Issue 2 - 2020-2021

XBOX VS PLAYSTATION

DEALING WITH A PANDEMIC

RECRUITING DURING COVID

s

A review of the two new gaming consoles that came out at the end of the year

Students share their coping mechanisms while dealing with the new normal

SPOTLIGHT Pg. 4-5

Senior Jordan Fritzsche signs to play golf during a different recruiting season

SPORTS Page 9

A&E Page 8

THE PEPPER BOX RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL

ISSUE 2, VOLUME 98

9100 ST. CHARLES ROCK ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63114

JANUARY 2021

Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States The democratic candidate was sworn in on January 20 despite a lengthy fight after the election

TYRA SMITH Pepper Box Staff On November 7, after a four-day-long nationwide ballot counting process, Democratic nominee Joe Biden was declared the winner of the United States presidential election after his home state of Pennsylvania finally pushed the candidate above the 270 electoral vote requirement. Biden received over 81 million votes, which is more votes than any previous presidential candidate has ever received.

Biden will be one of five challenging presidents that have been able defeat an incumbent president within the past century. The other four previous presidents include Franklin Roosevelt in 1932, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Ronald Reagan in 1980, and Bill Clinton in 1992.

Biden received 51.4% of the popular vote. Roosevelt has been the only challenger within the past century to earn a higher percentage than Biden with 60.8% of the vote.

“I think the biggest factor in Biden’s win is the voter turnout especially in minority communities,” social studies teacher Brett Mueller said.

“Since Bill Clinton (D) won in 1992, only once (G.W. Bush in 2004) has a Republican won the popular vote showing that for a long time, the majority of people have supported Democratic candidates and policies” Mueller believes that there

were many factors that led to Americans voting at a higher rate, and Democratic voters representing themselves more in previously Republican heavy areas.

“People like Stacey Abrams getting people out to vote in Georgia at record numbers resulted in more voices being heard, especially in minority communities that heavily favor Democrats; even though a greater percentage of minorities voted for Trump in 2020, the sheer numbers of new voters outweighed the change in percentages,” Mueller said. “Also, in this election, white males were 8% less likely to vote for Trump.

I believe that everyone has their own reasons for voting the way they vote so I don’t want to overgeneralize, but I think Trump’s character and demeanor and the pandemic were key factors for many people.”

Similarly to Mueller, fellow social studies teacher Michael Murray also attributes the result of this year’s election to the increase of new voters.

“Both parties had their core constituents excited and ready to vote. The new voters to this election were the difference, with many people feeling the need to voice their opinion on what is happening in the United States,” Murray said.

As of Biden’s inauguration on January 20, he became the oldest inaugurated president of the United States at the age of 78.

Photo Courtesy Geoff Livingston via Flickr Supporters celebrate at the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington DC on November 7, after it was announced that Joe Biden would win the 2020 presidential election.

In addition to Biden’s achievements, his running mate, Vice PresidentElect Kamala Harris, has simultaneously made history as the first female, first African-American, and first South Asian-American Vice President.

Senior Trinity Williams shared her thoughts on the president and vice presidentelects.

“My personal opinion on President-Elect Joesph Biden is that he is a genuine person.

He cares about the people and he’s a family man. My political views on Biden are that he’s made some political mistakes, as do many other politicians because no one is perfect,” Williams said. “ My political views regarding Kamala Harris are just the same just like Biden. I do believe she has made some

questionable decisions regarding her last positions in the public eye, but, I was ecstatic hearing that Kamala would not only become the first woman to be VP, but a woman of color. She has opened even more doors for women of color [and] for little girls, especially black and brown girls, who have another woman who they can look up to.”

After the Associated Press declared Biden the winner on the morning of November 7, crowds across the country gathered in celebration. In Washington D.C., streets were even forced to close due to traffic caused by the thousands of participants.

The members, notably masked due to the pandemic, were seen dancing, singing, drinking, honking, wearing Black Lives Matter attire, and waving US and LGBTQ+

flags.

The reaction came as no surprise as 93% of the nation’s capitol voted for Biden.

“My initial reaction to the results of the election to say the least was relieved,” Williams said. “It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders knowing I would not have to worry about my rights as a black indigenous woman in America. I think the results of the elections symbolize a breath of peace. This year has been extremely emotionally draining, and to have some good news this year was very much needed.”

In other parts of the country, Trump supporters were seen protesting the results. Trump had claimed that voter fraud would occur as early as August, stating the election was “rigged”if he was not declared the winner.

SEE BIDEN - 7

COVID vaccinations begin as the country looks to end the pandemic Two companies have created viable vaccines, although not all citizens are sure they want to get vaccinated JERSIE COX Pepper Box Staff When COVID-19 came into society, countries around the world raced to find a vaccine for the virus. As of late November, with Pfizer having a success rate of 95%, the start of a plan to vaccinate people for COVID-19 began.

As of January 2020, there are over 22 million cases of COVID-19 and over 400,000 deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States alone.

America has taken the lead for the highest number of cases out of every country in the world. The first reported case of COVID-19 in America was in February, and as the months went by the numbers of cases and deaths skyrocketed.

IN THIS ISSUE

President Trump called the plan to find a vaccine, Operation Warp Speed, and the speed in which the vaccine was created has been celebrated by some, and questioned by others.

The vaccine is now being pushed out globally and people in the 1A and 1B category in Missouri are starting to receive their doses.

The 1A group includes longterm care facility residents and staff, as well as healthcare workers.

After 1A is vaccinated, it will move to 1B, which includes high risk individuals, individuals over 65, first responders and essential workers (including teachers).

Finally, it will move to phase 2, which includes populations at increased risk, like WORD ON THE R POLITICAL CARTOONS PAGE 2-3

prisoners and the homeless, and then to phase 3, for all remaining Missouri residents.

“I will be more than happy to take the vaccine if it means that I will potentially be saving lives,” Ritenour parent Stephanie Robbinson said.

Unfortunately, the rollout of the vaccine has hit some snags, as less doses than expected have reached hospitals, in some places doses have been mishandled, and in one instance, doses were intentionally tampered with. As of Monday, January 11, 9.27 million people have been vaccinated in the United States, which is much fewer than had been expected at this point.

English teacher Christina Melly says that this is not uncommon with anyone who

HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED THE WORLD PAGE 4-5

FACS TEACHER DONATES HOMEMADE MASKS PAGE 6

has ever had to organize a mass rollout. She is patiently waiting for her vaccine, and is hopeful that the early rollout to health care workers will help her sister-in-law, who is a nurse.

“The development and testing processes that companies have had to go through are intense: the trials account for the possibility of reactions, and I know we’ll have to watch for long-term impacts, but medicine has learned a huge amount about making vaccines safe in the last 100 years,” Melly said. “Anyone who has distributed anything before -whether that’s books, meals, computers, or something as simple as lemonade -- knows that you have to have a plan and a clear flow for people POLITICAL TENSION LEADS TO VIOLENCE PAGE 7

to follow. There isn’t any sort of clear regional or national plan for anyone to follow, and that confusion is showing in the slowness of the vaccine campaign so far. It’s hard to do better when public health offices are already getting so much pushback (even threats) over other COVID issues and don’t have enough funding or staff.”

RHS nurse Jonathan Speak has been tracking the progress of the vaccine for a while, and has been involved in the process of trying to help get vaccines to Ritenour staff members.

“I’ve been attending multiple webinars since August with experts in the field, such as Dr. Fauci,

SEE VACCINE- 8

TOP 5 MEMES OF 2020

MISOGYNY AND SPORTS

PAGE 8

PAGE 8

Opinion

January 2021

Page 2

PEPPER BOX STAFF Visual EIC: Jordan Fritzsche Content EIC: Faith Boyd Production EIC: Samia Fouche Spotlight Editor: Kayley Norman

Opinion Editor: Kayla Baker Sports Editor: Darleen Garcia News Editor: Maxine Bee Online Editor: Miranda Martin Business Manager: Sammy Lewis Photography Editor: Nikya Hourd Special Editions Editor: Lizbeth Hernandez Social Media Manager: Jessica Murillo A&E Editor: Chris Campos Art Editor: Veronica Susovica Video Game Editor: Toni Taylor Staff Members: Ashley Bryant, Tyran Cooper, Jersie Cox, Isabella Crawford-Greer, Michelle Everett, Chanel Foster, Kaitlyn Hurst, Maricela Nunez, Maryjo Ramirez, Kaylyn Riggs, Tyra Smith, Peter Tran, Deaunzze Trotter, Jordyn Williams

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.

Biden’s inauguration ends months long election tension After a contested election which led to violence by Americans, Biden’s inauguration brought hope

Editorial The results of the 2020 election brought the Pepper Box staff a great deal of emotions. With Joe Biden’s win, America was faced with multiple challenges on democracy. However, we all had a couple common

thoughts: how will the Inauguration be? What will Joe Biden’s presidency look like? Will things be going back to normal soon?

Watching the inauguration of President Joe Biden, we could feel a new sense of change coming to America.

The attack on the Capitol on January 6 was shocking.

It was shocking to see that

this is how many Americans viewed the country, viewed the past four years, and thought that the attack would bring them some sort of immunity or “win”. It did not.

To the rest of the world, the United States looked like a joke.

The peaceful transfer of power seemed like it was optional. Some Americans

Virtual word on the Leslie Campos Freshman

“How is the school going to deal with the hybrid students coming back into the building while COVID is still a problem?”

What is your biggest question heading into next semester?

Jennifer HuertaSophomore

even worried about the fate of the inauguration. Luckily, we were able to view a beautiful ceremony.

President Biden’s speech left a really big impact on many Americans. In his speech, he talked about change, and a new sense of unity and democracy.

Most Americans have felt that the past four years have

“My biggest question heading into the second semester is how are we going to learn about new opportunities that we might have next year? I’ve heard that there are different opportunities to try out, but no one has mentioned much about them? Will we have any?”

Giovanni Jones - Junior

Dominick Gatlin- Senior

brought division and hatred.

Through President Biden’s speech, we could feel the start of a fresh, new chapter.

We could feel his sincerity of bringing Americans together, of overcoming this deadly pandemic, and of building back our democracy.

We cannot wait to see the work President Biden will put in to bring America together.

“How are the classes going to be arranged now that we’re going back to school?”

“My biggest question would be is this semester going to be a repeat of 1st semester and how crazy everything went? How is everything going to be like sports, marching band, dances, and graduation?”

Comics Sinister Seals - Kayla Baker

The Imposter Within Skyler Gayden

Waffles - Veronica Susovica

Page 3

Opinion

January 2021

Harry Styles challenges gender norms in magazine The musician received backlash after wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue

Gotta have Faith

Faith Boyd Musician Harry Styles sparked controversy recently when he was seen wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue Magazine. Questions were raised online about whether or not Styles could be considered a “real man” if he dressed “like a woman.” But is there really any definition of a real man?

Gender is a concept that is overcomplicated by our society. Masculinity is a made-up role that was assigned to men, the same way that femininity was to women. People often claim that this is “natural” human behavior, but it cannot be that natural if it has to be

enforced.

A person’s gender expression is not the same as their gender identity. Women can wear suits and men can wear dresses because they are comfortable with their gender—they understand that how they present themselves does not change it.

When one’s gender identity is fragile, they will be threatened by anything outside of the gender norms they are used to. That is why the image of men in skirts and dresses makes them so uncomfortable.

But there actually is no assigned gender for clothing such as skirts and dresses, especially outside of western culture. In many eastern countries, men and women have worn similar clothing for centuries.

In China, both men and women wear Hanfu, which are traditional robes and skirts. There is also the Indian Sherwani, a garment worn by men which resembles a dress.

And in West Africa, many men wear an Agbada,

which looks similar to what the United States would call a dress as well.

Much of what Americans would deem “frilly skirts and dresses” is actually normal attire for men in foreign cultures. Do their fashion choices make them any less of a man, just because they do not fit our westernized idea of masculinity?

Harry Styles and other men who wear dresses are not revolutionaries, they are just participating in a form of gender expression.

Right now it is a big deal, but as long as men in western cultures continue embracing femininity, eventually it will not be.

Illustration by Skyler Gayden

Shrek has found its forever after Shrek was one of the films chosen in the 2020 list for the National Film Registry The Secret Column of Bee’s

Max Bee The 2001 release “Shrek” known to all, beloved by many, has been inducted into the astute Library of Congress’ National Film Registry along with 25 other films in the December 2020 selection. Along with other select titles such as “The Dark Knight” (2008), “The Breakfast Club” (1985), and “Terminator” (1984), Shrek has made a name for itself and claimed its rightful place among the history making classics of American film culture.

As a part of the National Film Registry, Shrek now goes on to preserve a closely held piece of childhood memory for those who grew

up in the early 2000’s. Of the 800 registered movies, Shrek has more than fulfilled the defining criteria of a film fit for the library of congress, defined as those deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

While not the first of its kind as an animation, Shrek continues to pave the way for more similar works in the future to achieve even higher regard in film and related industries.

Shrek surely is deserving of its newfound prestige, as it was briefly described in the film registry as follows: “Even by DreamWorks standards, the charm and magic of “Shrek” seemed extraordinary upon its initial release almost 20 years ago — and its power has yet to diminish in the intervening years. With this story of a green-skinned, solitudeloving ogre, Shrek, who embarks on a noble quest, alongside his new friend, a lovable donkey, the film manages to be both a sendup of fairy tale tropes and an affectionate tribute to them.

Entertaining and emotionally impactful at levels to be appreciated by both children and their adults, “Shrek” was a mega-hit upon its release and has been followed by three equally enchanting sequels, a TV holiday special and a Broadway adaption.

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz lead the strong voice cast.”

Beyond the film’s immaculate storyline and initial production standard, the entire franchise’s long standing popularity in pop culture as a meme icon may have also influenced the film’s breakthrough to selection nearly 20 years after release.

The film’s induction into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry marks an important milestone as we continue to watch and address how modern media is reflectant of our current society. Although Shrek is representative of just a small portion of the media we consume, it is crucial to note as the tone is set for what will be preserved out of our time moving forward.

Cancel culture remains ineffective

Online cancel culture could have negative effects, but seems planned Everybody Reads Chris

Chris Campos This whole year has been a bit crazy with the overwhelming drama and “tea” revolving around influencers; and I’m all for it.

Cancel culture has become quite popular lately as influencers have come into the limelight for questionable comments and actions. Cancel culture is withdrawing support from public figures when there are questionable things said and done. Our generation has become accustomed with participating in the “cancellation” of many social media influencers, and has become quite comfortable with doing so. Frankly, it is completely acceptable to do so in my opinion.

Take James Charles for example; a huge scandal broke the internet early last year, and it had seemed as though he was actually cancelled. The whole situation lost the media star over one million followers. But, look at him now, he’s doing better than ever. It causes no real harm.

I myself have even taken part in “cancelling” James Charles by unfollowing him on all social media platforms. But, I have come to realize that cancel culture isn’t effective whatsoever.

If anything it brings more attention onto whoever is being cancelled at that moment. After the waters calmed and the scandal succeeded, I simply began to follow James Charles again.

The biggest scandal lately is with the TikTok sensations, the D’Amelio sisters. The two sisters are receiving backlash over their personal chef video.

In the video the two sisters were having a family meal. As

the chef was bringing out the dishes, the sisters had some snarky and bratty comments, causing a huge frenzy all throughout social media. This led people to “cancelling” the D’Amelio sisters. Both sisters are rapidly losing followers across their whole social media platforms.

What exactly is this doing to them? Nothing.

With every scandal, there are always two sides to the story. The constant battle with the public may cause sponsors and brands to withdraw their support of the influencer, meaning that one of their sources of income is now gone, and their hard work has gone down the drain in a matter of one tweet.

In no way is it okay to take something to the point where it creates a feeble mind to the person getting cancelled.

After all, everyone is human.

For many influencers, such as James Charles, one loss of a brand will not hurt him substantially. The bigger influencers often pop right back after getting cancelled and do just fine.

To a huge social media influencer, like Charlie D’Amelio, losing a million followers does completely nothing to her, nor her popularity. She continues to be the most followed influencer on TikTok, and I’m sure she will continue to be the most followed influencer on TikTok. My point here is that cancel culture is not effective. If anything it merely serves as an interesting getaway from the same old content being put out on social media.

Social media thrives off of the thousands of scandals, and many times a new one surfaces every week. It keeps everything fresh and entertaining. At some point you may just begin to think to yourself, is this done on purpose? Is this a publicity stunt?

It is honestly very smart.

Social media influencers are great marketers, I truly believe that they know exactly what they are doing, ranging from their friendships, scandals, and the things that come out of their mouth. So next time you think about going out of your way to go cancel someone,ignore them and withdraw your support for them.

Illustration by Kayla Baker

Political Cartoons

Illustration by Veronica Susovica

Illustration by Kayla Baker

Illustration by Skyler Gayden

Spotlight

January 2021

Page 4

COVID highlights health challenges RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL PEPPER BOX

Weight gain has increased in the US as people have turned to food for comfort

DEAUNZEE TROTTER Staff Reporter Often, when people are stressed out, they eat, and with the weight of surviving a pandemic, the stress has become staggering, triggering people to eat.

27% of Americans have gained weight since the pandemic began in the United States according to an study published by the Journal of Obesity. These numbers have led to some people calling quarantine-related weight gain the “COVID 19” Social media can often undermine people who may not be at their peak health with the amount of home workouts available.

Sometimes people just need a reminder that gaining weight, especially during a pandemic, is normal and okay.

Different people deal with quarantine differently. For some, they may have been inspired to lose weight and take care of their health. For others, they may have gained weight and their body image may have gotten worse.

For those who may have gained a few pounds during the pandemic, there are some ways to stay body positive during COVID-19.

PUT DOWN THE PHONE

WHAT HAS THE PANDEMIC WHAT HASTAKEN THE FROM US? TAKEN PANDEMIC FROM US? RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL PEPPER BOX

SCHOOL

RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL CLOSES

STAY POSITIVE Instead of thinking of how bad things are going, people can think about how they are surviving a pandemic. The Mayo Clinic has produced studies that show that a focus on positivity can lower rates of depression and levels of distress, along with better cardiovascular health.

Part of positivity is focused on body positivity. This is the idea of accepting the body for what it is, its unique aspects, and a focus on the positive aspects of the body, rather than the flaws.

“Staying body positive during quarantine is looking at yourself and realizing nobody else is like you. You’re unique and beautiful,” senior Dalyce Swanson said.

It is okay to not stick to a constant routine while trying to survive quarantine.

Weight gain is normal in a high stress environment; this doesn’t mean that people can ignore their health altogether, though.

SCHOOL RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL CLOSES Last we went onwent an early break not break not knowing what Last year year, students on spring an early spring thinking much. We all had joked onknowledge the topic of about COVID-19, many would happen.

Without a lot of Covid-19 not expecting the serious outcome are joked about it, not expecting the seriouswe outcome that occurred. RHS now left with. students are now completing students haveRHS now completed their 1st semester of the following year their 1st semester of the following yearrely completely completely virtual.

Some students on coming to school as an virtual.

Some students rely on coming to school as and an lastly some of them outlet. Other kids miss their sports and clubs, outlet.

Other kids miss their sports and clubs, and are just completely bored. lastly some of us are just straight up bored.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS LOCKDOWN

SOCIAL GATHERINGS LOCKDOWN

Everyone experienced the lockdown that took place early on when COVID was rising in 2020. Many places were shut down as a result of We experienced the lockdown took earlyThis on when covid trying toall decrease the spike of COVIDthat cases in place the area. worked rising 2020. of Many places shut down as a result of trying for awas very shortinperiod time, whilewere big companies found ways to decrease the spikeCOVID of covid cases the area.

This worked for to a around the restrictions. has alsoinmade it nearly impossible hangvery out short with friends ortime family without the concern of someone inways the period of while big restaurant companies found group possibly exposed.

Even to theit grocery store is a to around the being restrictions.

Covid hasgoing also made near to impossible risk that few ever expected towithout encounter. the concern of someone in the hangvery out with friends or family group possibly being exposed. Even going to the grocery store is a risk none if us ever expected to encouter.

MENTAL HEALTH

WORK SLOWLY While weight gain might have happened slowly over the course of the last 10 months, it should also be noted that weight loss works in a similar way.

“With the circumstances of COVID-19, I think we shouldn’t be as hard on ourselves about our body image. We should accept what it is and work slowly toward our body goals. No rush,” senior Malcolm McClain said.

Some small steps that people can take are to start slowly by drinking more

COPING WITH STRESS

Covid-19 has forced everyone who can to stay at home in isolation for the majority of quarantine, leaving people with depression, anxiety and triggering other mental health issues.

With little to no social interactions and the inability to just go outside without the worry of COVID, it has Covid-19 has forced us all the stay at home in isolation for majority left many people feeling uneasy and of quarantine leaving people with depression, anxiety and maybe distraught.

MENTAL HEALTH

STUDENTS MENTAL HEALTH

triggering other mental health issues they may have. With little to Infographic by Michelle Everett no social interactions and the inability to just go outside without the Top photo: Daniela Saenz slowly by taking a daily walk, water daily and upping their worry of covid its leaving many people uneasy and distraught.

vegetable intake. They can also start working out more, or taking that even more

walking the dogs everyday, or taking out the trash.

Middle photo: Ron Steinschriber Bottom photo courtesy: Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

How it started - How it‘s going

Senior Darian Dickerson How it started - “I was stressed and worried about my junior year.”

How it’s going - “I am self confident, happier, and have my stress under control from school.”

Improvement

Growth

Social media has a habit of constantly throwing home workouts, diet remedies, and seemingly quick-fixes in people’s faces. This can make a person feel worse if they already feel bad about not doing a diet or exercising.

Instagram “fitspo models” are usually young women who are petite and light, and they post a workout video daily with a message about how working out is crucial to your health. While this sentiment is true, Instagram’s tradition of unrealistic standards can be harmful to teenagers and the view of their own bodies.

One method to avoid unnecessary comparisons to potentially unobtainable body types is to delete, or minimize use of social media; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter,

all of them. Seeing their unreasonable standards daily, while motivational to some, is detrimental to other people’s health, so take a social media cleanse.

For those who cannot give up social media completely, they can unfollow anyone who makes them feel bad about themself, and replace it by following someone who makes them feel good, or just does not talk about health and fitness.

Sophomore Allie Hansen How it started - “I was very shy and I wanted to change my style up, but I was too scared of what others thought, so I made small changes like giving myself highlights and then ear piercings, but I still was not happy.”

How it’s going - “I joined Leadership and I am a lot more comfortable talking to people and joking around. I have gotten out of my comfort zone way more. I dropped people in my life and started focusing on myself. I have made a lot of self improvement and now I can do so much more than I ever thought I could.”

Spotlight

Page 5 January 2021

Coping with COVID Students share their successful COVID coping strategies MIRANDA MARTIN Online Editor

JUNIOR SHIRINE AWAD Q - How has the pandemic affected your daily life?

A - The pandemic affected my daily life to being mostly at home while doing online school.

Q-Have you found any coping mechanisms that have helped you deal with the pandemic?

Photo Courtesy: Ariana Anderson

DARLEEN GARCIA Sports Editor

A - I found that cooking and cleaning really helped me cope through the pandemic.

Photo Courtesy: Shirine Awad

Q - How has the pandemic affected your daily life?

SENIOR ARIANA ANDERSON

A - The pandemic has definitely affected my daily life. I’m not really allowed to see anyone or do anything because my brothers are at extremely high risk. I can’t go to school because we are online which has been a difficult because I have four younger siblings at home.

School has been a challenge for me. I used to keep myself busy with after school activities and work and now I do not do either.

Q-Have you found any coping mechanisms that have helped you deal with the pandemic?

A - I have been running a lot to just get outside and away from everyone. I also have coped by finding new crafting hobbies. Everyone is stuck inside and normally we are all on our phones or watching tv.

So I craft to keep my hands busy so I feel like I’m also being productive.

new COVID guidelines.

SENIOR MAKAYLA TOWNS

Q - Have any of your coping mechanisms changed your life for the better or worse?

Q - How has the pandemic affected your daily life?

A - Having a positive mindset makes this pandemic a little bit better

A - I have to limit the normal activities I would do on a regular basis and follow the

Photo Courtesy: Makayla Towns

SENIOR EDDIE DUEKER

Q-Have you found any coping mechanisms that have helped you deal with the pandemic?

Photo Courtesy: Eddie Dueker

A - The only consistent coping mechanism that I’ve created to help myself deal with the pandemic is self improvement. I find it difficult to focus on the world because of how messy it has been lately. It makes me look inwards and every single day I work as hard as I can to improve every single aspect of myself and prepare myself to be the adult I want to be.

Q - Have any of your coping

Mindset shifts take place as hybrid learning begins

mechanisms changed your life for the better or worse?

A - This coping mechanism of self reflection has really helped me, especially in the long run. If it weren’t for the pandemic forcing me to look inwards and creating a desire for self perfection, I don’t think I would be on the path I am now. Even though the pandemic has been much more hurtful than helpful, I have to be thankful that it made me take a look at myself and ask if who I am now is who I really want to be.

The COVID-19 pandemic took a big toll on the way people lived their lives in 2020, making a huge impact on people’s emotional and social aspects.

Before the pandemic had everyone under lockdown, Americans were used to going out with friends and family and going to new places. Once the pandemic started getting worse and everyone was quarantined, it caused many individuals to feel more anxious, become stressed, and have no motivation to do anything.

According to the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, between 35-40% of people polled throughout the country said they were experiencing symptoms of stress and anxiety. The rate before the pandemic stood at 25%.

“Honesty, my feelings before and after quarantine are mutually the same, except that it did make me sad to think about how the rest of my high school experience wasn’t going to be the typical “senior year,” senior Monserrat Delgado-Rico said. “But I accepted it and hoped for the best.”

The way that school has functioned has been difficult for not only students, but teachers as well. Whether it be the difficulty for students to stay on top of their class, or the way teachers have had to change their teaching styles, or getting used to having students not as engaged while in virtual class, everyone involved has been forced to deal with change.

“I would say that I have

tried very hard to keep myself positive. I want to put on the best face I can for students and remain a source of help for them,” social Studies teacher Eric Hucker said.

“Some days I do feel sad, especially when I feel like I am just talking to myself. I became a teacher because I enjoy teaching and learning and interacting with students, and it’s hard to know if that’s happening when staring at a blank screen. That being said, hopefully, soon we’ll be safely back in person!”

Students who have different learning styles have had to get used to learning how to learn in different ways.

“School has definitely been the hardest challenge for me being a very hands-on learner and having to be in the room when being taught because I tend to get distracted easily.

Virtual school has been a bit of a struggle, but so far I have maintained my grades,” Rico said.

With many challenges, the school district is hoping that with the hybrid schedule everyone gets a sense of things going back to a more normal state than a few months ago.

“It would help address my concerns, however, it would also create an entirely new set of concerns over the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Hucker said. “I definitely want us to get back to full in-person as soon as possible. However, I also want students and staff to be safe and to feel safe in the building. Concern for safety must be our number one priority.”

Photo by Ron Steinschriber Chairs have been spaced out six feet in anticipation of students arriving back to the building on January 19.

Students have learned lessons as they reflect on the last year during the COVID pandemic

Sophomore Ray Rearden How it started - “My year started out normal. I was at school, with a lot of friends, and had really good grades.

But then around April and May, COVID-19 struck our nation.”

How it’s going - “I lost a lot of friends. I was not super happy and I was kind of struggling. I have never seen my grades this bad. My life ended up getting even worse right before the year ended. I was playing soccer and my leg gave out, then was diagnosed with knee instability and a sprained ACL. I just made a new soccer club and now I do not know if I will have my spot when I get back. 2020 has by far been the worst year of my life, I do not think any year will top it.”

Ups and Downs

Challenges

FAITH BOYD, Content Editor-in-Chief

Senior Joanna Ostoff How it started - “2020 started as any other year. I hung out with my friends and started working out for soccer and put all my focus in school. I did a preschool classroom project for my Childhood Development class and went to the big back to school Howdy Day assembly.”

How it’s going - “2020 ended good and bad. I got a job and was excited to go back to school, but found out that we were not going back until January. In December I had symptoms of COVID-19, but it was just an upper respiratory virus so all is well. We didn’t see any of our family members for Christmas, and I could not see my friends. I have thrown myself into school and work and I even got into my top school, Missouri State University!”

Spotlight

January 2021

FACS teacher creates and donates masks Denise Schindler created and donated hundreds of masks during the pandemic

KAITLYN HURST Staff Reporter FACS teacher Denise Schindler did her part to aid in dealing with the COVID pandemic by hand-making masks and donating them to essential workers or those in need to contribute during these tough times.

When COVID first hit, there was a desperate need for PPE, especially in healthcare facilities as supplies were limited. Therefore, people turned to buying or making homemade masks.

Schindler felt as though she could contribute, as she knew how to sew and had time to give to the community in need, by making masks. After research and many adapted patterns, Schindler found something healthcare workers liked, donating over 350 of these masks to essential workers at St. Luke’s hospital, St. Joe’s hospital, Emmaus Home, Delmar Gardens, St. Charles EMT, families of health care workers, Ritenour Food Pantry and friends and family.

Schindler was eager to help any way that she could during this pandemic.

“I used my skill when the need was great and gave back to the workers. I want us all to be safe and wearing a mask is part of that,” Schindler said.

In the beginning of the pandemic there was uncertainty as to when students would return to school. During the summer, when the plan was for students to return in person for the upcoming school year. Schindler wanted to be sure everyone was safe and had a mask available so she made flat masks for someone who may have needed one.

Photo courtesy: Denise Schindler FACS teacher Denise Schindler uses her stuffed bears Luvs and Hugs to model the two styles of masks that she made. Schindler donated 350 masks to essential workers when COVID first struck.

Since masks have become mandatory in St. Louis county for the past couple of months, Schindler figured everyone would have one when returning to school.

Junior Tinia Bonk has had Schindler as her teacher in the past, and has gotten help and support from Schindler that made her a better person.

Bonk was not surprised to find out about Schindler’s efforts “She goes out of her way for all of the students and buys supplies for people that cannot afford them. I have no doubt in my mind that she would go above and beyond to help people,” Bonk said.

Schindler made two different style masks. Style 1 lays flat on a surface, forms around the face when strings are tied and is made from surgical fabric in blue and pink. They have two layers (filter could be slipped in between) no nose piece needed, and are washable.

Along with pull the knit string, it self gathers and goes around the face, ties in back (no ear stress), and she has about 100 of those at her desk.

She has less than 30 left in Style 2, which has a nose form, and a knit string tie that goes around the head.

The outside fabric is cotton

(mostly print), and the inside is the surgical cloth. These are also washable, and the sides gather to fit the face.

Senior Amber Watson, former student of Schindler’s classes and former club member of Renaissance run by Schindler, feels that students do not always appreciate the extra efforts that Schindler puts into her actions for her students and community.

“Schindler is definitely the type to help, even if it kills her. In my experience, she goes out of her way to help even if it is an inconvenience to her. It does not surprise me at all that she would do something like this because I have seen this behavior from her time and time again,” Watson said.

Schindler was originally going to have masks available for those who needed one when Ritenour High School returns to in-person learning, but is more than willing to share her knowledge and help others make their own masks.

“Definitely, If I am allowed ,I will offer a howto if someone wants to do their own. I am going to play with two different styles over Thanksgiving break,” Schindler said.

Harris takes over as the first female vice president, inspiring a younger generation

Kamala Harris became the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president elect.

From the earliest days of her childhood, Kamala Harris was taught that the road to racial justice was long.

She spoke frequently on the campaign path of those who came before her. She spoke of her parents, civil rights leader, and ancestors who paved the way As she took the stage in Texas shortly before the election, Harris spoke of being singular in her role but not solitary.

After life changing event, senior powers on Senior Guadalupe Rico tries to defy the statistics LIZBETH HERNANDEZ Special Edition Editor

Kamala Harris inspires as new Vice President JORDYN WILLIAMS Staff Reporter

Page 6

“Yes, sister, sometimes we may be the only one that looks like us walking in that room, but the thing we all know is we never walk in those rooms alone, we are all in that room together,” Harris said.

President Elect Joe Biden beat Donald Trump four years after Hillary Clinton came up short in her bid to be the first female president.

“We did it. We did it Joe,” a smiling Harris told Biden in a video she tweeted out. “You’re going to be the next president of the United States.”

Science teacher Krissten Swyres is happy to see a woman in the vice president position for the first time.

Photo courtesy: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons U.S. Senator Kamala Harris speaking with attendees at the 2019 National Forum on Wages and Working People hosted by the Center for the American Progress Action Fund and the SEIU at the Enclave in Las Vegas, Nevada.

¨I think it’s fabulous.

Women have long been able to handle high-powered positions and I’m so happy to see more females representing our country in government,¨ Swyres said.

Biden had faced tremendous pressure to choose a woman of color as his running mate because of the large role of African Americans in society, due to the racial issues thrust into the foreground by the coronavirus pandemic and the deaths of black Americans at the hands of police.

“There is no vaccine for racism,” Harris said during her vice presidential acceptance speech. “We’ve got to do the work for George Floyd, for Breonna Taylor and for the lives of too many others to name.”

Junior Madisyn Travis was thrilled to find out that Harris and Biden won the election, so that their could be a role model for young girls of color in the country. ¨My reaction to Kamala being ‘VP’ was super excited.

It is amazing for her to be the first female POC vice

In a year filled with a global pandemic, murder hornets, and Carole Baskin, Guadalupe Rico was challenged with another life changing moment as she has been navigating her senior year.

Rico found out she was pregnant early in 2020.

She was supported by her boyfriend, Brian Bautista and her family, and on October 13, Isabella (Bella) Bautista was born.

Rico was supposed to be starting her senior season of volleyball, and her coach, Ellen Kim, immediately offered her help in whatever she needed.

“Coach Kim, who is my volleyball coach and college algebra teacher, has helped me so much with my pregnancy from reaching out to my teachers when I couldn’t to helping me out with baby items,” Rico said.

Ritenour teachers, coaches and counselors came together to form a plan, and allowed Rico to have up to six weeks of excused absences, but she was driven to continue her education for the future of her and her baby Bella.

She did not take those full six weeks.

Rico is planning on attending Maryville University in their nursing program and continues to work afternoons to be able to provide for the baby. In addition, Rico was able to keep all of her leadership positions, including FCCLA Reporter region 5 and Vice President for the Ritenour chapter, as well as MU Alpha Theta President.

She continues to show her talent in multi-tasking and complete focus.

Rico’s commitment to her education and extracurriculars shows her to be an outlier. While the teen birth rate has decreased 60% over the last 30 years, teenage mothers still tend to struggle in their academic pursuits.

According to a January 2018 report by Child Trends, only 53% of teenage mothers actually complete high school.

Kim describes what she has seen in Rico this past school year.

“I will say, she has handled everything with great care and preparation. She worked ahead in her classes for when she would be out and got far enough ahead that she could take a few weeks off and it wouldn’t hurt her grades,” Kim said. “Having a child while still in high school is not an ideal situation, but president of this country.

I would say it’s a huge accomplishment for her and she will be a big role model to many young women in our country.¨ Travis said.

Harris is a lot of things beyond her gender and her race, but her mere presence brings so much with it so much to those, of all ages, who see themselves in her.

“I know it is exciting to see more ethnicities represented

Photo courtesy: Guadalupe Rico

Senior Guadalupe Rico works on her finals while also taking care of her daughter. While 53% of teenage mothers do not complete high school, Rico remains near the top of her class and is still actively involved in many clubs while also working.

she has handled the whole process with pride and maturity.”

While Rico has managed to keep up with all of her academic responsibilities as she learns to be a mom, she said that it is sometimes hard to be able to go to class amidst the pandemic and online classes.

“Finding the motivation to get up and join Zoom and sometimes getting assignments done has been hard at some points. My future goals have really pushed me to get things done,” Rico said.

Rico has explained it is often hard to be able to manage everything.

“A baby obviously needs constant attention.

Sometimes getting assignments done can take longer. I have to make sure someone can watch my baby when I have meetings or work,” Rico said.

Rico said she is able to lean on her family and closest friends to be able to visit.

They often offer to help her while she does homework or go to work to be able to help her succeed.

Motherhood on top of work and school can encompass many things from sleep deprivation to countless milestones. Rico is excited to watch her daughter grow and reach many milestones from her first smile and her first laugh to her first steps and words. Being extremely family oriented, Rico has gotten continuous support from her family and her closest friends.

“She is a role model for all students and an inspiration. I am so proud of her and I cannot wait to see what amazing things she accomplishes in the future,” Kim said. in government positions as well. The US has long been a colorful, diverse population, so it makes sense to see that representation in elected officials. Why should one gender or one race be the only voice in our laws and policies? I think the next four years will be challenging, but I am very confident in Biden and Harris to manage policies for the good of all people,” Travis said.

Page 7

News

January 2021

BIDEN- continued from front page Trump continued to promote this allegation after the election results were announced, persuading his supporters to be unaccepting of Biden’s victory despite not providing solid evidence.

The Trump campaign pursued over 60 lawsuits in states like Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia where Biden had a less significant lead. All the lawsuits were dismissed.

As of now, Trump remains the first presidential candidate that has not conceded within the past century.

Regardless of both protest and celebrations, with COVID-19 cases surging to an all time high, a racial tension paralleling the Civil Rights Movement, and an economic decline due to COVID-19, Biden is still expected to inherit one of

the most turbulent eras of modern American history. “[The political climate is] polarized,” Mueller said. “I believe there are less people who are not entrenched in their political views and the statistics showing far less undecided voters would support that. I am not sure how much Biden’s presidency will affect how polarized we are because according to a Politico poll, 70% of Republicans didn’t believe the election was free and fair.

These are similar numbers to Democrats after the 2016 elections. Although this poll was only of 2000 people, I think it goes to show that there is overall distrust in the system and it’s hard to say that one person on one side of the aisle can get everyone to pull in the same direction when the other side thinks

they got there wrongfully.”

Biden’s presidential campaign has included dozens of policy-oriented objectives, including large-scale economic and environmental initiatives to more general proposals regarding healthcare, education, and racial justices.

Biden claims that one of his main priorities as president will be defeating the pandemic, announcing a pandemic task force days after the news of his victory. The leading members of the task force include former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, Dr. David Kessler, former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at Yale School of Medicine.

“When a president is

elected they often take off where the previous president took off so I do not hold President-Elect Joe Biden to fulfill his entire campaign plans,” Williams said. “One thing that I hope Biden fulfills in his 4-year-term is that the climate change plan will be in effect within the two years of his presidency.”

Murray also expressed support of the pandemic plan.

“I feel as though focusing on the pandemic will help to bring back normalcy in our day to day lives and the economy will benefit as well,” Murray said. “Good presidents understand the role they play in our government and the world’s view of the USA. Understanding policy issues, the ability to compromise and a person of good character would be traits that good

politicians possess.”

Mueller also holds optimistic expectations for Biden’s presidency.

“My hope is that there will be more peace both domestically and globally,” Mueller said. “Also that the world will work together to tackle the climate crisis we have facing us. Lastly, I hope the economic gap will shrink.”

Williams hopes that America is able to progress collectively.

“I do not think that one man (Biden) will be able to unite America, we are far from being united,” Williams said. “I do not think that will ever be fully united because of the controversy in America. I can only hope that we move forward as a country and become better people as a whole.”

Political tension invades life in the United States Political discord in the US was on display as protestors and rioters descended on the Capitol CHANEL FOSTER & PETER TRAN Staff Reporters On January 6, the day that the electoral vote would be certified to declare Joe Biden as president, the political tension of the country bubbled over as Trump supporters protested outside the Capitol Building in revolt against the count.

Biden was set to be confirmed as the election winner, but this would have to be put on hold as Trump supporters would storm the Capitol Building. Hundreds of protestors would turn into rioters pushing past Capitol security into the entrance of the U.S Capitol. All this occurred while Oklahoma Senator James Lankford was in the middle of his objection to the certification count.. All officials who worked within the building were told to evacuate, with Vice President Mike Pence who was presiding over the hearing, evacuating as well.

The national guard would be deployed after the break-in.

Five casualties have been reported during the Capitol storming, including Ashli Babbit, who was shot while attempting to breach the building.

Both Biden and Trump would release statements about the situation on the same day. In Biden’s speech, he would express his disappointment in the situation and stating that what is happening must end.

He would call out Trump to release a statement that would end the siege of the Capitol.

While in Trump’s speech, he would tell rioters to ‘go home peacefully’ while still stating that he understands their frustration. Many would have problems with Trump’s response, including popular social media platform, Twitter, which would take down Trump’s apology video and account for violating its guidelines.

Since the 2020 presidential election, political tension has been at an all time high.

According to the Pew research Center, 89% of Trump supporters are concerned about the country’s direction and believe that electing Biden would lead to lasting harms on the United States. In another

survey conducted after the election, Pew Research Center gathered that 90% of Biden supporters are concerned about the country’s direction and electing Trump again would lead to lasting harms on the United States With America’s history of riots, violent protest and overall combative behavior, situations of this nature are bound to be discussed amongst opposing political groups. But what happens when people can’t have calm insightful conversations with one another without the possibility of conflict?

Junior Jade Witte voiced that speaking about politics requires knowledge of the person and the situation.

“I feel that most political discussions with a person who does not share the same views as you tend to be hostile and uncomfortable, as opposed to if you are discussing it with someone you know who will be willing to discuss both sides while remaining calm. I think the problem we have today is people can’t look past political views,” Witte said.

Junior Kelci Sutton believes that understanding person and place is important, but that sometimes a discussion on politics just is not possible.

Sutton believes that the hostility that might take place between people with opposing views is that for some people, their politics connect to their personal rights and safety. WIth movements such as Black Lives Matter and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights being pushed into the political spectrum, many people stand in solidarity with this notion that they are being confrontational not out of a political disagreement, but a perceived threat to their own state of existence.

“If i was to speak to someone with different political views, I 9.99 out of 10 believe that the conversation would become confrontational. I choose not to respect anyone with different views than me because my views revolve around my life and my rights,” Sutton said. “If you disagree with my life and my rights, there is no reason for me to respect your opinions if you can not respect me aside from

my beliefs.”

With the introduction of social media over the last 15 years, political discussion seems to have shifted to a more public forum. With younger generations such as Generation Z and Millennials being of age to vote, a large contributor to the political tension in America is due to the technological rise in individuals voicing their opinions publicly through social media.

Social media has played a much larger role in politics now in this most recent election compared to any previous American election due to the spread Photo Courtesy: Tyler Merbler/Wikimedia Commons of information that so many people can reach at the click A crowd of President Trump supporters march on the US Capitol on of a few buttons. Government January 6, ultimately leading to the building being breached and several deaths. teacher Jason Spurgeon says that social media has they were not happy about the seen the protests in person, become both a blessing and a election results and want to the damaged buildings curse for Americans, as more make it known to the world and businesses from the people can have their voices who they really praise.” rioting and looting, and the heard, but often it leads to In America, people tend aftermath. It’s a scary time misinformation and hate. to separate themselves into right now, especially since “Though we have a different categories. This everyone is already on edge communication tool and activity, called tribalism, with the pandemic issues, can get up-to-the-minute usually shows that people racial tension, and political information about anything, connect and form stronger climate of our country,” it is not always accurate and bonds with people who share Spurgeon said. “I think if many times, outright false,” similarities like race, religion, people would turn off the Spurgeon said. “Social media and culture, but politics has television and take a break has become a battleground started to become another of from social media for a little for people to spew their those categories. Spurgeon bit, we might be able to heal a hostility and hate at one stated that there have always little bit faster as a whole.” another, which reflects the been things that divide Between people feeling division that is perpetuated Americans, but politics is more free to speak out on in our country. I think social definitely at the top. social media and competing media allows people to be “We have lost the ability news companies that pile a more brazen about their to ‘agree to disagree’ with one barrage of information on hateful statements, because another, respecting the fact Americans, it has become they are hiding behind a that it is okay to have differing an increasingly divided screen, rather than making viewpoints and opinions, and time. While people might their statements in person.” the lack of bipartisanship by be divided on their politics, Junior Azariah Estes stated our governmental leaders to Estes believes it is important she believes that social media work together for the good for the future of the country is an accurate representation of the people has also greatly to at least be able to have of people’s true feelings, divided the American people,” discussions in a civil manner and that there just was not Spurgeon said. in order to come together for a platform that had been so Spurgeon believes the good of everyone. open and obvious in the past. that the availability of so “I believe that politics “Social media is an much other media, such have created more division in accurate representation as television, newspapers, America because now people of how people are acting and internet sources, has are breaking friendships because of the election. also led to fear and anxiety and relationships because People are more bold to say amongst American citizens. someone is a Republican or what they believe online than He believes that this may a Democrat. This should not in person, so if someone is play into the hostility that is be a fight between red vs blue, displaying their views in a seen when people voice their but a fight against everyone very aggressive and forward opinions on social media and the problems we face in way then that is who they platforms.

America,” Estes said. “Until are,” Estes said. “If you see “Obviously the news people realize that we are someone posting with a reports daily on the tension not fully “united” unless we Confederate flag in the and violence in America come together no matter background or a Blue Lives centering around politics, the race, ethnicity, religion, Matter flag, especially during and in many cases, it is the sexual orientation, etc. then the times we are in, then you media that feeds that tension we cannot call ourselves the can make the assumption that and causes it to grow. I’ve United States of America.”

News

January 2021

Page 8

VACCINE - continued from front page

regarding the development and rollout of the vaccine,” Nurse said. “Our lead nurse is working with the county health department and local healthcare providers to make it available to the RSD nurses as soon as possible.”

President Elect Joe Biden has stated plans on setting tougher restrictions to handle the virus that President Donald Trump disagreed with. such as stricter lockdowns, better mask requirement policies, and better funding for hospitals to care for covid patients..

Speak says that the vaccine is one of many steps that still need to be taken in order to eventually get back to life before COVID, including the fact that masks will still need to be worn, even after the vaccine reaches all of the population.

“It will help in the fight against COVID, but we must have a group effort across the entire US population to get enough people vaccinated.

We will still, for at least the

remaining school year (if not through 2022) need to wear masks in all public places, observing a greater than six-foot social distance, and do thorough and regular handwashing and personal hygiene practices,” Speak said.

“The effects of the vaccine, with its slow roll-out, on our school population and the greater populace, will take some time to change our course of action to a more normal (but probably never pre-COVID) mode of daily operation.”

There were some negative side effects reported by people during the vaccine trials. The CDC said that while some people did get Bell’s Palsy during the testing, it was not outside of a the norm, so they do not believe it is a side effect.

Ritenour middle school student, Aarion White says that he is considering taking the vaccine once he gets to know the side effects of the vaccine.

“If I take this vaccine I

want to know everything about the vaccine I just don’t want to be a test subject for the scientists,” White said The side effects, amongst other concerns, have added to the debate about the safety of the vaccine.

In Wisconsin, a pharmacist has been arrested after he intentionally left the 500 doses of the vaccine out and they reached too high of a temperature to be effective.

Other citizens have been vocal about not trusting the vaccine because of the seemingly fast process of creating it for public consumption.

Speak says that anyone who has concerns about the safety of the vaccine needs to look at information that comes directly from doctors, and to look at the whole process. He says the quick nature of the vaccine can be explained through the steps that were taken.

“The vaccine works in the same way as any other immunization. The difference

with the COVID vaccine is that additional funding was poured into the vaccine development which helped the manufacturers minimize lag time between the usual development phases. They did not take shortcuts, and the vaccine had to jump through the same usual hoops to assure safety and efficacy,” Speak said.

Ritenour came back to in-person hybrid learning on January 19, and while the vaccine has not yet reached the adults in the building, there are those who are excited about the possibilities that come with it. Along with Melly and Speak, Special School District teacher Paula Voorhees is excited to get the vaccine, and hopes that it will slow COVID and speed the process of getting back to what used to be a normal life.

“I plan to get the vaccine. I have all of my other vaccinations, and I feel that getting vaccinated puts me and my family less at risk, and also increases

the likelihood of lessening pandemic restrictions,” Voorhees said. “I think it will lessen the spread of this virus and therefore things will be opened up more quickly. I’m glad that it is getting to all the states and the priority groups have been clearly defined. I wish it was being distributed more quickly.”

Speak says that anyone who is concerned about getting the vaccine should do their research to determine whether it is something that they should consider.

“I’d finish by asking to check your sources. Get your information from a doctor.

Don’t get your information from Youtube,” Speak said.

“What does the CDC say?

What does WHO say? What are other countries, who have a good track record fighting COVID, doing in regards to vaccinating their citizens?

Learning to think critically and recognize credible sources will help in making more informed choices about your health.”

A&E Pepper Box monthly rankings - Top five 2020 memes TONI TAYLOR Video Game Editor

#5 GIANT KILLER HORNETS

Screenshot via Facebook

#2 TIGER KING MEMES

#4 TWO PRETTY BEST FRIENDS The “I ain’t never seen two pretty best friends” meme was made on October 8 by @jayrscottyy on TikTok. In this video he stated that there could never be two pretty best friends and one of them always had to be ugly. Of course, this is a ridiculous statement and the Internet did not hold back on telling him that. The phrase “I ain’t never seen two pretty best friends, always one of them gotta be ugly” ruled social media for some time.

In May, it was confirmed that Washington State officials discovered the Asian Giant Hornet, which has been said to be deadly to human beings.

When Twitter and Facebook found out about this, its users flooded the services with memes. Since 2020 had just gotten off to a comically terrible start by this point, many were asking “Could 2020 get any worse?!?”

(Spoiler alert - It could.)

Screenshot via Tik Tok

Screenshot via Twitter

Screenshot via Twitter

On March 20, Netflix released a documentary called “Tiger King.” This revealed all of the private dramas of the exotic zoo keeping industry.

At first, this doesn’t sound too interesting, but when taking a deeper look viewers realized how wacky and insane these people were; and so came the memes, Halloween costumes and TikToks.

Screenshot via Twitter

Screenshot via Twitter

#3 I AM ONCE AGAIN ASKING

#1 WORLD WAR THREE

In February, a clip of Bernie Sanders asking voters and citizens for financial support went viral and sparked creative interest amongst a ton of people.

Instead of financially supporting him, they made him into a meme and filled in whatever they wanted him to support.

After the first week of January, it had been announced that President Trump ordered the assasination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, which many people thought would lead to the start of World War Three. This meme began at the very beginning of 2020 and set the mood for the rest of the year.

In addition to this meme, Bernie Sanders has recently gone viral with a photo of himself at the inauguration.

Screenshot via Twitter

Screenshot via Twitter

Game console review - PS5 vs Xbox Series X Both Playstation and Xbox came out with new consoles in November to mixed reviews TONI TAYLOR Video Game Editor One of the most divided sides of the gaming world happened at the end of 2020 when two new gaming systems were released.

Both the Xbox Series X and the Playstation 5 were released in November; the PS5 coming out on the 12th while the Xbox World Series X came on the 10th at participating realtors worldwide. For the last two months, gamers have been trying to access these systems to see which one is better.

The Analysis One of the pros of getting the Series X is the Xbox game pass. This is one of the best weapons Xbox has over playstation.The Xbox game pass allows users to access and play back catalogue games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Series X. Along with this gamers can also play new games on their release days, so they do not have to wait in a long queue with those who do not have the pass.

Unfortunately the Playstation just cannot really compete in that aspect.

However, a con of the

Series X is that the console is just so thick. It feels like you are going to have to think about how to fit this monster into your 10x13 foot living room. The Xbox Series X measures at almost 6 inches wide and deep, and just under 12 inches tall, so it’s a shorter, thicker design than the PS5, which is quite also large itself.

The new Xbox isn’t the only console with cool features though that gamers can use. The PS5 is coming with a brand new feature that lets you feel the game better than ever before.

The Playstation DualSense controller allows the user to feel like they’re actually

in the game, being able to feel the difference between actions such as sliding on ice, traversing sand dunes, climbing mountains and more. However, the PS5 is going to lack exclusive games, so it really will not be that different from playing on the other consoles.

The price of these devices is also a factor. The Xbox Series X comes in at $499, which is a little pricey compared to the PS5 at $399, a full $100 difference. This factor, plus the tribalism that comes with each console might sway gamer’s choices by a lot.

In the end people usually

like to stick with what they like, Xbox players will get the new Xbox and Playstation players will probably choose the PS5, it’s really up to them to decide which way you want to go.

The Verdict The Xbox Series X is a better purchase than the PS5 because the PS5 did not really come with any new accessories. While it did include the DualSense feature, that was not enough to give it the edge over the Xbox. If you were going to spend your money on a new system, go with the Xbox.

Page 9

Sports

January 2021

Sarah Fuller’s college kicking path exposes misogyny Online critics tried tearing down the Vanderbilt kicker, and local athletes have seen similar actions JORDAN FRITZSCHE Visual Editor-in-Chief

anything you set your mind to, you really can. And if you have that mentality all the For many female athletes, way through, you can do big 2020 was a groundbreaking things,” Fuller said. year.

By the age of 14, female Young girls watched as the athletes drop out of sports Women of the WNBA paved at two times the rate of the way for activism in sports, boys. The Women’s Sports Kim Ng, Katie Sowers, and Foundation has spent the past Becky Hammon broke gender 25 years collecting data to barriers in the NFL, NBA, try to figure out the reasons and MLB. Glass ceilings were why this is true. They have shattered as Vanderblit senior identified six factors that lead Sarah Fuller became the first to female athletes dropping woman to not only play in a out: lack of access, safety power 5 game, but to make and transportation, social history as the first woman stigma, decreased quality of to score points in a Power 5 experience, cost, and lack of football game. positive role models.

Photo by Ron Steinschriber While Fuller was setting “Overall women’s sports Elizabeth Dobbs bats last year vs Incarnate Word. While the team has yet to play this season, Dobbs records, social media was get overlooked entirely with said that she has experienced disrepect towards her sport and it has made her want to quit. bombarded with both people saying things like “girls “I know some young levels of aggression that they men, it was easy to feel out of the good, and the bad. sports aren’t entertaining,” women who have given up can display while they are place or to feel like I couldn’t Misogynistic comments or just men generally their sport completely due competing. be as good as them. Misogyny about Fuller quickly sexualizing women and not to feeling like they “aren’t “I feel like there is always has made it difficult to play circulated, downplaying her even being interested in the good enough” and never will going to be some sort of sports, but it’s still possible.” as an athlete, and wishing her sport we’re playing,” Dobbs be. I’ve been hated on in my gap between the female and Sexism in sport is ill-will. said. “On more than just sport and for a while I wanted male athletes and sports.

The unequivocal, it is a systemic “It was almost sickening to a few occasions, misogyny to give up, but I learned to expectations are different reality for every female see the men in the comments has made me want to quit turn it into a want to succeed between each other. Men athlete. It is a reality which of her Instagram post saying because as a woman you’re and prove them wrong, ” always are expected to be can be seen in the wage things like “I can’t wait to constantly compared to a man Thompson said. more aggressive and intense gap between the US men’s see her get tackled and cry” saying our sports aren’t as Senior Evynn Scherretz in their games, and females and women’s soccer team, rather than congratulating competitive as a man’s sport.” played volleyball for Ritenour can also be aggressive but not and in the lack of female her,” sophomore Elizabeth Madi Thompson plays and says that even small to the same extent,” Scherretz representation in the industry.

Dobbs said. softball at Waynesville High differences, like that of the said. “But I do think if people Blatant misogyny extends This did not shake Fuller, School. She mentioned that uniform for different sports, would just look at both as farther than professional as she stepped out on the female athletes are often can make a big difference. playing the same game, there leagues and for many high field shining a light on the bombarded with negative “There is no need for would be less of an issue.” school athletes it is the same underbelly of women’s sports, comments from the time they volleyball shorts to be as Ella Erb wrestles for story, just a different setting. she had one message. stop playing sports, and that short as they are.

Yes they are Webster Groves High While one of the factors “I just want to tell all the it definitely can affect whether comfortable, but realistically School. While wrestling listed by the Women’s Sports girls out there that you can do they stick with that sport. they are not functional. And has been incorporated as a Foundation for girls quitting guess what?

It was a man’s sport by the Missouri High sports was lack of positive By age 14, female athletes drop out of sports at twice idea to make them so short,” School Athletic Association role models. Thompson the rate as their male counterparts. The Women’s Scherretz said. “Them being (MSHSAA) in recent years, it believes that the newer Sports Foundation cites six main factors: short doesn’t give any extra has traditionally been a sport generation of female athletes advantage either. You could dominated by male athletes. has produced many athletes play in regular shorts and it “One time, I had to wrestle to admire, potentially leading 1. Lack of access would be the same game.” a guy rather than a girl and I to a reversal of their statistics.

2. Safety and transportation issues Scherretz also mentioned heard his coach say to him, “I look up to so many that she believed that ‘you totally got this. She’s a different women’s athletes, 3. Social stigma there was a sense of varied girl, she can’t wrestle,’” Erb Jenny Finch, Simon Biles, 4. Decreased quality of experience expectations for athletes said. “I feel like misogyny has Serena Williams, Sarah Fuller, based on whether they are affected myself and others Haley Cruz. These women 5. Cost male or female. She believes by giving women a different and a few others have made 6. Lack of positive role models that athletes who play the outlook on sports than men me want to keep pushing my same sport as each other have might have. For having limits and striving to be a different perceived acceptable wrestling on a team of mostly great athlete,” Thompson said.

Ritenour golfer is the first pandemic college signee Senior Jordan Fritzsche will be golfing at Central Methodist University next school year SAMIA FOUCHE Production Edtor-in-Chief COVID-19’s presence at the beginning of the school year brought many questions about what the sports seasons were going to be like, yet even without a season in the fall, senior Jordan Fritzsche was able to become Ritenour’s first signing of the year.

Fritzsche, being only one of two members of the Girls Golf team, committed to Central Methodist University on November 4.

“I feel a lot of gratitude, it certainly wasn’t expected by me or anyone else,” Fritzsche said. “I never in a million years would’ve imagined myself being at this point where I am committed to a college sport.”

Fritzsche joined the Ritenour girls golf team her junior year, and even though that was her first time playing golf at the varsity level, Coach Sean Snedeker was extremely impressed and proud of her accomplishments.

“I sought Jordan (and a number of other students) out last year at the beginning of the golf season because

the girls’ golf team needed golfers,” Snedeker said.

“Jordan was the only one who took the risk to join a sport that is not really popular around here and difficult to learn to play. I think she will tell you that she is so glad she did.”

Fritzsche also expressed gratitude to CMU’s golf coach Stephen Main.

“I am more than grateful for Coach Main and CMU for giving me this amazing opportunity, and allowing me to grow with them in these coming years,” Fritzsche said.

Main said that Fritzsche’s success on both the golf course and the classroom were what drew him to recruit her into the program.

“Jordan is the perfect example of a successful student athlete. She is a hardworking student and golfer, and has a great personality,” Main said. “I believe she has shown a look of growth over the last year and has lots of potential to keep on improving. We cannot wait to have her as a part of our program in the fall.”

COVID-19 becoming normalized in society did

Photo courtesy Ritenour Athletics Senior Jordan Fritzsche signs her letter of commitment to play golfnext season at CMU. Fritzsche was the first RHS athlete to sign during the pandemic, which created a new recruiting process.

raise some challenges. The pandemic kept people apart, and the class of 2021 found it harder to meet with recruiters or even tour colleges. Even while committing to CMU, Fritzsche could feel those challenges.

“I had some concerns because of COVID. We obviously weren’t able to get a fall season and that was something that I was worried would negatively impact the

recruiting process for me,” Fritzsche said. “I did go to the driving range during the summer whenever possible, but it still is so much different than being able to play an actual round. I always knew in the back of my mind, that if something did happen with that season, coaches would be flexible with it.”

Main stated that recruiting while in the pandemic had helped him a lot, and though

it was very different from traveling to tournaments, he appreciated that he was able to spend more time in office.

“It was definitely a different experience for sure. I like to be able to sign every student athlete that commits in person, if it is geographically feasible, so I was super happy Jordan and her family were able to come out to our beautiful Fayette campus and sign,” Main said.