the
MESSENGER
n. IV
VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE IV | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | MARCH 2021
THE JOURNEY TO IMMUNITY A year after the COVID-19 pandemic was introduced into the United States, more than 1.96 million Americans have received the vaccine.
See pg. 8-9
ROLL CALL Editor in Chief Associate Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Production Editor News Editor Features Editor Arts&Entertainment Editor Sports Editors Opinions Editor In-Depth Editor Social Media Editors Photography Editor Illustrators Page Designers Staff Reporters Staff Adviser
Waha Siddiqui Connor Del Carmen Zara Tola Arpitha Sistla Stephanie Lei Aarushi Bute Carter Van Buskirk Akhila Swarna Marin Ellington Annie McGinnis Molly Sillitto Lauren Pickett Sydney Goldsmith Rutaiba Siddiqui Grace Taylor Ben Hughes Emmie Foley Mason Kellerman Anika Talyan Lajja Patel Liza Cooper Taryn Moore Sophia Wasson Emily Jorgensen
INSIDE Purdue study identifies the environmental effects of turning cameras on in Zoom.
Community members begin vaccination journey.
Girls establish water polo team.
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vaccine food delivery
4
Zoom camera
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15
water polo
Food delivery services see an increase in jobs.
Book lovers celebrate #bookstagram trend.
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bookstagram
ONLINE Visit our website to view more stories and MHSNews: marquettemessenger.com
Sports teams accomodate athletes learning virtually.
Sophomore principal continues Trivia Thursday tradition.
Nonprofit organization distributes care packages to medical clinics.
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. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Messenger will be published six times for the 2020-2021 school year. Issue IV was written and designed by 11 virtual and 12 in-person students. 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
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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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NEWS
issue IV
EOC exams only offered in person rutaiba SIDDIQUI
April
THIS APRIL MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRSu M T W Th F Sa The first testing st spring End of Course (EOC) exam testing window window will since COVID-19 hit. consist of 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 From Friday, April 16, to Friday, April 30, Biology, English II, Algebra II and English II classes will complete the Algebra II and 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 standardized test. Algebra I and Government classes Biology End of will be assessed from Monday, May 10, to Friday, May Course Exam 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 21. To take their exam, both virtual students and in-person students must attend their designated testMay ing place. The second Su M T W Th F Sa For students who are unable to attend the allottesting window ted testing time, the Department of Elementary & will consist of 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Secondary Education (DESE) has not provided an Algebra I and alternative option as of now. Government End 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Since there is no alternative test or make-up of Course Exams option available, the administration is working on providing transportation to students. The administrators are mitigating the spread Glenn Hancock, RSD Director of Research, of COVID-19 by requiring students to wear face Evaluation and Assessment, has been sorting out the masks, providing as much space as possible to endetails of the upcoming EOC exams since last Sepable students to participate while remaining socially tember. distanced, ensuring surfaces are disinfected prior to “We are working with our transportation departand after test administration and discussing alternate ment to discuss our options for students to attend the times for virtual students to come in person to take test as we still haven’t finalized plans for bringing vir- an EOC exam. tual students on campus for the EOC,” Klasing said she struggles with Hancock said. the concept of standardized testing in Approximately However, changes have been made general as she believes every student 7,000 students learns differently and measuring them to the tests this year due to the circumstances. Field test items such as long in RSD will take with the same test is unfair. reading passages and essays have been is admittedly frustrating to say EOC exams this the “It removed, making them shorter. The least, especially in this new envischool year testing window can be set to as long as ronment,” Klasing said. needed. In years prior, the testing winOne of Klasing’s students, Zubia dow could not exceed seven days. Rajput, freshman, has opted for virtual learning this In addition, a no-cheating policy will be enforced year due to living with high-risk family members. She by a lockdown browser and staff will be trained by will be taking an Algebra I and Biology EOC exams. test coordinators to follow no-cheating protocols. “Having virtual students take the test in person Ellen Klasing, statistics and Algebra I teacher, seems a bit unfair,” Rajput said. “But on the other has 44.3 percent of her Algebra I students attending hand, it would be unfair to in-person students if virvirtual school as of last week. tual students had the opportunity to take it at home To help prepare all of her students for the EOC as there are a lot more resources at home, so this exams, Klasing plans to review on the days leading up seems to be the best option.” to the test as well as walk her mainly freshmen class Rajput has been attending school virtually all year through the testing process. and hasn’t taken a standardized test in more than a “I certainly feel for the students who have reyear. mained virtual either for their own safety and the “I am a bit nervous because I haven’t tested in a safety of those in their family,” Klasing said. “Forcing pressured environment in well over a year, but I think them to come back to take a standardized test in perit will go well because teachers can guide you and son seems counterproductive to the strategies they it’s a taste of what standardized tests will look like have been taking thus far.” next year when things have hopefully calmed down,” However, she said as long as all safety measures Rajput said. are in place, then all students should be safe.
AP EXAM UPDATES The following exams will only be in paper format at MHS:
When will students receive their scores:
US Government & Politics, Physics 1, Physics 2 both Physics Cs, English Literature, Computer Science, Chemistry, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Latin, Spanish, French, Music Theory, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Statistics.
The earlier exams will receive scores in July while the later exams will receive scores in August.
The tests will look like: Both paper and virtual exams will be full length and cover the full course of content.
How to elect your testing location: An email will be sent to students with a form so students scheduled for an online exam can choose the location either at home or at MHS. Information from Julie Welker
If students want to cancel: If any students cancels an exam prior to their scheduled test date, then he or she is eligible for a full refund.
What precautions will be taken for digital exams: Students will not be allowed to go back to answered questions or back and forth through unanswered questions.
3 Meet the Candidates Election day is April 6 zara TOLA
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR THE BOE? Tamara Jo Rhomberg “We have certainly had our set of challenges in Rockwood. I believe that having an incumbent that has an understanding of the history and issues that we’ve come through would be important to the success of Rockwood at this present time.”
Jaime Bayes “I’m motivated to ensure we continuously improve. It’s a collective effort and requires the full commitment of every RSD school community. I’m proud to be a part of this important work, motivating myself and others to do our best for our kids.”
Charles Keith Messmer “I am interested in seeing people on the school board who are just regular parents trying to make decisions instead of looking and treating it like a business, which is what I think it’s been treated like this year.”
Sean Patrick Conover “We need to make sure that the Board of Education has a continuous improvement and focus on our children within our community. We have to continue to improve our current state, give students equal opportunities to embrace curiosity and inspire our youth.”
Tamarah Wagner “As a well-informed and active member of the district, I believe that I can bring a fresh perspective and voice to the Board to help guide the mission and agenda to better serve the people of the district.”
Jackie Koerner “We’re doing really well at meeting students’ needs who are average achieving white middle class, but there’s lots of students in our district that aren’t that. So that’s really why I’m running.”
Terrie Desloge “There are effects, socially, emotionally and academically, [with] all the remote learning and the isolation, and I want to be a part of making sure that there is a restoration of that for every student.”
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NEWS
march 2021
CAMERA CONSUMPTION Turning the Zoom camera on can leave lasting carbon footprints on the environment liza COOPER
warming through data centers, which store servers that house all the inforSINCE THE BEGINNING OF SCHOOL mation on the internet. in August, each MHS student has spent Electricity, mainly energy produced a minimum of 224 hours on Zoom. Acfrom non-renewable sources, powers cording to the Environmental Protecthese servers. Data centers are projecttion Agency (EPA), each student emits ed to use 109 terawatt-hours (TWh) the equivalent amount of CO2 that this year, according to the International almost four gallons of gasoline would Energy Agency (IEA). produce. That’s almost two times more enFor every hour stuergy than the country dents spend on Zoom of Greece consumed in Each student emits 2016. with their cameras on, 150-1,000 grams Kevin Koch, enthe equivalent of carbon dioxide are vironmental science being released into the amount of CO2 that teacher, explained how atmosphere, according almost four gallons the internet requires to a recent study by of gasoline would electricity. Purdue University. “If that electricity is produce. Renee Obringer, a generated by a carbon data researcher for the Information from the Environmental source like fossil fuels, study, said there was a Protection Agency or even renewable carneed for this data to be bon, greenhouse gases collected. (GHGs) will be released “The catalyst of the study was into the atmosphere,” Koch said. primarily curiosity, driven by the GHGs can be a good thing, but reports of the environmental benefits only to a certain extent. If the amount of remote work early in the pandemic,” of GHGs emitted is greater than the Obringer said. “We recognized that amount of GHGs that are absorbed by there was definitely a benefit to having natural processes like photosynthesis, less people driving and flying, but we global warming will occur, Koch said. were curious if there was a downside to “We need to depend on more reincreased internet usage.” newable forms of [energy], so that we The U.S. has the largest carbon can limit the burning of fossil fuels,” footprint per person of any country, said sophomore Zeenia Taraporevala, and a number of other nations have co-president of the MHS Against Clireported their carbon emissions are up mate Change (MHSACC) club. by almost 20 percent, according to the Internet use concerning video, study. such as videoconferencing and Netflix, The internet contributes to global produces the most carbon emissions
because they need the most data, which requires more servers to consume energy. Netflix alone uses an estimated 94 TWhs a year, which is enough energy to power a small country, and then some, according to the IEA. Even though the facts may look daunting, simple actions can reduce personal carbon emissions. Turning off cameras during Zoom meetings can reduce carbon footprints by almost 96 percent, according to the Purdue study. Streaming movies and TV shows in standard definition rather than high definition could yield an 86 percent reduction in carbon emissions.. Taraporevala urges people who care about the earth to join climate change clubs and advocacy groups. MHSACC’s main goal is to educate others about the importance of climate change, she said. Debora Maia Silva, another member of the research team that worked on the Purdue study, said the goal of the study was to bring awareness to the problem that is climate change. “I do believe we need to become aware of our own actions, to raise our voices for political action, and, most of all, don’t fall into despair,” Silva said.
If the 20% increase of internet traffic continues through 2021, then it would require a forest of 71,600 square miles - twice the land of Indiana - to sequester emitted carbon. Information from Purdue University
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Computer Charger Leaving chargers plugged in at all times wastes electricity. Chargers that are left plugged in after use, consume “phantom energy,” which releases GHGS into the atmosphere. Unplug cords from the wall as soon as you are done with them.
Greek Yogurt When producing Greek
yogurt, companies strain the substance to get the finished product. This leaves acid, which can be harmful to human health, especially when in rivers. Try eating yogurt made of non-dairy items, like coconut yogurt.
Vaseline
Water Bottle
Vaseline, or other chapsticks that are made with petroleum jelly, do harm. Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil refining, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Environmentally friendly alternatives include chapsticks made from beeswax, shea oil or coconut oil.
Each year, 38 billion plastic water bottles end up in the country’s landfills. When decomposing, plastic releases harmful toxins. Water bottles end up in the ocean. For an environmentally friendly alternative, try drinking tap water from a reusable, metal bottle.
issue IV
75
OPINIONS
SPEAK OUT
IN A YEAR OF VARYING LOCATIONS OF LEARNING, WHAT METHOD IS BEST TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE?
MITCHELL ARMSTRONG,
“When I’m online I just don’t focus as much. Inperson, it’s easier to just be around people and talk to them. So, I always liked it better. [It’s easier] to pay attention, it’s easier to work. You can ask more questions [in-person].”
freshman
As spring break starts Saturday, March 20, and goes through Sunday, March 28, much of the Messenger staff has heard of peers traveling out of the state to vacation. We are concerned about the precautions our peers are taking to ensure their safety and the community’s safety once they return. With the recent introduction of the COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines still in place, we fear some of our peers may take the most precautions. Illustration by Mason Kellerman
editorialBOARD
HANNAH NICHOLAS,
““I think the issue with assessments this year is the advantage virtual students have with using notes and Google. The only way I can think of to even out the advantage would be allowing in person students to use their notes.”
sophomore
EUREKA HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM DECISION SUPERINTENDENT DR. MARK MILES SENT A have called the act a form of censorship. However, message to the community Tuesday, March 16, exRSD is not stopping individuals from wearing the plaining a decision to remove baseball hats at Eureka symbol at school They are just making sure that a High School that displayed a thin blue line flag. “political and potentially divisive symbol” isn’t being “We are obligated as a public entity to refrain supported by a school organization. from advocating for any particular political group or Dr. Miles referred to the flag as one with a “thin cause, and having any type of political symbol on our blue line,” yet we commonly know it to symbolize the uniforms violates district, state and National FederaBlue Lives Matter movement, a countermovement to tion of State High School Associations policies,” Dr. the Black Lives Matter movement, which strives to Miles said in the message. recognize the systemic injustices of police brutality The National Federation of State High School against people of color, especially Black Americans, Associations (NFHS) states that teams’ uniforms can according to the Marshall Project. only display one 2x3 inch unaltered American flag Police brutality may not be concentrated to one patch. year, but Americans witnessed a According to the handbook, great amount of social upheaval We commend RSD’s the only exception to this rule and racial unrest following the would be if the Missouri State death of George Floyd last May choice to retract the High School Activities AssoBreonna Taylor last March, baseball cap distribution, and ciation (MSHSAA) were to only to name a few. In addition, uphold district policy and the thin blue line flag made its allow for a “special occasion, commemorative or memorial” abide by NFHS rules. No way to the riots at the Capitol patch. MSHSAA has not allowed past January matter what the message thisAs for such a situation can be seen by historical is, teams simply cannot events, the flag may hold negaWe commend RSD’s choice to retract the baseball cap tive sentiments to a population wear items that break distribution, uphold district of RSD. About 7.9 percent of NFHS rules. policy and abide by NFHS rules. the RSD student population is No matter what the message Black and 24.3 percent is made is, teams simply cannot wear items that break NFHS up of people of color (POC) according to the Derules. partment of Secondary Education’s (DESE) district Teams must keep in mind that they’re repredemographic data as of 2020. By discontinuing the senting more than themselves when they compete. use of these baseball hats, RSD may minimize harm They’re representing their school, district and comand offense to some individuals and ensure a safe munity. They can’t expect to be able wear a patch environment for all of its students. representing only part of the population’s beliefs As Dr. Miles wrote in the message, we as students while competing under the name of their school. are looking to RSD “to set an example and advocate On social media, members of the community for a welcoming environment for all perspectives.”
“Online kids, from my point of view, seem to have an upper hand. Things like PhotoMath and Google provide an advantage. Though online still has its own challenges along with in-person.” OLIVIA WALTERS,
junior
“With learning material easier, in-person people are definitely the winners there. Online has a lot of advantages too though, especially when we are taking a test. Both options have their pros and cons in all honesty.” PRESLEY GARDNER,
senior
CATHY ROBERTSON,
Teacher
“It really depends on your test content. If you design a test, where the answers can’t be Googled, a student can be anywhere and still truly get the material. That’s why I do as many projects as tests, since you’ll retain more that way, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re in-person or at home.”
6
OPINIONS
march 2021
Prioritize inmates for vaccine lauren PICKETT
Photo Illustration by Emmie Foley
CROWDED AND CONFINED, INCARCERATED people endure some of the worst living conditions, and their risk of disease is exacerbated by COVID-19. Prisons are the new petri dishes: a majority of the largest, single-site outbreaks since the beginning of the pandemic have been in prisons and jails, according to data compiled by the New York Times. Nationwide, at least 394,256 incarcerated individuals tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 2,408 died in prisons due to COVID-19, according to the COVID Prison Project as of March 14. In Missouri, one in five inmates, or at least 5,739, have had COVID-19 and 45 have died, along with six staff, as the rate of infection in prisons is 2.7 times that in Missouri overall. The incarcerated and detained must be prioritized in COVID-19 vaccine distribution. As recommended by the CDC, Missouri should designate incarcerated people for vaccination at the same time as correctional officers, in Phase 1B, Tier 1, rather than in the last
target—Phase 3. The risk of getting COVID-19 in prison is 5.5 times higher than for the general population, according to research in the Journals of the American Medical Association. Overall, COVID-19 mortality rates among prisoners are higher than in the general population. Inmates in correctional facilities have dormitory-style cells that should have at least a 25-foot space per person, making it nearly impossible to socially distance, as stated in the Prison Policy Initiative reports. These are similarly sized, if not smaller than nursing homes’ bedrooms. Crossing the gates into a jail or prison should not strip incarcerated people of their humanity, nor should brightly colored jumpsuits define one’s “worthiness” of safety, awareness and protection in comparison to the general public, or a healthy teenager. While prisoners are making amends for their actions, the threat of COVID-19-related death is an unnecessary, cruel death sentence, that contradicts the ethics of the criminal justice system. Inmates’ lives are not disposable.
Late work policies need change
Mask mandates are a must
marin ELLINGTON
liza COOPER
THOUGH THE 90-MINUTE CLASS ular activities and part-time jobs. The periods are long, I appreciate the extra shifts at my job run late in the evening, time of not having class two days in a some days causing me to leave for work row so there is time to complete home- at 4:45 p.m. and not return any earlier work. than 11:45 p.m. The downside to this aspect of the When making the choice of the blocked schedule, however, has come homework to complete during my brief with teachers’ use of same-day deadwindow of availability, studying for my lines on Canvas for homework assignAP classes or any test I have the next ments. day always takes priority, even at the Some teachers have their assigncost of a late homework grade in other ment due dates on Canvas scheduled classes. for 11:59 p.m. that same day the work The idea of students setting their was assigned. This begs the question own schedule allows for them to stay to many students: If I turn in my work up as late as necessary to finish their after that time but work, but that opbefore the next tion is taken away class, is it still conwith a same-day sidered late? deadline. For students Not to mention with difficult there is a differschedules, the work ence in learning really begins to pile and studying styles up. That assignthroughout all ment that had been students. Some put off to study prefer to stay up the night before is late to complete suddenly competing their work while for priority with others function best work for a class that when waking up won’t be in session early to complete for another two assignments. This days but is due that Photograph by Marin Ellington deadline restricts evening. the availability for Students shouldn’t be penalized for different methods of learning and is these “late” assignments as long as they time to complete assignments during are still turned in before the next class daylight hours. period. These deadlines only add a level It is a common trend among high of stress to the lives of students who school students that homework is already have many aspects of their high completed at all hours of the night due school experience to juggle. to busy school schedules, extracurric-
WHEN MY GRANDPARENTS TOLD me that they were traveling to Texas to see my grandma’s sister and her husband, I was worried. I texted them, “Be safe! Wear a mask!” I knew others around them probably wouldn’t. Texas is one of the growing number of states that has recently lifted mask mandates. On Tuesday, March 2, Texas governor Greg Abbott made the statewide announcement. “It is now time to open Texas 100 percent,” he said during his speech at a local restaurant in Lubbock, Texas. The mask mandate fully expired on Monday, March 10, right in the middle of my grandparents’ visit. Some Texans are thrilled. This means they get to go to bars, gyms and other public places without the confinement of a mask. The disregard of these Texans scares me. These Texans and the governor are endangering my grandparents, great-uncle and great-aunt. Their fresh air is not worth someone’s life. Yet, the reasoning behind the governor’s decision is somewhat understandable. COVID-19 cases are on a downward trend, and there is now a vaccine. Optimism is rising, and we can almost envision days without the looming presence of the virus. But to me, these advancements prove it even more necessary to wear a mask. The steady progress America has made toward wellness must be protected, but by lifting mask mandates, the progress could be pushed several steps back. Science does not support lifting the
Photograph by Liza Cooper
mandates. Cities with a governmental policy enforcing masks have four times less of a per-capita COVID-19 mortality rate than cities that who do not enforce mask laws, according to a study by Christopher T. Leffler, professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. Just because there is a vaccine does not mean everyone is vaccinated. Only 18.8 percent of the U.S. population has actually received their first vaccination, and a slim 9.8 percent have had two complete doses, according to NPR. In Texas, only 16.3 percent of the population has gotten their first shot, but 100 percent of the population can go maskless by Monday, March 10. We need to reinstate COVID-19 safety measures. Texas, Mississippi, Iowa, North Dakota: I’m looking at you. Reinforcing these measures, especially mask mandates, will not derail America’s progress. The quicker we revert back to having these safety measures in place, the quicker I will be comfortable with letting my grandparents visit the people they love.
issue IV
FEATURES
Lauren Williams, language arts teacher, created and sent messages out as posters for staff to hang up in their classrooms in an attempt to provide a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students. Photographs by Marin Ellington
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For members of the LGBTQ+ community struggling with mental health, mindfulness behaviors often prove to be beneficial. “I was able to better identify things that give me stress and anxiety,” Emily Thompson, French teacher, said. “When I know I am reaching or have hit my limit, I can switch gears to another task or take a break.”
Mental health issues addressed in LGBTQ+ community marin ELLINGTON
“In the world, we’re definitely seen as different from other people, when we’re really just the exact same,” Horwitz said. “The only difference is who we’re attracted to and who we love.” Horwitz has been able to find comfort from the stresses of life in mundane activities such as writing in a journal or exercising.
“If you’re miserable you can feel it deep in your chest and stomach,” Madison Horwitz, sophomore said. She is all too familiar with these feelings as she is one of many youths in the LGBTQ+ community who struggles with mental illness. “It affects your ability to be able to function in daily life,” she said. GSA For at least two weeks in the previous year, 71 percent of LGBTQ+ She was able to find help in the MHS youth reported feeling sad or hopeless, community as well. After speaking to according to the Trevor Project’s Naher girlfriend who had gone to Gay tional Survey on LGBTQ+Youth Mental Straight Alliance (GSA) at her own Health from 2019. school, Horwitz decided to give it a try Despite this, at MHS. She ended Horwitz considup making friends “In the world, we’re ers herself lucky who she remains to have been able in contact with to definitely seen as to grow up in an this day. different from other environment that GSA is one of people, when we’re is accepting of her the many prosexuality. grams created to really just the exact Though she has ensure LGBTQ+ same. The only no definite label youth feel more difference is who we’re comfortable for herself and is not bothered attracted to and who we among their peers, by that, Horwitz and the club prilove.” does see that oritizes students’ this search for an mental health. exact definition of William EverMADISON HORWITZ one’s identity as son, sophomore, is SOPHOMORE a large stressor to an active member members of the of the club and LGBTQ+ community. said it exists to provide a safe space to “It’s fine to not have a label,” Horvent as well as to meet and help others witz said. “If your family isn’t acceptwho may be struggling. ing, there’s always people who will The club often discusses the imporaccept you, whether it be at school, tance of encouraging teachers to use online or anywhere else.” preferred pronouns and names before Not all youth feel this way. In the specific parent instruction. year prior to the Trevor Project’s sur“Trans students are really struggling, vey, 39 percent of LGBTQ+ respondin some regards, just because so many ents seriously considered attempting of them don’t have accepting parents or suicide. However, acceptance from a guardians,” Everson said. “If [parents] trusted adult can make all the differdon’t accept it, the school can’t accept ence in the statistics. it.”
Everson appreciates the steps some teachers have taken to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students, though, such as the signs that say “I am an ally.” Creating a good mental space for students is incredibly important, Everson said. Poor mental health can lead to failed classes, lost motivation and damaged futures. “Consistently bad mental health can ruin people in ways that physical health can’t,” Everson said. Milan Sloan, sophomore, has experienced this emotionally taxing phenomenon for themself. Sloan, who identifies as non-binary and pansexual and uses they/them pronouns, found pain in not only the low points but in the healing process as well, often feeling worse than before, undeserving and guilty of needing help.. Overtime, however, Sloan was able to find themself and takes comfort in knowing their friends and family are there to support them despite any invalidation they may receive from others. “I know myself, and I know I am valid,” Sloan said. “As valid as any ‘normal happy’ person.” With many friends who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Sloan tries to be open and supportive to anyone who comes to them because they know their friends’ lives can be stressful.
SELF CARE Sloan has found outlets in activities such as yoga, watching movies, writing songs, coloring and writing stories. “Good coping skills are important,” Sloan said. “There won’t always be good days, but having a safe space also helps.” Mental health can shape the way a person thinks about themselves as well as their behavior, and Sloan emphasiz-
es the importance of seeking help for oneself. “It’s okay to be different,” Sloan said. “You could be gay, bi, non-binary or genderfluid, but you are still entitled to happiness. Don’t wait to tell someone or struggle alone.” Emily Thompson, French teacher, also emphasizes seeking support and evaluates all students’ backgrounds when considering who would be best to help them. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she said her exposure to other members has helped her to understand the challenges her students are facing. She encourages staff members to take the time to learn about the LGBTQ+ community and their perspectives to better understand and accept differences among students. “The more you normalize it, the more comfortable students will be,” Thompson said. Though reactions to her coming out have been fairly positive, Thompson said it is always a cause of anxiety and concern whenever someone does it. Because being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is not a societal “norm,” people don’t usually assume this part of someone’s life. “The most difficult thing about coming out is that you never stop doing it,” Thompson said. “At some point you will have to address it with just about every person in your life.” Though this consistent sharing proves to be stressful, Thompson often utilizes mindful activities such as short breathing exercises to help identify stressors in her life and recommends LGBTQ+ members to find a community that is supportive and relatable. “When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, everyone’s experience is vastly different,” Thompson said. “Everyone deserves to be helped, even if they do not feel like it at the time.”
IN-DEPTH
8
march 2021
COVID-19 VACCINE DISTRIBUTION BEG As seen on pg. 1
connor DEL CARMEN • waha SIDDIQUI MISSOURI ENTERED TIER 3 OF PHASE 1B OF vaccinations Monday, March 15, which now includes essential workers in education, childcare, communications and community-related sectors. Dawna Barnhart, biology and forensics teacher, is disappointed with the tier system that prioritizes certain people over others. “Teachers are considered to be front line workers in my respect,” Barnhart said. ”We opened schools before we had teachers vaccinated. From a state standpoint, it feels like they don’t care about teachers. They have to get schools open because they need our kids back into school and out of their parents hair so their parents can go back to work and help the economy.” Barnhart was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 28 and Rheumatoid Arthritis in her mid30s. Cognizant of her autoimmune diseases, Barnhart set out to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As she is considered high risk for COVID-19, she signed up for administrations by St. Louis County, BJC Pharmacy, St. Lukes and Mercy. Finally, St. Louis County invited her to travel to Affton, Mo., and get the Moderna vaccine Wednesday, March 3. “When I got there, it was very orderly and everyone was really nice,” Barnhart said. “They also had the Pfizer vaccine, and the older people were getting that. I would say I was the youngest there.” Rob Durham, language arts teacher, received his vaccine Thursday, March 11. Although Durham at that time was unable to get the vaccine under the Missouri tier system, he was able to receive his shot through Walmart, which is participating in the federal vaccination program which allows teachers to get the vaccine earlier. Durham said the only issue he encountered was the 40-minute drive it took during the school day to get the vaccine in Washington, Mo. “It took most of my plan time and lunch, but it was worth it,” Durham said. Durham also expressed frustration with the inefficiency in the Missouri tier system for distributing the vaccine because since his wife has Rheumatoid
Arthritis and was still unable to get her shot. “The tier system is ridiculous,” Durham said. “I understand the people who need it for health, but the fact that there are leftovers at some of the vaccination sites is unbelievable.” Durham added that there’s not much of a difference whether receiving the vaccine through a federal program like Walmart or through the state system, and encouraged all teachers to get the vaccine whenever and wherever possible. Lauren Lakamp, sophomore, had her life impacted by the COVID-19 as she was part of a study examining the effects of the vaccine before it was rolled out to most of the population. In early December, Lakamp had her blood drawn, took a COVID test and received either the real first of the vaccine or a placebo. She’s currently in the waiting period of the study which involves filling out surveys and describing how she feels physically. Lakamp said she’ll be “unblinded” Sunday, April 4, and will learn whether she received the real vaccine . If she received the placebo, she’ll then be able to receive the real vaccine. “Although it’s difficult not knowing if I’m vaccinated or not, it’s not that different at the end of the day whether I know now or in two weeks,” Lakamp said.
GOVERNMENT’S ALLOCATION AND DISTRIBUTION St. Louis County Councilman for District 7 Mark Harder (R) works with a seven-person board to set policy for the St. Louis County government. Harder said at the onset of the pandemic, the County Executive office set COVID-19 guidelines, and as he got dissent from citizens, the board pushed back against a few mandates and modified them. Harder said the federal government buys the vaccine from the makers and sends invoices to states, denoting how much of the vaccine they will get at the time. Then, the states are given the permission to gather those vaccines and turn them over to individual jurisdictions, such as St. Louis County. “There is a rub where some areas receiving the vaccine don’t have many people demanding it,” Hard-
Steve Frigo, executive director of pharmacy at Mercy Hospital, prep where it is stored at -80 degrees Celsius. It is then thawed in a refrig Bethany Pope and Waha Siddiqui
er said. “The big issue is the supply.” To determine who is eligible for the vaccine, the St. Louis Department of Public Health (DPH) follows the criteria that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has set, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Public information officer for the DPH Sara Dayley works with communications and press releases, specific to the COVID-19 pandemic as of right now. Dayley considers the DPH the “middle man” between the state and the citizens as the department consistently puts out updates and reports to inform the public about the state of vaccination. “We are capitalizing on what we have and are trying to do our best,” Dayley said.
VACCINATION FACILITIES
MODERNA DOSAGE
PFIZER-BIONTECH
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
2 doses
2 doses
1 dose
28 days apart
21 days apart
not applicable
2 weeks after 2nd dose
2 weeks after 2nd dose
ELIGIBLE AGES
≥ 18 years old
≥ 16 years old
≥ 18 years old
TYPE
mRNA vaccine
mRNA vaccine
Viral Vector (not live virus)
TIME BETWEEN DOSES
TIME TO IMMUNITY
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infographic by Lauren Pickett
Maximal protection 4 weeks after dose
In Missouri, more than 1.96 million individuals have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is 19.5 percent of the state population, according to the Missouri state website, as of Friday, March 19. To assess where the vaccines are going, the state has created regions A through I. About 35 percent of the state’s allocated vaccines are going to region C, which includes St. Louis City and County, Franklin and St. Charles, and 20 percent of them are going to region A, which includes the western counties of the state. Together, those populations add up to be about 59.9 percent of the state’s total population. Vaccination facilities near the county area include but are not limited to Walmart, Walgreens, St. Luke’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, BJC Pharmacy and SSM Health. Chief pharmacy officer at Mercy Hospital Jon Lakamp and Lauren’s father, coordinates pharmacy functions at the ministry of Mercy. After the FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines mid December, vaccinations began at Mercy Hospital Monday, Dec. 14, starting with the frontline workers—nurses, physicians, ICUs and supporting staff.
issue IV
IN-DEPTH
GINS IN THE COMMUNITY
9 TRAVELING IN THE PANDEMIC OUTBOUND: DOMESTIC TRAVELERS... DO NOT NEED A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST, BUT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS MAY VARY ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW LOCAL GUIDELINES
RETURN: DOMESTIC TRAVELERS AND AIR PASSENGERS...
ARE ADVISED TO QUARANTINE UPON RETURN ARE REQUIRED BY CDC TO PRESENT A NEGATIVE COVD-19 TEST TRAVELERS HAVE TWO OPTIONS: 1) A TEST TAKEN WITHIN THREE DAYS OF DEPARTURE OR 2) PROOF OF RECOVERY IN THE LAST 90 DAYS Information from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Infographic by Lauren Pickett
pares a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine arrives at a facility in a box of dry ice and is immediately transferred to an ultracold freezer, gerator for up to five days. Before usage, the vaccine is diluted with saline solution and is good for up to six hours. Photographs by
To prepare for mass vaccination, Jon said Mercy started gathering supplies, such as the ultracold freezer used to store the vaccine, in October. Now, the vaccine makers ship the vaccine in a box of dry ice. Distributors ship supplies such as syringes, alcohol pads, saline solution and vaccination cards on behalf of the federal government. “It is not without some bumps and challenges, and we are getting there as we transition from high demand and low supply to enough supply,” Jon said. “I would like to see more efficiency in figuring out where the vaccine needs to go and to how many people.” Jon echoes the concern of Barnhart and Harder: the issue of equity. As the vaccines are shipped across the state, Lakamp said they are going to waste in lower populated areas where the demand is not as high. This is a common issue among St. Louisans, like Barnhart and Durham, who are traveling outside of the county to get vaccinated. “The vaccine should also try to reach people that don’t have that much access,” Jon said. “How do we ensure people without technology can also get vaccinated? Instead of expecting people to come to the hospitals, how can we go to them? Maybe we need to go to community centers and churches.”
RSD’S INVOLVEMENT Supervisor of Wellness and Health Services Amy Wehr said RSD has continuously sent out updates to teachers via email and through their website to inform them of vaccination opportunities. Wehr said the district looked into providing the vaccine for teachers at RSD schools but ran into logistical issues with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, such as the storage temperature for the vaccine. Although Wehr said she hasn’t been vaccinated because she works in a relatively low-risk area, she said most school nurses received their first dose of the vaccine Friday, Jan. 15, through the Mercy Hospital system for school nurses in the St. Louis Metro area.
Wehr said she’s waiting to sign up for the vaccine because she’s not in direct contact with sick students like school nurses are, and she wants the people who are in the public everyday to get it first. RSD doesn’t require a COVID-19 vaccination for employment. While Wehr advises staff to take the vaccine when they can, she understands it’s an individual decision and that some are still anxious to sign up for it. Principal Dr. Steve Hankins said it’s been a challenge to help teachers search for places to obtain the vaccine. “The signup has been difficult in the fact that we aren’t a hub of delivering the vaccine,” Dr. Hankins said. “The state isn’t calling us and giving us information. We have to find out on our own where the vaccine is being administered and send links to our staff and encourage them to sign up.” Dr. Hankins the main worry staff have expressed is about missing a day of school because of side effects from the vaccine. To guard against this, many staff have attempted to secure prized weekend appointments.
THE FUTURE POST-VACCINATION Looking ahead, Dr. Hankins said contact tracing, wearing masks, and using four lunch shifts will likely continue into the fall semester of the 2021-2022 school year. As for mask mandates and social distancing guidelines, Harder and Wehr predict much of societal health concerns will continue to live on. “We are, as a people, just going to be skeptical about these types of situations in the future,” Harder said. “We also can’t predict the future mutations of the virus and what protections the original vaccines will offer to that,” Hall said. “It’s very possible we’ll have to receive booster doses or modified versions.” Jon said it will take a while for the supply of vaccines to meet the demand for the vaccines, even as the state progresses through the tier system. He suspects July being the earliest there is enough of the COVID-19 vaccine for all Americans to have a chance at vaccination. “We will get there, but the real question is when,” Jon said.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY AND COVID-19 VACCINATION LOCATIONS, SCAN THIS CODE:
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march 2021
FEATURES
Food delivery services surge in popularity ben HUGHES AFTER SUGGESTIONS FROM FRIENDS, LARSON Hill, senior, applied to deliver for DoorDash, one of several food delivery companies increasing in popularity. Hill originally applied to replace the income he lost due to his job washing cars declining this winter. “I wanted to make some money while I wasn’t doing that and it turned into a really good source of money for me,” Hill said The requirements to become a “dasher” are to be 18 years old, have a reliable car, a valid driver’s license, a social security number and a background check. Applications are available on DoorDash’s website or via the app. Dashers have the freedom to work for as much or as little as they want. They can accept or decline orders based on their distance, time or how much they pay. On average dashers can earn $15 to $20 an hour, well above the current $10.30 an hour minimum wage in Missouri. “There are no strict schedules or strict regulations,” Hill said. “It’s really just up to you how much you want to work and how much you want to make.” One thing that sets DoorDash apart from its competitors is the incentives that are offered to dashers during busy times. Called “peak pay,” dashers can get bonus on their base pay for deliveries they complete during certain times of the day. DoorDash also has had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep dashers, restaurant workers and customers safe, dasher Daniel Altamirano, senior, said. “There is not a lot of interaction between people, which I really like,” Altamirano said. Dashers must wear masks when picking up and dropping off food and instead of picking up deliveries at the door, food is left on the customer’s doorsteps “contactless” to decrease transmission of the virus.
WHERE WOULD YOU WORK? $10-$20 per hour
Pros: Friends can ride along & pay incentives Cons: Some incentives are being discontinued $12-$15 per hour
Pros: Tips are set to 15% and they offer more information about orders Larson Hill, senior, picks up an order from Buffalo Wild Wings. Recently, DoorDash has become a popular employer of students due to it’s easy application process and flexible working hours. Photograph by Ben Hughes
Customers can also leave dashers special instructions or request to meet dashers at the door if contactless delivery doesn’t work. Altamirano said the job can get difficult sometimes. “It can get stressful when you are trying to make deliveries on time and following directions to places you’re not familiar with,” Altamirano said. Marysa Leopando, senior, said DoorDash also offers pay bonuses during busy times or when there are few dashers out on deliveries. In addition to the income, Leopando said delivering for DoorDash can be fun if you go with friends. “I go with my boyfriend so it’s like a date but we are both making money,” she said.
Cons: Less incentives than other services & have to schedule hours in advance $15-$20 per hour
Pros: Tips are set to 15% and they offer a lot of incentives Cons: Have to schedule hours in advance $15-$20 per hour
Pros: A lot of incentives & time waiting to pick up orders is factored into pay & can get orders anytime of day Cons: Can pick up lots of lowvalue orders, but you can pass on them
Infographic by Ben Hughes
Bilingual students aim to learn new languages carter VAN BUSKIRK AT MHS, FOUR DIFFERENT FOREIGN languages are offered for students to take. However, the languages of French, Spanish, German and Latin are not the only languages spoken by students. Renee Kruchowska, junior, was born in the U.S. to immigrants from Rybnik, Poland. Kruchowska said that though she was born in the U.S., Polish is still her first language. Kruchowska said learning Polish before English contributed to her struggles in elementary school Language Arts. However, through immersing herself within the language, she was able to catch on. She elected to take French her freshman and sophomore years to satisfy the credits needed for most colleges. “Taking French had its difficulties but was also much easier,” Kruchowska said. “Since I am bilingual, I have almost this innate sense of grasping languages much quicker.” Kruchowska credits her teacher, Emily Thompson, for making it much easier in the areas she has struggled with. “For the ways I didn’t like learning, Mme Thompson made it enjoyable,” she said. “She would pour her heart into her teaching and that really did help myself and others think they can grow their French skills.”
Renee Kruchoska, junior, poses with her siblings on their family vacation to Poland in July, 2017. Photograph by Beata Kruchowska
Emily Thompson, Kruchowska’s teacher, regards language learning as an important part of life and said the U.S. lacks an emphasis on language study. “Students need to be exposed to the language on a daily basis,” Thompson said. “However, our society does not see value [in] foreign language acquisition like others around the world do. It is difficult for students to succeed at something when they do not have intrinsic motivation to do so.”
In class, Thompson only uses authentic resources as opposed to having a textbook. She said this helps students to make deeper connections with the language and culture. She also attempts to emulate a real language immersion as much as possible within her classroom. Selma Hotich, junior, comes from a Bosnian and Herzegovinian family. Though her mother never taught her the language, she still developed fluent listening skills and moderate speaking abilities. Hotich chose to take Spanish her freshman and sophomore years of high school. “Everyday I would watch conversations play out in my own kitchen. Then, years later, when I’m taking an introductory Spanish class, I saw great strides,” Hotich said. Hotich said more students would benefit from the foreign language program if they veered away from the memorization of words and focused more on comprehension. “I think it is effective for sure,” she said. “I’ve seen my peers prosper from learning through MHS’ teaching techniques, but I also think there’s definitely room to grow and develop more efficient teaching to benefit the students. I definitely foresee growth as we continue to globalize and create the future of foreign language learning.”
issue IV
11
FEATURES
Senior gets creative with programming
lajja PATEL
WHEN AMANDA ESHELMAN, SENIOR, accidently found herself in Ms. Blanke’s Center for Creative Learning (CCL) computer science class at age 8, little did she know she would gain national achievement for her work in the field 10 years later. “As a third grader, I remember walking into my first computer science class and wanting to walk right out because I was the only girl in the room,” Eshelman said. She initially found computer science boring and said she felt out of place due to the lack of female representation. She had every intention of quitting and never looking back. Seven years went by and Eshelman rediscovered computer science. She was selecting her courses for sophomore year and hesitantly picked Introduction to JAVA as an alternative course per her dad’s recommendation but she had no desire to actually take the class. As time progressed, Eshelman said her interest grew. “I enjoyed the critical thinking aspect and spending hours solving problems actually became fun,” Eshelman said. Eshelman said while taking biology, she was irritated that she was forced to read complicated codon charts to match the DNA and RNA sequences to their corresponding amino acids, so she created a codon reader as her first project. “I recognized that I was finishing my biology work more effectively and in a timely manner than before,” Eshelman said. “This is when I realized that my computer science skills were more than a hobby and could help me solve problems in the real world.” As her passion progressed, Eshelman said she continued to take more classes in the field but it was not until she had Elizabeth Dierker, computer science teacher, junior year that she really felt that a career in coding was possible. “She was the first girl I met who knew how to code, which motivated me as a female to eliminate stereotypes,” Eshelman said. Dierker said Eshelman is different from most students interested in computer science because she illuminates enthusiasm. Most of her students are smart but Eshelman is one of the few who shows excitement for challenges presented. “It’s as simple as giving me a high five everytime her program works, which is something only Amanda does,” Dieker said. In a class of 20 percent girls, Dierker said Eshelman is doing exceptionally well and is wellrounded, which is why she personally reached out to her to apply for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing, which she won in January. “I know Amanda has done various impressive projects outside of class such as her organ donor system,” Dieker said. “I see her becoming a programming manager in the future, so I pushed her to apply even when she was in doubt.” Sneha Chandra, senior, has been a close friend of Eshelman’s since sixth grade and said she is shocked by how much Eshelman has progressed. Chandra said Eshelman is such a humble person and doesn’t vocalize a lot of her achievements to others but her talent in computer science is obvious. “Looking at Amanda’s projects, I remember being in awe and telling her that she has the potential to be the best of the best,” Chandra said.
Amanda Eshelman, senior, improves her programming skills in Computer Programming C++ by training her critical thinking skills along with her patience to complete her program. Eshelman and Anisha Jarang particitpated in the Perry Initiative Program at Washington University in St. Louis, in which they hosted a series of events encouraging girls to persue careers in orthopedic medicine and engineering. Eshelman said this program inspired her to combine her interest in healthcare and computer science. Photographs by Ben Hughes and Hannah Heuschneider
To learn more about Eshelman’s interest in the intersection between healthcare and computer science, scan the QR code and watch the MHSNews video.
PROMINENT WOMEN IN COMPUTER SCIENCE First female to earn a degree in electrical engineering and developed the Clarke Calculator
First computer scientist to learn a computer could follow dirctions to form a program
Edith Clarke 1921
Ada Lovelace 1842 1875
Anna Winlock One of the first hired as a human computer for Harvard’s computer female
group
Named the first female Chief Technology Officer in the U.S. by President Obama
First female engineer to become dean of an engineering university. Only 5% of the population were women
Megan Smith 2014
Eleanor Baum 1984 1945 Marlyn Meltzer One of the first original programmers on ENIAC, the world’s first digital computer
1999
Marissa Mayer First female engineer at Google and helped launch Gmail and Google Maps
Information from the Astro-Ph Reader’s Digest, Eniac Programmers Project, National Women’s Hall of Fame and Obama White House Archives
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march 2021
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Instagram provides a voice for book lovers liza COOPER
6,000 followers. Kara Smith, graphic designer, works INSTAGRAM IS NOW FEATURING A at the SLCL headquarters. She enjoys rising star: books. bookstagramming because it spreads Since the beginning COVID-19, acthe word about library events and love cess to bookstores has become limited, for reading. and more and more people have resort“Free publicity is a win, and it can ed to looking online for their next read. be a mutually beneficial relationship,” These accounts provide simple soluSmith said. tions to the search for a new read. Along with publicity, featuring “#bookstagram” has 57 million interesting books on the library’s social posts on Instagram. There are about media page helps patrons discover 2,001 posts every hour that use this what books are available, Smith said. hashtag, according to the besthashtags. Brittany Sharitz, librarian, started com tracker. bookstagramming "I’ve connected with a last year. She said Maria Afghanzada, senior, has a whole community of part of the reason bookstagram acstarted was to book lovers from all over she count that features connect with virtuthe world, and I get to al students. pictures of colorful covers and captions fangirl as much as I like" “My Instagram that summarize isn’t really meant to plots. be about me,” she MARIA AFGHANZADA said. “Yes, my interAfghanzada entered into the ests come through, SENIOR bookstagramming but it’s more about world by accident. the events and “I’ve always been super into readbooks our library can offer.” ing,” she said. “I was getting frustrated She shares books she is currently because most of the people around me reading almost every week, trying to didn’t enjoy reading as much as I did.” incorporate nature and color in each This frustration prompted her to post. The majority of her followers are start an Instagram page to share her students and other bookstagramming favorite books to her friends, family accounts. and classmates. Her account has grown Another aspect of bookstagrammore popular in the time since, and she ming is to remind others that reading has amassed 138 followers. can be fun, Sharitz said. This social me“Now I do it because I’ve connected dia trend can help people find exactly with a whole community of book lovwhat book will make reading enjoyable ers from all over the world, and I get to for them. fangirl as much as I like,” she said. “There are so many wonderful Saint Louis County Library (SLCL) books out there; there is truly someis taking advantage of this trend. The thing for everyone,” Sharitz said. SLCL’s Instagram account has about
View Profile
To view the SLCL featured books and upcoming events, scan the QR code and view their Instagram page.
Sharitz's Picks: books that address mental health rutaiba SIDDIQUI
BRITTANY SHARITZ LIBRARIAN
MORE FAVORITES “Dear Evan Hansen” by Val Emmich
“Still Life with Tornado” by A.S. King
“(Don’t) Call Me Crazy” by Kelly Jensen
Evan Hansen, a friendless high school senior, feels like he doesn’t belong, until he gets a letter from a classmate, Connor Murphy, who committed suicide. Evan lies and says he was friends with Connor, leading to popularity and social media fame with a blog on Connor. Evan’s life seems to have found a new purpose, until he has to confront the truth. This coming-of-age story still remains wholesome.
16-year-old Sarah’s brother left her family, but she never understood why. She then discovers the history of domestic violence in her family that caused him to leave. It left Sarah unable to draw, which is terrifying for her because she draws to cope with her feelings. However, when she needs her gift the most, it vanishes. This story paints a heartbreaking picture of trauma and abuse while also showcasing hope and resilience.
Thirty-three writers, artists and athletes pen essays, comics, lists and illustrations that showcase their journey with mental illness. Their hope is to start the conversation about how to talk about mental health, how to better understand mental illness and what causes mental illness. This nonfiction book offers many perspectives on a wide variety of mental health issues in a touching manner.
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath "The Burn Journals" by Brent Runyon "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
issue IV
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14
SPORTS
march 2021
Grace Brzyski, senior, practices on the all-girls water polo team after playing only co-ed water polo throughout her entire high school experience. “I’m extremely thrilled to see how far water polo has come since I started during my freshman year,” Brzyski said. Photograph by Marin Ellington
MAKING WAVES
Girls establish water polo team annie MCGINNIS AFTER PLAYING WATER POLO AT MHS FOR three years, Grace Brzyski, senior, is now able to experience her first season with an all-girls team. Previously, all high school water polo teams played co-ed, but this year the genders are split into separate teams, forming the first girls water polo team at MHS. “We just finally wanted to play the sport how it’s meant to be played,” Brzyski said. “Girls against girls, boys against boys.” Five different high schools in the area have implemented an all-girls team including MHS, Lafayette, Ladue, Oakville and Parkway North. The team was initially formed last season, but as a result of
COVID-19, the season was canceled. other. Brzyski said her only experience playing for an “I think it’s amazing that we had this huge turn out all-girls water polo team was with the St. Louis Lions of girls this year,” Nichols said. “I can’t wait to play WaterPolo Club, where she appreciated the opportuwith them and bond with them.” nity for female athletes to play and grow together in Scott Summers, head coach of girls and boys water the sport. polo, has coached the co-ed water polo team for six With the domination of boys in water polo, years. Now, he coaches both the girls and boys teams Brzyski said female players were intimidated to begin separately. playing the sport alongside males. Summers said splitting up the genders in water While she said she is disappointed the team polo allows for fair competition because the male formed at the end of her high players are more mature physischool career, the establishment cally, putting on more muscle to of a girls team allows for more remake them stronger in the water “We just finally cruiting of female players, which compared to female players. will allow for the formation of Before the co-ed team split wanted to play the sport more leagues and tournaments in up, Summers said the j.v. girls how it’s meant to be the future. matched up most similarly to the played, girls against girls, j.v. guys in height, weight and Now the girls also have a chance to play specialized posiskill. boys against boys.” tions the boys would normally “There’s a lot of girls out there play, such as goalie, set and that don’t want to play against GRACE BRZYSKI two-meter defender. boys,” Summers said. “I think Brzyski said boys water polo we’re losing a lot of girls because SENIOR matches include more wrestling of it.” and strength compared to girls Summers said one of his water polo matches that focus on the tactical stratedaughters was one of those girls. gies. However, she said she enjoyed the intensity of With another daughter who played water polo, the co-ed games. Summers said he witnessed the disadvantage girls “Being able to show off to a boy that doesn’t think had when playing with boys, especially in regards to you’ll be able to shoot very hard, but you get the ball, college scouting. hit it in the goal, and they’re like, ‘oh, gosh, she’s He said his daughter never played varsity, and actually a threat’,” Brzyski said. colleges only viewed competitions against boys, not Alexandra Nichols, sophomore, played water polo seeing her full potential competing against girls. with boys her freshman year. The team will play seven matches against other allNichols said boys tend to play easier against the girls teams and potentially more against the St. Louis girls in fear of hurting them. She looks forward to Lions Water Polo Club. Their first match is Monday, playing with girls who are not afraid of hurting each March 29, against Lafayette High School. Erin Huff, sophomore, prepares for the team’s first match Monday, March 29, against Lafayette High School. The season officially began Monday, Feb. 22. Photograph by Marin Ellington
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SPORTS
issue IV
Virtual students stay active BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR TEENS Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression Improved cardiorespiratory fitness
Weight control
Stronger bones and muscles
CDC recommends adolescents 6-17 years complete at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Information by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Photograph by Taryn Moore
annie MCGINNIS
“THE SAYING GOES THAT ‘IF you don’t use it, you lose it’,” Felicia Durst, physical education teacher, said. Durst promotes activity and physical wellness to all of her students, especially those learning virtually. For those virtual students who lack the motivation to be active, Durst said their overall cardiovascular and muscular endurance weakens, which changes body composition through added fat and lost muscle. She includes 45-60 minutes of activity per class, which includes cardio, strength and flexibility. “I do the workouts with them, and I am checking in with kids telling them when they are doing a good job, asking them to work harder if needed, encouraging them when the workout gets tough,” Durst said. Durst said she requires virtual students to keep their cameras on during workouts in order to make sure they are participating and maintaining correct form during strength exercises to prevent injuries. However, she said some virtual students skip their workouts by not having their camera on or positioning themselves out of the frame. Durst recommends participating in at least 30 minutes of an enjoyable physical activity each day, and by sticking to an activity schedule, exercise will become a habit. Exercise releases endorphins into the body to allow a feeling of well-being, and without the release of endorphins, Durst said a student’s mental health is affected, which could lead to anxiety, loss of control or depression. Morgan Meador, sophomore, opted
LOCAL FITNESS FACILITIES
Photographs by Annie McGinnis
Lifetime Fitness 3058 Clarkson Rd Ellisville
for virtual learning and understands the importance of staying physically active, especially after long periods of inactivity. “Sitting at a desk all day is so mentally exhausting,” Meador said. “After doing it for seven hours, it is hard to have any motivation to get up and go get exercise.” Meador said she feels physically stiff after her virtual school day, but participates in various extracurricular activities, such as varsity soccer, long walks and workout programs at Huff’s Athletic Republic gym. She keeps motivated to stay active by reminding herself of the positive benefits and keeps herself accountable by writing her fitness goals in a journal every day. When the stay-at-home order went into effect, Meador said her motivation to exercise shut down along with the cancellation of her soccer season and gym closures. After receiving a program of workouts and training sessions from her soccer coach, Meador said she gained motivation to work on her fitness. “I started to think about other people and what they were doing, and I didn’t want to be one who was just lounging around while everyone else was working harder than me,” Meador said. Dale Huff, co-owner of Athletic Republic gym, observed the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on athletes’ physical and mental well-being in his facility. “It took a long time for some of our athletes to come back out of their shells,” Huff said. “The isolation was very challenging from a mental standpoint.” When Athletic Republic offered virtual performance training classes through the pandemic, Huff said the student athletes lacked interest. Huff said the stay-at-home order affected the athletes who thrived on social opportunities and used their sport as an outlet. However, injured athletes who overtrain themselves for their sport had a period of recovery. “Many of our athletes grew a lot during this time because they were doing less and fueling smartly,” Huff said. During the stay-at-home order, Huff said Athletic Republic offered exercise and nutrition tips. “Fitness doesn’t have to be super challenging all the time,” Huff said. “There are unique benefits to every type of exercise.”
Club Fitness 15890 Manchester Rd Ellisville
Planet Fitness 14890 Manchester Rd Ballwin
During a virtual volleyball college showcase, college coaches view the athletes through livestreams that do not allow for them to properly judge the players. Photograph by Marin Ellington
Unfair virtual showcases marin ELLINGTON WHEN ATTENDING A COLLEGE showcase prior to the start of an outof-town volleyball tournament, I was expecting lots of instruction about my play. The event allows players to spend time in an environment run by college coaches and to receive feedback to help improve and show coachability. I knew COVID-19 restrictions had limited the number of players allowed to register, but I thought that would have allowed for more individualized interaction. Instead, I was met with screens, and the variety of college-level coaches who were listed to be in attendance were nowhere to be found. The coaches watched the players on livestream through iPads set up on tripods at the back of the courts. Though the player pool still remained decently large, the lack of an in-person coaching staff took away from the interaction between coaches and players. This dynamic is lost entirely in the virtual setting. Not only are players losing the valuable asset of direct coaching, but they are losing the constant attention of the coaches who can only look at one screen at a time. With 10 cameras in total and only one or two in person coaches, plays were left unnoticed by the very people the athletes in attendance were there to impress. Players are left with only each other to admire their skill on the court while coaches watch through a glitchy video stream that potentially prevents them from even reading the number of the player they are watching. Though the switch to virtual viewing has opened up the opportunity for more coaches to watch, it does no good if individual players aren’t even recognizable on the video feed. In years previous, I used to see coaches all over the facility involved in active discussion with players to help them, instruct them and even open a line of communication in regards to playing at their college. Now, players enter and leave without any introduction or instruction to wait at home for an email that may never come without so much as $15 shaved off their entree fee.
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march 2021
SPORTS
Chris Kenny, MHS soccer coach, played at St. Louis University and was inducted into the STL soccer Hall of Fame in 2020. Photograph Jim Balmer
The new St. Louis City Soccer Club’s team logo depicts the Arch as well as the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
Brian McBride ( third in the top row) was a member of the soccer team at St. Louis University from 1990-1993. During his college career, he set school records for number of goals (72) and assists (40). Photograph by Dan Donovan, Doug Minor and Dave Sivcovich
Soccer capital of the US STL’s new Major League Soccer team prompts athletes to reflect on time participating in the sport taryn MOORE AFTER FAILING TO GET BIDS IN THE PAST, St. Louis is officially getting a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in 2023 with the stadium to be located in the city with a capacity of 22,500 fans. Chris Kenny, soccer coach, played for St. Louis University (SLU) for the 1982-1983 season and in 1983 he earned Second Team All American Player. “It will bring a new focus of soccer for everyone,” Kenny said about the new team. Kenny said SLU’s success came from the expectation of excellence and the bond of the team. “The best players attended SLU, and all the players were fighting for playing time,” Kenny said. Kenny went on to play for the Chicago Sting and St. Louis Steamers and was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 2020. SLU won 10 national championships, the most of any National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s soccer program. The program produced many talented athletes such as Brian McBride, the current General Manager and former player for the United States Men’s National Team. He played in three World Cups and won one Gold Cup after his years at SLU. Originally from Chicago, McBride chose to come to St. Louis for his college soccer career. “St. Louis is the most relevant soccer city in the United States,” McBride said. While SLU’s high-level soccer program helped to keep St. Louis relevant, the soccer program did not start until the 50s. Soccer has been prominent in St. Louis since the 1920s. With the city’s rich diversity of immigrants from places such as Italy, Ireland and Germany, McBride said it’s no surprise how dominant the sport has become.
FAST FACTS
• St. Louis SC was founded • in 2019 by Carolyn Kindle Betz, Jo Ann Taylor Kindle and Jim Kavanaugh. • It is the 29th team inducted • in the MLS. • The stadium will be located between 20th and 22nd Streets.
The first real league in St. Louis was the St. Louis Soccer League (SLSL) that began in 1907 and lasted through 1939. St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame President Jim Leeker said the SLSL is what made St. Louis the soccer capital of the United States. “St. Louis became such a dynamite team for soccer starting in 1920 when the Ben Miller’s team began,” Leeker said. The Ben Miller was a U.S. soccer club that was sponsored by the Ben W. Miller Hat Company of St. Louis. The team was prominent during this time period, winning the SLSL seven times as well as becoming the first soccer team outside the northeast to win the National Open Cup. The St. Louis Kutis won seven consecutive National Amatuer Cups from the years 1956-1961, which has never been done again. Leeker played on the St. Louis Kutis team from 1965-1969. He briefly stopped playing to focus on family and work but rejoined the Kutis team in 1972. “It was a phenomenal team,” Leeker said. “The talent and soccer knowledge of the players were high level.” After winning their third championship in 1958, the entire Kutis team that year was selected to represent the U.S. in the qualifying games for the 1958 World Cup. Another team, the St. Louis Stars, played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 19671977. Joe Clarke, former coach of St. Louis University men’s soccer team and current coach of the Washington University Men’s Soccer team, played with the Stars during the 1976-1977 season before they moved to California. “It was my dream,” Clarke said. “I was actually getting to play professional soccer. It was a great opportunity for me as a young player, playing for my home town.” Clarke also shared his excitement of the new MLS team. “I like where the stadium is going to be located,” Clarke said. “Having the Arch, the Blues, Cardinals baseball, and Union Station right into soccer is just fantastic for the city.” Clarke said the MLS has been smart compared to the NASL during his time. “We would play in 40,000-60,000 seat stadiums. Most of this league plays in 20,000-30,000 seat stadiums so the games are often sold out,” Clarke said. With the MLS growing and improving, the St. Louis City Soccer Club team will help to restore soccer in St. Louis to where it was in the past, Clarke said.
1920 The United States Men’s National Team plays in the World Cup with six St. Louis players on the team
1956 Kutis wins National Open Cup
1959 St. Louis Stars North American Soccer League (NASL) team is established
1971 The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) team, Steamers, opens up
1989 The Old Time Hall of Fame Soccer Players Association of St. Louis’ name is changed to The St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame
2015 Major League Soccer (MLS) announces St. Louis is getting an MLS team
2023
The Ben Miller team wins National Challenge Cup
1950
Kutis wins first United States Amatuer Cup
1957 St. Louis University wins their first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship
1967 First Old Time Hall of Fame Soccer Players Association of St. Louis’s banquet for inductees established
1979 St. Louis Storm joins the Major Indoor Soccer League
2008
St. Louis FC begins playing in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship
2019 St. Louis City SC is expected to open