r o i n e S ! e u Iss Mendoza revisits MRH, performs with students Story by: Megan Owens
Last Friday MRH was proud to host international musician Javier Mendoza. Javier has released fifteen albums and has worked with Ricky Martin, the Roots and many others. Some of his biggest inspirations he experienced while he was growing up. “I have always loved music and I think my biggest inspirations was the band, U2. It was a big band when I was growing up that I just loved. Also remembering seeing Lenny Cravis for the first time ever at a concert which just turned me on to music,” said Mendoza. His music style is ethnic urban contemporary. He blends latin tones into some of his music; while other songs have a more rock or pop feel to them. As his career continues, Mendoza has been working on a new project that brings out a different style of music. “I am working on a new project called the Reserve. And the reserve is an aggressive folk. People would say it is kinda like Mumford and Sons but its a little bit more towards Wilko,” said Mendoza. With the changes in music also comes a change of scenery for Mendoza and his band. “We are working really hard and I am moving to Nashville at the end of the month and we are going to be pursuing this new direction pretty heavily,” added Mendoza. MRH was proud to host Javier Mendoza and to get the opportunity for the choir and band perform with him.
Javier Mendoza and his band plays for the MRH high school
Choir Concert performs from two disciplines Story by: Isaiah Gray
“The concert was really successful there was so many people on the stage,” said student teacher Robert Carpenter. “The audience was really receptive and I felt like it was a positive experience.” The MRHMS Choir performed two pieces by St. Louis musician’s Jerry Estes and Cornell “Nelly” Haynes. The Concert Choir will be performing pieces from Virgil Thomson and Howard Helvey. Both choirs performed selections by Sasha Johnson Manning, the England native who served as the St. Louis Chamber Chorus’ (SLCC) Composer-in-Residence. Manning recently came from her home in Manchester, U.K. to premiere a piece for the SLCC and also worked with the MRH choral students in preparation for their upcoming performance. Manning said that music gave her direction during her school days. “I wasn’t any great academic, but music is where I flourished,” said Manning. The students combined to sing He Never Failed Me Yet, by Robert Ray and premiered an arrangement of Don’t Get Trouble In Your Mind, by Williams Chiles.
After the performance, two seniors awarded teacher Choir Director Nick Urvan with flowers and a card. The seniors are his first to be in choir all four years. Urvan was surprised and very happy with how well his students performed. “I am very proud of them,” said Urvan. Below: The MRH Choir performs at the Mendoza concert. Right: Nick Urvan, MRH Choir Director.
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MRH Band jams with a professional in class Story by: Isaiah Gray
In an effort to teach students more about music, Career Director John Capuano brought in local St. Louis musician Pierce Crask. Crask played the guitar along with several other instruments with a section of the MRH high school band: juniors Zach Arias and John O’Keefe, freshman Dylan Kiefer and sophomore Paul Meuser. The students performed in the band room with Crask in front of several MRH middle school students and a few high school students. Not only did the some students have a spectacular time playing with Pierce, but they also got the chance to learn professional techniques. Junior Zach Arias says that jamming with Pierce wasn’t only cool, but also interesting to learn too. “Playing with Pierce was cool because he brings a lot to the table that I’m not really familiar with,” said Arias. Junior John O’Keefe said that is was cool also and that it was good that his middle school students got to learn new things from this performance. “It was really cool to be able to do a jam session with Pierce,” said O’Keefe. “It was the second time that we had worked with him and this time we had a little bit more of a repertoire going into it. We had talked Zach and I both some of our students some of his songs and they got to play along, which was a really
Above: Zach Arias (11), John O’Keefe (11), Dylan Kiefer (9) play with Pierce Crask.
good experience for them,” O’Keefe said. This was the second time Crask came in to visit and teach the students. Crask came to MRH earlier in the year when he told students about his career. The students got the chance to learn and ask a lot of questions. Before Pierce came in for the second time the band students taught each other some of Crask’s music to prepare themselves for the second time he would come in. According to Capuano, the visit gave students the opportunity to expand their knowledge. “This
was a follow up jam session to kind of push their limits and have them work their musical skill to a higher level,” said Capuano. Crask taught several great techniques to learn and brought brand new skills to teach the students. This was not only a great learning experience, but it was also a big leap from playing with each other to playing with someone who has played for a living and played what he loved.
Should Schools Teach Sex Ed? Story by: Mila Woffard
In this day and age, sex and all aspects relating to it are not exactly taboo. Even though it’s talked about in every media outlet, somehow, a lot of people are getting the wrong idea about it. In North Dakota, Texas, and Arkansas, a bill is being pushed to defund sex education programs in areas that need it most. Even in St. Louis, questionable sex education is taught in public schools. ThriVe is a St. Louis based organization that provides information about abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy tests. ThriVe also teaches a sex education program to various schools in St. Louis. The best choice website includes the topics discussed in this program, such as information on STDs, healthy relationships, and information about sex. However, abstinence seems to be the base of what they’re teaching. “As defined by Section 510 of Title V of the Social Security Act, abstinence education is ‘an educational or motivational program which: Has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity;’” As well as abstinence about what is taught, program also provides information regarding the mental mechanics of sex. It also states on the website that, “Sex is a powerful, intimate act. If you separate it from lifetime commitment and faithfulness, you can end up feeling empty inside.”
On the other hand, there’s the SPOT, an organization the provides free services to young people between the ages of 13-24. The SPOT provides counseling, medical care, birth control, and STD and pregnancy testing. “The SPOT welcomes ALL youth (13-24) and responds to their particular needs through a comprehensive model of health and social services.” While the SPOT doesn’t teach sex education directly to high schools, they do hope to, “combine needed health and social services into a single setting.” This is kind of unnecessary. Sex education needs to be just that: education. While I do
believe abstinence is a great topic to teach, I feel like it’s a bit redundant at this point. Considering how our society has evolved, what with the numerous TV programs dedicated to teenage pregnancy, most teenagers know that abstinence is an option. What a lot of kids don’t know is that preventing pregnancy and STDs is exponentially easy. I 100% think that we should continue teaching abstinence to teenagers, but we need to let them know that there are ways to stay protected.
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Rendon honored with Rosemary Zander Award
has single handedly erased a divide between special school district and general education.” On any given day you will see students racing From his beaming smile to his unfailing him in his wheel chair, walking with him side by kindness, Marcos Rendon has certainly become side, or even screaming his name in the hallways an inspiration and an example of perseverance to just to say hi. Marcos Rendon has easily won the entire MRH school district. For this reason, over the hearts of the kids and the staff at the Marcos Rendon was awarded the Rosemary Maplewood Richmond Heights school district Zander Award May 2, 2013. This is the highest and is undoubtedly the most deserving recipient honor award recognizing special school district of the Rosemary Zander Award. students for remarkable achievements and outstanding attitudes. Marcos’ outstanding tenacity and unparalleled personality has made him an model for all students and staff members, and an ideal candidate for this award. “He is such an inspiration,” says Erin Stone. “He picks the areas he struggles with the most and perseveres through them.” Erin Stone. Since birth Marcos has dealt with Cerebral Palsy which makes it challenging for him to speak and to walk; But, never have these obstacles stopped Marcos from doing anything he set his mind to. “ His 7th grade year he decided to walk across the stage to get his 8th grade diploma,” says Erin Stone” He practiced for a year and didn’t tell his mom. He had never walked before, and he comes across the stage with no help to get his diploma. How distracting it can be to do this in front of hundreds of people screaming and crying, but Marcos did it with grace.” says Erin Stone. What sets Marcos apart from other students is his ability to create unity throughout the school. “Marcos Story by: Morgan Patterson-Gill
Blood Drive exceeds goal with 44 donations Story by: Dylan Boyer
Wednesday, April 10 the MRH National Honors Society chapter hosted a blood drive with the Mississippi Valley Regional blood center, we exceeded our goal of blood donors, spoke to a few, and spoke to the co-advisor, Ben Nims. Nims explained that the blood drive is necessary to get donations to those who are in need. “If someone is in an accident or requires surgery, hospitals and doctors need a fresh supply of donated blood. We can’t create blood in the lab, we rely on people to donate blood,” said Nims. He added that giving blood is very simple. “It’s a very easy thing to do and you will replace the blood that you donate because you make more blood. So it provides people with that help with that service,” said Nims. Students also gained a lot from the experience. Despite the needles, students wanted the opportunity to help give back. “ That first reaction when she sticks the needle in the arm is the worst part but it’s fine after that,” said senior William Wadsworth. “I was excited to be a first time donor because needles don’t really scare me. I felt like it would be a good decision and it is so great to give back,” said sophomore Janai Robinson. The goal of the blood drive was to get 36 donors and this goal was exceeded. They were able to get 44 successful donations.
Above: Rendon poses with his family before receving his award. Left: Teachers Karen Finklang and Steve Smith pose for a picture with Rendon at the award dinner.
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MRHSD Employee Recognition Dinner Story by: Isaiah Gray
The MRH Board of Education honored members of the faculty and staff on April 19, 2013 for their years of service to the school district. Distinguished awards were also given for MRH Citizen of the Year, MRH Family of the Year, MRH Volunteer of the Year, MRH Teachers of the Year, and Spirit of MRH.
Distinguished Awards
Special recognition to community members and staff for their service and dedication to the District and students. Citizen of the Year – Anne Regenstreif Volunteer of the Year – Anne Cummings Family of the Year – Kiefer Family (Jeff, Joy, Dylan, Lily and Sam) Spirit of MRH – Mark Hancock ECC Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year – Heather Bailey Elementary Teacher of the Year – Peg O’Neil Middle School Teacher of the Year – Dan Reeve High School Teacher of the Year – Michael Cassell Retirements Kadi Compere Karen Finklang Kay Lesley Terri Watkins
High School Teacher of the Year: Michael Cassell
Middle School Teacher of the Year: Dan Reeve
Family of the Year: Kiefer Family (Jeff, Joy, Dylan, Lily and Sam)
Future looks bright at MRH with solar energy
Story by: Isaiah Gray
Earlier this year the MRH district installed 40 solar panels on the cafeteria’s roof as part of the Solar Energy Savings by Microgrid Energy. These solar modules cover the roof of the MRH cafeteria with a capacity of over 9,600 watts. Not only do the solar panels supply an effective amount of energy, but they also reduce the cost of the school’s electric bill. “I think it’s amazing that we are saving energy especially because of all the energy we use for our computers,” says freshmen Maja Eernisse. Chef Robert Rusan said the panels show how our school can use sustainable energy. “If we can cut down on fossil fuels and use natural energy, that is a great thing,” said Rusan. Having solar panels at the high school has already conserved 30 kilowatt hours per day (kwh/day)
with a carbon offset of over 797 lbs a month, which is an equivalent of nine trees. In addition, these solar panels supply the cafeteria and school with over 12,300 kwh of energy a year. Freshman Cameron Clemmons says he’d like to see even more. ”It’s pretty cool that we have solar
panels to conserve energy in the students a real-life example of school. We should put them all over sustainable living to study. the school,” said Clemmons. Not only do solar panels help save high rising energy costs and massive energy bills, but science teachers now have an example of solar power to use in their Below: The solar panals on display on the curriculum. The solar panels give roof of MRH
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Set for the Seasons to Come
Back to State for track Young team is growing Story by: Will Wadsworth
Story by: Amani Coleman
The 2013 Track team is improving at every meet, preparing for Districts, Sectionals, and finally State. With seniors Brittany Bell and Lawrence Hogue, and juniors Essence Brewer and Marquise White as captains, they are working hard to prepare their team for the most important meets. “The girls and boys teams are doing well and are building up to prove better people wrong,” says Essence. At the first and last home varsity meet, Essence came in 4th in the 100m and 200m race, then 3rd in the 400m race. “I still have some improvements to make and that I am striving for my goal,” said Brewer. At Parkway Central, Brewer placed 3rd in the 200m and 400m race, then 2cd in the 100m race. Hogue wanted to strive for his best, knowing that it would be his last high school home meet. He came second in his 200m race. As for being a captain, Hogue enjoys every bit of it. “It’s a good thing because I like being in charge like all the weight is on me, but it’s a bad thing because these are my last guaranteed meets and practice, and I don’t get another chance, so
I have to make everything count,” said Hogue. 2013 was Hogue’s first year long jumping. At the Parkway Central meet, Hogue placed second in the long jump, but was beat only by 1/4 of an inch. The team was proud of him for his first performance of long jumping. As for the relays, they’ve been looking good so far at every meet. “The girls 4×1 and 4×2 relays should also go to state, and all the boys relays,” said Coach Carmon. The girls 4×100 are Brewer, Taylor Abutalebi, Ronnice Moore, and Tamra Jones. At the Ladue meet, the girls placed 6th in the 4×1.
Above Right: John Dudley (12) prepares for Long Jump. Above: Lawerance Hogue (12) takes off on a relay.
When the first day of spring baseball practice started on March 1st, the 2013 Blue Devils Baseball team was already down and missing something that other teams had. Senior Leadership. The blue devils only have two seniors and 10 underclassmen on the roster. As Head Coach Jonathan Webb says, “We worked hard to establish a new culture of baseball at MRH this year and as a young team, we made tremendous strides as a program that will serve us well entering into next year and beyond.” The season started off well with wins over Cardinal Ritter and Carahran. After the opening two games, the Devils started their conference schedule with a tough road. The Blue Devils lost four out their first five conference games which set them back in the standings. Another element altogether was the rain. Senior Austin Golden said on the day-to-day changes with the weather and rain outs, “We would have some momentum coming off of a big win, then we wouldn’t play for three or four days because of all the rain and the fields being not playable,” said Golden. The Devils
Above: Pitcher Zech Bishop (10) pitches against Valley Park.
finished the regular season with wins over bayless and crossroads but tough defeats to Whitfield and Jennings on senior night. Devils drew the card of Madison prep in the first round of districts but due to a forfeit, the devils got the ticket to the big dance to face rival Brentwood Eagles. Assistant coach Ryan Robertson says “you will never forget these games against Brentwood.” The team had a mindset of winning seven different games, symbolizing each inning. The Devils won the first inning going up 1-0. The Eagles soon answered with three in the bottom of the third. Just an inning after, the Devils responded with two runs to tie the game 3-3 going into the 5th inning. Then the Eagles were just too much, scoring six in the bottom of the fifth and returned with five in the sixth to capture their third straight district title and ended the blue devils season. Webb said, “this defeat was tough and it hurts. We didn’t plan on ending this way. We need more people in the weight room during the winter and playing baseball during the summer and fall, that is how we will win ourselves the first district title for mrh in over 50 years.”
Spillover on pg. 18
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This Special Senior Section has been created entirely by the senior staffers of the microCHIP
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Senior Names Not Covered Taylor Call DaVonte’ Calting Scott Darden Seth Ferrel Paul Grady-Liska Kailey Hagar Hannah Hayden Miguel Herderzen
Nequia Hill Jarmond Johnson Aaliaya Stewart Levi Steveson KaJuania Tate Antar Thompson Cheyenne Volkert Michael Wermuth Brenden Williams
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Will’s and Goodbyes Aaron Collins his height to Satchel McDonald.
Tia Cooper wills her goofy, silly personality to Ceara!
Chris Hodges would like to say goodbye to: Cap, Harcharic, Dr. Meyers and Mr. Grawer.
Travis Eklund gives his locker to the next upcoming senior
Mavia King: I wanna give Chunky, Moeshia King and Jazmine Bell my twerking skills
Sam Crews:Goodbyes to Dr. Meyers, Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Grawer and Mrs. Carmon. Also Lindsey Emmel, Brittany Byrd and Mavia “Crazy” King.
Morgan Patterson-Gill: I want to say goodbye to Mr. Welker. You’ve offered great counsel without ever judging. Potthoff/Hosea I love you so much. Theatre kids, I will never forget you!
Maggie Edmonson: To Mr.Urvan, Mr.Welker, and Mrs.Bryan; Thank you. You are some of the most inspirational people in my life and I hope that one day I can be as influential on someone as you three have been on me. I’ll miss you dearly!
Joey would like to say goodbye to Otto Schultejans, Robert Welker, and especially Mr. Ben Nims.
Megan would like to say goodbye to the rest of her class, and wish them the best Ronnie Houston: Goodbyes: of luck. She would also like to say goodbye to Maria Faulkingham and Maja Anybody I’ve said is like a brother or a sister to me, they Winter for being her favorite freshmen, Mikey Oliver for always making her know who they are. laugh, and her entire soccer team for being the best MRH girl’s soccer team that she has ever played on.
Will’s and Goodbyes Austin Golden says goodbye to: Mr Dixon, Ms. Henske, Mrs. Stocker, Mrs. Bryan, Dr. Meyers, Mr. Welker, Mrs. Sontag, Mr. McWilliams. Mr. Nims, Coach Meyer, Mariah Medina, Megan Owens, Curtis Boclair, William Wadsworth, Brendan Golden, Kane DeMeyer, Zech Bishop, Zach Siebert, John Ahn, Taylor Abutalebi, Theresa Rood, Miguel Hernandez, Hannah Jordan, Ben Speed, Jacob Speed, Richard Rasmussen, Cameron Clemons, Chris Tronicek, Kendell Nelson, Mavia King, Mila Wofford, Maggie Edmondson, Morgan Patterson-Gill, Sedrick McShan, Corey Morris, Noah Snyder, Megan Hanak, Wesley Brown, Caroline Haines, Lexi Ramsey, Rakid Hill, Katy Wilson, Maja Eernisse, Maria Faulkingham, Ashley- Goodbye to George- goodbye my fellow seniors and to all the babes at the best of luck. MRH Jahbarie- shout out to Zach Russell
Senior Quotes
Cassidy- goodbye to the stage because I have so many great memories on it. “Quaples.” - Megan Owens
“ Only God can judge me.” - Robert Burse
“Live for something, or die for nothing” - William Wadsworth “If you can still breathe, you can still hope.” - Joey Zunich “Don’t starting nothin’ you can’t finish” Mavia King “Stay true to yourself and always strive for any and all of your goals.” - Lindsey Emmel
THEN
Samantha Crews
Demtruis
&
NOW Kahlid Hagens
Hannah Jordan
Megan Owens
Cassidy Synder
Aaron Spudich
George Tatum
Jonas Tiggs
Wes Williams
Joey Zunich
Senior Favorites! The microCHIP Best Eyes- Male- George Tatum
Most athletic- Male: Kahlid Hagans
Best dressed- Female: Megan Owens
Best dressed - Male: Aaron Collins
Class Clown: DeVontai Halfacre
Most talkative: Morgan Patterson-Gill
Teacher’s pet: Mariah Medina
Most tech savy: Joseph Zunich
Best Hair: Samatha Crew
Quietest: Peyton Darden
Best Car: Maggie Edmonson
Best Eyes -Female: Holly Dillon
Most athletic Female: Britney Bell
Most likely to become President: Ronnie Houston
Most likely to become the next contestant on “the voice”: Mariah Medina
Best Smile: Aaron Collins