who were struggling.”

With the addition of the Champions Program, Dr. Ramsey said he hoped to help those students who needed the extra motivation to reach their full potential.

“We are trying to identify kids who need help and hook them up with an adult who can help them,” Dr. Ramsey said. “A lot of times when students are struggling, it’s not that they can’t do it; it’s that they don’t know how and having someone there to motivate and encourage them is very beneficial.”

Starting this year, Superintendent Dr. Eric Knost, introduced the Champions Program district wide.

While schools choose how they want to introduce the program, the ultimate goal is to show students they have value especially in light of the violence and suicides in schools across the country, Dr. Knost said.

Dr. Knost said he hopes students will be able to trust the adults in their school and have someone they can talk to if they are going through a rough time.

“What I’ve learned when I’ve studied these distressed young people that do horrific things and bring harm to schools, is that they are almost always students that have really lost all hope in their personal life because they are dealing with some really heavy stuff, some real trauma in their personal lives,” Dr. Knost said.

While Dr. Knost understands it won’t be a quick process, he is more concerned about the efficiency.

“We aren’t going to do it wham bam really fast because it will be in a sloppy matter,” Dr. Knost said. “We are going to chip at it away slowly until all 21,000 students can identify a champion.”

Currently at MHS, Tracey Waeckerle, sophomore principal, manages the Champions Program.

“I think social and emotional support is really big.

Teenagers have a lot going on in their lives, a lot of stresses,” Waeckerle said. “ I think having somebody to go to, to talk through that is very important to develop mentally.”

The goal of the program this year is for every student to have a bond with MHS. To complete that goal, a survey was sent out Tuesday, Sept. 11, to collect data on if students have someone they can talk to at MHS. “The big connection that we have this year is making sure all students have someone that they can trust and go to in our building,” Waeckerle said.

“We’re going to work with our staff to develop a plan to make sure we find those connections for students.”

NEWS

4

sept. 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Yijin Huang, senior, was selected for the STARS Award for Excellence.

On Sept. 26, Rockwood is hosting a districtwide meeting regarding the new five-year plan, The Way Forward.

Stay tuned to MHSNews’ first episode Thursday.

Countdowns 60 days until Thanksgiving Break

91 days until Winter Break

On Thursday, Sept. 13, the Quadrant Safety Committee met for the first time. Students from each grade level were selected by grade-level principals to participate in the committee. Photograph by Waha Siddiqui

Safety committee discusses campus security marta MIEZE WHILE PREPARING FOR INTRUDER drills, every MHS student sees a presentation of the four E’s: educate, evade, escape and engage. However, students have only ever practiced evading by locking doors and hiding away for the drill.

On Oct. 5, an undetermined section of the building is going to practice the escape route as well. Similar to a fire drill, students and teachers will make their way out of the building. In a real intruder alert students and teachers would escape to safety points further away from school, but during the drill, they will wait outside the building until the end of the drill.

“I think we’re always trying to, every year, change things and make sure that we’re staying up to date and eliminating dangerous situations,” Alex Nelle, social studies teacher, said. “But there is always more that can be done.”

Nelle is part of the Quadrant Safety Committee, a committee that oversees MHS and all the middle and elementary schools in the MHS attendance area.

From being on that committee, he proposed the idea of practicing escape routes to Principal Dr. Greg Mathison last year.

Nelle said last year multiple educators who had received training in safety procedures met with the St. Louis County Police who suggested trying to practice escape routes because it was already prac-

ticed in multiple schools in the area.

Nelle said the Quadrant Safety Committee focuses more on classroom safety rather than school-wide drills, making sure electrical outlets are not broken or things aren’t stacked up to the point that they can fall over and injure students.

Nelle said recent safety precautions, passed in a 2015 district bond issue, included putting film on windows to hold the glass together in case of shattering and changing locks to make it easier for teachers to lock doors from the inside.

School Resource Officer Steve Aspinall said only part of the building will practice escaping to make it more safe.

“If we do the whole building at one time, it might be a little overwhelming,” Aspinall said.

Aspinall said that in the intruder drill following the October drill, a different part of the building will practice escaping to ensure all teachers have experience with escaping.

Aspinall said while security is currently good at MHS, there can always be improvements.

“I want everyone to be on the same page as to student and staff safety,” Aspinall said.

A new Safety and Security Committee also was established early this month, consisting of teachers, administrators and four students, one from each grade level.

He said many people have a variety of

Administration institutes flex time for next year Right now, students don’t quite get a break, Dr. Hankins said. So the flex time will not only allow students to get help but also to help them relax because it can be hard when students have jobs, practices or simply aren’t able to come in before or after school for help.

“We’re hoping it helps students academically, but also with their overall well-being,” Dr. Hankins said.

Katelyn Curran, junior, said she currently likes the blocked schedule because it mixes up classes she has

everyday. However, she might have not taken some classes blocked if she had that choice.

“I personally think some classes are not suitable to be blocked classes,” Curran said. “They can get kind of boring or would be better off if it was just everyday.”

Curran said she doesn’t find either schedule option more compelling than the other and thinks just the addition of flex time will be beneficial.

“It really gives the options to students to do homework at school,”

Curran said. “I also think that having an hour away from actually learning helps [material] to settle in.”

Jason Schneider, P.E. teacher, said he prefers Option 1 because it gives students flex time everyday. However, he is not quite sure how flex time could impact the P.E. department.

“A couple options that may go in effect would be the ability for students to come down and do a make up from a day they were absent,” Schneider said. “Maybe a possible lift or stretch for some in-season athletes that do not

opinions and ideas of how safety should be handled so the committee will open up a discussion and make it so common decisions on changes can be made.

Mary Olubogun, junior, was selected to be part of the committee. Olubogun said it is great to see students represented in policy change initiatives that affect them directly.

“I do think that a lot of the students are still very anxious and worried and traumatized by just a lot of the stuff with the school shootings,” Olubogun said.

She said the new changes implemented this year, like the sign-in at the Welcome Center, have definitely helped her feel more secure.

Freshman Principal Carl Hudson said the committee will review current policies and procedures and give insight on improvements.

Currently, Hudson said he is trying to arrange to visit other schools and see what safety precautions they have in place, how effective they are and how they could be incorporated at MHS. The committee first met Sept. 13 and will continue to meet every other month.

“There are a lot of good ideas outside [Dr. Mathison’s] head and my head,” Hudson said. “When others are given the opportunity to have their input, they can only make us better.”

continued from front currently have a Strength Class, and some intra murals set up that students can sign up in advance for.”

While right now students can sign up for Study Hall and get help from teachers who have Team Time that hour, Schneider said flex time will make help more accessible.

“The chances are very high for kids to get the help from the teacher they need and the day they need it,” Schneider said.

issue I

OPINIONS

5

editorialBOARD FLEX SCHEDULES

S

TUDENTS KNOW ABOUT THE BLOCKED schedule by now. Ask anyone how they feel about it and the answer will more than likely be a simple “I hate it” or “it’s not my favorite.” What students probably do not know is that the blocked schedule is only a transition to a new flex time schedule that will be introduced next school year.

The flex time schedule will retain the mandatory blocked classes we have now, but it also will give students a full hour during lunch to do anything that is school appropriate. Meeting with friends, finishing homework, attending extracurricular activity meetings and having time for student intervention will all be possible.

After students were released early last Tuesday, teachers attended a meeting hosted by Principal Dr. Greg Mathison, Associate Principal Dr. Stephen Hankins and Sophomore Principal Tracey Waeckerle.

The meeting’s objective was to discuss, in detail, two options for next year’s schedule, both involving flex time.

Option 1, has 60 minutes of flex time during lunch every day. The second alternative, Option 80,

has 92 minutes but only on B and C days. While the extra half-hour from Option 80 could help students focus better on their work in one period, students would only have that time twice a week.

We support Option 1 because students have a consistent time every day to accomplish tasks outside of class. Because Option 80’s Flex Time only happens twice a week and feels more rewarding, students may use the allotted time for relaxation instead of work.

Dr. Mathison also said that we are not the first school to make this change. In 2011, West Port High School, located in Ocala, Fla., attempted a schedule that incorporated a daily hour for a flex period. After one year, student course failure dropped from 37 percent to 3.8 percent and student participation in extracurricular activities jumped from 10 percent to over 60 percent. The Florida Board of Education has rewarded West Port with a grade of A because they made the change.

Flex time will clearly benefit students at MHS, and despite complaints about the current blocked schedule, we must keep in mind that it is only a stepping stone toward that benefit.

OPTION 1 A DAYS 1

8:28 - 9:13 (45 MINUTES)

2

9:19 - 10:06 (47 MINUTES

3

10:12 - 10:57 (45 MINUTES)

4

11:03 - 11:48 (45 MINUTES)

FLEX 11:48 - 12:48 (60 MINUTES) 5

12:48 - 1:33 (45 MINUTES)

6

1:39 - 2:24 (45 MINUTES)

7

2:32 - 3:17 (45 MINUTES)

B / C DAYS 1/2

8:28 - 10:02 (94 MINUTES)

3/4

10:08 - 11:42 (94 MINUTES)

FLEX 11:42 - 12:50 (68 MINUTES) 5/6

12:50 - 2:24 (45 MINUTES)

7/8

2:30 - 3:17 (45 MINUTES)

SPEAK OUT “I think that more women would. It wouldn’t just be based on her in office, but it would definitely be an inspiration to.”

Earlier this month, actress Susan Sarandon tweeted that she believed that Donald Trump’s presidency had inspired more women to run for office. The Messenger then asked:

WOULD WOMEN BE AS MOTIVATED TO RUN FOR OFFICE HAD HILLARY CLINTON BEEN ELECTED?

THE NEW YORK TIMES PROVIDED STATISTICS IN 1978, 48 WOMEN RAN FOR CONGRESS IN 2018, 257 WOMEN RAN FOR CONGRESS

JILLIAN COLE,

freshman

KYLE ROSS,

“Yeah, that would have had more of an impact, but her losing also created more of a push to be a woman in office because now people are more motivated to become that ‘First Woman.’”

MIKAYLA MCDOWELL,

senior

sophomore

“I don’t think that would encourage or discourage any woman to run for office.

I think if a woman wants to run, she’s gonna run if Hillary paved a path or not.”

KIM HOTZE,

german teacher

“Yes and No. Yes because I feel like women would be kind of empowered, to be like ‘oh she can run for president, I can run for president’, but also no because some women don’t want to be in politics, and that’s just the truth of the situation.”

“If she won maybe that would empower more women to start participating more in politics to run for and get into those positions.”

VARUN DEVRAJ,

senior

OPINIONS

6

2Views :

sept. 2018

On Sept. 5, Nike’s ad created controversy presenting former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, shown above. Kaepernick is infamous for kneeling during the national anthem before football games in 2016. Is Nike right to use Kaepernick to promote their products and visions? Two staffers provide their viewpoints.

Nike can bring change will ROACH NIKE’S NEW AD FOR THEIR “JUST Do It” campaign features Colin Kaepernick, a figure controversial for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality before football games. Nike has received intense backlash from consumers, with some fans going as far as burning their Nike products.

Despite the rage, we should be commending Nike for taking a bold stance on U.S. politics.

It is not very often that large companies attempt to directly influence politics, and that needs to change.

In the past, Nike’s “Just Do It” ads have always focused on social aspects, typically covering topics like sexism, racism and xenophobia, but this is the first time Nike has decided to champion a key player in politics. With the support of a $30 billion company, Kaepernick’s protests can now reach beyond the bleachers and make more people aware of social issues that must be solved.

What about other companies?

During last year’s Super Bowl, Coca-Cola released an ad presenting LGBT couples, but there is no central figure.

In effect, Coca-Cola only says it wants to humanize the LGBT community, but

Nike isn’t a hero

it does nothing about it. michael SCHMITZ Audi’s 2017 Super Bowl ad featured a young girl winning a go-kart race WE AREN’T LIVING IN A COUNTRY against several boys. In the background so enveloped in racial oppression that the girl’s father contemplates if he the flag and anthem literally symbolize needs to tell his daughter that men are it. Colin Kaepernick not standing for inherently worth more than women. the pledge was melodramatic and unThe message addresses the wage gap, justified. That being said, he perceived but once again, effectively only says it there was a major issue of oppression wants to help. and moral corruption and he had to On the other hand, Colin Kaeperspeak out against it. Kaepernick risked nick is well-known for his protests and essentially lost his career to say and will be actively something he felt needpresent in politics ed to be said: African WE POLLED 156 STUDENTS until there is equality Americans are being in America. persecuted by their For Nike’s deal own country. I disagree of the 94.2% that own Nike with Kaepernick, with the sentiment, but products 18% have worn more it should be natural to there is a simple and straightforward respect him for what he Nike and 8.7% have stopped answer about its did. wearing Nike since the campaign Love or hate Kaepernature. Nike is not only saying it wants nick, the real demon in to fix racial issues in this story is Nike.

America, but it is backing a figure who While I’ve heard people talk about has been, is and will be committed to financially supporting Nike for opposhis fight. By throwing its weight behind ing racial oppression and spreading Kaepernick, Nike is opening a door to Kaepernick as a hero, I feel compelled let other companies call for their own to remind that Nike has been one of the solutions to social issues. greatest oppressors in the world. AmerOf course Nike isn’t perfect, but the icans may think of Nike as a social Kaepernick deal will lead to change. justice champion for giving Kaepernick Real, honest change that we, as Americans, need right now.

this multi-million dollar deal, but we can’t forget that beyond our petty civil conflicts rests the entire world with Nike and its sweatshop empire.

According to the Huffington Post, Nike has made improvements within these last two decades. In a 2009 article, Jim Keady reported that the company no longer beats workers with machetes and tests women for menstruation to justify time off. However, Snopes, a fact checking website, claims that the company’s Vietnamese sweatshop workers made between $0.61 and $0.89 an hour in 2016. These low wages hardly seem like compensation for such a dangerous work environment. The hospitalization of nearly 500 Cambodian workers at a Nike supplier in 2017, highlight the horrific conditions that Nike allows in its wake. The millions of dollars Kaepernick is receiving to speak out against injustice are the result of a system of exploitation and inhumanity.

Just because Nike seems progressive in respect to the politics most Americans care about, doesn’t mean they aren’t contributing to a system of oppression a thousand times worse. If a $29.6 billion company is telling you to stand up to oppression, it doesn’t make them the good guys. It just makes them hypocrites.

issue I

FEATURES

77

MONEY MAKERS students run their own businesses kailin ZHANG

I

T’S A THURSDAY NIGHT. While some students can be found working late shifts at their part-time jobs, finishing their homework at the local library or working up a sweat at practice, Thomas DeGroot, junior, is at the hair salon.

But he’s not getting a new haircut. Rather, DeGroot is working as a hairstylist at his mother’s hair salon, The Stylist Salon. DeGroot is one of the many students working to develop their own companies.

“I’ve just been seeing her do hair my whole life, so I’ve been really inspired to sort of follow in her footsteps and do the same thing as her,” DeGroot said. “My sister works there too and I’ve always looked up to her.”

DeGroot said seeing the finished product is the most rewarding aspect of his job, and he loves the transformation on his clients.

Working as a hair stylist, DeGroot said he is presented with more benefits than a typical high school job. He has the power to set prices and create his own schedule. DeGroot said his work often focuses around dates of dances such as Homecoming and Prom.

“It’s so crazy all the time - for this Homecoming, I’m fully booked all day,” DeGroot said. “It’s very on and off because some days I’ll have four people come in while other days are completely different.”

DeGroot also works as a receptionist at the salon and helps run the salon.

“Some days, I’ll be doing hair and also be having to do the dishes in the back later or cleaning up the salon,” DeGroot said.

DeGroot said the hardest aspect of the job is time management. He wants to try and fit as many people in a day to get more recognition, yet often struggles to fit in enough people.

“But it’s really nice because there isn’t anyone really telling you what to do at each certain time,” DeGroot said, “You can choose your own hours and plan your own schedule.”

Crystal Tullock, business education teacher, said owning a business allows students to develop their own ideas and helps to develop dedication and passion in students.

“They’re more invested when they enjoy doing it,” Tullock said. “If it’s a product they create themselves, obviously they have some enjoyment in their product to be able to offer it to other people.”

Compared to a normal part-time job, Tullock said students gain important skills in finance and management,like how to budget their companies, as well as lead a group of people.

Thomas DeGroot, junior, styles his sister Reagan DeGroot’s hair. DeGroot works as a hairstylist at his mother’s hair salon, The Stylist Salon. Photograph by Kailin Zhang

“In my Personal Finance class, we talk about how no matter what your first job is, you get those soft skills,” Tullock said. “Having responsibility, being able to complete expectations from a boss, and fulfill your job duties are skills that may lack when you’re your own boss and you kind of do what you want.”

Tullock said high school is a great time to begin experimenting with jobs and entrepreneurship, which allows for students to begin seeing the world on a larger scale and learning to work with all different types of people.

“When you’re in high school, you’ve most likely been around the same kids growing up,” Tullock said.

“Being able to work with different people is good to get students out of their high school shell.”

Sophia Lombardi, senior, revamps thrifted clothing and sells her finished products at Mesa Home, a vintage shop that sells reworked clothing, furniture, wall art and home decor.

“I saw a post on Instagram and I thought ‘oh, I could do that’ and then I got my grandma’s sewing machine and began making shirts,” Lombardi said.

While Lombardi is also employed at Chick-fil-A and Rachel’s Grove, she said working toward establishing her own company was more exciting and rewarding than any other job she has had before.

Despite the benefits of her job, Lombardi said the most difficult aspect is coming up with innovative ideas and designs to present to her customers.

“I make a lot of crop tops, but I’ve been trying to test out other ideas, and some things just don’t work out,

so then I have to try something else,” Lombardi said.

In the future, Lombardi hopes to continue growing her company into college and selling college-themed items to her fellow students.

“I just hope to make more things and sell clothes to people in college and to continue to grow,” Lombardi said.

Brian Lederer, junior, is the owner of the mobile DJ company called DNS Productions. He plays at weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and other events.

Lederer has always found a way to make money for himself. He began with owning gum ball machines in farmers markets and various stores, but eventually moved on to being a DJ because he was always musically oriented.

“I’ve always wanted to make money myself and always found a way to hustle,” Lederer said. “I never really wanted to work for someone else.”

Lederer said he loves the unique experience of his job, which allows him to join people in their happiest moments.

Even though Lederer decides his own hours, he said he has to put in a lot more time in order to effectively run the company and manage his employees. On average, Lederer works around twenty hours a week on both office work and time spent as a deejay.

“It’s kind of the behind the scenes work that people don’t see like calling the brides, talking to them, planning, coordinating advertising and all of those things that I have to put in the work and money towards,” Lederer said. “But at the end of the day, the payoff is great and I enjoy being my own boss and doing my own thing.”

A usual styling

by DeGroot costs about $40

SOPHIA’S TOP PICKS

jean crop top, comes with jean shorts as a set: $25

distressed auburn university sweatshirt: $20

10

FEATURES

sept. 2018

FRESH FACES: NEW SOCIAL EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST HIRED marta MIEZE AS FRESHMEN BEGAN THE YEAR with getting lost in the halls, meeting new teachers and being introduced to MHS’ traditions, a new social emotional behavior (SEB) specialist, Jacklyn Floyd, started the year with similar experiences: a new office, getting to know the rest of the guidance department staff and introducing herself to the students.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, she is here to meet students who are struggling, whether that be from mental illnesses like depression and anxiety or anything else that troubles them.

“I work to help kids build tools that they need to be able to figure things out,” Floyd said. “My door is always open, so if a kid is having a hard time, they can come in.”

As a clinical social worker, Floyd said she has learned different skills that help her to develop a relationship with students and to help them through whatever is going on.

On days she’s not at MHS, Floyd is at Crestview Middle School and Selvidge Middle School. She is one of

the four SEB specialists in the district.

“For me, really being in college and taking those first social work classes, it just really fit for me as who I am as a person,” Floyd said.

Social Worker Brenda Casey said before Floyd was hired, two other specialists worked at MHS from a Children’s Service Fund grant from the St. Louis County. They were at MHS for four days a week.

“It’s an impossibility for me to help everyone who needs help,” Casey said.

Casey said between the two of them, they saw at least 35 students a week.

“They really helped a lot of kids,” Casey said. “And by them being there, it was also helping me to be able to help more students.”

However, last December, MHS lost both of the specialists, after the Children’s Service Fund made cutbacks to the grant. Casey said it was very frustrating because MHS seemed to be the only school who lost their specialists because other schools still had them.

“It was a huge disservice, considering we are the largest and most diverse high school in Rockwood,” Casey said.

“Losing them put a huge, huge hole in

Jacklyn Floyd works on her computer in the Guidance Office. Floyd was hired as the new social emotional behavior specialist to work alongside Brenda Casey. Photograph by Marta Mieze

our guidance department.”

Casey said having Floyd be a part of MHS guidance this year brings a lot of help and makes it a lot more secure because she is a Rockwood employee.

“Having her here helps us to get the needs of students who need more than just a quick intervention,” Casey said.

“This is for kids who don’t have the ability to get outside help.”

Casey said that in the future she hopes Floyd can be at MHS for the

whole week.

“I think we are big enough that we can definitely support a full-time person,” Casey said.

Casey said she wants to emphasize that the first step for students to take to seek help is to see their guidance counselor. After, students can get referred to Casey if the counselor sees that fit and then Casey can potentially refer students to Floyd.

Meet the two new gifted resource teachers and new ROTC instructor online at marquettemessenger.com

FEATURES

issue I

PART TIME STUDENTS TAKE CLASSES IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS kayla SCHWEITZER Caleb Rogers, junior, participates in the JV boys 5k at the Stan Nelson Northwest cross country meet on Sept. 8th. He is home schooled but takes two classes at MHS in order to participate in athletics. Photograph by Christopher Penney

WHEN LILLIAN HAYWARD PRACTICES SPEAKING IN HER In seventh grade, Rogers decided to leave public school to be German 4 class with her peers, nothing appears to be out of the home schooled. ordinary.

“I went to public school and I felt like I wasn’t getting a whole But Hayward is not your average eighteen-year-old student. lot out of my education there,” Rogers said. “I could prioritize my A sophomore at St. Louis Community College, Hayward is in time better if I was learning by myself, rather than at the same an early college program that allows her to dual enroll and receive level as every other kid.” free tuition.

Rogers is enrolled in Williamsburg Academy, an online pro“Part of what makes it special is that it’s still in its early years,” gram with live classes and grades, which is similar to college courssaid Hayward. “It’s so exciting to be part of something new.” es in terms of pace and difficulty.

Hayward is 1 of the 63 students enrolled part time at MHS. “At my school, we do a lot more of learning how to think and Like Hayward, many of these part-time students have come to doing assignments that actually push me into doing stuff rather realize they can get the most out of their education by utilizing than just memorizing things or getting a worksheet of something alternative programs while still benefiting from some aswe’ve done since second grade,” Rogers said. pects of public high school.

But Rogers still remains a part-time public school “It makes me feel like I’m still in high school, and “I went to public school student for one reason: sports.

I get to interact with my age group,” Hayward said. is a state law that no athlete may participate and I felt like I wasn’t getting in It “At community college, everyone’s older, but here a school sport without being enrolled in at least a whole lot out of my education two classes at the school they compete for. As a I get to see more peers.”

One of the strings attached with the early col- there. I could prioritize my time cross country and track runner, Rogers does a lege program is the students enrolled can take better if I was learning by myself, lot to compete for a public high school. His main only one class at public high school. Although rather than at the same level as reason for doing it comes down to his ability as she wishes she could take more, this still allows an athlete. every other kid.”

Hayward to take advanced German classes, an op“There’s more people who do public school portunity not offered at community college. sports, so you get more competition, and there’s CALEB ROGERS “It helps improve my German language skills and more opportunity to grow,” Rogers said.

JUNIOR gets me that daily German immersion. If I chose to take Overall, Rogers said his unique way of going through it online, I wouldn’t get to converse as much,” Hayward said. high school works really well for him.

Even though the program helps Hayward get an early start “At first, I felt like I was missing a big social aspect,” Rogers said. and personalize her education, she does sometimes wonder if it “But because of church activities and youth groups and sports, and was the right choice. now doing even a couple classes here, I feel like I have almost too “I wish I was a full-time student because I’m not really inmuch social time, so it’s a good balance.” volved,” Hayward said. “I feel a little isolated because I can’t reFran Kremer, guidance counselor, said that the decision to late to having the same sort of class schedule and can’t have disbe home schooled or become part time can seem appealing to cussions about classes I’m taking.” students who just don’t enjoy high school, but there are possible For Hayward, high school is just a unique experience to have. disadvantages to keep in mind.

“Part of it is just feeling like part of a community, and every“Sometimes, [part time students] feel disconnected from high one’s going through the same sort of things.” Hayward said. “I school, so they’re less likely to participate in activities or sports, like that they’ve got each other’s backs, and the teachers are all and not have as many friends,” Kremer said. wanting to get you to that next step as well.”

But for students seriously considering an alternative path, Caleb Rogers, junior, is also a part-time student. But his imKremer said it all comes down to a student’s situation. pression of high school differs from Hayward’s drastically.

“Rockwood has lots of options, so it’s just a matter of students “Public school?” Rogers asked. “It’s crazy and kind of a waste finding what is best for them, and what meets their needs and of time, but I think they have good motives.” takes care of them getting their education,” Kremer said.

11

12

sept. 2018

ARTS & LEISURE

Young adult books feature more people of color mansi MAMIDI • waha SIDDIQUI

L

EE MITCHELL, LIBRARIAN, IS always looking for new books to introduce to students: books that broaden perspectives and bring each student to a new world they might not know about. She said the new trend of diverse protagonists in young adult (YA) novels can create a world of good in literature.

“I think it’s so important for students to see themselves in books,” Mitchell said. “But I think it’s even more important for students to see other cultures and other worlds, just to get a better idea of people and who they are.”

Mitchell said this idea doesn’t only pertain to race.

“I don’t just think it’s about color,” Mitchell said. “I think it’s also about people with special needs, people in the LGBTQ+ community and things like that. Just about inclusion on all sides.”

Colin Mathers, sophomore, is always trying to read something new and exciting.

Mathers is mostly entranced in the world of fiction and fantasy, and said he has noticed a growing trend of people of color (POC) characters in young adult novels.

Right now, he’s reading “Catwoman: Soulstealer” by Sarah J. Mass. The book was about a strong vigilante superhero who fought against the rising tide of violence in Gotham city, in a time where Batman was away, leaving him to protect the city. He loved the book and thought that there was good representation of POC characters.

“I like how it brings a different type of character that strays from the normal character,” Mathers said.

Mathers also said he likes the trend because it gives people the chance to see how other people think and why people are the way they are.

“I enjoy this diversity in books because it gives the reader the ability to see a different side of the story and of the world,” Mathers said.

Brittany Sharitz, language arts teacher, agreed the increase in diverse protagonists in stories was a welcome change in the world of YA. “I think that area of writing and publishing has grown so much in the last 10 years,” Sharitz said. “There’s so much more inclusion and diverse voices, and I think authors are realizing how important it is to provide protagonists and role models in literature that kids can read about and connect with.”

Sharitz said one of the many reasons students read is to realize they’re not alone and to feel connected, and that having a greater, more diverse genre can allow students to really relate to the things they read.

“Seeing a diverse character that’s leading their own adventure and being the center of a really powerful or unique or exciting story, is empowering,” Sharitz said. “It’s also really interesting to read about perspectives that aren’t like us at all. Seeing students read books like that hopefully allows them to understand people more and to create stronger bonds with those around them.”

“THE POET X”

“WAR STORM”

ELIZABETH ACEVEDO

VICTORIA AVEYARD

Carmen Lo, freshman

Ivy Litschgi, freshman

“I recommend this book to people who don’t have a lot of time to read or don’t enjoy reading as much because this book is amazing.”

“There’s a lot of action and events that keep you going. And there’s a lot of plot twists that keep you interested and tied into the book.”

“MORE HAPPY THAN NOT”

“RUIN AND RISING”

ADAM SILVERA

LEIGH BARDUGO

Davis Dunn, freshman

Savannah Rosenthal, freshman

“I like Adam Silvera and enjoy his books.

“I love it. I think it’s a wonderful book for young adults and has a taste of romance and action. It’s a great book that I recommend.”

NY TIMES TOP YOUNG ADULT BOOK LIST 1 “The Hate U Give” Angie Thomas 2 “Children of Blood and Bone” Tomi Adeyemi 3 “Long Way Down” Jason Reynolds 4 “One of Us is Lying” Karen M. McManus 5 “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” Erika L. Sánchez

issue I

ARTS & LEISURE

13 7 HOMECOMING PLAYLIST What song would you like to hear at Homecoming?

“Mask Off”- Future

Mason Kellerman, freshman, and Willa Burns, senior, practice their lines with Jason Winter, vocal director. Rehearsals began two weeks ago. “The students are doing a good job of picking up music quickly and taking ownership in a lot of what they do,” Winter said. Photograph by Jillian Bunderson

“It’s a lit song. When you listen to it and follow it up with some Kenny Loggins or George Michael, it really sets the mood.”

Alex Edelen, senior

Rehearsals for fall musical begin up songs and dances faster and give a better performance,” Kellerman said.

He thinks the audience will be very WHEN MASON KELLERMAN, freshman, looked at the cast list, he was engaged and interested in the musical.

“It’s definitely a very fast-paced and shocked to see his name next to Jack: complex musical and the actors interthe role he dreamed of playing. act with the audience a lot,” Kellerman Kellerman will be playing Jack said. in the upcoming musical “Into the Claire Schmitz, junior, will be playWoods,” a show that intertwines the ing the Witch. She thought this role plots of different fairy tales and explores each character’s journey and the fit her the most because of the character’s loud and powerful persona. Also, consequences behind the choices they participating in past musicals with make. similar characters helped her feel more “Into the Woods” is a musical with prepared for auditions. main characters from popular fairy Schmitz said the audience should tales such as “Little Red Riding Hood,” expect a lot of weirdness from “Cinderella,” “Jack and the her performance.

Beanstalk” and “Rapunzel.”

“There’s a lot of old The story revolves around “There’s a lot more and creepy moments, like a baker and his wife on a journey to start a family, competition and the a classic stereotypical witch,” Schmitz said. their interaction with a stakes are definitely One of her favorite witch who curses them, higher.” parts of this musical is and their interaction the complex plotline with other fairy tale MASON created from the percharacters during their spectives of Rapunzel, journey.

KELLERMAN the Baker, Little Red Riding Kellerman was excited to FRESHMAN Hood, Jack, Cinderella, the audition for high school theater Witch and more. because of the bigger stage and more “I love how all the characters have elaborate sets.

He thought it was hard to transition super different morals and goals, so the unity of it makes it more interesting,” from middle school theater to high Schmitz said. school theater because of new things Elise Ambler, sophomore, plays like callbacks and the large number of Rapunzel. She said relating to Rapunzel students auditioning. helped her understand the character “There’s a lot more competition more. In the musical, Rapunzel wants and the stakes are definitely higher,” to escape from the tower, while Ambler Kellerman said. wants to escape St. Louis.

Kellerman didn’t expect to get a “I really relate to this character lead role with all of the competition, because I also want to have freedom but he was still hopeful. When he saw the cast list, he was surprised to get the and to just be my own person,” Ambler said. role he wanted.

Ambler enjoyed her experience He said participating in musical thein the musical last year as part of the ater during middle school helped him ensemble, so she decided to audition throughout the auditions. again. She also loves music and the “They definitely helped me pick

jessica LI

WHAT: “Into the Woods” WHEN: November 15-18 TICKET PRICE: $6 in advance & $10 at door passion put behind it.

Rapunzel’s theme, which is heard throughout the entire show, is Ambler’s favorite part because it plays such a large role. The theme is a set of notes Rapunzel sings on and offstage whenever the plotline involves her.

Ambler said the audience should enjoy this musical because of the cast.

“They should expect to laugh, to cry and to have a good time,” Ambler said.

Rebecca Blindauer, musical director, said now is the best time to do “Into the Woods.” The show was one she and the other teachers had been wanting to do and it had a smaller cast size, which was something they wanted this year.

“I’ve been here long enough, so I felt like we could tackle it because it’s a very hard show with complex melodies and lyrics,” Blindauer said.

One of her favorite aspects of the musical is how the audience is already familiar with the fairy tale characters.

Along with that, Blindauer said she enjoys how although there are “leads” in the show, there are many featured parts.

“Each actor gets their own little moment to be an individual and their character,” Blindauer said.

She said the audience should be surprised to learn more about the background of these well-known fairy tale characters.

“They should expect to have their ideas of fairy tale characters challenged,” Blindauer said. “Everything is not what it seems.”

Drake “Just any good Drake song because they play really old music. I get that 2001 songs are good, but we need better music.”

Shreya Srigiri, junior

“Everytime We Touch” - Cascada “It’s my last Homecoming and I want to hear it because they play it every year.”

Zoe Merkel, senior

“Popular St.” - Glass Animals “That song is just a real mood for me and I’ve been feeling it lately. It would make me really happy to hear it at Homecoming.”

Kirsten Gollwitzer, senior

14

sept. 2018 7

SPORTS

SPORTS IN BRIEF

SWIMMING ACROSS THE POND

The soccer team Ranks 5th in the area and is 6-2. Senior Nate Bulanda, goalie, is on the STL area Honor Roll with 52 saves this season.

The softball team was ranked 1st in the STL area following its 9-6 victory over Rockwood Summit.

The Mustangs Football team was ranked 10th in State after beating Parkway South 49-0 last Friday.

Photograph by Sam Hall.

New weights hit the Weight Room, colored in gray, blue and green.

Simon Hermansen, junior, looks at the MHS mustangs pool before their meet on Tuesday against Fort Zummwalt West, where they won.

Photo by Jackson Estwanick.

Exchange student from Denmark swims for MHS jackson ESTWANICK

T

HE NEW BELL SCHEDULE HAS wasn’t sure of what results he would been a big change for both returnsee in his new athlete, because he said ing students and freshmen. But it has he believed that Hermansen considered been an even bigger change for Simon himself more of a water polo player Hermansen, junior, who has come from than a swimmer.

Aarhus, Denmark to study abroad for But after a couple of weeks, the 2018-2019 school year.

Schoedel saw Hermansen quickly move Hermansen plays for FREM water up to the fastest lane. polo, the most consistent winning club “He’s been great,” Schoedel said. team in Denmark.

“He’s always wanting He has received to be better, he’s always many accolades, wanting to learn how he including the Nordic can do better or get faster, “There are some and Baltic League he gets along great with MVP in the U-13 and the team and the boys difficulties, but it’s U-15 leagues, and was like him a lot. And he’s nothing I can’t also the captain of a obviously very friendchampionship winning ly and outgoing, which overcome.”

U-17 team. He has also could not always happen played on the Danish when you’re coming from Youth National Team a different culture and SIMON HERMANSEN for four years in a row. country.”

JUNIOR Hermansen is lookCharlotte Franz, sophing forward to playing omore, and her family are on the MHS water polo hosting Hermansen. They team in the spring, as well as a club decided to host a foreign exchange team, but he knows playing with a new student after her twin sister became team has its challenges. friends with an exchange student from He said the most challenging aspect Italy during her freshman year. of playing on a brand new team is not After going through a background knowing the team’s level of ability. check, the Franz’ got to choose the “I don’t know how good people are student that they wanted to host. in the U.S.,” Hermansen said. “So I’m Franz said that they chose Hermansen not sure how reliant I can be on my because her sister plays water polo, and teammates, or if I’m supposed to be also because her mother has Danish reliant on myself.” heritage.

Joseph Schoedel, swim coach, “It’s definitely a different dynamic,”

Franz said. “But it’s just like an additional sibling.”

After only being in the U.S. for four weeks, Hermansen said that almost everything is different.

The dress in American schools is more informal than in Denmark, as Danish students would normally wear shorts and a polo shirt to school. Also, summer in Denmark is normally cooler, about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hermansen said Americans are way more welcoming and open to social interaction with strangers or foreigners than Europeans are.

He explained that the increased social interaction wasn’t a good or a bad thing, but instead just different than what he was used to.

“I’m an open person, so I like to talk with all the people,” Hermansen said.

Hermansen also said the teaching methods in the U.S. are hard to get used to. He chose a math class that was below his abilities, but because the teaching methods are different than what he is used to, he is finding difficulty learning.

Language and measurements are also a challenge because his first language is Danish and Denmark uses the metric system.

“There are some difficulties, but it’s nothing I can’t overcome,” Hermansen said.

issue I

SPORTS

15

Freshman plans to graduate early to play pro soccer

rene MOORE

been trying to push players to speed up the high school process so they can go pro or get to college quicker.”

Thompson said Gereau was approached for this opportunity because he “plays with a lot of smarts.”

“I think for the young players in our club, he’s a great example of a teammate, a good person,” Thompson said.

Joe Gereau, Giuseppe’s dad, said graduating early has always been the plan for Giuseppe.

“I 100 percent support the idea to get out early and give yourself options of either take some college classes at community college or potentially train with STLFC for a year before you go off to college,” Joe said.

Joe said he could tell Giuseppe was athletic as a young baby and had a gift for soccer when he was in first grade.

“I noticed he had a defensive mindset when it came to soccer,” Joe said.

“He could read the fields and fall back already, and he was fast for his age.”

Lee Stooksberry, an agent for the German clubs attempting to recruit players from the United States, has approached Giuseppe about training in Germany.

“It’s easier than ever for the youth players here to be picked up by foreign clubs,” Stooksberry said.

GIUSEPPE GEREAU, FRESHMAN, has been playing soccer for St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG) since he was in kindergarten. This year he moved from the U-14 age group to the U-15 age group and now plays for the Academy U-15 boys team, the highest team for his age group at SLSG. “It’s just a competitive sport, and I’m a competitive person,” Gereau said.

Gereau is planning to graduate a year early in order to train and play with St. Louis Football Club (STLFC), a team in the United Soccer League (USL). He plans to get “taller and bigger” so he can play with the highest team at STLFC. Gereau said he has taken summer classes and is taking classes online to get all of his credits by junior year.

Kip Thompson, director of the boy’s side of SLSG, has been watching Gereau since he joined.

“He’s one of the ones that has always been identified as one of the better players,” Thompson said.

This past year, Thompson told him about playing for STLFC once out of high school.

“Clubs are identifying players at young ages trying to get them into pro programs,” Thompson said. “We’ve

Photo by Rene Moore

Seniors, find your cutest baby pic and tell your parents about baby ads. They can now customize your ad at home online.

The deadline is Feb. 1. Go to yearbookordercenter.com and use code 8222 for details.

Photo by Filip Maljković

Ellisville Nails

Mani Pedi Gel French Acrylics Full Acrylics Fill Acrylics French

Regular 13.00 25.00 30.00 25.00 17.00 32.00

Student 13.00 23.00 28.00 23.00 17.00 30.00

Call us for more information:

636-386-6245

SPORTS

16

VS

sept. 2018

IT TAKES A STADIUM Game participants share what MHS football means to them. sarah HARRIS • alyssa SHELLABARGER

Mustangs face Fox for Homecoming

1 2

jeff SWIFT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FIVE years, Fox high School and MHS will meet on the football field Sept. 28, Homecoming week. The last time these two schools met, MHS won in a 34-7 blowout over the struggling Warriors, who finished that season with only two wins.

But some players think this next meeting may not be nearly as one sided, as the Warriors stand at a dominant 4-0 this season, most recently beating division rival Mehlville, 50-13, and they have won back-to-back Suburban West Conference National Division Titles.

Junior George Williams, varsity starting quarterback, is making sure to prepare even more for the upcoming contest against Fox. “I don’t really know what to expect from them, but I do think they’ll be one of the toughest opponents we’ll play this year,” Williams said.

Williams and his offense are coming off a 49-0 blowout against the Parkway South Patriots, a game where Williams threw for two touchdowns and not a single interception.

“It was a great game for our team, and I hope we can do it again this season,” Williams said.

But this game also serves another purpose, according to Williams, as it will be the first time the Mustangs play at home since their 38 point defeat at the hands of Kirkwood, who is currently ranked fifth in the entire state.

“Yeah, that was a disappointment,” said Williams, who threw a career high three interceptions against the Pioneers. “I think most of us on the team want to prove ourselves to the school again.”

Junior Josh Merz, varsity defensive end and tight end, who has 10 tackles and leads the team with three tackles for losses in three games this season, agrees with Williams, saying that this would be a great opportunity to show the school what the team is made of.

“I know Fox is looking really good this season, but we’re going to prove ourselves by winning this game,” Merz said.

Matt Klein, varsity head coach, isn’t paying as much mind to the idea of proving his players and is much more focused on winning the game.

“Fox is a good team, but I want them to be focused on winning, and I think that’s what really matters to them,” Coach Klein said.

5

3

4

6

The football field at MHS during a game is a catalyst for activity and celebration. Here are some of the different groups involved in a game. Infographic by Marta Mieze

1 KENNETH HARTWIG,

junior

FOOTBALL PLAYER “Marquette Football means a lot to me because we, as a program, spend so much time together from off season workouts, to M Factor, to the season,” Hartwig said. “We are truly just one big family.”

4 ABBY VAN DEVEN,

junior

MYSTIQUE “It’s a fun time that the whole school can come together. It’s fun for us because we get to perform to the whole school and show them how hard we have been working.”

2

3

AARON LUTTRELL,

NATHAN TOEPKE,

running backs coach COACH “Once I was put on the coaching staff, it was pretty clear that I was missing the bond that everybody rallies around one another. The program means everything to me. It pulled me out of a depression. The program continues to keep me motivated and continues to give me a sense of purpose.”

5 LEXI GLASER,

sophomore

CHEERLEADER “To me, our team feels like a family and Marquette Football helps bring us together.”

senior

MARCHING BAND “The Marquette football program is a big way to generate school spirit,” Toepke said. “It’s a good way for us to come together as a school through one sport and as the band we get play and help with bringing everyone together.”

6 MAX LOMBARDI,

senior

STANG GANG “MHS football is kind of what everybody looks forwards to during the week, it’s spending Friday night with all your friends, and it’s fun to go to, it’s electric.”