CLUB SUCCESS
FCCLA and the Pepper Box both received prestigious awards. NEWS, Page 3
PLAY REHEARSAL
The cast and crew of “A Christmas Carol” are preparing a show for December. SPOTLIGHT Page 4,5
SPORTS CAPSULES Check out how the fall sports finished their seasons. SPORTS, Page 8
THE PEPPER BOX RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL
ISSUE 3, VOLUME 44
9100 ST. CHARLES ROCK ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63114
NOVEMBER, 2017
Women seek change after reporting past assaults Sexual harassment allegations against famous men have sparked a movement for all
By TABITHA PEEBLES The Pepper Box Staff Within these past months, more than 70 allegations against the famous American film producer Harvey Weinstein have surfaced on account of his history with sexual harassment, including three allegations of rape. Several women, including supermodels and actresses, are all sharing their stories on their interactions with Weinstein. These cases of sexual misconduct perpetrated by a public figure seem to constantly receive national attention. Examples of some these figures who have been more recently accused include: Kevin Spacey, Louis CK, Brett Ratner, Russell Simmons and American politician, Roy Moore. Although Weinstein’s actions may have made a bigger impact in the media, the shock prompted from these other men’s unbecoming behavior promote people to wonder why someone would violate another person in this manner. These inappropriate actions induced from Weinstein have clearly affected his life in numerous ways despite his retractions. Some of these include his expulsion from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences along with being expelled by the organization behind the Oscars. The feelings aroused by Weinstein’s actions are causing many to question how someone could get away with doing this to so many women over the years.
Sexual assault is more common than people might believe. 11,364 claims were filed just in 2011, with 83.7% of those of those claims being filed from women according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Since #MeToo went viral in early November following the Weinstein allegations, Twitter has reported more than 1.7 million women and men using the tag in more than 80 countries. Guidance Counselor Shauna Cunningham spoke about how this viral movement can conclusively give people the gateway they need to reach out with their stories. “I feel like this movement is very Coralis Bobe empowering and it will A representation of the #MeToo movement that has resurfaced after sexual ultimately help women harassment and assault allegations of prominent male figures. The hash tag started who have been sexually trending on social media and women were sharing stories to bring awareness. assaulted and abused in Understanding this begin,” Cunningham said. seen in the survey when having a voice as well as campaign and knowing Understanding the 81% of women said that remind them that they’re that it can affect students statistics when it comes to they’ve experienced sexual not alone. This is their gives the counselors sexual harassment should harassment in the verbal moment of redemption,” the opportunity to put help keep women aware form, 44% from unwanted Cunningham said. themselves in the position of their surroundings and touching and 25% from Although this viral to relate as well as give know when to report any lewd texts or emails. campaign became popular solace to those students inappropriate encounters All things considered, just recently, it actually who need it. they may face. the topic of sexual assault is originated more than 10 “The impact of this According to a something that shouldn’t be years ago with activist, movement will allow Cosmopolitan survey pushed aside nor ignored. Tarana Burke. In Burke’s women to feel confident amongst 2,235 full-time With the recognition that interview with CNN enough to come forward and part-time female the matter is receiving in she speaks about how and be empowered employees, 1 in 3 women the media, the pathway this movement, rather survivors instead of between the ages 18-34 for better perspective is than a viral campaign, victims. This hashtag have been sexually harassed obtainable to those who’ll established itself from will also hopefully send at work. Only 29% reported use the information to deeper trauma that she, a message from men and the violation, while 71% bring more mindfulness to as well as the women women that sexual assault did not. Another reason for its severity. around her, experienced. will not be tolerated. the lack of awareness on “Being strong enough The controversy started Although silence and this issue is solely because to confide in someone you from this hashtag has shame can continue to people aren’t aware of the trust can also put a halt to allowed women to come hurt on the inside, telling different forms that sexual the abuse. Therefore, there’s forth and not be afraid to an adult about one’s story harassment come in as power in telling one’s story share their stories as well can connect them with well as noticing it when and counselors are here to as raise recognition to the the resources they need it happens. Examples of help those who need it,” significance of the issue. in order for healing to be these different forms were Cunningham said.
Boy scouts decision allows girls to join By ALLY BOTH The Pepper Box Staff On Oct. 11 2017, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) came out with a statement officially allowing girls to become a part of their program beginning on Jan. 1, 2018. Girls all across America are now able to earn the Eagle Scout award for the first time in a little over a hundred years. The Eagle Scout award is an award that boys have the opportunity to earn until they are eighteen years old. To get the Eagle Scout, members have to go through a long process of finishing awards prior to
the Eagle, and then proceed to earn merit badges that concentrate on certain life skills. Sophomore Brendan Stock has been in the BSA for the past five years, and said that attaining Eagle Scout status is a true honor that must be earned, regardless of whether a girl or boy was trying for it. “The Eagle Scout Award is the best of the best and only three percent of the Boy Scouts ever make it to their Eagle… it’s a lot of hard work and dedication to the program,” Stock said. The final step in order to attain Eagle Scout status is to go to a board that is dedicated to the Eagle Scout Service Project to get the project approved.
When the project is complete, the Scouts go back to the board and show that they have adequately completed it. Since the process is so long to go through (usually lasting about a year) it is considered to be an impressive achievement. The Eagle Scout has been an advantage that men have had for the past century and now it will be equal grounds for both genders. Junior Sara Phillips has been in the Girl Scouts of America for the past eleven years giving her ample personal experience of the Girl Scouts. “If I had been younger SEE GIRL SCOUTS PG2
INDEX NEWS..................Front Page Check out
OPINION....................Page 2 information NEWS.........................Page 3 SPOTLIGHT................Page 4 SPOTLIGHT................Page 5 SPOTLIGHT................Page 6 SPORTS......................Page 7 SPORTS......................Page 8
from this issue, as well as additional content from the Pepper Box and KRHS on ritenourlive. org
Opinion
PEPPER BOX STAFF
Page 2 November 2017 Opinion Editor: Jordyn Barber: Barberj801@ritenourschools.org
What Thanksgiving should really be about
Adviser: Ron Steinschriber Content Editor In Chief: Jenna Hutson The Barber Shop America. The native inhabitants Production Editor In Chief: Bailey of the region surrounding the Plymouth Colony were Stock the various tribes of the News Editor: Martin Trujillo Wampanoag people, who had lived there around Opinion Editor: Jordyn Barber ten thousand years before Online Editor: Shelby Langhorst the Europeans arrived. When the Pilgrims came Sports Editor: Coralis Bobe in contact with a particular Spotlight Editor: Victoria Taylor English-speaking Native American people, the Staff Members: Trystan Bell, Allison natives began to teach Both, Pierre Brown, Hannah Cornish, them how to plant, fish, and hunt. Alexandria Eyster, Marquis Gladden, By Jordyn Barber Celebrating their newly Grace Humphres, Lila Irby, Tabitha taught skills, Squanto (a I live in a country that Peebles, Dori Sloan, Madison Waldrup member of the Pawtuxet 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.
tries to cover up the stench of death with the smell of a home cooked meal. Many of us are aware of the systematic killing of the Native Americans by the Pilgrims. I have debated on where to begin. I’ve decided to start at the true beginning of America, the Native Americans. In July of 1620, the Pilgrims left England in search of religious freedom. On September 16, 1620 the Pilgrims sailed from Plymouth, England to no particular destination aboard the Mayflower. With a passenger count of 102, they sailed and eventually landed in what is present day Plymouth, Massachusetts on December of that same year. This is when they first came in contact with the indigenous people of
tribe) and several other natives, prepared a feast which is known as the first Thanksgiving. However, for the Native Americans, this day was considered a “Day of Mourning” once the feast ended and their hospitality was returned with a slaughter of over 700 of their people. Several more died from the blankets the Europeans offered that were infected with smallpox. However, this is not what we learn in schools. We learn that the history of Thanksgiving was a time of love and sharing. Most children are taught that Native Americans helped the Pilgrims but ignore the disease and killing they were given back. Why have we sugarcoated such a tragic and influential event
in history? The children are given turkey worksheets to color and perform skits that portray all the good of the Pilgrims but not their true deeds. All of this solidifies a false truth within the youth’s minds. They grow up having that same feast annually but don’t know the true history of the meal. I am not against giving thanks. I am not against gathering to enjoy a meal and conversation. I am not against attempting to make the situation better over the years by bringing families together. However, I am against forgetting the true history of the day because it’s an “uncomfortable” topic. Instead of just blindly celebrating a holiday and not thinking about all the things that created this day, we should alter the way that this day looks in the future. We should continue gathering together in a positive way, giving thanks for all of the blessings that we have in life, and celebrating one another daily. However, we should also be discussing the true history of the day, and incorporate that into our daily thinking so that we don’t need negative situations to happen to others in order to celebrate ourselves.
The word on the How do you feel about Thanksgiving?
Staff Editorial “You’re from the Midwest aren’t you?” We all have heard this phrase anytime we’re out on vacation or passing through a different town. Believe it or not, us Midwesterners stick out like a sore thumb to the rest of the nation. No one else understands our love for cornhole, a classic tailgating game, and Friday night fish frys. When you accidentally bump into someone from another state on the sidewalk they’re likely to be confused from the strange noise that just came from your mouth sounding something along the lines of “ope” rather than”oops”. Out of staters are also confused by the fact that it’s 80 degrees out and you have a jacket armed and ready. Little do they know, in a few hours in will be 50 degrees with freezing rain. The same goes for Imo’s pizza, us St. Louis natives love it but those not from here tend to have a love hate relationship with the uber thin crust and provel cheese. For some reason they also don’t understand why we dip our pizza in ranch and they’ve never had toasted ravioli? Out of staters also don’t understand why we love Chinese food so much. St. Louis has some
of the best Chinese food around including St. Paul sandwiches, an Egg Foo Young patty complete with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayo, and Crab Rangoon, deep fried cream cheese wontons. Furthermore, I truly feel sorry for every person that hasn’t experienced Ted Drewe’s and all the creamy custard goodness that comes with it. We also think it’s funny when people outside of the Midwest freak out over tornadoes running to the basement while we’re casually watching the Cardinals game. (#CardinalsNation) Another thing nonMidwesterners don’t understand is walking into class and not seeing anyone! I mean, seriously, where did they all go? Oh, they’re just blending in because of the common wear of camouflage. To all our out of town friends, yes we are from St. Louis. And yes, we will still point out the arch every time we come home because no matter what, this is our home. One day these people will start to understand our ways… Until then, we’ll be over here snacking on our puppy chow sitting around a bonfire having a good ‘ol Midwestern time.
I think people celebrate Thanksgiving because it’s one of those family holidays where people get to sit together and enjoy food and they don’t really care about the symbolism of it. They’re just there for the existence of the family dinner. That means something to them. I think Thanksgiving symbolizes togetherness and unity. This is what Thanksgiving is supposed to represent, but I believe it’s a false claim. . I don’t think it should be a holiday, but I know California passed a thing for Columbus Day where it became an indigenous people’s day and we should do something similar to that.
~Lisa Row Junior
I think since Thanksgiving is a tradition, that is why many people celebrate it. They don’t think about the back story behind it so they think it’s just a feast that everyone does every year. I don’t think Thanksgiving is a holiday or something that should be celebrated because it’s not fair to (the Native Americans) because we took their land and claimed it as ours.
~Tiffany Dinh Senior
I think Thanksgiving was made so people would go out and spend money on food, so that these grocery companies could make more money because maybe they were going a little broke at the time. So basically, Thanksgiving is a holiday for people to spend more money. I think Thanksgiving should still be a holiday because I love food.
~Sarah Murrell Sophomore
It’s a time to be together with your family and all friends and relatives and people that you love and just be thankful for what you have. Reasons other people celebrate Thanksgiving can depend on the many things such as religion, different beliefs or thoughts, family-life, just for fun, or just to be thankful for what you have.
~Parker Kopplin Freshman
News
Page 3 November 2017 News Editor: Martin Trujillo: trujillocarrazco164@ritenourschools.org
GIRL SCOUTS Continued from the front page and they had done that [created the coed program] I definitely would have gone to Boy Scouts,” Phillips said. Phillips will be turning 17 soon, so if she were to join the Boy Scouts she would not have much time to create her Eagle Scout project. However, if she could, she would take advantage of the situation since she said it would help her gain new life skills. Even though there are many girls out there who are looking forward to joining the BSA, there are also some of them who are unsure of the new arrangements. Junior Heather Brown has been in the girl scouts for the past nine years and said that the two organizations are not the same thing, and that she is right where she wants to be currently in concerns to Girl Scouts. “I wouldn’t join because, why be a Boy Scout if there’s already Girl Scouts, but they don’t really do the same thing,” Brown said. Junior Naima Kemper has been in Girl Scouts for the past three years since
joining her freshman year. When first asked about joining the Boy Scouts she wasn’t sure if she would, but after hearing that the boys get a higher recognition she decided to help further the awareness for the Girl Scouts. “I want to stay with the Girl Scouts so that we can get higher recognition,” Kemper said. As girls begin to join the Boy Scouts of America, the current male members are having their own thoughts on females coming to their program. Senior Benjamin Schutte has been in Boy Scouts for the past seven years and sees both arguments about whether the groups should combine or stay separate. “I am in the middle of it because I feel that they can join; I don’t see why they shouldn’t,” Schutte said. “Though when I talked to my mom about it she said that Girl Scouts used to be like Boy Scouts, but now it is not, so this could be a chance for them to get into their old ways.”
Photos Courtesy: Trystan Bell On Monday, November 13, there was a large meeting of Girl Scouts that met at Ritenour High School. The groups collected for three groups, including Operation Food Search, which collects and distributes food for the needy. They also collected for the Evangelical Children’s Home, which helps treat abuse, emotional trauma and mental health issues, and includes educational services through preschool and school programs, and providing residential care. They also collected for the All Souls Christian Action which helps support households in the Ritenour area with financial assistance for rent, food, and utilities.
Laura Kilcully, in charge of Evangelical Children’s Home, spoke to the girl scouts at their meeting at RHS on Monday, November 13. She spoke about what the Children’s Home does, who they help, and thanked the scouts for the donations.
Photos Courtesy: Trystan Bell
FCCLA wins gold NEWS IN BRIEF
By PIERRE BROWN The Pepper Box Staff
The FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) group at Ritenour High School has been busy since school began in August. They learned how to fundraise, created original ideas that involved helping the community, and raised awareness about trending issues. They also won first place at the state and regional leadership conference, and second place at the national conference. They created a project called Case 4 Cancer that provided comfort boxes for Mercy Cancer Patients. The comfort boxes were small cardboard storage cases, about the size of a shoe box, packed with comfort items such as books, journals or word puzzles, ED BY and adult coloring books AS IF PURCH R 30 E B M E PT SEsocks, markers, hats or scarves, inspiring notes, nail polish, lip balm and candy.
The group would later deliver 50 boxes, with an ultimate goal of 150, to Mercy Hospital’s Teen and Adult Cancer Patients. FCCLA is planning to deliver more in April. “Our group participated in a STAR, Students Taking Action with Recognition, event Competition for FCCLA,” senior Isaiah Murrell-Thomas said. In the first competition at regionals, their project earned them gold standing, allowing the group to go to state. At State, the project was awarded gold again, which qualified the group to go to Nationals, held in Nashville, TN, where they earned silver. “When we were in Nashville, we explored Broadway Street and went to the Country Music Hall of Fame,” Thomas said. The group will continue delivering the cases in April and fundraise to get money for more acts of kindness similar to this.
Ritenour senior participated in summer leadership camp
Senior Trenton Kwasa participated in the American Legion Boys State of Missouri this summer from June 17-24. He was recently recognized by Boys State for the work he did over the summer on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Kwasa was selected based on his leadership, citizenzhip, academics, and character during his junior year at Ritenour. Boys State is a program designed to educate and train Missouri’s young leaders in functional citizenship, leadership, and government. During his time at Boys State, Kwasa earned the following accomplishments, positions, and awards: Citizen of Whitfield City; Member of the Federalist Part; Senator; Beverage Commissioner; Delagate to County Committee, Ward
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II; Senate Majority Leader; Business owner. Kwasa was sponsored by the Sonny and Edith Stewart Memorial Fund in Honor of Mike, Ben, and Dan Stewart. “I’d like to give a special thanks to Dr. Bonner and Ms. Palmer for believing in me,” Kwasa said.
Pepper Box wins International journalism award For the first time in recent memory, student journalists with Ritenour High School’s student newspaper, the Pepper Box, received the International First Place award from the Quill and Scroll Society, a student journalism honor society. This year’s award is for Pepper Box news content from the 2016-2017 school year. The newspaper earned Second Place awards in 2012, 2013 and 2016. Although this year’s returning Pepper Box staffers are excited about
earning first place, they have set a goal to earn the society’s highest award, the George H. Gallop Award, for content they produce during this school year, said their adviser and journalism teacher, Ron Steinschriber. Steinschriber attributes this year’s award to the leadership of last year’s staff, who set the bar high for producing stories that their readers wanted. “I am very proud of the work we were able to do last year,” Steinschriber said.“The group of seniors who led the staff wanted to commit to telling stories that mattered to them and their peers, and that led to us writing about some big topics.” The judge noted some outstanding work with writing and editing techniques “Last year’s staff set a precedent for future leaders of the Pepper Box, and the current staff is definitely serious about continuing to improve and aiming for an even higher rating,” Steinschriber said.
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Spotlight
Page 4 November 2017
Practice makes perfect
Spotlight Editor: Victoria Taylor: Taylorv512@ritenourschools.org
Staff and students are working hard to create the perfect play in their adaptation of “A Christmas Carol”
Martin Trujillo Director Greg Jones and stage manager Emma Carriker interact with the child actors for the play. Some of the child actors in the play are children of Ritenour staff members, including the children of Guidance Counselor Dina Durnin and English teacher Melissa Monzyk. By MARTIN TRUJILLO News Editor Staff and students have been working together to prepare for the Fall play, “A Christmas Carol.” Director Greg Jones is in charge of the production that has extended roles not only to students in the school, but also to younger students and even a few surprise roles that will be played by teachers. The following account will take you behind the scenes of rehearsal, and some stories specific to one of the rehearsal days for the play. It was a particularly busy day, with the children getting roles, the costume designer measuring students for clothing and the teachers auditioning for guest spots. The following interviews relive the moments of that particular rehearsal, and their overall experience preparing for the play. Performances begin December 7. Director Greg Jones “I chose “A Christmas Carol” because it’s a classic, and I was wanting to do something “festive.” Also, I’m pretty sure it’s been a long time since it’s been done at the school, if ever.” Senior Janessa Brewer “My role in the play is Ebenezer Scrooge. A normal rehearsal consists of going over scenes until we’ve got our blocking and queues down, and finding ourselves as our characters. Some common problems of a normal rehearsal are people becoming off task or not knowing their stage directions.” Senior J’von Halbert “My character’s name is Bob Cratchit. Usually normal rehearsals begin with warm-ups,
which are just some call and responses and some movements to get prepared for that day’s rehearsal. Then, we move on to going over the scenes that are to be rehearsed that day; reviewing the blocking and fine-tuning our acting and our character choices for those scenes. We are usually always done by 5:30, Jones has good time management so if he says we’re done by 5:30, we’re done by 5:30.” Greg Jones “We really have 4 different types of rehearsal, depending where we are in the process. The first one is “blocking,” where the actors are instructed on where they should go onstage. The second is “working” where we rehearse the scene and fix blocking and character issues. The third is “off book” where they do not have the script and the scene is memorized and they do their blocking. And the last is a “run through” where they act as if an audience is watching, meaning, if you mess up, fix it and keep going. Don’t break character.” Janessa Brewer “The first scene that I ever blocked in this show, I had to simply say “humph” like a grumpy old man and I could not get it down. We spent maybe 10 minutes trying to get it out of me.” Senior Emma Carriker “My role in this play is stage manager. Generally in rehearsals, we spend time going over blocking, joking around, and I spend time running around to make sure things are organized. As we go through rehearsals, we have issues when not everyone shows up on time, so I call them and tell them to come, or Jones talks to them the next day.”
Greg Jones “I put a lot of trust in my veteran actors and stage manager. I really expect them to lead by example. Sometimes this works, sometimes this doesn’t.” J’von Halbert “Some common problems that I encounter at rehearsals are simple ones, such as people not having their scripts or forgetting lines or blocking, or people just not showing up that day for rehearsal. Some of those problems happen more than others, but it’s to be expected in high school performances.” Greg Jones “Most of the students are involved in other after school activities, therefore they are not always able to make the rehearsal. Unfortunately, the show suffers due to this situation.” Emma Carriker “Every rehearsal has it’s funny moments, whether it’s Jones singing Noel or fake crying because that actor isn’t here, or chanting and skipping like a little kid.” J’von Halbert “It’s hard to have something too interesting or funny happen this early in the rehearsal process, but somehow it always happens. One of the funniest rehearsals was the day we were auditioning the children for their roles. Not only did we have their auditioning going on, but we also had fittings for our costumes and normal rehearsal going on too! And in the process, Jones lost his school keys somewhere in the school and we were all running around CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE Left: Director Greg Jones speaks to his cast members at a rehearsal day. Jones said that he chose “A Christmas Carol” because it would be festive around the holidays. Right: Senior J’von Halbert is a returning veteran for Jones in the cast. Jones said that he relies on his veterans for a performance like this.
Martin Trujillo
Martin Trujillo
Spotlight
Page 5 November 2017 Spotlight Editor: Victoria Taylor: Taylorv512@ritenourschools.org the school trying to find them! We found them, thankfully!”
are more shy than we are as actors, so we definitely have to coach them and encourage them more. But it’s fun, it’s a good experience!”
Janessa Brewer “With the children around we have to be more aware of our actions and behavior because we are setting an example for them. It’s also a blast because they are so sweet and fun to work with.”
Emma Carriker “With children we have to be more patient and describe things clearer. The children do make the rehearsal a little more fun though. They are just a little cuter than us high schoolers, so seeing them laugh and act is fun to watch.”
Octavia Durnin, 8, Miranda, daughter of counselor Dina Durnin “I like practicing my lines and it’s fun being in the play. Rehearsals are good. The other actors never leave me alone and that makes me feel comfortable.”
Greg Jones “Directing children is not much different from directing high schoolers, except they are more energetic. I think it is fun working with the kids and the faculty. We have three faculty members who will play one of the parts, so when they are able to show up to rehearsal it is fun and I think the students enjoy it.”
J’von Halbert “Working with children is a completely different world than working with high schoolers. They
Atticus Durnin, 13, Boy Scrooge, son of counselor Dina Durnin “I enjoy meeting new people and I get a different experience compared to another play I was in.” Greg Jones “In the end, it’s up to them. The show will be what they put into it. I can only give them the chance to create something they will be proud of. It is the students’ show. Not mine.” Atticus Durnin “I think it’s a good experience and opportunity. It’s an opportunity to try something new that I would otherwise not do. It’s a little stressful but exciting at the same time. It allows me time to think about how to improve your character in the scene.”
Martin Trujillo Left: Senior Janessa Brewer takes direction during the rehearsal. Brewer is playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the play. Right: Director Greg Jones gives instruction to Brewer and junior Autumn House.
Martin Trujillo
Martin Trujillo Above: Director Greg Jones goes over a scene with Junior Catherine Walker. Although the blocking does not happen until they are on stage, the performers must go over their lines and cues to make sure they are delivering them at the appropriate time and with the appropriate tone. Right: Director Senior Ashley Hayes works with two of the child actors in the play. The high school students say that they love working with the elementary school actors. They get to encourage them and be good examples for them. Martin Trujillo Senior Emma Carriker is the stage manager for the production. Carriker has performed in plays in the past, so she understands what must happen for a great performance. She says her job consists mostly of running around to make sure things are organized and trying to keep the actors where they need to be at all times.
Martin Trujillo
Spotlight
Page 6 November 2017 Spotlight Editor: Victoria Taylor: Taylorv512@ritenourschools.org
The violent nature of movies and television More than 80% of Ritenour students surveyed said that they watch television shows or movies that involve crime scenes, and most surveyed do not believe that it is a problem
Photo courtesy: Juanita Hartmann A member of the science department poses on the tape outlined crime scene in the school. The PLTW department uses crime scene investigation in their curriculum, along with the Forensics classes. Students responding to a survey about crime in entertainment said that they often see scenes like this on television shows and movies that they watch. By LILA IRBY The Pepper Box Staff 50’s era mobsters with greased up hair. Suitcases full of money and characters wading deep in fraud. Vigilantes singlehandedly attempting to tumble the crime festering in their city. Chances are, if you have ever watched anything remotely popular, you can conjure an example of a TV show or movies that showcases criminal behavior.
Renowned TV shows and movies seem to have one thing in common: romanticized illegality. Take the beloved and widely appraised Stranger Things for example. It features a watchdogesque dynamic narrated by middle schoolers. American Horror Story, while infamous for terrifying imagery, features more crime than fans may realize; breaking and entering, murder (House),
and sexual assault. The Pepper Box sent out a survey to determine how Ritenour consumes crime entertainment, whether the outlet be TV or movies. An overwhelming 81.3 percent of the students who responded said that they watched crime TV shows, compared to the 18.7 percent that said they did not. Over half of the responses, 61.6 percent to be exact, said they had watched Law and
Order. The hit CW series Riverdale came in second, at a cohesive 37.4 percent. The most popular movie that exemplifies the glorification of crime, Fast and Furious, had been watched by 56.6 percent of students. The series is a franchise that showcases the lives of drag racers, documenting their many exploits, which incidentally, all involve an escape from the law. Though many of the shows and movies that ennoble crime and present it as exhilarating and rewarding captivate many a student at Ritenour, one particular response to the genre resonated with many students. When asked whether the way entertainment portrays crime affects their perception, many students expressed the sentiment that crime on TV and in movies did not alter their discernment of right and wrong. “I think that people see things on TV and get ideas for what they could do. I personally am not affected by crime on TV, but it makes a difference in what people think of criminals, what criminals think of their enemies and what their enemies decide to do to get “revenge” because they’ve done wrong,” Junior Caroline West said. Freshman Samia
Fouche conveyed a similar response, saying that she can separate crime-based entertainment from the real thing. “Unless there are shows that show real life crime, like shows on A&E, it’s not really effective towards me because it just doesn’t seem ‘real’ enough to actually make me change my mind of what real crime is like,” Fouche said. However, some expressed ambiguous feelings on whether or not they thought that crime in entertainment impacted people. Junior Hillary Fadojutimi believes that there are some real life reasons why crimes are committed, and that entertainment sources just present those in their show. She says this is why she is not particularly affected by crime on television or in the movies. “People who commit crimes do it for three reasons: need, want, and insanity. Poor people might rob others because they are in financial need. People who are well off steal because they see something they want. People kill because they are sick, [or] they are insane [and] they are suffering from mental issues. Removing or augmenting crime in TV or movies would not make much of a difference,” Fadojutimi said.
Seniors participate in college fly-ins Eight seniors were flown to colleges around the country to see what they could offer them and given the chance to try out a school before applying By TRYSTAN BELL The Pepper Box Staff Eight Ritenour students were flown out to colleges out of state to visit and see if the colleges they were thinking about attending, or knowingly attending, after high school. College Greenlight, the program that the students are using, paid full ride for the students trips. They are a for free program that allows students to get an idea of the pricing, strategies, and college campus life. Chantal Zossoungbo, who flew to Franklin & Marshall college in Lancaster, Penn, says she learned so much about how it would be living on the campus, and how different the social life is. “I had an amazing time at Franklin & Marshall. For sure, I will be applying,” Zossoungbo said. Zossoungbo said her experience on the fly-in solidified her choice of Franklin & Marshall “To me, the best part hands down would be attending a class, and being treated as if I was a student there. I would’ve loved to be there a lot longer and experience more of what the campus has to offer,”
Zossoungbo said. Eduardo Gomez, who attended Gettysburg College of Gettysburg, Penn, for the day was paired with a host similar to himself both academically and personally. “I had an amazing experience at Gettysburg College. My host and I both want to be biomedical engineers and surgeons, and we were also both hispanic males. I will definitely be applying! I think that it’s a great fit for me. Also they meet 100% of financial need which makes it very affordable. The best part was getting to actually experience “College Life” rather than just listening to people talk about it. I actually had the opportunity to sit in a Physics class and even experience that first hand. It was pretty great,” Gomez said. Even though he had his doubts about a liberal arts college, Isaiah MurrellThomas realized that a college like Gettysburg would be a good fit for him after his trip. “I always imagined myself at a university. I really enjoyed being able to experience the classes. The professor actually talked and discussed with
the students instead of just talking at the students. I feel that one day wasn’t enough to accurately decide if I liked the actual college. It’s easy to like something for a day, but the visit wasn’t enough to decide if I still would like the college after a week or even a month,” MurrellThomas said. Lehigh University of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is where Benita Zossoungbo visited, and she had an “eye-opening”
experience of college life. “The best part was seeing how I fit into the college and seeing what they had to offer, and I will be applying there because of this. I would have loved to have spent a whole week on both campus and been to more classes,” Benita Zossoungbo said. On first weekend of November, Cheyenne Nichols visited Lafayette College in Easton, Penn. It was an important trip for Nichols to discover what
opportunities are possible outside of her home town. “It’s a lovely campus and I’ve never really been out of Saint Louis. I already have applied and am very excited. I think the best part of the experience, aside from being away from home and adventuring, was seeing the science lectures and being able to see the college kids. I wish the trip was longer,” Nichols said.
From left to right: Seniors Julissa Gaona, Eduardo Gomez, Rosalind Johnston, Kayla Boone, Benita Zossoungbo, and Isaiah Murrell-Thomas pose before getting on planes to their colleges. The group was involved in the college fly-in process and got to tour colleges and experience classes.
Sports
Page 7 November 2017 Sports Editor: Coralis Bobe bobec863@ritenourschools.org
Athletes who are in it for the long haul Some players have the opportunity to compete at the varsity level for all four years of high school, but acknowledge that each year brings different experiences, even on the same team By HANNAH CORNISH The Pepper Box Staff
Making varsity is generally a difficult thing to accomplish, but being able to get there as a freshmen is even more rare. In order to snag a spot on a varsity team, it usually takes a lot of dedication, time, and cooperation. That task can be difficult to accomplish for some people. Some things that have tended to hold some student athletes back are being introverts, immaturity and inexperience. All of these have the potential to be roadblocks for these athletes, and it takes self control and self evaluation in order to conquer these obstacles and earn a place on the varsity team. Senior Alexis Ramey, a four year varsity basketball player and soccer player during her career at Ritenour stated her thoughts on how a future freshman could become a varsity player. “Don’t have an attitude and communicate,” Ramey said. Sports can sometimes bring people out of their comfort zones. They expose people to drastically different situations. These situations require complex thinking, and sometimes, even a complete attitude
shift. Ramey commented on this further by telling of her own adjustments she has made because of her experience playing sports. “I’m a really quiet person in general, but after I started playing sports I started becoming more outgoing,” Ramey said. Senior Maurice Lewis, a four year soccer player, spoke of how sports have impacted him and his attitude towards his future. “Soccer drives me to do well in school. It drives me to finish my senior year strong and graduate on time. By working every day to get better at soccer, I have gotten noticed, not only by high school coaches, but by college coaches as well,” Lewis said. Sports not only help to develop physical skills and prowess, but they can teach a lesson to students. Playing a sport can sometimes aid students in finding their drive or ambition in life. Not only this, but the determination required to win can transfer over into being successful in the future. The perfect example of this mindset, Lewis is a college bound student and plans to use the drive he has developed during his time playing soccer to further himself in college, “In order to play the sport I love in college I must maintain good grades, so I will use the
RHS Athletics Senior Maurice Lewis fights for a ball against n opponent from Chaminade. Lewis is amongst a select group of athletes who have competed on varsity since their freshman year. drive that soccer has gave me in order to do good and not give up. I will also use that drive to increase my skills and performance,” Lewis said. Ramey is also planning on working to strengthen the skills she has learned
from sports at the high school level further in her college career, where she is willing to play either basketball or soccer to continue her athletic pursuits. “I expect to develop my leadership and
Getting game ready Q: What is your favorite pump-up song? A: “Love Sosa” by Chief Keef Q: What is your pregame ritual? A: I chew a piece of gum the whole day, and then I spit that gum out and get a new piece of gum right before the game. Then, I tie my right shoe before my left shoe. Q: What is your favorite part about game day? A: The thrill of it, the excitement
communication skills more once I get into college,” Ramey said. These skills do not have to only be utilized solely in college, they can sometimes be used anywhere in life.
What is your pregame pump-up song?
Q: What is your bus ritual? Is it any different than your home game rituals? A: I mean I don’t think it is, I just don’t talk for real. Q: What teammates motivate you the most? A: Trie and JB (Jon Bishop)
NAME: Kobe Smith GRADE: Senior SPORT: Boys Basketball POSITION: Guard
Michaela Reed Basketball “Headlines” by Drake
Austin Cornell Wrestling
Caroline West Swimming
Lena Thai Cheerleading
Kayla Taabish Rhythmettes
“The Man” by Aloe Blacc
“That’s My Girl” by Fifth Harmony
Anything by Hannah Montana, J. Cole, or Rihanna
“DNA” by Kendrick Lamar
Sports
Page 8 November 2017 Spotts Editor: Coralis Bobe bobec863@ritenourschools.org
2017 Ritenour Fall Sports Final Capsules Boys Soccer
Football
• Coach Hoyt Gregory • Final Record: 7-4 • How did the season go? “Did not reach our goal of 11+ games” • Top Performers • Devon Hutson- 125 total tackles 4 sacks• Meechie Jackson- 1402 yards Rushing- 1504 total yards- 18 touchdowns • E’myzra McGruder - 1470 yards passing and 1939 yards rushing- combined 39 touchdowns • Brandon Martin- 118 total tackles 3 sacks 2 fumble recoveries • All Conference Teams RHS Athletics • 1st team- Blake Rogenhofer- Offensive Line, Nick Junior Barrion Clemons Williams- Offensive Line, Trie Beach- Defensive races past Webster Groves Back, Shocka Walton- Defensive Line defenders. • 2nd team - Trie Beach- Wide Receiver, Barrion Clemons- Wide Receiver and Defensive Back, Meechie Jackson- Running Back, Brandon Martin- Linebacker, E’myzra Mcgruder- Athlete, Jake Zgiet- Punter • Honorable mention: Antveon Briggs- Defensive Back, Tiyler Grayson- Offensive and Defensive Line, Devon Hutson- Linebacker, Tristan Talton- Offensive line, Craig Thomas-Offensive Line • Favorite Memory: Meechie Jackson on being named Conference newcomer of the year and E’myzra McGruder being named conference Athlete of the year.
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Coach Ellen Kim Senior Alyssa Final Records: 15-14-1 Doherty attacks How did the season go? the net against - ¨Overall pretty good. Hazelwood West. We set a goal to be above 500, and we were 1 game above 500. We would’ve like to finish higher in conference, but the overall win/lost record was above 500 so that was one of our goals and we won districts which was another one of our goals¨ • Top Performers - Coralis RHS Athletics Bobe, Alyssa Dougherty, Makayla Hollyfield, Brenda Reed • All conference - 2nd Team - Brenda Reed, Honorable Mention - Makayla Hollyfield • All district- 1st Team - Coralis Bobe, Brenda Reed • 2nd Team- Faith Curd,Makayla Hollyfield • Favorite Memory - “I think my favorite memory would be winning districts because even though we won two years in a row, last year it was little bit easier of a game. This year was more competition and I think the girls really had to fight and earn it and they were really excited to win this year.”
Softball
• • • • RHS Athletics Freshman Mallory Waller bunts in a game against Parkway North.
RHS Athletics • • • • •
Girls Volleyball
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Sophomore Kevin Dominguez clears the ball in a district matchup against Chaminade.
Cross Country Ritenour runners attack the course during a race this season.
RHS Athletics • • •
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Coach Tom Anderson Final Records: 2-14 How did the season go - Catcher, Amber Brinker said, “Our season was a little rough, we had 6 freshman, 3 seniors, 3 juniors. We had a big squad. Lots of immature plays, just learning to get to know each other. As a team, we didn’t perform well; but we got to know each other very well” Top Performers - Amber Brinker, Allie Zeilmann All conference - 2nd team - Amber Brinker, Reese Sherman Honorable Mention - Mia Key, Mallory Waller Favorite Memory - Senior Amber Brinker says “My favorite memory of all is running to home plate at the beginning of every game with Reese Sherman because she caught and I played third and we’d always run together”.
Boys Swimming
Junior Adreona McCraw follows through on a shot attempt during a golf match this season. This was McCraw’s first year with the golf team.
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Coach Jennifer Wakefield Final Record: 5-4 How did the season go - “The season definitely had its ups and downs, but times kept dropping which is the goal”. Top Performers - “It is difficult to name a few, everyone placed at conference! Everyone should be proud!” All Conference - 200 Freestyle Relay-2nd team (Logan Causey, RJ Holland, Jacob Volkert, Pierre Brown) Honorable Mention - 200 Medley Relay (Pierre Brown, Logan Causey, Malaki Romer, Jacob Volkert), Jacob Volkert / 100 Fly, 200 IM, Logan Causey / 200 Freestyle All District - 400 Free Relay-2nd team (Javier Brown, RJ Holland, Gavin Shaw, Brenden Stock) Favorite Memory - “Conferences, times were fast and everyone seemed to have a good time while swimming fast.”
RHS Athletics Coach Jack Heeter Final Records: 0-10 How did the season go - “It went okay, kids improved. I saw a couple players really get better and some that kind of just stayed the same”. Top Performers - Kili Garcia, Allie Inman, Adreona McCraw Favorite Memory - “Seeing the smiles on the kids faces as they improved and when they make their first par or their first birdie; seeing the excitement like ‘HEY I FINALLY GOT ONE!’ that’s the big thing”.
Girls Tennis
RHS Athletics • • •
Coach Michael Aitken Final Record: N/A How did the season go? The team did well to improve from the start of the season through the end despite some issues with injury and illness. Many of them set their personal and season best times at the final two meets as a result of their hard work. We have much to look forward to as move towards track in the spring. Top Performers - Jazmine Brevik, Mike Schutzius Favorite Memory - “I would say that the hard work the team put in throughout the season is what I reflect on the most”.
Girls Golf
• Sophomore Pierre Brown competes in a swim meet against McCluer.
Coach Mike Murray Final Record: 11-10-1 How did the season go? “I thought it went well. We won some games that maybe we weren’t expected to win, but we were competitive in every game”. Top Performers - Jonathan Bishop, Maurice Lewis, Alexis Reyes Favorite Memory - “Beating a ranked Liberty team was a big deal. They were doing really well and we went out and beat them on the road 2 to nothing.
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Senior Benita Zossoungbo returns a volley. Zossoungbo is the captain of the team. • Coach Beth Seibold • Final Records: 3-10 • How did the season go - “The season went well. The girls played and were competitive with the teams that they should have been competitive with and RHS Athletics then also learned from teams that played at a higher level”. Top Performers - Makilya Brisby, Raven Ginger, Adriana Martinez, E’mysha McGruder, Leanna Morales, Benita Zossoungbo Favorite Memory - “That the girls ended with 3 wins this season”.