19-20 Marquette Messenger: Issue 8

the

MESSENGER

n. VIII

VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE VIII | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | MAY 2020

4,955,3

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According to Johns Hopkins University as of Wednesday, May 20.

MASKING THE FUTURE The COVID-19 outbreak shocked the world in its immediate consequences, leaving people wondering what society will look like during and after the outbreak.

See pg. 8-9

ROLL CALL

Editors in Chief Kavya Jain Marta Mieze Associate Editor Sarah Harris Copy Editor Mansi Mamidi Online Editor in Chief Kailin Zhang Executive Producer Jackson Estwanick News Editor Waha Siddiqui Features Editor Jessica Li Arts&Entertainment Editor Stephanie Lei Sports Editors Jeff Swift Connor Del Carmen Opinions Editor Will Roach In-Depth Editor Sabrina Lacy Events Editor Austin Richard Social Media Editor Zara Tola Illustrators Jilian Bunderson Mason Kellerman Business Manager Aarushi Bute Advertising Manager Akhila Swarna Equipment Manager Ben Hughes Staff Reporters Caroline Cudney Sydney Goldsmith Alayna Higdon Emily Kaysinger Shrija Maganti Ella Musial Lauren Pickett Peyton Rubenstein Molly Sillitto Arpitha Sistla Anika Talyan Carter Van Buskirk Staff Adviser Emily Jorgensen Immigrant students share their stories about being in the RSD English Language Development Program.

INSIDE Jesse Deutch, sophomore, shares her experience living with Chronic Kidney Disease during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Workers with summer sports jobs face uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

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illness

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summer jobs Medical experts and green club leaders talk about the effect of COVID-19 on the environment.

birthdays

environment

ONLINE RSD offers Quit Kits to students in need of vaping recovery.

The Messenger is published eight times a year by students enrolled in the Newspaper Production class at Marquette High School, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. The publication office is located in Room 226, (636) 891-6000 ext. 26228 Opinions of Messenger columnists or the Editorial Board are not representative of the opinions of the entire Messenger staff, the newspaper or the administration. The Messenger

SNAPCHAT @MHS MESSENGER

EDITOR’S NOTE issue of the Messenger for the 2019-2020 school year.

While this emotional moment serves as a form of closure for the school year and a way to say goodbye to our seniors, it is just as equally the beginning of something new.

Our staff was primarily made up of seniors who led the publication and their graduation hints at the transition of leadership in our staff to one filled with new ideas and goals for our team.

With this issue, every single one of us had to take a step further and explore the uncomfortable, a foundational concept in journalism. Three non-senior editors designed the whole issue from home with occasional technological problems. We were limited in the ways we could get photographs, which forced us to be creative and think abstractly for design ideas.

Concepts such as the sheer flexibility of reporting and the necessity of teamwork were things I was familiar with, but I grew to heavily rely on the two this past month

nostalgia

OUR POLICY

during this historic experience.

From the future of our society after the COVID-19 outbreak to the ways students are celebrating birthdays in quarantine, this issue gives you a variety of coverage, and we are thrilled to serve the MHS community. We strive to give a voice to the unheard and a platform to the underrepresented, as well as to build momentous relations with our staff and our community.

Join us in our mission by giving us feedback, sending in letters to the editor or simply visiting our website at marquettemessenger.com. Only through your support can our publication flourish and reach even higher grounds, because the sky is never the limit.

Until next time, WAHA SIDDIQUI Editor in Chief

takes responses for any issue. Send these in at mhsmessenger@rsdmo. org.

The Messenger reserves the right to edit submitted material and to refuse to print material because of space limitations, repetitive subject matter, libelous content or any other reason the editor in chief and adviser deems appropriate, including advertisements and letters to the editor.

INSTAGRAM @YOURMHSNEWS

FACEBOOK @MARQUETTEMESSENGER

I’d like to start off by saying I hope you and your loved ones are doing well and staying safe during these trying times amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. With this time at home, I hope you are indulging in things you love the most, just like the Messenger’s staff is.

With the closure of school in March, our staff had to rapidly adjust our journalistic practices to fit remote reporting and social distancing guidelines. Everything, from the process of gathering sources to the structure of our newsroom, dramatically changed.

However, that did not stop us. As student journalists, it is our job to report on the stories that matter, no matter the circumstance. That is the promise we made to our community and to ourselves, and we worked tirelessly to keep it.

Our current editors in chief dutifully designed and published our seventh issue and Senior Magazine, rooted in the hard work of our staffers. Now, as the next editor in chief, I’m presenting to you our eighth and final

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Students reminisce on their childhood memories through social media trends and 2000’s movies.

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

Kelsey Wood, senior, creates an Instagram page for the Class of 2020.

Students celebrate their birthdays in unique ways in quarantine.

YOUTUBE @MHSNEWSPRODUCTIONS

TWITTER @YOURMHSNEWS

issue VIII

NEWS

3

Admin approve current schedule for 2020-2021 mansi MAMIDI FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR, weeks will remain on an AABCA schedule with the same inclusions of Flex Time.

Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said the decision, made during quarantine, was based primarily on the discussion of whether reverting back to an ABCBC schedule would provide more instructional time.

“With the inclusion of Flex Time, we found that teachers were losing five minutes of class time,” Dr. Hankins said. “We really had to weigh whether sticking to what we had and gaining familiarity was more important or not.”

Dr. Hankins said the school received feedback from staff and students noting they preferred the AABCA schedule. In addition, because MHS has travelling teachers, it was important the schedule align with other schools’ schedules.

The calendar also accomodates families with children both in high school and either middle or elementary school, so the professional development days match up.

Compared to this past year’s calendar, Dr. Hankins said the 2020-2021 calendar is more consistent with the amount of AABCA weeks in comparison with BCBC weeks, attributed to the four Late Start days and four all-day professional development days built into the calendar year. There will be no half days due to the increase in the

During the May 7 BOE Meeting, the following were approved: •School Start and Dismissal Times for 2020-2021 school year will remain the same •Revised 2020-2021 Calendar with Inclement Weather Make-up Schedule •2020-2021 Testing Calendar and Assessment Plan all-day professional development days.

Four-day weeks will remain on a BCBC schedule, and three days weeks will take up an ABC schedule to allow for more instructional time despite the shorter weeks.

Katelyn Dauster, math teacher, said she had only taught standard classes prior to the implementation of the AABCA schedule.

“Before, everyday was like an A day for me,” Dauster said. “The five minute decrease in class time was a little difficult, but I adjusted. Blocked days turned out to be very useful in getting to do new activities with my students.”

Dauster said blocked days allowed her to have more time with her stu-

The RSD Board of Education (BOE) met over Zoom Thursday, May 7.

Superintendant Dr. Mark Miles commented on the approval of propositions. The next BOE meeting is 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, live on YouTube. Photographs by Waha Siddiqui

dents and clear up any misconceptions they had, which she said was especially useful for her as a math teacher.

Susan George, junior, said she preferred the personalized schedule available to her during her freshman year, with an ABCBC format and students being able to choose which classes were blocked and which were standard, with the potential for all standard classes or six blocked classes and one standard.

“Each student learns differently, and being able to choose which classes you had more frequently and those

COVID-19 affects ACT, SAT administration waha SIDDIQUI CURRENTLY, STUDENTS CAN retake the ACT an endless amount of times in an effort to increase their scores before the college application process starts.

However, over the past few months, the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent social distancing rules have led the standardized test institutions of SAT and ACT to adjust rapidly.

After taking the February ACT, Jamie Levine, junior, originally wanted to retest in April, but the test was later canceled. She is now signed up to take the June ACT and hopes it doesn’t get canceled.

“Because of the coronavirus, the number of times I can take the ACT has been really affected,” Levine said.

Before school closed, Levine had originally planned on preparing for the ACT during the weekends as she said she was too busy during the weekdays.

However, she said she prepares differently in quarantine.

“In quarantine, I definitely feel like I’ve had a lot more time to study and I’ve been able to sit down and complete half a practice test or even a full practice test,” Levine said. “I feel like I’ll be more prepared.”

Levine said colleges will look closer

into the GPAs Melissa UPCOMING ACT, SAT ADMINISTRATIONS and extracurricBurger, ACT/ HOSTED BY MHS ular activities of PSAT prep students more coordinator, now that many is making up ACT: Sept. 12, Oct. 24, Dec. 12 colleges, such as for the lost SAT: Aug. 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 in-class prepaCornell University and the Univerration by sity of California system, have opted offering digital mini lessons via Zoom for a standardized test-optional college calls, recorded lessons and Google Slide application. notes.

“A lot of people are going to be “Our role is to support students talking about the future of these along this test-taking journey and we’re standardized tests because we weren’t thrilled that we can offer this opportugiven a fair amount of chances to take nity during the ALP,” Burger said. it,” Levine said.

Julie Welker, A+ and testing coorUnlike the schools opting for a dinator, has been sending out emails to standardized test-optional college parents and students regarding updates application, the University of Missouri on the tests.

(Mizzou) has made no changes to its Welker said the cancelation of the admissions policy next SAT administration didn’t immeTimothy Eggleston, regional admis- diately affect MHS, as the school wasn’t sions representative at Mizzou, said the a testing center due to the STEM concollege is monitoring the spread of the struction that was previously planned. virus and exploring contingency adMHS isn’t a testing center for the June missions plans if the ACT and SAT are and July ACT administration, either. unavailable to students in the summer “Moving forward, we will continue and fall. to monitor decisions made by both Eggleston said colleges realize the testing companies and guidelines set by anxiety students are feeling right now. both St. Louis County and the Rock“We know this is a unique and wood School District,” Welker said. “At challenging situation for students,” the end of the day, standardized testing Eggleston said. “Know that we are in schools or contacted test centers going to support students through this offer a far better setting and experience process.” for students.”

you needed for longer periods of time was more beneficial,” George said. “But with this past year, everyone’s schedule was the same and therefore schoolwide assemblies and other activities were easy to plan.”

Despite what George didn’t like about the new schedule, she said Flex Time helped rectify the cons the schedule created, with more time available to spend on classes students needed help with while achieving the initial goal of getting more schoolwork done.

The 2020-2021 school year will begin Monday, Aug. 24.

STEM CONSTRUCTION BEFORE DEMOLITION:

AFTER DEMOLITION:

Photographs by Susan Hamlin

MHS is currently undergoing Phase II of the STEM construction and is scheduled to be finished by the end of July.

The STEM rooms on the second and third floors are being demolished and new STEM rooms are being built.

Information from Principal Dr. Steve Hankins

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NEWS

may 2020

A sign warns of the temporary closure of Castlewood State Park in St. Louis County to maintain social distancing practices. The park reopened Monday, May 11, as the state began to relax social distancing rules and started to reintegrate societal aspects of leisure back into the day-to-day habits of Missourians. Photograph by Ben Hughes

COVID-19 pandemic brings environmental concerns to attention zara TOLA

Carbon Emissions in Metric Tons Per Capita

small as one microgram per meter cubed, have shown mindful,” Ambler said.

Kevin Koch, AP Environmental Science teacher, to adversely affect health in studies.

AS MEDICAL EXPERTS DIG INTO THE DETAILS OF said the school needs to implement a composting Dr. Caleb Dresser, climate and human health felthe COVID-19 outbreak, a clear correlation between system and educate students on the importance of low at Harvard C-CHANGE, said both the COVID-19 the degrading environment and the severity of illness pandemic and the climate change process have enorreducing waste and disposing of it properly. is apparent.

“We all need to be more conscious that just bemous health impacts Carbon Emissions of Countries hit by COVID-19 in Metric Gigatons (GT) On Wednesday, April 8, cause our waste or trash is out of sight, it shouldn’t that occur in a nonlinCarbon Emissions of Countries Hit by COVID-19 Harvard held a press conferbe out of mind,” Koch said. “There’s a lot of trash that ear pattern. ence where medical experts ends up in our creek and wooded areas.”

“If you were explained that neglecting In addition, Koch said the school should find 20 looking at those to take care of the environgrants or utilize incentives to install solar panels, engrowth curves for the 18 ment has made the risk of ergy efficient appliances and/or water-saving devices COVID-19 infection, pandemics, like COVID-19, to become more sustainable. To Koch, the principles if you wait until the 16 greater. of sustainability are key practices of being environpoint at which you 14 Dr. Aaron Berstein, mentally conscious. are seeing lots and interim director of Harvard “Reduce, reuse, recycle or refuse,” Koch said. lots of impact around 12 C-CHANGE, an organiza“Buy products that are more sustainable like locally you, you have waittion dedicated to combating harvested food or products made from sustainable ed too long to take 10 climate change, spoke about materials. Rely more on renewable energy resources preventive steps,” Dr. 8 the consequences of climate as well.”

Dresser said. “I think change on health.

However, junior Katie Quade, co-president of climate change is a 6 “You dig into the causes Treehugger’s Club, admits people differ in their abilvery similar situaof what happened here, you ity to be environmentally friendly when it comes to tion.”

4 immediately land on the the resources they use.

As for combating 2 reality that these emerging “Being environmentally conscious is different for climate change locally, infections are coming from everyone because it depends on your living situation the leaders of green 0 wildlife into people,” Dr. and tools [that] are available,” Quade said. “One thing China Germany clubs at MHS, Eco Spain Italy US UK Berstein said. “FundamenI know everyone can do, especially with the addition Team and TreehugCountries Hardest Hit by COVID-19 tally, the prevention we of more free time quarantine has brought us, is enjoy ger’s Club, said there need to do is to focus on nature.” is still much to be Information from Johns Hopkins University and the World how we do business with By appreciating the beauty of nature, Quade said, done.

Bank Infographic by Waha Siddiqui the biosphere.” everyone can realize nature’s vitality and strive to “Overall education Dr. Berstein attributed take better care of the environment. about recycling is lackhuman intervention with the environment, which Junior Kate Krogen, co-president of Treehugger’s ing at MHS,” Junior Elise Ambler, president of Eco has caused a loss of biodiversity and habitats through Team, said. “Teachers should also give more options Club, said while there has been a decrease in carbon deforestation to climate change. Dr. Berstein said emissions during the quarantine, to do things online in the classsome estimates say deforestation makes up 10 to 20 it is important to continue to be room rather than on paper so percent of the carbon pollution problem alone. that students aren’t wasteful with “We can combat this by more sustainable and environIn fact, Dr. Berstein added that with deforestation, their paper usage.” friendly through small remembering that the mentally people must interact with the wilderness, which also lifestyle changes.

Ambler said people should Earth is our home, and puts them at risk for contracting pathogens and con“The environment will likely be taking the time to look into sequently spreading them into mainstream society. the products they are buying when it is healthy and regress after quarantine because Additionally, the loss of habitat increases the chance some stimulus initiatives may and seeing if they are biodegradsafe, so are we.” for wildlife to spill over into society resulting in focus fully on the economy and able or recyclable, in addition spreading dangerous pathogens. disregard the environment,” Kroto researching how to help the But the effects of climate change aren’t only in gen said. “We can combat this by environment.

KATE KROGEN, the future. They’re happening right now with the remembering that the Earth is our “Nobody has the excuse that COVID-19 pandemic. home, and when it is healthy and there isn’t enough time because JUNIOR Dr. Berstein said small amounts of air pollution, as now there is plenty of time to be safe, so are we.”

NEWS

issue VIII

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Death of Ahmaud Arbery evokes reflections and tributes lauren PICKETT LAURA MARIE COVERSTONE, LANGUAGE ARTS teacher, felt her stomach drop and sickness wash over her after reading a news headline concerning the death of a stranger—Ahmaud Arbery.

“As a mother, my heart breaks for his mother, and all those who loved him,” Coverstone said. “As a teacher, I’m furious for my students of color and feel a responsibility to better educate myself and others on the inequities that exist. As a human, I am having so much trouble wrapping my head around another alleged, senseless act of violence.”

Her feelings of hopelessness were accompanied with determination as Coverstone, not a self-described runner, joined a global campaign Friday, May 8, using #IRunWithMaud to honor Arbery’s 26th birthday by running 2.23 miles, a tribute to the date of his death, Sunday, Feb. 23.

“While my run did not bring about an epic result, it did allow me to reflect,” Coverstone said. “It was my hope that my Facebook post would provide some comfort to my friends of color and open up a dialogue with some of my white friends who may have been reluctant to talk about race and racial inequities.”

Arbery, an unarmed black man, was shot and killed about two miles from his home in a neighborhood outside Brunswick, Ga. He was reported jogging when two armed white men exited a truck and confronted Arbery, as stated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Gregory McMichael, a former police officer, and his son Travis McMichael were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault Thursday, May 7, due to supporters of Arbery’s family raising concerns over the delay in legal action and racial and systemic inequities in the criminal justice system.

Sophomore Principal Carl Hudson, sponsor of Marquette Academic and Cultural Club (MACC), said

Laura Marie Coverstone, language arts teacher, takes to Facebook to post a picture of her Apple Watch after running 2.23 miles as a tribute to Ahmaud Arbery Friday, May 8. Photograph by Laura Marie Coverstone

Arbery’s case resembles others such as the death of Travyon Martin.

“I think this is a tragic situation of another African American young man who was killed, and who didn’t need to be killed,” Hudson said.

Hudson said this case highlights increased societal distrust toward police officers and investigators, especially when involved in cases of controversial shootings of young, black men, due to a history of including false accusations or information in their reports.

“I am always concerned about police and witness statements being accurate and true,” Hudson said.

Hudson said this is another case where, without

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video evidence, Arbery’s death might have not been fully investigated.

He also said the nation must address trust issues regarding the criminal justice system as worsening societal relations has caused law enforcement to develop fears and biases based on the demographics, past experiences or descriptions of individuals and situations.

Hudson said in his career he has dealt with false accusations against him and onto students, and he strived to have, or involve someone with, an unbiased perspective.

“There have been times students were accused of things that were lies,” Hudson said. “That bothers me because I’d think if this adult lied about this student, could they have possibly lied about other things the kids have done or didn’t do?”

Joshua Hyde, social studies teacher, said in a sociological perspective, individuals may observe the case and question some underlying societal issues.

Looking at the case as a former military police officer and public safety officer, Hyde said there were significant mistakes made by the McMichaels, and he does not condone their attempt at a citizen’s arrest, especially as they failed to call police or to verify Arbery commited a crime.

He said the delayed attention to Arbery’s case could make people ask if the criminal justice system has certain antiquated parts and loopholes that perpetuate injustice. The stay-at-home order protests at the Michigan Capitol could reveal differences in societal reaction to cases with persons of color.

“Imagine some of the outrage had we switched the groups protesting at the Michigan Capitol, making them armed African American men and women,” Hyde said. “Would the news articles be the same way? Or would they say ‘a bunch of thugs stormed the capitol building’? Why is the same narrative not applied to the other side?”

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OPINIONS

may 2020 7

SPEAK OUT TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU VALUE THE LEARNING YOU ARE RECEIVING IN ALP?

CARTER GLEASON,

freshman

DANIELLE BUCKNER,

sophomore

CASSIDY BARGER,

junior

PAIGE HOHLEN,

“The instruction is definitely less valuable than in physical classes, and some of the work feels inconsequential.

School feels very optional right now and I know that many are choosing simply not to do it.”

“In some of my classes, ALP is really working.

Being able to teach myself and work through everything at my own pace has helped me to be successful. However, there are some classes that I feel I’m not learning as much in.

Sometimes you just can’t replace being in a classroom with your teacher and other students.”

“I value it because I’m still able to learn through technology which is amazing. Twenty years ago this might not have been an option. I also value the time and effort my teachers are putting in for me.”

“I think the ALP assignments and homework are ineffective and not very helpful to my actual learning. However, doing the work is keeping my mind sharp, so I will hopefully have an easier transition into college work by keeping up until the actual end of the year.”

senior

CATE SANAZARO,

performing arts teacher

“I highly value what is being taught and learned during this time. It is essential to have continuity and because of the absence of a classroom atmosphere much of my preparation has gone into lessons that are engaging and relevant.”

HOLLY HICK,

special school district teacher “I see a lot of value in it. Students who were shy or even reluctant to participate in the real classroom have really flourished in the online environment, which is a huge positive.”

Teachers and students have had to adjust to ALP by creating at home workspaces. These range from a small desk to a whole room designated as an office. Photographs by Zoya Bari, Carlen Hite, Joseph Lee, Kelsey Smith, Debra Hux and Laurie Schultz

editorialBOARD

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN ALP THROUGHOUT ALP, SOME TEACHERS HAVE tion of ALP should come with the same leniency voiced concerns over the lack of student engagegiven to students by those who created the plan, ment. Some of these concerns include the fear knowing it can’t replicate the same educational that students won’t be prepared for Advanced advancement as face-to-face instruction.

Placement (AP) exams and future courses.

The idea that students who choose not to

While these concerns are valid, there is one participate in ALP lack commitment to learning thing many students and teachers have been missis failing to see the full picture. Students can learn ing: understanding. in a variety of ways outside of ALP by watching

It may be easy to point to a student’s laziness documentaries, reading, learning a new craft and to justify their lack of participation in ALP. Howthrough other methods. ever, these are unprecedented times - thus requir With all of this being said, we don’t believe ing unprecedented levels of empathy, understandall students who haven’t participated in ALP are ing and communication. creating other learning opportunities for them We should be mindful that the increased selves, but if students demonstrated solid work time provided by ALP and stay-at-home orders ethic first semester, they shouldn’t have their can be liberating and innovative for some. reputation tarnished by lackluster ALP This includes many members of the participation.

Messenger staff, who can take the It’s also important students Students can role as a journalist throughout attempt to display more empalearn in a the day while also completing thy toward teachers as well. variety of ways homework when they wish.

What many teachers value outside of ALP by This schedule also allows for most is the individual relamore favorable sleeping and watching documentaries, tionships they build with physical activity hours. students. Under current reading, learning a new

That being said, ALP can circumstances, this role has craft and through also be problematic for stubeen minimized because of dents due to increased responsithe lack of face-to-face interacother methods. bilities, lack of organizational skills, tions. familial conflicts, domestic violence, Many teachers pour hours into leslack of essential resources and mental health son planning, and even if a student has a valid issues. reason to not be completing their work, it can be

As one can imagine, living with these issues painful for a teacher to witness their work have little impact. would not be conducive to effective ALP learning,

One positive amidst these turbulent times nor would they make ALP a top priority. This is a is the deeper emphasis on learning, not grades. main reason why ALP should be a small factor in While there will always be students looking teachers’ decisions to write letters of recommento take the easy route, for many academically dation for students. focused students, ALP has allowed them to enjoy

The fact of the matter is ALP was created learning without the judgement of letter grades. in a time of emergency for the maintenance of

With the news of COVID-19 changing daily, students’ education. It was not meant to be a it remains unclear as to how long ALP will be in complete replacement to the state’s and nation’s use. Because we’re all in this together, everyone standards of education. must work harder to understand each other.

Therefore, judging students on their comple-

O7 PINIONS

issue VIII

7

What Have You Taken Away From COVID-19?

For the last issue of the academic year, the Messenger asked students and teachers to discuss their takeaways from these uncertain times. Here are a few responses: Importance of Maintaining Structure

How COVID-19 Changed Me

Workers vs.

Shirkers

grant HAYS, junior

emily LORY, sophomore

ed BOLTON, teacher

IN A TIME AS UNPREDICTABLE AS this, it’s easy to become caught off guard by a lot of things. Some people become overly concerned, while others can be overly complacent. For me, something I’ve learned is the importance of staying on top of everything in life right now.

With the cancellation of school coming immediately following Spring Break, this definitely felt like an extended vacation. For a while. However, what I’ve realized is it’s more important than ever to stick to a routine and try to keep a structure in each day.

I spent a lot of time sleeping in after staying up late, staying inside, and doing what was required for the ALP, but not much else. At some point though, I realized that life is still going on. With things like AP exams and the end of the year slowly approaching, I got better at planning what I was going to work on and what I wanted to review each day, which made the experience of school from home quite a bit easier.

I’m not trying to say that school is the most important thing to worry about right now- it definitely isn’t with a pandemic going on. There’s more important stuff to worry about, like staying in touch with friends and family.Although difficult, find ways to stay in contact with those around you.

A couple days ago, a friend and I played chess on Cool Math Games and just had fun talking on a video chat. I never imagined I’d be playing Cool Math chess instead of seeing my friends at school, but it was a fun way to stay connected during a time of staying apart.

So, find a way to keep doing what you did before, and try to maintain some sort of normalcy in your days.

I wouldn’t try to spend all my time relaxing or all my time studying, so find a balance between extremes. By going into each new day with stability and a plan in mind, it’s easier to seize the day.

I REMEMBER A COUPLE OF MONTHS ago joking with my robotics team about the coronavirus in China unknowing that soon COVID-19 would seem like less of a joking matter. I remember when a friend informed me that they had heard the first case was detected in the United States not fully realizing how close that was. I remember hearing that someone came back with the coronavirus in St. Louis, unable to really understand how much this was going to affect me.

I never expected to go from stressing with my friends about all the tests our teachers were trying to squeeze in before spring break to living in a world where I can only see my friends through a screen or six feet apart.

Growing up with technology integrated into my education for as long as I can remember, the biggest change for me has probably been the fact that I no longer see my friends and teachers at school every day.

I think one of the biggest lessons I have taken from this experience is to appreciate the time I have to spend with my friends. I forget how lucky I am to be able to show up to school five days a week to a group of people who know how to make me smile. I also learned to never take normalcy for granted. Even though the routine of school, clubs, and sports can seem overwhelming, I never realized how happy that routine made me until it was gone. Luckily for me, as a sophomore, the biggest thing I have missed out on was finally experiencing the freedom of a newly earned license.

Seeing how much others are missing out on has encouraged me to make sure I don’t let myself miss out on experiences I know I won’t be able to get back after high school. Overall COVID-19 has shown me to appreciate the time I have and to enjoy living in the moment because everything normal in life could change in the blink of an eye.

I DON’T EVEN KNOW IF MR. BETTS is still alive, but 30 years later the things he said on a sunny day in St. Louis County still roll around my head.

Mr. Betts was my 7th and 8th grade history teacher. He was famous for his stories and rants. He would regale us about his time in the Air Force during WWII. He drove a truck.

His story about McDonald’s fry grease was legendary. I did not care much for history, but I loved his class. I remember staring out the window of Crestview Junior High on a beautiful spring day. I was probably thinking about Laura Besterfeldt. She was cute.

Mr. Betts pulled me back in with a rant that started out with, “Workers and Shirkers,” It was all about how communism wasn’t viable because some people won’t work when given a free ride. With hold harmless, stimulus checks and unemployment on my mind I recently thought back to that sunny afternoon. I realized that as much as some people will do the absolute minimum there are those that will not, cannot stop.

People who sew masks. People who collect food.

People who start new businesses.

People who are always seeming to find ways to do more. You can’t change Workers any more than you can change Shirkers. It is those relentless, driven people who create the economic opportunities, the art and vibrant communities we seek.

Moaning and groaning about Shirkers will never solve a problem.

The greatest return on your time and energy is to find ways to encourage and enable Workers. They are the ones that will find solutions. Thanks Mr. Betts.

The Toxicity of Tik Tok akhila SWARNA, freshman NO MATTER THE KIND OF DAY I have, I always look forward to my endof-day mindless scrolling on TikTok. It gives me a sense of closure, as it is relaxing to see the various 15-60 second videos. Now, most of my screen time is spent on this infamous app.

A few weeks ago, however, a 60-second video popped up on my For You Page that featured a teenage boy approaching random people and asking them which race they would not date.

A text appeared on the screen saying “Asian count:1.” Every person this teenager approached said “Asian” or “Indian” without hesitation, and the number in the text increased. I was outraged. How can someone have the audacity to film this, let alone post it? I felt personally attacked. I was hurt by a video that went by in seconds.

Most of all, I felt ashamed. Ashamed to be who I am and ashamed to be subject to a video like that. I looked at the comments. The creator of the TikTok said it was a joke and should not be taken seriously. So, I told myself to suck it up, that I was being petty and paranoid. I shouldn’t be offended by a simple joke, right?

Wrong.

I found many videos similar to this, referring to Indians as tech support, curry and making fun of the accents and culture. TikTok is normalizing hatred and racism, and many are getting away with it. Many popular creators have said words that are reserved only for the people of that race; however, they generate apologies and move on. It is a continuous cycle of hatred and fake apologies. TikTok needs to be more diligent in its practices to create a more enjoyable and pure app.

Currently, once a user reports a video, it is in TikTok’s hands whether it violates community guidelines or not.

If there are consequences, most times they are able to post again within a few weeks. There should be actual consequences for their actions. Their accounts should be temporarily revoked or they shouldn’t be allowed to post for a few months. Many users on the app are youth who are in their formative years. It is important to hold influencers accountable and teach these youth.

However, I have not seen any change in these issues with TikTok’s “filter” system that serves to regulate, not ban.

Not only does TikTok have to improve, but the way the users handle it has to as well. Cancelling the person or posting hateful comments will only prolong the issue because they are not learning from their mistakes. The users are continuously reminded about them.

I urge people to be vigilant. TikTok is a platform in which we can reach large audiences. Utilize this platform to spread awareness about the issues of racism rather than normalizing it.

IN-DEPTH

8

may 2020

THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY IN THE WAKE O As seen on pg. 1

connor DEL CARMEN stephanie LEI waha SIDDIQUI SOHAM SARAF, SOPHOMORE, SPENT about 45 hours a week on average outside of his house. That is, until the COVID-19 pandemic hit his community. Now, he says he’s lucky enough to get even 5 hours of sunlight a week.

Saraf, like billions of people around the world, is living in a society hit by COVID-19, which is caused by a novel strain of coronavirus called SARSCoV-2. With symptoms similar to Influenza yet varying in their extremities and the possibility of being asymptomatic for countless days, COVID-19 has spread from Wuhan in the Hubei Province of China to every corner of the globe, in merely seven months.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in St. Louis was Wednesday, March 4. Since then, thousands more cases have been reported in the area and every aspect of society has changed accordingly.

Now, the routine of St. Louisans begs this question: What will life look like after this outbreak?

SCHOOLING For Saraf and all other RSD students, the last day of face-to-face schooling for the whole school year was Thursday, March 12.

Now, Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles and his team of assistant superintendents are planning for all scenarios regarding the fall semester.

The district’s goal is to return to in-person classes in the fall with precautionary settings. However, with

the possibility of a second wave of the coronavirus, that decision may change, and Dr. Miles said more information will be given after monitoring how this summer goes.

“We would be prepared in the fall if there is a second wave to potentially close individual sites or the district as a whole,” Dr. Miles said. “Some of that might not be in our full control as there might be intervention from the state, DESE or the St. Louis Department of Health.”

Dr. Miles has established eight different transition teams to thoroughly research and plan what the district and its workings will look like in the fall.

These teams are Facilities and Transportation, Child Nutrition and Health and Wellness, Human Resources, Staff Support, Academic Reentry, Logistics and Technology, Communications and Community Education.

“There is so much uncertainty for all of us right now so we are trying our best to control what we can given our constraints,” Dr. Miles said.

Dr. Miles said precautionary measures will be taken and the district is trying to equip its staff and students with the resources to safely come to school, if the virus allows for that.

“Sometimes in crisis situations, you see the worst in people. I’ve seen the very best in our students and staff,” Dr.

Miles said. “I’ve seen creativity, innovation, patience and flexibility and I’m inspired by that.”

Associate Principal Tracey Waeckerle sent out an email to all MHS students Monday detailing how students can come to school during the week of May 26 to drop off school items and pick up their belongings along with the health guidelines they will have to follow.

Principal Dr. Hankins said after this time, the MHS administrators can focus on more specific plans.

“There seems to be no sense to make a set plan right now,” Dr. Hankins said.

He also said, depending on the health guidelines that will be in place in August, everything from passing periods to lunch periods will have to be re-evaluated. As of right now, the administration is focusing on purchasing protective supplies, which the school might need more of when school starts.

CURRICULUM AND TESTING By the end of the school year, the district will have been under the Alternative Learning Plan (ALP) for about 42 weekdays.

The mandate was headed by Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Support Services Dr. Shelley Willott.

Dr. Willott said if the district is in

As Governor Parson gradually opens up the state, community members are easing their way back into society.

Precautionary measures, such as masks, gloves and barriers, are being used in public places. Photographs by Ben Hughes

a similar situation this fall, the learning and methods will have to look differently because of new learning standards that come with starting a new course.

“A lot of the heavy learning starts at the beginning of the year,” Dr. Willott said, “Also, we’re going to need to make sure that we address any gaps in the learning done this spring due to the fact that we had to condense and hone in on the essentials.”

Now that teachers have practiced virtual learning, the prerogative of no learning on snow days has been questioned. Extensive preparation goes into remote learning and there is typically not enough time to prepare for that in a weather emergency, so for now, Dr. Miles said RSD will continue with the traditional protocol of snow days.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) cancelled state mandated testing this spring, and Dr. Willott said she has the confidence the department will come up with a suitable plan for whatever situation the state is in next semester.

“State testing is our [district’s] accountability measure, and [DESE] will have to make adjustments to that knowing kids didn’t receive instructions like they normally do,” Dr. Willott said.

Dr. Willott said ALP was just supposed to get the district through the year, but the fall semester requires a more detailed perspective. There is the option of being in school full time, which would look like it did before ALP

issue VIII

IN-DEPTH

OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC with the addition of health and safety measures. There is another option to be in school full time but out intermittently over a few weeks or to be completely out of school long term.

Teachers had to adapt quickly to the ALP, Dr. Willott said, so the district is doing online offerings for teachers this summer to better prepare them for the flexibility in learning and curriculum that might be necessary next semester.

Scott Szevery, history teacher, had to rapidly adjust his planned lessons to fit remote learning.

“What would have to happen differently next year would be a format requiring more face-to-face participation through Zoom,” Szevery said. “Having students follow their class schedule for maybe a couple of days a week, but not every day, so you could do more interactive lessons. It’s such an essential part of what all teachers do, or else you could do everything online.”

GOVERNMENT Besides schooling, the workings of the federal and local government have been affected as well.The country has seen federal and state intervention in the lives of Americans which many have long term implications.

Senior Tom Gordo-Churchill, acting president of Politics Club, has been engaging in civil discourse with his club through virtual Zoom meetings.

“During any time of social crises, people are going to act irrationally,” Gordo-Churchill said. “People are going to let fear dominate their decision making instead of being realistic, which is a natural reaction.”

Gordo-Churchill sees COVID-19 as a significant factor in the future of government and its relationship with its citizenry.

“I think a lot of government work will be shifted toward online or virtual meetings,” Gordo-Churchill said. “You will see a lot more of the world we live in turn into a digital world.”

Erin Sullenger, AP Government teacher, agreed with Gordo-Churchill on the vitality of the coronavirus in legislation as of late.

Amid a crisis, Sullenger

BY THE NUMBERS 151,338 Missourians tested for COVID-19 11,242 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri 611 deaths in Missouri 5.43 percent state fatality rate 4,324 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in St. Louis County 336 deaths in St. Louis County 7.7 percent county fatality rate Information from Johns Hopkins University Infographic by Waha Siddiqui

said the executive administration has an obligation to provide protection and security to the national public. Data and information have to be verified to be able to provide for locations that need assistance.

“What sets this crisis apart from many other crises that have occurred in our country is that this crisis affected our entire country at once,” Sullenger said.

Sullenger said the overall response from President Trump regarding COVID-19 can have an effect on the upcoming presidential election as politicians use the virus as a way to support or degrade the president. She envisions future campaign ads to draw back to specifically the COVID-19 outbreak and use it as a political tool.

Rick Stream, Republican Director of Elections in the St. Louis County Election Board, and he said the polling places for both the Tuesday, June 2, municipal election as well as the Tuesday, August 4, primary election will provide for the protection of poll workers and voters through masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. There also will be six-foot long strips that will guide voters on where to stand. All styluses, tables and platforms will be sanitized routinely.

The same protocol will be in place for the November presidential election.

Stream said the Board is assuming the virus will be as bad as it is now, especially considering the fear factor.

“We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe,” Stream said.

LIFESTYLE Governor Parson has started the first phase of reopening up the state this month, now gradually allowing some non essential businesses to open their doors again. Parson has stressed social distancing guidelines but there are no limits to social gatherings.

Seasonally relevant events such as going on cruises or going out of town will be affected by social distancing guidelines as well as by the closure of many places.

Paige Hanson, junior, enjoys going on cruises, but she said she will not be going on any this summer in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Before going on cruises, I never really paid attention to it [safety],” Hanson said. “But after the coronavirus, I will begin to be much more aware of the areas I’m putting myself in.”

Hanson said the cruise industry, as well as other industries centered around travelling, need to re-examine every aspect of their traditional routine and listen to health care professionals.

Besides physical adjustments to the virus, there are sociological effects as well.

Saraf, alongside Sid Suratia, sophomore, has been documenting the effects of COVID-19 on the community through their podcast, Fobcast. In efforts of professionalism, Saraf and Suratia are researching into the pandemic and its effects on society.

“You have such an enormous outbreak that has touched every single part of our community, and the effects are irreversible,” Saraf said. “Most things we enjoyed are not going to be enjoyed the same way.”

Saraf highlighted every aspect of society that is relying on the results of the next few weeks to determine the course of long-term effects.

“The biggest question I think everyone has is ‘when is our society going to get back to normal?’,” Saraf said. “I don’t think it’ll ever go back to normal.”

Q

9

A

AND

Dr. Laura Cavallone Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Washington University Vice Chair of Research at University of Mississippi Medical Center IF YOU HAD TO LIKEN THIS TO A PAST VIRUS, WHAT IS IT MOST LIKE? “There are aspects that may remind [people] of the 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic. However, the specific characteristics of this virus, its rate of mutation and its behavior in general is still under investigation. Additionally, the way different countries and even different states within the United States have been affected and have reacted to it at a time of great interconnection across the world makes it impossible to draw direct comparisons with the spread of any other virus in history, at least that I know of.”

HOW WILL COVID-19 CHANGE FUTURE OUTBREAK RESPONSES? “I would like to stress that only international cooperation and the joint, global effort of all the people on this Earth may be really effective in curbing the next pandemic. With the global realization that it is only a matter of when, not if, a next pandemic will come. Also, I believe, the realization that climate change, human exploitation of the environment, with the subsequent disappearance of natural habitats, animal and plant species and the appearance of new infectious agents are all related phenomena.”

HOW WILL COVID-19 AFFECT THE AMERICAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM? “The current U.S. Healthcare system and model, based on private insurances with so many people having healthcare insurance tied to their jobs, has been severely challenged. I believe in the fundamental value and importance of a National Healthcare system that takes care of everyone. It seems to me that citizens of countries that have a National Healthcare system in place are now faring better than those in countries that don’t: they have more access to affordable care, and this remains true even if they have lost their jobs.”

FEATURES

10

may 2020

LIFE FROM A DISTANCE

Sophomore shares her experience living in quarantine with Chronic Kidney Disease. arpitha SISTLA

With her time in quarantine, Jesse Deutch, sophomore, likes to play the guitar and be on social media. Photographs by Jeffrey Deutch

CKD: THE FACTS Condition in which the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood efficiently Early CKD has no symptoms but gets worse over time Estimated 37 million adults in the U.S. have it, usually undiagnosed People with CKD are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 due to weaker immune systems Information from CDC and National Kidney Foundation Infographic by Waha Siddiqui

“For people like me that need people to take it seriously, I don’t have the option of getting sick,” Jesse A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JESSE DEUTCH, said. “Please think about where you are going, who sophomore, looks a lot like any other teen in quaranyou are seeing and what you are doing.” tine’s day.

Jana said she also presses for other teens Jesse’s She sleeps in, does her schoolwork, FaceTimes age to take quarantine seriously and to diligently her friends and scrolls for hours through TikTok to practice social distancing. occupy herself and to avoid the inevitable boredom “I’m very proud of Jesse,” Jana said. “I’m glad she that comes with self-quarantine. is not going against the rules. She’s a good However, unlike many teens in quarkid, and I think all kids should take it antine, Deutch has been strictly quarseriously too.”

“In the antined to her house and neighborJana said, due to Jesse’s chronic hood. Whenever Deutch’s parents media, you see young, illness, her family has taken imleave the house to get essentials, mense care to make sure Jesse’s healthy people dying they take painstaking care to risk is as low as possible. She from this virus and they had only goes out for essentials, not come into close contact with other people and to clean healthy immune systems. and when she does, it’s with a every product that comes into If that can happen to them, protective mask on. the house. Jana Deutch, Jesse’s She is especially aware what can happen to me?” of who mother, sanitizes almost every she comes into consurface in their house to entact with outside because she sure safety from germs. knows whatever germs she may JESSE DEUTCH, The Deutches practice social come into contact with, she is SOPHOMORE distancing and quarantine thembringing those germs to Jesse and selves so diligently because Jesse putting her at risk. has Chronic Kidney Disease “I wish there was a magic pill, but (CKD), which makes her we don’t have one at this time,” Jana said. greatly more susceptible to “You have to do what’s right for everybody.

COVID-19. Jesse is scheduled That is, to social distance and do your best to flatten to receive a kidney transplant the curve so we can finally get out of this situation.” in the summer, making it Dr. Sudheer Atluri MD, emergency physician and of utmost importance that medical director of Our Urgent Care, said one of the she is as healthy as she can most important reasons social distancing and quarbe before the day of the antining are so vital is they mitigate the spread of the transplant. virus and give the healthcare system much needed “I definitely think I have time to breathe. to take [quarantine] seriHe said, along with proper sanitization, wearing ously because it impacts me masks and avoiding hand-to-face contact, social disin a serious way,” Jesse said. tancing and quarantining are essential actions to take “In the media, you see young, to flatten the curve and allow more time until a cure healthy people dying from this or vaccination is developed. virus and they had healthy imDr. Atluri said there are three main reasons why mune systems. If that can happen to these actions are so critical to reducing exposure. them, what can happen to me?”

First, many people might not know they are at highCOVID-19 has caused people worldwide to risk for the virus until it is too late. Second, even if make significant changes to their lives, and two of people think they are not high risk, it is likely a family the biggest changes people have had to make are member, neighbor or friend is high risk. Lastly, Dr. quarantining themselves and practicing social dis- Atluri argues it is everyone’s social duty to follow tancing. While most people have a choice in how the proper recommendations and stay healthy as a seriously they wish to take these measures, people community. in the high-risk group for contracting the novel coroHe urges people to acknowledge they may be benavirus cannot afford to take these measures lightly. ing careful, but not careful enough. He recommends Jesse is part of the high-risk group because of her researching proper mask etiquette and being on the chronic illness. CKD is the gradual loss of kidney lookout for potential symptoms. function and can be fatal without dialysis or a trans“Do remember we are all in the same community,” plant.

Dr. Atluri said. “We have to make sure that we look She said her family quarantines by only seeing after our fellow human beings who may be at a higher each other, avoiding contact with others as much as risk.” possible and abiding strictly to stay-at-home orders.

He said those in the high-risk group include the In addition, Jesse has avoided seeing her friends in elderly population, those with autoimmune diseases, person, touching packages until a set time and limitthose with comorbid conditions (like COPD, diabetes, ing hand-to-face contact as much as possible. hypertension, kidney problems and cancer) and those She finds it incredibly frustrating other teens her who take immunosuppressive medication. Being high age are disobeying the stay-at-home order and social risk for the virus means being more likely to develop distancing rules. She sees teens breaking these rules complications from it. daily on social media and joking about the matter. JesDespite the need to quarantine, Dr. Atluri said se also said these are the same people she has noticed people should still go outside and avoid isolating complain about quarantine the most and be the most themselves, as exercise and social interaction are upset about the possibility of similar restrictions needed to stay healthy. during the summer.

“This is an unprecedented time that we are all Jesse strongly encourages people to understand going through,” Dr. Atluri said. “A lot of people are not all those at high risk have visible diseases. She suffering and a lot of death is happening. But, with wishes people recognized that their choices impact time, we can all work together to get through this. We those like her who are more susceptible to the virus can beat this, and we will beat this.” and depend on others to do what is right.

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FEATURES

issue VIII

Students celebrate birthdays in quarantine “These ceremonies give us a sense of meaning, completion and purpose,” Xygalatas said. “By bringing together a whole group of people, they create a FROM HOTEL BALLROOMS TO EXPENSIVE dresses, Jaimee Bunderson, sophomore, had big plans collective experience that gives us the feeling that our moment is important for the whole group.” for her Sweet 16. But instead, the COVID-19 panXygalatas said the main thing the celebration demic hit. might be missing is the element of human connecBunderson said her friends were planning a huge tion, meaning the socially distanced meeting might surprise birthday party. She also was looking forward not feel exactly the same. to getting her driver’s license during this time.

There are two main ways to recreate these im“I’m so sad that it didn’t happen,” Bunderson said. portant celebrations, he said. One is to do it online “But there wasn’t anything I could do to prevent the and the other is to do a socially-distanced gathering. virus.”

Sahithi Tadakamalla, freshman, Bunderson said she woke up decided to recreate her birthday Monday, April 14, in a “heart aton Wednesday, April 1, virtually tack” to heart-shaped notes on her through Zoom. bedroom wall from her friends and “It made me feel really good,” family.

Tadakamalla said. “It showed me Throughout the day, friends no matter what, my friends will decorated their cars with signs and Information from MHS Registrar always be there.” honked their horns to sing Happy Tadakamalla’s original plan was Birthday while maintaining a six-foot distance. Othto go to a restaurant ers dropped presents off and FaceTimed Bunderson with her family on the to wish her a happy birthday.

“My family and friends worked so hard to give me day of her birthday.

Even though the plan so many great birthday surprises,” Bunderson said. didn’t work out, she said “Their hard work really paid off and I’m so grateful her birthday was still for them.” special.

More than 500 students will have birthdays “I got to hang out during the Alternative Learning Plan (ALP) period, with my family and according to the MHS Registrar. Many of those stuspend quality time with dents will celebrate in some way. them,” Tadakamalla said.

Dimitris Xygalatas, an anthropologist and cogni“My birthday truly was tive scientist at the University of Connecticut, said it perfect.” is important birthdays are still celeberated.

Sahithi Tadakamalla, freshman, talks to her friends over Zoom on

aarushi BUTE

500+ students

will have birthdays during the ALP period.

Jaimee Bunderson, sophomore, puts on a hat in celebration of her birthday Monday, April 14. Photograph by Maren Bunderson

her birthday Wednesday, April 1. Photograph by Sarayu Kalwa.

Staff members retire without proper goodbyes from the state teacher retirement system. This friend was headed to LA to start a career in music. Later, Czolgosz GOODBYE. found out this friend was Sheryl Crow, It is a word that is said often, but an American musician and actress. has a deeper meaning when it cannot In the future, Czolgosz said that be said face-to-face, and this year’s he will ride his bicycle in his free time retiring staff members might not be during retirement. able to say it to their colleagues and Another retiring teacher, Susan students.

Hamlin, did not spend her whole “I can tell you right off the bat that career in RSD, as she has taught in four the hardest part of this episode of my different states. career is that not being with the whole Hamlin graduated with a degree community as I prepare to retire leaves in Home Economics Education from something to be desired,” Dan CzolgoWashington State University in 1978. sz, librarian, said.

After working for her national sorority, In the past years, Susan Hamlin, FACS teacher, and Dan Czolgosz, librarian, have participatCzolgosz is one of five retiring teach- ed in Messenger and MHSNews coverage. Hamlin was featured in “Walking the Runway” she held teaching positions across the ers who are having to say goodbye early and Czolgosz in “Humans of MHS”. Photographs by Shon Sayfuddinov and Messenger Staff country in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Iowa after RSD closed campuses for the reand finally Missouri where she taught mainder of the year due to COVID-19. guard, Czolgosz started teaching at Lafayette for 16 at Crestview Middle School.

Along with Czolgosz, Susie Hamlin, FACS teacher, years and then came to MHS. “I was so happy that I got the chance to move up is also retiring.

“I consider myself to be extremely lucky in the to the high school and especially Marquette,” Hamlin Quarantine has provided time for these teachers sense that I’ve spent my whole career in Rockwood said. to reflect on their careers: the highlights, unique and have been able to follow any number of careers Hamlin said it is mostly the relationships she will moments and how it all began. right here,” Czolgosz said. “I’ve really enjoyed all of cherish.

Czolgosz’s job options included a stage, screen the positions I’ve held.”

“I think that staying in connection and forming or lighting designer, but he During Czolgosz’s teaching those relationships with the students would definitealways knew he was going to be career, there was one particuly be a highlight,” Hamlin said. a teacher. When he graduated larly unique moment that stood After retiring, Hamlin will move to Tampa, Fla., from University of Iowa, howout. to help her daughter with their toddler. She is curever, there were no teaching In the late 80s, he served rently applying for a teaching license in Florida to positions available so he started as the Rockwood National Edserve as a substitute teacher. at J I Case, building tractor cabs ucation Association president.

Principal Dr. Steve Hankins, said the MHS comfor two years.

During this time, his friend munity will miss these retiring teachers.

After a variety of jobs who was also a teacher said a “They will be deeply missed but the good thing is including factory worker, cable friend of hers was wondering that they will leave Marquette a better place and so installer, pizza cook and lifehow to pull out contributions they are never forgotten,” Hankins said.

akhila SWARNA

RETIRING MHS STAFF • Dan Czolgosz, librarian • Susan Hamlin, FACS teacher • Stan Minor, band director • Betty Motley, support staff • Sheryl Schaeg, cafeteria worker

12

may 2020

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TECHNOLOGY Connecting Admist a Global Pandemic

"Honestly, at this point, Wifi is my entire life. I could not get through quarantine without it. I think this entire experience has shown me how dependent I am on my technology. I am afraid that even when everything won't return to 'normal', even when everything else does."

Michelle Chen, senior "Admittedly, I have been using a lot of my time playing my Xbox again and revisiting certain video games I liked when I was younger. Sometimes, I even get a group of friends together to play Minecraft and chat, something I usually would never have the time for."

"I play a lot of Animal Jam now because I have nothing better to do. I invite other animal jammers back to my den and we just chill. I feel more connected to more people, but I miss physically seeing my friends face to face. I definitely will be using my social media less when social distancing guidelines are lifted, but until then, I’m still being as awkward on camera as in person . I'm still myself, but now you won't be able to see me trip in person."

Joseph Liu, junior

Sam Wrench, sophomore

"Because of the social distancing guidelines in place, I have been on my computer and phone a lot more than during the school year. Recently, we have done a family Zoom and I have hosted Zooms for an award ceremony and Zooms for AP exams. Being able to watch something with your friends even though you're not next to them is really nice and helps simulate the same kind of atmosphere."

Aneesh Batchu, sophomore

"A lot of my time is spent on my ipad.

I play a lot of Brawl Stars nowadays because I have a lot more time on my hands. I like Brawl Stars because I can play with my friends. It's not the same when they are right next to me, but it's the best thing we can get. Occasionally, I try to meet new people I don't think are too sketchy, but I am always aware of 'stranger danger' on the internet."

Kayley Lory, freshman

Students reconnect with childhood nostalgia during quarantine aarushi BUTE AS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC sweeps the nation, Adhithi Chinta, sophomore, taps into her old memories to relive the happy moments and induce positivity.

Chinta has been re-watching her childhood favorite movies such as “High School Musical” and “Camp Rock.”

“I’m choosing to revisit the past because I’ve had a lot of time on my hands,” Chinta said. “I’ve also been spending time with my brother and family, which is not something I used to do everyday.”

With many isolated and staying home, childhood nostalgia is appearing in social media apps such as Instagram with trends, like “Until Tomorrow.”

Laura Miller, sophomore, was a participant of the “Until Tomorrow” trend which included posting a picture on Instagram showcasing a person’s younger self for at least 24 hours.

“It was a really fun thing to do,” Miller said. “It was funny to see all the younger pictures and let me feel

connected to the community in a safe increased levels of positive emotions, way.”

Newman said. It can cause a sense that Not only has she participated in the life is meaningful, an optimism for social media trends, but Miller also has the future and an enhanced sense of looked at old photos and self-esteem. started making a photo wall.

Nostalgic feelings can “When I get a rush of be a reminder of friends nostalgia, it makes me sad and family, he said. This because I’ll miss the memallows one to become ories and good times I’ve more socially connected, had,” Miller said. “But it also which could be highly makes me grateful for all the beneficial. Keeping in fun things I’ve experienced.” contact with friends and David Newman, Univerfamily may be more imsity of Southern California portant to mental health Laura Miller, Age 2 psychologist, said nostalgia than ever. usually occurs when one is “Looking back on bored, isolated or lonely. This may be those happy memories could be a good one of the reasons nostalgia is growing thing to do during quarantine,” Newduring the quarantine. man said. “It allows you to feel as if you In certain situations, nostalgia may are with your loved ones in a safe and lead to beneficial outcomes, such as connected way.”

issue VIII

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may 2020 7

issue VIII

15

SPORTS

While some St. Louis County businesses were permitted to reopen Monday, May 18, all gyms, fitness centers, playgrounds and pools are still prohibited from reopening. This has caused concern among some students who work summer jobs at these facilities. Photograph by Carter Van Buskirk

Summer sports jobs are up in the air

zara TOLA WITH THE RISE OF unemployment affecting all workers deemed non-essential to society, students who worked in the sports industry may no longer be able to depend on their jobs as a source of income during the summer.

“If I can’t work over the summer, it will be hard to pay for things,” said sophomore Sydney Tolbert, who works as a gymnastics instructor over the summer.

Tolbert is one of many U.S. teens who rely on summer jobs for income.

In 2018, just over a third of U.S. teens had a summer job, according to data from Pew Research Center.

Tolbert has been working at Olympia gymnastics in Ellisville for about a year. She said the gym has been closed since mid-March.

If gymnasts are unable to practice over the summer, Tolbert said it will be very difficult for them when they

return because it is hard to regain skills and build back up lost strength.

“Gymnastics is a sport that requires a lot of focused attention and coaching on skills,” Tolbert said. “It would not be safe for them to practice at home, as they may not have the required equipment or coach to help them.”

Tolbert said it could be detrimental if the gym stays closed much longer because the summer season allows gymnasts to focus on their skills more so than usual with no interruption from competition.

Senior Isabella Duran, lifeguard and swim instructor for the City of Ballwin, has also had her job affected by the virus.

Duran has been reviewing lifeguarding skills with her lifeguard instructors over Zoom, despite being off work since Spring Break.

Duran said the meetings allow her to review her lifeguarding knowledge, even though she is unable to physically

go over the lifeguarding skills in her training sessions.

“Since I am a new lifeguard instructor, [the Zoom meetings] did help me become a little more comfortable using my skills and to be able to ask my colleagues about lifeguarding,” Duran said.

Duran had been using her job to help save for college. As of right now, she is not looking for an alternative form of income unless she is out of work longer than expected.

Duran has worked as a lifeguard for the City of Ballwin since 2017, and said she has always enjoyed helping people by ensuring their safety.

“I have always enjoyed helping people, and as a lifeguard I am able to help by being quick to respond to someone who is in need of assistance,” Duran said.

Although she was planning on coordinating swim lessons with a fellow swim instructor over the

summer, Duran said she doesn’t know if they will be able to do so because it’s unclear as to when or if the pools will reopen.

Kennedy Robinson, marketing and communications specialist for the City of Ballwin, said the Ballwin Pointe employs about 60 high school students.

“Usually, we aim for a 50/50 split of high school students of college students to adult staff,” Robinson said. “This works in our favor when either group returns to or from school.”

As of Monday, May 18, St. Louis County has prohibited the reopening of fitness centers and gyms. Robinson said until they receive instruction from the County, the Pointe will remain closed.

Robinson said the Pointe still conducts weekly meetings for the aquatic staff to update everyone and to keep morale high, but they’re not currently training lifeguards due to social distancing and staff on furlough.

16

SPORTS

may 2020

Society needs sports zara TOLA WITH THE ONGOING quarantine essentially delaying sports competition indefinitely, as a society, we have started to see the consequences of a life without sports.

Although many consider sports to be a privilege, the reality is we need this kind of activity in our lives in order to maintain good health.

Besides the obvious benefits on physical wellness, the sense of camaraderie through sports is something other activities simply can’t match.

As a high school cross country and track athlete, there are many times when I want to give up, when the pain in my legs seems to be unbearable, when my legs feel so stiff and ache so bad that it makes it hard to walk. But, I’ve grown to love competition.

I love the packs of teammates standing on the edges of the course cheering for me. I love that while I’m running a race, my teammates run next to me and motivate me. I love that after I finish a race, athletes from other teams thank me for pushing them to do their best.

Once you become part of a sports team, you are part of a family. I will never forget my first track season, when I was at a meet while it was freezing cold outside. Being an inexperienced, naive freshman at the time, I didn’t bring enough layers for the weather and stood shivering while waiting for my race to start.

With my teeth chattering and fingers numb, I tried to keep myself warm by wrapping my arms around myself. All of a sudden, I felt the warm hands of one of my teammates, a girl who I had never even met before, wrap around me, rubbing my shoulders so I’d stay warm. That’s the kind of bonds you build with sports.

Even so, if you do choose to get your physical activity in other ways, simply watching professional sports also can help relieve stress.

Let’s go back about two decades to the U.S. post-9/11. Everyone was terrified. With New York City essentially in a state of panic and fear, America needed something to bring the country back together. And baseball is what did that.

Not even two months after the 9/11 terrorist attack, Yankee Stadium held Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, just a few miles from what used to be the World Trade Center.

As the citizens of New York rallied to support their Yankees, the distress of the attacks subsided for a game of baseball, with President George W. Bush throwing the opening pitch.

The bottom line: our society would struggle without sports. Sports bring us together when we need each other most. Sports motivate us to keep going when it seems impossible. We can all push through this quarantine if it means a future filled with sports.

Zack Bowman. junior, performs the “15 for Joe” pushup challenge during the stay-at-home order. Joe Porcelli, sophomore, delivers water to the players during the annual Blue and Green scrimmage game. Photographs by Zack Bowman and Reece Merrifield

Team stays active during quarantine “Joe has shown us that there really is no excuse to not be working out during these times, and that no matter what, Joe is just as determined to get better and stronger just like the rest of us on the team.”

ZACK BOWMAN, JUNIOR connor DEL CARMEN

active since he was little.

Bowman added that team manager, EVEN THOUGH THE FIRST Joe Porcelli, sophomore, has given the official football practice is three team a spark during these difficult months away, junior Zack Bowman, times by creating a challenge to do 15 linebacker, knows putting in offseason pushups each day. work is essential for success on the “Joe has shown us that there really field - even if that work must be done is no excuse to not be working out amidst the first U.S. pandemic since during these times, and that no matter 1918. what, Joe is just as determined to get “During a time like this, the best better and stronger just like the rest of thing to do is exercise,” Bowman said. us on the team,” Bowman said.

“It helps get your mind off all the stress Porcelli said the challenge began and craziness in the world right now by taking a video of himself doing and can give you a sense of normalcy.” pushups and posting it on Twitter.

One of the many challenges From there, the video kept on being COVID-19 presents athletes is the lack retweeted and players felt compelled to of access to gyms. This has forced share their own workout videos. many athletes to be creative He said their support helps with their workouts due to keep him focused on his Rockwood to the lack of items own fitness goals. tracks have such as squat racks “Because I’m their and free weights. reopened and are waterboy, they care “My typical available with about me and want daily workout me to succeed on and proper social plan consists off the field,” Porcelli distancing. However, said. of me finding things to use all athletic fields and Porcelli also said around my house tennis courts will his relationship with that can simulate remain closed. the players has helped getting a workout in the team to stay united even a gym,” Bowman said. “I while separated. will typically use my resistance “We’re like family,” Porcelli said. bands for any type of weight lifting “We always help and look out for each movements, and I will always mix in other, since we used to hang out almost some bodyweight movements with every day.” each exercise.”

Michael Stewart, head football Bowman said he is motivated to coach, said the team’s relationship workout everyday because he knows with Porcelli has always been helpful it’s necessary to improve on the field for both of them but even more so and it’s easy to stay motivated because under current circumstances. Stewart he enjoys the workouts and has been said this relationship and other team

For videos of Bowman and Porcelli working out, go to the Messenger website or @MarquetteFootbl on Twitter. activities such as online Madden tournaments have helped to keep the team bonded.

Although the current situation isn’t ideal for exercise, Stewart said he and the other coaches are providing helpful at-home workouts each week.

“It was something the coaches wanted all athletes to be able to use while at home to stay in shape,” Stewart said. “The goal is to develop the workouts without needing any equipment from the weight facility in order to accomplish each movement.”

Stewart also said it’s important athletes get their heart rate up during the workouts to be as productive as possible. He added that the workouts can serve multiple purposes by benefiting individuals physically, but also by helping to limit stress and anxiety brought upon by the current situation.

Stewart said while he’s happy athletes are getting work in on their own, he is still looking forward to the day when everyone can workout together.

“We want all of our athletes and students to know that we care about them and want them to stay safe, but also be productive during these difficult times,” Stewart said.