December Issue 2018-2019

FALL PLAY

NEW SWIMMERS

WINTER BREAK ATTRACTIONS

Students perform “The Odd Couple”to rave reviews

Over half of the swim team is new this season

Where should Ritenour students spend their break?

SPORTS, Page 8

SPOTLIGHT Page 7

OPINION Page 2

THE PEPPER BOX RITENOUR HIGH SCHOOL

ISSUE 4, VOLUME 96

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

DECEMBER 2018

Pham accepts her teacher’s challenge Freshman Vickie Pham discovered a love of reading after going far beyond her assignment By: ALBERTO LINARES CERVANTEZ Pepper Box Staff Although English teachers have objectives that they must cover, one of their main focuses in class is to impart a love of reading onto their students.

Freshman Vickie Pham took this and ran, as she has read and completed six novels from the beginning of school to now during her reading time in class.

A few of the novels out of the six Pham has read are: “Graceling”, “Crimson Frost”, “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, and “Unspoken”.

Pham said that she does have a specific taste when choosing her books, but was not necessarily an avid reader when the school year began.

“I enjoy reading fantasy, action, romance, and mythical books. I’ll try anything that is not a nonfiction book” Pham said.

One of the novels Pham has read the “Graceling”, was specifically recommended to her by her English 1 teacher, Chris Pearson.

“The ‘Graceling’ is written

by Kristin Cashore, it is about a woman named Katsa being independent. Katsa is not independent by choice, Katsa is an outcast and she goes on an adventure to discover who she truly is on the inside. Later through

the story Katsa meets a man who understands her.

And throughout the story Katsa and the man get closer together as he joins Katsa on her adventure of discovering herself,” Pham said.

Christopher Pearson, Pham’s English 1 teacher assigned the class a reading project over the period of first semester.

“One of the things I do right in the beginning of the year is assign a novel reading project for my English 1 class filled with freshman. As new students to the high school I allow them to choose the novel they would like to read independently. I assign this project on the second day of school and tell my students it is due December,” Pearson said.

Pearson was shocked that although there was so much work to be done with the one novel for the project, Pham did not just stop at one. She was so inspired by the first book that she kept reading more than she ever had before.

“The students have a whole semester to read the book they have chosen; on top of the other work we do.

They do three projects with it, write a book review, and two other projects of their choice; I like to be lenient and give them options,” Pearson said.

“Around the end of the first

Martin Trujillo Carrazco Freshman Vickie Pham has gained a love of reading after being inspired by her English teacher.

month of school Vickie was on her third or fourth book.”

Pearson uses this project to encourage his students to read, by allowing them to choose their own novel. He believes he can get them to be interested in reading first by allowing them to read a novel that interests the students. It will aid them to learn other English 1 objectives that he has planned for them to learn later on in the semester.

“The real joy in reading comes from being able to choose what novels you’re interested in. I think even though I, as a teacher, should push my students to read novels that they don’t necessarily like, allowing them to read stories they are interested in activates the high interest reading within them. This pushes them to sit down and read the book, even if they usually would

not,” Pearson said.

Pearson’s strategy has worked with Pham, as she says that the class has pushed her to do more reading for fun than she had ever done before.

“I did not enjoy reading at all before this year, until Mr. Pearson assigned us books to read. Then I began to love reading and read six novels in a row” said Pham.

Freshmen learn about Renaissance rewards 155 freshmen received “Right Track” rewards to start their high school careers

By DANIELA SAENZ Pepper Box Staff While Renaissance cards are widely acknowledged by returning students as rewards for positive gains in classes for each semester, the freshman class recently got their first set of cards and it has pushed the school to look at how more kids can qualify for these rewards.

Denise Schindler is a Family and Consumer Science Instructor, CTE Department Chair, A+ Mentoring and Tutoring Director, and the Renaissance Director. She said the idea for the cards has existed for a decade.

“The Renaissance cards are an incentive that started approximately 10 years ago when we came back from The Renaissance conference.

This year, we handed out 155

IN THIS ISSUE

punch cards to the freshman,” Schindler said.

The different GPAs have different number of punches.

Students also need 90% attendance and no in-school or out-of-school suspensions.

The cards are based on the previous semesters grades.

“The purpose of Renaissance cards is to encourage the freshman to be successful in their classes,” Principal Jeff Marker said.

Marker acknowledges that there can be a disconnect with some freshman as they transition to the high school, which could explain why only 155 cards were handed out to the freshman class.

“Some of the problems that might have happened are: freshman have a hard time transitioning to high school from middle school, classes are way higher than they expected, we do not PLAY REVIEW PAGE 2

promote the idea of success as well as we could have, and they might not be ready for the rigors of a seven period day with all of the freedom that goes with it.” Marker said. “There might be other reasons. Too many times we work to come up with solutions, but never talk with the people who have the greatest ability to make the changes.”

Renaissance handed out punch cards out in August to the sophomores, juniors, and seniors with 3.0 or higher from last year’s second semester, but they also wanted to give the freshman an opportunity to earn something early in their high school career A freshman doesn’t have high school grades until January, so handing out early cards was intended to give students with a certain GPA,

JOURNALIST KILLED PAGE 3

privileges in the classroom as well as around the school; for example, free admission to some athletic events, $1 off library fines, fast passes for the lunch line the on the second Friday of the month, and hand outs at the Husky store the third Wednesday of the month.

“To encourage them to get good grades, we do a “Right Track” hand out to encourage them to keep or get grades by semester,” Schindler said.

At the end of the first grading period, which takes place after the second quarter, if a freshman had no D’s or F’s on their report card they were given a punch card and a ‘treat’.

“I personally think that freshman do not understand that grades, homework, assignments really do count and that they need to do the work in classes. In middle

TEENAGERS AND WINTER BREAK SEXUAL IDENTITY FUN SPOTS PAGES 4-5 PAGE 6

school, there is limited homework and students get answers instead of them having to problem solve and justify their thinking as they do at the high school, and having to work at figuring things out and practice and apply what they are taught. It is a big transition,” Schindler said.

Many freshman do not even know what the card is, or the steps that they will need to take to get one.

Freshman Réne Nelson said she was happy to get the card, but didn’t really understand the benefits, or even what it was when she received it.

“I think some of them didn’t receive them because of their grades.” “When I got the card, I thought ‘Oh cool!

It comes with candy’, but I did not know how to use it,” Nelson said.

ANIME CLUB PAGE 7

MANAGERS’ ROLES PAGE 8

Opinion Visual Editor In Chief: Coralis Bobe

December 2018

PEPPER BOX STAFF

Content Editor In Chief: Martin Trujillo Carrazco

Spotlight Editor: Trystan Bell Online Editor: Madison Waldrup

Production Editor In Chief: Victoria Taylor

Opinion Editor: Amelia Sloan-Ule Business Manager: Catalina Mundin

Page 2

Sports Editor: Caroline Ramos-Herrera Adviser: Ron Steinschriber

Staff Members: Jada Baylor, Faith Boyd, Pierre Brown, Makari Buress, Jersie Cox, Faith Curd, Mackenzie Davis, Morgan Eaves, Alberto LinaresCervantes, Amelia Norman, Chloe Pagan, Abigail Richardson, Andrea Rojo, Daniela Saenz, Quynh Trinh, Caroline Wong 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.

Language needs to change as LGBTQ becomes more accepted

Editorial For longer than any of us can remember, the adjective “gay” was meant as an insult synonymous to dumb or stupid.

However, times have changed and the responses have changed too. If you happen to be one of those who still call something negative “gay,” do not be alarmed if the response you receive is not what you have expected. Just as singer James Blunt says, “To call me gay is a compliment.” This is in response to those who have called him by the now

honorary term because of his “sensitive” songs.

Times have changed in the fashion and makeup world now as well. Those in the LGBTQ community have attempted fortune and fame, and while they may have had backlash at first, they are receiving immense acceptance and success today. For example, Filipino transgender makeup guru Patrick Starr has a net worth of $360,000, mostly coming from his famously known Youtube channel which stands at over four million subscribers. Many others in the LGBTQ community have become world famous on Youtube and other platforms

“The Odd Couple” The actors make the school play a neurotic, hilarious experience

By MARTIN TRUJILLO Content Editor-in-Chief Big girls don’t cry, unless they are recently divorced according to Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple, Female Version.”

Ritenour High School’s rendition of Simon’s play, directed by drama teacher Greg Jones, told the hilarious story of two friends who move in together after being recently divorced.

After becoming closer friends, they get too close, and consequently their relationship suffers.

Olive Madison, portrayed by sophomore Kayla Baker, is laid-back and half of the title couple; in contrast, Florence Unger, portrayed by junior Abigail Richardson is the uptight, conservative other half of the couple.

The casting could not have been more perfect. Baker and Richardson portrayed their characters so differently that they were able to build off each other and create moments of humor that the audience greatly enjoyed.

The play had a recurring motif of Florence and Olive’s friends playing Trivial Pursuit. The supporting cast helped keep a potentially dreadful story light and humorous. The friends’ mixed slapstick humor with adult humor, a surprise to see on the Ritenour stage, to create an overall pleasurable experience. Senior Amelia Sloan-Ule stood out as Vera, the ditsy, token naive friend.

Sloan-Ule was able to keep the story humorous by providing several instances of comic relief. All four friends were able to capture and convey desperate wives in lackluster marriages.

Although I was not able to connect with much of the failing marriage humor as

a male in high school, the older audience gave positive feedback.

The funniest scene in the whole play occurred when senior RJ Sagum and junior Alberto LinaresCervantes entered as the Constazuela brothers. Sagum and Linares-Cervantes were amazing actors, but I felt their characters were slightly problematic due to Simon’s cultural ignorance.

The distinct Mexican and Spanish cultures got exchanged too frequently in the writing of this play, but I do not fault Sagum or Linares-Cervantes for this.

Regardless, the Constazuela brothers were a nice reflection of the differences between Florence and Olive. Most of the brothers’ humor relied on misunderstandings due to a language barrier, but it did not seem overused.

Overall, Sagum’s and LinaresCervantes’s acting was hilarious and an excellent asset to the play.

Jones’ Technical Theater I class did an amazing job with the set design.

The stage was mainly stationary which allowed for more overall attention to detail. The decision to just change several little things about the set allowed for illusion of a completely new set--something I praise greatly. Unfortunately, the incorporation of so many little things that needed to be changed for the next scene and the lack of running crew members caused awkward pauses in between scenes.

The cherry on top of this whole play is Shelly Barry’s superb costume design. Every single character was given a new costume for each scene; furthermore, this costume helped portray the character’s persona. Vera was given silly and fun suits, Florence wore conservative clothing, and

doing and recording what they love. People like Joey Graceffa, Tyler Oakley, Eva Gutowski, and Connor Franta have gained acceptance from themselves and their fans around the world.

Males doing makeup is just one broken gender stereotype and society is pushing to increasingly abolish more.

For example, although there have been experiences in which there have been backlash against LGBTQ people rising in the political world, such as Governor Jim McGreevey’s resignation in 2004 after coming out as homosexual, we have our first LGBT governors who were already out at the time of

their election. In 2015, Kate Brown became the first bisexual governor and Governor Jared Polis became the first gay governor this past November 2018. Polis was also the first openly gay man to be elected into the House as a freshman in the 2008 election.

The rest of the world is also promoting social acceptance and abolishing double standards. Spanish model and beauty pageant titleholder Angela Ponce was the first ever transgender woman to be crowned Miss Spain. Along with the crown from her country, she will soon represent Spain in the Miss Universe 2018 pageant

occurring on December 16th in Bangkok, Thailand.

Since there are so many LGBTQ celebrities becoming successful and accepted in the media and their own professions, we hope to see an increasingly amount of growth and social acceptance everywhere, no matter our differences.

“I am competing because it is what I have wanted to do since I was a little girl,” Ponce said in an interview for Time. “I am showing that trans women can be whatever they want to be: a teacher, a mother, a doctor, a politician and even Miss Universe.”

Editorial Cartoons

Illustration by Abby Richardson

Illustration by Chloe Pagan Olive sported baggy comfort clothes. This individualized every character and allowed them to shine in their own way.

I am glad I had the pleasure to see Ritenour’s “The Odd Couple, Female Version” on opening day and closing day. I left the theater in a good mood and it appeared that my fellow audience members did as well. It was a show that was definitely not “nougat.”

Senior Autumn House, junior Abby Richardson and sophomore Kayley Norman perform in a scene together in “The Odd Couple.”

Ron Steinschriber

Page 3

Opinion

December 2018

Understanding my Hellenistic witch business and Athena. I personally

is not what most witches do.

Witches typically work with and Aphrodite the most. stones, runes, tarot cards, They guide me and help me and the like. They work in similar to how God does in fields like divination, stone Christianity. charging, sigil charging, However, after coming spells, etc. These are typically out about my religion, I have used to read into a problem, received a lot of provide protection, love backlash. People (no, not like love potions, have said things this is not Harry Potter.), like: “Don’t hate me banishment, etc. Most of for this, but I hope these practices involve that someday in the themselves and what they near future your need, not other people or eyes are opened entities. and that you’ll The witch trials started turn away from this stigma, but the ‘witchcraft’”and,“ media keeps it alive with I’m sorry, but no things like The Chilling matter what you say Adventures of Sabrina, on witchcraft will The Blair Witch Project make me see it in a and, Supernatural. These different light”. media forms portray I have been told witchcraft as something that instead of that it typically is not, doing witchcraft, which only furthers the I could “make stigma that all witches are Illustration by Abby Richardson potholders.” ‘evil’ and practice black

The Salty Spitoon work with Athena, Hermès

By Amelia Sloan-Ule Arguably one of the oldest religions known is paganism.

They worship gods, perform rituals, and partake in other religious activities. Many other religions evolved from this, or took ideas from paganism, including the Christian faith, the Wiccan faith and many others. As the world grows and evolves so does religion. There are many branches of paganism, Wiccan, or non-secular witches.

Me personally? I’m a Hellenistic witch. I worship the Greek gods, like Zeus

Every time a person who practices some form of witchcraft mentions that they do, they are met with disdain.

People think that they do black magic or work with the devil.

Much to their dismay, that

magic such as hexes, curses and the like. Witches do not typically practice that kind of magic, and being compared to that stigma is disrespectful.

People also view witches as satanic worshippers.

Most witches are not, and are either pagan, Wiccan, Hellenistic, or non-secular.

This misconception is widely spread by old school Christians during the Salem Witch Trials and has been passed down since. These are not all Christians, just those who think anything to do with witchcraft is symbolic of the devil.

If there is one thing about me and my religion, it is that I am not evil. I do not practice magic to hex people, to hurt them, or to cause anything form of misfortune. Most witches are just kind, quirky people who sadly carry a strong stigma on their backs.

Freedom of press is more important than ever Sweet Caroline

By Caroline Ramos-Herrera Journalism is a given right, or at least it should be, however, journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered and the whole country of Saudi Arabia was put under a radar for his death, with many pointing fingers at the government.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has stated that he believes that the death of Khashoggi was a mistake

and he was killed by local Saudi people. Many people speculate that the controversy of Khashoggi’s writing is what caused his ultimate death.

Khashoggi wrote about the Crown Prince and that is what has risen speculations.

None of us know who was involved with Khashoggi’s death and none of us actually know what happened to him, but what I do know is that freedom of the press should be a natural born right.

There are people in America who disagree with Donald Trump and his ideologies, but we are allowed to speak out and let people know how we feel about him.

Speaking out is always going to be a danger to journalism because you never know who is out there and who disagrees with you and what power and determination that person has.

Everyone should be able to express themselves without living in fear after the aftermath of Khashoggi’s death. Journalists should not have to put a personal censor on themselves in their writing. That does not mean that they should be able to slander others or use words to hurt others, but simply be able to say what you do not like and why, along with why you view things certain ways.

Understanding that Saudi Arabia is a very strict country is another story.

It is pretty obvious that the United States is given more opportunities than other countries to express themselves and overall more freedom. None of us actually know if Saudi Arabia will ever become a less strict country, but we can continue to try to allow journalists to get the word out and inform

Comics

Illustration by Abby Richardson

us.

Living in fear based on what you say is what is going on in the world.

Jamal Khashoggi has made a statement and we do not know for sure if he was murdered based on his views, but what we do know is that he spoke out about the

Crown Prince and now he is dead. We do know that Saudi Arabia is strict and praises the Crown Prince to the maximum. If it was me, I would be scared to speak out about our ruler. Khashoggi probably was as well, but it takes courage to embrace your freedom of speech.

Illustration by Chloe Pagan

Illustration by Chloe Pagan

Spotlight

December 2018

Page 4

News in Depth - Sexuality at Ritenour Part 1 of a personal look at social issues at Ritenour, and how students interact with each other

By ANDREA ROJO & MACKENZIE DAVIS Pepper Box Staff Sexuality is a sensitive topic, and although it is approached at times in schools, it is at the forefront of the minds of many students who struggle with their own on a daily basis.

Talking about it can bring up bad memories for some, but for others it can be very informational. According to Human Rights Campaign youth survey, 4 in 10 LGBTQ+ youth says that their community is accepting of them and 73% of them are more honest about themselves online than in person. Also 92% of LGBTQ+ youth hear negative things about being LGBTQ+.

Ritenour has a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club for students to address these topics, and often includes information during awareness week. However, many students spoke out about issues that they face all the time and how the school community supports them.

The Pepper Box released an optional online survey asking students a wide variety of questions about sexuality and how it is handled at school. The following story includes some of those responses, as well as additional interviews from students who were willing to speak out on the topic.

Out or not?

Most of the stories for students started with whether their friends and family knew their sexuality, if they weren’t heterosexual.

“

Senior Adam Pendino reflected on his story of coming out, and how his parents initially reacted.

“You can say that I officially came out when I was in seventh grade.

I will always and forever be a loud and proud person to say that I am a gay man and I’m okay with it and I’m always proud of it. I did have difficulties with coming out. One of them was that I was afraid of what my parents would think. That was my biggest one,” Pendino said. “My parents come from a very religious background and my grandparents are pastors, so my biggest fear was that my mom would reject me and tell me that I am not her kid or I am an abomination or throw me out because I had heard the stories of what has happened to gay people and lesbians, and it was frightening.

I was scared,” Pendino said that before he even considered speaking with his parents, he first came out to friends.

“I was out socially, like at school and stuff. Then it came time to my family. I was dreading it, I am not going to lie. I first started with my older sister and she was like, “I knew.”

I was kind of like that defeated the purpose, okay cool. And I remember that then I went to my older brother, and I asked them what do you think mom and poppa would feel? They were like honestly, just do it, you will never know if you do not do it. You will always be unhappy,” Pendino said. “I was like yeah, you are right.

So I sat both my parents down and I told them with all these tears coming down. The greatest thing that I am grateful for was that they told me that

My sexuality is not a statement. Like, I don’t want to be your gay best friend.

I don’t even get why that matters. I don’t know why it is such a cool thing to have. I mean, yeah I am gay, but it just happens to be so, you’re forgetting that I am a flesh and bleeding human being. There is more to me than just my sexuality,” Pendino said

-

they knew and that it was okay and that they still loved me for me. At that point in time I was just bawling. It was really relieving to hear my parents say that they knew and still accept and love me and stuff like that.”

Like Pendino, other students mentioned that they started to figure out their sexuality at a young age.

Throughout their stories, they often commented that at times they had confusion and weren’t sure until later years. “[I figured out] when I was in fifth grade and I had a crush on my best friend, who, so happened to be a girl.

She was still my best friend and didn’t tell her about it,” junior Jada Freeman said.

Sophomore Samia Fouche figured it out even earlier in elementary school, but was not quite sure how to handle her feelings.

“Well I was in 2nd grade so I didn’t really and didn’t really know what it was because I was never exposed to it. I really figured it out in 6th grade,” Fouche said.

Stereotypes and cultural response Stereotypes are a common struggle for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pendino said that one of the biggest issues he has had to deal with is not how he sees himself, but how others see him.

“Stereotypes are the one big thing that I have to face on a day to day basis too. I have straight men friends.

I have plenty of straight friends who don’t treat me differently, who treat me like a regular guy, like I am one of the boys. But I also have to deal with the straight men who think I going to hit on them or that I think they are cute because you know, I am gay,” Pendino said.

People of varying sexualities also must deal with the fact that different cultures have varying viewpoints on the topic. Many students who responded to the online survey said that the LGBTQ+ community is not accepted by many cultural communities, and that it makes life difficult for those students.

“A lot of people don’t show it, but Story continued on next page

Stereotypes and cultural reactions - Anonymous responses to the Pepper Box Survey

“To prove I’m not straight I am automatically expected to kiss any random guy. Another phrase that hurts is ‘Who is the mom and who is the dad?’”

“It’s mainly peers and those who are uneducated about sexuality and gender identity. I have actually been told by another student that I shouldn’t be allowed in the school because I was obviously not human.”

“Most bisexual people get told it’s just a phase or they end up choosing one or the other gender as it is impossible to like both of the genders.

Sometimes when I tell girls I am bi they avoid me and won’t be friends with me because they are afraid I’ll hit on them.”

“The Black community is big on church, so almost everyone is a Christian. They follow the Bible, and they say the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, so they believe it. I can’t really blame them for following their religion, but it’s like they completely forget to mind their own business and “love thy neighbor”. If they’re not gay, gay business is not their business.”

Mackenzie Davis Freshman Gillian Gordon and senior Madison Moyle speak about future meetings and t-shirts. GSA meets every Tuesday after school from 3-4, and is planning to sell t-shirts to allies of their club.

Page 5

Spotlight

December 2018

How accepting is Ritenour?

Final Thoughts

“Ritenour is one of those more accepting schools I want to say, I feel like we as students have created an environment where people are free to be out and be happy about who they are, we do have a small percentage of people who obviously disagree with whatever type of lifestyle but I feel like it’s a small minority of students.”

“For anyone who is reading this, truly anyone, if the people you are with, friends and family, don’t accept you, then just try your absolute best to get through it. TALK TO SOMEBODY! Other people who are more accepting will help in the “The school is pretty accepting, although best way they can! People who are more there are some that still say some things willing to accept you or are maybe even that people say that could be considered in the same boat as you will help make offensive.” your journey through hard times easier.

Now, I’m not trying to push anyone to “They don’t really make them feel all that welcome. The school itself may be open to it, come out, you do that when you feel the but I know a lot of homophobic kids that go time is right, but don’t feel the need to to this school and (openly mock) kids that are keep it hidden, try to be your true self.” gay and open about it.” than just my sexuality,” Pendino said.

Parent Connection and influence Parents have played a large role for students in their discovery of their own sexual orientation. In the Pepper Box survey, 81% of the respondents believed that parents should be involved in teaching their children about sexuality.

Sophomore Evynn Scherretz says that her parents are both supportive of her, but that there is always a fear in her mind that they may not be entirely understanding.

“I know for sure my mom was okay with it, is okay with it, and always will be. My dad, on the other hand, he says he’s okay, but i know Photo courtesy RHS Yearbook he’s still iffy, but there’s not a whole lot of communication. I do have a Senior Adam Pendino poses with his friend, senior Nature Frost. Pendino wore better relationship with her. It’s more open and I don’t feel like I’m hiding a dress to the Homecoming dance this year and was met with mixed reactions anything from her,” Scherretz said. to his challenge of gender norms.

The survey asked if people thought that friends and family could influence a person’s sexuality or if words do bother them. I understand they believed people were born with that wherever I go I will get hate. it. From the responses, 50% of the There will be people that accept me and there will the Jesus preachers that people believed that people are born don’t accept me. They will be like ‘gays with their sexuality, 26% said that they go to hell’ or like ‘you’re a sin, you are thought it was influenced by family and friends, and 24% said they weren’t going to burn for eternity and stuff sure. like that,’” Pendino said.

Pendino spoke about his close According to the Human Rights relationship with his mother, and how Campaign survey, LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely as their peers to say much it has meant to him that she embraces all aspects of his life. they have been physically assaulted, “Last year was my very first kicked, or shoved at. In addition to Pride with my mom, and I was very this, a study done by JAMA Pediatrics afraid of what she was going to found that sexual minority youth were think because at Pride there is stuff over three times as likely to attempt you don’t see on a day to day basis,” suicide as their heterosexual peers.

Pendino said. “For as long as I can “On top of being gay, it just remember, since I came out, my mom explodes because people are just so and I have gotten closer because of my ignorant. People can just be so mean. sexuality. I am very grateful for it. If I I have never understood why people didn’t have my mom I wouldn’t know could belittle someone to the point who I have. My mom is my ultimate that they want to hurt themselves, best friend. Honestly when my mom or take themselves off the face of the planet because of people’s words. And went to Pride with me, it truthfully felt like that was a stepping stone in a lot of people don’t understand that words hurt,” Pendino said. “Words are our relationship as mother to son. I am so thankful. like the biggest ignorance. They say sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. That School Climate is such a total white lie. Words are so painful.”

The survey yielded mixed results Pendino also notes that some about the school climate, with some people just play off of stereotypes saying that Ritenour was a very when they find out that he is gay, and welcoming community, while others he feels that it diminishes him as a said that there is still bullying taking person. place towards LGBTQ+ students.

“My sexuality is not a statement.

Pendino experienced all of these Like I don’t want to be your gay best aspects as he made the choice to wear friend. I don’t even get why that a dress to the Homecoming dance in matters. I don’t know why it is such a October. cool thing to have. I mean, yeah I am He said he initially had some gay, but it just happens to be so, you’re forgetting that I am flesh and bleeding nerves before the night began.

“When I was in the dress and human being. There is more to me

I went out to take my senior homecoming pictures I did have really bad anxiety. My heart was racing, like a mile per minute,” Pendino said. “My mom dropped me off and before I got out of the car she held my hand and she told me that, “I’m proud of you.

And I wanted to let you that it’s going to be okay and you’re going to have fun. And don’t let anyone bring you down, whatever they have to say. If you get looked, you get looked. Rock it.”

Once he got over his nerves and entered the dance, Pendino said that he got a mixture of compliments and dirty looks.

“I got in there and off the bat, I got compliments left and right. It was nice. It was great. Of course, I got looks. People looked at me like I was crazy. I didn’t let that bother me because I was like, of course people are going to say something. They are too afraid to say it to my face, so they are going to say it behind my back and that’s okay,” Pendino said. “You guys can talk about me all you want, you can put me down all you want and you can say what you want, but you are never going to break my spirit.

And that whole night I just had a blast.”

Just as Pendino experienced some positive response to his change from gender norms in his dress, some students at Ritenour said that they challenge gender norms with their names. 12% of the people who responded to the survey said they had a preferred pronoun that is different from their biological one, and responses from the survey implied that teachers at Ritenour respect people’s preferred pronouns.

Scherretz believed that identifying people by their preferred name was important, in the same way that using a nickname to identify a friend was important.

“I think pronouns are important to the people who make them important.

Like if you really care about what they are then you have to care for that person. But if they don’t choose to make them prominent, you don’t really have to,” Scherretz said.

The group that is hoping to create more positive impacts for students in the LGBTQ+ community is GSA. Although GSA has been a club at the school for a long time, they are still looking to expand and have more

“

of an impact on the school. Senior Madison Moyle is the president of GSA, and she is proud of what they do during the year. “[GSA] could be represented more because we don’t have that many people, but we do get a good variety.

Like we have our announcements about GSA and our Ally Week so I think we get enough,” Moyle said. “[GSA] means bringing safety and equality to the school and bringing awareness to everybody here. It was created because kids didn’t have a safe space and people didn’t understand in general. ” says Madison Moyle, President of GSA. Freshman Gillian Gordon joined the group this year and has already felt the impact of the organization.

“It’s kind of like a family to me.

They’re very open and accepting and they’re just an amazing group that I’m glad to be a part of,” Gordon said.

Ending Words GSA meets on Tuesdays after school in sponsor Kevin Daniels’ room from 3-4. Moyle, Gordon, and Daniels reiterated that GSA is a home and anyone is welcome. They just want people to feel like they can go to them whenever and to feel like school is a comfortable place to share whatever you need to share.

Pendino echoes the idea about finding comfort when coming to grips with sexuality.

“The thing I would have to say to incoming freshman or anyone who is struggling with self identity and sexuality is don’t push it. In due time it will come. And when it is your time, it is your time,” Pendino said. “It is scary to say you’re gay, or bi, or trans, or you’re lesbian and stuff like that.

The day you come out will be the day you feel liberated. I know the day I did that’s what i felt, but everyone gets it differently.”

He said that once students feel comfortable in their own skin, regardless of their sexual orientation, it allows them to have their best possible life.

“Another thing that I have to say on this is, never be afraid of who you are.

I know it is easier said than done, but it’s true. Love yourself, treat yourself.

Loving yourself is key to living life.

If you don’t love yourself you aren’t going to get anywhere,” Pendino said.

Words are like the biggest ignorance.

They say sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. That is such a total white lie. Words are so painful,” Pendino said.

Spotlight

December 2018

Page 6

What Huskies can do during Winter Break Ritenour students offer their advice on affordable options for fun during winter break

By AMELIA NORMAN Pepper Box Staff Winter break is something that teachers and students have spoken about looking forward to because it allows them to take a break from school and stress. It allows them time to simply just relax and enjoy themselves without having to worry about homework, grades, or deadlines.

Students are always looking for fun places to go during winter break, instead of just sitting around at their house. Ritenour students have given a few recommendations for how to take advantage of the time off during break

Sophomore Emma Gaither loves going to Steinberg skating rink.

“It is really fun and definitely worth the money,” Gaither said.

It is an ideal place for large groups because of its size. Gaither said it is definitely a great option when looking for somewhere to go with friends or even family during this winter break.

“It is a good place to go with friends or family because it is good bonding,” Gaither said.

Ice Skating Going ice skating is an activity that many people enjoy during the winter, especially at an outdoor rink. There are many ice skating rinks around St. Louis, but one that comes highly recommended is Steinberg Skating rink. Located in Forest Park, it is one of the biggest rinks in the Midwest. Many people enjoy spending time there during the winter months because it is an outdoor rink.

Admission is $7 and skate rental is also $7, but the cost does not stop it from being busy almost all the time.

Photo Courtesy: Mario Lugo via Flickr The City Museum is located downtown, and has a variety of caves, hidden passages and slides.

group over winter break, the City Museum is a good place to consider.

“If you go as a big group, you can get a discount and I definitely think it is worth the money if you stay there as long as you can,” Martin said.

Hidden Valley For anyone who enjoys skiing or sledding, Hidden Valley Ski resort is a place to check out.

Hidden Valley is Missouri’s largest winter resort, located in Wildwood. There people can go skiing, or sledding which is known as the Polar Plunge.

There is also an indoor lodge with a cafeteria, seating, and fireplaces.

Even if someone has never skied before, there are a number of different trails with different levels of difficulty so there is nothing to worry about.

Hidden Valley is a fun, family friendly attraction that would be a great idea for a fun day during winter break.

When planning fun things to do over winter break, keep those three ideas in mind. Whether it’s ice skating, skiing, or staying indoors at the city museum, they are all great ideas for a fun day over winter break.

City Museum

Amelia Norman Skaters enjoy time at the Steinberg Skating Rink.

The City Museum was voted the number one family attraction in the world by trip.com. It’s located downtown and the building is a former shoe factory. It includes a mixture of caves, hidden passages, slides, and much more.

People visit the City Museum all year round, but it is a good indoor option for the cold days during winter break.

Junior Elena Martin goes to the City Museum Photo courtesy: Wikimedia every year and spends hours there.

Hidden Valley is a resort just outside of St. Louis with “The outside stuff will be pretty cold, but the ski trails and sledding opportunities. inside stuff is super fun,” Martin said.

When looking for somewhere to bring a large

Freshmen reflect on their first semester Five freshman talk about how they have adjusted to life after their transition to the high school

By CAROLINE WONG Pepper Box Staff At the beginning of every high school year, there are a flood of new students.

New freshmen enter into an entirely new building with new experiences. Transitioning from a small middle school of about 300 students to a big high school with about 1,700 students brings new obstacles and challenges.

Freshmen Gabriela Rojo, Madisyn Travis, Adam Rowald, Levi Martin, and Allyson Deckard gave The Pepper Box some insight into what they have experienced so far at Ritenour High.

Q: How has freshman year been so far for you?

A: “It’s been good. It’s been very different than eighth grade but it was easy to transition.” (Rojo) “I think it’s going pretty well. It is definitely very different from eighth grade. The year is going pretty well and most of my teachers are good at adapting to help me.” (Travis) “It’s more fun. There are a lot of better activities throughout the school.” (Rowald)

Q: How is freshman year different than eighth grade?

A: “There is more paying attention and homework, and a lot more responsibility.”

(Martin)

Allyson Deckard

“There are more people and places to go. In eighth grade, [the teachers] walked us to lunch but on the first day they let us go by ourselves.” (Deckard)

Levi Martin “The work is a lot harder now and back then it wasn’t as tough. We didn’t have as many classes, and we had classes with the same people.” (Rowald)

Q: Would you say that freshman year has been harder than eighth grade?

A: “It is a lot harder. The homework is more independent work than the classwork.” (Martin) “There has been more work involved. It’s less having to do things and more of applying it.” (Rojo)

Gabriela Rojo and homework there is in high school.” (Travis)

Q: What helped you with transitioning to high school?

A: “I really wanted to play [volleyball] so that helped me keep my grades up.” (Travis) “A lot of my teachers in the first week exposed the reality of high school, put things into perspective, and warned us about the workload.” (Rojo)

Q: Do you think eighth grade prepared you for high school?

“The upperclassmen were really helpful. I made some senior, junior, and sophomore friends that help me get through the day and help me figure things out.” (Rowald)

A: “No, it didn’t. We didn’t have that much homework in eighth grade and we also didn’t have a lot of work. Most of eighth grade was spent messing around. The grades were easy.” (Rowald)

Q: Is there anything you would change to have a better second semester?

“I feel like [the eighth grade teachers] were not preparing us in eighth grade for how much studying

A: “Stop playing around as much. I should grow up, unlike my middle school days.”

(Martin) “Probably my time management.” (Rojo)

Adam Rowald

Madisyn Travis

Page 7

Spotlight

December 2018

Huskies celebrate a wide range of winter holidays

By JERSIE COX Pepper Box Staff When some people think of holidays, they may just think of the most known holiday in America: Christmas.

In reality, there are a variety of December holidays other than just Christmas.

There are several that are not commonly known, varying from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa.

“I love Christmas, it is one of the holidays I really enjoy,” senior Kaitlyn Morris said.

Christmas is a holiday from Christianity in which it is celebrated due to the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is full of gift-giving, spending time with loved ones, and celebrating Jesus Christ.

Christmas is on December 25th and lasts for one day, unlike other holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Other people who celebrate Christmas tend to stay at home and spend quality time with family.

“My family and I have a Christmas dinner. We eat stuff like turkey, ham, and green bean casserole.

It is a good time for us to spend time together for the holidays,” Morris says.

Some Christians go to church on Christmas day for prayers and worship. Symbols of Christmas are the well known Christmas tree where presents are usually under, mistletoe plants to show love where the tradition is to kiss the person under the mistletoe, and Santa Claus, who goes across the globe to give presents to others if they are good.

If kids are bad they will receive nothing but coal.

“My family and I make stockings for one another,

which we really enjoy since there is usually cash inside of the stockings,” librarian Christina Thompson said.

Hanukkah is a holiday from Judaism which celebrates the rededication of Jerusalem’s temple after it was reclaimed by the Maccabees for good purposes. The holiday is full of spending time with family, eating foods, and playing games such as spinning a dreidel, which is a four sided top with Hebrew letters on each side. The game is similar to gambling, but for chocolate coins and prizes instead of money.

Hanukkah is an eight day holiday, in which presents are exchanged each day. The Photo courtesy: Rhonda Olson presents typically are clothing items such as socks, until the 8th grader Kailey Olson, and seniors Isabella Slunaker, Samantha Van de Riet and Brianna Olson eighth day where there is one show off gifts that they received at Olson’s house while their family celebrated Hanukkah. funny.” celebrate drink out of after big present that is given. noted that not celebrating Nguzo Saba (nu-gu-zo salighting the candle.

The unity Unlike the Christmas the same way as everyone ba), also known as Kwanzaa, cup symbolizes everyone tree, people who celebrate else has given her a unique is a holiday based on being united with another.

Hanukkah have a menorah. perspective on the gift giving honoring African American Christmas, Hanukkah, The menorah consists of eight process. and Kwanzaa are only a candle holders and each night culture. The holiday is to “I’m not missing out on uplift black culture and few holidays spent during one of the candles are lit. The anything. I don’t have to celebrate principles varying December. There are many candles being lit symbolizes wait for a specific day to be more that are appreciated and rewarded for my actions. the eight days that the temple from creativity to purpose.

Nguzo Saba is a seven day bring festive holiday joy. lantern stayed lit.

It just happens when I do holiday, where each day a However, some students Sophomore Ryan Klohr something good,” Hougbedji feast is had and an exchange do not celebrate holidays celebrated Hanukkah. He said. at all during the winter enjoyed the holiday and what of presents occurs. Presents No matter whether are typical things like games, months. Sophomore Kasurla it meant to his family, but Ritenour students spend Hougbedji is a Jehovah’s also found some humor in his DVDs, books, and items Christmas anxiously awaiting that educate and remind Witness. As part of her celebration.

Santa to bring presents of African heritage. Since religion, they do not celebrate under the tree on Christmas “My favorite part of many people who celebrate any holidays during the Hanukkah is basically it’s morning, Hanukkah spending Nguzo Saba also celebrate winter months. an excuse to go and see time with family and playing Christmas there is no major “We always tend to forget family that I haven’t seen games such as spinning gift on the end of the seventh about holidays, and then in a while and to just spend the dreidel until it’s time to day but instead presents from we are confused about why time together. It’s important light the candle, Kwanzaa Christmas. stores are closed that day,” to me because it makes you celebrating their African People who celebrate Hougbedji said. “We get the think about the gift of life, it ancestors and prideful to be Kwanzaa may also celebrate holiday sales; we like those. ” makes you thankful for life where you came from, or any Christmas as well. People Hougbedji said that it is and family,” Klohr said. “I other holiday, or not even who celebrate Kwanzaa have sometimes difficult to come went to my grandma’s house celebrating any holidays at all, a Kinara, which is a candle back from winter break, when and we ate a big meal. We eat the main goal of all of these holder, where there are other students come back and things is to spread peace and ham, which is ironic because seven candles which get lit talk about all the presents Jewish people don’t eat pork. unity before transitioning to each night. There is also a that they received during We eat ham right in front of the new year. unity cup where people who their holidays.

However, she the menorah, which is kind of

Student club meets for anime, fellowship and games The Anime Club allows anime fans to get together and share their love of the art form

By PIERRE BROWN The Pepper Box Staff Every Wednesday after school, students are able to stay from the moment the school bell rings, at two fifty, until four o’clock and watch anime together, laugh together, and play games together.

The Anime Club is a social gathering of students who love anime and games. The club is a place for students to go after school, so that they can have fun at school with their friends and even make new ones, in a safe space

meant for students.

“There is a whole bunch of anime TV shows like Dragon Ball Z, for example. There are also games such as Dungeons and Dragons, and Fortnite.

You know, all the cool, fun, and popular stuff,” junior Jazmine Brevik said.

This is Brevik’s first year in the club and she has already been nominated to create the club’s logo.

“It would probably be a mixture of both anime and games,” Brevik said.

A few members have suggested that people who enjoy games and anime should join the club or at

least try it out and see if they like it. Sophomore Isabella Crawford also spoke on her interest to the club as an outlet after tough days spent at school.

“The club is pretty fun and it is not like you have to do any actual work or anything.

You can just sit back, relax, watch anime, or you can go play DND (Dungeons and Dragons).”

Two leaders of the club help organize the days they watch anime, play games, or split the room in half and do both. Dragon Ball Z was the most brought up anime in the club, a show that follows the

protagonist Goku, along with his companions who all work together to protect Earth from evil.

The show has been on air for 18 years, first airing on April 26 1989 in Japan, then in the US on January 31 1996.

Dungeons and Dragons on the other hand is a fantasy role-playing game, which is set in an imaginary world based on medieval myth.

Depending on how many people you play with, it may take up to one and a half hours or longer to beat. It has also been around since 1974.

“I think the club is really fun,” Brevik said. “I love the

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fact that I got to meet new people. I got to know what they like and they also got to know what I like to.”

Those who have been in the club before and are still in the club say that they think others should join as well if they enjoy anime and want to connect with other students who enjoy it as well.

“I think it is a really good club. I like it a lot and there are good people in there and I can connect with a lot of them. I just like it, in my opinion. If you watch anime you should join the club,” freshman Rodney Garner said.

Sports

December 2018

Page 8

Swim team takes on many new members Over half of the swim team this year is new to competitive swimming and are growing together

By MORGAN EAVES The Pepper Box Staff For the start of the Winter season, the girls swim team has begun with new recruits for this year, lead by coach Jennifer Wakefield and assistant Coach Andrea Rivera.

With tryouts ranging from November 5 through the 19, positions were open for all female students to swim for the girls swim team.

Of the 17 swimmers who remain with the team since practice began, nine of them are currently in their first season as high school swimmers. The new swimmers range in skill sets, with some of them swimming for select teams in middle school, and some of them being new to competitive swim altogether.

Starting at a young age, freshman and swim member Addy Watts swam for an outside select swim team.

Having prior experience from an outside team, she has made herself comfortable, but up for the challenge this season has for her.

“I expected it to be way harder than it is,” says Watts.

“It is challenging, but at the same time it is not.”

Having prior experience has made her spot feel comfortable and easy for

her, though she has her eyes set on new challenges and possibilities Ritenour’s team has to offer for the young swimmer.

Sophomore Lizbeth Hernandez joined the team this year after a positive experience in Aquatics class as a freshman. Although she is not as experienced as Watts, she has had a welcoming experience in her first year with the team.

“It has been really fun, but it is more than I expected,” Hernandez said. “The team is really encouraging, especially to new swimmers. We have good sportsmanship and I really enjoy it.”

Sophomore Emma Finnegan might only be Photo Courtesy RHS Athletics in her second year on the team, but her experience last Members of the swim team gather at the edge of the pool to cheer on their teammate in a race at University City High School. In front of the group is sophomore Isabel Candelaria Barragan, one of year has helped make her a mentor to the new swimmers. nine new members of the swim team this season.

As one of the returners, only one senior, two juniors, swimmers affected us in a also striving to get better she is not only focusing on and a lot more newbies. The really good way, without individually. Even though improving her own times, sophomores have to get a them we would be a very many of the swimmers on but also helping the new couple kids under their wing. small team of about 7. The the team are new, Hernandez swimmers acclimate to the during practices and during new swimmers also really said that the transition has team. meets.” challenge us to be better been pretty easy, and would “It feels really good Finnegan is excited swimmers. The veterans recommend others to join the competing with the new to see how all of the new are the ones who are being team. swimmers. All of them have team members are growing watched and teaching the new “I do recommend it. Even grown so much since they and helping the team. She kids how to swim, so it allows if you don’t know how to first started and you can really says that the challenge us to work on everything to swim, they won’t judge you, see that in the meets. All of of mentoring her new make sure we are teaching it but help you get better and the newbies are dropping teammates has helped her right,” Finnegan said. encourage you to get out your time every day and are giving with her own techniques As the team has started its comfort zone when you are it all their effort,” Finnegan throughout the season. competitions, they compete ready,” Hernandez said. said. “We really do mentor the “Having so many new against other schools while new swimmers since there is

The students behind the athletes and coaches Student managers work behind the scenes to allow athletes and coaches to perform at peak levels

By JADA BAYLOR The Pepper Box Staff She is sitting there, waiting to spring into action.

A Ritenour basketball player drills a three pointer, and she hurriedly marks down the points and who made the basket. The referee calls a thirty second timeout, so she quickly rushes over to the team to bring the water bottles for them to chug out of. She listens to the coach, the same as the players, and hears which plays they are about to call and who is doing what.

Throughout the game, she is keeping track of which player goes in during each quarter, and how many times they go in. During the fourth quarter, she is writing in the

book, making sure she keeps track of everything. She hears the crowd roar in annoyance and swiftly looks up to see that one of the players got a foul. As she goes back into the book, she writes a second foul for her teammate.

She looks up and sees the scoreboard, which shows that her team is winning by a mile.

As the clock keeps ticking, she watches as her teammates finish the game with all their might. She is continuously writing down their fouls and scores for each person. The buzzer goes off indicating the game ended. Her team won. This team manager is so proud of her teammates.

Without the managers help for athletic teams, it would be hard to manage things at their practices and even at their games. They play a significant

role for Ritenour athletes and coaches. They help take the weight off the coaches shoulders and the players as well. Sports managers are responsible for handling business for our teams.

Becoming a manager for a team may seem hard for some, but the current managers say otherwise.

Senior Shadeed Blue is working as a manager for the boys basketball team, simply because he took the time to talk to the coaches after tryouts.

“I was trying out for the team this year and I did not make it. But the basketball team and my mom said I should try to be a manager so I can still be a part of the team. It was not hard becoming a manager, I had a meeting with the coaches and

Photo Courtesy RHS Athletics Three managers for the girls swim, sophomore Javier Brown, sophomore Brendon Stock, and junior Pierre Brown, line up at a meet with stopwatches in hand. The managers are responsible for different elements in all sports, with the swim managers helping track times of swimmers.

they let me become one,” Blue said.

Junior Brenden Stock is a manager for the girls swim team, and he came as a recommendation from the boys swim coach.

“It is a lot of fun and a great opportunity to experience. The head coach, Coach Rivera, says she always needs managers for the swim team and Coach Wakefield recommends to other students that we should become one as well. There are also three managers this year, last year we only had two,” Stock said.

The managers help out with the team behind the scenes in ways the coaches wouldn’t be able to do. They help out at games and at practices as well. Not only do they help out for the coaches, they also help out for the athletes too.

“For the first few weeks at practice, we go out and help teach them the strokes. We make sure that the swimmers have the fundamentals down and then we work on helping them,” Stock said. “We go to every practice and work with what we can and if there is not much that we can help with, we start working on homework. For our swim meets, we help time the swimmers, running the score sheets and helping judge who came in what place. Also, we get the splits for the relays and it shows what time each swimmer got.”

Senior Lena Thai is a manager for the wrestling team. She says that in addition to their game and practice responsibilities, the managers also serve

the athletes in other ways to help them through their competitions.

“We keep score and records. On the days that we have really long meets such as Saturday’s tournaments, we bring them food, make them sandwiches, and we take care of their stuff and try to motivate them as best as possible while they are competing,” Thai said.

Whether being a new or an old manager there are bonds that are created within the season. While watching the players grow and see their skill develop throughout their season, is an experience that will stick with them.

“The people I usually hang around are student leaders, but in wrestling there are a lot of people that you would never think that you would talk to. Especially when you have really long meets, that is when you bond the most with team,” Thai said.

The managers at Ritenour high school are helpful when it comes to the athletic program. Behind the scene of the sports, the managers are not only watching players and coaches develop and grow, but they are also growing as well. It is not just all about managing for the team, it is also about being there to help support, encourage, and motivate other players and coaches.

Junior Anylah Smith agreed with this sentiment, and is happy to have gotten connected with more people at school.

“I think I became pretty close with the girls on the team since we started going to the games,” Smith said.