CHICKEN SANDWICH WARS
FRESHMAN TRANSITION 440 new Huskies joined the school this year as freshmen.
Which chicken sandwich truly reigns?
SPREAD pg. 4-5
OPINION Page 3
FALL SPORTS CAPSULES SPORTS Page 8
Eight teams have started their new seasons
THE PEPPER BOX RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL
ISSUE 1, VOLUME 97
9100 ST. CHARLES ROCK ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63114
SEPTEMBER 2019
Coordinator of Activities and Athletics forges new path Lee Laskowski replaced longtime Activities Director Jerry Nolen and has redefined the job KIMBERLY TEOLI Pepper Box Staff There were some pretty big shoes to fill with Activities Director Jerry Nolen leaving Ritenour High School after 30 years in the district, but Athletics Director Drew Lohnes has high hopes for the new recruit, Lee Laskowski, who left Clayton High School to fill a newly created role of Coordinator of Activities and Athletics. “Sometimes it is good to get a new person in that can look at what we are doing from a different perspective. That is exactly what Mr. Laskowski is doing. I count on him to look at how we do things and give input on what we can improve on,” Lohnes said. Laskowski originally taught 7th grade math at Langston Middle School and coached for three years at CHS and Fontbonne University. He then moved on to Clayton High School where he was an athletic administrator for 12 years. Prior to becoming a teacher, Laskowski played college baseball at the University of Missouri where he earned first team all conference
honors. Laskowski has known Lohnes for around ten years, which is how he first became connected with the district. After meeting RHS Principal Jeff Marker and other administrators, he decided the job was an opportunity he could not pass up. “The athletes, energy, connection to the students and community, along with the opportunity to work with great like-minded people was what sparked my interest,” Laskowski said. “It was hard to leave Clayton, but I have a brighter future here at the ‘R.’ The amount of support from Lohnes and the district has allowed me an opportunity for growth not easily found. Ritenour has felt like home since day one and that speaks volumes to the people I am surrounded by on a daily basis.” With the change from Nolen to Laskowski also came a change in positions and roles for the Activities and Athletics Directors. Now, instead of having Lohnes as Athletics Director and Laskowski as Activities Director, they are working together and splitting the responsibilities.
Photo by: Ron Steinschriber Lee Laskowski (Left) speaks with Principal Jeff Maker during lunch duty. Laskowski came to Ritenour from Clayton and has started to put his own spin on what needs to get done in the position.
“I have been able to bring over a lot of experience that has helped streamline some processes, and each day things are getting better as I learn from (office professional Rebecca) Rodenberg and Lohnes,” Laskowski said. One thing that Laskowski has been pushing out to the community is the new website, ritenourathletics.org. The format is the same one he used at his old school, so he is very proficient with it.
“Our new website is incredible. It is something that I wanted to improve for years but never could find the time to make those improvements. Mr Laskowski used this format at his previous school and became very proficient in it. This will allow us to communicate to the community about what is going on at the school,” Lohnes said. Laskowski said that the goal is that it will allow the directors to better
communicate with the community about what is going on at the school, and to show St. Louis what Ritenour is all about. “By promoting athletes, coaches, and the community, I hope to show St. Louis what Ritenour has to offer and who we are. This district is on the forefront of so many things and I believe that if we can effectively ‘tell our story’ people will start to notice our accomplishments,” Laskowski said.
Foreign exchange students come and go from RHS Two students have joined Ritenour this year from other countries after one spent the summer abroad DARLEEN GARCIA Pepper Box Staff This year Ritenour is welcoming two foreign exchange students, while another student had the opportunity to study abroad during the summer. The exchange students that have come to Ritenour for the 2019-2020 school year are seniors Luca Beccacece and Carlota Gili. Beccacece comes to Ritenour
from Italy while Gili is from Spain. Both students are getting used to various things throughout the school and their new environment. “I am getting used to the language, the classes, and the schedule,” Gili said. Beccacece also noticed some differences in the type of equipment that is available to students here, which he was not used to at home. “I am getting used to the
Photo courtesy: Catalina Mundin Senior Catalina Mundin (third from left) spent the summer in Argentina doing a study abroad program.
IN THIS ISSUE
people, how we have enough time to get to our classes, and also how Ritenour has a variety of instruments and computers,” Beccacece said. Both students have things that they miss from back home, especially their family, friends, and even food. Learning about the exchange program was the first step that they had to take, although Gili had some help from a family member. “I learned about the exchange program because my sister did the same program three years ago,” Gili said. Beccacece had been considering studying abroad for the last six years. “My parents have always talked about me about doing a program like this ever since I was around 12 years old, so I started looking into it and now I am here,” Beccacece said. Senior Catalina Mundin went in the opposite direction, as she got the opportunity to study abroad in Argentina for eight weeks during the summer. “My mom actually met one of the volunteers in St. Louis through an art festival, and from there they began talking about me; about how I am an
WORD ON THE “R”
WHAT’S TRENDING?
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
A+ student on the Honor Roll and a good student overall. They looked into my credentials and saw that I qualified for the program,” Mundin said. While in Argentina, Mundin got a new sense of how other places are around the world. “The environment was really different, I liked it to where it really humbled me. It showed me that not everything is ten story buildings, tiled, and finished floors,” Mundin said. “I was looking forward to immersing myself into a whole different culture, and I was looking forward to the food. I missed St. Louis food so much. I just missed America in general because everything there was just potatoes and meat.” While Mundin can look back on the experience now and reflect, Beccacece and Gili are still making those comparisons and learning to navigate their new environment. Although they might not be able to go home soon, they are looking forward to many things during and after the study abroad program. Beccacece is looking forward to making new friends, and learning more about the musical culture, and Gili is
already thinking about the future. “Once I am home I am looking forward to keeping in touch with the friends I will be making here,” Gili said.
Photo by: Chloe Pagan Senior Carlota Gili works on her Chromebook in class. Gili came to Ritenour from Spain to spend her senior year in the United States.
FRESHMEN 17 NEW STAFF ECO-ACT CLASS TRANSITION TO MEMBERS COME IS NEW SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL TO RHS ELECTIVE PAGE 4-5
PAGE 6
PAGE 7
NEW GOLF COACH PAGE 8
Opinion
September 2019
Page 2
PEPPER BOX STAFF Visual EIC: Abigail Richardson Content EIC: Caroline Ramos-Herrera Production EIC: Catalina Mundin Spotlight Editor: Amelia Norman Opinion Editor: Chloe Pagan Sports Editor: Alberto Linares-Cervantes News Editor: Daniela Saenz Online Editor: Caroline Wong Business Manager: Quynh Trinh Photography Editor: Mackenzie Davis Special Editions Editor: Andrea Rojo Social Media Manager: Faith Boyd A&E Editor in Training: Jordan Fritzsche A&E Editor in Training: Darleen Garcia Adviser: Ron Steinschriber Staff Members: Kayla Baker, Maxine Bee, Kristyn Bills, Torin Blevans, Kaitlyn Broomfield, Chris Campos, Jersie Cox, Samia Fouche, Tyrell Gilwater, Brianna Graham, Lizbeth Hernandez, Samantha Lewis, Miranda Martin, Elena Martin, Jessica Murillo, Kayley Norman, Kaylyn Riggs, Madison Secrease, Veronica Susovica, Toni Taylor, Kimberly Teoli, Peter Tran, Samantha Wagner 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.
The importance of embracing transitions
Editorial Three weeks ago, one of our staff members sat in their first college classroom as a member of the Early College Academy. Her professor, whose name she admitted she still does not know, said to a classroom full of people aged 16-60, “The only thing that you can truly rely on throughout your entire life is that change will occur. Change is the only thing in life that you can count on.” Being exposed to a new environment is scary, especially with so many factors weighing against you. Looking for relief? Here at Ritenour, there are a lot of opportunities to balance
out that weight. You might not feel so lucky because there will always be mean girls and rude teachers and people that just flat out do not understand you. That is okay! We have a lot of opportunities and resources here to help you get through the daily struggles of entering high school. As a freshman, making friends can be hard. Joining a club that fits your interests is a great way to start. There are many options at Ritenour, from theatre to robotics, or even social justice. You can find out more about these clubs if you just check your email once in a while, or really pay attention to the announcements. Maybe even read your school newspaper! Another huge stress that
The word on the How do you think high school has been compared to middle school so far?
Jaiden Bock~ Freshman
freshmen have to deal with is keeping up in school. Not doing any work once you go home and sleeping in class is not “doing your best.” Chances are that if your grades are dropping it is due to a lack of effort, or you really just are not getting it; and if you are not getting it, there are so many resources out there to help you. Meet with your teacher after class and make a plan to help you out and accommodate you in whatever ways you need. Now that you have friends and good grades, I think it is important to tackle real world struggles that a lot of people are a bit too afraid to talk about. Ritenour School District is a safe haven for students who are living in poverty,
by providing all students with free breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as free chromebooks, a library with a wide selection of coresubject based books, as well as class materials (such as scientific calculators). Some sports teams at Ritenour even provide their teams with free uniforms and shoes for practices and meets. Ritenour also provides for students with programs like dual enrollment for free with free busing/transportation. This means that they not only pay for you to go to community college in high school by paying for your books, your classes, and other course materials, but they are also paying for you to get there. Many Ritenour students will graduate with
“It has been better than middle school by having more freedom. In middle school, I did not get much freedom. Also, Roi Mundin ~ I get my own Freshman Chromebook, which is pretty cool.”
“I feel like I am taking on the responsibility well, and I like the freedom and having the opportunity to be treated like a young adult.”
Amber Glen~ Freshman
Comics
Illustration by Kayla Baker
their associate degree for free. Ritenour also sends students to North Technical High to study classes that are specific to those career paths that are not represented at the high school. While free education is great, Ritenour also provides free quality counseling. Every student at Ritenour is capable of speaking with their counselors one on one, and finding great resources to make their time in high school easier. Take advantage of the time you have. Students are right at the age where they are competent enough to have fun and genuinely experience the good parts of life without all of the adult responsibilities.
“I like how the classes are more spread out and that you have more of a variety of people in all of your classes. I also like being able to see other people from Sophia different grades Reppert ~ all of the time Freshman instead of being split up.”
“I feel like high school is better because I have gotten to meet a lot of new people and I like the shorter classes. I also enjoy passing through the hall and seeing so many different people. I also think that I am doing better academically so far.”
Page 3
Opinion
September 2019
The world’s lungs are on fire CLOpinions
Chloe Pagan Forest fires have always been a major issue in America, mostly pertaining to the West Coast, yet this time we are distraught as we turn our focus to South America’s Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest rainforest. The “World’s Lungs” have been set ablaze for the past few weeks. Environmental minister Ricardo Salles is trying his best to convince the public that the fires are caused by dry weather and
intense heat, yet I am swayed towards CNN meteorologist Hayley Brink’s statement that they are “definitely humaninduced”. Burning land for fertile soil is extremely harmful and in many cases detrimental. It is also a common method used by agricultural farmers, and now is the most convenient time to do so because it has become the dry season. Amazonian agricultural farmers have utilized this method as a protest aimed at Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro, due to his promise at the beginning of his campaign to restore Brazil’s economy. Environmental organizations believe this has caused agricultural farmers, ranchers, and loggers to set fire to the Amazon with the
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” hits the mark The plot line and acting in the movie bring a nostalgic book to life FAITH BOYD Social Media Manager “Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark” is a twisted, original take on a timeless classic. Director André Øvredal took on the responsibility of re-imagining a work of literature adored by many generations, and expectations were high for the finished product. Audiences were concerned about the director’s ability to create a film adaptation that did justice to Alvin Schwartz’s original book. Øvredal’s movie successfully did that and so much more with his modern take on the subject matter. Although it is a film intended to frighten audiences, there is an authenticity to the characters’ experiences and actions that makes you want to root for them. The story follows a group of misfit teenagers named Stella, Chuck, Auggie, and Ramón. Each character has a unique set of circumstances presented in the movie, with the most elaborate and unfortunate being those of Stella and Ramón. Stella is a young girl battling with her mother’s abandonment and shame from the intrusive residents of her small town. Ramón is a young Hispanic man traveling from place to place to evade the military draft
Photo courtesy IMDB
due to a traumatic experience with his veteran brother. Throughout the course of the movie, he is also forced to deal with the many bigoted attacks aimed at him. Establishing the background for these characters was an impressive technique to evoke from the audience a sense of empathy and hope that things work out for them. Ramón ends up in Stella’s town, where he meets her and her friends and they click instantly. The group stumbles across the home of the infamous Sarah Bellows, a bitter spirit who seeks vengeance on the teens after they steal her book of scary stories. This is the point in the film where Schwartz’s original book is smoothly incorporated into the plot line. As the spirit writes in the book before their eyes, one by one, the teens become the main characters of their own grim stories. The tales are taken directly from the “Scary Stories to Tell In The Dark” book and their very real impact on the young protagonists give life to Schwartz’s stories—in a literal and artistic sense. The on-screen depictions of the monsters from the book are also worthy of praise. From the contorted and sickening frame of the Jangly Man as he rushes toward Ramón on all fours to the sinister smile of the Pale Lady as she makes her slow yet unavoidable pursuit toward Chuck, the creatures that terrorize the main characters are perfectly designed. There are additional fears played on in the movie, such as a scene involving a hoard of spiders that is sure to get anybody’s skin crawling, arachnophobe or not. There is something in “Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark” for everyone to enjoy, whether it is the nostalgia of a childhood classic, the depth of the characters, or simply the haunting portrayal of their fears brought to life.
thought of indemnity. The question I ask is why? Why burn the Amazon, which produces approximately 20% of our planet’s oxygen, in an act of defiance? Forest fires in Brazil have escalated 88% since the previous year and the continuance of this burning might cause the rainforest to, instead of trapping carbon dioxide, release it and boost the effect of climate change. Salles recently tweeted that the forest fires were being caused by heat, wind, and dry weather. Although probable, there is little to no evidence proving this statement to be anything more than a coverup. The vast majority of evidence points towards the fires being human-induced. Our planet is in danger
and human action is the cause. Not only are large coal corporations releasing enough carbon gas into the world to melt the ice caps, but everyday people are littering with ease, killing animals for sport, and now burning our earth’s oxygen for fertile land as an act of protest. What is wrong with the earth you were handed? We were given pure land to cherish and all we can do is burn it down? There is no reason for the harm people cause to my planet. As a businessman, Bolsonaro has seen it in Brazil’s best interest to hand out budget cuts amounting $23 million dollars to their environmental enforcement agency, which is ridiculous. You cannot be the beholder
of the largest rainforest in the world and call for budget cuts on its protection. Or maybe you can, when all that matters to you is strictly business. Even after evidence has been shown of an 88% boost in deforestation, and was backed up by the director of INPE, Bolsonaro claimed the evidence was “lies” and proceeded to fire INPE’s (now former) director. The world is dying and burning its “lungs” is not in any way shape or form a proper way to protest. The rainforest has done nothing but provide clean air, yet soon enough, if this pattern continues, it will do nothing but cause harm to humans and their habitat. Help the earth, help the Amazon. The world is dying.
What’s trending? People all over social media are arguing over chicken sandwiches; here is our take ALBERTO LINARES-CERVANTES, CATALINA MUNDIN, CAROLINE RAMOS-HERRERA AND PETER TRAN A simple sandwich with standout flavor is the best way to describe the Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich. The sandwich consists of two dill pickle chips over a boneless breast of chicken seasoned to perfection on top of a buttered bun. Even though the sandwich lacks ingredients compared to the McChicken or Wendy’s chicken sandwich, the taste of the chicken makes up for it with the two pickle chips being crucial to the flavoring of the sandwich. I enjoyed every second when eating the sandwich and would undoubtedly recommend it to anyone who has not tried it.
Photos by: Alberto Linares-Cervantes
CHICK-FIL-A
Pepper Box Ranking: 8.5/10 POPEYES
The new best thing. Even though the Popeyes sandwich only contains mayonnaise and pickles, the chicken itself makes up for it. The chicken is not too tough and not too soft and has very good, intact breading. It was a bit salty for some taste buds, but for those who enjoy a salty, heavily flavored taste, this sandwich really does the job.
Pepper Box Ranking: 6.5/10 MCDONALD’S The McChicken is the original chicken sandwich. The black pepper seasoning, mayonnaise, and shredded lettuce make the perfect deal for your dollar. It is good.
Pepper Box Ranking: 6/10
RAISING CANE’S
Cane’s chicken sandwich consists of three chicken tenders, lettuce, and Cane’s sauce on top to make any chicken lover happy. When I tell you I enjoyed every bite out of that sandwich, you better believe me. Yes, the sandwich may be messy, having three chicken tenders and Cane’s sauce on top of it all, but the quality of the chicken is incredible. I attempted to savor every bite, but could not help myself by eating it quickly.
Pepper Box Ranking: 6/10 WENDY’S Wendys’ chicken sandwich is a chicken breast, lettuce and ranch. It is rough, dry, and pathetic. Wendy’s has a good Twitter account, but when it comes to their chicken sandwich, they fall flat on their face. I had high hopes of it to be decent, but as I unwrapped it and took a look I was disappointed. The only reason why I ate it was that I paid for it myself.
Pepper Box Ranking: 4/10
Opinion
September 2019
Page 4
Transitioning to the high school 440 new Huskies joined the pack with many programs and pieces of advice that can help them succeed MACKENZIE DAVIS & ABIGAIL RICHARDSON Photography Editor & Visual Editor-in-Chief One of the scariest parts of life is transition. Moving into the unknown can be scary for all people. High school is much bigger than elementary and middle school, and there are hundreds and thousands of more students under one building. It can be disorienting ,and to some, terrifying. It is Ritenour’s job to make that transition less intimidating for new freshmen. This year, RHS has come up with many different ways to make freshmen feel welcomed and included. The hope is that freshmen will feel more comfortable with high
school and that we are successful in limiting the stress as much as we can for new students. Included in this section is information about where the new RHS freshman are coming from, the new Freshman Seminar course that just started this year, and the Futures program, along with a photo gallery from Freshman Transition Day and advice from upperclassmen scattered throughout the spread.
The Ritenour cheerleaders welcomed freshmen into the school on Freshman Transition Day. Freshmen picked up their schedules and went through their first three hours of the day to get used to coming to the high school.
“Please stay out of drama. You’re going to look back and cringe at what you wasted your time doing and who you spent your time with” Photo by: Mackenzie Davis
Building the new school population Hoech Middle School
Of the 440 freshman at RHS, 52% of them came from Hoech Middle School, 39% came from Ritenour Middle School, and 9% came from schools outside of the school district. Students who transferred into the school came from other districts in St. Ritenour Middle School Louis, private middle schools and some from schools outside of the state.
Transfers from other districts
228 students
172 students
40 students Photos courtesy: Wikimedia
New class tries to mold freshmen Over the course of the 2018-2019 school year, the administrative team came up with the idea for a class that all freshmen would take in order to prepare them for life in high school, and this year the Freshman Seminar course has made its way into the curriculum. A group of teachers volunteered to teach the course and they are trying to use the same curriculum and share materials with each other. Science teacher Lori Greiner felt compelled to teach this class after working with freshmen in her classroom in previous years. “I am interested in the class because I see the struggle of the freshmen in general to the high school,” Greiner said. “Right now I am focusing on goal setting along with time management skills. I have started to incorporate some of the reading skills needed to improve test scores.” Students are being taught how to navigate the high school and start thinking about their future in school and out. “We learn new things about the high school, I really like it. It’s more like a career based class where we work on teamwork skills,” freshman Ray Reardon said. “I learned that I have time and I do not have to stress about my future as much as I have been. I need to take my time on it, and not rush myself.” Students are also learning how to handle social and emotional situations, which has led to some
Photo by: Catalina Mundin Robert Weissler leads a lesson in his Freshman Seminar class. The lesson during this particular hour was how to make good first impressions. The lessons focus on ways for freshman to become better all-around people, as well as get acclimated to the high school.
“Popularity is not everything.”
“The advice I wish I had gotten as a freshmen was to know how important it was to begin thinking of your post-secondary plans now, and to start planning then.”
interesting discussions in Jennifer Wakefield’s classroom. “I am working on changing the negative mindsets, maybe changing our thinking. By the time people are a certain age they have their mindsets and it is difficult to change them,” Wakefield said. “Students have really opened up, they make me look forward to the class.” Wakefield is excited about how things are going, and she wants to bring her experience in high school into the classroom to help students avoid the same mistakes that she made. “While in high school I did not make the best academic choices, as in not taking classes that would better prepare me for college. I did the minimum requirements,” Wakefield said. “ If I could change that for just one student I would feel accomplished.”
Page 5
News
September 2019
FUTURES program aids new students The FUTURES Team at Ritenour High School is unknown to many throughout the school, but it is another piece of the freshman transition to high school. When looking for ways to help provide extra support for students during high school, four teachers decided to team up and help. English teacher Melissa Monzyk, science teacher Richard Tibbs, math teacher Kevin Daniels and social studies teacher Brett Mueller spent two years building a program to encourage students to believe in themselves to be able to get through their freshman year of high school and beyond. According to the syllabus for the program, the program is an “innovative learning initiative that is using cutting edge research-based
educational approaches to ensure a successful academic future for all students involved. The Ritenour High School’s FUTURES initiative is a freshmanlevel academic team that combines those practices with small class sizes, team approaches, and a total commitment to every student’s success.” This program works just like a middle school team with a math, English, science, and social studies teacher. They are with these students only
during their freshman year, but keep in contact for subsequent years in order to make sure they are progressing like they should. The team is able to work so well because they are able to communicate with each other for one period of the school day. The way these teachers have taken the time to create this program and care for their students makes it much easier to transition into high school. The program is thriving in its third year, and has a team creed for all of its members, both staff members and
students. “Be present, stick together, and never quit.”
“Do not take anything for granted, and turn your work in on time.”
Freshman Transition Day photo gallery On Monday, August 12, Ritenour High School hosted Freshman Transition Day in the auditorium. Incoming freshmen came to school to meet their new teachers, learn about clubs that they might be interested in joining, and then go to their first three classes of the day to
start getting used to the layout of the building and the schedule. During this day they were welcomed into the building by the school cheerleaders as they entered, and then greeted by the staff to help them find where they were going.
Photo by: Mackenzie Davis Freshmen Kameryn Degardin and Leanna Duncan walk into the auditorium during Freshman Transition Day. The freshmen were greeted by the cheerleaders as they entered the building. Photo by: Mackenzie Davis Office professional Missy Raitz and math teacher Ellen Kim hand out schedules to the freshmen at Transition Day.
“Once in a while focus on yourself, and make sure you are happy.” Photo by: Mackenzie Davis Freshmen Casey Martin, Mariah Thomas and Chri’Shawn Carter wait in line for an activity during the Freshman Transition Day.
Photo by: Mackenzie Davis
“Do not ever slack off, and do not expect any help if you do because it is your choice to not do your work and nobody is going to cater to your lack of motivation. If you truly lack the ambition, seek help because nobody is going to come to the rescue but yourself.”
Teachers Dr. Richard Bell and Rachael Tripp speak to freshmen during the Freshman Transition Day.
“Take advantage of the types of opportunities that you can from the school. Many of these opportunities, like leadership, marching band, A+, and many others can change your life.”
Freshman Janiya Conner looks on to see where she needs to go after receiving her schedule. Photo by: Mackenzie Davis
Spotlight
September 2019
Page 6
17 new staff members join Ritenour family
LORI ALANIS ELL
DARRELL BUTLER SOCIAL STUDIES
Fun fact: My family and I have a working farm in Mexico, where we spend all of our breaks and summer vacations. Why did you choose Ritenour? As a proud Ritenour graduate, I felt that working here would give me the awesome opportunity to help serve, support, and give back to students and families in my own community! Where did you work before? I have worked with St. Louis Special School District in Parkway, in the Pattonville School District, and at Port Isabel High School in Port Isabel, Texas.
Fun fact: I coached baseball in the former Soviet Union in 1988. I coached in Kaunas, Lithuania and then the Olympic Village in Moscow, Russia.
HEATHER FADLER MATH
YADIRA GUADAMUZ SPANISH
ESTELLA HUNTER SSD
DANIEL JONES GERMAN
NICHOLAS KREMER MATH
Fun fact: I have traveled to Machu Picchu, Peru. Why did you choose Ritenour? I decided to work for Ritenour due to needing something different. I student taught here and loved it, so I am back. Where did you work before? I taught the last five years at Lindbergh High school.
Fun fact: I love to sing in the bathroom. Why did you choose Ritenour? I love to teach kids and I would like to help my community. Where did you work before? At home.
Fun fact: I am from Mississippi. Why did you choose Ritenour? Ritenour is closer to my home than any other schools. Where did you work before? Hazelwood Central
Fun fact: I am playing trumpet in three orchestras in St. Louis. Why did you choose Ritenour? This was a great opportunity in the district. Ritenour seemed like a great place to teach German. Where did you work before? Dowling High School in Iowa.
Fun fact: I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under three minutes. Why did you choose Ritenour? I love teaching high school math and Ritenour was the right fit for me. Where did you work before? I worked at Clayton High School.
KATHERINE MAGUIRE SSD
AMBER MITCHELL COUNSELOR
COLLEEN MURPHY SSD
LAURA REID MATH
KY SCHLUNDT SSD
Fun fact- I lived in Costa Rica.
Fun fact: I am originally from Las Vegas, Nev. Why did you choose Ritenour? Because I love the diversity and the school culture. I have lived in the district for five years and wanted to do my part in contributing to the community. What better way to serve my community than by working in one of the most diverse and welcoming schools in the state! Where did you work before? Jennings High School
Why did you choose Ritenour? Because I wanted to have the experience of teaching. Where did you work before? This is my first official job.
Why did you choose Ritenour? After a very long teaching career, I still think I can make a difference in the classroom so I wanted to continue teaching. Where did you work before? I came to Ritenour High School after retiring from Triad High School.
JEFFREY DEAN ENGLISH
DINA DELUCA SPANISH
Fun fact: I am a hip hop artist, Fun fact: I like to travel. I study martial arts, and I work at Apple part time. Why you chose Ritenour? Because I heard that Ritenour Why did you choose Ritenour? is a great school. I heard how diverse this school was and I always wanted to Where did you work before? work at a diverse school. I am I worked at Ritenour before, very excited to be a part of the I took a break four years ago Husky family. and I decided to come back. Where did you work before? I worked at Sumner High School before I transitioned to Ritenour.
Fun fact: In a team building Fun fact: I am from Chicago. activity, I was chosen to paddle a cardboard boat across a pool Why did you choose Ritenour? in a race and I won! I heard that it was a great environment to work in. Why did you choose Ritenour? It is a great, diverse school and Where did you work before? I wanted to contribute. I worked at Proviso East in Chicago. Where were you before? Pattonville High School
Fun fact: I’ve been to ten countries.
JENNIFER SLAMA MEDIA
Why did you choose Ritenour? I chose to work at Ritenour because I grew up in this area and currently live close by, so I am very invested in this community. Where did you work before? Wentzville Holt High, Festus High, and the private sector
TYLER ELDER MUSIC Fun fact: I am a country music recording artist that performs throughout the Midwest. I will be releasing my own album under the alias, “Tyler Dale.” Why did you choose Ritenour? I chose Ritenour because I love this community. My entire family lives in the district. I have nephews and a niece that attend Ritenour schools. I am passionate about teaching music and helping all students reach their fullest potential in every aspect of their life. Where did you work before? I was a sub at Ritenour last semester.
Fun fact: My birthday is 6/7/89. Why did you choose Ritenour? I worked at another school for seven years and decided it was time to switch it up. Where did you work before? Pattonville
Fun fact: I’ve lived abroad for eight years. Why did you choose Ritenour? I heard that Ritenour was looking for more people to expand their ELL program.
KATT SIMMS ELL
Where did you work before? Parkway as a teacher’s assistant
JERSIE COX Pepper Box Staff
Page 7
Spotlight
September 2019
The traditional fall play becomes a musical from the land of Oz Instead of a dramatic performance, drama teacher Greg Jones will be directing the musical, “The Wizard of Oz” SAMIA FOUCHE Pepper Box Staff After the success of the Spring musical, “Beauty & the Beast”, drama teacher Gregory Jones has decided that he wants to grab the reins of musical theatre. Instead of a dramatic play that has been traditionally performed in the fall, Jones will be directing the musical,“The Wizard of Oz.” “I was looking for something that had a lot of people and would give everyone, that wanted, an
opportunity to get on the stage,” Jones said. Directing a musical will be a change for Jones, as he usually directs a play for the first semester of school. “Musicals are a different beast. There is, well, singing for one, and then you have choreography. A lot of people have to come together and work as a team to pull it off.” Jones said. Many adaptations for “Oz” have been made, but the musical will follow the 1900 L. Frank Baum novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of
Photo by: Catalina Mundin Juniors Eva Gleckler and Skylar Gayden rehearse with each other as Greg Jones watches on from the front of the room.
Oz,” and the 1939 classic film, which stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. The musical stars junior Kayla Baker as Dorothy Gale, junior Marcalo Townsend as the Tin Man, junior Kayley Norman as the Scarecrow, and sophomore Jade Witte as the Cowardly Lion. “I am most excited to see the different groups of people come together because everyone is so diverse. Everyone is so talented and Photo by: Catalina Mundin just working together with the Juniors Victoria Ortiz and Marcalo Townsend, and senior Fred cast is great,” Witte said. Washington read snippets of scenes from the musical at auditions. For Norman, the choice of this musical has been a long pumped for this show,.” as well as some interaction time coming. The cast also includes from the crowd. “For me personally, I’ve freshman Rylee Berry as “I think you can expect wanted to do The Wizard of Glinda the Good Witch, a pretty lively production. Oz since my freshman year, senior Louise Gutierrez Nothing is completely set so I am most excited to be Chavez as the Wicked Witch in stone, but one thing I do doing this show in the first of the West, and senior know is that there will be a lot place. My mom and I bonded Abigail Richardson as the of crowd participation. All of a lot over this story. It has Wizard of Oz. the cast has a lot of chemistry. been one of my favorites since “You can expect a great We all get along really well I was a child and getting to show! Every musical has been and that always shows on be in a production with such really consistent. I have never stage,” Baker said. a genuine and pleasant group seen other high schools do The musical will be held of people is also incredibly shows like us. It is going to be from Thursday, October 17 to exciting,” Norman said. “It really great, you can expect a Saturday, October 19 in the will be a handful of firsts for lot of fun,” Witte said. Ritenour Auditorium. me, which may sound nerveBaker says that the show wracking, but it only fuels me will involve a lot of fast-paced with more reason to get super movement and choreography,
September Club of the Month - HOSA MIRANDA MARTIN Staff Reporter On Wednesday, September 11, HOSA sponsor Krisstin Swyres took some of her students out into the community to deliver lunches to first responders for Patriots Day. The group went to police and fire stations within the Ritenour School District to honor First Responders for their service. The culinary students, led by Keri Hohl and Nina Ballman, took part in the food prep, and HOSA members, with support from Principal Jeff Marker, brought
the lunches and posters to the firehouses and police stations. “A celebration of our first responders has taken place over the past four to five years with Mrs. Hohl leading the food prep and, Ms. Palmer and Leadership hosting the event. HOSA came on board rather quickly this year since some of those students are interested in a career as a paramedic or EMT,” Swyres said. Marker took sophomore Gabriela Rojo, junior Jordan Fritzsche, and senior Joscelin Weaver to Community Fire Houses 1 and 2, and police stations in Overland and St. John. Swyres took
senior Emma Bange, junior Kristyn Bills, and sophomore Theresa Ostoff to Community Fire House 3, and police stations in Woodson Terrace, Edmundson, Breckenridge Hills, and St. Ann. ¨(The first responders) got really excited and they thought it was pretty cool,” Bange said. “I do not think they were expecting it, so all their faces were like ‘Woah! Is this for us?’” Swyres believed that this event was a good way to give back to the community. She agreed with Bange that the first responders were grateful, humble and excited by the deliveries.
“As a club sponsor, I witnessed RHS students sharing their time and energy with the community. It was a proud moment to watch our ‘kids’ give Photo courtesy: Michelle Mueller back to people Staff and students from Ritenour pose with in their own the Community Fire Station workers after neighborhood,” delivering lunch on 9/11. Swyres said. “Since we were also able Swyres to tour some of the facilities also noted that the staff and and vehicles, there was also a students were just as excited lot of giddiness about seeing by the deliveries as the first holding cells and fire trucks responders were. up close,” Swyres said.
New class gives students a chance for hands-on science Students are thriving in the new Eco Act class, run in conjunction with the Botanical Gardens AMELIA NORMAN Spotlight Editor A new program called Eco Act was created this year for students who are interested in learning about how to improve the environment in a more hands-on way. The Eco Act program meets as a class for students who are interested in learning more about the environment and how to improve it. Eco Act is a program run by the Botanical Gardens that teaches students about the environment as well as allowing them to actually put into practice the things they are learning. It is a handson class that allows students more opportunities than just sitting at a desk. Eco Act allows students the opportunity to do more than just learn about the environment and what can be done to improve it. Students are given the chance to apply what they are learning in the community. They are also given the opportunity to teach younger kids about it as
well. “The class is centered around the environment and how we can improve it. Part of the course is an environmental project which we start in the fall and we will take action with it in the spring. The other part is going to the elementary school and teaching 4th grade classrooms with our paired teachers,” junior Emma Gaither said. Students who decided to take Eco Act this year have a strong passion for improving the environment and spreading awareness about improving environmental issues. “I took Eco Act because I am very passionate about the environment and I’m also interested in pursuing a career in environmental health” Gaither said. Junior Amber Watson believes that since it is a hands-on class, it allows students the opportunity to grow in their leadership ability. “I think the class was
created to build leadership skills because I know a lot of people who are taking it want to become better leaders,” said Watson. Science teacher Heather Bonner was willing and excited to teach Eco Act this year. The program was brought to her attention by Assistant Superintendent Mike Lachance, and with her teaching schedule it seemed to be a natural fit. “My role as the teacher is pretty much just as a coordinator. I help recruit students when it is time to recruit and then I am here if they have any questions. I also help coordinate between the Botanical Gardens and the students, and between the students and the fourthgrade teachers to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Bonner said. Being that it is the first year Ritenour offers this program, the class is small, but according to Bonner that is not much of a concern. “The kids that are in Eco Act are really enjoying it and
hopefully they will be able to help me recruit for next year. They haven’t started teaching yet, so their first teaching assignment is coming up in
the next couple of weeks and then we will kind of get a feel for how it’s going,” Bonner said.
Photo courtesy: Emma Gaither Junior Londyn Jones walks the path at Litzsinger Road Ecology Center as part of a group activity for the Eco Act class. The class gives students a hands-on experience in science.
Spotlight
September 2019
Page 8
Middle school teacher comes to the high school to coach golf Sean Snedeker takes over as the new golf coach as the second coach in program history JORDAN FRITZSCHE Pepper Box Staff After inquiring about it for the past couple of years, the golf program quickly adopted Sean Snedeker, a 6th grade math teacher at Ritenour Middle School, as the new coach. Snedeker has been involved in the sport of golf since he was in high school and is excited about sharing his passion with his new team. “I tried golf for the first time my junior year of high school. I fell in love with it immediately. I really enjoyed hanging out with friends in a relaxed atmosphere playing a competitive game that ultimately became addicting, due to the fact that my main goal became to always best my previous score,” Snedeker said. “While I did not play high school golf my senior year (I wish I had) I continued to play and take the sport more seriously and it has been a passion for over
20 years now.” Snedeker takes over for the only girls golf coach that Ritenour has ever had. After coaching for ten years at Ritenour, the 2018-2019 season would be the last that Jack Heeter would step onto a golf course as a coach, and the first year that he stepped into retirement. The returning golfers are excited to see how Coach Snedeker will continue to grow and improve the golf program. “Heeter was very laid back, but I would say that Mr. Snedeker knows golf. He is helping us improve our swings, he shows us everything we’re doing wrong, he shows us videos; he basically helps us with everything,” sophomore Anna Wilson said. “I expect to get a better swing, and get on the course. It will be my second year playing golf and hopefully I do better than I did last season.” The women’s golf scholarship is the most
unused scholarship, with the NCAA reporting that an estimated 200 scholarships go unclaimed each year, but Coach Snedeker hopes to help change that by extensively helping golfers to improve, and grow as players. “Coaching has been a blast! I love going to the driving range and the golf course and helping others improve their game. The team is awesome! Everyone is laid back and is having fun. I also appreciate the opportunity to work with high school students for the first time. I love being part of a team,” Snedeker said. Despite the fact that there are only three golfers on the team this season, the overall progress of the team has not slowed down. “I’m really enjoying all the one on one time we get due to the minimal amount of players we have. I think it has already been very helpful in the three weeks we have been practicing,” third year golfer and senior Chloe Pagan said. Pagan has already formed
a connection with Snedeker in terms of his coaching skills. “He reminds me a lot of my mom because she always focuses on the small aspects of a sport that affect the bigger picture. Snedeker is
very organized and always makes time to focus on each golfer individually, which is very helpful,” Pagan said. “I think he knows what he is doing.”
Photo by: Chloe Pagan New golf coach Sean Snedeker helps sophomore Anna Wilson with her shot at practice. Snedeker has taken over as the second coach in the history of the girls golf program.
Inside the Huddle - Staying healthy Question: What do you eat to stay in shape for your sport? Anything you want to work on this year to provide more for your team?
Senior Jesse Ruiz Soccer
Senior Aleksandra Van Hoy Volleyball
Junior Mallory Waller Softball
Sophomore Kristian Knox Football
“My diet is terrible. I will put in more effort during practice.”
“I make sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day to keep me hydrated. This helps me stay confident and keeping a strong, positive energy on the court.“
“To stay in shape for sports, I eat fruits and low calorie foods. I need to work on my grades and attitude to help my team this year.”
“Veggies, and a lot of fruits. I want to keep my grades up, I do not want to get ineligible because I know the team needs me so I want to be there for them.”
2019 - 2020 Fall Sports Capsules putting in a 100% no matter if it is practice or a match. My goal for the team is to be as competitive as possible within our conference and district.
ALBERTO LINARES-CERVANTES Sports Editor • • • • •
Football
Coach: Hoyt Gregory Last Year Record: 4-6 Key Returners: Kevin Tyler, Joey Mayberry, Chris Blount Key Newcomers: Marcellus Griffin Expectations: Our expectations are to get better each day. We are a very young team
• • • • • •
Softball
• • • •
Coach: Tom Anderson Last Year Record: 7-14 Captain(s): Mia Key, Mallory Waller Key Returners: Mia Key and Rox Rivera are back with me for their 4th year as varsity starters Key Newcomers: Freshman Layla Fouche’ Expectations: We came in 2nd place in conference last year to Parkway North, so we will look to win conference this year. We had a 33.33% win percentage last year and we are looking to improve
Girls’ Golf
Coach: Sean Snedeker Key Returners: Chloe Pagan and Anna Wilson Key Newcomers: Jordan Fritzsche, and still looking for more Expectations: The expectations and goals for the team this year are to show continued growth as golfers, try to get others to try out our sport, and have fun.
• • •
•
Girls Tennis
Coach: Beth Seibold Last Year Record:9-5 overall and 9-2 in the conference Key Returners: Kenya Gomez, Veronica Booker, Tyra Smith, Makayla Towns, Angie Castillo, Adriana Martinez, Nyola Saddler and Anyia Woods Expectations: The expectation is that every player works to their potential out on the tennis courts. This means that they should be
• •
Boys’ Swimming
Coach: Jennifer Wakefield Last Year Record: 2-1 Captain(s): We do not have captains, everyone has a voice on the team. Key Returners: All my swimmers returned we are hoping to retain our conference championship Expectations: We are hoping to retain our conference champs title, but with low numbers, everyone will have to work harder.
• • •
• • • •
that. Photo courtesy: Selena Brown Junior Veronica Booker prepares to • serve against her opponent. • •
• •
Photo courtesy: Alyssa Lane Senior Aleksandra Van Hoy digs a ball in a match against Brentwood.
• • • • • •
Girls’ Volleyball
Cross Country
Coach: Michael Aitken Last Year’s Results: Last year the boy’s team qualified as a team to sectionals for the first time in over 30 years. Key Returners: Ben Weissler, Joe Kipper, Kendrick Canup, Jazmine Brevik Key Newcomers: Amirion Saffold, Adriana Gutierrez Expectations: Our expectations are to increase our times and do will in Districts,” sophomore Ben Weissler said.
Boys’ Soccer
Coach: Mike Murray Last Year Record: 9-15 Key Returners: Edwin Lopez, Tyrell Gilwater, Efrain Alcaraz and Brian Bautista. Expectations: The goals are to continue working hard and improving every day at practice. Our schedule is difficult and it will help prepare us for the postseason district tournament.
Coach: Ellen Kim Last Year Record: 15-17Captain(s): Ava Biesterfeld, and Makayla Hollyfield Key Returners: Ava Biesterfeld, Makayla Hollyfield , Aleksandra Van Hoy Key Newcomers: Sophia Reppert, Amber Glen, and Lexie Hahn Expectations: Have a winning Photo by: Andrea Rojo season, win districts, and keep Senior Edwin Lopez defends his good grades. We should have opponent from McCluer. above a 3.3 GPA on varsity.