the
MESSENGER
n. VI
VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE VI | MO 63017 | MARQUETTEMESSENGER.COM | MAY 2021
Members of the district protest outside of the RSD Annex on Thursday, May 6, before the Board of Education (BOE) meeting. The majority of the demonstrators outside of the Annex were in support of RSD, while some patrons commented during the BOE meeting their disappointment with the current course materials in the language arts curriculum.
RSD navigates The Way Forward See pg. 8-9
FOR ARMON MCWELL, CLASS OF 1996, HIS MOST prominent memories of MHS are of separation and isolation. As a Black man transfering from a magnet school that celebrated different cultures, moving to RSD was a shock. To him, MHS did minimal activities for Black History Month. Not only that, but McWell said Black students loitered in one hallway and administrators were always there. “It was kind of eye opening,” McWell said. “It is one of the few things I really remember that sticks out to me.” Now, a quarter century later, issues of inclusion and diversity have resurfaced in the district. Community members voiced concerns after Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles decided to remove the thin blue line flag from Eureka High School (EHS) baseball uniforms and then again over reading materials used in the language arts curriculum. The main concern with curriculum is the belief that the district is teaching critical race theory (CRT)
to students through anti-police, anti-white sentiment. CRT is a form of thought that emphasizes the social construction of race and the racial caste system that classifies people of color (POC) into the bottom tiers, according to the American Bar Association. During the Thursday, May 6, Board of Education (BOE) meeting, BOE President Jaime Bayes read a statement from the BOE thanking the work of teachers, condemning harassment and racism and clarifying the district does not teach CRT. At the state level, House Bill 1141 is currently on the floor, which would bar districts in Missouri from teaching CRT. After the concerns over the curriculum were initially raised, the 6-12 literacy coordinator sent an email in April to teachers suggesting they limit the course material they post online. This email further upset community members and raised issues of transparency. Now, members of the district are looking to resolve the issues and move forward.
ROLL CALL Editor in Chief Associate Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Production Editor News Editor Features Editors Arts&Entertainment Editor Sports Editors Opinions Editor In-Depth Editor Social Media Editors Photography Editor Illustrators Page Designer Staff Reporters Staff Adviser
Waha Siddiqui Connor Del Carmen Zara Tola Arpitha Sistla Stephanie Lei Aarushi Bute Liza Cooper Lajja Patel Akhila Swarna Marin Ellington Annie McGinnis Molly Sillitto Lauren Pickett Sydney Goldsmith Rutaiba Siddiqui Grace Taylor Ben Hughes Emmie Foley Mason Kellerman Anika Talyan Taryn Moore Carter Van Buskirk Emily Jorgensen
INSIDE Director of Diversity and Equity resigns.
Athletes reflect on the differences between female and male uniforms. After many years of planning, tennis to get new tennis courts.
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women’s gear
4
14
equity Three teachers retire this school year.
tennis Teens indulge in disposable cameras, bringing back decades-old trend.
12
retirement
ONLINE Visit our website to view more stories and MHSNews: marquettemessenger.com
MHS rock climbing club resumes.
Dancer reflects on career-altering injury.
World language classes reschedule their travels for the next school year.
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disposable cameras
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 VI was written and designed by 9 virtual and 13 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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issue VI
NEWS
Get the answers
3
Principal Dr. Steve Hankins answers students’ questions regarding the 2021-2022 school year
Sophomores Audrey Bast, Marissa Hale and Emma Hasler work in their English 10 class while wearing masks, which is an RSD enforced rule. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced those fully vaccinated could go without masks except where laws and regulations still require masks. Photograph by Emmie Foley
RSD responds to CDC lifting mask mandate lajja PATEL
be worn but we will know more specifics soon,” Dr. Hankins said. RSD WILL CONTINUE THEIR MASK Dr. Hankins said if and when masks mandate through the end of the year, aren’t required, this will apply to the but has yet to decide for after school whole school no matter if the person ends Thursday, June 3. is vaccinated or not and the option of Head of Health Services Amy Wehr keeping masks will still be open. said the Centers for Disease Control St. Louis County will ultimately (CDC) and St. Louis County Departdecide the plan for mask plans RSD will ment of Public Health still recommends follow next school year because the universal masking in schools. state of Missouri has left these deciThe CDC announced those fully sions up to the counties, Dr. Hankins vaccinated are permitted to continue said. daily activities without wearing a mask, “CDC only provided recommenexcept for where laws and regulations dations to the county but the county say otherwise. makes guidelines and St. Louis County Principal Dr. Steve tends to be more Hankins said right conservative when it now there is no simcomes to masks,” Dr. Principal Dr. Steve ple way to monitor Hankins said. Hankins said the hope who has and hasn’t Jessica Unruh, gotten fully vaccinatnurse, said no masks is to remove ed. He said because a possibility next the mask mandate is vaccinations are beyear if more stusome time next year, dents get vaccinated. coming open to those of younger age just Right now, but it’s not fixed when recently there is no Unruh said she only that will be. guarantee everyone knows of fewer at MHS has received than 100 students both doses of the vaccine. who are fully vaccinated. There may Dr. Hankins said he has encounbe more but they haven’t informed the tered students walking into school school so she hopes in the future more without masks who argued they were parents will let her know. fully vaccinated. He explained to them Unruh said it is a bit sudden to rehe understood their frustration but move masks completely for the remainguidelines are still in place to keep der of this year. masks on. “To walk into an establishment fully Dr. Hankins said he predicts indoor vaccinated and not wear a mask seems activities will require masks this sumodd as if I am doing something wrong mer while outdoor activities may be since I’m so used to covering my mouth more lenient with mask-wearing. and nose for over a year,” Unruh said. “Most summer events from school Xander Kerber, junior, agrees. tend to take place outside, so there is a “The decision from the CDC to good chance that masks won’t have to eliminate masks and distance for fully
vaccinated people is exciting, though it came out of nowhere,” Kerber said. Kerber is fully vaccinated but prefers to stay on the safe side and said it’s fair for the school to ask him to keep his mask on. He said although masks aren’t ideal to wear all day, he doesn’t mind if they have to stay on next school year. “It would be terrible if we got so close to the finish line just to change our policies too soon and cause a problem or God forbid get someone really sick,” Kerber said. Kerber said he is happy to see news of COVID-19 regulations being lifted. “I’ll always err on the side of caution as I in no way want to experience what I’ve experienced over the last year again, but I’m excited to finally be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” Kerber said. Adam Sansom, science teacher, said it’s hard for him to agree or disagree with keeping masks on for the rest of the school year. “I would be more than happy to continue wearing a mask this year to help out those that may benefit from this,” Sansom said. Sansom said he hopes masks will not be required for next year. Dr. Hankins said bringing the school environment back to normal is his biggest goal for next year. He said he understands it’s odd to wear masks and a bit comical due to the fact that masks were against the dress code pre-COVID-19. “This year has been challenging for everyone, but I can’t wait to be the principal of a building without a pandemic present,” Dr. Hankins said.
4
NEWS
may 2021
Director of educational equity, diversity resigns lauren PICKETT
When Moore’s closet caught fire last November and destroyed most of her clothing, Hogan took her DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND to find all new clothes, Moore said, even though she Diversity Brittany Hogan informed the Board of didn’t ask or tell her she needed them. Education (BOE) of her resignation in an April 8 BOE “I wish she could stay so more people could meet meeting effective Wednesday, June 30. her because she is a very good person, and they will As this school year presented a unique set of chal- be missing out on a great mentor,” Moore said. lenges, Hogan said the unprecedented stress played a Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Terry role in her decision to resign. Harris said because he and Hogan are people of color, Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, their work is fulfilling in the way they can identify Hogan has continued to focus on ensuring a sense of and connect with students. Dr. Harris said she is a stability for students by providing necessary resourcmodel of what it means to be an educator, advocating es from nutritional meals to internet hotspots. For for equity and justice. instance, she has helped facilitate the RSD Got Your “She’s shown the blueprint of what it looks like Back Pack program, which supports homeless famito genuinely love students to health, well-being and lies and those in underprivileged neighborhoods by life,” Dr. Harris said. providing resources. It is the responsibility of the Hogan said after the death of students who knew Hogan to voice “I never got a break their expectations for potential George Floyd, she has had more because COVID conversations about racial equity new hires, Dr. Harris said. He and social justice than in her entire happened right after said he wants to gather a group of eight years in RSD. from all RSD high schools but she always looked students Hogan said she hopes the disto learn what they would like to trict will continue to make a space out for me. Even when see for this position before anyone where all students feel welcomed is hired. we weren’t in the and to reflect the diverse student Dr. Harris said Hogan is unique building, she always in various ways. One, she loves population of RSD in her absence. “I want it to continue to be a her hometown, the South Side of kept in touch.” priority to be on the hearts and Chicago, and she is a reflection of minds of the students and the the hard-working Black people in TERRIALE MOORE adults who work in the district,” those communities. She is unapolHogan said. “We have to continue ogetically Black and connected LHS SENIOR to do this meaningful, impactful with her ancestors in every deciwork.” sion in her leadership. Lastly, she is brilliant and led Terriale Moore, Lafayette High School (LHS) with a genuine, authentic heart. senior, was in the L.O.V.E. group at Crestview Mid“She did not play politics because what mattered dle School and LHS for a total of three years. Moore to her was being true to herself,” Dr. Harris said. said Hogan never missed a meeting or put attention “When she reflects on her school district, she’s not onto herself. During sessions, the girls sat in a circle going to talk about how much money she made or and were asked to share something positive about how many people she hired. She’s going to reflect on themselves, something to improve on and to give the ‘how did I feel in those eight years?’” person next to them a compliment. Outside of RSD, Hogan said she plans to re-enter “She always gave students nice, detailed complithe non-profit sector and will share more details in ments like ‘I think Terriale is going to be a wonderful, the upcoming weeks. Her resignation is a realignment strong, powerful young lady’,” Moore said. “She was with a commitment she made to St. Louis to advance honest, and you could tell this was something that racial equity and social justice when she moved here made her happy.” 14 years ago. Moore still uses tools from Hogan, such as practic“My work will look different, but this isn’t a gooding daily affirmations and meditation. Hogan inspired bye,” Hogan said. “Leaving the kids is the hardest part Moore to advocate for minorities through social work and loving them has been the best part. It’s hard to because of their insightful conversations and her imagine not being with them.” generous personality. Hogan said being the only Black woman at the After her mother passed away her junior year, district level has at times been tough and lonely, yet Moore said Hogan stepped in as a motherly figure. meaningful. She is grateful to have worked with Dr. She said she would not be the person she is today had Harris because she has not always seen reflections of she not met Hogan. herself in her educational experience. “I never got a break because COVID happened “I put my heart and soul into this work and to right after but she always looked out for me,” Moore show you all that you can be anything,” Hogan said. “I said. “Even when we weren’t in the building, she will always be part of you all’s village, as long as you always kept in touch. will allow me to be.”
Director of Educational Equity and Diversity Brittany Hogan talks to students during their lunch period. Hogan read “What If…” by Samantha Berger to elementary school students, such as those in Pond Elementary, for the district’s diverse read aloud initiative. “Our curriculum continues to be a focal point of ensuring our kids are seeing reflections of themselves through windows, mirrors and sliding doors,” Hogan said. “I have hopefully laid the foundation for great work to continue.” Photographs by Jamie McGuire and Danielle Toro
issue VI
75
OPINIONS
SPEAK OUT DO MEN AND WOMEN RECEIVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS? “Not all the time, no. I think sometimes it can be biased for either way.” JAMIAH BOWEN,
freshman
Students complete work in English 9 on Monday, May 24. Students are still required to wear masks at school in all indoor environments except for the times they are eating lunch. Photograph by Emmie Foley
editorialBOARD
ZOE LLOYD,
sophomore
“I would say it’s more fair in the ones when it comes to them being single gender, like womens’ soccer games being only women, but if they were mixed I think it’s not as fair.”
MASK REQUIREMENTS FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) adjusted to accommodate for the significantly larger released new guidelines Thursday, May 13, which student body. opened up the option to allow fully vaccinated people While many parents and students are yearning for to abstain from wearing a mask. To be fully vaccia “return to normal,” RSD should place individuals’ nated, one must be two weeks out from either their safety and health at the forefront of their decisions. second dose of the vaccine or from the single-dose We believe RSD should enter the upcoming vaccine. school year with the mask mandate in place. Until This guideline allows for a somewhat return to RSD can prove that their new COVID-19 guidelines normal participation in social activities, and it does can appropriately accommodate for the increase in away with the need for masks and social distancing student attendance, a decision to drop mask wearing except when required by law or guidelines of individ- is inconsiderate and hasty. ual establishments. If mask guidelines are dropped for vaccinated Currently, the vaccine is available individuals, two instances may ocIt is in the best to all those ages 12 and older. While cur: some students and staff may be this age range does apply to students inclined to get vaccinated, while others interest of the in high school, it does not encompass district to continue may feel inclined to lie about their all those who attend RSD schools, vaccination status in order to remove the mask mandate their masks. which has served as the rationale for the continued implementation of Secondly, while vaccinated inat this time. current district guidelines. dividuals are less likely to contract Superintendent Dr. Mark Miles released a stateCOVID-19 and experience symptoms, they still serve ment to the RSD community on Friday, May 14, as “vessels” for COVID-19. Unknowingly, these stuthat, for the remainder of the school year, RSD will dents or staff may endanger unvaccinated students, continue to follow the mitigation strategies that have staff and family members. been in place throughout the year. Additionally, the efficacy of the vaccine is still to The statement also noted these regulations would be determined. Currently, the vaccine is said to probe re-evaluated later in the year for summer provide immunity for six months; whether the vaccine’s grams and in advance of the fall semester. effectiveness will wane afterward is still a question. We commend RSD for prioritizing the safety of This implies that those students and staff that have both students and faculty members as the year comes received the vaccine in April or earlier may be at largto a close and seniors prepare to graduate. er risk of contracting the virus after second quarter. With the majority of students returning to in-perUntil the district can confidently accommodate son learning next year, the current social distancing the large influx of students, the district should not guidelines for scheduling, seating arrangements, pass- make efforts to eradicate mask guidelines, whether ing periods and staggered dismissal times must be that be strictly in the classroom or school wide.
“I know some women who are perfectly capable of football, and I don’t think it should be a gender-based thing, like, I don’t think that major league teams should be separating by gender.”
ASH NEVIL,
junior
DANIEL ALTAMIRANO,
“I guess not with the March Madness tournaments and stuff like the practice rooms where a lot is different for the mens and womens. They weren’t necessarily given the same opportunities.”
senior
STEVE SCHMITT,
teacher
“I would probably say no, just because not every professional sport offers a male and female equivalent and it’s kind of common knowledge that the pay is not equal.”
OPINIONS
6
Sick Days Aren’t The Same Anymore
May 2021
There were an estimated 2,034 flu cases in the 2020-2021 flu season, compared to 38 million flu cases in the 2019-2020 flu season. Information from the Centers for Disease Control
connor DEL CARMEN
WHEN MY BROTHER CAME HOME from college, I was super excited to see him. However, with him came something far less pleasant: a brutal cold that left me feeling pretty sick for about 10 days. In a normal year, this is something I would fight through. Now with the option of attending virtual school, I was far more quick to accept staying at home. Naturally, people were pretty concerned when I just stopped coming to school in person. And when I described my symptoms of coughing, headache and general fatigue, it didn’t
do much to make them feel better. Although I was feeling under the weather, I was confident it wasn’t COVID-19 because it had been two weeks from my second vaccine. To my knowledge, I had not come in contact with anyone who had COVID-19 and my cough was more phlegm-based as opposed to the drier COVID-19 cough. Even with all of this information, I found that telling people what was wrong with me was incredibly difficult and I had to choose my language carefully. When my mom let the school know I was sick, we had to make sure it was phrased very carefully in order for
me to avoid being quarantined. From Monday through Friday, I stayed home even though I felt better later in the week. Although it wasn’t COVID-19, hacking away in class isn’t exactly a great look given the world we’re living in. I feel a part of the reason I was so sick was because my immune system had not worked that hard to fight off a common illness in more than a year. I almost felt humiliated with how hard I was getting hit by the common cold. Going forward, I’m sure there will be others who experience similar issues. Since the pandemic, being sick and
showing symptoms has been heavily stigmatized. This was my first time being on the receiving end of that feeling. Although no one outwardly did anything to make me feel bad, the thoughts in your own head about what others are thinking when you’re coughing away in public are almost worse. While I’m excited COVID-19 is becoming less prominent because of the vaccines, our return to a more normal life also means an increase in the number of common illnesses which may become more or less accepted after everything we’ve experienced.
Celebs shouldn’t be politicians Your profile needs pronouns liza COOPER
RECENTLY, “KEEPING UP WITH the Kardashians” star and former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner announced her candidacy for the governor of California. “Many people know me as a gold medal Olympian, television personality or as an advocate for fairness and equality for all people. But I’m serious about running for governor because California is worth fighting for,” she wrote in a letter on her campaign website, caitlynjenner.com. Her letter goes on to bash the current governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and to point out all the things she sees wrong with the state under his government. But, she does not have the qualifications to make these claims. Her years of experience in reality TV or training for the Olympic decathlon have not justified her to run for a political office in one of the biggest states in the country. Jenner, who is running as a Republican candidate, said she will continue to advocate for a wall to be built on the Mexican-American border in an interview with Fox News, an idea that was popularized by Donald Trump.
Taking this and other things she has said during interviews into consideration, she is clearly targeting a certain demographic of Republican voters in California, a demographic that might not support her because she is a transgender woman. Politicians have to be smart. They have to know their audience, they have to know who will vote for them and they have to know their target demographic’s beliefs. Jenner, an unqualified celebrity, clearly does not know how to be a strategic candidate. Jenner is not the only celebrity who has launched a campaign. Rapper Kanye West took his political ambitions even further, running for president in 2020. More than 0.4 percent of the projected 158.4 million American voters bubbled in his name on their ballots. Although there have been successful transitions from Hollywood to high office, like Ronald Reagan being elected president in 1980, the motives of today’s celebrity candidates appear to be different. Government positions shouldn’t be looked at as just another way to gain followers or clout. Americans who vote for attention-seeking starlets will be let down in the end, for it’s not about the well-being of the state. It’s about the well-being of these celebrities’ fragile egos.
rutaiba SIDDIQUI
INSTAGRAM RECENTLY ANNOUnced their latest feature, which allows users to insert their pronouns in a designated area on their profile. The feature permits up to four pronouns as of right now, and is inclusive of neopronouns, or pronouns that don’t express gender. I for one, am ecstatic about this update. Over the past year, I’ve seen a great amount of discourse over such a simple matter. Some argue pronouns should be displayed and not assumed, while others seem to think everyone should be addressed as what they may appear to be. To assume that everybody identifies with the gender they “look” like is detrimental for non binary people, transgender people and so many others who may find that to be uncomfortable. The movement to display one’s pronouns came about as a way to protect transgender individuals. If everyone has their pronouns in their profiles, then transgender people aren’t singled out. Not to mention that respecting someone’s pronouns is common courtesy. When the update first released, I rushed to put my pronouns in my Instagram bio, and I was thrilled to see the amount of people urging others to do the same. Normalizing such a simple act is a step toward inclusivity. Adding pronouns is also conve-
Photograph by Waha Siddiqui nient. It shows followers what someone wants to be referred to as, and it allows users to not have to worry about being addressed any differently. Not only that, but putting pronouns in your bios creates a safe environment for people to express themselves, and others to respect that voice. It creates a sense of acceptance for all. This feature is one of the best changes Instagram has implemented in ages, and I urge users to take advantage of it.
issue VI
FEATURES
40,000 droplets are produced by a sneeze
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COVID-19 causes sneezing stigma
A sneeze can travel as fast as 100 mph
100,000 contagious germs enter the air after a sneeze Information from Healthline and National Library of Medicine
LIZA COOPER 95 PERCENT OF PEOPLE SNEEZE LESS than four times a day. Before COVID-19, sneezing was just a normal bodily function. If done in public, no one would take a second glance. But now, sneezing around others is cause for a double take. Because sneezing is a symptom of COVID-19, many are wary when others in public have to suppress their sniffling. Reactions can range from flinching away from the sneezer to giving the offender a glare and pulling out Germ-X. Jessica Unruh, nurse, has witnessed this first hand. A student came into her office and told her they were feeling discriminated against because of the reactions they were eliciting by sneezing in the halls. “The person was super uncomfortable and felt really horrible that everybody was staring at them when they were sneezing,” Unruh said. “It’s taboo to have any weird-sounding noise to come out of your mouth.” But is this new found fear of sneezing justified? Aspiring nurse, Amanda Eshelman, senior, thinks so.
“People have every right to be concerned when someone close to them is sneezing,” Eshelman said. “When an infected person sneezes, they spread droplets containing the virus and if someone is too close to them or isn’t wearing a mask, the droplets from the sneeze can infect the people around [them].” Sneeze droplets can fly up to a distance of 27 feet, way farther than the standard six feet apart rule that has been put into place since the start of COVID-19. This may concern some, but the introduction of masks has been effective in quelling the spread of airborne germs, according to the CDC. Having a layer of extra protection is necessary to minimize the spread of infected sneeze droplets for those not fully vaccinated. The National Library of Medicine (NML) conducted a study in which they released infected particles into the air, simulating a sneeze. Masks blocked a majority of the particles, causing NLM to conclude that masks are effective and should be duly used. “As we all know, masks have been proven effective and we should all wear
a mask when in public. If you have to sneeze, keep your mask on,” Eshelman said. Even with the mask as a preventative measure, people are still afraid of hearing others “achoo” in public. This fear is so prevalent that society has started to form a stigma, or disapproval, around sneezing. One major motivating factor in forming a stigma is fear. “What is known and isn’t known about how the virus is passed on and who will survive has caused some to become overly cautious and at times fearful,” said Corey Bartley, psychologist at Wild Horse Elementary and Rockwood Valley Middle School. People’s brains function differently under constant fear, causing hasty judgements and exaggerated reactions, making them more susceptible to forming stigmas. But society should not let fear turn to hate, Bartley said. “At times, fear and hate can become two sides of the same coin,” he said. “We have to be cautious not to let our fear enable us to ostracise, demean or belittle those that may or may not have the virus.”
Early graduates make most of extra time MARIN ELLINGTON BEFORE SCHOOL BEGAN IN THE fall, Izabel Cockrum, senior, had only thought about the idea of graduating a semester early. Only after starting school online did she begin to seriously consider it as a choice. “I hated online school and didn’t feel comfortable doing in-person school either,” Cockrum said. “I felt like I was wasting my time.” Cockrum said the mental health benefits and the time spent away from school have been incredibly beneficial. She has spent her time off working and spending time with her family and friends who have already graduated. Although she had the spring semester off, Cockrum’s graduation party will be held in July along with her cousin’s. Her free time has been devoted to fashion design including developing an Instagram account to showcase her work in apparel as well as collectables and decor. “I have loved fashion since before I could remember,” Cockrum said. Cockrum will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in the fall as a fashion major. Cockrum is 1 of 39 students to graduate early or participate in early release. After committing to playing college soccer at St. Ambrose University, Abigail Messina, senior, decided to avoid the risk of injury from what would have been her senior season and do early release. Messina no longer attends courses at MHS but she does take classes
THIS YEAR 19 seniors did early 30 seniors release LAST YEAR 11 seniors did early release
graduated early
10 seniors graduated early
Abby Messina, senior, is spending her time training at Fitzmaurice Performance in Ellisville in order to stay in shape to play soccer at the collegiate level. Messina is working on strengthening her legs while engaging her core to build muscle. Photograph by Kaylee Kneemiller
through St. Louis Community College. She spoke to her counselor at St. Ambrose to ensure these college credits would be accepted. The time spent at school for Messina has decreased significantly with classes for only two hours three days a week. “[The] workload is pretty easy,” Messina said. “I work a lot more and have time to help around the house and hang out with friends.” She has been working at Sunny Street Cafe on any day she has off school as well as putting in time with her trainer. Messina will now have 36 college credits going into her freshman year of
college and will be studying exercise science on a physical therapy track in addition to playing for the women’s soccer team. “I am very happy,” Messina said. “I have been staying busy and been having so much fun working and working out.” Jacob Rosson, senior, said he has always been interested in graduating early in order to prioritize other aspects of his life. Rosson’s parents have been supportive of his decision and the free time it has opened up for him to work. He currently works 40 hours a week at Target in order to save money to attend community college.
Though he has a busy work schedule, Rosson has still been able to make time for socializing. “I intend on keeping in touch with my close friends,” Rosson said. “I’ll still keep up with them through social media and texting.” He also has been traveling in his free time to places such as Chicago. Though COVID-19 and its effects played no role in influencing his decision, Rosson said graduating early has caused a great improvement in his mental health. “I’ve been able to divert my focus toward other areas of life,” Rosson said. “It feels like a burden is gone.”
IN-DE
8
diversity in
CURRICULUM
Following conflict, RSD community looks to the future for a path to recovery
rutaiba SIDDIQUI • waha SIDDIQUI
As seen on pg. 1 THE WAY FORWARD IN EFFORTS TO MOVE FORWARD, the district will continue implementing The Way Forward plan. The Way Forward was intended to build an equitable and accessible environment for all students and was propelled by Dr. Miles; Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Terry Harris; and Director of Educational Equity and Diversity Brittany Hogan in 2018. The plan focuses on curriculum, professional development, human resources and access to resources. Currently, the plan is in Phase 4 of strategic planning and implementation of equity initiatives at the various levels. “When we developed The Way Forward, you told us that you wanted students to think globally, learn to be problem-solvers, collaborate with others and engage thoughtfully and respectfully,” Bayes said in a statement from the BOE at the Thursday, May 6, BOE meeting. “As adults, we should be modeling those behaviors for our students.” When Dr. Miles joined RSD two years ago, he was drawn to the district’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion. “As I think about my own life journey, it was those varied experiences that led me to where I am today in the exploration of a variety of different ideas, working with people who are different from me, similar to me,” Dr. Miles said. Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Support Services Dr. Shelley
These are examples of choice novels and materials language arts educators have used to teach curriculum this year. “Stamped” was Rockwood’s One Read.
Willott has been heavily involved with The Way Forward since its inception. Dr. Willott said The Way Forward is not a curriculum, but a strategic plan that dictates how the curriculum will operate moving forward and what it will focus on. To do so, the RSD community was asked in a survey sent out last year for their hopes, dreams and aspirations for their children to learn. In response, many expressed a desire for their children to be global thinkers. “The place that it played out the most was in literature options with our language arts classes because we realized that we didn’t have a diverse selection in literature,” Dr. Willott said. “So, our focus in the curriculum department is making sure that there is a multitude of perspectives and cultures and backgrounds shown in our literature that kids get to choose to read.” Dr. Willott reiterated the same point the BOE made in their May meeting: CRT is not in the RSD curriculum, nor is it in the Missouri State Learning Standards, which is what the district uses to build their curriculum. “We will be reviewing all of those lessons over the summer to ensure that there is a balance, there are multiple perspectives that don’t lean too far in one direction or another and there is a constant balance of information there,” Dr. Willott said. Laurie Schultz, language arts department chair, interpreted the controversy as a misunderstanding of the “choice” element of books in the curriculum.
“A lot of people aren’t going a step further to actually find out that in most schools and units where that book is listed, it’s a choice,” Schultz said. “People jumped to the conclusion that their student is being made to read a book that is making them feel bad for something that they have no control over.” Schultz said the department has been making a conscious effort to make literature in classrooms more reflective of the student body. “We are trying to make our literature more of a mirror, so that certain kids can choose to read content that’s going to open up a window to a new experience and a new perspective,” Schultz said. Schultz said while some parents in the district have raised concerns, she hasn’t heard any MHS students echoing those beliefs. “People think we’re having these in-depth, detailed conversations, trying to force a belief on them. It just doesn’t happen with 15 year olds,” Schultz said.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES Andrew Scognamiglio, freshman, said the root of the problem is the incorporation of political views into the curriculum. “It is good to look at both sides of any conversation to encourage independent thinking about a topic, but when political viewpoints, leanings or rhetoric is introduced, it muddies the waters,” Scognamiglio said. Scognamiglio said he has not
Demonstrators gathered to protest for diversity and inclusion in RSD curriculum prior to the Thursday, May 6, Board of Education (BOE) meeting. There we no protesters outside presented opposing views. Th conflict stems from the inclusion of diverse novels a materials in the district’s language arts curriculum. B President Jaime Bayes, read a letter to the commun at the meeting supporting teachers and clarifying th curriculum. Photographs by Emmie Foley and Waha Siddiqui
noticed a lack of diversity within the curriculum and the material used has been an adequate representation of the student body. “It is extremely important to show diversity in the curriculum, but when it is not including both sides of the argument, then it presents a problem,”
EPTH
9
QA AND
Nic Stone New York Times best-selling author of ‘Dear Martin’
WHAT MESSAGE DID YOU HOPE TO CONVEY THROUGH THE BOOK, ‘DEAR MARTIN’? “It is on page 152: ‘you can’t change how other people think and act, but you’re in full control of you. When it comes down to it the only thing that matters is this: if nothing in the world ever changes, what kind of man are you going to be?” I substitute man for person, typically.”
d
ere he and BOE nity he
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON BOOKS LIKE ‘DEAR MARTIN’ BEING INCORPORATED INTO CURRICULUM?
Scognamiglio said. “We are one student body and we are one human race. By pitting one side of any group against another, it accomplishes nothing.” Scognamiglio said a route to recovery is possible for RSD if the district practices transparency. “That transparency comes with sharing with all members of the community what is exactly being taught in the classroom, not just what the district thinks is acceptable for certain people to know,” Scognamiglio said. Chloe Kang, sophomore, has been voicing her support for the curriculum on social media. “I’m concerned and frustrated about this situation,” Kang said. “Diverse perspectives from many different groups should be guaranteed in any welcoming school community, and it should never be a debate.” Kang said she was upset at some
parents’ reactions to the curriculum. “They are keeping their children unaware of global societal issues, encouraging racism toward underrepresented minority groups and depriving their kids from different world views,” Kang said. Though Kang hasn’t experienced a lack of diversity during her time at MHS, she has heard of others being underrepresented. So, she wants RSD to continue to implement diversity within the curriculum.
FUTURE REPRESENTATION Junior Principal Carl Hudson echoes Kang’s belief in an inclusive curriculum in education, and he adds an element of diversity among the RSD schools as the only Black staff member at MHS.
Hudson said it’s critical to have more POC, especially Black people, among teachers. He compares being the lone Black staff member to some women being the sole woman in the room — it is uncomfortable, he said. Hudson said it will be a greater challenge for RSD to recruit minorities and Black teachers after the events of the past year. “Why would they come to Rockwood when there is so much turmoil?” Hudson said. “Why would I come to a place where it’s in the news and people are yelling at each other?” The road to recovery, Hudson said, will be difficult. He said communication with parents and rebuilding trust is key. “Bridges fall down when we don’t communicate,” Hudson said. “We’ve got to start talking, not yelling, and having civil discourse.”
“It would be remiss to not include books like these into the curriculum, largely because these are people who exist in the world. What are we teaching people and children, especially if they’re only reading books by and about one demographic of people who live in this country and in the world?”
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ‘DEAR MARTIN’ SPARKING CONTROVERSY? “This isn’t my first time. My book was banned in Georgia and New York in 2019. We are going to have to get to a point where we’re willing to be uncomfortable because if you’re not, you’re going to be forced into it at some point. I’m glad in a way that the book is sparking these discussions because they need to be had. If you cannot talk about this stuff in school, where are you going to talk about it?” Photograph by Nic Stone
10
FEATURES
may 2021
Black communities face barriers to mental health care lauren PICKETT
35000
Number of Adults (18+) who Received Mental Health Services in 2019
AS A BLACK WOMAN IN PREDOMinantly white classes, Aliyah Edwards, 30000 senior, said she combats daily limitations and stereotypes that negatively affect her mental health. 25000 Edwards’ disconnect in school stems from a sense that staff hold her 20000 academic capabilities in a lower regard than her non-Black peers and from limitations in participating in after school 15000 activities as a Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) student. “The lack of diversity in school 10000 makes you want to distance yourself, and it makes you get depressed because 5000 you don’t have a lot of common interests,” Edwards said. As vice president of Marquette 0 Academic and Cultural Club (MACC), Black or White she said racial diversity and familiarity African are vital for Black students, who want America to voice their concerns, especially if they are reluctant to seek mental and emotional support resources. stigmatization, she said. Black people Edwards, like many others, has are more likely to be misdiagnosed at a experienced barriers to mental health higher rate with schizophrenia speccare and support in Black communities. trum disorders than white people and Black Americans are 20 percent less likely to receive and access quality, more likely to experience serious menculturally competent care. tal health problems than Black Americans the general populahave been subjects tion, but only one in of unethical experiity in “The lack of divers ant three Black adults mentation and racist w u school makes yo who need mental history in the fields lf, se ur yo to distance health care receive of medicine, psychit ge and it makes you it, according to the atry and psychology, e depressed becaus American Psychiatric Dr. Leath said, which of t lo a you don’t have Association (APA). reinforces stigmas. s.” st re te in common A long-held idea in Black communiS D RACIAL DISPARITIES ALIYAH EDWAR ties, she said, is menSENIOR IN MENTAL HEALTH tal health counseling CARE “is for white people” and the expectation to Dr. Seanna Leath, assistant professor of be resilient as depression is a sign of community psychology at the Univerweakness or being “crazy.” sity of Virginia, said it is important to “We need to have the adequate qualify racial discrimination as a form language to talk about our stressors,” of traumatic stress and racism as a Dr. Leath said. stressor. “Racism physically, emotionally and LABELING AND STIGMATIZATION mentally hurts individuals,” Dr. Leath said. As a Black female, Adria Martin, junior, Black and lower income communisaid it can be appealing to hide one’s ties, which tend to have higher popumental health issues because of the lations of essential workers, suffered stigma. greater implications Martin refrains than other racial from drawing attengroups during tion to herself, often empts the pandemic, Suicide att n code-switching, or re d il h c ck she said. This among Bla changing how she d e s a includes higher incre s n e te talks around stud n a infection, death dents of different 73 percent y b and unemploy017, 2 to races to avoid being 1 9 19 from ment rates as well arch e further judged or s re to g as a resurgence of accordin e feared. th al of protests over police in the Journ s. “You feel a brutality. Pediatric lot of mental and “Adequate health emotional stress care, housing insecubecause you’re rity and employment different from are related to mental kids who don’t look like you, and you health as life stressors,” Dr. Leath said. don’t know what they think about you,” “Black people are less likely to access Martin said. mental health services overall, so now She said she relies on support from we’re seeing increased rates of anxiety, other students of color rather than depression and suicidal ideation.” counseling staff and administration beRacism in healthcare settings ties to
(numbers in thousands) Data by Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services
Hispanic or Latino
stressful and scary at times because he must work harder in the same situations socioeconomically privileged students may not. Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Terry Harris heard similar sentiments growing up from his parents, and he said the weight of being a Black student can create a level of stress, anxiety and depression. Imposter syndrome, Dr. Harris said, is not feeling worthy enough to be in certain spaces, especially if Black students are trying to protect themselves from news showing negative interactions between Black people and law enforcement. “Slowly, these messages get into your skin,” Dr. Harris said. The most challenging healthcare crisis in K-12 schools, he said, is students not being seen, heard or valued.
PRIORITIZING BLACK STUDENTS’
MENTAL HEALTH cause of a lack of trust and a sense she will not be heard and understood. Dr. Harris said it is important to teach As Martin has sought out professtudents about emotional literacy at sional therapy, she has faced being labeled “crazy” or “mental.” Even if it is young ages because a part of the trauma is not understanding or processing said as a joke, to Martin it seems one’s emotions. offensive and can be used against her. Intergenerational transmission “Once the label is there, it is there of trauma, he said, can cause Black forever,” Martin said. families to cyclically avoid addressing Dr. Marva Robinson, clinical psymental health and potentially take up chologist and member of the Associanegative coping mechanisms. tion of Black Psychologists, said if one “It doesn’t surprise me Black kids student of color has a negative interacdo not talk to therapists,” Dr. Harris tion with a white counselor and feels said. “Black students will not access wronged, others may be influenced to our resources until we do a better job not seek out those services. of trying to heal and repair the hurt, “Students can struggle internally the race-relations issues America and that can be demonstrated in ways caused and build trusted relationships.” like lower-grade depression or isolaAs educators, dealing with implicit tion,” Dr. Robinson said. “Eventubias is essential, he said. ally, there’s a label applied Dr. Harris said RSD that those students aren’t partnered thriving, when what has with Alive failed them is not provid“It is h and Well, a ar ing adequate support.” school d attending trauma-based a w teache ith no Blac organization rs. k RACIAL TRAUMA AND I would It limits who in St. Louis, to t a lk about MENTAL WELL-BEING menta ensure teachers l racism health or had information in school. Dr. Robinson said ” and webinars being engrossed in SAM W available about images of violence SOPHOAKAPA trauma to help stuMORE against Black people dents experiencing and police brutality the trauma of racial can also exacerbate mental injustice last year. health conditions and cause people to Top priorities, Dr. Harris said, become sicker. are reassessing goals to increase the Sam Wakapa, sophomore, said diversity of teachers, hiring staff, Black youth seeing themselves porcurriculum and student achievement in trayed, for instance, in negative racial all courses, being strategic in sharing remarks following anti-racism protests mental health resources and hearing can harm their mental health. more student input. Early last fall, Wakapa said he He said RSD needs to be the school was not aware of MHS or RSD taking district known for helping students initiative to support students in regards with strengthening their mental to mental and emotional health or to well-being, that is upfront and intenspeak to racism and to racial inequity. tional. “It is hard attending a school with “We cannot shy away from the no Black teachers. It limits who I would issue of race because it is important talk about mental health or racism in to young people,” Dr. Harris said. “We school,” Wakapa said. have to talk about Black health, and it Another difficulty of attending is okay to say we need to be meeting MHS, Wakapa said, is the academic the needs of Black students, not all competition, which he said can be students.”
issue VI
FEATURES
‘Places to go and people to see’
11 What will you think of when you reflect on your time at MHS?
Retiring teachers share memories, advice and future plans taryn MOORE
around,” Schmidt said. Schmidt’s goal was to retire after teaching for 32 years. He plans to SINCE THE DOORS OF MHS spend his retirement building a house, opened in 1993, Phil Schmidt has traveling and riding his mountain bike. taught physics, math and computer He still plans on tutoring students in science classes. But as the 2020-2021 school year comes to a close, Schmidt’s math and physics. Schmidt is not leaving behind his 32 years of teaching will also come to love for helping students. an end. Schmidt is one of “My time at MHS three teachers retirhas been an incred“Keep the laughter, ing this year. After ible journey and I kindness and 27 years of teaching feel very fortunate understanding strong at math classes, seven to have worked with MHS and you will remain years spent at MHS, so many outstanding the greatest high school Mulholland is retirteachers and stuaround.” ing so she can help dents,” Schmidt said. students at Carnegie Schmidt has also PHIL SCHMIDT Learning, a provider taught math and SCIENCE TEACHER of K-12 education for computer science math and literacy. at Crestview Mid “I believe in the educational dle School and Eureka High School. philosophy of Carnegie Learning, and Despite having worked in other RSD schools, Schmidt said after his first year when a position became available, I decided to pursue the opportunity,” at MHS, he’s never wanted to work Mulholland said. anywhere else. Besides working with Carnegie Schmidt said he has fantastic memLearning, Mulholland also plans to ories of interacting with students and spend time traveling and watching her staff and feels the MHS community is son play baseball. connected by shared experiences. Mulholland has enjoyed watching “Keep the laughter, kindness and her students strive to reach their goals. understanding strong at MHS and you Extracurricular or academic, Mulholwill remain the greatest high school
land said MHS students always achieve their goals. “Throughout my career I have taught in four high schools and one middle school,” Mulholland said, “While all students share similarities, Marquette stands out because of how committed the students are to the goals they set for themselves.” Another retiring teacher, Cathy Schneberger, is planning to take full advantage of her retirement by relaxing after this hard year. In the fall Schneberger plans to travel to Arizona with her husband to visit their children. Schneberger has worked at MHS for 12 years. She has taught a variety of subjects, including math, biology, language arts and social studies. Schneberger helps English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students learn these subjects. Schneberger’s fondest memories at MHS are “Food Days” with her ESOL students. Students would bring food from their native countries and share it with the class and teachers. Schneberger said deciding to retire was a difficult decision. “It is simply time for me to move on,” she said. “I have places to go and people to see.”
Tracey Mulholland
math teacher
“Building the foundation for future math classes.”
Cathy Schneberger
ESOL teacher
“Each one of my students has left a mark on my heart.”
Phil Schmidt
science teacher
“I feel very fortunate to have worked with outstanding teachers and students.”
12
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Picnic Popularity
may 2021
Students partake in the rising social media trend of picnicking
akhila SWARNA TIRED OF GOING TO restaurants, Radhika Prakash, senior, and her friends surfed the internet for the perfect birthday party idea and stumbled upon their future birthday activity: a picnic. Picnicking’s popularity on social media has prompted teens to indulge in the trend. The picnic includes striving for the cottagecore aesthetic with nature and visually-appealing food and drink. “It was really calming and fun because it was outside, and it was with friends,” Prakash said. “It was kind of nice to sit down, relax and chill out for a little bit.” Although Prakash enjoyed some moments like catching up in person
with friends and indulging in the food, she said social media does not portray the flaws of the trend like the mess and weather. “TikTok puts the stuff that they want you to see out there,” Prakash said. “The inner layer of everything that goes behind it is just hard.” Prakash recommends those who want to picnic plan the activity ahead of time for better results. In contrast to Prakash, Sanjana Chirra, sophomore, did not strive for the visually appealing elements of the picnic, but attempted to accomplish satisfaction through the food and activities. “It looked really bad,” Chirra said. “We had piles and piles of food, and it didn’t really look pretty or anything.” However, Chirra said with activities such as playing the game Heads Up, flying kites and riding bikes, the picnic was a memorable experience. “When you’re on a picnic and you’re outside, it kind of urges you not to be on technology and actually talk
with your friends,” Chirra said. Chirra also said the picnic is a different experience than normal activities like going to the mall or another person’s house. “I just feel like it would be great to encourage people to go on picnics outdoors rather than staying inside where it’s stuffy,” Chirra said. Nour Elbeshbeshy, freshman, was prompted to go on a picnic for her birthday after scrolling through social media like Pinterest and TikTok. “It wasn’t the exact vibe that TikTok and other social media gave off, but it was still really fun and really nice to do,” Elbeshbeshy said. She had chips and a birthday cake to celebrate her birthday and enjoy time with friends. She advises those who want to participate in the trend to prepare for the weather and by bringing napkins, utensils and trash bags. “I definitely would recommend it because it’s a really fun activity to do with friends,” Elbeshbeshy said.
Please Contact: Mark Mayfield Mark.Mayfield@myccmortgage.com 314-328-9914
issue VI
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Ditching Digital
13 7
Teens use disposable cameras for a vintage aesthetic and imperfect takes
rutaiba SIDDIQUI TO ADD A VINTAGE VIBE TO THEIR PHOTOS, teens are documenting their lives via disposable cameras. Dating back to the 1960s and gaining popularity in the ‘90s, disposable cameras were the easiest mode of instant photography prior to the invention of digital cameras and cellphones, so they were immensely popular, according to Kodak, camera company. Their comeback can be traced back to the mass popularity of all ‘90s trends currently. Disposable cameras are considered “vintage,” thus teens are attracted to them, much like the return of record players and vinyls. During the first wave of disposable cameras, people carried them around everywhere and simply snapped a photo whenever they wanted. The camera would then be sent to a developer who would then print the photos. Afterward, the 65 cent camera was thrown out and replaced with a new disposable. Nowadays, disposable cameras can be bought for $10 to $12 at any Target, Walgreens or Walmart store. Newer versions of disposable cameras can snap up to 27 photos, which is an upgrade from the 8 photos of a ‘90s disposable. The photos taken are oftentimes sent off to a local CVS or Walgreens photo developing booth where they are ready for pick up in two to four weeks. Photos produced from these cameras are often grainy, overly-saturated with color and heavily lightstreaked. Though this is a far cry from the high-quality photos produced from new age cameras, it is the effect that Gen Z is opting for nowadays. Winnie Arnold, senior, said she prefers a disposable camera over her phone at times because of its vintage look as well as its limited capacity. “I like the one-shot moments,” Arnold said. “I like to have them in my hands, and I can look back on them years from now.”
FujiFilm
$13.99 at Walmart
Arnold brought her Fujifilm disposable camera along on her trip to Florida with a group of friends over Spring Break. “There is one picture from our first night there, and we’re all sitting on the beach at sunset,” Arnold said. “We were so excited to be there, and it showed in that photo.” Arnold said she collects these photos and hopes to continue building up her portfolio this summer. Similarly, Aditya Gunturu, sophomore, also has indulged in the resurgence of disposable cameras. Gunturu opts for his Fuji film disposable as opposed to a digital camera as he likes to have physical copies. “It leaves a lasting memento of the event,” Gunturu said. “Whether it be of something or someone, it’s memorabilia.” However, Gunturu said disposable cameras can be difficult to deal with at times. “You have to live with the mistakes that are made,” Gunturu said. “There is no redo or editing.” Gunturu isn’t alone in his feelings, as sophomore Shriya Sridhar also dislikes the limitedness of disposable cameras. Sridhar said she dislikes how there’s a limit to how many photos that can be taken, because she likes to take a disposable camera on all of her traveling ventures. So, she oftentimes has to pack multiple cameras when going on long trips. On her trip to New York City, Sridhar snapped a photo of the skyline with her Fuji film disposable camera that she will never forget. “It was my first time going to NYC, so having a physical copy of that picture made it so memorable,” Sridhar said. Sridhar uses her disposable on a daily basis and prefers it over her iPhone camera, as it makes photos look more natural and less “posed.” “There is no ‘perfect’ take,” Sridhar said. “Disposables capture the moment as it is.”
Kodak
$14.99 at Walmart
Waterproof up to 10m
Waterproof up to 15m
depth
depth
Contains flash
Contains flash
Contains zoom settings
No zoom
Reversible lens
Flash needs charging
27 exposures
27/39 exposures
Photographs by Liza Cooper and Winne Arnold
14
SPORTS
may 2021
‘Better courts equal better practice’ MHS will receive 8 new tennis courts before next season connor DEL CARMEN
SENIOR ROBBIE ZHANG, VARSITY tennis player, has endured the defects of MHS’ worn out tennis courts for four years. He’s witnessed athletes stumble over cracks, crash into fences that are too close to the playing area and seen balls bounce high after hitting bumps in the surface. “Marquette is probably one of the better public schools in the area, but our courts don’t look like it,” Zhang said. Though Zhang is graduating this year, future tennis players will no longer have to deal with these issues as MHS, along with the other three RSD high schools, are scheduled to receive entirely new courts, increasing the total number from seven to eight. Construction is set to begin at MHS in the next two weeks. Activities Director Shane Matzen said the District Facilities Department gets together every year with representatives from each high school, such as principals and athletic directors, to discuss both their long range and immediate projects. “Tennis courts have been on the list for a while, but the funds haven’t been there because we’ve had to address things like our STEM labs because obviously our academics always come first,” Matzen said.
Issues with the tennis courts have made it difficult for athletes to practice and compete. Mark Fang, community member, takes private lessons on the MHS courts. “The courts look pretty old, so it’s good they’re getting fixed,” Fang said. “Better courts equal better practice.” Photographs by Connor Del Carmen
Matzen said the blueprints for the new courts have been set. Having a creek nearby required a little more planning when designing the courts because pipes and drainage must be taken into account. Matzen also gave credit to the grounds and maintenance department who’ve kept the courts playable for as long as possible, but he said there’s only so much they can do to fix the courts, which makes him excited at the prospect of entirely new ones. “Anything we can do to make a better atmosphere for our athletes and community members we’re always excited about,” Matzen said. Alex Nelle, varsity boys tennis coach, said his athletes are ready for new courts. “No one has ever played for us at Marquette with the fences in the right spot,” Nelle said. “They’ve always been too close and we’ve never had eight courts, so hopefully we won’t have to do so much spreading out.” Although construction will result in an inability to use the courts for a couple of months, Nelle said it’s worth it. “It’s a small sacrifice, for something we’ve been needing for quite a while,” Nelle said. The team is also looking into the possibility of organizing a tournament next year with teams from around the state to take advantage of the new facilities.
Tennis doubles continue District championship streak liza COOPER RELIEF FLOODED THROUGH EDward Yue, sophomore, as he and his doubles partner, Nicholas Chun, sophomore, scored the last point in the boys tennis District championship game. They had defeated the 10-time state-winning Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS) boys team. MHS’ varsity team advanced to play in the State championship. “As underclassmen, the feeling of winning a district championship was new to us,” Yue said. Tennis matches are made up of three sets. To win a set, Yue and Chun beat MICDS’ Evan Erb and Ryan Jasper with a score of 8-3 Wednesday, May 12. “The atmosphere of the match was completely different from any of the other matches, and both teams actually had people come to cheer us on,” Yue said. “We performed well under pressure and pulled out some close wins, leading us to a pretty safe victory.” Varsity Coach Alex Nelle said the boys have had a fulfilling season due to their work ethic and commitment, even in the off-season. He also attributes success to the talent of the players. “One of our biggest strengths is the depth that we have in our lineup,” Nelle
Evan Canis, sophomore, moves to hit a ball during a tennis match against Parkway South Thursday, April 1. The team defeated South 9-0. Canis and his doubles partner, Aadit Keswani, sophomore, went on to win their final District match against MICDS 8-3 Wednesday, May 12. Photograph by Lauren Lakamp
said. “Every school has one or two good players, but we are lucky that we have seven talented players on our varsity team.” In addition to Yue and Chun, two other MHS doubles teams defeated MICDS during Wednesday’s games. One team, consisting of junior Onur Taysi and sophomore Alex Chen, beat MICDS’ Justin Jan and Ari Motwani with a score of 9-7. The other, made up of sophomores Evan Canis and Aadit
Keswani, beat Prithvi Dhanabel and Alex Sineff of MICDS with a score of 8-3. “Our guys really love tennis and enjoy playing it,” Nelle said. “They also understand the high expectations that have been created within our program, so I think they enjoy the challenge of keeping the program so successful.” Nelle said the team was motivated to play well against MICDS because they wanted to maintain their cham-
pionship streak. The boys tennis team has won the past five District championships in a row. However, most of the team hasn’t experienced the adrenaline rush that comes with winning Districts, as a majority of the players are underclassmen. Nelle said he is glad underclassmen were finally able to feel victorious when MICDS was defeated. The team moved on to play in the State doubles quarterfinals against Rockhurst High School from Kansas City on Thursday, May 20. Alex Chen and his partner, Onur Taysi, defeated a pair of Rockhurst players in a tiebreaker game. There was a score of 7-5 in the first match, the second set was 3-6 in favor of Rockhurst, and Chen and Taysi won the tiebreaker with a score of 10-6. The pair came in fourth place at State, and Chun and Yue came in sixth place. This year, MHS saw the most medalists on the boys tennis team than in any other previous season. Like Nelle, Chen credits the team's success to its players. “Our team has been really supportive of each other these past few months, and we're really built like a family,” Chen said. “It's been really rewarding to play with these guys.”
issue VI
SPORTS
15 7
Boys j.v. golf wins five consecutive years zara TOLA
SINCE 2016, THE J.V. BOYS GOLF team hasn’t lost a single one of their tournaments, finishing this past season with three first place team victories in a row. Rob Durham, who has been the j.v. boys golf coach since 2015, said the success of the team is due to the work the golfers put in outside of their regular season. “As far as technique, most of these kids know more, especially than me, about how to swing a golf club,” Durham said. “They work hard all summer with either their parents or swing coach. Even when it’s cold out in the winter, sometimes they’ll still get out on the course or hit balls in the garage — whatever they do to be prepared for the season.” During April, the team had a match almost everyday, so practices were almost a rest day for them, Durham said. Even after he dismissed the team from practice, he said the boys continued to work relentlessly, even paying for buckets of balls from their own money. The 2021 golf season has been the best season for the team by far, Durham said. While in past years the team has been dominated by juniors, this year the team has an equal number of underclassmen and upperclassmen, showing promise for both the j.v. and varsity golf teams in future years. “I have a lot of guys on j.v. that
J.v. golf players Andrew Vendt and Charles Ingram, freshman, practice their swings off the green at Paradise Valley against Rockwood Summit. Ingram prepares to drive the ball at Quail Creek for the Webster Tournament. Photographs by Rob Durham
would make varsity at a lot of other schools, but because our varsity program is so strong [and] we have really strong j.v. guys as well, there’s no shame in playing j.v. golf for Marquette,” Durham said. Charles Ingram, freshman, said he developed a passion for playing golf when the pandemic hit, despite playing golf since the fourth grade. Although Ingram, a member of the j.v. golf team, said golf is a highly independent sport, he associates the success of the team collectively as each individual added to the winning streak. “A good golfer consists of consisten-
cy, being able to forget bad holes easily and move on, and being able to really take on the game mentally,” Ingram said. Sophomore Jake Walsh, a member of the j.v. golf team, started playing when he was 6 years old, but only started to play competitively in the past couple of years. While the pandemic cut his first season short, this season Walsh ended with six first place finishes and two second place finishes. “If you practice and you put the confidence and positivity with that, then you will roll in the season ready to
go and willing to shoot to your best potential,” Walsh said. “It does not change once the season starts if you bring that to the table and you’re willing to succeed and willing to practice to get better and better.” Walsh said a good golf player must practice relentlessly to become better, but for the entire team to do well, they had to come together as a community. “We owe our success to everybody, but of course, to our coaches, to our peers and anybody around us that supports us,” Walsh said.
16
may 2021
SPORTS
MORE THAN
A
UNIFORM
Athletic gear raises female sexualization debate marin ELLINGTON
CICI BAILEY
GIRLS VS
BOYS
Uniform Comparison In Sports
outlets, a 13-year-old Floridian cheerleader was murdered and possibly raped by a classmate while in her cheer uniform. Her alleged killer now awaits trial SHRIYA SAWANT, JUNIOR, IS A COMPETITIVE as the State Attorney’s office determines whether he gymnast and often finds it difficult to feel completely will be tried as an adult. comfortable given the tight-fitting nature of her uni“The fellow classmates of the literal murderer and forms and the sexualization of athletic wear she has rapist were acting in support of him and saying she seen on the internet. deserved it because of what she was wearing,” Bailey “There are definitely certain sports where the said. “There’s definitely a huge stigma around what uniforms go too far and it’s clear the intent is to women wear and that it would actually have a differsexualize the athletes,” Sawant said. ence.” She has seen this create body image Bailey used to play lacrosse and remembers many issues with many athletes, even from a differences beyond just uniforms. Much less protecyoung age. Sawant said this has created tive gear is worn in girls lacrosse as the rules specify an environment where self-deprecatfor much less aggressive interactions between the ing jokes and comments are comteams with no checking or hitting allowed. monplace among her teammates. Often there is little opportunity for women to play “I try not to think about in male-dominated sports, and when they do, there how my body looks in leois much stigma around it, Bailey said. Though this tards or workout clothes as can be seen in relation to male interest in typically much, but I still find myself stressing out female-dominated sports as well. about it occasionally,” Sawant said. “It should also go both ways,” Bailey said. “If the Recently the negative effects of such differences girl wants to wear the pants and the long sleeves or between uniforms for men’s and women’s sports and if the guy wants to wear the skirt and the tank top, athletes’ movements to contradict these issues have they should be able to. I don’t see a gained media attention. reason why not.” German Olympic gymnast “There are definitely Ryan Patterson, freshman, said Elisabeth Seitz has made waves by choosing to wear a full-body unitard certain sports where he felt a similar way during the two years he spent as a cheerleader during competition and advocating the uniforms go too in his youth. Though people were for others to do so during the Olympics this summer. far and it’s clear the supportive for the most part, he a time when he received Sawant said she sees this moveintent is to sexualize recalled negative messages on social media ment as a beneficial change that will the athletes.” regarding a post he had made about help many athletes to feel more comhis involvement in the sport. fortable participating in their sport. “I never let that kind of behavior “Women should have more of a SHRIYA SAWANT discourage me,” Patterson said. choice with the uniforms because JUNIOR Though he felt comfortable in a lot of women don’t feel comforthis uniform of longer pants and able showing skin, while others are a long sleeve shirt, Patterson said both he and his fine with it,” Sawant said. “I also like that women are fellow female cheerleaders felt the girls’ uniforms permitted to wear black shorts if they want to while should have been more comfortable and less revealcompeting, though I don’t think many coaches know ing. that, and some even don’t allow it.” Patterson finds no benefit to the differences beThough men’s and women’s athletic wear often tween men’s and women’s uniforms within the sport. differs even within the same sport, Sawant said these “I think the revealing outfits had several misogydifferences do not bother her as much as the general nistic reasons behind them,” Patterson said. “Those sexualization of whatever workout clothes a woman uniforms were designed only to be attractive to may choose to wear. people, and when girls primarily ages 12-16 are wearCici Bailey, junior, performs aerial arts where a large part of the uniform design is related to function- ing them, I find the nature of the uniforms frankly disgusting.” ality when working with harnesses and other forms As someone who has dealt with body image of aerial suspension. struggles in the past, Patterson said the design of the “Costumes should be made for functionality first uniforms, would he have had to wear them as well, because if it’s not functional you’re not gonna perwould have provoked this issue further. form correctly,” Bailey said. “I think a complete redesign to more modest uniBailey has used her social media platform to advoforms is essential for the comfort and well-being of cate for recognition of problems she has seen regardthe female cheerleaders,” Patterson said. ing gender roles in athletic wear. According to media
vs GOLF
vs CHEERLEADING
vs GYMNASTICS