October 31 Magazine Print Issue

Ec ho Rolla High School - 900 Bulldog Run Rolla, Missouri 65401- Volume 70 October 25, 2018

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Ryan Dillon and Justin Brown compete for a spot in the Missouri State Senate Fall sports ends successful seasons

A look at the budget for arts and sports in Rolla Public Schools

In this issue...

Missouri State Senaate candidates................................4 Fall sports recap.............................................................8 Importance of mental health.........................................14 Inside look at the Islamic community in Rolla.............16 Women in sports............................................................18

Letter from the Editor Fall is a favorite season of probably half the population, but for seniors, it could possibly be the worst time of year. Most likely not because of the weather or the changing leaves, but the college applications. I could never imagine applying to more than three colleges. I can only write so many mediocre essays! I have no concept of how taxes work but I’m expected to fill out my FAFSA? Pick a major? I can’t even do the dishes without accidentally smashing a plate.

When I was younger, moving out and being independent seemed like a dream, and apparently still seems great to some seniors.

Unfortunately, I am not like that. If I could pack up my family and move them to Columbia with me, I definitely would. The thought of living in a small space with a stranger seems like I’ll be having a mental breakdown daily.

But, there are some good things about this process, I guess. I’m learning more about how the adult world works and maybe I’ll pick up some tips on what taxes are along the way. Moving out will force me to hang out with people that aren’t my parents and actually do my homework because I have no one to watch Law and Order with.

While I’m not exactly excited about applications and scholarship essays and moving out, I am ready to be done with high school.

The senioritis hasn’t set in yet, but we’ll see how I feel next semester.

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Contact RHS ECHO Magazine Mary Gillis, Adviser mgillis@rolla.k12.mo.us (573)-458-0101 ext. 14302 Room 302

2018 -2019 Rolla High ECHO Magazine Staff Adviser: Mary Gillis

Editor In Chief: Maia Bond Managing Editor: Kayla Copeland Copy Editor: Jace Swearingen Arts and Entertainment: Nalani Massaro Webmaster: Blaize Klossner Photography: Bailey Allison News: Taylor Miller Opinion: Courtney Kelley Sports: Brandon Kirchner Feature: Lorren Black Staff Writers: Cameron Cummins, Julia Leventis, Lauren Ulrich, Rosalia Bolyard, Genevieve Huber, Emma Starns, Kate Brand ECHO is an open forum for student expression. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Anonymous letters will not be published.

ECHO reserves the right to reject any letters. Letters should be sent to ECHO, Rolla High School, 900 Bulldog Run, Rolla, MO 65401.

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Table of Contents

ECHO is a member of Missouri Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Quill & Scroll Honor Society

Are Mental Health Days Necessary for Student Success?

Stress can be caused by anything and everything, from everyday things like family life and schoolwork, to unexpected things like sickness and emergencies. Whether a person has control of a situation or not, stress can pop up everywhere, and cause innumerable health issues. Physically, these include faster heartbeat, nausea, aches, acid reflux, increased risk of having ulcers and developing type two diabetes, a weakened immune system and many more. Psychologically, people with more stressful lives have an increase of irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, according to Healthline. Simply for the fact that all these health issues are terrifying, and if not for the fact that it is difficult to cope with, students often take a day off school and call the time off a mental health day.

These days have become a popular topic on feel-good blogs, and are often cited by students when talking with friends as to why they missed school recently. Mental health days are taking days off of school, work, or any other obligation when a workload or life situation has become too stressful. When looked at from a self-care perspective, mental health days seem like an easy and obvious answer; cheaper than therapists and the ability to lounge and fully take advantage of being on one’s own. But for the most part, they do not fix underlying stressors, and they are technically not something students should be considering doing. This is because they can cause problems with a student’s attendance, something school nurse Sandy Van Aken points out.

“We only allow eight days’ absence in one semester, otherwise you lose your credits. Although you do have the opportunity to appeal it, it needs to be for really good reasons. We don’t have mental health days, versus sick days, versus family days, versus personal days. It’s all eight days, no matter what the reason is. So I think in high school we are more than generous by giving students eight days each semester to use however they see fit,” Van Aken said.

Her perspective on this part of mental health days is not often considered, and not just as a staff member. But one thing students do not consider is why high school is important beyond education.

“High school is preparation for the real world. We do allow some leniency in the fact that you might need to take a day off here or there because things are really stressful, but infrequently. Because in the real world, if you were to decide, ‘I need to stay home, because I am just too stressed out, I don’t want to go to work today,’ that might work once or twice. But you do that too many times -or even sometimes if you do it at all- your employer would look poorly upon that. If you are in a job, and you miss more than eight days in three and a half months, most likely you will lose your job, because that’s not being responsible,” Van Aken said.

Part of the problem of being lenient

when it comes to mental health days, and part of the reason faculty and employers look down on them, is because of how often they can be abused. Needing to destress is not as easy to prove as a doctor appointment, so by agreeing to someone taking a day off can be risky, as there is always the chance that they are lying and will do so in the future as well after getting away with it the first time.

“I also understand that people get stressed and they sometimes need to take a day off, everybody does that. But to use it as an excuse, ‘I just don’t want to go to school today, I need a mental health day,’ absolutely not. I think people take advantage of their eight days. Because I have heard of students that will go on a family vacation, which is in the handbook, totally not allowed. But they still go on a family vacation. I’ve had people say, ‘Well, I really got sick this time, so I should be allowed to be gone from school, even though I’ve used up my eight days,’ I do think it is abused,” Van Aken said.

Things do come up, health and family wise, and it is understandable to miss more school than is allowed, and it is possible for a student to keep their credits when this happens. That is what those eight days are for. But taking up some of those days for unproven stress-related reasons would be looked down upon when a student tries to appeal their credits.

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Reserving most, if not all, of the eight days may be necessary for many students, but that also means no mental health days.

“I highly recommend that they use their eight days if they really are sick, or they really do have a family emergency, or they have car troubles, or they have this or that.

Those are all things that come up, but to use them as mental health days, and then to have a family emergency on top of that, and then to have the flu on top of that; it’s a lot to expect the school to be just willingly giving back all those days,” Van Aken said.

Between the many obligations students have, finding and testing other methods to de-stress can cost time and money that they do not have. Taking a day off at least allows for time to catch up on sleep and homework. Piling on so much may not always be necessary.

“I think a lot of students overextend themselves in the respect that they work way too many hours. Why do people work way too many hours? Because they’re making car payments, and they’re making insurance payments, and they’re doing things like that. I think that people have to be reasonable in the respect that you guys are still in high school and you’re not adults. Look at yourself and say, ‘I’m in high school, I need to be livin’ the high school life.’ And not overextending yourself with a job that you have to have,” Van Aken said.

Regardless of opinion and advice, it is likely that many students will still take the occasional mental health day. While it certainly is not illegal, and can often even be beneficial, students need to be aware of possible consequences, such as missing too many days, and other options, like cutting down on stress. Overall, students need to be smart in making these decisions.

“It’s hard to say what the right amount of mental health days are for each person, because each person’s situation differs. If you’re in a situation where you have a lot of family stressors, you might need to be gone a few more days to recoup and get back together. But they shouldn’t be used as an excuse to get out of school,” Van Aken said.

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Rolla graduates fight for seat in the Missouri State Senate

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With the midterm election less than a week away, two Rolla graduates are nearing the end of their campaign for a seat in the state senate. The large push to get young people registered to vote, in part fueled by the Parkland, Florida students, has people questioning candidate’s views on topics that pertain especially to the under 30 voters.

Democratic nominee Ryan Dillon wants to boost the middle class in Missouri through creating well paying jobs within this community.

“When you leave high school, one of the first things you’ll do is look for a job. Our minimum wage in Missouri is below poverty.

There is no way that anyone can survive off of $16,000 a year. It is just not possible. We have to make sure that the folks that are willing to work are able to get ahead and aren’t trying to constantly make ends meet or clock out of one job and go to the next,” Dillon said.

However, Republican nominee Justin Brown believes that if one starts out at a minimum wage job as a kid, they can work their way up fairly easily. According to Brown, raising minimum wage to 12 or 15 dollars an hour would be detrimental to small businesses like his. He agrees that it is not easy to work more than one job, but he has done it.

–– “I’ve had to work two jobs my whole life. When I worked in the bank I also farmed full time too. Now I farm full time and have a full time trucking business. It’s not easy. My wife and I got married young and we have had to work our entire lives, but it pays off in the end,” Brown said.

Dillon also has experience in small business, growing up and working in his family’s dry cleaning business. With the new corporate additions to Rolla, both parties pull from their personal knowledge with small businesses.

“I understand the importance of small businesses to our communities. It’s a number one priority to attract small businesses that employ our people and provide a service needed in this community.

Is the economic development good? Absolutely.

But we have to find that balance between welcoming bigger corporations but also ensuring that our small businesses thrive,” Dillon said.

Brown agrees that the new business attract people that would otherwise travel to St. Louis or Springfield, but wants to make sure it is not hurting long time local businesses.

Both candidates believe that education is of the utmost importance, though differing slightly on some policies. Dillon strongly advocates for investing more into public education, despite the state’s recent history.

“For the last couple of years here in Missouri, we have cut public education funding to the tune of almost nine percent per pupil. What we have to do is go in the opposite direction. We have to invest more in public education and programs that expose young people to opportunities in terms of trade and technical schools, nursing schools, and military, and law enforcement. Public education is key, we must invest in it,” Dillon said.

Brown, who was a second generation college student, believes that the one sure way out of poverty is through education. Opposing Dillon’s ideas of investing more, he thinks Missouri is already investing above average.

“Right now in the state of Missouri, the state senate has fully funded the formula above the constitutional level for two years now. The formula has to be 25 percent of the general revenue, right now it is funded at 32 percent. The conversation often veers off to say that we are not funding the formula enough for education, but what it needs to be is focusing on what our students really need right now,” Brown said.

Something Brown sees that students need currently is high speed internet throughout the state, even in rural areas.

“We don’t see it so much here in Phelps county or any of the counties in this district, but there is a problem in extreme rural counties in Missouri where they don’t have high speed internet.

There is going to be a bill to push through for high speed internet no matter where you live in Missouri. Think about a kid that doesn’t have high speed internet. They can’t look up things when they get home, or do online classes,” Brown said.

Both candidates have vast experience in education, as Brown’s wife is an administrator at Rolla Public Schools, and Dillon is a substitute teacher and recent graduate school graduate. Because of this, Dillon is well aware of the strain student loans put on people, as he has his own.

“It is a burden that so many people are faced with. Sometimes, one they can’t figure out how to get out of. Here they are pursuing education, pursuing knowledge and expanding their opportunities, yet they leave that educational program heavily in debt. It is a burden over their head that we need to address,” Dillon said.

Brown is also adamantly against a bill proposing lifting the cap on tuition in Missouri.

“I am a firm, true believer in the university system. I think it is very important that we support higher education. Public universities and schools are there to make education affordable for the masses. We have to continue to protect that, I don’t care what political affiliation you have. I am a firm believer that you can’t have enough education,” Brown said.

Though they believe in education, Dillon feels that some changes could be made to benefit both teachers and students regarding standardized tests.

“We place too much emphasis on these tests. Far too often the hands of our educators are tied because they are teaching to a certain curriculum based on the standards given by the state or federal government,” Dillon said.

He says that the curriculum is too much for the short amount of time given to implement it. Therefore, students learn to a test, then lose that information after.

“We base results and funding on those test scores. That does not reflect on the teacher’s abilities, it reflects the burden placed on the teachers by the state and federal government,” Dillon said.

Education also plays a role in solving the opioid epidemic in Missouri. Both parties agree that more education is part of the answer.

“We have to have educational programs in schools. Young people need to know the reality of the heroin and opioid epidemic and how to address it if it comes their direction. As someone who works in the schools, I see first hand the peer pressures and struggles that everyone faces. Students need to have access to resources to push back on that,” Dillon said As well as student education programs, he supports counselors also having the resources to provide support and help to students.

Brown also advocates for educating parents about signs and early intervention.

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Many high school students will cast their vote for the first time this week.

Did you know you can view a sample ballot at the county clerk website?

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Along with the education, Dillon’s plan of action includes meeting with different communities to create solutions that fit the needs of that specific area. He also supports strong drug monitoring programs for Missouri.

“We were the last state in the nation to develop one. The one we have now was not produced in legislature, it is not backed up with funding or resources, so we have to make sure that we have a strong program in place so that doctors and pharmacists know who is being prescribed what,” Dillon said.

Brown cites a neighboring county’s program as another helpful addition.

“Crawford county has a good program right now. It isn’t a work release program, but repeat drug offenders can sign up for a program when they are incarcerated, where they can learn a skill or trade upon the completion of their time in jail. There is a big percentage of those people that do get out and get a job and keep themselves busy and stay off drugs. It does help,” Brown said.

Dillon offers another option to aid people in staying out of drugs, by making rehabilitation services more affordable and accessible.

To him, that means using the small window of time while they are incarcerated to help them.

“It is more than likely that they want help, but they can’t afford it or they don’t have access to it. These facilities have to be available in our communities,” Dillon said.

In terms of dealers as opposed to users, some states have implemented laws that say if a drug dealer sells a drug that results in someone’s death, they can be charged with first or second degree murder. It makes it harder to them to make deals with prosecutors and is something that Brown would like to sponsor in his first session.

With all of these programs, both candidates feel that supporting law enforcement is a key aspect of fighting the opioid epidemic.

“We have to make sure that law enforcement has the resources to do their job. We have to make sure that they are able to address a situation properly and do it effectively,” Dillon said.

He mentions a spike in the price of Narcan, a drug used to treat narcotic overdoses in emergency situations, by 300 percent in the last two years.

“Pharmaceutical companies are making money off of our neighbors, family members, and friends overdosing,” Dillon said.

Brown also expresses concern with the resources available to Missouri’s law enforcement.

“Our South Central Regional Drug Task Force has about nine officers covering 11 counties. That is totally unacceptable. They need more resources, more officers. They have a good plan, they know the information, they just don’t have the manpower and the money to do it,” Brown said.

He considers border security to tie hand and hand with this, believing that Missouri needs state legislature that supports securing the borders.

“We have to target the good and the bad and we can do that in Missouri by targeting the sources with the resources that law enforcement already have,” Brown said.

He clarifies that he is not criticising immigration. He understand the plythe of some people in other countries as he has a niece and nephew adopted from Guatemala.

With each candidate having a plan for attacking the drug crisis and helping those dependent on substances, the topic of discussion moves to healthcare.

Dillon answers quickly that he believes healthcare is a right, not a privilege. He agrees that the Affordable Care Act was flawed, but a move in the right direction. Dillon recalls his own insurance struggles.

“As someone who has lived with this preexisting condition, epilepsy, since I was 14, I was on the exchange a couple years ago. My insurance almost doubled

the next year, but nothing changed. I was taking the same medication and dosage, but my price doubled in the matter of a year, just because it could. That is not right. There are huge pharmaceutical and healthcare companies that are making record profits off of basic services to our friends and neighbors. Those costs don’t reflect a change in health needs of that individual, but the greed of that corporation,” Dillon said.

He feels the first steps are to fix the Affordable Care Act, then expand Medicaid.

“That is money we are paying to the system, but our legislature has said they don’t want the funds or reimbursements to come back to Missouri. That money is going elsewhere around the country and we said no thanks because it was a democratic president who implemented the Affordable Care Act,” Dillon said.

Brown disagrees that Missouri should expand Medicaid, and believes that it is heavily abused. However, he does not see any big cuts coming to it anytime soon because that would hurt those who really do need it.

“Medicaid is 40 percent of our general revenue. That added to the 32 percent going to education equals 72 percent that we are funding right now just on education and Medicaid. That doesn’t leave enough revenue to go around to roads, public infrastructure, and everything else the government runs. We are not going to cut it, but it needs to be looked at,” Brown said.

He assures he does not mean he wants to kick people off of Medicaid and into the streets, but wants to ask how he can help.

“If it’s an education problem, we can help them get a trade or skill that gets them off of that system. Reward people by getting them off the system instead of keeping them on it and it becoming a generational thing like it has. That is a problem across the entire country,” Brown said.

Dillon adds an example of an OB/GYN Medicaid provider in Phelps county that recently backed out at the hospital, resulting in some pregnant women driving to Sullivan to see an OB/GYN. “The fact that we are cutting these services is immoral,” Dillon said.

With both candidates having clear paths, coinciding at some

points, they offer clarity to skeptics. Brown has faced some voters questioning whether he will simply be a copy of his father and former Missouri state senator, Dan Brown.

He assures that his father and him differ on many topics, including Right to Work and labor laws in Missouri. His father has not helped him or given any advice, and promises he is not carrying out a legacy.

“My dad is a small businessman too, he is done with politics. I look at this as an eight year stint. I am not going to be the next governor of Missouri. I don’t have any ambition right now to go above what I want to do. I am wanting to do this for the younger generations. I’ve had to work my whole life. My dad didn’t have running water in his house until he went to college in 1969 at Mizzou. I was well aware of that my entire life and my parents instilled a work ethic in us that we have to work to make ourselves better for the next generation. That is why I am doing this,” Brown said.

Dillon also promises his capability of senator, and continues to ask for forgiveness regarding controversy within his campaign.

His DUI in May of 2018 was a difficult process for him to deal with personally.

“My grandfather was a state trooper for over 30 years, I knew better. I made a mistake, I am human. I have vowed not to make that mistake again, and I ask for a second chance. President Bush had a DUI and he became president of the United States. The folks of this country gave him a second chance so I ask the folks of this district to do the same for me. I am using this as a learning experience. I don’t judge someone based on the mistake they make, I judge them based on how they react to that mistake,” Dillon said.

Whether they agree or disagree, both candidates are excited to see the younger voter turnout, and urge others to register when they can.

“The most important thing is exercising your right to vote. Don’t ever forget that because you can’t complain about how the government operates if you don’t vote. It is just one thing that separates our country from a lot of others, having the freedom to vote,” Brown said.

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Athletes and Coaches Recap the Fall Sport Season b y

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Top left: Football team running onto field Top mid right: Junior Lauren Moersch throwing a pitch Top right: Junior Emma Puetz running in a meet 2nd from top right: Senior Audrey Collier during a tournament 3rd from top right: Senior Olivia Brurken during a tennis tournament Bottom Right: Senior Carson Arnold passing the ball during a game Bottom: Senior Shelby Ply hitting the ball during volleyball game Pictures courtesy of featured athletes & Tim Leible

The Rolla athletics program has had quite some success so far this the school year. The fall sport regualr season is coming to a close, the Rolla teams as a whole have competed well in conference and district competitions. The football team is near the top of both conference and districts brackets, and both the girls tennis and girl’s golf team are playing quite well. Rolla should be excited about how their teams finish off the fall season.

While high school sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and baseball get quite a lot of love from their fan base, some of the smaller teams, do not see as many seated fans. However, that does not stop them from being successful, as the girls golf team has been flying under the radar with much success. Head coach of the girls golf team, Zack Nixon, does not care much as for how much attention his girl’s team gets.

“We don’t play for recognition, so it doesn’t really matter to us.

We play because we love the game and to better ourselves. The past few seasons have been great, but this season is by far and away the best girls season I have ever had. We have a fantastic squad of 10 girls that are there to help and support one another while being committed to overcoming the weaknesses in their game, whether it be physical or mental. I always ask the girls to do their best, and their best is what I have received all season consistently. I’m proud of who they are, how they represent Rolla, and what they have accomplished,” Nixon said.

However, being a successful sports team is not just going to practice everyday and working hard. There is much more to it that begins at a young age. Head coach of the volleyball team Stephanie Pritchett is building the program around much more than just volleyball.

“Well first, we are hoping for the district championship and beyond this year. It’s not out of our reach. I think doing things at the younger levels like Optimist is good and I’m looking into another idea some of my very successful coaching friends have done at even younger ages. To compete at the 4A level kids do need to do more than fall volleyball. Getting some club experience with good coaching is important, and working on skills at open gyms and in other non school ball events. We have worked on our weight training program and I’m excited to use our new program. Strength and conditioning are key,” Pritchett said.

One of the fall teams that have been in a downward slope the past few seasons is the Softball team. However they are turning things around with new leadership and coaching being implemented. New head coach of the softball team, Jessika Zink, is

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Senior Spotlight

excited about the turn around this season.

“I’m proud of the hard work and dedication the softball ladies have shown this season, bringing the intensity each and every practice and game has allowed us to improve every day. We will continue to strive for excellence by playing as a team, giving 110 percent and polishing our game,” Zink said.

How a team handles adversity is a key factor into how a season plays out. One team that knows much about adversity is this season’s girls tennis team. However, senior tennis athlete Olivia Burken is excited heading into district competitions.

“I feel like the season went extremely well, and we found a lot of success despite being so incredibly young and having lost half of our varsity. Team districts are definitely going to be tougher this year once we get past the first round. Individual districts should be very exciting however. We have two really competitive doubles team and two singles team. I know Rylee Kriete and I are looking to advance past districts in doubles,” Burken said.

The football team this season has competed quite well, much of that thanks to star senior running back Trey Quick, who leads the state in rushing yards. While going to practice is a big part of his routine to stay on top of game, he does much more than that.

“I keep myself on top of my game by staying in my routine of lifting weights and eating my meal prep, but also knowing my job and practicing is hard. Me being able to produce high numbers comes with the help of my offensive line also,” Quick said.

Having good senior leadership is important for being a successful team even more so when times are tough. Senior captain on the soccer team, Carson Arnold, knows what he needs to do to lead.

“As a leader it’s important to stay positive. When everyone else is down or bickering it’s crucial for me to stay positive with everyone else even if I want to be negative. If you keep fighting an believing that as a team we can get through it, the problems get fixed,” Arnold said.

The cross country team had a new head coach this season. Losing legendary Coach Knapp to retirement, the team brought in new first year head coach Rhett Cook. Cook was excited for his first season in charge of the program.

“This year has been a great learning experience, and I have adjusted into coaching the team. Overall, with anything, there is always room for improvement. It has been a great opportunity, and I have had a lot of fun with the kids this year. I have great team leaders that make my job easier and allows me to focus more on workouts and training. As I continue to coach, I will keep

installing some traditions I am trying to build and keep with team in the upcoming years,” Cook said.

Being a leader on a team full of lowerclassmen can be a challenging task, but senior Shelby Ply knows how to get the team engaged and excited to play.

“The biggest motivator I have found is just showing the underclassmen how much fun volleyball is when you work hard and finally achieve your goals. When we are in games and one of us gets a huge block or kill, or a perfect dig or set, and we all come together screaming. It shows the girls how awesome it is to work together and have the ability to celebrate all the hard work that’s paid off. We have to work hard in practice so they know what it takes to get to the next level, but they all seems very self motivated and like they know what it’s going to take,” Being a Head Coach involves many different tasks, one of those being evaluating talents and trying to get the best out of them.

Head coach of the girls tennis team, Joe Schicler knows how to get the best out of his athletes.

“I try to make a conscientious effort to value every athlete and to view their tennis abilities and efforts as just one part of their life and of our relationship. Their success at tennis really won’t mean much unless it helps them build successful attitudes and habits.

It is harder for me to watch a player struggle with handling the stress of expectations or perfectionism than it is to watch to them lose or us lose as a team. I would love for every player to overcome such obstacles, and I hope I have pushed them one step closer to doing that,” Schisler said.

Leading a team can be a grueling task especially when the season is almost over. However, junior softball athlete Lauren Moersch knows how to keep a team on task.

“I think that it’s super important to make sure all players feel engaged. When every single one of us steps on that field we are all one whole. We all have the ability to make an impact on the game.

Therefore being one of the older girls I think that setting the roles for the younger girls and making us come together as one is one of the things that I think is the most important being a leader,” Moersch said.

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How Finances Reflect Our Priorities: Arts vs Sports Budget b y

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An unfairly privileged football team and a tragically underfunded art program are common movie depictions of the funding division between high school fine arts and athletic programs. Fortunately, Rolla High School has come a long way in terms of equity--a word we found is commonly used to describe the art and sports budget, and to defend financial decisions. To preface, the Rolla High School arts versus sports budget does not provide grounds for an outrage in favor of either side.

Mark Caballero, activities’ director of Rolla High School, spoke on the topic. “One has to understand all the little bits and pieces that go into [forming the budget].

The funding between the sports are based upon needs and what we can allow to happen, and sometimes that changes and we have to adapt,� Caballero said.

With numerous options, such as the Rolla High School Review, annual drama productions, general athletic programs, and the marching band, the school provides artistic and athletic opportunities for its students.

Art education stimulates creativity, innovation, and provides students the necessary skill sets to qualify them for competition within the future job market. Athletic programs teach responsibility and dedication to a team, as well as providing an understanding of unity, leadership, and cooperation. Both branches of high school opportunity are equally important.

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In determining the opportunities for both the arts and sport programs, bias toward particular activities can be a hindrance in determining justifiable funding for each program.

According to the Rolla Public School’s Annual Report Card, the coaching salaries vary with each sport. Although it may be easy to assume that activities are prioritized by strictly comparing the numbers, many do not understand what is demanded by each program, nor the consequences of underfunding or overpromising.

Both principal Dr. Jim Pritchett, and Caballero mentioned “overpromising,” a term used to account for verbal agreements for a program’s funding that are unable to be met for some reason.

“Take cross country for example. They run, they move. They’re not putting on their helmets, their shoulder pads, or their expensive uniforms. Every program is a little different,” Caballero said.

Pritchett noted a recent improvement in the arts program’s funding.

“For example, the art department wanted to create an art gallery. And we did that through a donor. We

try to find other ways to support programs--whether it’s through fundraising or donations,” Pritchett said.

As far as fairness goes, sports like football and track need more funding due to their particular equipment, uniforms, and amount of students. However, in clubs such as art and drama, more money allows for more opportunity to grow and expand. Simply put, the budget, aside from being a touchy subject, is one that cannot be done justice through the numbers. Charts and graphs can convey lots of information, but they are lacking in the interpretation category. Statistics do not mean as much without a general understanding of what the numbers reflect.

For instance, in the graphic above, it appears that football varsity and junior-varsity coaches make more money. However, upon further inspection and analysis, one would find that there are six coaches being paid more than only one or two coaches.

Pritchett recaps Caballero’s statement on equity.

“Well, we always look to improve in all aspects. The bottom line is that there is only so much money. You have to decide where its allocated, and we try to do that as fairly and evenly as we can,” Pritchett said.

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New Businesses in Rolla McDonald’s

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Dickey’s BBQ

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Walmart

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Rolla may be considered one of those “small” and “off the map” towns, but this city has a lot of new and exciting things to offer.

There have been a lot of new businesses introduced recently. Some of the new businesses in Rolla include Master Donuts, Hobby Lobby, Harbor Freight, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. There have also been new bike paths created around the Lions Club Park area, allowing for more people to spend some time outside. These new businesses create job opportunities for the people of Rolla, and the bike trails allow people to enjoy the outdoors.

With all of these new businesses, it can be overwhelming and hard to decide what you can do in one day. We have created a schedule that allows a visit to all of the activities and restaurants in one day.

9 AM: Start the day with a walk or a bike ride on the new bike trails by Lions Club Park. Enjoy nature without even leaving the town. On your ride, you will pass many fields of wildflowers, varying trees, as well as all sorts of wild animals. You will also see the creek that goes through Rolla and runs along the trails.

10 AM: Next, take your bike to Master Donuts to pick up some breakfast. Choose anywhere from cake to glazed, sprinkled, or iced donuts, at a reasonable price at only $0.75 per donut.

11 AM: Then pick up some spooky or fall decorations for your home. Hobby Lobby not only carries craft supplies, but it also has a variety of home decor.

12 AM: The next stop is Harbor Freight. Luckily, it is located right next door to Hobby Lobby. Here, pick up some tools to help hang up for your new decorations. They have anything that you would need for a home or outdoor project.

1 PM: It’s time for lunch, so head over to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on Kingshighway. They are a family oriented barbecue restaurant that serves fresh pork and chicken, with your choice of sweet, mild, or spicy barbeque sauce.

With so many options, it’s impossible to be bored in Rolla!

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Senior Spotlight

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Excessive Apologies: Why do people say sorry so much?

Society is plagued by the upward inflection. Younger generations have made a habit of ending statements with a stress on the end to make them sound like questions. The upward inflection, also known as “uptalk” or “a high-rise terminal”, is the result of a generation that feels unsure. Statements which there should be no question or doubt about are now presented in a tentative, timid and deferential manner.

One more apparent branch of the influence of uptalk is referred to as Sorry Syndrome. Many people excessively use the word ‘sorry’ to settle situations, gain acceptance, fit in, and make those around them feel more comfortable. To some, saying ‘sorry’ is as natural as saying ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’. And while this habit may seem harmlessly annoying, it can actually mentally abuse the apologizer. Junior Elizabeth Kaelin is no stranger to the habit.

“I noticed [the habit] when people started getting angry at my apologies, and it made me want to apologize more,” Kaelin said.

By saying sorry, it is synonymous to “you’re right, I’m wrong, it’s my fault”. Saying ‘sorry’ frequently can even affect the way someone is treated by others and a worsening mental health, because doing so can make someone be considered submissive and powerless pushover. Dr. Susan Gaddis, a well known self-help author, is a psychologist who has also written on the subject.

“Saying ‘I’m sorry’ too often, especially when we know that we’ve done the right thing, can be dangerous. When others see us taking a submissive role too often, they may think they can take advantage of us,” Gaddis said.

But if apologizing all the time is so toxic, why do people still do

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it? Gaddis explains that saying ‘sorry’ a lot can also be a tool to get people to like you.

“Superfluous apologies represent a powerful and easy-to-use tool for social influence. Even in the absence of liability, individuals can gain trust and friendliness by saying ‘I’m sorry’,” Gaddis said.

But this habit doesn’t develop by itself. Sorry Syndrome both stems from, and boosts symptoms of anxiety and depression, making individuals afflicted tend to simply want acceptance from their peers.

“I’ve always felt like the things I do are a bigger burden for other people than for myself. It’s just been so ingrained that I need to apologize,” Kaelin said.

For many, the urge to say ‘I’m sorry’ for every little thing is involuntary, and often has little to do with actual remorse. Apologizing is an action that carries a lot of significance among humans, and serves an important social function. It can show recognition and value for broken rules and, as the researchers at the University of Florida put it, “minimize the negative repercussions of the incident and repair the actor’s damaged identity.” But when anxiety gets in the way, apologizing can have the opposite effect.

Saying sorry too often can make others believe the apology is less sincere, though it may not be.

“I do it [apologize] so much it makes me think my apologies mean less to people, but I can’t help it. I still never see how people get angry at apologies. The last thing I want to do is burden someone else with my own actions,” Kaelin said.

The importance of Healthy Relationships b y

Relationships can be a refreshing change for some, however they can also be toxic. Honesty, trust, and communication can be necessary in learning how to open up to someone, and are also crucial life skills. As humans, once trust gets broken by someone and honesty is not guaranteed, there may be trouble having a healthy relationship in the future. It could take weeks, months, or even years to build back what there was before. Sometimes it takes patience and lots of love to give someone another chance. Here are some steps to take to help rebuild or stay out of a toxic relationship.

Communication and honesty are key for conversational topics. If there is something both people are disagreeing on, talking about it can only help the situation. “Talk to each other. No matter how well you know and love each other, you cannot read your partner’s mind. We need to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings that may cause hurt, anger, resentment or confusion” BetterHealth.gov said; “Talk about what is happening, how it is affecting you, listen to your partner, and accept responsibility for your own feelings”. Arguments can possibly reach a compromise, and decisions can be made. However, junior Faith Aguilarleon knows that there are certain things that should not be compromised.

“Relationships can be good for your mental health and health in general, but it could also damage your health if it’s toxic. Some red flags like them trying to pull you away from your family would

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probably make me want to get out of the relationship,” Aguilarleon said.

Mental health is extremely important and is definitely impacted by relationships of any kind. “Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but how couples communicate during a conflict goes a long way toward determining whether the problem will be resolved” an article by Dave Ludden Ph.D on Psychology Today mentioned.

Being with someone who boosts self esteem, brings happiness, and carry something to look forward to is great. New and exciting things can come from being with someone. However, there is never any reason to feel pressured to be in a relationship. Friendships too can bring happiness and a sense of stability. Friendships can last longer, and might be the better choice sometimes.

For senior Lyndsi Blakely, establishing boundaries is highly important.

“I think the most important characteristic in a relationship is mutual respect,” Blakely said.

Noticing boundaries and annoyance triggers is very important and can help keep a relationship moving.

“If a lot of people around you are telling you to get out of your relationship for noticable reasons, there’s definitely something going on. If you have to lie to people that’s definitely a red flag” Blakely said.

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Being Muslim in small town Rolla b y

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uslims in the United States are a racially and ethnically diverse group—and a growing one, despite a recent rise in anti-Muslim hostility. They have found a home in communities large and small all across the country, including Rolla, Missouri. Muslims have become a vibrant and increasingly visible thread in the tapestry of perspectives that is Rolla. Although Rolla’s Muslim population is uniquely its own in faith and tradition, Muslims are a part of the community not so different from the rest.

The hub of Islamic activity is found at mosques, or masjids, which are centers for Islamic worship. Because the Islamic religion emphasizes community, mosques are highly influential in uniting their members and play a large role in their communities.

Rolla contains two separate Mosques including the Fadak Islamic Center and the Islamic Center of Rolla. The Islamic Center of Rolla is the larger of the two and is located on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The mosque’s membership is most closely tied to the international community of MS&T, including biology student Dalal Abduljaleel.

“It’s a really peaceful place here. I come here almost every day.

We have five prayers every day, and I have to pray them at specific times, and some of them happen when I have classes. So I just come here, and I pray and read the Quran. I love the community here. So it’s just a great chance to get together,” Abduljaleel said.

Abduljaleel spent her childhood in Iraq, but when conflicts forced her family to leave they applied for immigration into the United States. Abduljaleel then attended middle and high school in St. Louis before coming to MS&T two and a half years ago. Since coming to America, Abduljaleel has become even more attracted to her religion.

“It’s just an interesting idea of why did we come to life? Why are we here? Where do these people that die go? I think there is a purpose and everybody should work on finding what that purpose is,” Abduljaleel said.

These core questions remain at the basis of every religion, including Islam. However, many outsiders remain ignorant as to their answers. Many people find themselves asking, ‘what does it mean to be Muslim?’

Abdu Imqam, a member of the Islamic Center of Rolla, answered this question and explained the foundations of the Islamic faith. Imqam originally moved to Rolla from Libya in order to teach at S&T, and is currently volunteering as one of the leaders of the Mosque.

“The foundation is anyone who believes in one God, they are Muslim. For example, us and Christianity are very very close and Jewish. All three we believe that Allah (God), he’s the one who created the earth, the sky, everything. But here’s the difference, Muslims believe that Jesus is a prophet. We don’t believe that Jesus is God himself or son of god,” Imqam said.

Islam originated after Christianity in the holy city of Mecca, modern day Saudi Arabia, in the approximate year of 570 A.D. It was then that the prophet Mohammed was born who is believed to be the last in line of a series of prophets and was the first to spread the practice of Islam.

“Islam, in English, means peace. You aren’t Muslim if you don’t believe the things for your friend like the things that you love to yourself. Islam is the religion that can show you the very good things that you should follow until you die. Mercy, forgiveness,

respect, all of this comes from Islam,” Imqam said.

The core beliefs and practices of Islam are depicted in the sacred texts of the Quran, which is viewed as the direct word of Allah.

The Quran depicts the “five pillars” of Islam. These pillars include faith in one God, daily prayer, charity, fasting during Ramadan, and a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Rolla High School has a proportionally large Muslim population.

These are everyday students who are involved in school activities and bring a positive presence within the High School. Such students include soccer player Mostafa Elgawady, who just like any other teenager enjoys video games and spending time with friends, or freshman Maram Lemnifi. Lemnifi is a member of the debate club, math club, and robotics, and also attends the Islamic Center of Rolla mosque.

“The Islamic religion, for a lot of people that follow Islam, is a really important part of everyday life… My religion helps guide me through life, and that’s the main thing,” Lemnifi said.

Although many students actively practice a religion, there remains a lack of understanding between certain groups. Students obtain less information in regards to minority religions, such as Islam, which leads to misunderstanding and even hate crimes.

“It’s definitely misunderstood, especially with what’s on the news and media and some people just have a different view than they should. They think of it differently and just base everything on what they see on the news and media,” Lemnifi said.

The issues caused by the misrepresentation of Muslim culture can have far-reaching effects. Negative stigmas, subtle as they may be, affect Muslims at all levels in many different ways. This list includes Rolla’s students.

“Just because I’m wearing [a headscarf] doesn’t mean I’m different than any other kid. I basically act the same and do everything else the same. We are normal people. I wish people just knew that we were regular people and just because I’m wearing this doesn’t mean I’m different,” Lemnifi said.

Dalal Abduljaleel, the MS&T student who attends the Rolla mosque, has found a purpose in breaking negative Islamic stereotypes. The most extreme of such stereotypes is the notion of terrorism being embedded in the Islamic faith. This stereotype has been constructed through misguided messages regarding conflict in the Middle East, specifically of the terrorist group Isis.

“The way I see Islam, or religion in general, is as a perfect thing.

But the human is not a perfect thing,” Abduljaleel said. “We shouldn’t judge the religion that is perfect by the imperfect actions of people.”

Abduljaleel and other interviewees advocated that people not judge Islam by the actions of misrepresentative minorities, such as terror groups. Instead, they insisted that the true face of Islam can be found right here in Rolla.

“I think I was brought here to make some kind of difference in life, a good difference, a positive difference. That gives me a chance to actually show people that there are good Muslims who are really nice. They smile and they laugh all the time and they’re very positive people,” Abduljaleel said.

This mindset represents the general mindset of the entire Islamic community of Rolla. They wish to continue being an inclusive part of the area while sharing their experiences with others.

“We are very open to {talking} to anyone. We are one community. We are part of your community and we are opening our arms and opening our hearts and our doors. So please come here and you are more than welcome, and all the people here are very happy to talk to you,” Imqam said.

“Islam in English means peace.

Mercy, forgiveness, respect, all of this comes from Islam.”

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Women in Sports

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In an article published by BBC, written by Tomasz Frymorgen, women are scientifically proven to be stronger than men. In England, the average woman’s life expectancy is 83.1 years, versus the male average life expectancy being 79.5 years. In case studies doe during the Irish Famine of 1845-1849, the researchers concluded “The hypothesis that the survival advantage of women has fundamental biological underpinnings is supported by the fact that under very harsh conditions females survive better than males even at infant ages when behavioral and social differences may be minimal or favor males.”

When many people think of the field of sports, they usually think of the men, because they are often the record holders. For example, when it comes to track, Usain Bolt is the current world record holder in the one hundred meter dash, with a time of 9.69 seconds. Jan Železný is the current world record holder for the men’s javelin throw, with a distance of 98.48 meters (323.1 feet).

But women also hold equally as impressive records.

Natalya Lisovskaya, a women’s shot put thrower hailing from Russia, has a remarkable world record of 22.63 meters, which is 74.3 feet. Barbora Špotáková, a women’s javelin thrower from the Czech Republic, holds the women’s world record of 72.28 meters (237 feet).

Women play a big role in all levels of the profession, and are represented in all levels, Olympic down to high school level.

With colleges like Fontbonne University and Westminster College offering programs such as women’s wrestling, gives women the chance to be leaders in sports not only in the high school and junior high school levels, but up into collegiate and perhaps even olympic levels as well.

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tling Coach Marty Hauck believes that women can definitely be strong leaders in the world of sports.

“I think women’s role in sports is huge. Especially with the start of girls wrestling, girls have a chance to be leaders in the school.

Not only in the the school, but in the state as well,” Hauck said.

Hauck has a very positive outlook for the future of the wrestling program, and the future continuation of girls wrestling at Rolla High School.

“If we can get some girls on the state medal stand at the end of the year, obviously they can be leading the sport,” Hauck said.

With six colleges in Missouri that offer women’s wrestling, the state is leading the nation in women’s college wrestling.

Hauck also provided some insight to what he thought which the best college in Missouri is the best to wrestle at.

“That’s not a fair question, because there are a lot of colleges that I respect. Obviously we have Mizzou, the division one level. But they don’t have women’s wrestling. But as far as the best school to wrestle at in Missouri, it would have to be them because they are the highest level,” Hauck said.

With all of these examples of exemplary women leaders, a woman’s power is not to be taken lightly. Even Chantae McMillan, Rolla High School graduate and athlete, turned olympic superstar.

Her main focus is in the heptathlon event, landing 29th place in the 2012 olympic games. The olympic athlete also set records for Rolla High School, such as setting an all-state record of 40 feet in the triple jump event.

Women have another biological advantage over men in the realm of sports.

In an article done by Business Insider, they state that Women also have a psychological advantage over men. They are able to deal with high pressure situations better than men, whereas men have a bigger tendency to buckle under the pressures put upon them during a match or game.

How Humans Have Advanced b y

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At the beginning of time, there was a massive explosion,and then there was the universe. Billions upon billions of planets and galaxies were created, and so too was the galaxy made. Solar systems started to form and then came the solar system, which houses nine planets and created Earth as one of those. The planet Earth is estimated to be about four billion years old. In the time that it has existed, life has come to flourish upon its surface. The animals and creatures that call Earth home have gained numerous skills and adapted over the course of time, from generation to generation.

One of these animals upon the Earth is called a human. Humans are one of the smartest animals on the planet, and they have evolved beyond any expectations.

As they have adapted, they have gone from using stone tools, made partially from wooden axes and sharp rocks, to chainsaws that can cut down trees in seconds, from carriages to cars and boats to cruise lines. The way people used to think and act has tremendously changed, due to both technological breakthroughs, and the ingenious creators who have been inspired and influenced by others of their ilk. Technology is a start of to explaining how humans have drastically changed.

To be exact, technology is what humans use to make tools and improve their lives. Following that, there are six different categories of technology. These categories are construction, transportation, energy and power, bio-related, manufacturing, and communication. Each of the six categories have come a long way in development, and each one still has a long way to go regarding what could be done in their fields. For example, transportation has truly changed over the years, from wooden row boats to water pumping cruises. Not only has it broadened people’s horizons as of where they can go, but it has also become beneficial to shortening the time it takes to get somewhere. No longer do humans look at the stars and dream of reaching them one day, because now a telescope can show them what they want to see, and a rocket can theoretically take them there.

Technology is not the only thing that has improved exponentially. Entertainment, too, has taken leaps and bounds from where it once was. Back in the Roman ages, their form of entertainment was found in the arenas, where gladiators would risk their lives for a living. People would pay money to sit down and enjoy the shows.

Present day, people enjoy themselves by playing in and watch-

ing sports. This includes a variety of different physical activities in which one group competes against other parties or compete athletes compete one on one. There are many sports, but some of the main ones that are known around the world are soccer, cricket, and tennis. Not to only mention sports, but the arts have also developed quite well. There are 3 categories of arts, including literature, performing arts, and visual arts. Performing arts and visual arts have specifically skyrocketed, as both have been introduced to numerous different techniques and ideas. For example, as visual art is more about how an artist will use a canvas to create their masterpiece, a new and popular form is all about how to weave sand into different images and designs.

The next way that humans have changed, how we perceive reality. Human’s ideas and creativity have come together in such amazing combinations that people now have the technology to change a person’s reality within the blink of an eye. Technically this is both by technology, and modern day psychology. The perception of a person may change depending on many different factors, such as surroundings, thoughts, and goals. Not only can people alter how people may see something based off of these factors, but they can also alter their opinion on how they see each individual factor. The best part about this is that this can be done in numerous different ways.

The final thing that has changed is the economy. This is the biggest way that the human race has changed, and there are multiple reasons as to why. The first is material. Society has grown from wooden cities to industrial towns. This has benefited, as well as cost, society. Not only has modern day housing been improved, but anyone with a home can now survive harsher weather situations and have a stable home to sleep in. Some of the costs include, but are not limited to, environmental destruction and pollution, competition from companies as of who makes and sells more or better homes, and incapability to afford a home.

While not all of the many ways humans have improved have been covered, it goes without a doubt that the Homo Sapien has truly come a long way from its original position. There are even some aspects that were not talked about that have stayed true to their past self, and will continue with their old ways. Humans are currently the most advanced species on the planet Earth, and because the human brain can always retain more knowledge they will continue to expand. Even now, the human race continues to adapt and expand at an astonishing rate, and could one day extend their knowledge and skills to even further beyond.

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2018 Midterm election sample ballot