September 2016 issue of the Pepper Box

Pepper Box Issue 1 Volume 36 September 2016

The Anxiety Issue Ritenour High School 9100 St. Charles Rock Road St. Louis, MO 63117

Staff Editorial

It’s the end of summer and back to school season came and went, so students are now back to their routine of going back to school and getting reunited with stress.

As expected when returning to school, stress is inevitable, whether it is your first year of high school or your last. You receive a new schedule with classes you signed up for, or random classes the system placed you in. This causes an unsettling amount of worry with due dates, projects and homework, just in the first couple of weeks. It can become a little too overwhelming for a high school student to handle, especially if one is in AP or advanced classes.

It often appears that students with so much stress built up along the way, try to self diagnose anxiety. Nowadays it is very common for someone to say “Oh, I have anxiety” without knowing what it really is like to be medically diagnosed with such a disorder. Anxiety isn’t just the end of it. There are many other types of disorders similar to anxiety; for example panic disorder or social anxiety. Both disorders, according to adaa.org, affect more that 4 million people in the United states population today.

Having a good understanding of such conditions is important to our society. Over the summer, 18-year-old Missouri student Madeline Milzark stood up when people were using the hash tag “diabeetus” on pictures of indulgent desserts. Not only were those people offending her, since she struggled through diabetes related issues, but they were belittling all other sufferers of diabetes with their posts.

It’s easy for people to have quick judgments based on things they’ve heard but lack of actual factual information.

Anxiety isn’t just the fear of presenting a powerpoint in front of the class, but actually feeling nauseous or to the point of fainting with the thought of having to be the center of attention. It is the fear of judgment that causes a fast heartbeat that can make one feel the pulse through one’s temples. It is feeling minuscule while shielding oneself in the corner of the room. Its not as simple as just saying that you have anxiety when you don’t really understand what some people go through on a daily basis.

PEPPER BOX STAFF

Advisor: Ron Steinschriber Production Editor In Chief: Leia Boyd Content Editor In Chief: Sarah Barbeau Design Editor In Chief: Sidney Lee Business Manager: Morgan Diamond News Editor: Alicia Watson Opinion Editor: Royalty Knight Online Editor: Bri’asia Mays Sports Editor: Jenna Hudson Spotlight Editor: Makayla Smith Staff Members: William Qualls, Kourtney Pliner, Martin Trujillo, Vanessa Delgado, Jordan Barber, Ashley Wright, Bailey Stock, Shelby Langhorst, Deidre Dinkins, Victoria Taylor, Tabatha Peebles Editorial Policy: The Pepper Box is designed and created by members of the newspaper staff of Ritenour High School. The purpose of the newspaper is to provide a forum for the students to focus on issues, give opinions, and share information with the Ritenour High School community. The opinions expressed in this paper do not reflect opinions of our faculty or administration.

Letters to the editor are welcome and accepted, but they may not contain profanity, obscenity, or anything inappropriate to school. They may be e-mailed to Ron Steinschriber at steinschriberr@ritenourschools.org or dropped off in room 240. The staff reserves the right to edit these letters.

Buy your yearbook before it is too late.

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Ritenour Welcomes New Principal Dr. Shane Hopper has taken over as the principal at Ritenour administration stretches over a decade, and he spent time as a teacher before his time as an administrator, the classroom was not his first experience out of school.

Before starting his career in education, Hopper spent time in the military.

“My best friend in college came back from boot Dr. Shane Hopper joined Activities Director Jerry Nolen camp, and he got me in in a Prince tribute at the first teacher meeting before touch with a recruiter,” school began. Photo courtesy: Ron Steinschriber Hopper said. “At the time my brother was in the Navy, and my father was Written by: Will Qualls really supportive.”

Staff Writer.

Part of Hopper’s decision to enter the military was based on

Dr. Shane Hopper was his life in his hometown of Joplin, named as the new principal at Mo. He knew that he wanted to the end of last school year, after get out into the world and see former Ritenour principal Gary what was outside his home town.

Spiller announced that he would

“I wanted to make it out be leaving Ritenour for a position of Joplin; I had to do something in University City School District. different,” Hopper said.

Hopper came to the high

Outside of school, Hopper school after spending a year as enjoys spending time with his two the principal at Hoech Middle cats, Doctor Edwin Strangepurr School in the Ritenour School and Scar Sidewinder. He also District. Prior to his time at noted that he has had other jobs Hoech, he was the principal at outside of the field of education, McCluer North High School in and his first job was not the Ferguson-Florissant School glamorous.

District. Hopper and Spiller had

“I was a cook at Kentucky worked together in the past, and Fried Chicken and made $3.35 an Assistant Principal Bilal Ewing hour,” Hopper said. believes there has been a positive

In the field of education, transition. most of Hopper’s work experience

“Every time you add has been at the high school someone new to any community level. This changed when he it changes. No one can replace spent the year as the leader of Mr. Spiller, who had a unique talent for seeing the big picture,” Hoech Middle School. Although he enjoyed his time there, he is Ewing said. “Hopper has an happy to be back at a high school. unbelievable eye for detail.”

“I loved my middle school

Although his time in

experience. I would never trade my middle school experience, and I loved being at Hoech, but it is different,” Hopper said. “With high school, the conversation is more adult, a more mature level.”

Freshman Brenden Stock attended Hoech last year, and thought that Dr. Hopper did a good job at the school. He appreciated Hopper’s school spirit.

“I thought he was a good principal.” Stock said. “He painted the whole cafeteria orange.”

Other administrators have noticed the positive effects that Hopper has had on the school in a short amount of time. Ewing recognized Hopper’s enthusiasm for his new district, and his ability to bring in previous work experience to make Ritenour a better place.

“He took his husky pride very seriously, and aesthetically, he has brought those things up to the high school,” Ewing said.

“He has a lot of experience as a principal at a high performing high school.

Hopper has high hopes for Ritenour, and is excited about all the things that the students and staff can achieve in the coming future.

“Of course I have high hopes, it’s a great district and we have a lot of great people here.”

Hopper said.

News

Senior Performs And Act Of Kindness Senior Morgan Diamond found an unusually large amount of money this summer, and immediately returned it to a grateful citizen do, it’s scary to think about”, Diamond said.

The police department was able to contact the owner of the wallet and returned it to him safely. While Diamond explained that no reward was necessary for a kind gesture, St. John PD is supposed to be giving the couple something and the owner of the wallet rewarded them with one hundred dollars.

Diamond’s character was really what brought about her actions. Many people know Diamond as generous, including some of her friends.

Diamond’s best friend, senior Marissa Vroman, sees Diamond as a sweet and funny person. When Vroman found out about the two returning the wallet she was surprised that something like that would happen to someone she knows.

“I wasn’t surprised they returned the money because Morgan and her boyfriend are both really sweet people, but I never would have thought that kind of experience would happen to them,” Vroman said.

Vroman says that this act exemplifies Morgan’s personality as someone who always tries to see the best in every situation.

“She always makes me laugh, even when I’m in the worst of moods, whether it’s something stupid, randomly thought of, an inside joke, or even a Facebook meme, she just always makes me smile,” Vroman said.

Infographic created on wordle.com

By: Leia Boyd Production Editor in Chief

Students at Ritenour might know senior Morgan Diamond as helpful, kind or a shoulder to lean on, but after an unusual event occurred with her and her boyfriend over the summer, nobody will never be able to call Diamond selfish.

This summer, Diamond and her boyfriend Jackson Lamb were on their way to lunch when they found hundred dollar bills scattered across the street. They followed the bills and eventually figured out why they were flying around the street.

“Jackson saw the wallet and hopped out of the car, and it took me a minute to realize what it was, but when I did I was in shock. There were so many hundreds just laying in the middle of the street along with a wallet,” Diamond said.

Diamond said that she was raised better than to just take the wallet they found. Diamond and Jackson returned the wallet immediately to the St. John Police Department with $2230 that they had found on the street.

“If I lost all that money I would have no idea what I would

News

Ritenour drama teacher Gregory Jones has known Diamond for two years, and has always seen her as a nice person. Like Vroman, Jones was not surprised that Diamond returned the money.

“In all honesty I would’ve been shocked if they hadn’t, because she is just the type of person to do what’s right,” Jones said.

Jones also mentioned that Diamond can relate to the resiliency that the wallet’s owner had to show after he had lost it.

He mentions that Diamond has dealt with adversity and overcome it, which is why her actions were not surprising.

“No matter how far to the ground she is, she is always able to pull herself back up, no matter what it is,” Jones said.

Ritenour substitute Kate Burkard has also known Morgan for about two years and would describe Diamond as helpful, nice and responsible.

Burkard’s daughter and Diamond have been close friends and Burkard says that Diamond has always been a great role model for her daughters to look up to.

“She is a good example of how to behave and treat people,” Burkard said

Diamond has a motto that she lives her life by, and she tries to get everyone she comes into contact with to join with her.

“You can’t expect someone to do for you what you aren’t willing to do for others,” Diamond said.

Election 2016 The Pepper Box will be including information in each of its issues leading up to the Presidential election. Here are some facts about where the candidates stand.

Infographic by: Deidre Dinkins Courtesy of PiktoChart

News

Coming to grips with a new reality A number of violent events over the summer have changed people’s outlook on where they feel safe in the world By: Makayla Smith - Spotlight Editor & Alicia Watson - News Editor

Violence is a factor in today’s society that people have become accustomed to. It has been displayed in a variety of ways, from hate crimes to terrorism; police brutality to brutality on the police.

The outbreak of violence has not only been exhibited in this specific nation, but has been an epidemic across the world. This outbreak of crimes has aroused feelings of anxiety amongst people of all nations.

Recent events have highlighted the upsurge of violence in a drastic way, and have left all people, regardless of what groups they belong to, on high alert.

Orlando Attack On June 12, Omar Mateen took it upon himself to enter the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Fla. and open fire, resulting in what marked the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. 49 individuals were killed that night and 53 were injured.

President Obama described this event as an “act of terror and act of hate.”

News

“It was a safe place for other people, and to have it shot up like that is very disturbing,” senior Rose Houghton said, “it makes you second guess all of the safe spots that you have.”

In the wake of this unfortunate event, people from various parts of the world have united.

Approximately 50,000 people showed their support at a vigil following the incident. OneBlood, a non-profit blood donation center, was flooded with donors after the incident who were eager to give blood in order to assist the wounded.

Worldwide Terror

Another terror attack occurred in Nice, France on July 14, 2016. During Bastille Day, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel deliberately drove a cargo truck into a large crowd killing 86 people and injuring 307. Paris’ prime minister Manuel Valls has described the attacker’s motives as wanting to “harm the very idea of national unity.”

“When I heard about the terrorist attack in Nice, I just couldn’t believe that another attack had happened. It seemed as if the people of France were finally beginning to make strides in healing from the November 13, 2015 attacks in Paris and then this happened,” French teacher Jennifer Tadsen said. “For an

attack to happen the day of France’s national holiday, on a day when people are happy and celebrating with friends, made it even more tragic.”

Similar to the Orlando attack people have come together and shown their support in pursuit of the Nice attack. Organizations such as the French Red Cross and Give For France collected donations to help those that were affected by the incident, a vast amount of blood had been donated to victims as well. Others had taken to social media to spread awareness with the hashtags #PrayForNice and #GiveForFrance.

“These terrorist incidents have definitely caused me to be more aware of my surroundings when traveling or in public places, but they have not made me fearful of traveling. We can’t let those who try to harm others get a mental grip on us and rob us of things we love to do.”

Baton Rouge

A highly publicized incident that took place over the summer happened in Baton Rouge, La. Alton Sterling was 37 years old, married, and the father of four children. He was killed on the night of July 5. Sterling was outside of a convenience store selling CD’s when he was approached by two police officers.

Timeline created on teach-nology.com About five minutes later, Sterling was shot twice after struggling with the police officers.

His death sparked protests both in Baton Rouge, as well as other parts of the country, as protesters brought up the issue of police brutality.

“Obviously police brutality is an issue, and I’ve seen the way people have been reacting by labeling all police officers as extreme,” senior Kenyana Savage said. “But with that being said, I do feel like people aren’t pursuing the necessary actions.”

Targeting police

The death of Sterling caused a number of movements to break out. At a Black Lives Matter Rally in Dallas, Tex. on July 7, a sniper shot and killed five police officers. The shooter, Micah Xavier Johnson, was a war veteran who served several years of his life over in Afghanistan. Johnson stated before his death that he gave several years of his life to a country that doesn’t even care for him.

Ritenour School Resource Officers Will Luu understands that there is some animosity between some groups and the police, but said that events like those that happened in Dallas will not change how they do their jobs.

“If someone was going to ambush us, then it’s going to happen. There is not much

they could have done to prevent that,” Luu said. “We’ve now taken steps, but we learn from experiences. As far as daily, it does not change the way I do my job.”

Senior Madolyn Mitchell has spent time working with local police officers, and strives to become an officer after she graduates from Ritenour. This event made an impact on her over the summer.

“It broke my heart, to know that that happened to them, only for the simple fact that those officers were innocent and unknown, just doing their job,” Mitchell said. “I believe it shouldn’t happen to police officers or anyone in that matter.”

Although Mitchell knows the inherent dangers, she is still interested in pursuing the career.

“It actually makes me want to pursue the career even more to show people that everybody is not like that,” Mitchell said.

Where do we go from here?

As a result of the events of the summer, there have been varying responses about how to create change. Savage believes that there needs to be more training of police officers so that there is more trust within the community.

“The training that police officers go through must become longer and also stronger. We must

also be mindful of who we let wear that badge because they are here to protect us,” Savage said. “It feels sometimes like we can’t call upon the people who volunteered to help us anymore.”

Ritenour School Resource Officer Elliott Miller believes that the events that resonated with citizens over the summer can actually promote change in how police officers interact with the community, and potential new training for officers.

“With all of the controversies, there will be some positive changes in police work moving forward,” Miller said.

There is great diversity among the billions of people that populate the Earth. There are individuals that belong to various groups; be it as a result of their race, sexuality, or many other categories. When different groups are targeted with hate and undergo tragedy, a feeling of uneasiness can be found amid the people that resonate with them.

“I think this is a perfect example of where we are as a nation, there are people out there that are still not getting the help that they need. There are still people that think that violence is the answer. It is very easy to commit these horrible acts,” math teacher Kevin Daniels said, “But at the same time, watching the way that the country comes together after those acts shows how strong we are.”

News

Anxiety - a silent problem The rates of students being diagnosed with anxiety are rising across the nation, and are evident at Ritenour

By: Bri’Asia Mays Online Editor Editors Note - Some students who gave interviews wished to remain anonymous, but believed this to be an important story to tell, so we labeled them as anonymous sources 1-5.

Anxiety happens on more than just one occasion. Anxiety happens every day for some people, whether it be from just waking up and going to school, or thinking of the future and the next step in life.

According to the Anxiety Center website, anxiety has become the number one mental health issue in North America. It is estimated that one third of the North American adult population experiences anxiety related health issues.

“It has made me afraid to do a lot of things that involve being solitary. I have to wait for someone else to get up and turn in their work, even if I finished first.

I am timid to ask people to move or to ask for help. It has made me speak very quietly around those whom I am not familiar,” junior Hannah Cornish said.

Anxiety prevents people from doing the simple things in life that are supposed to help them succeed. It takes away from people’s normal routine.

“Anxiety is like a battle fought with yourself. It keeps me from going out and meeting new people, it keeps me from talking to my teachers if there’s a problem or something I don’t

get. Anxiety has taken away my competitive edge in sports and my comfort around anything new,” sophomore Caroline West said.

In some cases, people can only handle taking it day by day, instead of thinking about their life in the future and what prerequisites are needed.

“Anxiety affects me on a daily basis when I start to think about getting into colleges, not being smart enough, and death,” junior Danielle Davis said.

The physical effects

Anxiety physically affects people in ways that make it hard to focus or continue doing a task that has been presented to them.

“When I have anxiety, I stress out, which causes me to get migraines. I get migraines on a daily basis, so I try not to stress out,” anonymous source 1 said.

Anxiety also has a variety of effects o”? people; it can range from headaches, to sweaty palms, to having trouble breathing.

“My hands get very shaky, my heart starts beating fast, when I get super nervous my teeth start chattering and I get really clumsy,” anonymous source 2 said.

Anxiety triggers

An anxiety attack has to be triggered in order to occur.

When people are overly stressed out about something they often tend to have anxiety attacks.

Talking in front of crowds, getting in trouble, being rejected, taking

tests, or even the idea of making a mistake can trigger an attack.

“Having to talk in front of people who are all staring at me, I feel like I can’t make any mistakes, so it’s hard to talk very much. Also, when I get in trouble I’ll have to plan what I’m going to say and it takes a long time for me to come up with the courage to say it,¨ anonymous source 3 said.

Another thing that could trigger an anxiety attack is being put on the spot or being questioned in front the class.

Students have a difficult time if they haven’t come up with anything to say that won’t make them sound like they are making a mistake.

“My anxiety is triggered mostly in class when a teacher calls on me, or when something I do isn’t right and the teacher has to single me out,” West said.

Severe reaction

When having an anxiety attack, it can last seconds, minutes, or even longer.

Symptoms of an anxiety attack happen when stressful situations arise, even before the actual attack happens.

“School is a big thing for me. I hear students make fun of others for the littlest things.

When I try to look decent for school, my confidence goes down because I am afraid that students will talk about what I’m wearing.

News

Senior Hannah Inman works on multiple projects at a time.

Stress is one of the major causes of anxiety attacks in students at Ritenour, as well as across the nation. Photo by Sidney Lee

When students look at me when I’m wearing some clothes that do make me feel confident, I get stressed out and feel frightened because I don’t want people talking about me. This is also why I don’t wear makeup, I’m scared of what students and staff think about me,” anonymous source 4 said.

According to APA.org, recent studies have shown students in school who have been diagnosed with anxiety have steadily increased. As of 2013, the percentage was at 46 percent.

“My anxiety was most severe when I was in the guidance office and she told me I wasn’t going to graduate on time; I almost cried. I started hearing voices in my head saying you’re a failure, you’re dumb just drop out, and I immediately shut down,” senior Ariel Walton said.

Often times stressful situations arise at home and there’s no professional help to cease an anxiety attack. In these

cases, the attacks can be more severe and have a longer lasting effect. Symptoms and reactions can still happen even after the attack has subsided.

“My family had a verbal fight and I got involved. At night, around 1 am, I couldn’t breathe.

I almost passed out and had to be taken to the ER. The amount of anxiety made me stop eating for several days and I lost almost 10 pounds. I was almost prescribed medicine to calm my nerves. I would get anxiety attacks just thinking or even yelling within my family,” senior Michelle Gaona said.

Overcoming anxiety

Often, when diagnosed with anxiety the doctor prescribes medicine. However, some people do not get medicine to help ease or cease their attacks, which makes them have to find different ways to help them calm down from a stressful situation.

“I separate myself from others. Then I take a long shower and try and sleep my worries away. I usually end up crying myself to sleep because I know that a good cry could make you feel better. Lighter almost. Then I try to distract myself with other people’s problems instead of mine,” anonymous source 5 said.

Thinking of the positive outcomes that can come from stressful situations can help some students get through the attacks better.

“If we’re talking about anxiety from school, I just think of the outcome the hard work will get me. Eventually I’ll get into a good college and get a good job because I never gave up because of my anxiety. If we’re talking about anxiety for life in general, I like to get out and not think about things for awhile. I either go play soccer, hang out with my friends, or watch the sunset and I’ll feel a whole lot better,” senior Breanna Selby said.

Ritenour High Welcomes New Staff Members Alyssa Deuser

Bethany Buescher Past job: Life skills teacher at Neosho Fun Fact: Black belt in Tae Kwon Do

Jeffrey Marker

Past Job: High School Principal Fun Fact: Trains dogs for fun

Shauna Cunningham Past Job: High School Counselor for St. Louis Public Schools.

Fun Fact: Have run a half marathon in 16 of the 50 states

Christine Farr

Past Job: Teacher at Neuwoehner Fun Fact: Loves to write stories

Past Job: Therapist Fun Fact: Started a yoga club

Past Job: Teacher in Waynesville Fun Fact: Lived in Germany for 14 years

Michael Floyd

Demetris Butler Past Job: Clerk typist at St. Louis Community college Fun Fact: Can drive a 16 wheeler truck

Jared Holtmeyer Past Job: Private school teacher Fun Fact: Once stalked by a jaguar

Officer Jeremy Miller

Officer Will Luu

Past Job: Worked at Warren County PD Fun Fact: Plays Roller Hockey

Past Job: Road cop Fun Fact: Two beautiful daughters

Richard Tibbs

Robert Phillips

Past job: Taught science at Sumner High School Fun Fact: I play Magic: The Gathering Past Job: Lawyer for 17 years Fun Fact: Plans to soon raise goats for fun

William Slater

Rachael Tripp Past Job: Chemistry teacher Fun Fact: Just moved from Indiana to be closer to the Cardinals

Matthew Schuler Past Job: Taught Social studies for 5 years and was an Assistant Principal for 6 years Fun Fact: I AM NOT A FUN PERSON!

Past job: Engineer Fun Fact: Golfer

Cabrina Noonan Amanda Steimel Past Job: Worked as police clerk Fun Fact: Was on Missouri State Bowling Team

Past Job: College counselor at Incarnate Ward Academy Fun Fact: Her dog had puppies the day her newborn was brought home

Spotlight

Pokemon Goes for A whirl

Pokemon Go takes over as the most publicized app of the summer

Copy room worker Kimberly Baldwin displays a photo of herself playing Pokemon Go, with writing on her arm that says “Let’s go hunting.” Photo courtesy: Kimberly Baldwin

By Sidney Lee Visual Editor In Chief

Pokemon Go a cultural phenomenon that brought people from all over the world together.

Pokemon Go is an app that is based off of the Pokemon franchise and it can be downloaded on phones. In this game people catch Pokemon in the real world.

The app tells players when there are Pokemon nearby, and it uses the camera on the phones to show exactly where the Pokemon are hiding.

“Pokemon Go has definitely made me more active.

It’s gives me something to do when I’m bored at home. I just go out on some walks and catch Pokemon. It’s very entertaining to me. I also get to find out more about St. Louis in a way,” senior Marcelo Aldave-Garcia said.

News

Pokemon has pokestops and gyms set up around the world. Stores, parks, and malls are the most well-known places to have gyms or pokestops.

“I like to go to Creve Coeur with Marcelo. We enjoy walking around and going on adventures just to go Pokemon hunting. It’s definitely brought us closer as friends, and now we have something else in common,” senior Corrine Bartlett said.

It has not been all fun and games for one Ritenour student who has downloaded Pokemon Go. Junior Kyle Collier has been pulled over twice by police officers recently for playing Pokemon Go late at night after he got off of work.

“I had gotten off work and I wanted to catch some Pokemon, so I went to Tiemeyer Park and I had driven around the park already five to six times,” Collier said. “Out of nowhere I saw these bright LED lights and

I had a feeling it was a cop, so I slowed down and I was pulled over. He already knew that I was playing Pokemon Go and I didn’t know how to respond so I just said sure.”

Aldave-Garcia believes that part of the appeal of Pokemon go is the nostalgia that it brings its players. Students remember playing Pokemon with just the cards and gameboys when they were younger.

“I remember when I was a kid and I had the Pokemon cards.

All I could think was I wish I could throw a pokeball at it and catch a real Pokemon. I wish I could see a Pikachu walking around here, but I couldn’t, and now I get to,” Aldave-Garcia said. “It brings back so many memories from back in the day. I love it.”

Pokemon Go became popular in a short amount of time, and although many young people have talked about how great it is to play and get around the city and get exercise, many businesses have had to make adjustments.

Restaurants and stores have had signs put up saying that in order to catch a Pokemon or use the Pokestops a person has to make a purchase first.

“It’s something that gets everyone up and moving compared to everyone sitting around switching between three apps on their phone like I used to, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. Now I have an option to go outside and be active. And I’ve loved seeing the signs up in the restaurant I went into because I knew there was a pokemon in there,” Bartlett said.

The summer Olympics ended in August. Here are some fast facts that stood out during the 2016 Olympics. Infographic by Sarah Barbeau

Sports

We are gathering information from coaches for these sports capsules. We use the most up-to-date stats before release date. We will ask coaches for their record, most outstanding players so far, key newcomers, and thoughts for the season.

Football The football team makes a defensive stand against Northwest. Photo by: Brendon Klohr

• • • • •

Girls Volleyball

• Coach Hoyt Gregory • Record: 4-0 • Standout players: Rashad Hughes, Carl Garmon • Newcomers: Tiyler Grayson • Thoughts/Goals: The honeymoon is over.

Now we get to the tough part of the schedule

Girls Golf

Coach Ellen Kim Record: 4-1 (as of 9/13/16) Standout Players: Morgan Coffey & Coralis Bobe Newcomers: Makayla Hollyfield Sophomore Kili Garcia follows Thoughts/Goals: to return to our winning ways and have through on a shot last season.

Photo courtesy: RHS Athletics a winning record, win districts, finish middle to top in Conference, Continue to stay positive throughout the • Coach Jack Heeter whole season and support each other.

• Record: 0-4 • Standout players: Kili Garcia and Maddie Senior Taylor Russell keeps Stiebel the ball in • Newcomers: Grecia Ramirez, Maddie & Emma play against Stiebel Clayton.

• Goals/Thoughts: We have a very cohesive Photo by: group of young ladies. They are working hard Jenna Hutson to get better and are always there for each other. This has been a very fun year so far.

Cross Country

• Coach Michael Aitken Ritenour athletes line up • Record: We have had 3 meets thus far and to begin a race. Photo 4 medalists overall courtesy: Michael Aitken • Standout athletes: The men’s team has been led by Jon Teoli, Austin Cornell and Mamadou Diouf while the women’s team has been led by sisters Maddie and Emma Stiebel as well as Zabdy Gonzalez.

• Newcomers: The men’s team has been bolstered by the return of Jon Teoli after not having competed last year. Mamadou Diouf was a talented track athlete and has had some success in his first year of cross country. Freshman Michael Schutzius has been closing the gap on our top guys since the start of practice.

• Goals for the season: My goal for the team this year is to cross the finish line of our final race and have them feel like they accomplished something this season. Whether it be winning medals, achieving personal bests, or other related goals I hope everyone can walk away feeling like they gave it their best shot. Over the next handful of seasons I’d love to see us return to the state meet while also fielding some competitive teams. It will take work but we certainly have the talent around here to get the job done.

Sports

Softball • Coach Tom Anderson • Record: 5-7 • Standout players: Shelby Beile, Izzy Clark, Andrea Wanta • Newcomers: Mia Key • Top statistics: Mia Key is hitting .440 with 3 doubles, a triple and 4 RBIs. Shelby Beile is hitting .429 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run and 10 RBIs.

Senior Camryn Aubertin bunts in a game against Pattonville.

Photo by: Kailee Tabers

Sophomor4e Dakota Wagster heads a ball past a defender.

Photo by: Heather Brown

Girls Tennis • • • •

Boys Soccer • Boys Soccer - Coach Mike Murray • Record: 1-5 • Standout players: Dan Villela, Maurice Lewis, Dan Caballero and Franky Becerill and Abdul Haimed have been working hard and setting the tone for the team.

• Goals/Thoughts: The quality opponents we have played will get us ready for our very tough conference and district schedules. Our team is working hard and still knows there are goals to be reached this year.

Girls Tennis - Coach Beth Seibold Record: 1-3 Key newcomer is Freshman Adriana Martinez Overall thoughts: This is rebuilding year for us with only 2 returning players and many of the new players have never played tennis before. I am confident that will more match experience and practices we can develop into a competitive team.

Senior Edu Gonzales returns a volley in a meet last season. Photo Courtesy: RHS Athletics

Boys Swimming • Boys Swimming - Coach Jennifer Wakefield • Record: 1-2 • Standout players so far: Everyone has been trying really hard and they seem to be a new a dedicated team with a lot of potential.

• Key newcomers: Pierre Brown freshmen breaststroker, Derrick Franklin Sophomore backstroker • Overall thoughts/goals for the season: We have had a lot Junior Logan Causey competes in a meet this season. Photo of personal best times, several in our first three meets. I by: Kailee Tabers am so excited for conference to see what they can do!