February 2020 U-Times

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

U-Times February 2020 Volume 31, Issue 3

NEWSMAGAZINE

REMEMBERING MLK

By Eliot Fuller Co-Editor

At the beginning of the ceremony, J-ROTC students Joshua Allen-Wilson, D’Angelo Young, Jeremiah Johnson and Jordan Stokes present the colors.

Seniors Annie Rhoades and Ali Mitchell deliver opening remarks at the MLK Celebration. “I thought the celebration was pretty good, there where some adjustments, [but] things always change and you have to adjust,” Mitchell said. “We were more flexible with adjusting and keeping people entertained.”

2-3

The University City community held its 34th annual celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 16. The program kicked off at 6:30 pm with student speakers Aliyah Mitchell and Annie Rhoades, seniors, delivering the introduction.

“We were approached by [superintendent] Dr. Hardin-Bartley to host the celebration this year,” Rhoades said. “I was kind of surprised, but really honored as well. I wanted to be a part of this program because I feel it is really important to honor Dr. King’s legacy and I want to get better at using my voice.”

Following their introduction, Rhoades and Mitchell welcomed members of the orchestra and choir to the stage. The two groups performed together, beginning with a rendition of the Black National Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’

The orchestra selected just five members, with the addition of orchestra teacher Amanda Davis, to play alongside the choir.

“We didn’t get a lot of practice together, but [our performance] went well, and the choir sounded really nice,” Mialla Khlor, sophomore, said. “I think the orchestra was good background music for them.”

As the students exited the stage to cheers from the crowd, the event shifted to a more somber tone, with guest speaker

Terry Harris delivering an emotional speech about race in America. Harris is the Executive Director of Student Services in the Rockwood School District, and husband to librarian Erica Harris.

After Harris finished, students from the Advanced and Intermediate Dance classes walked on stage to perform, one of whom was Re’Naye Moseley, sophomore. They had just one week to prepare their dances for the celebration.

“The teacher asked who wanted to do it and it seemed fun,” Moseley said.

“The hardest part was remembering the different moves of the dance.”

Clad in red sparkling outfits, the three girls from the intermediate class danced to “Four Women” by Nina Simone.

“The ceremony was inspirational and I’m glad I got to be a part of it,” Moseley said.

To wrap up the night, school board members Matt Bellows, Kristine Hendrix and Chelsea Addison stepped up to the podium to present the 2020 MLK Spirit Award. This year’s recipient was Hazel Erby, former St. Louis County Councilwoman, St. Louis County Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Following Erby’s acceptance speech, Hardin-Bartley delivered closing remarks, and the audience proceeded to the main hallway where refreshments and treats were served.

Students in Advanced and Intermediate Dance classes portray different historical aspects of female African Americans to music by Nina Simone and Arlissa. “[The performance] was about how black women had to show themselves off to get money,” Makaila Ford, junior, said. PHOTOS BY ELIOT FULLER

IN THIS ISSUE

6-7

4-5

8

Opinion/News

Today in Politics

Features/Sports

Features

• Procrastination • EMT program

• ‘World War III’ • 2020 election

• School changes

• Valentine’s Day plans

• Girls Day In

• Staff editorial

• Finals look back • Kobe’s legacy

• Drone club

• Impeachment

• Winter sports

February 2020

opinion

Girls Day In does not measure up to boys’ version

By Khloe’ Fox Staff Writer

For the second year in a row, the boys at our school got to enjoy Boys Night Out, where they spent hours hanging out with their friends and playing basketball, video games, and glowin-the-dark dodgeball. It was never a surprise to hear Bishop Luther Baker’s voice on the announcements ranting and raving on and on about the main attractions that the boys wouldn’t want to miss. I was always amused at the overflowing amount of enthusiasm; I just couldn’t believe that this boy’s event was the end all, be all...until I walked past the larger than life posters (that nobody could miss) showcasing activities any boy (or girl) would enjoy doing. Each time I passed a poster the same question kept popping into my mind: “When were the girls going to get one?”

I just couldn’t shake the feeling of being left out. I wanted the same dedication that the boys got from Bishop Baker, the same daily announcements that exuded excitement. I wanted the bright posters that boasted to everyone who passed by. Finally, my question was answered and the date was set for Girls Day In. Finally, the girls would get the same opportunity as the boys to bounce off the walls. I was ecstatic, assuming that the girls would be given the same

treatment—until it didn’t turn out like that.

It all started with a google form sent out by Linda Pritchard, A Plus coordinator and one of the organizers of Girls Day In, asking girls if they would attend an event designed for them and what activities they would want to do. Once I replied, I felt a small bit of excitement, and waited for the daily announcements that raved about the fun attractions. They never happened.

Walking around the school, I expected to see giant colorful posters, and instead there were the typical small 8.5 x 11” paper with only two colors: pink and purple. Now, I have no problem with these colors, in fact, purple is my favorite color. However, those colors overly feminized an event we already knew was for girls and represents something different from the action-packed boys event. In contrast, the Boys Night Out posters were huge and there was no way you could miss them. I literally had to strain my neck to catch a glimpse of the tiny Girls Day In posters. Of course, the event was easily forgotten. This supposedly unforgettable day filled with bonding and entertainment with the girls took place on Thursday of finals week as opposed to Friday, which was the day of the boys’ event and took away some of the enjoyment, since my mind was unable to relax in the middle of finalsinduced stress.

The day finally arrived for the first Girls Day In, where my friends and I supposedly would laugh and enjoy ourselves. However, most of my friends weren’t going. In fact, hardly anybody

was going. Folake Adewale, sophomore, and I walked into the auditorium to see about eight seats filled. It was then that reality set in that Girls Day In was not going to meet my expectations.

There was no basketball, no video games, no glow-in-the-dark dodgeball.

The girls were going to sessions dedicated to “finding the princess within,” self defense and car mechanics, wrapping up the day with an art project.

The only session that got a pass from me was the one on self defense. All the others struck out and the art project was anti-climatic. Throughout the day, Mikesa Hatten, a freshman I befriended, and I discussed how we felt indifferent about the activities and we preferred to do the sort of activities the boys were offered.

Upon reflection, I somewhat enjoyed myself, but something about the day kept bugging me. It was the inequality between the two events. Now, it isn’t as big as fighting for the right to vote, but again, it is the prejudicial quality of the differences. I don’t mind learning about healthy relationships because that is valuable information; however, during Boys Night Out, the boys certainly weren’t given a mirror and a crown to find their prince within. Pretty sure they didn’t review different examples of unhealthy relationships, either.

I am not just nitpicking; even Pritchard agreed with me by saying, “[The boys] should definitely learn about healthy relationships as well because you can’t teach girls about certain things that make a relationship healthy and the boys don’t receive the same information.”

2

Even the names chosen for these events were subtly sexist. The first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Girls Day In” are housewives couped up at home cooking, cleaning and caring for children, while their husbands enjoy a lively night out on the town.

However intentional or not intentional, the two events were set up to play into gender norms from the start, which is inherently unfair to everyone.

Did the boys learn how to check their tires? No. Were they taught about the essentials that need to be kept in their cars? No. The boys’ day was decidedly different and ended with a fast-paced and competitive game of glow-in-thedark dodgeball. I ended the day painting the U. City symbol for my mom.

There’s nothing wrong with painting—I liked the time I used to reconnect with a friend I haven’t seen for a while. It was just that I expected something better and less feminized.

Overall, I enjoyed the girls I met and spent time with at Girls Day In and hope the next one is better and that this is just the first of many to come.

Next time, let’s look at the offerings a little more closely. Let the girls event become just as exciting as the boys. We need activities to rival the boys’ event.

Let’s catch up to the 21st century idea of a woman. Let’s try to avoid doing it to ourselves, which Pritchard and the other facilitators of Girls Day In did—with no harmful intent. An attempt of inclusion goes to waste when you’re doing more harm than good.

Procrastination prevents people from living their best lives

By Zion Smith Staff Writer

It seems like the more you want something in life; the harder it is to achieve. This can apply to wanting all A’s for a semester, or wanting to exercise, or even just wanting to become more extroverted. The more we fantasize these sort of things, the more we procrastinate about accomplishing them. Winning your inner creative battles is something everyone has to deal with. It feels like there is a psychological force working against you, every single moment of your life, and it is involved in every decision you make, whether you know it or not.

This psychological phenomenon prevents you from maturing, and becoming a better version of yourself.

We call this force “resistance.” Whether we all know this as resistance, we’ve all felt resistance stopping us from accomplishing what would be in our best interest. Resistance is often hard to delineate, although it is often described as the physical discomfort we receive

2019-2020 U-Times Staff Co-Editor: Eliot Fuller Co-Editor: Ian Feld Web Editor: Grace Klein Staff Writers/Photographers: Charya Young Zion Smith Tarren Harris Khloe’ Fox Marley Gardner Kiya Furlow Jalyn Ware Sasha Albright Adviser: Mrs. Mary Williams

from the idea of doing something productive. Your body starts to tense up, you start to wince at the thought of doing something more uncomfortable than what you’re currently doing.

Whether it’s going for the run you’ve been saying you want to go on for the past week, or starting the essay you’ve been putting off, resistance will be there to rear its ugly head. This is because resistance prevents progression, which itself is intriguing because once you start to actually do it, you get this rewarding sense of accomplishment and you feel fulfilled in yourself. But in that moment—when your wasting time doing nothing progressive for yourself—doing what you should feels like a monster, there is resistance.

If no one ever experienced resistance, everyone would be living according to their highest ideals. If we knew it was in our best interest to write a book, we’d just start writing it. If we knew it was in our best interest to prep for track ahead of time by going on daily runs, we’d just do the daily cardio. Whenever we thought about doing something for

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

our own personal benefit—or for the betterment of your mind—we’d do it, without any resistance to second guess ourselves.

And with most of us clinging onto the idea of staying intellectually consistent, resistance will manifest into a form of rationalization. This rationalization only serves the purpose of creating negotiations with your inner self. You need any sort of reason to not do what you know you probably should.

It seems that the more important something is for your growth and betterment, the stronger the resistance you will experience. You always hear stories about the famous singers, performers, and comedians who still get really nervous before they go on stage. They encounter resistance, even though they’ve been doing it for decades.

So what’s their response? Do they just not go on stage? Of course not, because their careers would be over. But what they do instead is to learn to break through resistance right after it presents itself, and the better you get at doing this—the better you get at doing the

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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.

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right thing—rather than the comfortable thing. Because when you just sit down to write, or when you just put on the running shoes, or begin to record.

Something magical happens. Words start to flow, endorphins start to run, inspiration starts to magically descent upon you. And all the pieces begin to come together.

The one and true response to resistance is to just start the thing. Once you realize whatever rationalizations you have for not doing the thing you know you have to do, it’s just resistance.

You can gain the mental clarity to just do the thing, and as you become more familiar with resistance and seeing it for what it is, you can use resistance as a guide. It’s a great compass, leading you to where you know you need to go.

As you win these battles with resistance, day by day, month by month, year by year, the life you live will become bigger than the unlived life within you, and you’ll eventually start living the kind of life you’ve always wanted.

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

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February 2020 news 3 Students use EMT program as pathway to career, college

By Jalyn Ware Staff Writer

When you graduate, options are important. A small group of students at U. City will not only receive their high school diploma on May 11, but will also be eligible to take the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensure exam. If they pass, they will virtually be guaranteed a job making almost $30,000 a year.

“The benefit [of] graduating with an EMT license is going right to work,” Susan Hill, Director of PK-12 College and Career Readiness and Access, said. “It’s also the prerequisite for a paramedic license and employment with the Fire Department.”

According to Hill, the School District of University City has launched a new Career and Technical Educational (CTE) program in partnership with the U. City Fire Department (UCFD).

“Students are there two days a week—Tuesday and Thursday—8 am

to 2 pm,” Hill said.

According to Hill and Clarence Ware, Adult Education Coordinator, courses are taught by University City Fire Department instructors and include career exploration. Also dual credit preparation classes for course certifications to enter the medical field.

“Taking this class gets us closer to things like becoming a paramedic, RN, or even a doctor,” Timothy Dailey, senior who participates in the program, said.

Students who successfully complete the course with a “C” or better will receive dual credit from St. Louis Community College. When a student graduates, the students will be prepared to enter the workforce as an EMT or may pursue a paramedic and then fire fighting career at St. Louis Community College.

“It gives us medical-based knowledge that can save lives,” Dailey said. “After completing this class, we’ll be able to graduate with

a high-quality career and a good chance of expanding our education, especially in the medical field because we’ll have a strong base for medicine before we attend a college.”

Much of the program is handson training, although Hill and Ware said that topics for this course include medical legal considerations, basic anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, airway adjuncts and oxygen administration, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), managing traumatic injuries as well as medical emergencies, hazardous materials and ambulance operations.

“It’s broken up into lectures, labs and tests, so a good portion of it is hands on and we’ve already been CPR certified,” Dailey said. “Before we graduate, we need at least 60 hours of call time which includes being the EMT who responds to emergency calls.”

At their first session, Christian Hollloway and Timothy Dailey, seniors, perform CPR on a dummy as part of their physical test to complete their CPR certification. “So far it’s been super exciting just based on the things we’ve been told we will do and the responsibility we will have,” Dailey said. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN HILL

Below: Showing off one of the ready-to-fly drones at last year’s STEM Expo, Emmett Feld, Sophomore, focuses on keeping the drone steady. “We were trying to show people what the drones can do and introduce them to our club,” said Feld. “I had to be careful because there were bleachers right next to where I was flying it.” PHOTO COURTESY OF J. RYNE DANIELSON Right: One of the aerial photos of the school building that Emmet Feld and Charlie Whitehead took as the pilot and spotter of the drone. PHOTO COURTESY OF COL. ROB JAKCSY

Drone Club takes off to navigate complex problems

By Grace Klein Web Editor

We live in the most technologically advanced era in history. Every year more advanced forms of technology are created and, when used properly, can do unimaginable tasks. For the past year, J-ROTC has been sponsoring a Drone Club to give students an opportunity to navigate the missions of high functioning drones as well as to engineer and build their own drones from scratch materials. The club was initiated by Col. Rob Jakcsy, the J-ROTC instructor, who wanted to open up a club that would teach students how to navigate complex projects and think critically on their own.

“I try to let them do the work independently and figure it out themselves,” Jakcsy said.

Drones have a variety of purposes; from intelligence gathering and communication for military, all the way to taking high quality aerial photos. Whatever the purpose may be-- the Drone Club wants to explore these options.

“I’ve already given them the mission to take aerial photos and they’ve learned how to do that,” Jakcsy said. “My goal is for them to learn about other missions.”

These high-tech drones have been made available to the club through a crowd sourcing platform known as DonorsChoose. The site allows teachers to put out a project idea on the site, while anonymous donors around the U.S. donate to help the projects take off.

When the club was first formed last year, only a couple students opted to join. According to Emmett Feld, sophomore, who is one of the original members of the Drone Club, their first tasks last year were centered around engineering a drone, but this year the real action has begun.

“Ninety percent of our flying time has been this year,” said Feld. “Last year we didn’t have a lot of people and we only met once a week so all we were able to do last year was build the four motors and the frame.”

The process of building and flying a drone can be tricky and Feld admits they have had some technical issues with the drones.

“When we first tried to take off we didn’t take safety precautions; we had no control and it crashed and broke,” said Feld.

The custom-built drones differ from the ones that come ready-to-fly in their stability and overall performance.

“The ones that are already built are easy to stabilize and the camera has a built in stabilizer,” said Feld. “We used those ones to take aerial photos of all the schools in the district.”

The trick to using these drones safely and effectively, according to Feld, is to always have a second person keeping their eyes on the drone, known as a “spotter.”

“A spotter makes sure they can always see the drone so that it doesn’t hit

someone,” said Feld. “The important thing is to not lose visual contact with it because it could come into contact with power lines.”

Along with Feld is newcomer and freshmen Charlie Whitehead. Whitehead participates in robotics and has drawn parallels between the two clubs.

“In robotics we build things from scratch which is basically what we do here,” said Whitehead. “I get more engineering experience doing both clubs.”

Despite the relatively low number of participating members, the club seems to be headed in the right direction.

“The main goal of the club is to learn, build, and have fun flying drones,” Whitehead said. “I would recommend it to anyone out there.”

STAFF EDITORIAL

TODAY IN

Trump’s motives come into question with execution of Iranian general Executing Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani has nothing to do with the safety of the American people. President Donald Trump ordered it for one reason and one reason only—to get reelected.

Throughout Trump’s presidency, a growing number of Democrats and Republicans alike have come to see 2020 as the year to finally get him out of office. While the idea of a new president excites many people all across the world, the idea is a great deal less feasible now because the American people historically re-elect during wartime.

Trump’s approval ratings have stayed nearly stagnant for months, and below the 50% mark, according to FiveThirtyEight. When the conflict brought Trump’s recent impeachment process to a pause, the motives of the severity of his retaliation came into question. Despite impeachment without removal only really being the equivalent of an asterisk in a history textbook, it may impact the spark he once had with supporters for the 2020 election. In a world that feeds off shock value, his action is less shocking than it would be had it come from another commander in chief.

Through nearly 70 years of conflict between the U.S. and Iran, spanning 12 different presidencies, the situation too closely mirrors the action that former President Bill Clinton took two decades ago. It is not a coincidence that during Clinton’s impeachment proceedings,

he ordered air strikes on Iraq without congressional support. Trump’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect, at least for his political reign—and gain.

On top of distracting from his impeachment, the threat of a war is just what he needs for re-election.

Trump claimed that Soleimani was an immediate threat and recent actions could back that up. On Dec. 27, a proIranian militia attacked an Iraq-U.S. military base with 30 rockets, killing one U.S. interpreter and injuring three soldiers. Trump’s reprisal was five air strikes on Iranian-backed militia, Kata’ib Hezbollah, killing 24, and injuring even more. On Dec. 31, thousands of protesters stormed the U.S. embassy in Baghdad with molotov cocktails. Less than a month later, a suspected militia attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad wounded one person lon Jan. 27. Despite the Pentagon presenting alternatives, Trump’s retaliation in the Iranian conflict upped the ante: killing a powerful military leader in Iran.

This is precisely the advantage Trump needed. His campaign has made no secret of his separation from the “traditional” Republicans, twisting the party’s image and forming a group of die-hard alt-right supporters. Although throughout his presidency, he’s slowly lost some of his once loyal disciples. A number of fellow Republican politicians have even gone as far to announce their opposition to him in the 2020

primary elections. Trump is betting on a long history of Americans re-electing presidents during wartime.

The trend of re-election during wartime has stretched all throughout U.S. history. From James Madison in the War of 1812, it’s even stood its ground in relatively recent years with Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon in the Vietnam War, as well as George W. Bush during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

With the unspoken tradition being over 200 years old, Trump’s odds, and ego, have skyrocketed.

Along with distracting from his impeachment and the historical reelection trends, Trump’s killing of Soleimani is even gaining sympathy from some Democrats. Although she also criticized Trump and his radical decision for stirring up tensions, Elizabeth Warren, female front runner for the 2020 Democratic nomination, referred to Soleimani as a “murderer” in a Tweet, suggesting an element of approval. If the Democrats are willing to look past the fact that the U.S. invaded Iran in the first place, and offer Trump a bit of subtle praise, then there’s no doubt it will win him back some supporters on the Republican side and the swing votes.

With primaries quickly approaching, and the general election following just a few months later, Trump’s motive is crystal clear, and his actions have paved his road to re-election.

The trail of impea Source: nytimes.com

1. Allegation

A sitting president must first be accused of “high cri misdemeanors.” In Trump’s case, a whistleblower subm illegal Quid Pro Quo had occured.between the U.S. Pre Ukraine.

2. Investigation

Following allegation, House committees are assigned intelligence. This involves issuing subpoenas (order to a and conducting closed-door testimony with eyewit

3. Public Hearin

The House must first vote to approve the rules of imp which then allows committee leaders to publicly questio Afterwards, the intelligence committee sends their rep judiciary committee.

4. Drafting

The Judiciary Committee decides, based on the public h the intelligence report, whether or not the president’s a impeachable. The committee then holds a markup sessi the proposed Articles of Impeachment and their languag

5. House Vote

Both sides lay out their arguments and the House debate After, the House votes on impeachment. If a majority (5 impeach, then the President is impeached.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Students with ties to Middle East share perspective on U.S. involvement in the region

By Ian Feld Co-Editor

In December, the U.S. made headlines as it carried out a remote air strike in Baghdad, Iraq and killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who had for years tormented American troops in the Middle East, setting off a chain reaction that quickly escalated to a shockingly close call with a major conflict and public outcry over the bombing. Ordered by President Donald Trump, the U.S.’s killing of Soleimani is hardly the first instance of violent foreign policy in the Middle-East, and, as seen through the lens of MiddleEastern-Americans, it represents all that is wrong with U.S. diplomacy.

Born in Yemen, Farah Thabet, senior, moved to the U.S. at age 14. Unlike many Americans who might find it more difficult to point the finger domestically, she asserts that the U.S. is to blame for the excessive violence of the region.

“Innocent people are getting hurt because of [U.S. involvement],” Thabet said.

America has a history of meddling in foreign politics in the region. This has often led to large scale conflict, either between warring Middle Eastern nations or with terrorist groups. Though claims to promoting democracy abroad resound in Washington, the true interest lies in the oil reserves located in the Middle East, which is noted by Emma

Al-Samaraiy, junior and the daughter of an Iraqi father.

“I feel like in general, U.S. involvement in the Middle East is unnecessary,” Al-Samaraiy said.

“They’re involving themselves in century-long conflicts in an attempt to get the oil and gain power in the region.”

This sentiment is echoed by Alara Stewart, freshman, whose mother is Turkish. Stewart takes it a step further and believes the nature of U.S. involvement is purely out of economic interest.

“The way they use the Middle= East is exploitative and it involves them interfering with politics,” Stewart said. “We need good relations with the Middle-East [because of the oil].”

Regardless of the U.S.’s motivations, the killing of Soleimani undoubtedly borders dangerously close to a war crime—if not a severe lack in judgement—according to Stewart, who feels that, beyond that, could easily be the spark for future deaths in an area that is already war plagued.

“If a war started, it would be the Iranians who would suffer,” Stewart said of the current crisis. “Fortunately it looks like this one is settling down, but it could definitely happen in the future.”

Furthermore, as Al-Samaraiy notes, the only thing the assassination accomplishes is further aggravating an already fragile political system in Iran.

“Solemani wasn’t a good person by any means, but he did things to stabilize the Middle East,” Al-Samaraiy said.

Hailing from Lebanon, Nacim Hassoun, senior, sees the current situation as just another instance of the U.S. sticking its nose into foreign affairs it should steer clear of and a perpetuation of unneeded violence. “[By killing Soleimani], you’re not only endangering the Iranian people, you’re endangering all of the people in the Middle East,” Hassoun said. “It’s been a battleground for so long and the U.S. is just introducing more conflict.”

Hassoun has family and friends in Lebanon. She fears for their safety when events like those of recent occur.

“Every time I hear something that has happened because of the U.S., it’s difficult because I have family there and I can’t do anything about it,” Hassoun said.

The U.S. and Iran have an eventful past consisting of a hostage crisis, a crumbling nuclear deal, and now rising tension in a conflict that neither side can afford any further missteps in. Hassoun may sum it up best when she examines the argument that the U.S. needed to do something about the threat Soleimani posed to Americans.

“Even if it was a retaliation, there are better ways to go about fixing problems,” Hassoun said.

Spreading misconceptions

The execution of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani made headlines for many days, but even more attention was brought to it through an unlikely form: memes.

The memes circulated the internet for many days, claiming that “World War III” would commence as a result of the assasination. The memes also included the prospect of a military draft, such as the one initiated during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. In the midst of all of the memes, a great deal of misinformation was spread around, leaving many in a state of confusion. The facts are this: there is no planned military draft, nor is there a ‘World War III.’ In fact, even if the United States goes to war, the military draft is not currently active and most experts believe it’s unlikely to be activated any time soon. It’s worth saying again that not everything on the internet is true.

POLITICS Voters’ guide to 2020 election

achment

Source: nytimes.com

STUDENT POLL:

Who would you vote for?

Bernie Sanders

38%

imes and mitted that an esident and

n

d to gather attend court) tnesses.

Donald Trump, R

• 73 years old • Current president of the United States • Conservative candidate • Passed ‘First Step Act’ reforming the prison system • First president to be impeached in their first term

• • • •

Joe Biden, D

77 years old Former Vice President Moderate candidate Led efforts to pass the Violent Crime Control Act and the Violence Against Women Act • Recently came under fire for alleged inappropriate interactions with women

Bernie Sanders, D

• 78 years old • Vermont Senator and 2016 nominee runner-up • Progressive candidate • Endorsed Green New Deal • Wants universal healthcare, higher taxes on the wealthy, and tuition-free college

Elizabeth Warren, D • • • •

70 years old Massachusetts Senator Progressive candidate Endorsed Green New Deal • Strongly favors a wealth tax • Wants to bring “big, structural change” to the country

Andrew Yang, D

• 45 years old • Former tech entrepreneur with no prior political experience • Has proposed ‘Universal Basic Income’ which would send every American, 18 years or older, a monthly $1,000 paycheck

Amy Klobuchar, D • • • •

58 years old Minnesota Senator Moderate candidate Received national attention for her harsh questioning of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanagah • Opposes a ban on fracking

hearings and actions are ion in which ge is debated.

Pete Buttigieg, D

• 37 years old • Former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana • Moderate candidate • Afghanistan war veteran and Harvard graduate • Proposed medicare for all who want it • Would be first openly gay president of the U.S.

e

es the Articles.

50%) votes to

-

y

d

e,

n

House vote recieves more than 50% for Impeachment

Tom Steyer, D

• 62 years old • Billionaire, businessman and philanthropist with no prior political experience • Has said that climate change is his top priority • Created ‘Need to Impeach,’ a movement to impeach Trump

Mike Bloomberg, D • 77 years old • Former New York City Mayor • Ran his mayor campaign as a Republican • Started news and media company ‘Bloomberg’ in 1981 • Received criticism for stop and frisk policies he instated as mayor of New York City

Tulsi Gabbard, D

• 38 years old • U.S. Representative from Hawaii • Backed Bernie Sanders in 2016 Democratic Primary • Her foreign policy, including a visit with Syrian President Bashar Assad, puts her outside many in the Democratic mainstream

Deval Patrick, D

• 63 years old • Former Massachusetts Governor • Second black governor in U.S. history • Moderate candidate • Opposes medicare for all, but would expand coverage as president • Consulted former President Obama before launching his campaign

• • • •

55 years old Colorado Senator Moderate candidate Pro-choice, supports an assualt weapon bans and tighter regulations on oil and gas drilling • Earned national attention after arguing with Ted Cruz on senate floor during 2018-2019 government shutdown

6b. Impeachment

If the House does not vote to impeach by a majority margin, then the charges are dropped and the President is not impeached.

If the House votes to impeach by a majority margin, then the president is impeached. This does not mean he is removed from office, only that he has been convicted of high crimes and misdemeanors.

16.9%

Elizabeth Warren Joe Biden

4.2% 4.2%

Andrew Yang

2.8%

Mike Bloomberg

1.4%

Pete Buttigieg

Donald Trump

Your thoughts: 2020 Election

Michael Bennet, D

6a. Acquittal

Undecided

8.5%

ng

peachment, on witnesses. port to the

23.9%

“It’s time for a female president.”

- Lydia Thoroughman “I like Warren because she pushes for progressive policies while also remaining grounded in reality.” - Nathan Hill

“Bernie Sanders is trying to make college free or less expensive than it already is.”

- Kamille Buck “I don’t really agree with most of Donald Trump’s policies. And I think Joe Biden is not perfect but he would be a better offer.” - Mouhamed Ly

House vote recieves less than 50% for Impeachment

Show me the

MEMES

House of Representatives

7. Delivery

Senate

The prosecuting party selects members from the House to serve as the prosecutors in the Senate trial. The president selects his defense team.

The House delivers the Articles to the Senate, which serves as the jury.

8. Senate Trial The prosecution and defense teams present their opening arguments, followed by a questioning period and possible witness testimony.

The Senate decides whether or not to allow public questioning of witnesses.

9. Senate Vote Post closing arguments, the Senate deliberates and votes. A two-thirds majority (67 members) is needed to remove the president from office on the grounds of one or more of the Articles. No president has ever been removed by the Senate.

Senate vote recieves 2/3 majority for impeachment

Senate vote recieves less than 2/3 majority for impeachment

10a. Acquittal If the Senate vote yields a less-than two-thirds majority in favor of removal, the President is acquitted and stays in office.

10b. Removal If the Senate vote yields a two-thirds majority, the President is removed from office. The Senate can discuss further action such as restricting the President from running for office in the future as part of their ruling.

February 2020

6

features

Snow days during finals week forced superintendent’s decision

By Charya Young Staff Writer

Finals season is an anxious and highly stressful time for students and this year was no exception. During finals week in December, most all St. Louis schools, including U. City, had snow days on Monday and Tuesday, which created havoc with the finals schedule.

Finals were scheduled Wednesday through Friday, leaving students and teachers no time to prepare. As a result, Superintendent Sharonica HardinBartley made a decision to conduct finals as planned, but not count them against the student if it negatively impacted their semester grade.

“It would have been helpful to expand the school day, I think it would have helped us be more prepared.” said Ryanne Harris, senior, about the half

day schedule on Thursday and Friday.

“We would have had time to go over things that were on the test. I did not remember a lot of things on my tests, which was kind of frustrating, but I passed.”

However, opinion was split on what should have happened in place of the original schedule during finals week. While some students thought that the days off disrupted their test environments, others voiced the opinion that the days off were really helpful and relieved some stress.

“I personally liked the two days off; I think they were really helpful because I got to get a little extra studying in,” Lashell McCoy, freshman, said. “I also liked that we got longer passing periods because it gave me plenty of time to get to class and prepare.”

Alametta Hinton, sophomore,

agreed, saying her week was also stress free.

“I was kind of worried about one of my AP finals, but I didn’t really feel pressure for the majority of the week,” said Hinton.

Various students had many questions/misunderstandings about how the days missed would affect the grade for their classes. Hardin-Bartley explained the reasoning behind the two days missed prior to finals and attempted to clear up any concerns that students may have had regarding grading.

“The decision to modify the final exam requirement was based on extenuating weather circumstances,” Hardin-Bartley said. “The two inclement weather days could have posed a challenge for students and may have impacted how they performed on the

assessments. Finals should count for no more than 20% of individual student grades. The final exam for the semester should not have negatively impacted any student’s overall grade. I feel that this decision was best for our students.”

In fact, many school districts in the St. Louis metro area made the same decision. Toi Drummer, social studies teacher, thought the message was lost in translation for some families and she provided some advice for tests to come.

“I think students and their parents were the ones who were most misinformed about how finals were to be graded,” Drummer said. “I was disappointed with how some students did on their tests and I think those students who didn’t take the two days off to study should use it as a learning example for future tests.”

Student survey shows preference for perks to improve school day

By Tarren Harris Staff Writer

Open campus. Later start time. A free period during the school day. The list goes on and on, and students have voiced their concern over the lack of perks offered at U. City.

In a recent Google survey, students responded with several ideas, and a later start time was their number one concern.

“I think that it will allow students to be better rested and therefore better students, furthering their education and making them work harder instead of trying to comprehend new topics while exhausted or even just trying to stay awake,” Emma Scharff, sophomore, said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics

has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need. Nasia Metcalf, junior, couldn’t agree more.

She thinks students should get to school at 8:15 and start at 8:30.

“From personal experience, when I was starting school at that time, I was more productive, but getting up earlier I have lost my motivation,” Metcalf said.

Students also value having a free period built into their schedule.

“I ranked free period number one because I feel it would be the most beneficial,” Lucy Rhoades, sophomore, said. “A free period could serve as a time to study, do homework, and catch up on work students have missed.”

A free period would also allow for their various school organizations to

have time to meet during the day.

“If we had a free period, that would give StuCo enough time to come together and have meetings because we hardly ever have meetings together,” Victoria Cushshon, junior class president, said.

Since students often find a way to get food from outside the school, an open campus or a bi-weekly lunch option from an outside vendor would make sense. Also, students would like to be able to buy snacks that they enjoy eating sold in the vending machines.

“Open campus ranked number one for me,” Kaila Jackson, senior, said. “It would improve the school’s environment by giving us more freedom and so we could keep our minds clear.”

The open campus would also provide a way for students to buy lunch outside

of school, although better offerings in the vending machines could be a way to avoid the cafeteria food. It can also be helpful for clubs to raise money and there could be different things sold in the machine.

“If we had a vending machine, it would help raise money not only to the school but [also]to the students of the Student Council,” Cushshon said.

An open courtyard for lunch could be awarded as an incentive for good attendance, one student suggested.

It also provides students with an opportunity to get some fresh air.

“I ranked courtyard lunches as number one because I think it is important to give students an option to be outside for lunch,” Isabel Blumenhorst, senior, said.

7

WINTER SPORTS WRAP UP

sports

Trayvon Robinson With a 9-7 record, the boys basketball team has impressed STLToday, who ranked them tenth amongst small schools in the St. Louis area. Larry Abbey, sophomore point guard, ranks third in the metro area for assists, and Jalen Hampton, junior center, ranks in the top 40 for points, averaging almost 17 points per game (ppg). Hampton is also averaging 8.5 rebounds per game. PHOTO BY RASHAD WARREN

February 2020

Nicole Kellogg Continuing a trend, the girls swim team combined with Brentwood High School this year. The two schools combined due to size, and now compete together as one team, just as the field hockey team did this fall. PHOTO BY JOHN RULAND Despite a 5-11 record, the Lady Lions have found positives in team scoring leader Aailiyah Brown, junior (10.5 PPG), Nyla Brooks, freshmen (9.5 PPG), and D’khia Green, junior (8.1 PPG).

Additionally, Nyjah Hudson, senior, ranks in the top 40 in the metro area in blocks per game. PHOTO BY KHLOE’ FOX

Dariaun Pointer

Nyjah Hudson and D’khia Green

In their first year with new uniforms, the boys wrestling team has earned notable wins over Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Normandy, and Gateway Science Academy. Additionally, the team took home two separate W’s against Parkway North.

PHOTO BY MIA ROBINSON

COMMENTARY

St. Louis mourns death of NBA great Kobe Bryant with vigil

By Eliot Fuller C0-Editor

When I first saw the Instagram post about the downtown vigil on Jan. 27 for Kobe Bryant, I was skeptical of its legitimacy and didn’t expect a large turnout, considering the fact that St. Louis has no direct connection to the NBA and the temperature was in the low 30s.

However, when I arrived at Kiener Plaza, about 100 people were there, most with candles in their hands and clad with Lakers gear. The tone was somber—but powerful.

Community members took turns speaking in front of a large arrangement of lit candles that read “Kobe,” accompanied by photos and balloons. Some speakers laughed, some cried, others sang or shared stories and thoughts, but every speaker had one thing in common—they were all inspired. It was at that moment that I truly realized the way in which Kobe has touched everyone’s lives. He was bigger than basketball. He was beloved by an entire city, and more than that, an entire country.

He was the guy we all grew up watching as we sat on our living room floors, mouths gaped in awe of his greatness. We yelled his name every time we sunk a basket in the gym, or even tossed a ball of paper into the trash can. Some of us hated him, some of us loved him, but we all respected him. We

respected his determination, and the way he played the game. We respected his “Mamba Mentality.” We respected his advocacy for women’s basketball, and his devotion to his family. He was an amazing father, who did nothing but love, support and push his daughters.

And for that, the world loved him.

This became clear on that cold January night as I saw hundreds of people from every walk of life playing their respects to Kobe Bryant. There were people of every color and every age, including dads with their little boys and girls perched on their shoulders, kids who would not get to grow up in a world with Kobe. Brothers, sisters and cousins gathered, arms around each other. A young boy held a basketball in one hand, his father’s hand in the other. Mothers of all ages craned their necks to get a better view. Friends stood in somber silence, reflecting on their Kobe-filled childhood. Tears rolled down some people’s faces, illuminated by their candles. Everyone held their loved ones close. As the world mourns together, we are all one, united by our love for Kobe and who he was both on and off the court.

After a firework show, the vigil ended at 8:24 pm, representing the two jersey numbers Kobe held during his career.

Kobe might not be alive, but that night made it evident that his legacy lives on. It will forever.

Fans gather to honor Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant after a deadly plane crash on Jan. 26.

PHOTO BY ELIOT FULLER

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features

Juniors Nevaeh Daniels and D’Khia Green have plans not only for Valentine’s Day, but for the day after.

“We’re having a sleepover and the next day we’re supposed to be going ice skating, even though we have little knowledge of ice skating,” Daniels said. “Lastly, to end the night, we’re going to Olive Garden for dinner.”

Sophomores Jacardion French and Myecia Hill are approaching their second Valentine’s Day together. “Gifts, to us, isn’t what Valentine’s Day is about,” Hill said. “It’s about spending time together and loving each other.”

Juniors Brandon Ming and Kellis Petty have been together since middle school, and they’re looking forward to another Valentine’s Day together.

“Brandon has a basketball game that day, so the next day we are going to get some food and go ice skating,” Petty said.

Valentine’s Day is a favorite holiday of junior Sanaa Brooks. “I feel like it’s a time where you should show love to everyone,” Brooks said. “I am spending Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend, we are going out to eat and to the movies to see a scary movie. We both like the Waffle House so we might go there to eat.”

Despite being new to U. City, Parker Overlin, freshman, was quick to click with Gayle Stevenson, freshman.

“We’re going out to eat at Salt + Smoke,” said Stevenson. “I’ve been wanting barbecue.” Overlin sees it differently, saying jokingly that “the real reason we’re going there is because it’s expensive and she wants me to spend more money.”

Despite being a third-wheel, Daniel Smith, sophomore, is still enthusiastic about his Valentine’s Day plans. “I’m going to see Sonic at the Galleria with my homeboy and his girlfriend,” Smith said. “It feels good to be single but I want to be in a relationship.”

CONTENT BY KIYA FURLOW, KHLOE FOX, MARLEY GARDNER, TARREN HARRIS AND ZION SMITH

Dariaun Pointer, junior, and Zoe White, freshman, are approaching their first Valentine’s day together.

“I’m going to take her out to eat to the Cheesecake Factory,” Pointer said.

“Then [we will] go to the movies and I am going to take her shopping.”

8

Jaiden Smith, junior, is looking forward to spending the night with her boyfriend Jacob Cherry, senior. “[Jacob] and I are planning to go to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and then to a random movie,” Smith said.

“We want to wear matching black outfits, however I informed him that if

What are you doing this Valentines Day?

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

February 2020

U-TIMES NEWSMAGAZINE

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

FELD AND CHARLIE WHITEHEAD

FLY BY

Students in the Drone Club took aerial photos of traffic circle in front of the school in addition to all the district school buidlings.

See page 3 for story. PHOTO BY EMMETT

U-Times February 2020 Volume 31, Issue 3