the
MESSENGER
n. VIII
VOLUME XXIX, ISSUE VIII | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | MAY 2022
Judging Blindly
A decline in empathy creates disengagement
See story on pgs. 8-9
INSIDE 03 10 03 MEMORIAL GARDEN A memorial garden is being planted in honor of lost MHS community members
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07 AAPI MONTH The month of May recognizes Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 10 FARMERS MARKETS Farmers markets are becoming increasingly popular as they open up for the summer season
Quinceaneras remain an important part of Latino culture for freshmen. See full story on pg. 6.
Girls water polo finishes second in the State tournament. See full story on pg. 14.
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ROLL CALL Editor in Chief Marin Ellington Associate Editors Aarushi Bute Akhila Swarna Copy Editor Stephanie Lei Online Editors Rue Siddiqui Arpitha Sistla Production Editor Ben Hughes News Editor Annabelle Miller Features Editor Parker Brandt Arts & Entertainment Editor Anika Talyan Sports Editors Jacob Robinson Pranav Sriraman Opinions Editor Liza Cooper Illustrators Mason Kellerman Emma Tyulyayev Social Media Editors Katie Wheeler Jack Huster Business Manager Aubrey Lacavich Staff Reporters Annie Alcorn Elle Devous Willem Hummel Claire Lowder Tiona Merritte Elizabeth Neier Lajja Patel Aleena Shaik Prashu Sidella Anvi Talyan Sam Wakapa Staff Adviser Emily Jorgensen
ONLINE
PREVIEW
13 OPINION: KEEP NATURE CLEAN To preserve cultures, native land must be respected 16 ROAD TO RECOVERY Jack Holubowski, junior, works to recover from a season-ending baseball injury Photographs by Jenny Chiu, Liza Cooper, Lisa Holubowski, Ana Marroquin, Annabelle Miller, Prashu Sidella and Anvi Talyan. Front page photo illustration by Mason Kellerman
OUR POLICY
The Messenger is published eight times a year by students enrolled in the News 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 or the administration. The Messenger takes
responses for any issue. Send these in at mhsmessenger@rsdmo.org. The Messenger reserves the right to edit submitted material and to refuse to print material because of space limitations, repetitive subject matter, libelous content or any other reason the editor in chief and adviser deem appropriate, including advertisements and letters to the editor.
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Tre Cuori, a new gelataria and açaí shop, has opened in Ellisville ___________ by | chloe
schmitt
MHS parent writes children’s book to engage younger generations in conversations on racial equity ___________ by | aarushi bute
issue VIII
NEWS
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Dianthus translates to “flower of the gods” in Greek. The flower symbolizes feelings of love, affection and gratitude. Information from Life is a Garden and Flower Style
Irises symbolize faith, hope and wisdom. The flower was used in Ancient Egypt over the graves of women to guide them after death. Information HGTV and ProFlowers
Garden Phlox symbolizes harmony and unity, and it has been used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. Information from Petal Republic
Photograph by Anvi Talyan. Illustration by Emma Tyulyayev
Student creates commemoration garden anvi TALYAN
thetic. He said he plans to include low-growing After the losses MHS has faced this past year, flowers such as dianthus and garden phlox, along Nathan Gilbert, senior, has turned to nature to with irises, a taller flower that will create height help lift the community’s spirits variety and diversity in the garden. With the support of his teachers and adminis“It’s mostly just color schematics that I’m trators, Gilbert is organizing a serene garden for focusing on, less of plant types and more on just students to relax and to honor those who have perennials,” Gilbert said. passed. While the garden is made in the memoWhile Gilbert received overwhelming supry of cherished students and staff, Gilbert said port from everyone he shared this idea with, he doesn’t want it to be dedicated to only one the biggest obstacle he faced was the timing person. and fragility of the situation, but Gilbert said he “It can just be for anywas able to work with one going through a hard others to help guide him “It can just be for anyone going through the process of time or anyone grieving someone they love that through a hard time or anyone creating the garden. is no longer with them,” Molly Straumann, grieving someone they love Gilbert said. Special Ed teacher, is that is no longer with them.” one of the staff memGilbert said he has had this idea for many years, bers supporting Gilbert. but never felt there was She has been using the Nathan Gilbert, a good opportunity to garden for eight years, senior execute it until this year incorporating it into her when he noticed many lessons. students seemed to need a place to rest their When Gilbert first approached her with his stress or worries. idea, Straumann said she thought it would be a The land Gilbert plans on using comes from useful addition to the school. the Special Ed teachers, who have been main“It’s good to just have a place to be able to taining a garden on campus for many years for go and have kind of serenity and peace in your use in lessons and projects. crazy day,” Straumann said. While the classes concentrate more on plantDuring the summer, Straumann and her ing vegetables and fruits like lettuce and waterstudents plan to continue cultivating the garden. melon, Gilbert plans to focus on planting flowers She said she hopes there could eventually be and shrubs to create a peaceful, relaxing aesbenches or a seating area added to increase the
NEWS BRIEF: 2022-2023 School Year
Schedule
Staff
To make the school weeks more consistent, a normal week next year will be BCBCA. The only exceptions will be the first week of school, the first week of second semester and ACT testing week. For the first time in three years, the 2022-2023 bell schedule will stay the same as this year.
• • • •
The garden located by the docks was originally a garden for Special Education classes, but Nathan Gilbert, senior, plans to transform it into memory garden. “I’ve never really found an appropriate time or place to create one. I guess this tragedy was kind of an experience to really bring forth this idea,” Gilbert said. Photograph by Anvi Talyan
use of the garden, but she is happy with their current plans. Before creating concrete plants for the garden, Gilbert first talked to Principal Dr. Stephen Hankins for approval. “Kids trying to take action and beautify the school with nature is great,” Dr. Hankins said. Dr. Hankins said he is confident the garden will continue after Gilbert graduates because Gilbert is receiving support from the Special Ed teachers who already have a garden that has been in use for many years.
Adam Starling, social studies teacher, will replace Shane Matzen as Athletic Director. Kyle Devine, biology teacher, will become the Freshman Principal in place of Carl Hudson. Jennifer Akin, guidance assistant, will replace Barb Grimes as Secretary of the Sophomore class. Additional replacements to be announced
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NEWS
may 2022
SCOTUS leak prompts debates at state level arpitha SISTLA Earlier this month, a draft majority opinion was leaked to the press that shows the Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade. The Court ruled in 1973 that the Constitution protects a woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. Dr. Chad Flanders, professor of Law at Saint Louis University (SLU) said if Roe v. Wade is overturned, the decision to regulate access to abortion would go to individual states. In Missouri, Flanders said, this will likely mean abortion will either be significantly harder to get or effectively banned. Flanders said, proposed legislation by Republican State Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman may also outlaw Missouri citizens from traveling to other states to receive abortions as well. Mallory Jones, senior, is in support of pro-life. “I’ve always just believed that you’re pronounced dead when your heart stops beating, and you’re pronounced living when your heart starts beating,” Jones said. Jones said she would have never thought there would be discussions of overturning the precedent set almost 40 years ago. Though she supports overturning Roe v. Wade, she said there should be comprehensive sex education available and increased access to birth control methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Jones said she has received backlash from peers over her pro-life beliefs.
Currently, if Roe v. Wade were overturned, the orange states have laws in place that would ban abortions, the green states have laws that would protect abortions and the white states do not have laws in place. Illustration by Ben Hughes
“Abortion is a really important issue to people; I get it, it’s important to me too,” Jones said. “But that shouldn’t mean people can shut doors for communication and shame people. That’s not the way to talk about the issue and actually heal.” Nour Elbeshbeshy, sophomore, said the government should not have a say in whether people should have access to abortions. “If a person doesn’t want to get an abortion personally, that’s fine, and I understand that,” Elbeshbeshy said. “But I don’t think anyone should decide for another person whether or not they can get an
abortion.” When she heard of the leak, Elbeshbeshy said she was in disbelief. The possibility of the right to abortion being taken away from an entire country became real and frightening. Elbeshbeshy said she and many others are concerned with whether overturning the decision could mean implications for other decisions (such as 2015’s landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage). “To fully understand the issue, try to listen to the stories of poor women and women of color, and just women in general who’ve been forced to carry babies to term in states like Texas where the abortion laws are already really restrictive,” Elbeshbeshy said. “Hear how their lives have changed for the worse a lot of the time.” Missouri is one of 13 states in the country with trigger laws regarding abortion. Joshua Hyde, social studies teacher, said trigger laws are laws that have already been passed but cannot go into effect until an existing precedent they are dependent on changes. “In Missouri, the trigger law would mean that if Roe v. Wade were overturned, all abortions would be banned unless the mother’s life is at risk,” Hyde said. In his sociology class, Hyde said, they have discussed Roe v. Wade and other similar legislation during their current sex and gender unit. “I try to teach that, as divisive of a topic as it is, it is important for us to all take a step back and look at the issue in a broad scope while also recognizing the specific impacts,” Hyde said.
issue VIII
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FEATURES
may 2022
Freshmen celebrate Quinceañeras tiona MERRITTE Rushing through the aisles of Micheal’s craft store, Melanie Chavez, freshman, looks for “Beauty and the Beast” themed decorations for her birthday celebration. May to September is when many Latina girls have their fifteenth birthday celebrations known as Quinseañeras, or Quinces. These celebrations are not always set on the girl’s birthday as they are preferred to be held during warmer weather. “For only one night, your friends and family will gather around to celebrate you going from a girl to a woman. This is a beautiful part of Hispanic culture,” Chavez said. One custom of many Latino cultures that Chavez chose to participate in was the shoe and crown ceremony. During the crown ceremony, Chavez’s main chambelan, or main male friend, presented her crown Melanie Chavez decorated her Quince celebration with to her godmother and godfather to put on top of her bright golds and reds, Her extravagant party decorations head. This symbolizes that she mastered childhood resemble the glamorous nature of the Quince tradition. and is ready to conquer adulthood. Photograph by Ana Marroquín The high heels were also presented by Chavez’s main chambelan, but this time to her mother and “A Quinceañera is kinda like strengthening your sister. During Quinces, it is important for the girl to relationship with God,” Rosales said. “It’s a really wear flat shoes until the shoe ceremony. special sacrament.” “They put the high heel on your foot to signify At a required retreat to prepare for her Quince, you becoming a woman. From flats to heels, from Rosales said she was with other girls who were to childhood to womanhood,” Chavez said . have Quinces. They talked about the history, culture Melany Lagarda Santos, freshman, will and importance of Quinces and the girls keeping a celebrate her Quince in early 2023, as these relationship with God. celebrations typically take a year or lonAfter the ceremony, the party begins. Rosales said ger to plan. One of the traditions she will most Quince traditions have observe during her common themes of growing up, Quince will be the 15 candles tradition. “A Quinceañera is kinda maturing or being blessed and thankful. “The 15 candles is like strengthening One of the most common where the girl chooses your relationship with traditions is the father-daughter 15 important people in her life to give a candle God. It’s a really special waltz, representing the birthday girl’s first dance as a young to and help her blow sacrament.” woman. them out,” Santos said. “There’s a dance that transCommon in Cuba, lates to your last doll. It’s like the birthday girl blows Abigail Rosales, an initiation to womanhood,” out 14 candles, reprefreshman Rosales said. “My mom dresses senting her previous 14 up a doll to look like me and years. Then finally, the she gives it to me while I dance cake is cut and the last with my dad.” candle is blown out for her fifteenth wish. The birthday girl also does dances accompanied Although the origins of Quinces are uncertain, LatinAmericanStudies.org states by her court, which consists of her damas, maids of honor and her chambelanes, or escorts of honor. that Indigenous tribes like the Aztec These dances are surprises for the family and friends and Mayan peoples held initiations in attendance and are silly, light-hearted and for fun for their daughters to celebrate the memories. end of puberty and the beginning of “It’s a really important sacrament and I feel like it allowing their daughters to marry. helps me get to know my culture more and helps me Abigail Rosales, freshman, explained that Quinces feel more a part of the Latino community,” Rosales have two main parts: the church mass and the resaid. “It really accentuates that part of me because ception. The mass portion is a ceremony where the being Mexican plays a big role in my life and doing birthday girl receives a blessing from a priest and this is a really big deal for me.” reads scriptures from the Bible in Spanish in front of her family and the congregation.
t
Melanie Chavez, freshman, poses in her Belle inspired Quince gown. She chose the theme for her celebration based on her love for the movie “Beauty and the Beast.” The venue for Chavez’s Quince was decorated to match her theme. She has a magic rose, and the entire room is adorned with red and gold. Photographs by Ana Marroquín
Illustrations by Emma Tyulyayev
Gifts for the Quinceañera Religious Relics
Jewelry
A Party Item
Gift Basket
Tiara
Items such as a Bible, Rosary or medals featuring saints or other religious figures are perfect for a more traditional Quince with a religious mass.
Necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets and more can be customized toward the interests of the Quince.
For family members or friends, find something to make the day perfect for the Quince. This could be a dress for the after party or a sentimental religious item for the mass.
Gift baskets can include a wide variety of things from candles or soaps to items more traditional to Latino culture such as Latin American treats.
A tiara is a gift that can make the Quince feel special on this important day. It can be as simple as a piece of jewelry or can be more personalized with an inscribed message.
FEATURES
issue VIII
7
May honors Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders rue SIDDIQUI Every Sunday, freshman Samvida Batchu attends Balvihar, an Indian Sunday school that teaches kids about Indian Culture. They learn about events such as Dandiya, a traditional style of dance involving sticks, and celebrations for holidays such as Diwali. In her time not spent at Balvihar or school, Batchu is dancing Kuchipudi, an Indian classical dance that she has been practicing since she was 8. Her Indian heritage plays an essential role in her day-to-day life. “Partaking in cultural activities is just as important as keeping your culture in your mind everyday,” Batchu said. “Keeping that culture not only connects you to your family more, it also gives you a sense of self, motivation and community.” Though Batchu was born in the U.S., both of her parents are Indian, making her a first generation American. She is 1 of 24 million people who are Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) in the U.S. In 1992, May was declared AAPI Heritage month. The month of May was specifically selected to commemorate both the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the large contributions of Chinese Laborers to the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, according to National Geographic. With the AAPI community being so large, each individuals’ experience differs from the next. Batchu said that though she takes pride in her culture, being both Asian and American can make her life complicated. “There are definitely times where I wish I only had one culture to follow,” Batchu said. “Having two cultures means you get more exposure and make more friends, but also makes you feel like you are leading two lives and can never really fit into either culture or community.” The student committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) works to include representation and equity at MHS and in the district. Junior Rasel Leschen, DEI committee member, is of AAPI descent. She is half Thai and half European.
East Asian Student Association (EASA), assembles for one of their meetings. Senior Jenny Chiu, EASA co-president, said their club fosters inclusivity and a sense of community. Juniors Alexis Nguyen, Joyce Liu and Emily Zhang pose for a photo during an EASA gathering. They meet regularly, which has helped many students to establish a home with their peers. Photographs by Jenny Chiu
“Being half and half was something the butterfly project in the hallways. I never thought would be a problem, Carson Hanis, senior, is co-leader of but it is sometimes,” Leschen said. “I the DEI committee. feel like I don’t fit in because of what I “I hope in the future Rockwood will look like and what people think of me become a leader for inclusive learnbecause of it. A lot of people fetishize ing in the State of Missouri,” Hanis me because I’m mixed, and it makes me said. “We represent just under 24,000 feel like I’m an object.” students in the greater St. Louis area inDespite this, cluding represenLeschen said tation from over she is proud of 140 countries, all “Keeping that culture her heritage and 50 states many not only connects you enjoys being a part different languagto your family more, it es, cultures, and of DEI, as it works to better the Asian also gives you a sense races. We have a American expelarge world of self, motivation and very rience, at least at representation in community.” school. our district and all “I’m glad we students should be have a month entitled to a safe Samvida Batchu, to celebrate our environment at freshman heritage,” Leschen school.” said. “I don’t like Hanis joined how everything is the committee at limited to a month, though. I would like the beginning of the 2020-2021 school to be treated like a human and appreyear, inspired by the protests that enciated for who I am for every month of sued that summer involving the Black the year.” Lives Mattter movement. The committee is a facet of the “I wanted to put emphasis on creatlarger DEI committee for RSD. They’ve ing safe schooling environments for all coordinated projects such as the Black students,” Hanis said. “No matter race, History Month speaker series as well as sexual orientation, or any other factors
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that cause a student to be in a ‘minority.’” The East Asian Student Association (EASA), has similar goals to the student DEI committee. Senior Jenny Chiu is co-president of EASA at MHS. “Something I stressed a lot throughout this school year is that everyone is welcome, no matter your race, because culture is not something to gate keep, but to share,” Chiu said. “A lot of our meetings had a lot more non-eastAsians than there were Asians due to their interest in East-Asian culture.” Chiu said the inclusion of both East Asians and Non-East Asians in the club creates a sense of ally-ship that acknowledges the students’ differences, but still fosters inclusivity at MHS. Chiu said her club works toward representation, diversity and inclusion every month of the year. “Growing up, a lot of us hated everything about our heritage,” Chiu said. “But coming into high school and meeting people who were just like me, I was able to find different ways to be proud of my heritage instead of ashamed of it.”
IN-DE
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Judging blindly
Students take note of a decline of emotion across v fight, but it is definitely a lot easier online.”
akhila SWARNA Scrolling through her TikTok feed, junior Katie Schuermann noticed a controversial TikTok and decided to make a sarcastic comment on the post. Moments later, Schuermann received 60-70 comments in response to her original comment but also on her own TikTok posts criticizing her appearance and content. “It was pretty overwhelming because it was the first time this happened to me, especially all at once,” Schuermann said. While Schuermann said the influx of hate comments is a funny experience now, at the time it was confusing because she perceived her initial comment as harmless. “In an issue where I was so confident, I was like ‘There’s no way people think I’m in the wrong here’,” Schuermann said. “It was interesting to see how many people had that belief and were coming at me for it.” Schuermann experienced a glimpse of a global trend in the rise of hate and the decline of empathy for others. One study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Review found that empathy in the adolescent demographic dropped 48 percent from 1979 to 2009 and scientists are continuing to see evidence of this empathy deficit. “It’s easier to be mean,” Schuermann said. “Most people don’t have the guts to do it in-person. I couldn’t just go up to one of these people and start a
Finding a Balance
Information by Psych Central
Empathy the ability to understand and fully experience the feelings or interests of another without thorough experience or communication from the individual explicitly.
POLITICAL CONTROVERSY
media they consume,” Gleason said.
TECHNOLOGICAL INFLUENCE
In the political sphere, a decline in empathy can Studies show that technology is hampering empaalso be seen as people have less regard for opposing thetic capabilities, which is attributed to the growing political beliefs. A 2019 study in the American Politisocial media consumption and decline in in-person cal Science Review states that empathy can even fuel gatherings, according to The Center for Global Develmore political polarization. opment. Since quarantine and the 2020 presidential elecNikhil Guduri, freshman and avid video game tion, Rachel Melton, junior, said she became interplayer, attributes the decline in empathy with the role ested in informing others about political issues and of a computer or phone screen as a mediator. Guduri cultivating conversation rather said playing a video game makes than voicing judgment of politit seem as though the individual ical beliefs. After hearing more on the other side of the screen “We’ve just becme more isn’t real and is thus easier to and more about political polarization, Melton began her work judgemental as a society dehumanize them in the mind. as a social media activist for “You don’t see their face or political and social justice issues. in general. I wish that we interact with them in-person, so Melton said she has witdidn’t come to this point.” you definitely see them as less nessed the decline in political of a person,” Guduri said. empathy amongst her peers and In his experience, Guduri is saddened by society’s tendensaid playing the video game Rachel Melton, cy to judge others based on their without communicating can junior political perspectives rather focus the player on winning or than their humanity. losing, rather than treating oth“We’ve just become more ers with respect. judgemental as a society in general. I wish that we “I always feel like seeing or hearing the other didn’t come to this point,” Melton said. person makes it easier for me to think of them as a Melton said empathy is incredibly important in human and not my opponent or a person on the other the political sphere. side of a screen,” Guduri said. “Empathy grows us as human beings,” Melton After learning about the negative effects of techsaid. “It helps us evolve nology on emotional health and empathy, Guduri said more and plays an imhe tries to limit himself to playing video games one portant role in politics to two hours per day instead of originally playing for because you care deeply four to five hours. about the things you feel “It helped me become more aware of my emotions strongly about.” and health,” Guduri said. “Spending less time on vidAs an activist and a eo games has also made me think more about screen member of the politics time and technology and mental health.” club, Carter Gleason, juVideo games are not the only piece of technology nior, said he has noticed where this phenomenon is experienced, however. a trend of people judging When students come to see Brenda Casey, social others for their political worker, about incidents that occurred on Snapchat or beliefs. other social media, Casey said the experiences often “A lot of people associ- involve awful messages. the state of not ate political beliefs as their “I often feel like if they had been in-person with showing or feeling own personality trait and each other, there’s no way that person would have much interest or it’s like ‘if you don’t agree been so harsh with them,” Casey said. emotion. with my beliefs then you In online interactions, students often lose the
Apathy
are unethical or I can’t be friends with you,’” Gleason said. After noticing the constant trend of political polarization in society, Gleason conducted his Advanced Language Arts and Research Presentation I (ALARP) capstone project on the role of misinformation in politics. “I think people just need to remember that everyone’s political beliefs aren’t a result of them being good or bad — it’s just how they’ve been raised or even the
ability to read nonverbal messages and are then unable to always recognize when someone’s feelings are hurt, Casey said. Even with emojis or emoticons, whose original intent were to provide more emotion in social media, Casey said the power of the communication is lost because many do not use emojis when they are fighting.
EXPERT’S TAKE Dr. Michael Poulin, associate professor of psychology at the University of Buffalo, said he is aware of the research that young adults have become less empathetic of one another in comparison to previous generations. However, he said it is harder to accurately measure changes across generations because all individuals hold some biases. “Generally speaking, younger adults are less empathetic than older adults are, and that’s something that has been true for many generations, not just
EPTH
9
QA &
Jessica Brown, programs director of the National Alliance of Mental Illness St. Louis
various aspects of life
WHAT IS EMPATHY? Empathy is being able to understand someone else’s situation, from their perspective, their feelings, and being able to identify with that whether or not you’ve ever been in that situation. I think empathy is really important because at the root of everything, as human beings, we all want to be seen and heard, and to know that we belong to others.
now,” Dr. Poulin said. The trait of being “empathetic” came into existence because human ancestors’ understanding and responses to the emotions of others allowed them to become more successful at managing the challenges of social interactions, Dr. Poulin said. “Because humans are a social species, individuals’ success and well-being are very closely tied to being seen as valuable to the group and as desirable social partners,” Dr. Poulin said. “Empathy is a key contributor to that. In other words, being empathetic makes us likable.” Because empathy is influenced by various factors such as upbringing, peers and the social environment, Dr. Poulin said the changes in the social environment lead to conceivable changes in empathy overtime. With the rise of social media and technology, individuals are able to conceal and protect themselves from the possibility of being emotionally overwhelmed, Dr. Poulin said. Although Dr. Poulin said the decline in empathy impacts social interactions, he also said the trend is not set in stone. “We know that empathy tends to increase across the lifespan, so it’s very possible that young people will figure out how to navigate the challenges of empathy, even in the relatively complex world of massively online communication.”
Did You Know?
The term empathy wasn’t coined in the context we know now until 1908
Information by Psychology Today
Etymology of empathy
Nikhil Guduri, freshman, plays a communicative video game with his headset on which allows him to audibly interact with the peers he plays with. Video games are one of many online platforms that are contributing to the overall societal decline in empathy through the lack of face to face personalized interactions. Photograph by Teja Guduri
The English word “empathy” first came about as a translation for the German psychological term Einfühlung meaning “feeling-in.” At the time it was coined, empathy meant to enliven an object, or to project one’s own imagined feelings onto the world. In 1955, the term, which was new to non-academics, was defined as the “ability to appreciate the other person’s feelings without yourself becoming so emotionally involved that your judgment is affected.” In the 1990s, mirror neurons were found in monkeys. The discovery prompted research into empathy and brain activity that quickly extended to humans as well. There is still a cultural debate regarding the meaning of the word today.
Information from an article written by Susan Lanzoni, a historian of science and medecine
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY IN ADOLESCENTS? Sometimes when really big, intense traumas happen our first thought is like ‘I’m alone, it’s just me. I’m the only one that’s feeling mistakes or I’m the only one experiencing these things’. That’s not always true. Having people there to be able to say, ‘I see you, I hear you or we care about you’ - all of those things can help just even if it’s just to bring that person out of that darker space.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE DECLINE IN EMPATHY? There’s a lot of stress in the world like growing up, testing boundaries and limits, which is all stressful in and of itself, but adding additional stress in social media makes everything in your face all the time. You really have to kind of make an effort to unplug from all these things. Sometimes that’s easier said than done because you want to know what’s going on. Because it’s difficult. It’s not easy to be a teenager right now. It’s a lot.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
may 2022
Fresh&Fun
Farmers markets increase in popularity among teens
pepper jam: spicy and sweet
liza COOPER
blackberry jam: sweet and lemony
orange marmalade: Aubrey Adams, junior, took a trip to The Soulard Farmers Market on Saturday, May 14, and purchased a variety of produce and baked cinnamon and warm What are goods. She also bought multiple bouquets of flowers and took some Schmitt's cute pictures. flavors? But the aesthetics were not the only reason Adams decided to go. “I think farmer’s markets are really trendy for teenagers to go to,” she said. “I think people are realizing that you can buy the fruits plum jam: and vegetables for the same price and support families in your own area rather than the big corporations.” sweet and mild Adams isn’t alone in enjoying farmers markets, which have risen in popularity. Jennifer Dooley, environmental science teacher, also enjoys the local aspects of farmer’s markets. strawberry jam: “You can find unique products to our area and sweet and bright better sourced products at farmer’s markets,” Dooley said. “Local products usually end up tasting better.” Buying local products can be a way of giving back liza COOPER to local companies, Dooley said. Small businesses can The story of math teacher Steven Schmitt's homemade jams started when he easily become bankrupt, an ate lunch with Hannah Johns, junior. occurrence which has been “One day, her lunch had gone bad,” Schmitt said. “I was ready to take a big especially prevalent in the bite of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and if you know Hannah, she was last couple of years due to like ’What’s that?’” the COVID-19 pandemic. Schmitt said he felt guilty for eating in front of someone who didn’t have a Purchasing fruits, vegetables Different kinds of fruits and lunch, so he jokingly offered half of his sandwich to her. Johns happily acceptand other products from vegetables are sold at Roger's ed. farmer’s markets or fruit Produce on Old State Road. Tori “She tried it, liked it a lot and was like, ‘Mr. Schmitt, this is really good!’” stands can help sustain the Krull and her family have owned Schmitt said. “I said, ‘I made the jelly’ and she said, ‘No way!’ and the rest is lifeblood of local businesses. this location for more than 40 history.” Dooley said farmers years, as well as another location Johns, who said she usually hates jelly, was blown away by the taste of markets are experiencing an in Webster Groves. Photograph by Schmitt’s homemade version. uptick in attention because “Mr. Schmitt’s jelly was just so, so good,” Johns said. “It is very sweet Liza Cooper • Illustration by Emma people are becoming more but savory and would probably go with anything.” Tyulyayev educated about their food Schmitt said his jelly-making hobby started with his green supply, why it thumb. costs what it does and how it is being made. “I’ve always liked to grow things,” Schmitt said. “I started “My students are learning how food comes al r e n growing and had bumper crops of my plums and strawbere G from all over the world and that there are some ries. It just made sense to start preserving them, and jelly e p things that you can get locally,” Dooley said. “Buyeci R was the logical choice.” ing locally is going to be cheaper in the long run.” One of Schmitt’s neighbors, who was already into jelFor Tori Krull, owner of the Roger’s Produce ts: n e ly-making, showed him the process. i d stand off of Old State Road, being in the fresh proIngre f choice In order to make jelly, he first prepares the fruit and o it duce business is a family affair. Her grandpa owned - Fru r gets rid of any seeds or pits. Then he boils it, adds sugar a g a produce store on Manchester Road and her dad has - Su on juice and finally adds pectin when it reaches boiling temperaopened and worked at his store in Webster Groves for - Lem in ture. Pectin is a dry powder that allows the fruit to gel. t c 43 years. Krull opened her stand seven summers ago. - Pe Marisa Hale, junior, is another recipient of Schmitt’s “I enjoy doing it because I like working with peojelly after hearing about it from Johns. : ple,” Krull said. “I like feeling like I am making people Steps re the fruit y “He gave the jelly to me, and it was honestly really healthy by being able to provide some healthy stuff to pa an good,” Hale said. “I wasn’t expecting it to be that good 1. Pre ting rid of people who can’t really get fresh things like this.” t by ge r pits because it was grown out of his own garden, but I realo Krull said she has had an increase in customers since seeds ly liked it.” the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She said she thinks this is fruit e h Hale said the jelly made her feel special, and it was t il due to people’s desire to eat healthier and enjoy the out2. Bo n e a really sweet treat. h doors. The abundance of customers Krull has witnessed tin w d pec ches “He gave me the strawberry-rhubarb-plum jam. It d A . 3 could also be due to the fact that she carries certain items rea fruit was delicious,” Hale said. ature r e e h t p that big box grocery stores don’t. g tem in il o b “I think small businesses are important versus a big ath to ater b the w a chain,” she said. “It is important to have fresh, local stuff, and 4. Do d sterilize n it’s important to keep items that big stores don't sell alive.” seal a ms
Math teacher makes jams from homegrown produce
nd ja jars a
issue VIII
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7 may 2022
OPINIONS
SPEAK OUT WHICH TEACHER HAS HAD A BIG IMPACT ON YOU THIS YEAR?
“Mrs. Fretwell because she strives to make me a better student by helping me in class.”
ADDI BOSSI,
freshman
“Frau Hotze. She is really good at teaching German and is good at being there for me when I need her. Whether I need to talk to her about personal things or anything, she is just a good friend.” RAYAN KHAN,
sophomore
“Dr. Farrar has made the biggest impact on me this year because she has taught me ways to succeed beyond this year and even in college too.” DIVYANKSHA VANKA,
junior
“Major Zuber, because she has helped me for four years throughout my AFJROTC career and she is one of my biggest inspirations.” DANIEL GORISLAVSKI,
senior
RICK REGINA,
principal
“Ms. Tabachnik. She was my twelfth grade senior comp teacher. I never thought I was a good writer, but now looking back, I realize I was a pretty good writer and it just took a teacher to give me the confidence to believe I was.”
Illustration by Emma Tyulyayev Illustration by Emma Tyulyayev
Students need continued support The Rockwood School District and the MHS community has had to mourn the loss of too many of our community members this school year. And while counselors and the crisis response team have been quick to act and provide support to students and faculty in need, these feelings of pain and loss are not solely confined to the school year. When students leave the buildings on Thursday, June 3, and don’t return until Monday, Aug. 22, that daily available resource is lost to them for almost three months. While there are therapists, doctors and other mental health resources outside of the district, not everyone has equal acEDITORIAL cess to such outreach opportunities and mental health will struggle as a result. Many of these resources also have a several month-long wait list. According to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, guidance counselors or teachers may take on the role of a trusted adult for many students, and losing this resource and others, such as school-provided meals, can be detrimental to students living in situations that require structured support from the school. During the school year, the Guidance Department offers a wide variety of resources such as in-person counselors and social workers; contacts with mental health groups such as Hazel Health; and hot lines, which can be accessed through the MHS website.
“We’re here to support students while they are in school, during the school day” Jeff Marx, counselor, said. “Outside of that, families traditionally look at family services.” But this is not enough. These resources need to be available over the summer months. This school year more than any has proven to both students and staff how quickly life can change, and RSD needs to be prepared to support its students as best they can throughout the entire calendar year. Saint Louis University has begun providing access to mental health professionals through the school even during the summer break. On-campus clinics are open as well as nurses who are available 24/7, in-person or via telehealth, to discuss concerns, contact a healthcare provider or simply obtain tips for improving overall mental well-being. Though 24/7 availability is unrealistic for an individual high school such as MHS, having both in-person and virtual counselors available within the district would benefit those students who have minimal access to mental health resources outside of school. Many are still grieving the loss of so many young lives this year. Opening up more opportunities for students to express their emotions will only benefit the school community.
BOARD
Letters to the Editor Popular boba is unique to U.S.
Attendance must be higher
In my opinion, the reason Boba is so popular is due to the fact that it’s unique. Boba is a drink that you can customize perfectly to your taste. There are so many different flavors and combinations to try. It makes your drink completely different from others. Flavors like Taro, Matcha and Red Bean are completely different than standardized American flavors and drinks. It opens up another set of tastes. Although some people dislike milk or are lactose intolerant, boba tea shops take measures to avoid that by making fruit teas and lactose-free milk tea.
The way school attendance rates are going down is a very idiotic thing that is happening. One student in the article has missed 121 days. That makes no sense to me. The attendance rate for me this year is high: I have only missed three days and I think that was a bad amount. I think you’re ruining your younger life by not coming to school and talking to friends or just trying to get through the day. I have a hard time sometimes when I don’t want to be in school. Now, I’m not saying that I like the school. I sometimes hate it, but there is no way that I would miss it because that would hurt me in the future.
- Jacob Yn, freshman
- Benjamin Burkhardt, freshman
issue VIII
13
OPINIONS
Protect sacred lands to uphold culture Should college prashu SIDELLA On my recent trip to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, I could not help but notice the negative environmental impacts caused by humans. I drove around the countryside to better experience Hawaiian culture. I would always come across signs with big red letters that read, “Keep the country the country!” This phrase confused me because there was no other context. Did people want Hawaii to continue to be its own authentic country and not a busy city? The more I thought about this idea, the more I started to support it. Places like Hawaii are big tourist hot spots. A total of 788,931 visitors came to the Hawaiian Islands in March of 2022. Most people go to these Pacific Islands on vacation and don’t really care about the effects that they leave on these places. One day, I was hiking up Diamond Head, a volcanic crater. As I was taking in the beautiful sights, I also saw trash all over the place. There were medical masks, water bottles, socks - you name it. To see historic places like these being polluted and trashed by people was very upsetting. Keeping landscapes beautiful is not the only reason we should leave places like Hawaii as they are. It is also important to preserve the state’s culture. If you drive to the North Shore of Oahu,
you can experience true Hawaiian culture and learn a lot about how it once was. To this day, there are still WWII bunkers, palaces and villages you can visit to experience the island’s rich history. This part of Oahu was calm compared to the city, and it still felt like an old Hawaiian village. It is so important to preserve this culture and not industrialize Hawaii or force it to be like the rest of the mainland. How else will people learn about the culture of the Pacific Islands? We don’t need more strip malls, big chain restaurants or big factories taking over these beautiful islands. They need to be left alone. We need to stop turning places with rich histories into tourist places and be more mindful about how we are treating our Earth. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, we should learn more about these countries and see what we can do to preserve their cultures. When vacationing this summer, I urge all of us to be more respectful to the places we visit and stop turning every place into our own personal playgrounds.
applications be test-optional? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities have decided to become test-optional and not require students to submit standardized test scores with their applications. As the end of the pandemic seems closer, colleges are questioning whether to remain test-optional.
YES
aarushi BUTE
Tourists are ruining the natural beauty of Hawaii, and with the downfall of the island’s natural cleanliness comes the downfall of its Pacific Islander culture. Photographs by Prashu Sidella
Recycling is beneficial, but only with the right materials aubrey LACAVICH From a young age, the idea of recycling is hammered into our brains. Teachers, parents and society make it a point that we don’t forget. Reduce, reuse and recycle, they say. It’s good for the planet, they say. Although, is that actually true? Have our efforts to recycle gone to waste or been forgotten? Americans generate more than 267 million tons of solid waste every year although the success rate of recycling has significantly dropped to below 6 percent, according to the EPA and a study released the first week of May by the Department of Energy. Most plastics are not recyclable and end up in landfills, incinerated or floating in the ocean. Three percent of global plastic enters the ocean each year. Why are we told to recycle, when nothing is changing because of it? Recently, rates have dropped because some countries won’t accept recycling anymore. In the past, the U.S. has been selling plastics and other recyclable materials to China to handle. China’s National Sword Policy passed in 2018 and banned the importation of most plastics and other materials. In response, the U.S. resorted to
exporting materials to other countries. Teachers, parents and society aren’t In the end, most of the recycling has in the wrong for pushing the idea of stayed in the country and more money recycling on us, although improvement is spent when processing recyis needed to keep recycling benefiting clable materials. our society instead of hurting it. The ban hasn’t been the only thing affecting the low rates of recycling. Neglect to sort recycling, wash 35 million tons recycling and recycle the of plastic were right materials in the home are recycled in 2018 a big culprit. Only some PET Shiny lining is often and HDPE products can be made of aluminum recycled, yet only 21 percent or a special mixed are actually recycled, according to the plastic which the recyclable plant EPA, . 46 million tons What is the ultimate solution? Is it cannot separate of paper and worth it to recycle? paperboard were Yes. recycled in 2018. Recycling is important for the environment as we are taught, but only if there is a demand for recycled materincy Age als. Supporting businesses that use n o cti recycled materials in their products ote l Pr a t n and the high quality recycled industry me iron will make all the difference. If there is v n E the a demand for recycled products, then om r f we will have to deliver, putting less tion rma o waste into the landfills. f In Paying more attention to what goes into your recycling bin will also be a big help. Making sure materials are clean and actually recyclable, is most important to keep recycling good for the environment.
Standardized tests systematically privilege those who are wealthy as both test registration and the hours of tutoring and prep books are expensive. Those with money have access to more resources and chances of retaking the tests, putting wealthier students at an unfair advantage and poorer students to instead settle with minimal aid. It’s also well-known that standardized tests are not a measure of intelligence or success but rather a measure of a student’s test-taking ability. Instead, colleges shouldn’t categorize students based on a number from a four-hour test but rather from aspects that show their passion and personality from essays to extracurriculars. The world is evolving to now prioritize networking ability and personality, and so should colleges.
NO liza COOPER Colleges should most definitely require standardized test scores for admission. These tests are called “achievement tests” for a reason: they help colleges better understand what a student has learned and how capable they are at applying it. Furthermore, submitting test scores enables colleges to pick the best candidates based on objective criteria, rather than personal bias or choosing a person just because they fill a certain “spot”. Although it is important for schools to be diverse, admitting unqualified applicants based on things like race and place of residence over applicants who actually performed well on standardized tests is unfair. Tests might be a pain to take, but they are necessary to submit when applying to colleges to ensure universities make the right decision when accepting future students.
14
SPORTS
may 2022
Girls water polo takes second in State tournament annabelle MILLER
When Cai Walz, sophomore, went to the State water polo tournament with her team on Saturday, May 14, she knew it was going to be a tough game. “We started out ahead,” Walz said. “But by the fourth quarter we got tired and there were a few reffing issues out of our control.” The girls water polo team went on to place second at State after losing to Oakville. Walz was with the team last year when they won State, and she said she was really hoping for another win this year. The team had a nearly spotless record this year, only losing to Oakville. Meg Murphy, senior, has played water polo since her freshman year and was this year’s starting goalie. Two of the team’s star players graduated last year, she said, so the team had to adjust the State tournament was going to be to become successful over the season. “We’re definitely a lot more intense harder to win this year than last. “Many of the teams are catching up, than we were last year,” Murphy said. and there are a lot of girls who started “We actually run plays and it’s been playing in middle school. This year it more of a team effort.” definitely wasn’t as big of a blowout,” Because of their achievements last Murphy said. year, the team played harder competiBri Allstun, senior, and a few other tion this season, Murphy said. One of returning water polo the high points of players have been their season was working on learning a large Chicago “I expect my girls to new positions to fill tournament they come into each game the gaps left by graduplayed in. ating seniors. Allstun and give it their all. Even with said she has become their hard work Whatever happens, one of the team’s all season and happens but I want main shooters in the their previous process. them to try hard and title, Murphy said “We had to figure have fun,” out our new team dynamic in order to win, and we’ve been Claire Maniscalo, working on it through coach the season,” Allstun said.
Bri Allstun, senior, passes the ball to her teammate during a 3-on-3 drill. Girls water polo earned second at State after losing to Oakville Saturday, May 14. This is the second year the team has been to the State finals. Photographs by Anabelle Miller
The team gained several new players and another assistant coach this year, so their focus has been on being aggressive and improving their techniques, Allstun said. Claire Maniscalco, water polo coach, said the team has come together throughout the season and improved each game. “I expect my girls to come into each game and give it their all. Whatever happens, happens but I want them to try hard and have fun,” Maniscalco said.
Fast Facts
Bri Allstun, senior, led in goals with 46 goals and 107 points Erin Huff, junior, led the team in assists with 26 assists and 64 points The Mustangs went 12-3 and came second to Oakville at State All three losses were against Oakville This is the Mustangs’ second year with an all-girls team
Wacky Olympics celebrates end of year for seniors parker BRANDT
The annual Wacky Olympics takes place today as a final way for seniors to commemorate the end of their time at MHS. It is similar to a field day where teams of seven seniors compete against each other in various events such as relays and tug-o-war. The winning team receives prizes for each member of their team. Senior Carson Hanis, event organizer, said he is optimistic this event will unify the class one final time before graduation.
“This event is a fun, safe way for seniors to make a few more memories together as a class before we part ways,” Hanis said. While this event normally has about 200 participants, this year, nearly 300 signed up, forming 24 teams total. Hanis said that because the Class of ‘22 has had such an abnormal high school experience, this will not only make up for lost experiences, but also bring the students closer. Rhonda Costa, senior secretary, said the events
Illustrations by Emma Tyulyayev
aren’t a secret, but they wait until everything is finalized to release the activities. Costa said there will be four or five fun activities for teams to compete in, and there are about 85 seniors signed up to watch. Reagan Burroughs, senior, is captain of her team, competing with six of her best friends. “I’m really looking forward to it,” Burroughs said. “It’s a fun way for us seniors to have one last day together.”
issue VIII
15
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16
SPORTS
may 2022
MOVING ON... Baseball wins Districts, advances to Sectionals pranav SRIRAMAN MHS (5) defeated CBC (2) by a score of 8-7 in order to secure the Class 6 District 2 Championship victory. Starting pitcher Max Cohen, junior, said the team's underdog mentality helped them thrive. "We had nothing to lose," Cohen said. "So we just emptied the tank and played like each games was our last." MHS earned 6 of their 7 runs in the first two innings after CBC
starting pitcher Camron Poe failed to record an out and his relief struggled to contain MHS' offense. Pitcher Joshua Lee, junior, said earning a big lead early in the game was the turning point for MHS. "We were just patient with our at-bats and we were able to get a lot of walks," Lee said. MHS hosts Lindbergh in the Class 6 Quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 28. Photograph by @ChrisSchmitz168
Junior recovers from season-ending injury pranav SRIRAMAN Jack Holubowski, junior, stepped into the batter’s box on Friday, March 18, for his first at-bat of the season. Holubowski, a Missouri Baseball Commit, bats third in the lineup, giving him the opportunity to bat in the first inning of play. With sophomore Dominic Anselmo scoring on a passed ball, Holubowski had a chance to add to the Mustangs' early lead against St. Charles North from St. Charles, Illinois. Holubowski did exactly that. He made contact on a low pitch on the right side of the plate which resulted in a solo home run, giving the Mustangs a 2-0 lead over St. Charles North after “Jack has done a great job of the first inning. helping other players with game That would be Holubowski’s last hit for the entire situations and hitting approach. If 2022 season. he can have a good mental attiOn the very next appearance at-bat, his shoulder tude right now, other players can subluxed and his labrum tore off his bone. follow his lead,” Meyer said. “He “I was mainly in shock,” Holubowski said. “It felt has a great work ethic, so that will like someone was pulling on your arm with extreme help him recover and be back not force and as your arm had come off.” only on time or early but also be a Jack Holubowski, junior, performs light isometric exercises with the help of his Only after his MRI did Holubowski find out his better version of himself moving physical therapist Dr. Nolan Rappe. These exercises help re-introduce motion to his left shoulder. Holubowski, a Missouri Baseball Commit, tore his labrum off the season was over as the injury was too severe to return forward.” bone of his left shoulder during his first baseball game of the season on March to action in the season’s timespan. After two plate Holubowski said it will take appearances, Holubowski had lost yet another season him somewhere north of 6 months 18.. Photographs by Lisa Holubowski of his high school career, his freshman season already to return to action. He is taking having been canceled due to COVID-19. everything slow, including not playing baseball at all shoulder isn’t uncommon, but that it’s very important “I was looking forward this summer in order to not cause to follow every stage of recovery and to protect the to playing my junior season. any more harm to his shoulder. structure of the shoulder afterward. Not being able to be out there He said this process has been “The easiest way to think about the shoulder is with the team really hurts,” "I mainly just miss having more emotionally draining than that the relationship of the shoulder to the shoulder Holubowski said. “I know the draining. socket is like a golf ball sitting on a tee,” Dr. Rappe and living a normal life physically impact that I could have on “Honestly, recovery has said. “The labrum covers the surface of that socket or and doing the things I our team and our season and sucked,” Holubowski said. “I can't ‘tee’ and helps to provide more stability to the shoulit's just really unfortunate that do everyday activities, and I’m not der joint, acting almost like a suction cup. It is very love most." I can't go out there and make allowed to move my arm other small, but nonetheless is a very important structure that happen.” than assisted movement at physfor shoulder stability.” Jack Holubowski, Holubowski’s injury has ical therapy. I mainly just miss Dr. Rappe said Holubowski is one of the most not only affected him, but has having and living a normal life and focused athletes he’s ever worked with. junior affected the entire team as well. doing the things I love most.” “Elite-level athletes are always present and foHead varsity baseball coach Dr. Nolan Rappe, Holubowscused on the task at hand, and Jack shares that mindJohn Meyer said Holubowski is irreplaceable on the ki’s physical therapist, said the primary objective in set,” Dr. Rappe said. “He takes preparing his body to field. the early stages of Holubowski’s recovery is to protect play very seriously, and this will only serve him well “We are moving players higher in the batting the integrity of his repair as they re-introduce motion at the next level of play as he transitions to college order and trying some different combinations of line and light isometric muscle activation. baseball here over the next 18 months.” ups to see how players handle the situation,” Meyer “Specifically, [Jack] utilizes a device like a golf Holubowski said his goal is to come back better said. “We are fortunate Jack's injury occurred very club or cane to help take his arm overhead and out than he was before and that he will make sure of it. early in the season, which gives everyone enough to the side,” Dr. Rappe said. “We manually resist “I plan to use this experience to strengthen my time to adjust as we get closer to the postseason.” shoulder blade motion to help target activation of his mental and emotional part of the game,” Holubowski Meyer also added that Holubowski’s leadership scapular stabilizers until he is cleared to begin that said. “I gotta embrace the grind and love the grind, and mindset after his injury have helped him and work on his own.” and I know it'll be tough, but I will get there and I'm others a great deal. Dr. Rappe said labrum tears on a hitter’s lead looking forward to every second of it.”