November, 2018, U-Times by Utimes

U-TIMES U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130

U-Times November 2018 Volume 29, Issue 1

NEWSMAGAZINE

Pershing wins float competition 4th year in a row By Linsey Sparks Co-Editor

Along with the usual appearances at the Homecoming parade, many new floats took to Delmar Blvd. the morning of October 13. Most of the floats boasted the theme “MARVELous,” some took form as the Black Panther while others exploded with the feminine touch of Wonder Woman. The annual float competition winners were announced at the football game as they have been in years past. First place was given to Pershing Elementary for the fourth year in a row. Julia Goldstein was awarded second place while Jackson Park Elementary stood their ground as the third place winners. Pershing Elementary decorated a truck to look like the Black Panther from the 2018 film “Black Panther” while Jackson Park had one dad dressed as Thor while kids walked behind their truck wearing capes and masks. Julia Goldstein built superheroes to sit atop their truck with kids poking their hands and faces out from underneath them. Each high school class, with the exception of the class of 2022, was represented toward the front of the parade. The class of 2021 really showed up to impress with their Wonder Woman themed float that took weeks of planning. “The 2021 class float took about three student

council meetings to plan,” said Zoe Yudovich, sophomore and student council vice president. “We met to get the big ideas designed.” One float that did not take lots of previous planning was the Latin Club, which made a return after their one-year hiatus. The group built a makeshift boat out of cardboard boxes and walked inside dressed in their togas and gladiator costumes. Matthew Tuths, Latin teacher, followed behind his students in his car while Rowan Hoel and Leah Zukosky, seniors, took the lead as copresidents and marched alongside with posters. “We made our float the day of [the parade],” said Hoel. “We got there at 8 am and it took about two and a half hours to make.” Closing the parade was the ever-present marching band, along with the Golden Girls. Drum majors Shu’Rya Butler and Kaya Blount, seniors, took charge and led the band down the route and also continued with their choreography in front. Logan Black, senior, stood at the head of the Golden Girls’ formation ahead of the band while Nasia Metcalfe, sophomore, led the Lionettes. “Homecoming is a real big deal so we felt like we had to show out,” Logan Black, senior, said. “We extend our practices the week before Homecoming and with the alumni coming back, we want to show them we are keeping the Golden Girl name alive.”

Logan Black, senior, leads the Golden Girls in the Homecoming parade doing marching movements along with the band. “This is our second parade this year and it was better than the last parade because everybody as a whole performed with more energy and excitement.” PHOTO BY LINSEY SPARKS

Cheering on the parade watchers, Gage McGinnis, senior, rides on the last minute robotics float. “We used Mr. Wurst’s truck and made it that day,” said McGinnis. “We covered it with paint and lots of big rolls of paper.” PHOTO BY IAN FELD

At the beginning of the parade route, Tyler Spear, junior, helps prepare to present the colors. “I was making sure everything was on point and everyone was doing their job,” said Spear. “We show what the best of the best can do.” PHOTO BY IAN FELD

Drum major Kaya Blount, senior, runs through columns of the marching band to make sure each musician can hear her whistle. “As I was walking to the back to begin the roll off, part of my uniform got stuck on a tuba,” said Blount. “It slowed me down and made me super nervous.” PHOTO BY LINSEY SPARKS

IN THIS ISSUE

4-5

2-3 Opinion/News • Staff editorial

• Immigration

Homecoming • Homecoming Dance

Entertainment/Sports • Pep rally • Football

6-7 • ‘The Laramie Project’

• Fall sports highlights

Features • New teachers

November 2018

opinion STAFF EDITORIAL

Capitalism and activism collide in Nike ad When Nike chose Colin Kaepernick to be the spokesperson for their “Just Do It” campaign, they knew they were taking a risk. As individuals who have supported Kaepernick’s movement since the very first kneel, our initial reaction to the advertisement was very positive. We were pleased to see him back in the news, continuing to spread his message. Kaepernick deserves an outlet to expand his activism, and Nike gave it to him. But the advertisement also made us contemplate Nike’s intentions. Take a second to step into Nike’s shoes. Look at the advertisement from their eyes. What exactly were their motives in choosing Kaepernick, as opposed to a more widely-respected figure? Did they really want to endorse his movement? In a society that--let’s face it--revolves around money, it seems unlikely that this was their intention. Although it’s a hard pill to swallow,

Nike’s true intentions are clear. Nike wasn’t attracted to his movement; they were attracted to his controversial position. Nike wanted to create a buzz around their brand and get people talking, throwing themselves back into news headlines. They simply wanted attention. And what better way to get attention than signing one of the most widely-disputed figures in America? Nike’s risky decision paid off-literally. After the commercial first aired on Sept. 6, Nike saw a 31 percent increase in online sales, according to Time magazine. The advertisement was great for Nike financially, but they missed the point of Kaepernick’s goals. Although they gave him a platform to voice his opinions, Nike had no interest in helping Kaepernick’s movement. They viewed his message as an opportunity to make money, and a chance to profit off his struggles. Any desire to bring

change was greedily overshadowed by the chance to make money. Kaepernick’s activism was turned into Nike’s capitalism, and it went over everyone’s head. We all rushed to Nike stores across the country, determined to show our support by purchasing their products. Even on the other end of the debate, opposers of the advertisement burned their Nike apparel, boycotting the company. Whether we thought we were supporting Kaepernick or opposing him--it didn’t matter. In the end, we were all just helping Nike by feeding to the attention they so desperately wanted. Their signing of Kaepernick was nothing more than a publicity stunt, designed to economically benefit the company. Be careful not to mistake Kaepernick’s movement with Nike’s campaign. They are two entirely different messages based on drastically different morals, with conflicting intentions.

Don’t get me wrong--it’s great that Kaepernick has a platform to further his campaign against racial inequality in America. It’s an important message that needs to be heard repeatedly. We’re not attacking Kaepernick’s message, we’re attacking Nike’s motivation for using his message. The use of Kaepernick in their advertisement was greedy, and if Nike wants to prove otherwise, it’s on them to do more. Nike needs to actually do something, rather than just promoting Kaepernick in a blatant attempt to make money. Do something for injustice in America. Do something for police brutality. Do something with the billions of dollars your company owns. Colin Kaepernick isn’t just a trend you can use when you need attention. He’s a man, and more than that, he’s a message. If you want a piece of his popularity, you need to promote why he took a knee in the first place.

Drawn-out debate dehumanizes immigrants By Rebecca Rico Staff Writer

Immigration isn’t and has never been a problem. The American government, among other nations--such as Britain continue to disregard the lives of those crossing their borders. Leaders of first world nations display their caring facade while continuing to write policies that make life harder for many immigrants. People with nationalist views continue to enable the mistreatment of immigrants. Until those who have the privilege of living in a first world country experience life outside of it, they cannot truly understand why it is necessary to fight for the rights of immigrants and refugees. From all corners of the world, people run from war, poverty, corruption and natural disasters. As bad as the United States can get, people have a better chance at a half decent life here. This country is regarded so highly outside of America, it’s almost comical. But I get it, because when you come from nothing, this place is everything. Thousands of lives should never depend on a simple argument because the issue is far more complex than a yes or no debate. What we fail to remember is that people are being discussed, not objects, and not hypothetical scenarios. It is understandable that people are afraid for the future of the country, but it is not acceptable to let these fears stop individuals or even governments from helping others that are fleeing pain. The word “immigrant” doesn’t even do these people justice. It must be called what it is. Many of those who find themselves traveling to America are simply seeking refuge.

2018-2019 U-Times Staff Co-Editor: Julian Albright Co-Editor: Linsey Sparks Sports Editor: Eliot Fuller Web Editor: Eliot Fuller Staff Writers/Photographers: Jaden Brooks Ian Feld Grace Klein Emma McMahon Rebecca Rico Charya Young Adviser: Mrs. Mary Williams

The Muslim Ban of early 2017 made President Donald Trump’s goal of limiting entry for foreigners a reality. Although Trump’s ban has been modified multiple times and is downplayed by the media, the ban still has devastating effects. According to the New York Times, the countries currently on the list are Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. The policy prioritizes immigrants from religious minorities in Muslim majority countries. To make the policy look less Islamophobic, Trump added North Korea and Venezuela to the list. Many of the countries on the list are currently experiencing tremendous humanitarian crises. The indefinite ban of Syrians is alarming at a time when more than five million people have fled the country, according to Aljazeera. The U.S. has lowered the amount of refugees it’s willing to take in to 30,000, the lowest ceiling a president has placed on refugee programs since it’s creation in 1980, the New York Times reports. Along with ongoing ban litigations, the situation at the Mexican-American border expands. The dilemma at the southern border started a long time ago; family separations are nothing new to the U.S. government and its agencies. The 2012 case of Encarnacion Romero is a prime example of what happens when government actions go unchecked. According to CNN, a Missouri court ruled that Romero was unfit to be the mother to her child, Carlitos Romero, simply because she was undocumented. Carlitos, now known as Joseph, lives with his “adoptive” parents, a Missouri couple who was given the child against the mother’s consent. Romero was deported to Guatemala without her baby, who would be about 12 years old

Philosophy

The newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of the issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population. The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. While establishing U-Times as a public forum, student editors will apply

now. The Romero case raised concern for some witnessing the separation of families at the Southern border. Many of the people at the border are Central Americans experiencing corruption, gang violence and poverty. In January of this year, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the protected status would not be renewed for Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Sudan. Many of the people trying to cross the MexicanAmerican border come from these countries. A federal judge in California, however, temporarily blocked Trump’s attempt to end their status and as of now, the future of Temporary Protected Status recipients remains uncertain, according to The Washington Post. As refugees from Central America attempt to cross the border into the U. S., border officials have separated families. The camps where the children of detained families are ill suited. Just this month, a caravan of Central American refugees was identified in Southern Mexico, well on its way to the Mexican-American border. Trump announced that military personnel will meet the immigrants at the border. Along with a bigger force at the border, Trump claims he can end birthright citizenship to the children of non-citizen parents and threatens to do it without Congress. Trump is also considering renewing the separation policy despite promising to reunite families. The administration believes it is a good way to deter undocumented immigrants. The statement itself is unsettling. How can someone see people as just problems? Trump legitimately ran these words through his head, he played out the

professional standards and ethics for decision-making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. Inasmuch as the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Policies

scenario of babies torn away from their mothers in his head and decided that it would be a just punishment. It doesn’t matter if someone is undocumented or not. People do not always have the means of going through the legal processes of gaining entrance into the U.S. It takes years and humiliating processes to get a green card. There are accusations, there are demeaning immigration officers in your face and there are fees and bills from applications and lawyers. The people on their way to the U.S.-Mexican border have no way of knowing if they qualify for asylum, but that doesn’t matter to them because being stuck at the border for days is better than not knowing when they’re going to eat next or whether or not they’ll be kidnapped, raped or killed in their home countries. Trump’s rhetoric and that of others who think just like him cannot be dismissed. At the end of the day, they are not just words. As a country, we have never truly been united, but as time goes on and different groups of people are targeted by politicians and extremists, we see an even further decline in the morale of people. Trump and people like him make outlandish claims frequently, but the 2016 election proved that the impossible can happen. As a country, there is no willingness to stop attacks on oppressed groups. There’s uproar here and there, but nothing has really changed. As long as it doesn’t affect the bottom line of the most privileged groups in America, none of the issues will be addressed.

Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not reflect the viewpoints of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons, and reviews reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of the U-Times Editorial Board. The U-Times reserves the right to reject, edit, or shorten letters. Submit letters to Mrs. Mary Williams in Room L306, or to any U-Times staff

member, or to marywilliams@ ucityschools.org.

We are located in Room L 306 at University City High School, 7401 Balson Ave., University City, MO 63130. Our email address is marywilliams@ucityschools.org. Tweet us or follow us on Instagram @utimesonline.

news

November 2018

U. City weighs positives and negatives of TIF By Emma McMahon Staff Writer

Whether or not you agree with it, University City is getting a new development at Interstate 170 and Olive and it will be financed with a TIF (Tax Increment Financing). This new development has caused major conflicts between citizens, who have been debating the topics of minority businesses, tax increases and the relocation of housing in the Third Ward. The new retail development, most probably anchored by a Costco big box store, along with other retailers, offices and a luxury apartment building will cost about $190 million, with taxpayers funding about $70 million. Funding the private development with a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) requires the taxpayers to contribute the $70 million, about a third of the total cost. In addition, building the development will require the demolishing of local minority businesses and neighborhoods in the Third Ward, including many Asian restaurants. Dr. Sharonica Hardin, University City School District superintendent and a Third Ward citizen, believes this tax increment will benefit the city and the school district. “Economic development is always important, significant dollars will go to support home improvement and create job opportunities for students and their parents,” Hardin said. However, citizens of University City’s Third Ward have protested at recent public hearings for the TIF committee. They do not want to redevelop the area impacted by the TIF, which includes Jeffery Plaza and other minority-run businesses nearby. These citizens are trying to protect a small section of St. Louis’s only “Chinatown,” but this area has one of the smallest revenues in University City. “I usually don’t support any TIF project, but this one has a $15 million benefit that the city plans to invest so these businesses can still thrive in University City,” said Aren Ginsberg, First Ward citizen. In Councilwoman Paulette Carr’s Newsletter addressing those

Juniors start college journey early By Jaden Brooks Staff Writer

When students walk across the stage at graduation, they are typically thrilled to receive their high school diploma. The graduating class of 2020 expects to have 18 students picking up not only their high school diploma, but also an associate’s degree from St. Louis Community College. The Early College Program started this year and juniors are taking coursework which contributes to both degrees. Each student takes five classes that count toward their associate’s degree and two electives. “The Community College has been a great partner [to University City High School], we offered more classes this year than we ever have,” Dr. Samuel Martin, dean of students and coordinator of the program, said. Students in The Early College Program are eligible to take 10 dual credit classes: Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Engineering, U.S. History, Music Appreciation, College Composition, Smart Start, College Prep Algebra, Intro to Theatre and Political Science. In the Early College Program, Political Science is offered as dual enrollment and is taught by a college professor from St. Louis Community College, Dr. Edward S. Kasule. He is at school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of every week, just like a course offered on a college campus. Students go to the library on days when he is not here and they have class there. “It’s a more interesting class because it’s more of the teacher lecturing...you’re taking your own notes and it’s more independent work than regular classwork,” Keyon Beasley said. “It’s like adjusting to a college thing by getting used to it, it’s not hard to adjust to it, it’s more work, you just stay focused on the work,” Beasley said. Shamya Shaw, a student in the Political Science class, feels it isn’t an overly difficult class. Social Studies isn’t Shaw’s favorite subject, but she enjoys the class with her peers. “The professor, Dr. Kasule, is a great professor, we have the books and proper knowledge,” Shaw said. “Although Social Studies isn’t my favorite subject, Dr. Kasule makes sure I understand.” After this school year, most of the juniors enrolled will continue their college journey at Forest Park Community College.

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opposing the TIF projects she quotes Brian Burkett saying, “Based on numbers the owners of restaurant Pho Long gave at the last TIF commission meeting, it would take over 200 Pho Longs to equal the taxable revenue of one Costco, only one tenant in the proposed development.” On Aug. 23, University City’s TIF commission voted on moving forward in the development at I-170 and Olive after multiple public hearings. The vote was 10-2 in favor of proceeding and also had approval from the mayor and city manager. As the city still receives backlash from Third Ward citizens and others, Hardin said, “[The proposed TIF development] has always been here, but now it is making a bigger wedge with in U. City citizens.”

Wakanda night it was! By Charya Young Staff Writer

It was a Black Panther kind of night. Themed Wakanda, from the movie “Black Panther,” the gym was decorated for the Homecoming dance to match the movie’s theme. A handful of students even dressed in various tribal clothes and fabrics. No two outfits were the same as students entered the gymnasium doors. “I didn’t think anybody would dress up,” Malakiah Lawrence, junior, said. “I was excited for the theme, I liked the movie. Dressing up was a little outside my comfort zone. People kept calling me Kodak Black.” Aside from the tribal outfits, students were dressed in everything from sequined two-piece dresses to custom-made ensembles. “I wore an outfit that was hand made by @young_addy_co, which was a patchwork top in different fabrics and designs and my pants matched my top,” Ka’yon Brison, senior, said. “I had glitter all over my chest--my top was like straps.” Everywhere you looked there were smiles and laughs. Couples and friends danced and chilled with one another the whole night. “It was a good night to express ourselves,” said Alona Jenkins, senior. “It was a good night to dress up and hang out.” Students also joined together to dance to a few throwback jams such as the “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid, and modern hip hop songs like “That’s on Me” by Yella Beezy. “When that song came out it was lit,” Brison said. “It was a fun and memorable last Homecoming,” Fatimah Olushola, senior, said.

On the dance floor, Maelisha Boclair, junior, goofs off with Naiah Garrett, senior, while Molly Holman, junior, takes a video. “I felt really carefree at the moment,” Boclair said. “I was laughing with my friends, listening to good music, and having a night to remember.” PHOTOS BY CHARYA YOUNG

Homecomin

Terrance Merriweather, senior, uses a shoe as a prop on the dance floor. “I was enjoying myself with my friends,” Merriweather said. “I grabbed my girlfriend’s shoe and used it like a phone.”

Dancing to “I’m Like WOAH” by MaxoTrill, Demetrius Willingham, junior, and Jordynn White, freshman, enjoy the night out with friends. “It was a good song,” Willingham said. “I had to dance to it. I’m the WOAH king, you know?”

HOMECOMING COURT

With all eyes on him, Dariaun Pointer, sophomore, performed under p Pointer said. “I had to sauce him up. I had the crowd going.” PHOTOS

Lions come By Julian Albright Co-Editor

King and Queen

Prince and Princess

Terrico Garrett and De’ara Robinson

Davion Crawford and Kaylyn Little

STAFF SHOWS SPIRIT

Eve Abaray, Spanish David German, Math

James Wright, Science

While a Homecoming football loss to the Normandy Vikings follows suit of the rest of the season, it was the best game the Lions have played so far. Autumn weather hit St. Louis hard and fast which made the afternoon of Oct. 13 a chilly one, at just 48 degrees. Fans, students and U. City alumni alike, slowly arrived to the stadium, yet quickly into the first quarter, the stands were crowded with excited fans. The game started as a back and forth battle between the teams, both reaching fourth down situations and being forced to punt. Then with almost three minutes left in the first quarter, Normandy junior Caleb Carvin made an 89yard touchdown run. With the additional two point conversion, Normandy took the lead 8-0. The Lions did not seem too concerned and continued to focus on the rest of the game. This was proven when DeAngelo Davis, junior, ran the ball back to Normandy’s 41-yard line off the kickoff. The energy in the stands picked up and U. City fans were excited for a forward drive. The excitement ended as quickly as it started, as one of the Normandy cornerbacks scored a pick-6 off of a throw by junior quarterback Lawrence Coleman. U. City was able to deny Normandy of extra points, but the first quarter ended 14-0, Normandy. “We just weren’t prepared,” said Coleman. “We were messing around a lot at practice that week and it showed in the game.” The second quarter looked to be more of the same, as Normandy scored quickly after In effort a U. City fumble making the score 20-0. “It was o However, on the next drive, U. City running

ng festivities bring students together Friendly competition, music and cheering helped the pep rally exceed expectations. From fall sports tug-of-wars to cheerleaders putting on a show, the pep rally gets students pumped for homecoming.

To begin the Homecoming weekend tradition, Jaheim Stampley and the rest of the band march into the pep rally. “We have to make sure they (the crowd) hear every beat,” Stampley said. “Without the percussion, especially the snare drum, it sounds empty.”

pressure in the spotlight. “Me and Josh [Allen, freshman] were having a dance battle,”

S BY SYDNEY LUCAS AND ELISA CAVALIERE

In the spirit and anticipation of the Homecoming football game, Jayla Fitch, junior, tries to energize the crowd of students. “I always feel excitement in front of the crowd,” Fitch said. “Like the kind that you feel when you’re going down a roller coaster.”

In the midst of a high intensity performance at the Homecoming pep rally, Kamiyah Davis, senior, reflects on her four years as a cheerleader. “This year we had a different approach to the rally like [we do at] different games,” said Davis. “The pep rally was definitely bittersweet, but I’m glad I went out with a lot more participation and spirit from the crowd.”

up short in Homecoming loss back Lamarq Murphy made a 4-yard run to get U. City on the board. Murphy would end up scoring two of the three U. City touchdowns. “That touchdown felt good because we needed

some points on the board,” said Murphy. “But it wasn’t enough. I really wanted to win, and I was playing for my team and my community.” Both teams then went scoreless for the remainder of

ts to score a touchdown, Givion Crawford, senior, evades and drives past the opposing team. “I think the whole of U. City felt the loss,” Crawford said. our first time playing Normandy in a while and they are kind of our rivals so it felt like a community loss.” PHOTO BY REBECCA RICO

the half, ending the first half with a score of 20-6 in favor of Normandy. The Lions came out of the gate strong to start the second half and quickly worked their way down the field to the Normandy 15-yard line, where Murphy made a 15-yard run to score his second touchdown of the game. With help from Givion Crawford, senior, to score the 2-point conversion, the Lions brought the score to 2014 and brought themselves within 6 points. “Coach told us we needed to correct our mistakes and execute like we can,” said Crawford. “He also said to keep a positive mindset.” As U. City kicked off to the Vikings after scoring, a kick by Patrick Fuller, freshman, pinned Normandy at their own 27. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Fuller is ranked top 50 in the St. Louis area for kickoff percentage. A quick drive and good U. City defense forced the Vikings into a fourth and third situation where they punted back to the Lions. The Lions quickly worked the ball back down into the red zone, but after multiple flags and some confusion on the field, U. City was not able to score. The energy in the stands had picked up and U. City hopefuls were anxiously awaiting comeback. Unfortunately for the home fans, a 45-yard touchdown pass play from the Vikings put the visiting team up by 12. Over the course of the fourth quarter, Normandy scored two more touchdowns including the second pick6 of the game which brought Normandy’s score to 38. With just a handful of seconds left on the clock, a desperation touchdown and 2-point conversion run by Crawford with 18 seconds left made the final score of the game 38-22. Crawford, who has played four years on varsity, was happy after playing in his last Homecoming game. “I played with a chip on my shoulder,” Crawford said. “I felt like I was representing U. City and I was trying my hardest to make plays happen.”

November 2018

features

Students raise awareness in ‘The Laramie Project’ By Grace Klein Staff Writer

Most people going to a play don’t expect to undergo feelings of intense emotion and discomfort, but that’s exactly what this year’s fall play, “The Laramie Project,” aimed to accomplish. “The Laramie Project” is a reaction to the murder of a gay college student, Matthew Shepard, in Laramie, Wyoming. The play draws from multiple interviews, transcripts, and various journal entries and news reports. October 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of his death, and director Catherine Hopkins, theatre teacher, hoped it was executed with passion and emotion. “It’s going to be really emotional for family and friends,” Hopkins said. “My hope is also that it will show people how little things have changed.” It’s not very often that high schools see “The Laramie Project” in production because of its crude language and controversial subject. Along with a unique production comes a unique set. This year’s cast brought the audience

on stage with them for an up close experience. There were risers on stage and the audience sat just feet from the actors. “It’s not a very tech savvy play,” Phoebe Thoroughman, senior, said. “We don’t have a big set and there are minimal costumes.” Thoroughman is playing multiple parts in the production due to the fact that 63 roles are involved, with only 23 cast members. Before the play was performed, she hoped the cast will be able to do it justice. “If we don’t do this play right, we won’t be able to get the message across,” Thoroughman said. “It’s a play that shows how intensely people can hate.” Due to this pressure of trying to execute the play correctly, the cast has had to step up their game more than normal. The lead roles were only assigned to veteran actors and the less experienced members are playing the small roles. “This is a very advanced play, so the cast members really needed to be pushed,” Hopkins said.

During the last act of the Laramie Project, Shu’rya Butler, senior, acts as an angel at Matthew Shepard’s funeral in protest against homophobia. “It was a surreal scene,” said Butler. “I felt like I was a part of the real thing.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS

Sitting in the spotlight, Nathan Hill, junior, describes the town of Laramie, which was the setting for the play. “I was kind of nervous because I was the first character to go onstage,” Hill said.

Playing Harry Woods, a 52-year old gay man, Cory Barber, junior, is involved in a parade in support of Matthew Shepard. “It was a little heartbreaking,” Barber said.

NEW AT THE U Peoples takes over as principal; brings 6 teachers from Hazelwood By Ian Feld Staff Writer

Starting out with an engineering degree and a career at IBM, Michael Peoples, principal, probably did not anticipate ending up in education. However, after going back to school for a math education certification, his professional life took a turn in that very direction. Peoples, after serving in administration at Hazelwood East for four years, has developed a vision for educational success. In a matter of weeks, he’s implemented new policies aimed at increasing productivity among the staff and students alike at U. City. “I think the most important thing is to develop and foster strong, healthy, trusting relationships between students and their peers and teachers,” Peoples said on his goals for the school year. Peoples sees the potential of the student body, so he believes the changes that he has made are all positive steps toward achieving success. “We want to help increase student achievement, as well as grow our students’ soft skills and character,” Peoples said. “We are fortunate to have a student body that can advocate for themselves, and I’m excited to work with them.” Joining Peoples is a wealth of new teachers and staff, including six from Hazelwood East or Central. Christina Sneed, English teacher, who came from Hazelwood East, finds the small movement of staff from her old school as

a way to begin to fit into a new culture. “It’s normal for teachers to follow an administrator to a new school and apply for any openings,” Sneed said. “You don’t always know how people will accept you in a new place so it’s helpful to have a support system.” Nathan Pipes, social studies teacher, and another formerly at Hazelwood East, describes the setting as similar to what Sneed envisions. “I’ve felt very welcomed at U. City,” Pipes said. “The mood and morale of the building has been great.” At U. City and throughout his career in education, Peoples has strived to create an environment in which all members of the school respond to the expectations placed upon them. “All of the changes I have made are made around research,” Peoples said. “That is, studies conducted around what works well for improving conditions in high schools.” He fully believes that success for students revolves around changes to create effective communication between staff and student, an idea that is echoed by teachers like Sneed. “Change is needed and should be embraced from everyone,” said Sneed. “Teachers and admin[istration] need to have a growth mindset about tackling the changes head on. We should be open to learning and growing so we can model to our students what lifelong learning looks like.”

Michael Peoples, principal (center), discusses science fiction movies with Yul Amerson, social studies teacher (left), and Heather Fullerton, WYMAN Wraparound Services (right) in the hall. Peoples is adamant about his love for Star Wars and loves the series. “I am an avid Star Wars fan,” said Peoples. “I don’t really have a favorite character, but I like Darth Maul and Boba Fett.”

Your opinion matters University City Public Library seeks community input about the future of the Library University City Public Library is looking toward the future, and we want your thoughts! Members of the University City community are invited to participate in four upcoming focus groups where members of UCPL’s Board of Trustees and Library administration and staff will discuss the challenges facing the Library and get input from attendees on how best to address those issues. Focus groups will be held in the UCPL auditorium on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 6:30-9 p.m. • Saturday, Nov. 3 from 2:30-5 p.m. • Thursday, Nov. 29 from 6:30-9 p.m. • Monday, Dec. 3 from 2:30-5 p.m.

If you can’t make it to one of our focus groups but still want to share your thoughts, let us know online at

www.ucitylibrary.org

We look forward to a bright future serving University City. Call 314-727-3150 for more information @UCPL_Librarians

PHOTO BY IAN FELD

www.facebook.com/UCityLibrary 6701 Delmar Blvd., University City, MO 63130

~See page 8 for new teacher coverage~

www.ucitylibrary.org • 314-727-3150

@UCityLibrary

sports

November 2018

FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Boys cross country team The cross country team featured three runners qualifying for state. Senior Terrico Garrett, sophomore Merrick Hoel, and junior Grace Klein all competed at state in Jefferson City on Nov. 3. PHOTO BY GRACE KLEIN

Roberta Booth With 12 athletes, the girls tennis team was bigger and more experienced than theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in years. The team featured seven seniors, and finished the season with 8 wins. PHOTO BY LINSEY SPARKS

Jalen Corn Improving their record from last season, the boys soccer team finished above .500 with a 17-7 record. They won their conference and placed second in districts. PHOTO BY NATHAN HILL

Mialla Klohr

Kelis Petty

Lacking players, the field hockey team combined their team with Brentwood High School for the first time ever to form a JV team. As the season went by, the team improved their chemistry, winning two games, with a few ties as well. PHOTO BY NACIM HASSOUN

The softball team with a 5-9-1 record, but showed a bright spot with players on the team finishing as the top 5 stolen base leaders in the St. Louis area. PHOTO BY IAN FELD

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Three free classes valid for ages 17 and under only. Camera purchase of $300 or more or camera and lens purchase of $300 or more required. Valid classes are $99 and under. Must pay difference of classes over $99. Some restrictions may apply. 50% off valid on classes, workshops, and photo walks. No age restrictions. Must be purchased in-store, nonrefundable, school ID must be shown, not valid on trips. Some restrictions may apply. Offers may not be combined. Call or visit stores for more details and to sign up. See our class schedule online at www.cccamera.com.

Fun facts about the newest staff at the U.

NEW ‘PEOPLES’

features

PHOTOS BY LINSEY SPARKS, IAN FELD & CHARYA YOUNG

1. Saaba Luetzeler, English: “I enjoy building things, like putting up walls and building fireplaces. I am into construction.” 2. Christina Sneed, Nathan Pipes, Emily Knight, Lauren Edison, Tonya Barnes, Sam Llanos: All six teachers migrated to U. City this year from the Hazelwood School District. 3. Sheron Franklin, Work Experience: “I played basketball in high school and I was on the debate team,” 4. Rachel Caballero, English: “I like to go birding, which is birdwatching, but the technical name is birding.” 5. Ericka Harris, Librarian: “I teach a yoga class on the weekend.” 6. Tim Dykas, Science: “I own a pet spider.” 7. Lt. Col. Rob Jacksy, ROTC: “I ride a Harley-Davidson Softail.”

November 2018

Lamont Harvey, senior, at the Homecoming parade. PHOTO BY LINSEY SPARKS

WHAT TIME IS IT?

U-TIMES NEWSMAGAZINE

U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130

U-Times November 2018 Volume 29, Issue 1