U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave University City, MO 63130
NEWS MAGAZINE
U-Times May 2016 Volume 26, Issue 4
WHAT’S INSIDE
Senior Issue
•SCHOLAR ATHLETES, p. 4-5 •SPRING SPORTS, p. 6-9 •PROM, p. 10-11 •SENIOR SHOUT-OUTS, p. 12 •FRESHMAN THROWBACKS, p.16
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3 1. PROM SELFIE On the dance floor at prom, Mia Park, senior, stops to take a selfie. Park bought her dress at a boutique last fall in the Loop. She had originally planned to wear it to homecoming, but decided against it and ended up getting it altered for prom by cutting out the back and wearing a row of diamond-looking gems down the middle of her back. 2. POST IT ON INSTAGRAM After taking a selfie at prom, Jarvis McIntyre and Taj Williams, seniors, reviewed their pictures and posted one with the caption, “We wish we had this moment for life.” McIntyre said the most fun of the night was seeing everyone dressed up. 3. SENIOR DISTRICT CHAMPS Over 20 seniors led the football team to the first district championship in years. “In previous years, we were told that if we didn’t do it this year, we never would,” said Thompson Brown, senior. “This team has instituted a change in University City athletics.” 4. LAST DAYS OF WORLD LIT Seniors celebrate during one of their last class periods in Mrs. Williams’ 5th hour World Lit. “Being a senior has been crazy, from getting college applications in to dealing with teachers who give boatloads of work,” said Rickell Miller, senior. “However, senior year is exciting because it’s your last year in high school before you go out in the real world.” 5. THE BOSS IS ON A ROLL Playing Ursula in “The Little
Mermaid” spring musical was a memorable experience for Imani Gleason, senior, but also nerve-wracking. “Ursula is evil, witty and sassy and I’m sort of like that anyway,” said Gleason. The hard part, according to Gleason, was acting evil all the time.
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May 2016
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last words
Seniors’ LAST WORDS A
Jaime Fields
Jacelynn Allen
Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.
B
Music is like orange juice; if you shoot a marshmallow, I am scared of grape jelly.
G
It’s just the beginning for me--see ya U. City fam.
My U. City years foreshadow my future, it can only get better from here!
Natima Baumiller
Making mistakes is better than faking perfections. -Unknown
Francene Bethune
Let last year’s words belong to last year and let next year’s be another voice.
Korianna Brandt
Try to enjoy high school as much as you can even though it sucks.
Gerren Brooks
It’s been a great ride U. City, now it’s time to move on.
C
Ma’kayla Gray
Stop fighting and get Jesus.
Markeze Gray-Williams
LaKayla Hall
Be who you want, do what you want and never have any regrets.
Tyler Hellems
Kenya Curtis
It’s been a long year, I can honestly say I will miss my friends and teachers but I won’t miss waking up at 6 am.
D
“Parents give birth to greatness and it manifests into positive or negative — it just depends on that student.” - Mrs. Anderson, best sub ever
J
Cameron Davis
U. City has meant a lot to me — I’ve been have all my life, I’ve lost a lot and gained a lot. Everything I went through made me into who I am today. RIP Rickia , RIP Rio
Kaitlynn Douglas
Hey Kaitlynn, are you coming to the 2016 class re- *call ended.*
F
Ashley Falls
I’m so ready to go my time has come and I’m not denying the call.
Editor-in-Chief: Christine Politte Assistant Editors: Kathryn Fuller Lucy Wurst Web Editor: Payton Bass Staff Writers/Photographers: Jacelynn Allen Francene Bethune Tave Hollins Pablo Lopez-Reyna Jaylen Williams Adviser: Mrs. Mary Williams
Kelsi Tatum
Antonio Lucious
It’s been real U. City, but now I have to go start my life. Make smart decisions underclassmen and be safe.
Same! (Read Jordan Lucious’ quote)
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Brittany McClendon
Stay focused on you and keep going until you get to where you want to be.
Dakota Watson
I will miss my friends and the great teachers who taught me. For all people with ADHD, try the Alternative School. It might seem bad, but it turned my school career around. Cya.
Rickell Miller
U. City was great, but there’s another opportunity and I can’t be late.
Sidney Moore
Throughout my four years at U. City I had to lead myself to greatness and never look back at my past. You have to figure out how to be yourself, keep believing in yourself, strive to success, and live life to the fullest.
Deion Walker
It’s been great attending this high school! I’m on to better things such as working part-time and going to college.
Erinn Ward
Don’t you forget about me.
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Daniel Williamson
Out of U. City. Now I can be part of the world!
It’s been real. Catch me on the TV screen.
Cyndi Jones
Though my four years have been great, they will be missed.
If I could go back and do it all again, I wouldn’t. Moral of the story, I’ve spent four mentally draining years of my life here for a piece of paper and a handshake.
K
Y
Rachel Rodgers
Elijah Yancy
Add me on snapchat @Just-Elijah.
S
Nile Scott It’s lit.
Justen Smith
I can’t wait to start my future.
It’s been great U. City. Always follow your dreams and never let anything stop for what you believe in.
Bye, and thanks: Letter from the editor
2015-2016 U-Times Staff
The path to your future starts now, make it count.
Bye y’all, I’m about to continue looking cute and getting this $$$.
Alonzo Jenkins
This year, we have shared so many stories. But there’s one we’ve never told: how this paper is made. Our story. Our story is one of rambling story meetings full of off-topic conversation. It’s a story of brainstorming interview questions, of writing and rewriting Christine Politte and camera malfunctions at the worst Editor-in-Chief possible moment. Of headlines and deadlines and running across the school five times tracking down captions. Of late afternoons in Ms. Williams’ room trying to get everything just right. And, above all, it is a story of an amazing staff who put up with all these things
Alica Trotter
Alaundra Reed
Aniya Kendrick
U. City has been a long journey and also a great experience. So many fun and
I’ve enjoyed these last years of high school at U. City, but I’m ready for the next level. I’d like to thank everybody for their support and encouragement that has helped me have a successful high school experience.
It’s gonna take a nation of millions to hold me back. Represent the U wherever you go.
M
Briana Hudson
LaShe Tomlin-Wilks
Pablo Lopez-Reyna
H
Tave Hollins
I’m so glad I’m graduating. This place is so physically draining. Bye!
I’ve learned a lot these past four years. U. City will always be home.
Jordan Lucious
Imani Cooley
Andrea Travis
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You start off strong, go through the struggle. Then you have two choices, make a come up or stay the same. If you make the come up, then you have to finish strong.
It’s been a great four years at U. City but now I’m going out to the real world.
I have been trapped at U. City for four long years and I am glad to say it’s over!!
Don’t just survive school, learn from your experiences and thrive.
Michael Lenard
Rontrell Gentry
Taylor Bass
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Marissa Killion
exciting memories.
to make our ideas a reality. Of all the stories I’ve come across while working on this paper, this one is by far my favorite. I’d like to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to the U-Times staff for putting up with me and for working together to make something great. Thank you to Ms. Williams for everything you do. Thank you to the teachers for tolerating us when we come looking for interview subjects. Thank you to everyone we’ve interviewed for being patient with us, even when we come back two or three times with follow-up questions. And, above all, thank you to our readers for making it all worthwhile.
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 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
Our Sponsors We thank our supporters for donating to our student publication! If you are interested in donating, please e-mail Mary Williams at marywilliams@ucityschools.org. Writer/Photographer ($19 or less) Anonymous Componere Gallery Jon Norfleet Becki Null Erich Vieth Assistant Editor ($20-$39) Paul S. Rhodes
of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Policies 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
Jan Vieth and Dave Politte Wizards Wagon in the Loop Editor-in-chief ($40-$74) Publisher ($75 or more) Hall Technologies
reserves the right to reject, edit, or shorten letters. Submit letters to Mrs. Mary Williams in Room 346, or to any U-Times staff member, or to marywilliams@ucityschools.org.
Contact Us We are located in Room 346 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.
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college decisions
May 2016
Final college decisions
n lle rA he top xas ris - Te
Ch
Angela Aitch – St. Louis Community College Alonzo Jenkins- University of Central Missouri Christopher Allen – Kilgore College Toriano Johnson – University of Jacelynn Allen – Lawrence University Missouri-Columbia Regina Artison – Jackson State University Alex Jolliff – Indiana State University Taylor Bass - Rhodes College Cyndi Jones – Missouri State University Bria Barnes – St. Louis Community College Aniya Kendrick – Philander Smith Dallas Batts – St. Louis Community College College Francene Bethune – University of MissouriMarissa Killion – Missouri State University Columbia Aniya Kendrick - Arkansas Michael Lenard – Missouri Valley College Tanyra Blackmon – Symone Little – St. Louis Community College Tennessee State University KeAndre Bledsoe – Garden Pablo Lopez-Reyna - Lawrence University City Community College Antonio Lucious – Alabama A&M University Alexis Blue – Lincoln Jordan Lucious – U.S. Army University Jabriee Mason – Garden City Community College Korinna Brandt - Missouri Joshua Mayfield – University of Missouri-St. Louis State University Brittany McClendon – University of Missouri-Kansas City Gerren Brooks – St. Louis Jarvis McIntire – Military Community College-Forest Park Rickell Miller – University of Arizona Jordan Brown – U.S. Army Makhyla Mingo – Harris-Stowe State Thompson Brown – Missouri Valley College University Demetrius Buchanan – St. Louis Community College Reginald Morris – U.S. Marine Corps Jerron Carrico – U.S. Marine Corps Sidney Moore – St. Louis Community Joseph Chunn – College-Meramec Dartmouth College Fidel Muhammad – St. Louis Imani Cooley – Community College University of Central Daniel Pluma-Leal – U.S. Marine Rick Missouri ell M Corps iller - Ar Kenya Curtis – St. Louis izon Christine Politte – University of a Community College Southern California Tervin Dailey – University of Jillian Pritchard – Jackson State University Central Missouri Alaundra Reed – Lincoln University Cameron Davis – Southern Anisa Reynolds – University of Central Missouri University and A&M College Kilah Robinson – St. Louis Community College Janea Davis – Paul Mitchell The Rachel Rodgers – Missouri Western State School University Gabriel Dean – Missouri State Clara Schock – Columbia College University Nile Scott - Jackson State University Joshua Dean – Southeast Missouri Chad Shackleford – St. Louis State University Community College Troy Dentman – St. Louis Christion Simmons – Iowa Wesleyan Community College University Anthony Devall – University of Justen Smith – Trade school Central Missouri Thompson Brown - Missouri Darion Spencer-Smith – Langston Kaitlynn Douglas – Fontbonne University University Cassius Edwards – Missouri State University-West Plains Joshua Stueck – University of Missouri-Columbia Ashley Falls – Southeast Missouri State Kelsi Tatum- Tennessee State University University LaShe Tomlin-Wilks – Tennessee State University Jaime Fields – Tennessee State University Adara Fuse – St. Louis Community College Andrea Travis – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Rontrell Gentry – Eastern Illinois University Alicia Trotter – University of Memphis Erinn Ward – University of Missouri-Columbia Imani Gleason – Paul Mitchell The School Dakota Watson – Virginia State University Ma’Kayla Gray – St. Louis Community Z’hane Watson – St. Louis Community College College-Forest Park Akira Williams – Bradley University Markeze Gray-Williams – Hickey College Arica Williams – St. Louis LaKayla Halls – University of MissouriCommunity College Columbia Jaylen Williams – Truman Eniah Harris – Missouri State University Briana Hudson State University Tyler Hellems – St. Louis Community Mississippi Taj Williams – St. Louis College-Forest Park Community College Jordan Henderson – University of Missouri-St. Louis Daniel Williamson – Goucher Caleb Herndon – McKendree University College Mia Hicks-Thomas – Washington University Tyson Willis – Ranken Tave Hollins – Truman State University Christion Simmons - Iowa Technical College Briana Hudson – Jackson State University Elijah Yancy – Southeast Missouri State University Cassie Jackson – Tennessee State University Linda Zhang – St. Louis Community College Devon Jefferson – St. Louis Community College Jonah Zukosky – University of Missouri-Columbia
May 2016
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scholar athletes
Student athletes achieve on the field, in the classroom
Alonzo Jenkins Joshua Stueck Sports: Tennis, cross country, Students on the Go! Sports accomplishments: Captain of cross country and tennis Academic accomplishments: 36 on the ACT, taken 11 AP tests, all A’s throughout high school career, Missouri Scholars Academy College: University of Missouri-Columbia Future plans: Chemical engineering degree Quote: “We run these streets –Ari” Sports: Cheerleading Sports accomplishments: Captain of varsity cheerleading Academic accomplishments: Pennsylvania Book Award, School Spirit Award, P.T.O Academic Award, Golden Lion Award College: Jackson State University Future plans: Major in Criminology, minor in pre-law, go to law school, become a prosecuting attorney Quote: “Being on a team with so many different personalities can cause you to create a passion for something so deep that it makes you crazy.”
Sports: Basketball, baseball Sports accomplishments: All-conference team junior year, rookie of the year, captain of baseball team Academic accomplishments: Golden Lion Award (11-12), Cornell University Book Award, Industrial Technology Academic Award, Certificate of Recognition for Career Externship Diversity Awareness Partnership Explore Energy from Ameren Corporation, UMSL Excellence in Sciene Award College: University of Central Missouri Future plans: Engineering or accounting Quote: “You can’t suceed without learning from a failure.”
Daniel Pluma-Leal
Sports: Soccer, wresting Sports accomplishments: State qualifier for wrestling, soccer captain (10, 11, 12) Academic accomplishments: 3.2 GPA, Golden Lion Award Future plans: Go to school for architecture Quote: “Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.”
Briana Hudson
Toriano Johnson
Sports: Wrestling Sports accomplishments: 1st team All Conference, varsity captain, state qualifier Academic accomplishments: Scholar athlete College: Mizzou Future plans: Start my own business Quote: “The grind never stops.”
Pablo Lopez-Reyna Sports: Soccer, football Sports accomplishments: Football captain, 2nd Team All-Conference (12) Academic accomplishments: Top 7% of class, academic award, Golden Lion award, Scholar Athlete award, U. City MVP Special Teams College: Lawrence University Future plans: Recieve a degree, play football in college, make a lot of money Quote: “I never would have thought that having a football at my feet would attract many different people.”
Sports: field hockey, girls soccer, archery, Students on the Go Sports accomplishments: Field hockey MVP (11), field hockey captain (11-12), U. City All-Star player (12), 1st Team AllConference(12), 2nd Team All-conference (11), Scholar of Distinction in the High School National Academic Squad Academic accomplishments: AP Scholar Award, 4.3 GPA, National Honor Society member, Wash. U Danforth Scholar, Missouri Scholars Academy, Missouri Fine Arts Academy, Wash. U Portfolio Plus Program, Wyman Cornerstone Society member, Excellence in Biology, Excellence in Art, Excellence in Studio Art, AP Biology Science Medal, Golden Lion Award for calculus College: Washington University in St. Louis Future plans: “To have as much fun as I can, every day, within the limits of sanity.” Quote: “Be the duck.”
Gabe Dean Sports: Soccer Sports accomplishments: Captain of varsity soccer Academic accomplishments: Scholar athlete all four years of high school College: Missouri State University Future plans: Study business at Missouri State University Quote: “It never gets easier, you just get better.”
Tave Hollins
Mia Hicks-Thomas
Sports: Tennis, track andfield Sports accomplishments: Third place in discus Academic accomplishments: Scholarship to Saint Xavier, National Society of High School Scholars College: Truman University Future plans: Continue playing tennis along with studying Spanish and art Quote: “Don’t eat before you perform.”
Eniah Harris Sports: Track and field, tennis Sports accomplishments: MVP for tennis and track (10) Academic accomplishments: Accepted to Missouri State, Golden Lion Award College: Missouri State University Future plans: Nursing Quote: “Don’t do drugs, do sports.”
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scholar athletes
Jillian Pritchard
May 2016
Seth Young
Sports: Field hockey and cheerleading Sports accomplishments: Captain for varsity field hockey (1112), JV captain (10), All Conference Honorable Mention (12) Academic accomplishments: Nutrition and Wellness Award College: Jackson State Future plans: Major in biology and nutrition. Become a nutritionist. Quote: “Last one, best one!”
Sports: Swimming, water polo Sports accomplishments: Conference medals Academic accomplishments: Math department award (9), Golden Lion award (9), 3.0+ GPA College: undecided Future plans: undecided Quote: “When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”
Sports: Cheerleading Sports accomplishments: Co-captain of varsity cheer team Academic accomplishments: Honor roll, senior class president, Board of Education student representative, top 10% of class. College: Rhodes College Future plans: Get a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then attend medical school to become a pediatric psychiatrist. Quote: “Sports is a great way to get involved and meet new people who have a common interest.”
Korinna Brandt
Taylor Bass
Sports: Field hockey, swimming, water polo Sports accomplishments: Varsity field hockey and water polo captains (12), Honorable Mention All Conference (field hockey) Academic accomplishments: Northwestern Book Award, Scholar Athlete Award and PTO Academic Award College: Missouri State University Future plans: Attending and completing college, major in biology Quote: “Sports make high school bearable.”
Alex Jolliff Sports: Volleyball, water polo, swimming Sports accomplishments: captain of volleyball team junior year Academic accomplishments: 3.5 GPA, Printmaking award, Scholar Athlete all four years College: Indiana University-Bloomington Future plans: Figure it out as I go Quote: “(Volley)ball is life.”
Jonah Zukosky Sports: Water polo, golf Sports accomplishments: Water polo Captain (12), Golf Captain (11, 12) Academic accomplishments: 33 on ACT, top 5% of class College: University of Missouri-Columbia Future plans: Play club water polo in college and continue golfing casually. Study computer science or a related field Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Sports: Tennis Sports accomplishments: Captain of tennis team, 1st Team AllConference (11), U. City MVP (12) Academic accomplishments: Golden Lion Award 11-12, Volunteerism Award College: University of MissouriColumbia Future plans: International journalism and minor in Spanish Quote: “Our purpose in life is not to become like oranges. We are to be original, not genetically modified.”
Cydni Jones Sports: Softball Sports accomplishments: Scholar Athlete Award Academic accomplishments: 3.0 GPA College: Missouri State University Future plans: Become a doctor Quote: “If you throw it, I’ll catch it.”
Francene Bethune
Jacelynn Allen Sports: Cross country, Students on the Go, soccer Sports accomplishments: Cross country captain Academic accomplishments: Honor roll, Golden Lion Award, top 5% class rank College: Lawrence University Future plans: Take life one day at a time, attend college, study abroad Quote: “Running sucks until you try and like it. It will continue to suck because it’s 95% mental.”
May 2016
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spring sports
Track team increases focus on grades, skills with new coach By Taneya Parker Guest Writer
If Tracy Gibson has his way, more boys on the track team will qualify for state this year. Last year, only three went, and as new head coach, Gibson is determined to make the team more prepared by starting practice off every day in AIP (Academic Improvement Program) or in his classroom focusing on academics until 3:15. “We used to be able to go home every day right after school, change clothes, and eat something before practice,” said Maleak Johnson, sophomore, who would do his homework after practice. This year, the athletes have adapted to the new demands of the coach. “With the new setup this year with the AIP before practice, it helps get some of the work off my back before we do a hard practice with Coach Armstead,” Jaime Fields, senior, said. “Armstead is one of the toughest coaches I have had.” Ray Armstead, U. City alum, is new on the coaching staff this year and brings professional experience to the team. A 1984 Olympic gold medalist in the 4x400 relay, Armstead now works with the sprinters. He has cracked down on joking and being silly at practice. He only gives three strikes and you’re out. The team is really glad Armstead has come back to U. City. “He is nice but gives us hard, lengthy workouts to make us push ourselves,” said Johnson. “At the beginning of the season, we did a lot of running to get our stamina up and now we are working on speed by doing short sets of sprints without much resting time. He’s definitely made me better and I think I have a chance to qualify for state this year.”
Atum Gibson, sophomore, glides the last 200 meters as anchor in the 4x2 at the Rockwood Summit meet. “I was really nervous; I didn’t know the times everyone else had. I thought I was going to mess up, and then the gun was fired…and all I had to think about as running as fast as I can.” PHOTOS BY TAVE HOLLINS
Jumping a hurdle, Thompson Brown, senior, pulls into the lead at the Rockwood Summit meet, where he came in first place and set a new personal record. Although he loves the event now, Brown never intended to be a hurdler. “My sophomore year, it was football season and I broke my wrist,” said Brown. “I’d go out on the field and watch [the track team] and one day I went out and jumped over a hurdle and they said, ‘You’re pretty good, man. Have you ever done hurdles?’ And I fell in love with it.”
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On the right track Underclassmen work at building skills, confidence on girls track team By Jermarcus Perkins Guest Writer
Getting her game face on, Cayla Johnson, senior, starts the 100-meter dash at the Webster Groves meet. “Coming out of the block, I always make sure that I push off and that I’m in my drive phase,” said Johnson. “I also remember to keep my knees up and pump my arms.”
At the Webster Groves Charlie Finch Invitational on April 21, Tyann Scales, sophomore, runs the 4x1. “There’s a rush because in that moment you just gotta go,” said Scales. PHOTOS BY TAVE HOLLINS
Running the 4x2 at the Webster Groves meet, Kristina Eason, freshman, hits the home stretch. “I felt focused because we were winning and I didn’t want to mess it up,” Eason said.
Youth is the overarching theme for this year’s girls track team, but according to the players, they won’t let that define them. “Keeping up with upperclassmen and figuring out what good events suit me can be challenging because I’m just starting so I have to fail over and over in order for me to know what I’m good at,” D’avion Reed, freshman, said. Learning the ropes and improving provide a dual challenge for underclassmen. “In the beginning of the year it was hard because I didn’t go to early training workouts,” Tyann Scales, sophomore, said. During relays, a baton is handed off between runners and if it is dropped, the relay runners are automatically disqualified. At practice, there are consequences for it. “Don’t drop the stick on the ground or it’ll be a punishment,” Scales said. Since seniors are in the minority on the team, it requires the younger athletes to learn on a daily basis. “This year’s team is very young so with youth comes struggles,” Jasmin Pointer, junior, said. Although they are young, that doesn’t mean they don’t have the potential to be great. “Having a lot of youth on a team doesn’t always mean you will struggle throughout the whole season, but you may struggle at first but once they keep improving on a daily basis they will get better,” Pointer said.
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Step up to the plate
spring sports
May 2016
Baseball works on building unity on and off the field By Tamia Williams Guest Writer The baseball team has struggled to get in their zone this year. “Since we lost a couple of seniors last year, we’ve had a lot of people who have had to step up this year who don’t have a lot of experience on varsity,” Michael Lenard, senior, said. To build team unity, the boys have tried to improve their team bonding skills, along with their skills on the field. “The other day after practice, we all went to play basketball at the Rec,” KeAndre Bledsoe, senior, said. Bledsoe thinks the team could also go to the movies, bowling or out to eat to build unity. “Everybody just wants to do their own thing off the field,” Bledsoe said. “If we did things together off the
Coming down on the ball, Dezmond Strain, senior, takes a swing at the pitch during the March 29 game against Clayton. “I was in the zone,” said Strain, designated hitter. “I saw a ball that was hittable and muscle memory told me to react and hit the ball.” The team lost the game 11-1. PHOTOS BY FRANCENE BETHUNE
field, we would play better on the field.” Relationships with the team members aren’t the only thing affecting their playing. Our main struggle right now is hitting,” Alonzo Jenkins, senior, said. Jenkins is out right now because he broke two ribs while diving for a ball in center field. Watching the team struggle is hard for him. “Our pitching could be better,” Jenkins said. “Our pitching has always been hard to find. We try to develop pitchers every year from position players.” With just a little push, the boys could turn the season around. “I feel as if the team could use a better competitive edge,” Dezmond Strain, senior, said. “We’re a good team but if we had just a little more fire, we would be unstoppable.”
Getting set, Michael Lenard, senior, keeps his eye on the pitcher. “My mindset when I go to hit [is that] I’m swinging if it’s close to the strike zone,” said Lenard, who plays pitcher, catcher and first baseman. “I thought we did pretty good that game, [but] it got away from us at the end.”
Putting his weight into the pitch, KeAndre Bledsoe, senior, follows through. “I always try to focus on how to throw it towards the strike zone to where my teammates can make a play,” said Bledsoe, who plays pitcher, third baseman and outfielder.
Despite numerous injuries, girls soccer team thrives on strong relationships By Aniya Kendrick Guest Writer The girls soccer team began the season full of ambition and drive, ready to play the best season they’ve ever played before. With more focus on better relationships, the team continues to work toward to a successful season. “I think since we’ve all played varsity before, we all have good relationships so we’ll be able to win more games than we have in the past few years,” Gillian Blount, junior, said. Blount believes defense will be the key to varsity’s success. Selena Lewis, sophomore, agrees with Blount and thinks that JV has a good chance at being successful as well. “I expect a lot of talking and teamwork from my team, and hopefully the game helps bring the best out of all of us,” said Lewis. In addition, Lewis respects Coach Thomas Henson’s style.
In an attempt to take possession of the ball, Cheyenne Hawkins, sophomore, outmaneuvers her opponent on Hazelwood East. Varsity lost in overtime 6-5 by a late goal in the second half of overtime. “This was the most physical game for me,” said Hawkins. “I left with a couple of bruises.”
“I like how our coach doesn’t emphasize our shortcomings and helps us grow as players,” said Lewis. As the season goes on, the injuries seem to be multiplying. Five team members missed playing time due to being hurt, with problems ranging from shin splints to a dislocated knee to a concussion. “We started the season really strong, then everyone started getting hurt and our team was less productive,” said Hannah Fuller, junior, who had a stress fracture. Although these obstacles are frustrating, Fuller said they’ve brought out the best of the team in some ways. “We had less subs and support, but the people who weren’t injured did a really good job of picking up the slack,” said Fuller. Refusing to let any difficulties let her down, Anisa Reynolds, senior, is excited to work as hard as possible to make this season her best. “Since this season is my last season, I plan on giving it my all,” said Reynolds. “We all have good relationships so we’ll be able to win more games than we have in the past few years and have a winning season.” Justice Corn passes to Eboni McAtee as teammate Hannah Fuller supports during the game against Hazelwood East on March 29. “Coming back from a rough start, I wanted to ensure a win,” said Corn. “I was heartbroken when we lost in overtime by a late goal. I wish I could go back and do it over again but this time with a win.” PHOTOS BY PABLO LOPEZ-REYNA
May 2016
8 Water polo makes a splash with first win in five years
spring sports
By Leah Zukosky Guest Writer
Raising her arm, Korinna Brandt, senior, gets ready to capture the polo ball from the other team. “I like playing water polo because it’s fun and different than other sports I played,” said Brandt. PHOTOS BY LEAH ZUKOSKY
Ben Shostak, freshman, takes aim for a throw to one of his teammates during practice. A perfect pass is harder than it looks. ”You have to think quick and rely on reaction,” said Shostak.
Scanning the pool for her teammates, Alex Jolliff, senior, prepares to make a pass. “Until this year we had a five year losing streak,” said Jolliff. “It wasn’t that bad, because we all had fun.”
Everything changed for the water polo team on April 2 at the Founders Cup. For the first time in five years, they won a game. With four new freshmen and three players who have dedicated long hours to offseason practicing, the team was able to pull off their first win. Alex Portnoy, Jonah Zukosky, and Brandon Murdock participated in St. Louis Area Polo (SLAP), a club team, during their offseason. “SLAP has prepared me for this season because I have become conditioned and more skilled for this season,” said Portnoy, junior. “It has also helped because I have been able to work on things we haven’t worked on as much during high school practice.” Offseason practice has given the players more
experience to prepare them for a potential win. With this experience comes leadership. Since the team gained four new players, the returning players stepped up. “Brandon [Murdock] has helped me with tips and has helped me become a better player,” said Ben Shostak, freshman. Having new freshmen on the team may not seem like the missing piece to winning a game, but it gives the team something new. “The freshmen bring an energetic feeling to the team, since we are all optimistic about the season,” Cooper Deitzler, freshman, said. “I like how we all work together as a team and help each other become better at water polo.” At press time, the team had three wins this season. Alas, water polo finally broke their no-win streak.
Between soccer and tennis, Elagbe Dorvlo, junior, works hard at in whatever sport he plays. “I like playing tennis, because I’m a competitive person, and tennis is a challenging game,” said Dorvlo. “It takes a lot mentally.” PHOTOS BY LUCY WURST
Before their first match, Joshua Stueck, senior, warms up with David White, sophomore. “We won our first match,” said White. “It was fun, not as intense but relaxing. It’s an individual sport but the team score ultimately decides who wins.”
Tennis team’s only senior brings experience, positive attitude to court By Joshua Mayfield Guest Writer
In the first match of the season, Daniel Pomerantz, sophomore, prepares to return the ball to a player from Metro High School. As U. City’s top-ranked player, Pomerantz faces the strongest opponents. “It’s scary being the number one seed, but I’m being better because of the competition,” said Pomerantz.
As the lone senior on the tennis team, Joshua Stueck relishes his fourth and final year of high school tennis. Stueck was certain he wanted to play this year even though none of the other seniors came back. “I’m not worried about having enough players, because as long as I have someone to play doubles with, I’m having fun,” said Stueck. In fact, it appears that Stueck would play no matter what the situation. “Committing to tennis just means I get to do
more of what relaxes me and more of what I love,” said Stueck. Having played since he was ten, Stueck has developed a lifelong passion for the game. “Tennis has always been exciting for me,” said Stueck. “It’s interesting to play against a team that can wipe the floor with us, because it makes us have to stay on our toes.” Even with just six players, Stueck decided that nothing will make his last year on the team turn out bad. “I love the game, and senior year is a great time to just have fun with it,” said Stueck.
9 Getting into the swing of things
spring sports
May 2016
Growing golf team welcomes new freshman players By Tamia Williams
Guest Writer The term “golf” reminds one of old, retired men going out and hitting the links for the afternoon with some buddies. However, the golf team at U. City has added several freshmen which contribute an element of youth to the team. “Last year we had three people on the team,” Jonah Zukosky, senior, said. “This year we have eight people on our team, which isn’t much but we are growing.” Part of the reason why the golf team is growing is because a majority of the team members are freshmen. “Having freshmen on our team benefits us because we have a lot of potential,” Alona Jenkins, freshman, said. “We may not have as much experience as the
older players, but we are learning and have the potential to be great.” The more experienced players on the team hope that the team will grow skill-wise. “The freshman hold the future of the golf team in their hands,” Zukosky said. “Over time, they will learn and become more experienced.” The new team dynamic embraces not only fun, but fairness. “I like how we joke around, make puns, and make sarcastic remarks a lot,” Jenkins said. “I also like how none of my teammates act like they are better than anyone. My teammates are all pretty friendly and positive, besides the times when we are joking around about our skills. Also my teammates are pretty helpful and give good advice.”
Alona Jenkins, one of the many freshmen on the team, concentrates on putting the ball while warming up. “I like the feeling you get when you hit a ball really far;” said Jenkins. “It’s so satisfying to see how well I can play, despite being small and not very strong.”
Daniel Gibson, sophomore, focuses on perfecting his swing.“There’s a lot of stuff going into getting a swing right, and once you do [get it right], it’s pretty great,” Gibson said.
Before his match against McCluer North at Ruth Park Golf Course, Jonah Zukosky, senior, practices his swing. According to Zukosky, warming up before a golf match is the key to performing well. “It’s very important to be properly stretched for golf, because if you’re tight, everything goes wrong,” Zukosky said. PHOTOS BY KATHRYN FULLER
Walking to the Students on the Go! tent near the corner of Tucker and Pine downtown, Matthew McMahon, sophomore, Daniel Pomerantz, sophomore, Dominic Collins, freshman, and Brian Ashley, Students on the Go! coordinator, prepare to run the Go! St. Louis Half Marathon. “It was about six o’clock in the morning,” said McMahon. “I was personally excited for it. I look forward to it every year. I think everyone was excited otherwise they wouldn’t be there that early in the morning.”
Months of intensive training energize students on marathon day By Christine Politte Editor-in-Chief
About halfway through the race, Larry Cox, sophomore, passes another runner. This was Cox’s first year participating in the Students on the Go! program. “I wanted to try something new,” said Cox. PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE POLITTE
At 5:15 am on a recent Sunday morning while most of their peers were asleep, 14 students and three teachers were boarding a bus. They were heading to the Go! Half Marathon downtown, the culmination of five months of training through the Students on the Go! program. “[Students on the Go!] is a program for high school students put on by Go! St. Louis to encourage running, healthy lifestyles, and meeting new people,” said Brian Ashley, Students on the Go! coordinator for U. City. Liza Reuther and Marnie Claunch are assistant coordinators. The program, in its fifth year, begins just after Thanksgiving and ends with running the half marathon in April. Students practice three days a week, plus Saturdays in the last two months. Because most participants are involved in other activities, Ashley finds that the greatest challenge is “keeping kids engaged and involved.” In his first year of the program, Larry Cox, sophomore, learned the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. “[The hardest part was] trying to keep it all together,” said Cox. “With school and all it equals stress. I didn’t train as much as other people did.” Injuries provide another challenge to members of the group. Linda Zhang, senior and three-year
member of the program, dealt with ankle pains and had to learn her limits. “I just have to go at my pace,” she said. For students, the rewards of the program outweigh the difficulties. “The best part is after running the race and you see all these people coming out to cheer for you and you feel really accomplished,” said Zhang. Running his first half marathon, Daniel Pomerantz, sophomore, was proud to achieve his goal. “During the race, it wasn’t a matter of whether I was tired,” said Pomerantz. “I wanted to get the fastest time possible. I set two hours [as my goal] and I got 1:52.” The program is satisfying for the coaches as well. “[The most rewarding part] is seeing how much growth the kids make from the beginning of the season until the end and seeing how much fun they seem to have in their accomplishments,” said Ashley. Running the race gave Cox the feeling that he could do just about anything. “I got to meet new people, I got to meet new friends,” said Cox. “I found out now I can just run across the Mississippi River. It helped me deal with a lot of things.”
May 2016
10
prom
GRECIAN PARADISE Prom ends in tribute to Prince with ‘Purple Rain’ By Kathryn Fuller and Lucy Wurst Assistant Editors
Making a new friend at prom, Tanyra Blackmon, senior leans on Terry Williams, senior. After dancing together all night at prom and enjoying each other’s company, they decided to head out. “We went separately to prom and ended up leaving together,” said Blackmon. “We went out to eat afterwards.”
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After hours of preparation and months of anticipation, prom finally arrived. On April 23, students arrived fashionably late to Windows on Washington for what some think of as the best night of their high school years. Overall, students thought this year’s prom was a success and exceeded their expectations. “Prom was a lot more fun than I expected,” said Tervin Dailey, senior. Josh Mayfield enjoyed his last dance with his friends as a senior in high school. “I was on the dance floor non-stop and had a fantastic time,” Mayfield said. Several students thought prom night met their standards but others found flaws. The food was one of the disappointments. “I didn’t pay $65 for cheese and crackers,” Mayfield said. Imani Gleason, senior, thought that even though she bought her dress two days before prom, she still looked good. “I slayed at prom,” Gleason said. The night ended on a high note, paying tribute to the late Prince. As the prom queen and king were announced, they played his famous song, “Purple Rain,” and for the first dance as the newly crowned court took to the dance floor. “Before Ajhonee [Morris] told me she had never heard ‘Purple Rain’ but when they played it, she sang every word,” said Isaiah Watson, junior. He and Morris won the junior prince and princess. “The moment they played that song, it made everything surreal.”
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3
Taking a break from dancing, Bria Barnes, senior, and her boyfriend of one year, senior Darion Spencer-Smith, stop to talk to a friend. Even though they had a couple of obstacles getting to prom, they enjoyed their time with friends. “We were both running late because he left my corsage and I left his boutineer at home,” said Barnes.
1. Tervin Dailey, senior, embraces Elijah Young, senior, as they first see
each other at prom. “Elijah is one of my closest friends from the last year and a half,” said Dailey. “He’s my basketball buddy and he’s like my brother.” 2. Dancing her heart out, Aniya Kendrick, senior, makes the most out of her last time at prom. “Prom was way more exciting than I expected,” said Kendrick. 3. Dancing to Lil’ Uzi Vert, Jillian Pritchard, senior, enjoys the last song before heading out to an after-party. Pritchard attended prom with a group of her friends this year instead of going with a date. “Even though the music was whack, I still cherished the moment and wish I could relive it,” said Pritchard.
11
prom
May 2016
Johanna Hill and Tamia Williams, juniors, take a moment to share a laugh.
Justice Wyatt, senior, attended prom with her best friend, Arica Williams, senior . “Arica and I had just arrived at prom and then we saw Kenya and started dancing,” said Wyatt. “We were getting turnt to the song ‘Wicked.’” PHOTOS BY KATHRYN FULLER AND LUCY WURST
After spending two and a half hours getting ready for prom, Kilah Robinsion, senior, dances to the ‘Cupid Shuffle’ as her final prom night comes to an end. “‘Cupid Shuffle’ is my favorite dance,” Robinsion said.
Saying his farewells, Antonio Lucious, senior, holds his goodie bag filled with prom mementos.
Even though Taylor Patrick, senior, wasn’t having the best night at prom to begin with, Lauren TomlinWilks, senior, made it a night he will never forget. “I had a great time with my girl,” said Patrick. “She made it fun for me to be there.”
For more prom pictures, visit utimesonline.com
King & Queen
Prince & Princess
Caleb Herndon & LaShe Tomlin-Wilks
Isaiah Watson & Ahjonee Morris
It was a close match between Tomlin-Wilks and Tanyra Blackmon, who both campaigned intensely. “I handed out candy and cupcakes and was overall really nice to people,” said Tomlin-Wilks. “I knew it was between me and Tanyra, but I was really surprised when they called my name.”
After a last-minute shuffle to find a prom prince, Watson claims the title he was expecting to receive all night. “It didn’t hit me until they put the crown on me that I had won,” said Watson. “Then when they played ‘Purple Rain,’ it made it so surreal.”
May 2016
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senior SHOUT-OUTS Congratulations, Korinna! UCHS Class of 2016
Congratulations, Michael! Love, Mom, Dad, and your two proud UCHS grad siblings: Emily (‘06) and James (’11)
Congratulations Alonzo! Oh, the Places You’ll Go! From Mom, Dad, Carson and Jarrod
Congratulations Jillian Pritchard from Sonya Burns. Love you and always remember to “Make Good Choices!”
We love you... Mom, Dad, and Alona
As you graduate, MiaThinking of you with pride and joy and wishing you happiness today and every day!
Congratulations! Love you so much! Nana & Papa
We love you and can’t wait to see what wonderful things you do for your next chapter at Jackson State.
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATE MR. SIDNEY MOORE
Taylor
Taylor, You’ve always been such a loving older sister to me! You’re gorgeous and I’m proud just to be seen with you. I am going to miss you as you move on to your next phase of life. You’ve been my backbone in countless situations. I love you so much and I’m inspired by you. Love, Payton
On your UC School years. GOD BLESS you and keep you. With LOVE, Mom & Dad
We’re so proud of you, Jonah!
“You can’t run from bees.”
Really BIG SHOUT OUT to my very special Son for being so special, being a leader and always doing the right things. And always making my day every time you say Hi BEAUTIFUL to me. Congratulations Jabriee !!!! Make the best of your life starting now and make all your DREAMS become a reality. Love You Jabriee, From: Your Everything, Mom ( Pamela)
Congratulations Jilly-Bean!
Love, Mom, Dad and Sydney
I am so proud of you! Congratulations, you finished high school. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish next. Love, Mom
12
It’s your happy ending to the greatest show on earth -love from your theatre family
Love, Mom and Dad
To all the seniors in Newspaper
Christine, Francene, Jaylen, Tave, Pablo & Jacelynn
Thanks for the memories
13
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May 2016
U. CITY LIBRARY NEEDS YOU! Volunteer for the summer program
If you like kids and want to meet friends, win prizes and earn community service hours, call 727-3150 or download our application from ucitylibrary.org.
Teen Summer Reading Program Volunteer Training
Coming Soon Teen Video Camp Yoga for Teens Teen Window Art Rope Warrior Anime Gaming
Sat., May 14 10:00 – 12:00
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Mon., May 16 4:00 – 6:00
Thurs., May 19 3:00 – 5:00
Take the Big Book Challenge with UCPL! Join us this summer as we read and discuss three novels by Zora Neale Hurston: Jonah’s Gourd Vine Moses, Man of the Mountain Their Eyes Were Watching God
The party kicks off at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, with a keynote speech by Dr. Rafia Zafar, and continues through the summer with book discussions, musical performances, movies, and more! Best of all, it’s all free and open to everyone! Check out www.ucitylibrary.org for the full schedule.
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Meet the
STAFF
If I had a dollar for every hour I’ve spent in Ms. Williams’ room the last four years, I’d be able to pay for college. But I don’t regret a single minute of it. It has been absolutely amazing being part of 16 issues of the U-Times. Although we began this year with a very small, inexperienced staff, everyone rose to the challenge and produced a paper to be proud of. Thank you, all you wonderful people, for putting up with me. Kathryn and Lucy, good luck next year. Remember, it’s a giant puzzle. And Jaylen, I heard you did throwbacks?
Christine Politte
Kathryn Fuller My first year on the newspaper staff has been complete craziness, but also one of the best experiences of my two years in high school. Coming into newspaper, I had no idea how to properly write a news story or complete captions. I was too scared to approach people to ask them for an interview. Now, I am the assistant editor and I can ask people for an interview without having a panic attack. There was no way I could have come out of my shell and learn the basics of journalism without the help and support of Christine, our amazing editor. Through the stressful days of running around to get captions or trying to finish a last-minute story, the newspaper staff became close like a family. I’m looking forward to taking on the position of co-editor with my soul sister, Lucy Wurst. It will be another year of adventures. It’s that time a year again when seniors are choosing colleges and I am writing a bio to say farewell to my underclassmen in Newspaper. I first joined Newspaper my sophomore year, anticipating the class would be an easy A, but the moment I stepped in I felt the vibe and energy in the classroom. Being in Newspaper has been by far the best class. I have really improved in my writing and this class has inspired me to go into journalism.
PHOTOS BY LUCY WURST, DELLA COX,, PAYTON BASS, TAVE HOLLINS AND KATHRYN FULLER
Francene Bethune
15
staff
This is my first year on the U-Times staff. I am half Honduran and Guatemalan and I have played five sports at U. City. My favorite sports that I’m most passionate about are soccer (center midfielder) and football (kicker). Along with sports, I am also passionate about my grades. I take my academics seriously as they are vital for college. Since this is my senior year, I am determined to finish strong both in sports and academics, to be a good role model for the younger students. I am also involved in programs called College Bound and Race Summit. In my spare time, I listen to music (hip hop, R&B, rap and other urban music), hang out with friends and play more soccer.
Jacelynn Allen My senior year was my first year in Newspaper, which has been a life-changing experience. Before joining Newspaper I had no idea how to write stories, captions, and headlines or take pictures because I did not take Intro to Journalism. However, as the year went on, Ms. Williams and everyone else taught me the fundamentals of Newspaper. While being a part of this staff, I have built relationships with people I never even knew existed at U. City. Outside of newspaper, I participate in cross country and train for Go! St. Louis Half Marathon with Students on the Go. I’m going to apply what I’ve learned from U. City to my future. U. City has helped me come out of my shell, and now I’m ready to take on the next phase of my life. Going into the eighth grade, I wanted to be a journalist. I felt that being on the staff of the newspaper in high school would be the best way to fulfill this passion. By freshmen year I realized that I couldn’t join Intro to Journalism, and I thought this was the end of my journalistic career, until the end of ninth grade where Mrs. Williams approached me, offering me a position on the U-Times staff. I was ecstatic, and even though my career choices have changed, and the way I had envisioned the newspaper was completely different, I felt like I was in my place. I especially wouldn’t have thought I would be co-editor with the Kim to my Kardashian, Kathryn Fuller. Hopefully we can continue the tradition of supplying you with wonderful newspapers for years to come.
Jaylen Williams Joining the Newspaper staff this year, I felt really lost and didn’t really have a realistic idea of what I was going to be doing. But I was soon thrown into the world of journalism and I have fell in love with the power it has given me and how at home I feel when constructing stories. The U-Times staff has become a group of peeps I have come to love and learn a little from in the process. Oh, how I will miss the deadlines and last-minute touches to stories.
May 2016
Pablo LopezReyna
Tave Hollins Lucy Wurst
I joined Newspaper for the first time my senior year. This class has helped me improve my writing, my communication skills and my social skills. Newspaper is like a family, small and quaint and always trying to help. The staff is also dedicated and enthusiastic about their jobs, making a creative environment. I truly enjoyed my time here. I wish I joined my freshman year.
Payton Bass I think, I write, I alter people’s thoughts, or I anger them unintentionally. Writing opinion pieces for the U-Times has been a truly liberating experience for me. This publication has given me the platform to plant my way of thinking into the thoughts of others. I didn’t get into newspaper for shallow recognition. I joined newspaper because I appreciate the craft of writing as an aspiring writer. My editorials have stirred controversy. When someone reads my pieces they can sense all the feelings behind it, since I write with total sincerity. “They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.” -John 8:6
-Anisa Reynolds
“Oh my god I was so hurt! The glo-up is real. I think I look way better with glasses.”
“When I first moved here I was shy and really uncomfortable with my surroundings, but since high school I have grown into a more confident person.”
-Francene Bethune
“I feel like high school changed me into a more open person. I have built bonds and friendships here with people I would never have imagined getting along with.”
-Jerron Carrico
-Josh Dean
“Look at my face! I look like a pudgy little fat kid.”
Freshman Flashbacks
Gray, Deondre Walker, Rontrell Gentry, Jacelynn Allen, Tanyra Blackmon, Markeze Gray-Williams 0 (clockwise from top): LaKayla Hall, Joshua Stueck, Taylor Bass, Pablo LopezReyna, Jordan Henderson, Clara Schock, Xoe O’Hara, Tevin Williams, Daniel Williamson, Korinna Brandt, Cassius Edwards, Cayla Johnson 1 (from top): Ranesia Hambrick, Symone Little, Christion Simmons, Hamza Stewart, Adine Harris, Arlandus Mayo, Jonah Zukosky 6 (counterclockwise from top): Chad Shackleford, Jordan Lucious, Troy Dentman, Austin Jameian, Briana Hudson, Dustin Veal, Alica Trotter, Ramon Douglas, Z’hane Watson, Jamario Love, Teaira Wilhite
2 (from top): Imani Cooley, Janea Davis, Gabriel Dean, KeAndre Bledsoe, Ma’Kayla
It seems like just the other day they were freshmen, and now the class of 2016 is saying farewell to their beloved high school years. Although four years is just a drop in the bucket in the long run, these four years have been full of change for the students, both physically and mentally. BY JAYLEN WILLIAMS