November 2021 U-Times by Utimes

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

U-Times 2021 Volume 32, Issue 1

NEWSMAGAZINE

There’s no place like Homecoming Scaled down version of parade focuses on high school floats by Beckett Wilke | Guest Writer

The Homecoming parade is an event that typically captures support, love, camaraderie and fun. In years past, people would cheer on the students and staff as they passed by in massive floats wearing intricate costumes. The street filled with the marching band’s unforgettable beats, dancers moving in organized and practiced movements, and of course, the inevitable candy thrown off the to the children. However, with COVID-19 bringing a halt to many of our lives, it also hindered some of the parade’s normal function in a noticeable way. From the very beginning, not only were there less people watching the parade, there were less people in the parade itself. According to Chris Blumenhorst, district activities coordinator, the outside groups that were commonplace in previous parades, such as the sponsors who could frequently be found in the parade, were cut out, as well as the elementary school students who created floats and participated

in years past. Blumenhorst said they made up around 40% of the parade. However, the celebratory mood was still alive. “It’s important to have the parade to show that even with the new normal, that there is spirit and pride in our district and we can continue tradition,” Blumenhorst said. With this year’s events, the floats became a major part of the parade, and many groups found it rather important to go all out with their theme. “Our theme was ‘wicked chicks with sticks,’” Natayvia Turks, sophomore, said. “We had red shoes and witches hats and our field hockey sticks were broomsticks.” Another integral tradition is J-ROTC leading the parade in formation, flags in hand. According to Colonel Jacksy, J-ROTC teacher, it is always an honor. “We had probably a greater than 50% turnout this year so we had good participation. It’s always an honor to lead the parade and the opportunity to get out and see all of the families and the wonderful people that fill the parade was pretty special.

Visit utimesonline.com for more Homecoming coverage

The field hockey team is known for their floats and this year was no exception. Derick Coley, a friend of the field hockey coach, built the structure while the girls painted and decorated it. “It was really fun because most teams the players don’t build and decorate their floats, but it was really nice that our team actually did that work and got to do it together,” Lucy Rhoades, junior, said PHOTOS BY BECKETT WILKE AND ANNALISE OVERLIN.

In her first time leading the Homecoming parade, Charissa Hitchens, sophomore, presents the Air Force flag with the J-ROTC color guard. She has been involved in J-ROTC since eighth grade. “Since I’ve been doing color guard for a while I knew what to do and what to not do,” Hitchens said. “My honest thoughts were ‘my hand is cramping’ and ‘I hope I’m on step.’”

The Art Club, including Ian Immer, Corey Franklin, Tamia Becton and Sadie Malks, dressed as the main characters from “Wizard of Oz.” Each costume worn on the float was hand-painted by Art Club members and was based on a different style of art. “We hand-painted our costumes to match our characters,” said Malks, junior.

Jeremiah Jackson, senior, felt he put his all into playing the snare drum for the Homecoming parade performance. Since Jackson is in marching band in addition to serving as a drill commander in J-ROTC, he ended up marching with the band because they needed his energy. “Preparing for it we had a lot of time to practice,” Jackson said. “Like I always say ‘practice how you play.”

IN THIS ISSUE

Opinions

2-3

• Covid-19 Safety • Thrift Reselling • Preformative Activism

News

4-5

• Balloon Glow • 9-11 Flag Ceremony • Mask Mandate

6-7

Homecoming • Pep Rally • Homecoming Dance • Spirit Week

Reviews

• Shang-Chi • Soup Dumplings STL

11-12

Sports/Features • Fall Sports Wrap up • Football

opinions

November 2021 2021 November

STAFF EDITORIAL

Covid-19 safety takes a village Looking at the school district Covid dashboard, as of Oct. 25, there were no active positive cases among students and no students quarantined due to exposure. There were no active positive cases amongst staff. The district is following all the CDC protocols and obviously, they are taking the issue of safety seriously. The rules are there, but for rules to actually work, they have to be enforced and everyone has to adhere to them. The responsibility does not fall solely on the staff; students should take it upon themselves to be safe for the benefit of those around them and focus on how our choices affect others. . Wearing a mask for a few hours shouldn’t be the end of the world, but students’ masks are frequently worn only over their mouth only or not even at all. A few teachers take down their masks when giving instruction, claiming they “can’t project their voice” with it on. While many try to keep a safe distance while their mask is down, there’s also those who are less than a foot away from other people maskless. This might not seem like a big deal, but with a new case almost every week, it begs the question: Is U. City doing enough to keep students and staff safe from COVID-19? U. City is a public school, and therefore cannot require the students who attend to be vaccinated. However, it’s a different story when it comes to teachers. Requiring staff to be vaccinated is a definite step in the right direction.

“Overall, I think the district is doing a very good job,” Nathan Pipes, history teacher, said. “[They’re] trying to use indirect methods of getting people vaccinated. That includes presenting the data and incentivising. That’s a good policy approach. Beyond that, I subscribe to the data, to what the scientists are saying. [The data] all indicates that it is effective in protecting people. Not just ourselves obviously,

lines and partnering with Wash U., there are still a few issues worth noting that could be improved. For instance, many of us have classes with less than 10 students, but some have over 20, which makes it very difficult to keep a safe distance. With masks constantly coming down to take a drink or “take a breath,” being in such a confined space creates lots of opportunity for a spread of germs.

Michael Simmons, Michaela Flowers and ________________ at B lunch outside.

but others as well from the spread. So, I’m in favor of it.” In addition to requiring teacher vaccinations, the school is currently offering free saliva testing through Washington University that is available to anyone associated with the school district, and it’s something more people should take advantage of. “The Wash U. weekly testing is an amazing program that they have in place and I think that if everyone were to participate, or at least more people would participate, we could really keep our school ahead of Covid,” Michael Simmons, junior, said. Even with adhering to CDC guide-

The contact tracing situation is also less than ideal. According to the CDC, close contact is someone who was within 6 feet of a person diagnosed with Covid-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Even with this definition, the lines are still a little blurry. Many are confused what to do if they’re identified as being in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. Some students have gotten emails saying that they don’t have to quarantine since they’re vaccinated, and others have been in close contact but haven’t received an email at all. Lunch adds a new level of difficulty.

There’s no record of who eats lunch with who and masks are obviously down since people are eating. The table seats are also very close together. You could very possibly catch something from someone you eat lunch with even if you only see them once that day. The outside lunch area is helpful, however, there are still eight students jammed together at a table. Without assigned or ample seating then how do we keep track of who is close to who and who could’ve possibly gotten someone sick? However, none of this is to say that this falls on the district leadership. They’re doing the best they can with the resources they have, and there has been a decrease in cases at the school recently. In fact, our district has navigated this much better than many others in the St. Louis area where cases have been much higher. While it is their responsibility to make the rules and keep students safe, the students must make more of an effort to do their part as well. The responsibility of safety falls on all of us. We were jumping at the opportunity to be back in person. Therefore, we need to be more aware of the risks that come with being close to so many people for seven hours each day. It would be less concerning if more people would follow the safety precautions. It’s a possibility that we jumped back into “normal” a bit too quickly. We believe most everyone prefers learning in person to virtual, but safety must be the top priority.

Flipping for profit raises prices in thrift stores

By Marley Gardner | Staff Writer

Just a few years ago, one could go to the local Goodwill and put together an outfit for under $15. Whether it was for sustainability or economic reasons, or even just needing an outfit in a pinch, you could rely on thrift store prices being accessible for nearly everyone. However, as many aspects of our lives have become virtual, so has thrifting in many cases. In the past few years apps like Depop, Poshmark and Mercari have popped up, theoretically allowing people the low prices of thrift stores without leaving their homes. With these apps allowing shoppers to be more selective, they’ve created a new niche: thrift reselling. Resellers spend hours digging through racks and 2021-2022 U-Times Staff Philosophy Co-Editor: Alara Stewart Co-Editor: Sasha Albright Staff Writers/Photographers: Beckett Wilke Nasra Artan Marley Gardner Albert Smith Dani Wasserman Xavier Thomas Chance Pinkston Adviser: Mrs. Mary Williams Adviser: Ms. Olivia Steely

piles at their local Goodwills, Salvation Armys, Plato’s Closets and any other thrift stores looking for anything they can flip for a profit. Sometimes it’s about finding the diamond in the rough, and other times it’s about smart marketing. While resellers do find the occasional designer piece, it’s not uncommon to find a children’s t-shirt listed as “babydoll tees”, or an old pair of mens jeans as “vintage mom jeans.” The ethics of thrift reselling have been widely debated, with many people on the “pro” side arguing that everyone has the ability to take advantage of the market, and also that it encourages sustainability by allowing people an alternative to buying brand new clothes. Both of these arguments have an element of truth to them, but there’s also more to it. Although technically most people have access to the reselling apps everyone uses, the people who rely on the low prices of thrift stores usually don’t have several hours of their day to use scouring the racks in hopes

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 decisionmaking as they take on the respon sibility for content and production of the newspaper. Inasmuch as the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process, copyright in-

of finding something they can make money off of. Instead, they have to deal with the rapidly rising prices. As far as sustainability goes, thrift reselling does serve as a more environmentally friendly option for people who would usually buy brand new clothes, but it creates a new issue. Lower income people are forced to buy from brands that are even less sustainable than the ones middle and upper class people would generally buy. These brands like Shein sell cheaply made clothing at affordable prices, rivaling those of thrift stores. At the end of the day, the ethics of thrift reselling will always have a level of nuance, especially in a world that revolves around profit. But when you find yourself at a thrift store, buy what you need or want in a reasonable capacity. Thrifting is for everyone, regardless of income, and moving away from the thrift reselling market will help keep it that way.

fringement, 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 reserves the right to reject, edit, or shorten letters. Submit letters to Mrs. Mary Williams in Room L306, or to any UTimes staff member, or to marywilliams@ucityschools.org.

We are located in Room L 306 at University City High School, 7401 Balson Ave., University City, MO 63130. Our email address is marywilliams@ucityschools.org. Follow us on Instagram (@utimespublication) and subscribe to our YouTube channel (@U-Times

opinions

November 2021

Don’t pretend you support the cause By Alara Steward | Co-Editor

Most people know how easy it is to to sit behind a screen and deceivingly post or re-post images that are intended to be informative. For instance, think about the black squares and the BLM hashtags after George Floyd happened, how those were spammed and became a trend of their own. The original resources attached to the BLM hashtag were obliterated because of the misuse of the black squares. So, instead of advocating for a cause, people sometimes use the cause as a way to garner attention on social media. This trend of performative activism is not only harmful to the cause and the spread of awareness--it hurts the communities in crisis because people can be so ingenuine on social media. Essentially, the importance of the issue is taken away when it is posted in a cute or comical way for people to gain attention or validation. “It’s not helping, it’s like we’re getting everything but what we asked for,” Khloe Fox, senior, said. “Like when we asked for laws to stop police being able to break into somebody’s house without a warrant, we got “Black Lives Matter” painted down the street. It’s not beneficial, I mean it’s cool and it’s not that we don’t appreciate it, it’s just not what we’re asking for.” Although posting, sharing and following can be beneficial, it’s not the

solution to the problem, especially when the posting is insensitive. Remember when celebrities posted a video singing, “Imagine” by John Lennon in response to quarantine to express their sympathy and hope for unity in the world as they sit on their couches in million dollar mansions? Creating change does not happen through a post when out of pity or a desire for validation; it happens through actions. “It’s not that effective in the sense that most people assume it is,” said Flowers. “In a way they are informing some people but it’s kind of like adding on top of what’s already there, similar to some superficial knowledge. At the same time it’s not really helping because it’s a voluntary attention thing. They feel the need to do something.” Posing for Instagram beside a sign or while participating in a protest is not actually supporting or contributing to the advancement of the movement. There may be an underlying pressure to fit in on social media, and gather reassurance, however, the people that partake in performative activism should ask themselves if they are genuine, if they care and if they are willing to contribute to the cause and movement. “In order to bypass, in order to get in, to not be questioned and to make sure they fit into society, they just do it,” Fox said. “ ‘Well I did X, Y, Z, I don’t

understand why you guys are coming for me, like I support you guys?’ It’s just a cover up just so people don’t turn on them.” With social media’s dominant role in the rise of performative activism, it has also brought along the popular phrase and concept of “cancel culture.” As celebrities continue to take part in performative activism, they also feel a specific pressure from the public; however, their photo ops are more prevalent than the actual support they may be providing. “It is very easy for somebody to put BLM in their bio, post one picture and especially if they’re popular or white, like Charli D’amelio, it can be easily taken as, ‘omg they support,’” said Fox. There are a tremendous amount of celebrities who have been called out, such as Kendall Jenner and her Pepsi commercial when she hands a Pepsi to a police officer on the other side of the protest. When she hands it to him, it’s supposed to represent the unison of law enforcement and the protestors, although what isn’t recognized is that Jenner is white. The commercial ultimately showcases her privilege and represents something that many black people were not fighting for. They were not fighting for Jenner to be the face of the Black Lives Matter movement, but to fight for their own lives against the system that has failed

them. Inherently, performative activists take away the focus from social media creators who are a part of a movement and they can easily misinform the public. The benefits of performative activism boil down to the spread of awareness despite the performative activists lack of desire for change. It’s easy to ignore the individuals who participate in performative activism, but by allowing them to use social media as a playground for ingenuine and unresourceful posts, it will only conceal the activists and true meaning of activism. As the awareness of recent humanitarian crises increases, such as the Palestine and Israel conflict or the hunger crisis in Yemen, social media continues to be used by people and celebrities to popularize themselves by creating a facade of activism. The frequent re-posting of images or resources is not helpful at this point in the world, not only because of its ineffectiveness but because it has become routine to “care.” Performative activism is not the definition of sympathy, and it ultimately does not display the person’s care for the matter. Instead of contributing to the tension and insensitivity on social media, why not put forth the same amount of energy it took to re-post an image to actually contribute to the change that needs to be made?

news

U. City mandates teacher vaccine Albert Smith | Staff Writer

School districts around the nation are now requiring mandatory vaccinations for teachers. U. City is now joining that group. As of Oct. 1, all employed adults must be vaccinated, unless medical or religious reasons cause otherwise. At the root of the mandate is superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley endorsed the requirement. “We really looked at the data and looked at the research, we had been very connected with our medical experts and pediatricians.” Hardin-Bartley said. “All of our teacher unions and our support staff unions at the national level supported a vaccine and our local associations supported it.” Since Hardin-Bartley herself has contracted the virus, she knows how the disease can affect a person.

November 2021

“I did have to quarantine and isolate myself for 14 days and I couldn’t see any of my family,” Hardin-Bartley said. “It was a really difficult and very scary time.“ With knowledge of the vaccine limited in early parts of the pandemic, Hardin-Bartley saw the importance in educating those associated with the district. “We hosted a webinar with a very well respected African American physician, Denise Anderson, to really dispel the myths on the vaccine and really give people the correct information,” Hardin-Bartley said. “When we thought about our children and what they went through in 2020, we really wanted to educate people and really wanted them to make the choice. Although the outside world is opening up and reverting back to its pre-

Covid routines, Hardin-Bartley remains cautious of Covid-19 guidelines. “We’re still in a pandemic and we operate like that,” Hardin-Bartley. “We know the vaccination rate is lower in majority black schools so being aware of that, we aren’t loosening up.” With the mandate in full effect, teachers are more than willing to do their part. Among the crowd is science teacher Sherry Wibben, who takes no issue in getting vaccinated. “I feel that due to us being in the building five days a week everyone should get vaccinated,” Wibben said. “A lot of the people I speak to in the school are pro vaccine.” Wibben views the vaccine as a small part of a big picture. “Any day could be the day that one of us gets Covid,” Wibben said. “Being able to prevent that goes hand in hand

with the shot.” After having members of his family contract Covid-19, history teacher, Nathan Pipes, saw the urgency in getting the vaccine. “U. City already had a high vaccination rate amongst teachers before the mandate.” Pipes said. “The mandate just really pushed the agenda that we’re trying to get back to normal.” For those who don’t comply with being vaccinated, a weekly negative COVID-19 test must be reported. “My hope is that as we learn more about it and as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) gives full authorization for other vaccines that we get more students and adults who are vaccinated and then we can start to think of a world of normalcy pre- Covid,” Pipes said.

November 2021

news

Forest Park Forever

Balloon Glow lights up the night Xavier Thomas|Staff Writer

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race on Sept. 18 started with the balloon glow the night before. Balloons were scheduled to light up at 7 pm, but it was delayed 20 minutes as a 3-year old spectator was separated from her parents. The toddler was found and the park was lit up with the fire of the torches. “Once it gets dark it’s quite magical, my kids that I took with me loved it, they got to see images that they enjoyed including pitches which is her favorite root beer place and seeing the soccer ball” said Erin Bratkowski, English teacher.

Climate strike walkout raises student awareness Xavier Thomas | Staff Writer

The temperature will rise between 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century if our human activity remains unabated, according to NASA. Emma Scharff, senior, is committed to reversing this trend. Because of this, she led a strike outside of school on Sept. 24. “The agenda of the walkout started with a guest speaker session with Lydia Soifer, former U. City student, followed by a 10-min. strike outside of the school starting at 9 am,

which signifies the nine years we have left until the worst effects of climate change are irreversible, according to one scientific study,” Scharff said. During her session, Soifer explained her role as a conservation biologist and programs where students can perform similar studies while being in high school or in college. “The guest speaker was a previous student of Mrs. Ertmann’s and she spoke to my AP Biology class last year about her work and her college experience,” Scharff said. “Mrs. Ertmann

gave me her email afterwards because I had a couple of questions for her and thought that it would be great if she could talk to our Environmental Club, too.” Scharff was inspired to lead the strike because she wants to encourage people in the U.S. to care about the climate as much as the rest of the world. “I got the idea a few years ago from hearing about students in New York and all over the country organizing strikes for their schools,” Scharff

Do you ever feel like your teachers don’t understand? Like you don’t have any control over your own life? Like the world has it out for you?

said. “There was a Global Climate Strike coming up and so I thought it would be a really impactful thing for us to participate in.” The ultimate goal is for students to be empowered to learn more about climate change and other environmental issues and take action. “I hope that by entering our strike into a climate strike database, politicians and corporations will see that there are people who care about the climate and are pushing for change,” Scharff said.

By the time we leave high school, society calls us “adults.” But adulting is hard, and not everyone reaches it with any real understanding of what that means. The Boys to Men Initiative is geared towards helping our boys to understand and have dialogue about manhood and the transition into adulthood. We focus on adult skills like improving your communication with your families, communities, police, teachers, banks. We focus on learning anger control, moral reasoning, financial empowerment and healthy relationships.

We understand, because we’ve been there, too. You are not alone, and the world doesn’t have to be this way. Let us tell you our story, and maybe you’ll learn something about yourself. Every year, The Man of Valor, Inc. brings men from our community to the Young Men’s Night Out, to talk with you about growing up, and learning how to succeed in the face of sometimes near impossible odds.

Art Hill hosts Flags of Valor Xavier Thomas|Staff Writer

Forest Park’s Art Hill was the perfect setting for Flags of Valor to display over 7000 flags, representing those who died on 9/11 and all those who have since perished in the War on Terror. “Flags of Valor is an event that occurs on every five-year anniversary of 9/11,” a Flags of Valor rep, said. “Two decades after, we have a purpose beyond remembering: educating.” The event was for people to come together and put their differences aside and tribute those who died. “There is no hidden agenda or political statement to the memorial. It’s hundreds of volunteers coming together to honor the memory of the 7,000+ heroes who died so we haven’t had to experience another 9/11.” This event has been planned for 16plus years and they are happy that their

Let us help make your transition to adulting easier. The Boys to Men Initiative meets every Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:00-4:20pm in Room 204. Students can receive tutoring in core courses to help in their course performance, meet with our group of mentors, and learn how to make daily check ins and mindfulness moments.

At Christmas, we and our students collect and bring gifts to U. City Elementary Schools so the youngest generation can learn about the Joy of Giving. And this year, The Man of Valor is proud to bring to you our Boys to Men Initiative

Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 to 4:20 pm Room 204

lbaker@ucityschools.org

This year, each boy that participates in the initiative will have a college savings account opened with Royal Banks of Missouri and receive incentives during the school year.

The flags were displayed Sept. 4-12 and volunteers had to level the poles throughout the length of the display.

pon seeing the display on Art Hill, the unanimous first reaction is, “wow.” Next, the question becomes, “how long does it take to create?” While installing over 7,000 flags surprisingly only takes a few hours, planning begins a full year in advance and requires more than 500 volunteers working in well-or-

plan came to fruition. “The first memorial was in 2011, but the nitty gritty details of this year’s memorial began a little more than a year ago,” Amanda said. The event had required the effort of over 500 volunteers putting up 11 miles of flag poles across 10 acres. “We had thousands of visitors who were moved by the experience,” Amanda said. “Some used the time to teach their children lessons, some were Gold Star Families who dropped to their knees when they found the flag of their loved one. Some stopped by to say thank you to a fellow soldier who saved their life in combat. The stories we heard would make the toughest heart soft. And now we have begun the process of getting all 7,000+ soldier flags, dog tags, and photos to their Gold Star Families”. ganized teams of twenty. In total, this effort requires: •21 tons of material •11 miles of flag rows •10 acres •15,240 rubber bands •3,000 feet of plastic tubing •7,620 ten-foot poles •500 selfless volunteers Source: flagsofvalorstl.com

There’s no place like Homecoming 2021

‘Sneaker Ball’ theme fits outside paramenters of dance By Xavier Thomas | Staff Writer

For the first time ever, the 2021 Homecoming dance was held outside. Because of this, the student council came up with the theme “Sneaker Ball” and people were encouraged to wear tennis shoes with their formal attire. “We were going to be out on the track and we didn’t want people just messing up their shoes out there so we decided to do a Sneaker Ball,’’ Mohammed Ly, junior student council member, said. Everything was planned down to the last detail until there was a bump in the road. The day of Homecoming, the dance was postponed to the following Saturday because of rainy weather. People were visibly upset about this, but the student council found a way to make it up. “Tickets were refunded because Homecoming was postponed and it most likely caused an inconvenience for some students so it was our way of trying to make up for Homecoming being pushed to a later date,” Candance Weeden, junior student council member, said. Some people disagreed with this decision as they felt the weather wouldn’t have affected anything. But others felt it was the right decision as they didn’t want to be worried about the rain at the dance. April Money, counselor, believes it was a good idea to postpone it as the weather was projected to be clear on the new scheduled date for the Homecoming dance. “I know some kids that spent $300 on shoes for the Sneaker Ball and we didn’t want them to feel uncomfortable and mess them up,” Money said. Everything went back on track after the new date was announced. The majority of students were looking forward to the event as there was no Homecoming dance last year due to Covid restrictions. “For Homecoming, just really being with my friends and going to a in-school social event since it’s been like a year and a half since we had any,” Kamille Buck, junior student council member said. This Homecoming was extra special as Lul Kel, a U. City alumni and rapper, attended and took photos with several students. Moreover, freshmen and sophomores experienced their first Homecoming. “It was all right, pretty fun, it was nice,” Roman Thomas, sophomore, said. [There were] more people [there] than I thought. The way some people described it, I thought it was going to be a lot less fun than it was, but when I got down to the Lions Den, there were a lot of people dancing and it was pretty cool.” PHOTOS BY XAVIER THOMAS

King & Queen

Chance Pinkston and Isabel Forster

Prince & Princess

Laryn Porter and Alajah Harris

Terrell Commings, senior, puts on a show for his friends on the dance floor. He came with a group and they went bowling after the dance. He especially enjoyed the music. “[They played] artists like Da Baby, rap artists like May Friday, it was like that, kind of cool,” Commings said.

Jersey Day

At their first Homecoming dance, Felicia Richardson, freshman, dances with Jakiera Sutton, freshman. She plans to attend more dances in the future and got on the floor for some of her favorite dances. “[I danced to the Wobble, the Cupid shuffle and Hit the Quan [and] really just a lot of Megan the Stallion songs.”

Sophomore Court

Alando Braziel and Tamara Dailey

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Spirit Week Wacky Tacky Day

Homecoming Court

‘80’s Day

On the dance floor Amoria Hester, Mikya Shaw and Errielle Porter, juniors, turn it up with their besties. Although they did not come as a group, they spent most of the night together recording and having fun. “I was dancing, turning it up, and having a lot of fun with my best friends,” Porter said.

Twin Day

In the past, U. City Homecomings have had an intense, club feel, with flashing lights and loud music filling the gym. With Covid restrictions, the dance had to be held outside, changing the ambience. “The fairy lights gave the dance a more whimsical feel,” Lucy Rhoades, junior, said. “It was a nice way to switch things up.”

Cousins who coincidentally arrived at Homecoming at the same time, Amelia Fowlers and Harlem Washington, freshman, had fun at their first Homecoming dance. Fowlers ended up getting her outfit together last minute. “I got my outfit, hair and makeup done on the same day.”

Freshmen Court

Jared Porter and Kamori Landry

Pep rally focuses on inclusive skill-based events

‘90’s Day

By Albert Smith | Staff Writer

On the day of the Homecoming pep rally, the halls were filled with black and gold and that spilled out to the football field in the afternoon. “That was the most black and gold I’ve seen in this school,” Darielle Morris, student council sponsor,said. “That week is all about the students so I’m more lenient with their decisions.” Plenty of competitions were planned for students, including a relay race, musical chairs, trivia and tug of war. As a participant in musical chairs Parker Overlin, junior, saw his loss as a massive win. “Even though I got cheated out of a win, it was cool doing it in front of the entire school,” Overlin said. “You’d think it’d be scary, but it was really fun. With an hour and a half to build hype, student council picked skillbased events so that it would be as inclusive as possible, according to Michael Simmons, junior class vice-president, said. “The events incorporated students of each class and students who you typically wouldn’t see together cooperate,” Simmons said. 1. In his first year back after attending McCluer Senior High School Ellery Cole, se-

Lydia Rae Wehmeyer, Theatre

Ellery Cole, senior

Arneil Brooks, Faculty Assistant and Brea Heike, Math

Senthil Rogers and Isabel Forster, seniors

Gayle Stevenson, junior 3

nior, saw U. City pride in full effect. “It felt good playing with some familiar faces and watching the school come together,” Cole said. “I just soaked it in and tried to make every moment count.” 2. Driven by his need to succeed Tyler Jackson, senior, takes musical chairs very seriously. “I’m really competitive so I was in it to win it.” Jackson said. “I wanted to win for the football team but the cheerleaders got us.” 3. Performing in her first year of cheer senior, Jakada Christmas, felt supported by her fellow cheerleaders. “Sometimes it can get overwhelming but it’s nice to know you have people around who support you.” said Christmas. “I wouldn’t rather cheer with anyone else.”

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November 2021

‘My Year ofof Rest and Relaxation’ ‘My Year Rest and Relaxation’

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November 2021

Author explores complexity ofofhuman experience Author explores complexity human experience by Marley Gardner | Staff decides that rather than deal with her nasty, spoiled and generally unlikeable, thatto rather than dealfrom with heryet you nasty, spoiled and generally unlikeable, grief,decides she needs go on hiatus have no choice but to see grief, she needs to go on hiatus fromyourself yet you have choice but toblunt see existing. in her. Thenoprotagonist’s existing. yourself in her. The protagonist’s blunt After finding a psychiatrist so bad cynicism and sense of humor make value, the unnamed protagonistAtofface Ottessa Moshfegh’s 2018 After finding a psychiatrist so bad cynicism and sense of humor make the book hard to put down, and her of of Ottessa Moshfegh’s 2018 that it’s comical, Dr. Tuttle, the pronoveltagonist “My Year Rest and Relaxation” that makes it’s comical, Dr. Tuttle, the pro- commentary the book on hard putexistence down, andwill her tagonist up a series of ongoing lifetoand novel “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” is living the ideal life— she is tall, thin, tagonist makes up a symptoms— series of ongoingleavecommentary incurable you thinking.on life and existence will is living the ideal life— she is tall, thin, and practically blonde, and living a life of luxury and practically incurable symptoms— leave youisthinking. insomnia, hallucinations, fatigue and The book set to be adapted blonde,New and York livingCity, a lifebut of she luxury in pre-9/11 insomnia, hallucinations, fatigue and The book is set to be adapted to film by Greek art house director in pre-9/11 New York City, but she everything in between. Giving Dr. couldn’t care less. everything in between. Giving Dr. to film by Greek art house Tuttle no choice but to prescribe her Yorgos Lanthimos, but a releasedirector date couldn’t care less. The protagonist is your typical Tuttle no choice but to prescribe her Yorgos Lanthimos, but a release date a cocktail of experimental drugs, the and cast are unknown. While a numprotagonist yourHer typical spoiled The Upper East Side is WASP. life a cocktail of experimental drugs, the and cast are unknown. While a numprotagonist enters her year of rest and ber of Lanthimos’ other works have spoiled Upper East older Side WASP. consists of an indecent boy- Her life protagonist enters her year rest and of Lanthimos’ other have a semi-conscious stateoffull beenber largely successful, thereworks is some consists of an indecent older boy- relaxation: friend, a job that she hates, and a best relaxation: a semi-conscious state full been largely successful, there is skepticism about whether or not he some friend, that she andFola bestof existential thought. friend who ais job anything buthates, like her. of existential thought. skepticism capture about whether or not he can accurately Moshfegh’s friend anything but like lowing the who deathisof her parents, sheher. Fol- Moshfegh’s characterization is Moshfegh’s characterization is can accurately capture Moshfegh’s brilliant, as she creates a character so cleverness and misanthropy. lowing the death of her parents, she brilliant, as she creates a character so cleverness and misanthropy.

by Marley Gardner | Staff Writer AtWriter face value, the unnamed pro-

Taking pizza to the next level

Soup SoupDumplings DumplingsSTL STL Movie Movieprovides providesexcellent excellent offers offersauthentic authentictwist twistonon fare representation Cantonese fare representationofofAsians Asians Cantonese by Dani Wasserman | Staff

‘Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings’ ‘Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings’

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Each and order comes of vinegar soy saucewith a8110 Olive Blvd, University City, “Shang-Chi” has been said Asains relate to, from thecan slang 63130Olive Blvd, University City, container of vinegar andthe soy sauce MO 8110 to use as dipping sauce for been said to behas a great to, from the slang dumpling. MO 63130 (takeout available) used and the repto useThe as dipping saucepainted for theon (314) 445-4605 instructions to be a great representation used and the representation. In the dumpling. The instructions painted on (314) 445-4605 (takeout available) representation of Asians and resentation. In the beginning when Asians and Asianofculture, beginning when MENU HIGHLIGHTS Shaun (Shang-chi) Asian in culture, following MENU HIGHLIGHTS Shaun (Shang-chi) was eating with following in the footsteps Crab & Pork (8)...............$12 Cold dishes with Katywas andeating they had the footsteps Crab & Pork (8)...............$12 Cold dishes of “Black PanKaty and they had Chicken (6)............................$8 Cucumber Salad..........7.95 rice porridge called jook or congee, “Black Pan- it had on African ther”ofand the impact Chicken (6)............................$8 Cucumber Salad..........7.95 rice porridge called jook or congee, Beef (6)..................................$9 Honey Bran....................7.95 ther” and the impact it had on Africanthe rice porridge is a more realistic Americans. the rice porridge is a more realistic (6)..................................$9 Shanghai Honey Bran....................7.95 Chinese cultural breakfast that many Americans. PorkBeef (6)...................................$8 On the Labor Day weekend that Chinese cultural breakfast that many for breakfast now. Something Pork(8)............................$12 (6)...................................$8 Smoked Shanghai On the Labor Day “Shang-Chi’’ came out, theweekend movie that still eat Shrimp Fish................7.95 still eat for breakfast now. Something else that was appreciated was when movie made“Shang-Chi’’ $94 millioncame at theout, boxthe office. Shrimp (8)............................$12 Smoked Fish................7.95 else that was appreciated was when made $94 the box office. Shaun took his shoes off before “Shang-Chi” hasmillion been at a movie where Shaun took his shoes off before “Shang-Chi” been a movie whereentering Katy’s home, many foreign Asians can betterhas relate and connect entering Katy’s home, many foreign can better and connecthouseholds do this out of respect with Asians a superhero, haverelate someone households of respect and to keep dirt do out.this Alsoout when Jon withupa to superhero, have someone to look and act as a voice for and to keep dirt out. Also when Jon Jon (played by Ronny Chieng) says them.to look up to and act as a voice for Jon (played Ronny Chieng) which isby a Mandarin word says them. “Shang-Chi” was originally a comic “Wakao” “Wakao” which is a Mandarin that doesn’t have a direct English word “Shang-Chi” was originally book, just like the others, which a comic that doesn’t have relatively a direct English translation but would mean book, like the turned intojust a movie. It others, is aboutwhich Shang translation but would relatively mean “damn.” Representation is important turned into as a movie. is about Chi also known Shaun It(played byShang “damn.” Representation is important creating a realistic portrayal of as Shaun SimuChi Liu)also whoknown ran away from (played home by whenwhen creating a realistic portrayal cultures especially when things of Simu Liu) at 14-years old.who He ran ran away away from from home otherother cultures especially when things at because 14-yearsof old. He hard ran away from such as xenophobia exist. home how his father, such as xenophobia exist. home because of how hardChiu his father, Wenwu (played by Tony Leung on Disney+ beginning Wenwu (played by Tony Leung Wai), trained him in forms of martialChiu Streaming Streaming on Disney+ beginning trained him in forms of martial on Nov. 12. arts Wai), and how to kill. After his mother, on Nov. 12. arts and how to kill. After his mother, Ying Li (played by Fala Chen) passed by Nasra Artan | Staff Writer Li (playedfather by Fala Chen) by Nasra Artan | Staff Writer away,Ying Shang-Chi’s picks up passed

by Dani Wasserman | Staff Writer Writer Long wooden tables with benches

The interior of Soup Dumplings STL sets the tone for a relaxing culinary experience. The interior of Soup Dumplings STL sets the tone for a relaxing culinary experience.

Come in today or order online for curbside pick-up @ deweyspizza.com Choose from 15 specialty pizzas or create your own plus salads, calzones and desserts TASTE OF FALL •Sgt. Peppers Pizza •Harvest Salad 314-726-3434

559 North and South Road, University City, MO

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November 2021

FALL VIRTUAL

sports

November 2021

Lions win big at Homecoming, 56-6

Chance Pinkston| Staff Writer

After a morning of on and off, the Lions took to the football field to face off with the Clayton Greyhounds for their Homecoming game. The rain created muddy field conditions, causing players to slip, slide and risk injury when they started playing. Even with the bad conditions, the crowd got what they came for: a big win. “I wanted to put on a show for my people,” Joshua Allen-Wilson, senior middle linebacker, said. “ I wanted to go out with a bang.” Within the first 10 minutes, the Lions jumped ahead with a 12-point lead and throughout the second quarter, the Lions continued to hammer the Greyhounds, upping the score to 20 -0. The team hustled off the field at half-time and headed into the locker room for the pep talk.. Carter Lemen, senior, has been with the program for four years, and was ecstatic about the team during half-

time. “It was positive because we were in the lead, we were up 20-0 and the team morale was high,” Lemen said. “The team chemistry was probably the best it's been all year.”

After the Lions took the field, ready for the second half, Tyler Jackson, senior wide receiver, pointed to the sideline and made a bold statement. “I’m about to take this to the crib,” Jackson said.

To keep the lead, Carleton Thomas, senior, trys to outrun Clayton defence. This helped U. City to the 56-6 win. “ We played as a team and didn’t bring our teamates down when they made mistakes” Thomas said PHOTO BY CHANCE PINKSTON

In the third quarter with the team chemistry at an all time high, but the Greyhounds finally scored their first touchdown, but didn’t make the extra point. The Lions continued to dominate and jumped out to a 36-point lead, making the score 42-6. Jacardion French, senior cornerback, collected his third interception in the last couple of minutes of the quarter. French felt at home knowing the crowd was such a big support system. “It made me feel good having the support from the fans,” French said. “The support that we should have always had.” As the final seconds counted down on the clock, the Lions began to celebrate their 56-6 victory over the Greyhounds. The Lions ran off the field and joined the crowd in celebration. “When I heard the band playing it made me wanna kick it with them,” Allen-Wilson said.

FALL SPORTS WRAP UP St. Louis Community College is hosting Virtual Preview Days for future students and families, area residents and anyone who wants to learn more about STLCC. Virtual Preview Days are events designed to showcase STLCC programs across all of our locations. Join us and find out why over 1.2 million students chose STLCC to pursue their dreams!

· Explore programs and career offerings · Campus overviews · Breakout sessions · Opportunities to win STLCC goodies and other attendance prizes!

Saturday, Nov. 6 10 a.m.-Noon Girls softball finished with a record of 4-11. Five players had a batting average above .200, and two over .400. Staci Stevenson, junior, led the team’s runs scored with 13. PHOTO BY MARLEY GARDNER

Tuesday, Nov. 9 5-7 p.m. Questions? Contact us: 314-539-5004,

askus@stlcc.edu, or stlcc.edu/chat

Boys soccer finished their season 6-14. They won 1st place in the McCluer Comets Varsity Soccer Tournament and captain Patrick Fuller, senior, ended the season on the state leaderboard for goals and plans to continue his soccer career in college. PHOTO BY BECKETT WILKES

Field hockey was knocked out in the 2nd game of districts. However, several girls excelled on the field. Elena Kellogg, junior, ranked in the top 20 for goal scoring in the St. Louis metro area. PHOTO BY ALBERT SMITH

Learn more and RSVP today at:

Despite beginning the season with only six players, the cross country team grew to eight. Julien Troubaugh, junior, held the fastest time for the team of 17:24 for the 5K race. PHOTO BY ALBERT SMITH

A full roster of 11 players helped propel the tennis team to finish second in districts, with a record of 10-4. PHOTO BY ELLA CHISHOLM

With only one senior and 17 of the 20 players essentially new to volleyball this year, the team struggled to find their footing, ending the season with a 4-11 record. PHOTO BY SASHA ALBRIGHT

PHOTO BY CHANCE PINKSTON

“I am a good chef.”

John Bass- Physical Education

PHOTO BY ALBERT SMITH

“I do fitness competitions! I plan on doing another one in December.”

Nwannediya IbeSocial Studies

“I have been practicing West African dance for 21 years. I started when I was nine years old at school. I then went on to join several different companies in the St. Louis and Illinois area, and started teaching dance when I was 15 years old. Then when I was 18 years old, just beginning college, I started my own group. Ever since then I dance just for fun in my free time. I love West African dance.” PHOTO BY SIENNA YAZDI

Anoa Alimayu- English Language Arts

“I studied abroad in Australia when I was in college.” PHOTO BY ALARA STEWART

Benjamin WilliamsSocial Studies

PHOTO BY NASRA ARTAN

Lydia-Rae Wehmeyer- Theater Arts

“I’m adopted.”

“I’m a night owl, while I don’t like staying up all night, I do my best work in the evening.” PHOTO BY BECKETT WILKES

Olivia Steely-Writer’s Lab/ Journalism

Darcy Kern- SSD .

“I’m a knitting influencer.” PHOTO BY MARLEY GARDNER

Barbara Range- Math

“This is my second career and before I was a teacher, I helped to design long distance fiber optic installations.” PHOTO BY DANI WASSERMAN

What is something that nobody knows about you?

new teachers U-Times November 2021 Volume 32, Issue 1

PHOTO BY ANNALISE OVERLIN

At the Homecoming pep rally, Yaniya Battle, senior, hypes up the crowd. “I was feeling really happy,” said Battle. “It’s nice to see our school connecting and having school spirit.”

HOME, SWEET HOMECOMING

NEWSMAGAZINE

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