October Issue by Pirate Press

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Flu or Cold? Get your questions answered. pg. 4

http://www.wpclipart. com/weather/moon/ moon_and_stars.png vs. http://t2.gstatic.com/

Cross country makes great strides

Eastern cuisine showdown pg. 6

pg. 5

Pattonville High School 2497 Creve Coeur Mill Road Maryland Heights, MO 63043 l Vol. 75 Issue: 2 October 2010

Homecoming delivers

Photos from Spirit Week on pg. 8

Community to decide on Prop K Nov. 2 If passed, Pattonville will benefit from $41M By Geri Farrell

Seniors Meagan Keeney, center, rides on Sarah Nunez’s shoulders while Breanna Johnson, right, cheers as the Class of 2011 enters the stadium at the Homecoming assembly on Oct. 1. The senior class finished in first place during Homecoming Spirit Week. Photo by Jacob Sharp

Pattonville ACT scores drop

District, said. “We really have not seen a drop in the past,” Jennifer Allen, Director of Instructional Support Services said. Pecoraro and Allen have both been working in Pattonville for over 10 years. One of the possible causes for the drop in ACT scores may be Administration the increased number of commaking efforts to munity college-bound students taking the exam. improve scores, “If you take it now to 10 years optimistic about the ago, our community college students didn’t take the ACT,” Julie Class of 2011 Kampschroeder, College CounBy Elise Moser and Jacob Sharp selor, said. verage ACT scores of “Every two- and four-year colthe Class of 2010 were lege student is taking the ACT,” lower than Pattonville’s she said. This is largely because average has been in the past. ACT sub-scores allow community Average scores dropped from a college students to be exempt 22.5 in 2008 and 2009 to a 21.89 from taking placement tests. in 2010. Many community college-bound Administrators are trying to students opt to take the ACT, espinpoint the cause of the drop pecially because the math portion and are planning efforts to try allows a calculator. The St. Louis and improve scores. Community College placement “We’re trying to determine if it test does not. was an anomaly or if it’s bigger,” Administrators are making Tim Pecoraro, Assistant Superplans to improve students’ scores intendent for Curriculum and on the ACT. Right now, evening Instruction for Pattonville School ACT prep classes are being of-

Pattonville Compiled by Jessica Brunts Briefs Mike Blaesing, 12, was featured as the KSDK Channel 5 Player of the Week during the 5 p.m. broadcast Monday Sept. 20. Blaesing was chosen after his performance during the Sept. 17 home football game against Riverview Gardens.

Missouri Treasurer Clint Zweifel visited Parkwood Elementary School Sept. 9 to talk about college savings with the students.

Pattonville’s ACT scores dropped from 22.5 in 2008 and 2009 to 21.89 in 2010. Photo illustration by Jacob Sharp fered to help students prepare. However, few seniors are taking advantage of these classes. According to Kampschroeder, 185 seniors plan to attend a four-year college, but only two attended all eight sessions in September. “We offer free classes,” Kampschroeder said. “Those classes cost $300 at most schools.” “We have eight free after school ACT prep sessions that do

Pattonville High School recently launched a new athletics and activities Web site: piratenation.psdr3.org. This new Web site hosts information regarding Pattonville’s extracurricular athletics and activities.

The girls’ soccer team was recently honored by the Bridgeton City Council for its 2nd place state win in the Spring of 2010.

a great job at preparing students for the test, but seniors just aren’t using them,” she said. Incentives were offered for students who attended all eight sessions in September. Seniors Melissa Fulton and Madison Emerick received Target gift cards for their efforts. “We also, of course, offer the actual ACT prep class during the school day,” Kampschroeder

>> see ACT pg. 2

Pattonville is eligible to receive Missouri’s Distinction in Performance award for the 10th year in a row after receiving the 2010 Annual Performance Report. Last year, Pattonville was one of only 24 school districts (out of 524 in the state) to receive the Distinction in Performance Award every year it has been presented by the state.

roposition K is a $41 million zero-tax increase bond, which, if passed, will be used to build new structures and make necessary improvements in the Pattonville School District. $20 million of this bond will go directly toward improvements at the high school. If “Prop K” is passed, students could see changes such as the building of a new stadium and the addition of a swimming pool. One of the driving forces behind the bond has been the Pattonville Legacy Committee. The Legacy Committee is a board of administrators, parents, community members and district staff. “The purpose [of the committee] was to inform the community about things in the district that need to be fixed or replaced or need to be built and to assess them [the community] and their feelings about putting this [Prop K] on the ballot,” Julia Weingart, Legacy Committee member and Pattonville High School staff member, said. On Nov. 2, citizens in the Pattonville School District will be able to vote on the issue. This includes students who are at least 18 years of age and have registered to vote by Oct. 6. Weingart feels that the bond has a good chance of passing. “We got feedback that was primarily positive. We feel confident in moving forward and putting it to a vote,” Weingart said. The bond is a zero-tax increase which means the school district funds the re-payment of the $41 million loan with money already in the district’s budget. This means taxes will not go up for tax payers if this bond is passed. It is clear that schools in the district are aging and in need of repair. The average age of the schools is 47 years old, excluding Drummond Elementary School, the newest school. If passed, Prop K would allow for renovations such as removing asbestos from the flooring, updating the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, adding

>> see PROP K pg. 3

Seniors Khalil Griffin, Jordi Menard and Erica Ream were named semifinalists in the 56th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Griffin is also a semifinalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. The Pattonville Athletic and Activities Foundation (P2AF) recently launched a new spirit wear Web site which offers a selection of Pattonville shirts and merchandise. The proceeds benefit the athletics and activities in the district. The Web address is www.pattstore.com

OCTOBER 2010 l PIRATE PRESS l

News ‘Nathletes’ win Second Annual Dodgeball Tournament Tournament earns over $1,000 for Prom By Jacqueline Neil

he junior class hosted Pattonville’s Second Annual Dodgeball Tournament on Sept. 20 to raise money for the 2011 Prom and collected more than $1,000. Junior class officers Audrey Masek, Natalie Beck, Madi King and Sydney Finn arranged the double-elimination tournament. Sixteen teams consisting of five boys, five girls, and a staff member filled the main gym and the multi-purpose room. In the final game, the Nathletes defeated Off in the Gym in a hard fought battle for the title of champion. Both teams wanted to keep their players in the game for as long as possible and kept to a strategy for the last two minutes consisting of having some team members stand still on both sides of the court while selected players from both teams kept throwing balls at each other. “Our strategy was for the girls to stay in the back and give all the boys the balls so they could get people out,” Courtney Wildberger, 12, a member of Nathletes, said. “I‘m sure that was also the other team’s strategy.” But Off in the Gym stood there and rolled balls back and forth across the court. “I thought we would take the tournament,” Trey Wright, 11, of Off in the Gym, said. “When I

was picking people for my team, I looked at key players from every sport Pattonville has.” Initially, Masek, the junior class president, said she was worried no one would sign up. “We made signs and talked to our friends about signing up,” Masek said. “As time progressed, I learned that physically giving people the sign up sheet helped the most.” The main gym was used for the winner’s bracket and the multipurpose room was the loser’s

second place. “If double-elimination didn’t exist, we definitely wouldn’t have gotten into the Final Four and I would’ve been mad,” Utley said. In the semifinal game of the loser’s bracket, Balls of Fury played Streets Ahead. “I was surprised our team even progressed in the tournament,” Rob O’Keefe, 11, of Balls of Fury, said. “When I came back from my soccer game I thought we would be out right away because none of

which consisted of eight varsity players,” Mallory Jacobson, 11, of Balls of Fury said. Streets Ahead moved on to play Off in the Gym. Immediately, there was tension on the court. Josh Beck, 9, of Streets Ahead, and Zach Beck, 12, of Off in the Gym, had a brother rivalry. The crowd was in awe when Zach Beck got Josh Beck out of the game. “I thought it was funny playing against my brother,” Zach Beck said. “He almost got me out once

we would win. But then I was the only one left on my team going against their team,” Hulse said. “Our momentum was not very high when we found out we were playing [Off in the Gym] but as we got further into the game I thought we had it because Kacie seemed scared,” Hayley Wojciechowski, 10, of Streets Ahead, said. Heather Lopez, junior class sponsor, said that many players from the tournament enjoyed playing and those attending the

The Nathetes, from left, Taylor McGhee, 10, Jimmy Beniost, 12, Heather Lopez, team sponsor, Courtney WIldberger, 12, and Matt Peniston, 12, battle to stay alive and win the final game of the dodgeball tournament. Photo by Jacqueline Neil

bracket. Of the teams that made the Final Four, only two were sent to the multi-purpose room. Kailey Utley, 11, was thankful for the bracket formula used during the tournament and was a member of Off in the Gym which finished the tournament in

us really had experience playing together.” Balls of Fury lost to Streets Ahead, an unexpected strong team. “I thought we were going to win because none of their players were athletes. Unlike my team,

but I got him first.” Streets Ahead picked off members from Off in the Gym one-byone but their victory celebration had to wait while Kacie Hulse, 11, of Off in the Gym, refused to get out. “I entered that game thinking

tournament had fun. “I am glad the tournament was successful. I was shocked that the crowd was not full of just participants,” Lopez said. “The spirit the students brought to the tournament made me happy,” Lopez added. v

Technological problems cause yearbook distribution delay

2009-2010 yearbooks distributed two months later than anticipated due to complications with server By Jessica Brunts

he 2009-2010 yearbook was distributed the week of Homecoming after a series of technological obstacles led the distribution to be delayed. Last year, the spring supplement was eliminated and the yearbook was supposed to be distributed at the 2010-2011 school year registration in mid-August. The yearbook staff planned to come up to school during the first couple weeks of summer break to finish making corrections to the yearbook to get it ready to be published but when the staff arrived, they found that all of the servers were down. “I took off of work everyday

that we were supposed to work on the yearbook,” Kristen Brooks, 11, said. “It was a disappointment to find the servers down.” Last year, students who had ordered yearbooks were supposed to have the option to buy the autograph pages for $1 in May. The autograph books were also late and came in with the yearbooks. The autograph books will be here in May for the 2010-2011 yearbook. In an effort to avoid technological problems that could delay the yearbook again, the staff has switched to a new online program called eDesign provided by Herff Jones. According to Tara Willen, yearbook adviser, this program is comparible with InDesign,

Pattonville ACT Continued from page 1 said, “but we’re not having many people take advantage of that.” In addition to free evening sessions, administrators are working to incorporate ACT-type questions into core curriculums. Kampschroeder has always been a huge advocate for adding ACT preparation into all classes. “I’m excited about the opportunity to incorporate [ACT-type questions] into core classes,” she said. The school is going to send certain core class teachers to a seminar in order to begin learning ways to implement this idea, and they will come back and try to show the rest of their depart-

ments and the school the best ways to do it. In order to help students who struggle with standardize testing, Explore and Plan test scores will be used to identify which students need help. Teachers will be informed of a struggling student. In addition to working with high school teachers and students, administrators plan to also work with middle school students. “[We want to] raise the rigor of the challenge classes and getting students ready for the ACT and AP classes,” Allen said. Allen explained students

the program formerly used, and staff members can access it from any computer that has Internet access. “We are no longer dependent on the school servers,” Willen said. “It’s amazing,” Brooks said of the new program. “It’s really easy and I can access it anywhere which helps with finishing my spreads and making deadline easier.” The decision to eliminate the spring supplement was made at the beginning of last school year. According to Willen, Pattonville has only had a spring supplement for three years. Before that the yearbook had always been all in one book and a fall distribution. would be encouraged to take at least one challenge course each year in middle school. Pecoraro stressed adaptations to curriculums were not a reaction to the lowered scores. “We’re not trying to just be reactive because the scores went down. This is something we should be doing,” he said. Incorporating ACT-type questions into core curriculums will be an undetectable. “You won’t even notice it,” Pecoraro said. “We aren’t changing the curriculum.” Scores for the Class of 2011 are expected to be higher than last year. Allen predicts the scores will not be on trend to be above years prior to 2010, but Pattonville will score above the national average. v

“I like not having a supplement,” Brooks said. “You don’t have to worry about getting everyone a supplement or losing the supplement because they are easy to lose.” Many students like having the yearbook all in one book, but they are slightly disappointed that it means not having the yearbook at the end of the year. Caleb Potter, 11, said he likes not having a supplement but he “would ideally like to order a yearbook at the beginning of the year and get it at the end of the year.” He said he wouldn’t mind getting it at registration either. “It is a setback that I won’t have my yearbook at the end of the year for everyone to sign,”

Brooks said. “But the autograph pages will be given out in May for people to sign.” The autograph pages of the yearbook are bound together and have an adhesive strip on the back so that it attaches into the yearbook. Unlike the supplement, the autograph pages will not stick out of the yearbook if attached correctly. According to Willen, the majority of last year’s books were passed out to students on the first day of distribution. A seperate pick-up was set for 2010 graduates from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 1 to coincide with Homecoming. Parents are able to pick up books for 2010 seniors unable to make the graduate distribution. v

Library, computer lab vandalized The library and the computer lab in H118 were closed on Wednesday, Oct. 6, due to vandalism the previous night. The vandals broke the window outside of the library as well as the window to the H-wing computer lab. At the date of publication, the

nine computers that were taken from the library were recovered in the bushes outside of the window. Ten computers remained missing from the H-wing computer lab. For more information on the break-in, visit the Pirate Press online: PattonvillePiratePress.wordpress.com

The library was closed to students on Wednesday, Oct. 6, because of the break-in. Photos by Courtney McNeese

Windows in the library and H118 were temporarily repaired and were ready for classes by the end of the day.

03 l PIRATE PRESS l OCTOBER 2010

Proposition K Continued from page 1 more security cameras and reconfiguring the “H” wing. In addition to making necessary repairs around the school district, Prop K also includes a new pool and stadium for the high school. The new pool will allow for the boys’ and girls’ swim teams to practice at school instead of traveling to the Bridgeton Community Center, where they now practice. “I’ve heard that the Bridgeton pool has inconsistent temperatures and is crowded sometimes,” BSAAC member Isaac Caverly, 10, said. Swim team member Joe Graff, 12, also said transportation to Bridgeton Community Center has been a problem this year. A pool at the school might increase student attendance at the teams’ home swim meets. “[If we had a pool at the school] there would be a lot more support from kids here,” Graff said. “Some people don’t even know where the Bridgeton pool is at.” Dr. Sara Keene also commented that a pool at the high school could be utilized by all students. “We would have the opportunity to teach that portion of fitness.

Not all students know how to swim,” Keene said. According to Keene , the addition of a swimming pool could

In addition to getting a pool, the bond will allow for a new stadium and turf field. “Our stadium has been around

Caverly said. The stadium is almost 40 years old and is in such an extreme state of disrepair that the entire struc-

The inside of the Pattonville stadium is unusable due to water damage and mold contamination. Concessions must be sold from a facility seperate from the stadium and track equipment cannot be stored inside. Above, an example of the damage inside the stadium. Photo courtesy of Bob Burns open up future opportunities for Pattonville students. “Maybe down the road we can talk about getting a water polo team,” Keene said.

for quite a while. The bathrooms are embarrassing. I’ve heard that the locker rooms are disgusting. We can’t even use the concession stand because of mold problems,”

ture will have to be torn down and rebuilt. “[The stadium] is not a pleasant atmosphere. Re-doing it would really bring in some fresh air and

give it a better feeling,” BSAAC member Anjali Fernandez, 10, said. A turf field would also open up new opportunities for Pattonville High School. The current football field has uneven terrain and gets rutted when muddy. “If we had a turf field, all sports could use it, but now only football can use it because it gets torn up so easily,” varsity football player Casey O’Brien, 12, said. With a turf field, programs such as marching band, physical education classes and soccer could utilize the field when football is not practicing. “Maybe we could look at getting field hockey or lacrosse or maybe both,” Keene said. Many local schools have already switched over to turf fields. Some schools include St. Charles West, Francis Howell and Fort Zumwalt East. Keene also commented that eligible voters should make an effort to be at the polls on Nov. 2 to cast their ballots. “I live in the district so I will be voting,” Keene said. “I encourage all people to go out and vote.” v

Photographers offer opinions, tips on capturing great senior pictures Jared Stevens and Kathryn Hill, freelance photographers, give tips for capturing the best senior picture experience

By Jacob Sharp

etting senior pictures done is for some like a dream come true, and for others, like getting teeth pulled. For either type, there are some general rules and tips to keep in mind for making senior pictures either memorable or at least bearable.

Pick the right photographer

“If you don’t pick the right [photographer] or studio, then you might as well not even try getting pictures,” Jared Stevens, a freelance photographer who specializes in senior pictures and wedding photography, said. “Like a lot of things, some people just aren’t good at their job. Photography is no different. I’ve had students come to me after having a bad photographer and it is not good for the kids or the parents. Do the research and talk to your friends. The most popular photographers are not always the best.”

Stand out

“This is kind of like the culmination of high school and you want it to show,” Stevens said. “If you want a picture that you’re going to want to keep, bring something that represents you. Pretty much if you play a sport, bring something from that sport. Same for any other activity. It really makes the whole experience more enjoyable in the present and the future.”

Speak up

“Tell your photographer exactly what you want. You’re paying for their time so put it to use. You can only blame yourself if your pictures didn’t come out how you wanted it because you didn’t raise your

voice,” Kathryn Hill, a portrait photographer, said. “With that said, your photographer is, hopefully, an expert, and they do this for a living, and they know what they’re doing. When I’m in a session, I think it’s best to have an open conversation with a trading of ideas to get the best result.”

pattonville Cross Country

Bring a change of clothes - or five

“I’ve noticed that kids sometimes bring only a few changes of clothes and they are normally their favorite color,” Stevens said, “What they don’t realize is that color or outfit might clash with available environments. Just bring a variety of outfits, combinations and colors.”

... but don’t go crazy

“You can’t go crazy,” Hill said. “Make sure the clothes are uncomplicated and rather timeless. Try not to go crazy with common trends because you want to look at these in the future and not go ‘I wore that?’” “I had a kid come in wearing three layers of clothes and a sombrero,” Stevens said. “I’m not making this stuff up.”

Don’t sweat the small stuff

“Technology these days is pretty amazing. I tell my clients not to worry about blemishes or braces or anything else small like that,” Stevens said. “I can take a few minutes in Photoshop and clean it right up. But don’t let photographers fool you; it’s cheap and it’s fast. Don’t pay too much for this option.” v

“

The Journey is the Destination

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OCTOBER 2010 l PIRATE PRESS l

Feature

Hannah’s Health

Flu or Cold ?

Flu and Cold Season Rolls In... Are You Ready? By Hannah Johnson

t’s that time of year again. The leaves are exploding in color, the breeze is becoming crisper, and the sound of sneezing fills the air. You know what I mean. You can almost feel your voice getting husky already. Every year, cold and flu season drains the classrooms at Pattonville High School. Hopefully, with a little extra preparation, students can avoid the bug this year. Last year, the marching band ran into trouble with the swine flu. Director Denny McFarland remembers that 33 students missed at least two practices each. Sara Deutchman laments “we had to cancel a performance for the first time.” McFarland also added “it certainly impeded the learning experience.” He was grateful that the band was affected early in the season so that there was time to recover before the end of the season. With so many students missing, the band had to try to maintain its level of marching and wait to improve until the majority of students returned. Other bands were also affected by the flu last year. Oakville’s band was unable to compete in the Greater St. Louis competition at the Edward Jones Dome. The swine flu also affected most sports teams as well as the academic well-being of students. In order to keep students

Are your symptoms indicating a flu or just a common cold? Take the quiz to find out.

healthy, it is important that students get vaccinated. Flu shots are currently available. If you’ve ever had the flu, you’ll most likely agree that a little pinprick is worth decreasing your chances of spending a week in pure misery. This season, the H1N1 vaccination is included with the standard flu shot. Some doctor’s offices offer very streamlined appointments for either the flu shot or nasal spray. With enough precautions, students can greatly reduce their chances of illness. Pattonville nurses Valerie Guetschow and Heidi Lanham think that preparation is important for students “to stay healthy” and “to prevent an epidemic.” Last year, H1N1 and the regular flu ravaged Pattonville. Since students are kept in such close quarters, contagion spreads quickly, and epidemic is a very real possibility. The school nurses are careful to wipe down their equipment during flu and cold season, especially the phone. They also wash their hands frequently. If you are particularly concerned about getting sick, then it might not hurt to take a page from their book. Antiseptic wipes are great for sanitizing keyboards and desktops. It is more difficult to prepare for colds since there are hundreds

of strains each year. Therefore, no vaccinations would be practical Is your cough “dry” and none are made. or hacking? To prevent colds, Guetschow suggests washing your hands Dry Hacking frequently and not sharing food or drinks. Lanham adds that students How long has should sneeze and cough into Do you have your cough their elbows instead of their a stuffy nose? lasted? hands or the air. The virus can be Yes No spread through the fine spray of Longer than 3-7 Days liquid released with a sneeze. 7 days When using the bottles of hand sanitizer placed in every classroom, it is suggested to be sure to wash your hands at least once every three times you use Are you it and to also be well-rested and Do you have a experiencing hydrated. fever? fatigue and Students who get sick should Yes, and it has weakness? seriously consider staying home. reached highs The Center for Disease Control No fever of 102 to 104 Yes No considers anyone with a fever degrees Fahrenover 100 degrees Fahrenheit heit and lasted contagious. Even 24 hours after for 3-4 days the fever is gone, you are still contagious. With the help of e-mail, it is possible to keep up with schoolwork, especially since most teachers are quite understanding. This makes missing school feasible. The symptoms indicate you You probably only have a Individuals are more likely to might have the flu. Visit your cold. If symptoms persist recover quickly if they have spent doctor immediately, espeor get worse, a visit to the the day in a calm home environcially if you have had a high nurse or your doctor may be ment instead of the hectic school fever for several days. in order. environment. Besides, limiting exposure to others contains the spread of the virus. v

GSA offers a haven for students searching involvement, acceptance Members hope for understanding from staff, peers By Courtney McNeese

here are always several teachers attending, not to supervise, but to participate in the Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) Club’s discussions and activities. GSA is a place for anyone, gay, straight or bisexual, to go and be safe in a non-judgmental environ-

ment. Anyone who feels like an outsider, is picked on, discriminated against, or dislikes the bigoted attitudes he or she sees can attend. The meetings held nearly every other Wednesday after school begins with the GSA opening statement. Members then move into discussions about related news or articles. GSA also discusses what events and activities they can participate in. Kelli Dornfeld, a sponsor of GSA, said that they hope to be

r a e Sh St y le Hai r S

GSA Opening Statement

involved in more school and community activities. The president of GSA is Amanda Gerkowski, 12. She was new to Pattonville last year and instantly joined the club. Gerkowski has a special connection with GSA. Last year, her bisexual cousin committed suicide, and GSA was able to help her through it and learn even more about her cousin. Anisha Craig, 12, joined because she is bisexual and likes that the organizations is “a safe place for people who are of whatever

orientation.” Freshman Brooke Wilson likes how GSA is trying to spread the word of what the club is about. Group members wish that people would stop judging the club and invite students to come to a meeting to see what Gay/Straight Alliance is really about. “It’s not what they think it is,” Craig said. Club calendars are available in Cathy Fogarty’s office in the guidance center. Everyone is welcome and snacks are appreciated.v

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05 l PIRATE PRESS l OCTOBER 2010

Sports

Pattonville cross country team grows in size, improves as a team

different from some other sports,” Zambruski said. “You don’t have to get as pumped before a race. I like to try to relax.” Team scores are factored by adding the places of the top five By Jacob Sharp ross finishers in country each race surprises together people. There are and the no stands for the lowest total fans to sit and wins. Acmeets are a sort cording to of convention Zambruski, for those who the team is share a passion doing well for running. The this season, atmosphere seems and he exconsiderably more pects them hospitable than to place at at other sportconference. ing events with Scott spectators on the Fader startsidelines cheered coaching on everyone, ing cross even if they aren’t country a member of their eight years team and an air ago because of understanding Ben Royer, 11, leads a group of runners he ran for floats among the in the Queeny Park Cross Country Meet. Pattonville Photo by Jacob Sharp runners. UltiHigh School mately, there’s a as a student start and a finish line, and it’s the as well as in college for Truman personal struggle in between a 5 State University. Fader, who kilometer race, or about 3.1 miles, started as an assistant but has that truly matters. since moved to head coach after In cross country, runners can’t the departure of John Kern, loves typically hide behind their team’s cross country, like most runners, performance like in other sports. simply because of the passion for The spotlight is on them as an running. individual, which adds to the chal“There’s a lot of dedication and lenge and thrill for some runners. discipline that goes into racing “I joined last year to try to stay cross country.” Fader said. “You in shape and be with my friends,” have to run and stay in shape year Elise Amo, 11, said. “But I guess I round, that’s why most runner’s also like it for the competition and go into track for spring.” the challenge.” As for the team, Sean Zambruski, 12, has the coach has been running for Pattonville high hopes for since he was a freshman the future, and is and ran his first 5K in fifth optimistic about grade. the teams accomZambruski said, “I plishments so far. went to cross country “Everyone is maksummer camps in ing improvements middle school and meeting and joined their goals, right up and in high that’s really

Unlike past years, teams are full and competitive

school,” Zambruski runs all year round as a member of the winter running club and a track athlete during the spring. He continues to be the leader of the varsity boys team even with several setbacks in the past that had him on the sidelines for a period of time. During his sophomore year, he had to have foot surgery and in his junior year he had eye surgery and his wisdom teeth taken out. “Cross country is a lot

Funding affects athletic success throughout St. Louis high schools Can money win championships? Or is it player skill alone? By Zach Bailey

attonville has quite the prominent athletic program. Teams are always competitive and sometimes quite successful as seen with the Varsity girl’s soccer team the past two seasons and the Varsity football team in 2000 when they competed for the state championship. So this begs the question, can money win championships? Bob Hebrank, Pattonville High School’s Athletic Director, said money is not as big a factor as many people may think. The budget for athletics is not the only fund source for school activities. “There is more than one budget that sends money into the athletic programs here at Pattonville,” Hebrank said. This means that as a school, Pattonville has a decent-sized fund in order to pay for all equipment and facilities. If a new swimming pool is installed at the high school with the passing of Prop K, this fund will also go to support that facility. The money that goes into the school’s athletic budget is not divided evenly, “it is based on need,” Hebrank said. “Teams that have more players or more expensive equipment

will receive a larger portion of the money.” In fact, despite the participation of the girls’ soccer team in the Missouri State Championship Game last season, Pattonville will not receive any kind of benefit. The Missouri State High School Activities Association, or MSHSAA, pays for the trip to state championship events, but no money is sent back to the schools for their success. Unlike professional sports which receive more money for better performances. In addition, if a state competition is hosted at Pattonville, MSHSAA receives 100 percent of the gate profits. The only money that the school earns is from sales of concessions at the event. Many private schools offer scholarships for student-athletes to attend their school and play a certain sport, much like in college and this gives these schools a larger advantage especially in state competitions. Public schools like Pattonville then have to find a way to compete at a higher level with what is usually less talent. Money does not make the athlete or the program; however, money can give a program a huge advantage. Sports teams at Pattonville often use fundraising techniques to make the budget for their sport somewhat larger. For now, fundraising is keeping Pattonville sports at their highest level possible with the help of the school’s budget. v

MSHSAA Sports By Season at Pattonville Boys

Girls Fall

Cross Country Football Soccer Swimming

Cross Country Golf Softball Tennis Volleyball

Winter Basketball Wrestling

Basketball Swimming

Spring Baseball Golf Tennis Track and Field Volleyball

Soccer Track and Field

* List compiled from information supplied in the Pattonville Student Handbook

Jeremiah Wilkins (52) takes down the Ritenour ball carrier. Steve Smith has coached the Pattonville Pirates to a 4-2 record after the Oct. 2 victory over the Huskies at the Homecoming game. Photo by Jacob Sharp

Pattonville 21 The Homecoming Game Ritenour 16 what matters. The team as a whole is building, and we have a base to build from,” Fader said. Assistant Coach Rob Lamb has been coaching for three years. Laura Fulton runs at “We have full the Queeny Park cross teams now, which is country race. Photo by a lot better than in Jacob Sharp recent years. And we have good people on them, which is always nice,” Lamb said. “I really like working with the kids, and watching them get better. In all reality, they work their hearts out and I like to see it pay off in the races.” v

Kevon Johnson, 12, was an offensive threat against the Ritenour defense in the Suburban North Conference game. Martez Mason, 12, also contributed to the victory with an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Photo by Jacob Sharp

Entertainment

Metroid: Other M takes risks on the old Metroid formula; delivers fresh, entertaining experience By Andrew Tyahla

he game Metroid: Other M was released Aug. 31, exclusively for the Wii. It is the result of collaboration between Nintendo and Team Ninja that offers a fresh take on the series. Most of the risks pay off, but some are just odd. The game takes place after the 1994 Super Nintendo game, Super Metroid. You take on the role of Samus Aran, a female freelance bounty hunter with a reputation for efficiency in the most dangerous situations. While searching for jobs, Samus picks up a high priority distress signal coming from an abandoned vessel known as the Bottle Ship. Upon landing, she is forced to cooperate with a team of Galactic Federation soldiers (led by her former commanding officer, Adam Malkovich) to find out what

happened and rescue survivors. The game is played in a thirdperson perspective with the controller held on its side. As a result, you move with the D-pad, which works surprisingly well in a 3D environment. In addition to shooting with the “1” button and jumping with the “2” button, you can roll up into a ball by pressing “A.” This maneuver is crucial to getting through tight spaces. It is also necessary to shift to a first-person perspective by pointing at the screen to find hidden objects. This also allows you to lock onto targets and fire missles. However, the downside is that you cannot move in this view, unless you perform a dodge manuever. Although the focus is on exploration over shooting, combat is very well designed. As long as you are facing in the enemy’s

he next time you sit down at the table to eat, and eagerly get your fork and knife ready for that tempting first bite of your meal, stop and wait. Ask yourself the question of whether or not you are providing your taste buds with a complete variety of foods and flavors. Not just the same old cliché of neverending cheeseburgers and fries. Or who could forget the constant piles of chicken strips and boxes upon boxes of pizza? Ask yourself the question of when was the last time you expanded your food interests and simply tried something new? The popular restaurant Stir Crazy and the advancing restaurant HuHot Mongolian Grill offer the variety of flavors your taste buds deserve. Each restaurant has its own diverse and distinct genre and flavor of foods. Stir Crazy, located on Olive Boulevard in Creve Coeur is widely known for its Asian-based dishes, which include the delicious Crazy Shrimp, Chicken Imperial Rolls, and Five Spice Ribs. Above all, Stir Crazy is idolized for its Market Bar, in which you create your own stir fry dish with as many, or as little, fresh vegetables, sauces and meats as you prefer. After gathering the vegetables and sauces you have selected, you proceed to the open grill, where a cook takes your dish and grills it to perfection. Upon my first bite of the

A Stir Crazy chef prepares a meal with ingredients hand-picked by the guest. Photo by Jeremiah Williams

freshly cooked vegetables and rice, each ingredient blended together perfectly. The snow peas and carrots had an amazing crunch and added a pleasurable texture and flavor that was both fresh and filling. I found myself wanting more after it was gone. Overall, the Market Bar was spectacular, and will cost $8.95 for lunch and $10.95 during dinner. Stir Crazy was both “Crazy Fresh” and “Crazy Good” indeed. However, if Asian-based dishes or Stir Crazy isn’t quite to your preference, HuHot might come to your liking, where Mongolianbased dishes are their forte. HuHot is increasing in popularity, with three locations in Missouri, but only one in the St. Louis area. Located off Olive Boulevard

it takes forever to heal and if you get hit or dodge, you can’t heal at all. This really becomes annoying when you are fighting in a small area or one with little cover, leading to some cheap deaths. Another quirk is how you get new weapons and abilities. Unlike past Metroid games, in which you must search for them or earn them by defeating bosses, Samus already has most of them at the beginning of Other M, but she refuses to use them until she is authorized to do so. While the restriction of some weapons, such as power bombs, makes sense, others seem to be an unfair handicap. For example, the Varia Suit protects you from extreme heat, but you are not allowed to use it until you have been through several such areas. Also, there are plot points that are left unresolved by the end of the

in Creve Coeur, HuHot offers dishes that include HuHot’s Crab Rangoon, Coconut Shrimp, and Shrimp Wontons. If you wish to make your own Mongolian dish, similar to Stir Crazy’s Market Bar, HuHot possesses its Mongolian Grill. This allows you to choose from numerous meats such as pork, beef, chicken and even calamari. This, combined with an array of vegetables and HuHot’s variety of over 15 different sauces, is then taken by the cook and prepared right before you on the open grill for all eyes to see. Digging into the tangle of noodles, carrots and crab, the savory flavor of the fresh vegetables speaks for itself. The Samurai Teriyaki sauce was the added bonus which brings the dish together and brought a unique and refreshing taste. Depending upon what time you arrive, HuHot Mongolian Grill will cost you $6.99 for a weekend lunch, $7.99 for a weekday lunch, and $11.99 for dinner which includes a soup or salad. HuHot undoubtedly pours on the flavor and tops Stir Crazy in all categories of cost, sauce variety and locations in the area; however, both restaurants offer two unique and versatile food selections that are refreshing and different from the foods we constantly consume. So the next time you sit at the table to eat, step outside your food boundaries and make your taste buds proud. v

alloween is drawing near and a classic haunted house is open to the public. The Lemp Mansion, located at 3322 DeMenil Place in St. Louis, is ranked among the top 10 most haunted places in America because of claims of reported sightings of ghosts and paranormal happenings and is the perfect place for thrillseekers. The Lemps, the family that used to live in the mansion and owned the brewery during the 1800s succumbed to madness and many members of the family killed themselves in the house, which is why the Lemp mansion has retained a lingering sense of foreboding. Visitors can also tour the haunted brewery this season taking themselves 40 feet below the ground to the caves and caverns that cross below the streets of Soulard. According to the Prairie Ghosts Web site, the Lemp family left Germany and came to America around 1838 for the production of beer. The suicide of William Lemp Sr., the greatest successor of the family business, occurred because of the death of his favorite son, Frederick Pabst. This altered his mind causing him to shoot himself in the head after breakfast. William Lemp Jr., Lemp Sr.’s

en Folds releases his newest album since 2008’s Way to Normal with a little help from English novelist and Oscar nominated screenwriter Nick Hornby. The verdict is Ben Folds has done it again with his sensational rock, pop, and everything-inbetween style of music. Now, a seemingly odd combination of music and literature may leave questions begging to be answered. Like, how on Earth did all of this get started? Folds said that the idea started at a dinner between the two. A friendship was born out of ap-

preciation of each others’ artistic abilities. Hornby was listening to Folds’ albums while Folds was reading Hornby’s books, and it seems like it was destiny that the two combined to release Lonely Avenue. Essentially, the friendship began when Folds contacted Hornby for help with lyrics on William Shatner’s album Has Been. The odd duo released Lonely Avenue Sept. 28, and it does not disappoint in the slightest. The album is a combination of stories and lyrics from Hornby and Folds’ revolutionary talent to make anything into a pop song that you’ll never get out of your head. Folds’ impressive harmonies fill

the album with a perfect blend of synth and piano, which compliments Hornby’s spectacular ability to embody deeply emotional stories in lyrics. Folds gives voice to Hornby’s lovelorn characters, even showing a deeper side to the most detested characters, as heard in the song “Levi Johnston’s Blues.” It tells the tale from a firstperson account of Bristol Palin’s ex-fiancé after he accidentally impregnated her and was pressured into marrying Palin. It’s not all sob stories with Hornby and Folds. The team’s talents help bring a sense of humor into the album as heard in the song “Your Dogs.” The song

story; namely the identity of a traitor amongst the troops. There are clues to such occurrences, so you could probably figure it out anyway. But not all people are that patient. However, Metroid: Other M is a satisfying play. Though fans of the series may get more out of the story than others, you don’t need to know any of it to enjoy exploring and searching for answers. You just have to be patient. v

Halloween Haunts: Lemp Mansion Haunted House By Armand Hayes

Ben Folds’ Lonely Avenue introduces odd combo By Chris Babb

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general direction, Samus will aim automatically. Should you need to switch views to use a missile, time will briefly slow down so you can aim. Most commonly, you have to shoot the enemies into submission, then rush in and finish them off with a Lethal Strike.While actually fighting the enemies works well, it is frustrating when they actually hit you. They often inflict an absurd amount of damage, necessitating frequent healing. Unfortunately, the enemies do not drop recovery items upon defeat, forcing you to heal by Concentration. To do so, you point the controller at the ceiling and hold “A,” allowing you to reload and heal at the same time. While reloading occurs quickly enough and can be done at any time, healing is only possible when your health falls to a low enough level. In addition,

The food here is crazy hot By Jeremiah Williams

OCTOBER 2010 l PIRATE PRESS l

son, closed the factory because of the fear of prohibition and his sister, Elsa Lemp Wright shot herself in the head. That along with the stress of the business led to the complete eradication of Lemp Jr.’s mind and kept him away from the public. Soon afterward, he shot himself in the heart. Charles Lemp also shot himself, but unlike the others, he left a suicide note behind that said, “In case I am found dead, blame it on no one but me.” The house was soon turned into a boarding house and started deteriorating. People who have lived in the house claimed to have heard footsteps and other sounds. Presently, the Pointer family owns the mansion and they did a large amount of remodeling before changing it into a bed and breakfast. For $25, guests can join what is now known as the Lemp Experience: The Hunt for Paranormal Activity, which is a tour around the haunted building. So for Halloween, make a trip to the Lemp Mansion part of your plans and see for yourself how haunted it is - if you are brave enough. v Have you visited the Lemp Mansion? Share your haunted experience with us at the Pirate Press online at PattonvillePiratePress.wordpress.com

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is a firstperson account of a suburban man who puts up with his tattooed, Metallica-head neighbor until he gets a mean set of pit bulls. During the process of defining and producing the album, the two had little to criticize about each others’ ideas on where they wanted the songs to go. More often though, the two both understood in depth what the other was feeling about each song, which made this album seem like such a fluid blend of the pairs understanding of music and lyrics. The way the team works so well

Ben Folds performs a song on the piano. Courtesy of AP Images

together is one of the key elements that makes this album the greatness that it is. I highly recommend picking up this album as soon as possible, and bask in the grandeur as you take a walk down Lonely Avenue.v

07 l PIRATE PRESS l OCTOBER 2010

Opinion

Andrew’s Attitude Asking for help will help you By Andrew Tyahla

oes any one know The Beatles’ song “Help!”? One line in the song goes, “When I was younger, so much younger than today, I didn’t think I needed anybody’s help in any way.” I can definitely relate to that during my school career. I remember times when I have been working on assignments when people asked me if I needed help. Most of the time, I would have been doing fine on my own and politely declined. This happened so often that I began to see offers for help as annoyances. Unfortunately, I became too proud to actually ask for help when I needed it. This has been especially apparent in my math work, at which I am terrible. I would not even talk to my parents about how I was doing, even though my grades were rapidly dropping. Eventually, I decided to stay after school at the math help center. I realized how much easier it was to figure out how to solve each problem. After that, I started go-

ing there whenever I needed help. As I found out, accepting offers for help is really to your benefit. Other people may give you insights that you never thought about before. In addition to accepting offers for help, you must know when to ask for help. I understand that teenagers desire to be independent, but there are still times in which you need help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it is one of the greatest signs of courage that you can display. The courage to swallow your pride and admit you’re unable to do something. If you really think about it, you may not think you need help at this point. But what about when you’re 60 years old? There’s another line in the song “Help!” that refers to this: “But now these days are gone. I’m not so self-assured. Now I find I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors.” You may feel independent now, but later you will come to rely upon a lot of people in life. So get used to it! Swallow your pride and ask for help more often! Be independent, but get into the habit of asking for help more often. It will make life so much easier.v

The Real Neil

The longer it took for the yearbooks to get done, the crazier my imagination became as to why the delay. Illustration by Chris Babb

Thoughts on “If You Really Knew Me” By Jacqueline Neil

TV has teamed up with Challenge Day organizers to form MTV’s new hit series “If You Really Knew Me.” What would happen if the group came to Pattonville? How would the students of these familiar hallways respond to this tough question? The show gets students to gather around and separate from their cliques and barriers. What if people really knew me? They wouldn’t judge me so harshly or listen to the rumors

and gossip spread about me. The irony is, at home, I can be myself and feel free, but at school I fall into a shell and I am sure other students feel the same way. Someone told me school is like a war zone. It feels like everyone has to defend themselves. You have to hang out with a group of kids just to be normal and find acceptance. Whatever we do, we feel failure. Sometimes when we just need to let our feelings out, we don’t because we feel like no one feels the same way. Sometimes we feel

as if we are alone in the world. We don’t ask our friends about our situations because we’re scared to show our feelings. It should not matter about the way I dress, my title, my age or my hobbies. The people we block out of our lives could potentially help us with our problems. You may feel the same way as the girl who cried the other day

The Pirate Code

ISE YOUR FAULT

very high school in America has rules and regulations which its students are to follow. At Pattonville High School, there are specific procedures in place for every task, such as purchasing lunch, checking out a library book or going to the restroom. It is startling sometimes when the things we view as our “rights” are no longer regarded as so. At school, students cannot use the restroom whenever they want. If a student forgets something at home that they need for the day, he or she cannot simply take out a cell phone and call a parent to bring it up for them. Instead, students require special permission to make a seemingly simple phone call. As teenagers, we are hard-

wired to question the rules. The thing most teens forget is that all rules have a purpose—even if that purpose is long worn out. Every rule at Pattonville High School was put in place because some student, in the past, did something that required a policy to be added to the handbook. Although the rule may not apply to every student, it only takes one to ruin it for everyone else. Consider the new “Walk and Talk” policy. Because several students decided to spend their six minutes of passing time clogging up the hallways, screaming at each other and disturbing other students, high school students have been transported back to the third grade. Reminding students to “Walk and Talk” and “Stay to the Right”

seems childish to most students and even many teachers. But because a few students decided to act immaturely and take advantage of the “freedom” we get for six minutes six times a day, every student is treated like they are in elementary school. Students do not understand that it is their responsibility to respect the privileges they are granted. Rules are made because students cannot act appropriately at school. If students could learn to walk in the hallways without shouting at each other or stopping in the middle of the hall to chat with a student, perhaps they would be treated with more respect and dignity. As the saying goes, “Respect is not given, it is earned.” This holds

at school, but we build a wall when we go to school. For those of us who have witnessed Mikala McGhee’s MADE experience, we know that MTV’s reality shows aren’t so real. Challenge Day is a surprise to 100 selected students from the chosen school. My question is, if it is a surprise, how is MTV filming the students who “Don’t know what is going on?” According to Challenge Day’s official Web site, students are selected by adult participants and that counselors ensure that students receive follow-up on Challenge Day. On the show, students are filmed talking about how they have no idea what is going on, but Challenge Day doesn’t make much sense since students are

“

Rules are made because students cannot act appropriately at school.

true in high school as well as in real life. The reason students are not trusted to use the restroom on their own whenever they need to is because some students took advantage of this right. It is a shame that every student must suffer because of a small group of immature students. Today’s students should be mindful of how their actions will affect tomorrow’s rules. Acting like adults, even for those who have not reached the stage quite yet, can be the difference between gaining privileges and returning to lines in the hallways and noise-indicating traffic lights in the cafeteria. v

filmed stereotyping themselves the day of Challenge Day. I think the show is foolish to begin with because MTV has ruined the goal of Challenge Day. I do not doubt the feelings that people have, and I believe the emotions are real, but the reactions people are giving may be false. I am saying this because MTV asked McGhee to show more emotions when she was being MADE. Why does our nation need this fake television show to open up our eyes? If everyone could just stop being judgmental, then we would not have to be hypnotized by the mass media. So if you really knew me, you’d realize that no one really does know me and no one really knows you either. v

PIRATE PRESS PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2497 CREVE COEUR MILL ROAD MARYLAND HEIGHTS , MO 63043

Staff Writers Editor-inChris Babb Chief Zach Bailey Elise Moser Armand Hayes Managing Hannah Johnson Editor Lexi Kendall Jessica Brunts Jacqueline Neil Copy Editor Courtney McNeese Geri Farrell Andrew Tyahla Design Editor Ben Trochtenberg Jacob Sharp Jeremiah Williams Adviser Brian Heyman The Pirate Press is the open forum newspaper of the Pattonville High School. The opinions published are of the publication and are open to criticism. As the members of the 2010-2011 staff, we dedicate ourselves to the accurate and objective dissemination of information to all readers. We will protect and exercise our First Amendment rights. The viewpoints of all staff members are to be regarded as being seperate from those of our administration, faculty, peers and adviser.

OCTOBER 2010 l PIRATE PRESS l

Monday, September 27

From left, staff members Mike Mooney, Jason Boehm, Melissa Sparkman and Doug Newton demonstrate the baby food eating contest at the first Homecoming assembly. Photo by Courtney McNeese

Friday, October 1

From left, juniors Jake Reinagel, Kristen Hanna, Mikala McGhee, and Kacie Hulse pull against the freshman class during tug-o-war at the Homecoming spirit assembly. Photo by Jacob Sharp

Homecoming 2010

Saturday, October 2 Saturday, October 2

Drum major Katie Wilhelm, 12, leads the marching band next to Luke Morin, 11, during the Homecoming parade. Photo by Courtney McNeese

From left, Becca Keathley, 11, Kristina Noles, 12, Tori Surratt, 11, Jessica VanNoy, 12, and Carley McClain, 11, pose as Disney princesses for the volleyball float at the Homecoming parade. Photo by Courtney McNeese

Saturday, October 2

Running back Dion Scott, 12, is surrounded by Ritenour defenders during the Homecoming football game. Pattonville won 21-16. Photo by Jacob Sharp

Saturday, October 2

Homecoming Queen Sarah Giancola poses for pictures with her date and the rest of the court at the Homecoming dance. Photo by Jeremiah Williams

Saturday, October 2

From left, Sarah Giancola, 12, Kelsey Koenig, 11, Genevieve Schmoeker, 12, and Elizabeth Voris, 12, perform during halftime at the Homecoming football game. Photo by Jacob Sharp