The Rock — December 2015

INDEPTHS Tragedies in Paris: the underlying cause of a global ripple effect pages B3-B5

NEWS Mizzou protests threaten future enrollment page A2

SPORTS Lack of seniors sparks a dilemma for wrestling page C1 @rbhsbearingnews Bearing News Bearing News

Rock Bridge High School • 4303 S. Providence Rd. • Columbia MO, 65203 • Vol. 43, Issue 3 • December 10, 2015 • www.bearingnews.org

Columbia police investigate iPads Explicit, pornographic material lead to confiscation grace vance

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ut of the 12,000 iPads owned by Columbia Public Schools, 27 are currently under investigation by the Columbia Police Department and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.

CPS issue iPads to all fifth and sixth graders, all Battle High School students and all students in advanced placement classes at Hickman High School and here at RBHS. CPS spokeswomen Michelle Baumstark said there are various reasons behind the confiscation.

“Misuse of a device is not the only reason a district device may be in police custody,” Baumstark said in an email interview. “Other reasons include, but are not limited to, a device being stolen or the user captured content on the device relevant to a separate ongoing police investigation.”

Of these “ongoing investigations,” one of them is a CPD case that began in March involving high school students allegedly using a school-issued iPad to upload explicit images of girls to a third party cloud storage site to share the pictures with others.

Continued on A3

photo by Devesh Kumar

Adult supervision: RBHS media specialist, Dennis Murphy, glances at an iPad while it charges. The Columbia Police Department seized iPads from CPS due to explicit material found. The iPads are currently under investigation.

Bill confronts cyberbullying ashley tanner

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even in 10 young people are victims of cyberbullying, according to nobullying.com, and 37 percent of victims experience bullying on a regular basis.

Rep. Keith English, I-Mo. presented HB495 to the Missouri House of

Representatives; this bill, if passed, would allow school administration to punish students for cyberbullying that occurs off campus.

“Let’s say that you are a student and after school hours another student sends something to you while they are at home,” English said.

photo by Caylea Ray

Check both ways: Sophomores Amanda Andrews and Emily Caranza wait to cross the street during school. Several students have recently taken more concern for their safety.

City officials discuss Vision Zero program he PedNet Coalition, a pedestrian safety organization based in Columbia, suggested the implementation of a program called Vision Zero to city officials on Oct. 17. The program originates from Sweden and envisions a world with no pedestrian deaths from car accidents.

“At present, Columbia does not have a Vision Zero program or policy like New York City, Seattle and a dozen other cities,” City Council member Ian Thomas said. “If we should adopt Vision Zero at some point in the future — possibly after the Mayor’s Task Force on Pedestrian Safety makes its recommendations — we would be setting a goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.”

The project, if implemented, would focus on spreading awareness and physical changes to the roads. These changes include reducing speed limits, the widening of roads and making the interval for traffic lights dependent on pe-

destrians instead of cars.

In terms of communicating the changes and warnings to the public, the program stresses subjects like the dangers of texting and driving.

There were 4,735 deaths in 2015, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. In the past year and a half eight pedestrians have been killed or injured in Columbia. The PedNet coalition hopes that the possible implementation of Vision Zero will reduce the body count even more.

“Not only will a successful Vision Zero program improve safety in Columbia,” Thomas said. “But it will also encourage more people to walk and bicycle for some of their essential journeys, because the streets will be safe,” Junior Lisa Zhuang runs the risk of being struck by a car nearly every day when she, both carefully and fearfully, runs and walks for leisure and to get to class in the Columbia Area Career Center.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER

skyler froese

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Within the next two months, RBHS students, performers and athletes will participate in their respective activites.

INDEX

News • • • • • • • • A1

Controversy affects Mizzou admissions nicole schroeder

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s enrollment deadlines for the 2016 fall semester admissions at many colleges draw nearer, many prospective students are considering schools to attend next year. Recent events related to Concerned Student 1950 protests on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus, however, have the potential to affect some students’ decisions to attend the school next fall or not.

The protests, which received national attention by media sources like The New York Times and Washington Post, concerned the racism some students said they experienced at the school and subsequently led to the former University Systems President Tim Wolfe’s resignation. It is the issues brought to light in these protests, however, that has some students such as senior Sydney Hemwall reconsidering the things they look for in a college.

“My greater focus with school has been how to pay for it. With a school pursuing me, that’s more opportunity for

more money,” Hemwall said. “Since Concerned Student 1950 [took place], it has changed my focus on the money to where do students feel safest and that they have majority control over the school that they’re paying for so they can adjust to their needs and get the best education and experience.”

Hemwall isn’t the only one who now considers safety and control to be an important factor in deciding which college to attend. MAC Scholars sponsor Deborah Greene said many students in the club also seem more concerned with feeling accepted and safe at universities. This is a factor at the various schools they are considering since the events at UMC took place.

“You want to definitely go to a place where things are fair and equal, because there’s a difference,” Greene said. “Go wherever you feel comfortable, because going to college you need to be comfortable [in the school you choose].”

Continued on A2

JANUARY

Watch both RBHS Orchestras as they perform at 7 p.m. in the PAC

Editorials • • • • • • A6

inforgraphic by Stephanie Kang; source: nobullying.com

“What happens is the school can intervene in that because you are both students.”

The bill says the punishment should take into consideration the age of the student, and the nature of the offense, as well as try to educate the student on bullying before taking harsh actions.

The first offense, or a minor offense, would permit the district to mandate that the student attend counseling and education sessions.

For the second offense, or a more serious cyberbullying offense, the district would be able to take away a student’s privilege to go to school events or activities. In the instance of a third, or serious offense of cyberbullying, the school could suspend or expel the student.

“We don’t want to suspend the child,” English said. “We just want to find out what the issue is and educate them on exactly what bullying is.”

Continued on A3

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The Holiday Choral Concert at 7 p.m. takes place in the PAC

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Features • • • • • • B1

Boys Basketball plays host to Lee’s Summit West at 6 p.m.

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RBHS wrestling host Hickman/ Battle starting at 6 p.m.

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Lady Bruin Basketball hosts Ozark at 6 p.m.

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Boys Basketball face rival Hickman at home, tipoff at 6 p.m.

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In-Depths • • • • • • B3 Sports • • • • • C1 Commentary • • • • • C3 A&E • • • • • • C5

A2 news

therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

1970s

In 1978, Cinema Rex in Abadan, Iran was set on fire, claiming more than 470 lives.

1980s

In 1983, two truck bombs exploded near the housing of U.S. and French military forces killing 241 American servicemen.

Two terrorist-organized plane crashes in the 1980s claimed a combined 588 lives.

2000-2005

1990s

Chronicled fear of terror

In 1990, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam murdered more than 600 Sri Lankan police officers.

Five years later, Timothy McVeigh committed the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in American history, with a bomb in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people.

In 1998, U.S. Embassies in East African cities were targeted, as several truck bombs claimed over 200 lives. This was the first major attack perpetrated by the infamous alQaeda group, headed by the notorious Osama bin Laden.

Three years later, the same group took nearly 3,000 lives when they crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City. The attack is the deadliest act of terrorism in the history of mankind.

In 2002, suicide bombers representing Jemaah Islamiyah killed 202 people in Indonesia.

In 2004, the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf sank SuperFerry 14, claiming 116 lives. The same year, al-Qaeda killed nearly 200 via bombings in Madrid.

Across the continent in Russia, the Riyadus-Salikhin Battalion held over 1,100 hostage, including 777 children, ultimately killing nearly 400.

The next year, Europe was attacked again as four explosions were heard around London, killing 52 civilians and injuring 700 more.

2015

More recently, France was the victim of two disturbing terrorist attacks. The first, in January, claimed 12 lives, as a satirical editorial magazine was openly fired on. Then, in November, 130 civilians were killed in a series of coordinated attacks on Paris.

The next week, in Bamako, Mali, 21 were killed when a terrorist group fired on a hotel.

2006-2014

Between 2006-2014, hundreds of terrorist attacks equated to over 60,000 deaths in the country of Iraq alone.

Also in 2014, closer to home, two Islamic extremists bombed the finish line of the Boston marathon, killing three and injuring nearly 270.

San Bernardino shooting:

ji-ho lee

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hen the word terrorism is uttered in the United States, the horrific events of Sept.

11, 2001 jump to mind. However, acts of terror disrupt families, communities and nations

around the world.

Terrorism is defined as the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. From the Crusades in the 11th century to recent attacks in Paris, France and Bamako, Mali, terrorism has thrived in all corners of the world, inflicting fear and chaos into its victims.

Two radicalized Muslims, Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 and injured 21 in a shooting Dec. 2 at the Inland Regional Center. Police found 19 pipe bombs in their residence. art by Stephanie Kang

Missouri teaching standard changed nikol slatinska

I photo by Cassi Viox

Campus kerfuffle: Students walk to and from classes on Mizzou’s campus Dec. 7. After last month’s debate over Concerned Student 1950 protests, some worry enrollment in coming years may suffer.

Scandal impacts student interests Continued from A1 The new attention on safety at the University of Missouri doesn’t necessarily mean bad things, however. Director of Admissions Chuck May said though there was an initial decline in new student applications to the school, it’s still too soon to tell whether or not the protests will have an effect on the student enrollment next year or in years to come.

“Factors that might impact our enrollment both positively and negatively change every year. We simply try to do our best to keep students and families informed,” May said. “When the events began, we started communicating directly with admitted students and their parents to help answer questions they may have.”

Still, senior Abe Drury said he worries the recent events on MU’s campus will negatively affect enrollment next year in some way or another. He said he thinks the school’s best option is to offer more incentives to incoming freshmen in order to keep enrollment numbers from dropping in future years.

“A lot of people are deciding what colleges to go to around now, so I assume that enrollment will suffer a little bit,” Drury said. “Mizzou will recover, I imagine, but next year’s freshmen class might be a little smaller than av-

erage.”

Even if these events dissuade some students from attending the school, Drury said he doesn’t believe the problems are large enough to convince him to attend another school.

“In the past and present, my thoughts have been that Mizzou is a very good state school that is financially friendly,” Drury said. “It would take a lot of problems to make paying more to go somewhere else worth it. And also, I don’t plan on becoming a racist in college so I might have an easy opportunity to be a part of the solution.”

Drury isn’t alone in his devotion to Mizzou. In fact, Greene said, many other students in MAC Scholars who were previously considering attending Mizzou in the fall still plan on applying in spite of the controversial attention the school has received.

“I know that we have several students in MAC scholars that are interested in Mizzou,” Greene said. “I don’t think that it’s going to change their opinion and maybe just more hope of things getting better for them, but I haven’t heard of anybody changing their minds as of yet.”

As for the students at the University, Hemwall said she believes many are looking for more influence at Mizzou and hopes the school will provide that

in the future.

“I don’t want to have a repeat of Concerned Student [1950] each time a new issue is brought up and needs to be dealt with. Yes, the students do have a voice via the protests, but it’s not a proper one,” Hemwall said. “I think Mizzou could learn something with letting everything be a little more student run when it comes to the board of curators and making decisions on expanding and cutting programs. If the students have more control, there will be better information on what should be improved or changed to work efficiently.”

Whether or not students are looking for a stronger voice or a safer campus, May said he hopes students remain aware of the positive changes and many incentives MU has to offer.

“This is a challenging time at the University of Missouri. That said, we are proud of the large number of faculty, staff and students who have come together and are working to make Mizzou a more inclusive campus that is respectful of our many diverse individuals and groups in our community,” May said. “We think Mizzou will be a very exciting place to be in the coming year with positive energy and exciting changes and hope you will be a part of our campus community.”

n March of 2016, the Missouri State Board of Education will decide whether or not to implement the new learning standards introduced by House Bill 1490.

The bill was originally rejected because it prohibited school districts from using Common Core standards, but was later changed to establish work groups that examine current learning standards and suggest revisions.

After Gov. Jay Nixon signed the bill in the summer of 2014, work groups began making changes and composed their final proposals this October.

CPS Language Arts and Social Studies Coordinator Nick Kremer believes revisions were necessary, but not in all fields of learning. He thinks they cause critical alignment problems since the new kindergarten through fifth grade standards are organized much differently than the sixth through 12th grade standards. This may cause incoming middle school students to be unprepared for higher level classes.

“I personally believe that revisions were largely unnecessary in language arts and mathematics, as the Common Core standards are coherently organized, appropriately rigorous and aligned to college and career readiness goals important for 21st century education,” Kremer said. “In Science and Social Studies, I think revisions to the Missouri learning standards were badly needed, in order to revamp those areas to be in line with the latest educational research.”

The fact that Common Core is privately owned irritates sophomore Cami Kudrna, especially since the people who develop it aren’t educators. To her it all seems more about money than education.

“I don’t think that Common Core should be used in any subject whatsoever,” Kudrna said. “It typically over-complicates problems when the material can be learned without the extra stuff that’s added.

If that aspect is still present in the [new] curriculum, then I don’t think the standards should be [implemented].”

Sophomore Connor Squellati said the issue with Common Core is that it teaches students on a foundation that’s suitable for the “average student,” even though it’s obvious that not all students are average.

“With the majority [of students] being exceptionally advanced in education, the lower-than-average students will struggle and not be able to keep up,” Squellati said. “Sometimes the regular, ‘average student’ might not do so well either because they might think differently. And just because someone doesn’t do well with the Common Core, doesn’t mean that they’re ‘stupid’. It just means that they think in a different way than everyone else. Hence, [Common Core] is unfair and steers some minds in the wrong direction.”

Although everyone agreed change in the curriculum was necessary, disputes arose among work group members since many were associated with the Missouri Coalition Against Common Core and were more concerned with abolishing current standards.

Continued on A3

news

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A3

Investigation uncovers lewd iPad misuse Continued from A1 In regard to individual iPad investigations, CPD Public Information Officer Latisha Stroer said each case would have to be looked at specifically to determine whether adults or children were involved.

“Some cases may not involve the child at all other than they were able to catch video evidence of an adult-on-adult crime on their school-issued device,” Stroer said in an email interview. “Bear in mind, digital device evidence could come into play on all kinds of cases from a simple harassment to a homicide.”

The investigation of the iPads came as a surprise to many students such as sophomore Tamara Holliday who said she uses a school-issued iPad for her AP World History class.

“When it comes to technological problems at the schools, the authorities don’t usually [investigate] from what I’ve seen,” Holliday said.

Not all of the 30 iPads taken as evidence under police custody were confiscated this year, notes Baumstark. She said law enforcement investigations “can take some time to complete,” and once the examination is finished, the iPad will be returned to the district.

The CPS technology usage policy states that “Use of technology resources in a disruptive, inappropriate or illegal manner…. may result in temporary, longterm or permanent suspension of user privileges...” according to the CPS policy page.

Because the iPad investigations are the result of a small percentage of CPS students using the devices inappropriately, Baumstark said the school district will not change their policy.

“The district has a comprehensive technology usage policy, which students and parents must agree to before a device is issued,” Baumstark said. “The district also has a sophisticated filter and monitoring system to deter and inhibit inappropriate use of the devices.”

She believes safety methods to oversee user activity and educating students on internet responsibility will help prevent inappropriate iPad usage in the future.

“Nearly all of our students are making good choices when it comes to appropriate use of technology,” Baumstark said. “We will continue as an organization to put safety mechanisms in place to filter and monitor usage and content. We will also continue to educate our students on appropriate usage.”

CPS has attempted to tighten their control over iPad use since they introduced them two years ago.

The district internet safety filter and firewall not only protects students from searching inappropriate content on school internet, but this year has also denied students access to social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Tumblr.

Holliday believes changes such as these actually benefit students who are prone to distraction. In her eyes, efforts to filter student accessibility to social media might help prevent students from sharing explicit content like those of the ongoing investigations.

“I like the idea of banning social media on [iPads] because of the fact that I get easily distracted on mine if I’m doing homework,” Holliday said. “Most social media and the posts that come with it are rather explicit on their own and sometimes provoke that kind of behavior in my opinion. So it seems like a good idea to me.”

In light of the current investigations, Baumstark believes CPS internet safety systems and student education is the key to halting inappropriate activity on school-issued iPads and all district devices.

“Providing safety mechanisms is just as important as educating students on making good choices and the power and longevity of the digital footprint they are creating for themselves,” Baumstark said. “Everything you put online is public. Everything you put online is permanent. There is no such thing as anonymous when it comes to technology and social media.”

infographic by Megan Goyette; source: Nick Kremer

Common Core or HB1490?

Educators debate new learning standards Continued from A2 Other members were educators looking to reduce the total number of learning standards required at each grade level. Although they eventually came to an agreement, Kremer said the learning standard issue is not fully solved yet.

“I believe the proposed K-5 standards in each content area need to be further revised in order to appropriately scaffold the skills students will need to be successful in secondary schools,” Kremer said, “If these revisions cannot be made, I think the State Board of Education should maintain the existing standards, which have a very strong vertical progression across all grade levels.”

Kudrna thinks Common Core standards should be completely abolished, particularly at the elementary level. She used the example that the current standards have kids learning from confusing graphics, like drawing 20 dots to show that they know how to add 12 and 8, which isn’t beneficial in the long run.

“Teachers have been told to start using lingo like ‘take a ten and regroup it as ten ones’ instead of simply saying ‘borrowing’,” Kudrna said. “There are problems given that don’t even require the skill that is being tested, and the answer is just given in the question. It’s very frustrating, and

on their different aspects and opinions,” education isn’t even being tested.”

Squellati agrees, saying certain sub- Squellati said. “Each student thinks differjects needed for specific future career skills ently, and changes in Common Core are should avoid Common Core because it necessary for all students to be successful doesn’t conform to each individual’s way in education and ensure a stable career in their future.” of thinking.

However, Kremer explained that reThe adjustment is especially true for gardless of what the language arts, he state does, CPS will said, as this is continue to utilize a subject where there shouldn’t be Each student thinks the Common Core a set expectation differently and chang- standards in English/ on writing style es in Common Core language arts, mathgiven to students. are necessary for all ematics and science.

For example, if students to be suc- Even if the new probstudents are techcessful in education lematic standards do nically correct, and ensure a stable get passed next year, their impact on stusetting extra stancareer in their future. dents will be minimal dards may place Connor Squellati as the district has no limits on their insophomore plans to immediately dividual voices’ assimilate to them. uniqueness.

“In doing so, we In spite of this, Squellati does believe there should be some would still be compliant with the proposed form of set structure when it comes to new standards, as they represent essenteaching students how to correctly and ef- tially the same content written in more gefectively use proper spelling and grammar neric language and, at times, less rigorous ways,” Kremer said. “If other districts opt in their writing.

“CPS should definitely consider chang- to abandon the Common Core, I think they ing the Common Core into a more lenient will lose the benefit of many great national system to allow equal flexibility to all stu- resources that have produced supporting dents and each individual to succeed based learning in those areas.”

Columbia drives for safety Club promotes new program, aids pedestrians Continued from A1 While Zhuang is careful, and to some extent fearful of drivers’ abilities to keep the road safe, she does believe that Columbia is helping ease those concerns, especially around schools. Zhuang would support Vision Zero if it was put into place, but she wishes more people shared her support.

“I feel that road improvements are important, especially in certain parts of town where I don’t feel quite safe on the road design. However, I feel that the education aspect is more important,” Zhuang said.

“Currently, a lot of information about road safety is kind of taught in one big chunk if it is taught to students. It is definitely a good idea, although I feel as if not enough

people are informed of it.”

Although the benefits of the project are evident in terms of pedestrian safety, students also find inconveniences that come as a result of Vision Zero.

Sophomore Lauren Hofmann agrees that safety is important and changes to the roads would provide that safety, she notes that Vision Zero would also come with a disruption of traffic. Hofmann believes once traffic is more pedestrian-led, its pace will decrease and students like her might not have extra time to spend.

“I live far away already. It takes me 15 minutes to get to school, even if there’s not traffic,” Hofmann said. “I probably would have to leave for school really early if these

[revisions] were implemented.”

Despite the challenge this would create for Hofmann, she still sees its benefits for herself and others.

These benefits are especially crucial to Hofmann, as six teens will die in a motor vehicle accident everyday, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

“It’s important to understand that the goal of Vision Zero is to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries…[such as] pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, transit users, etc,” Thomas said. “For some reason, we have accepted that traffic deaths are inevitable when in fact, with proper road design, legal enforcement, and community education, they’re not.”

Bill aims to limit bullying

infographic by Abby Kempf

Continued from A1 Senior Lindsay Morrison remembers being outside the school environment and experiencing her first encounter with being a victim of cyberbullying.

She was in middle school.

Her friend had broken up with her boyfriend, and he began to obsessively and aggressively post on her Facebook wall, begging for her to come back to him. Morrison was concerned for her friend, so she messaged the ex-boyfriend, asking him to leave her alone.

“He started messaging me on Facebook, sending me death threats, and as a middle school-

er, I was freaking out,” Morrison said. “I was like, ‘He’s gonna come to my house and kill me,’ because I don’t know this guy; I don’t know what he’s capable of.”

The messages left Morrison fearing for her life, and didn’t stop until her father intervened.

Assistant principal Dr. Darlene Grant has dealt with several cyberbullying cases in her 25 years as an educator. She hopes that the bill will serve more as a guideline for dealing with cyberbullying because each student and situation is unique.

With the increase of social media use, she has noticed an in-

crease in cyberbullying.

“We don’t want any kid to feel unsafe in school. We don’t want them to feel uncomfortable in school,” Dr. Grant said.

“School should be a place where every kid can be successful, has the right peer groups and is very productive while they are here.”

Although HB495 has the intentions of lessening cyberbullying off campus, the bill could be difficult to enforce in smaller school districts, Dr. Grant said. “[RBHS] is a very large school in a very large school district that has a lot of recourses to provide to students and has personnel that are able to handle

and respond to situations like this,” she said. “I can see this being difficult for schools that don’t have similar resources or the people with the right knowledge to handle a situation like this.”

Morrison said the law that would come from HB495 would give students peace of mind if they were in a situation of being cyberbullied.

“I feel like the teachers aren’t as involved as they could be,” Morrison said. “I would have felt safer knowing that more people are aware of the situation and are actively trying to stop it.”

A4 news

therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

Original server sparks concerns, forces transition skyler froese

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infographic by Joy Park; source: Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services School-Based Flu Vaccination Program Report 2014-15

Delayed vaccine delivery nudges back clinic date alice yu

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efore the Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) of Boone County’s Health Department began scheduling dates for their annual school-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) clinics, they knew there was going to be a delay in the delivery of FluMist from MedImmune, the sole manufacturer of a nasal spray flu vaccine.

As if one delay weren’t enough, MedImmune announced another delay midOctober, further reducing the amount of FluMist delivered.

SLIV clinics usually begin from late September to early October and are finished by the first or second week of November But, with two delays and the supply of FluMist decreased, the last clinic is set to take place at Rock Bridge Elementary on Dec. 16.

RBHS’s clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center lobby.

“Even though it’s late in the season, I still think that people should get the vaccine,” senior Jack Gabel said. “There are people who are allergic to the vaccines, so it is a social responsibility for people who can get vaccines to get them.”

A slow-growing strain used to produce this year’s seasonal flu vaccine was the culprit behind the first delay at MedIm-

mune. The blame for the second delay can be directed to certain lots of FluMist that were too potent.

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has to release the lots. They do a lot of testing to determine if things are within the correct parameters, and they had some lots that were too potent,” Trina Teacutter, public health nursing supervisor for the Health Department, said. “That even further reduced the amount of vaccine we were going to get, so we kind of had a double whammy this year with the flu mist.”

Last flu season, there was a lack of the Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV), which is administered through injection.

Because PHHS orders IIVs from two manufacturers, Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Sanofi was the company with the IIV shortage, the clinics still had IIVs from GSK to rely on. While the injectable flu vaccine supply isn’t experiencing any problems this year, the FluMist supply is certainly not at the levels it is expected to be at, compared to previous years, said Teacutter. Considering MedImmune is the only manufacturer of nasal spray vaccines, PHHS has no other company to turn to.

For last year’s flu season, the Health Department provided around 6,000 to 7,000 doses of the FluMist, said Teacutter, but this year, they’ve received less than 2,000 doses from MedImmune.

PHHS also offers free vaccines for students who can’t attend a SLIV clinic, as well as children who have Medicaid, are uninsured or underinsured through their Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

Students with a completed ‘2015 Influenza “Flu” Vaccine School-Based Clinic Consent Form’, a form all CPS students received with their ‘Schedule-Pickup’ packet, also receive free vaccines at PHHS. For junior Paige Rapisarda, opting out of the SLIV clinic and instead getting her vaccine at the Health Department is a habit she plans to maintain.

“I’ve always taken it at the Health Department ever since I’ve lived here,” Rapisarda said. “My mom works at a school so it’s not like I have something against taking it at school, it’s just something I’ve always done. I’m just more comfortable taking it at the Health Department.”

But with a nationwide shortage of the FluMist, every provider, not just SLIV clinics and the Health Department, is affected.

“I know a lot of parents are concerned about us vaccinating some schools in December and I just remind them again that the peaks of the flu seasons typically happen in January and February, so December is still a good time to get vaccinated,” Teacutter said. “We’re working really hard to get as many vaccinated as we can before you guys go on break.”

olumbia Public Schools plan to ring in the new year with a new district server. The change comes as the next step in the lengthy process of moving URLs in the district away from the long columbia.k12.mo.us to accomdate an updated server with a different company.

The new server requires the retirement of the old Wordpress server used within the schools. Content being moved includes CPS TV web videos, as well as some teacher web pages.

“Teachers who still have content on the old web server need to move it off by winter break,” Director of Technology services, Chris Diggs said. “This process has been going on for two years. We really need to cut it off and can no longer wait.”

Some CPS staff, like Digital Media teacher Patrick Sasser, have not faced any large disruptions from the final stages of the server change. Sasser’s class is Cloud based, thus not dependent on a physical location. While Sasser isn’t facing a challenge from the change, he acknowledges its potential effect on others.

“I know there are lots of teachers at RBHS that use shared drives to turn assignments in and to get materials out to students, so teachers who used the shared drives for those types of things would be impacted,” Sasser said. “Students would probably be impacted, too, if they were storing a lot of materials on those drives.”

Diggs said if a student tries to access unmoved content, the links will no longer work. While Senior Molly Sparkes has concerns about accessing the content she needs for her classes, she is more concerned about other students and her lack of information on the issue.

“To be honest I don’t really know what happened,” Sparkes said. “I feel like when stuff like that happens, students should be alerted at the same rates as the teachers, especially since we use the internet as much if not more than the teachers while at school.”

Sparkes’ secondary trepidation toward how well the server will work will be met with SchoolWires, the new server. This off-site company will become the host of the URLs associated with CPS, like each school’s home page. The company also assisted in the recent redesign of these web pages. The district turned to this company when the other server was initially compromised and it will be the newest CPS host.

While the word “compromised” brings to mind more malevolent images, Diggs assured that the change is normal, and the plan to move the content before their old URLs are deleted has been years in the making.

“We regularly retire hardware that is old and unable to run current versions of software,” Diggs said. “This server is part of that rotation to keep our infrastructure up to date.”

SERVING NO LONGER

The Rock asked 190 students, 10 percent of the student body, questions about the change in servers. infographic by Shelby Yount

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A6 editorials

therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

Filtering tragedy Viral internet fads after Paris attacks give people a false sense of support

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ince their first signs of widespread popularity in 2002 with the launch of the site Friendster, social media platforms have witnessed near continuous growth, with almost five new Facebook profiles created every second, according to zephoria.com.

The staggering number of social media users and the connectivity of such sites can provide many opportunities to raise widespread awareness and support for those affected by tragedy. With recent updates to Facebook allowing for users to post temporary profile pictures and use filters on their pictures related to a cause, these opportunities have only grown in the past months.

But all too often, it’s hard for legitimate sympathy to show through in these social media trends. With some using them as an opportunity to garner more likes and attention than support for a struggling community, these social media campaigns can quickly become nothing more than gestures that have lost any

Are social media trends after a tragedy empty gestures?

The Rock staff voted:

Yes: 10

No: 9

true meaning behind them.

After the tragedy in France nearly a month ago, Vice President of Facebook Messaging David Marcus encouraged users to temporarily change their profile picture by adding an overlay of the France flag “[to show] support for the people of Paris.”

But as Facebook feeds around the world filled with notifications of those who had already applied the filter to their images, it was all too easy to scroll past the abundance of French flags and the messages they carried — or rather, were meant to carry.

Of course, in the past, these same Facebook filters have been used successfully for events like cheering on favorite baseball teams in the World Series or showing support for the Supreme Court’s legalization of gay marriage — celebratory events that elicited pride or team spirit and encouraged the expression of such spirit to our friends. In light of a tragedy such as those in Paris, however, such filters have no place in the healing process for those affected by the tragedy.

Still, some will argue that these trends could be seen as acts of empathy toward those who are suffering, thereby contributing to the healing process in their own way. Even if people might see these filters and other trends on social media as beneficial to the cause, the meaningless intentions of some who changed their profile pictures to that of the French flag or posted various hashtags related to the event represent the desire to fit in with the crowd.

Such actions donate neither time nor money to the healing efforts in these regions, and offer little in the way of comfort to those who are

photo illustration by Devesh Kumar and Jaehyung Rhee

suffering.

This isn’t to say that following such trends can’t show support for those struck by tragedy — when posted along with a more individual message or following through with other forms of emotional or monetary support for those in need, these posts can represent people coming together to help a general cause. When the trends stand alone on one’s Internet profile, however, it’s hard to see them as much more than an attempt to create a sense of helpfulness amid widespread adversity.

Undoubtedly, those who experience disasters deserve unending support and messages of comfort from others in any form they can give. But the disconnect associated with social media hashtags or profile picture filters simply cannot convey the sort of understanding needed for these trends to truly be considered helpful to those affected by the tragedy. While the idea of solidarity may be nice, a flag on your Facebook feed or a hashtag on Twitter is not enough to show true awareness in light of the deeper tragedies our world faces today.

SCHAEFER’S RECENT ‘FLIP-FLOP’ Candidate carves out conservative stance 2008: Declared that “Academic decisions should be made by academics based on peer review standards and professional standards and not by politicians.”

2015: Wrote a letter to Chancellor Loftin asking for discontinuation of partnership between UM and St. Louis Planned Parenthood; research was fostered by several UM students.

2014: Stated “As far as restoring 100 percent federal poverty level eligibility [for Medicaid,] I support that.”

2015: Demanded that Medicaid funding only be allocated if forprofit companies oversaw the program.

infographic by Joy Park; source: 2008 source, 2014 source, 2015 source and 2015 source

Bipartisan system polarizes politicians abby kempf

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n psychology classes students conduct a conformity experiment that yields unsurprising, yet unsettling results. The outline follows psychologist Solomon Asch’s classic conformity test.

In Asch’s project, he had several confederates take a “line test” along with one unknowing subject. The experimenter told the group that the line test was to measure their visual perception, although this was not the case. In the test, three lines were displayed with another line marked as the model. The participants were to say which other line matched the height of the model line.

In each case, it was clear what the correct answer was.

For the first five set of lines, the confederates, along with the subject would give the correct answer. But on the sixth set, each confederate would state the obviously incorrect answer.

Many times the subject, showing much confusion and trepidation, would also give the incorrect answer even though he clearly knew it was wrong. If the subject didn’t conform the first time, after many rounds of the confederates all giving the incorrect answer, the subject nearly always caved in.

In the political arena, conformity earns candidates sen-

ate seats and other positions of power. Many politicians, on both the left and right side, tend to become more liberal or more conservative to gain the approval of their voters and fellow party members. This tendency is referred to as normative social influence.

One of our local politicians, Republican Missouri state Sen. Kurt Schaefer, who is currently vying for the position of attorney general, is a great example of the power of this normative social influence.

Initially beginning his career as a democrat in 2002, Schaefer emerged in the political playing field as a fairly moderate player. Even after he switched to the Republican party, he wasn’t a radical conservative and occasionally offered liberal remarks.

In 2012, he said he favored “the status quo that we have right now” regarding abortion laws.

Three years later, Schaefer is presenting himself as a very different man, arguably because his main GOP opponent for attorney general, Josh Hawley, is a conservative constitutional lawyer who wrote briefs for Hobby Lobby’s defense in the Supreme Court case Burwell v. Hobby Lobby regarding providing birth control. Schaefer’s holy crusade on Planned Parenthood stands out as his biggest flip-flop, and the one most relevant to Columbians. Schaefer called for

the St. Louis obstetrician and woman to opt to have an aborgynecologist Colleen McNich- tion. Schaefer would never had olas’ “refer and follow” privi- held such a position in 2008, leges to be discontinued by the when he said in a debate on University of Missouri. After whether embryonic stem cell placing pressure on the UM, research should be allowed: the UM Health Care medical “Academic decisions should staff voted Sept. 21 to com- be made by academics, based pletely eliminate “refer and on peer review standards and follow” privileges from the en- professional standards and not by politicians.” tire system.

Schaefer’s sudden switch But this victory wasn’t enough for Schaefer. He on abortion and the laws govwrote a letter to Chancellor R. erning the procedure represent Bowen Loftin asking for the only a small portion of his new discontinuation of a partner- political persona. The new, Schaeship between the UM and the fully-republicanized St. Louis Planned Parenthood. fer has used stamina, pressure and leverThe two age to pass, groups were Schaefer’s holy or at least working on encourage, a joint study crusade on dramatic to “gain a Planned Parentlegislature better unhood stands out that a past derstanding as his biggest Schaefer of the aborwould have tion deciflip-flop, and the sion-making one most relevant scoffed at.

Earlier process” to Columbians. this year, and several Schaefer UM students were involved in the re- ‘supported the private sector’ search. Schaefer said this was a by demanding that Medicaid violation of Missouri Revised funding would only be alloStatute, Chapter 188, Section cated if for-profit companies 188.205.1 which states, “It oversaw the program. Using shall be unlawful for any pub- his power as the appropriations lic funds to be expended for committee chair, a coveted pothe purpose of performing or sition that decides where large sums of money go to, he was assisting an abortion.”

At no point in this study able to pass this legislature did the students or the advisers without hearings or a solid perform or assist in an abor- plan for what this would actution. They were simply col- ally look like. A big change for lecting data on what causes a a man that once said, “as far as

restoring 100 percent federal poverty level eligibility [for Medicaid,] I support that.”

Last month, he proposed that the General Assembly abolish Kansas City’s earning tax after the City Council passed an ordinance increasing minimum wage, almost to threaten other cities who might do the same. This was to protect Americans’ “hard earned money” from the greedy, liberal government.

The power-mongering politician today is not like the once moderate, social justice seeker that first graced the Missouri senate ballots. This dramatic shift illuminates the trap of a two-party system, one that creates divide and extremism.

It is easy for people to say, “I am a liberal,” or “I am a conservative,” and to align themselves solely with that ideology, but the world is often much more grey.

Before you sign yourself over to a party, remember there aren’t just two sides to every issue and you don’t have to agree with a group every time.

Otherwise, you might become a person you don’t recognize.

What Schaefer said several years before he lost his identity and turned into the poster child of conservatism perfectly described the situation, “It is easy to get riled up by extremists’ rhetoric on both sides. Extremists may get elected, but moderates get things accomplished.”

Rock Bridge High School 4303 S. Providence Rd., Columbia, Mo. 65203 Vol. 43, Issue 4 December 10, 2015 Population: 1,884 Students, 170 Faculty Circulation: 1,500 Contact Information: Phone: 573-214-3141 Contact us at bearingnews.org Advertising: $50 - -1/4 Page $100 - - 1/2 Page $150 - - Full Page $200 - - Backpage The Journalism Newspaper and Honors Seminar classes produce The Rock, Bearing News and Southpaw.

The paper’s purpose is to accurately inform, educate and enlighten readers in an open forum.

The Rock is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Quill & Scroll.

Adviser: Robin Stover Editors-in-Chief: Abby Kempf, Jenna Liu, Alice Yu Production Manager: Alice Yu Art Editor: Stephanie Kang Design Editor: Neil Cathro Business Manager: Abby Kempf Photo Editors: Devesh Kumar, Caylea Ray News Editor: Ji-Ho Lee Features Editor: Grace Vance Editorials Editor: Jenna Liu Commentary Editor: Ashley Tanner In-Depths Editor: Abby Kempf A&E Editor: Katharine Sarafianos Sports Editor: John Flanegin Staff Writers: Grace Dorsey, Ronel Ghidey, Rochita Ghosh, Elad Gov-Ari, Skyler Froese, Cameron Fuller, Faaris Khan, Joy Park, Nicole Schroeder, Nikol Slatinska, Caylea Ray Artists: Erin Barchet, Neil Cathro, Megan Goyette, Ana Ramirez, Shelby Yount Photographers: Tyson Jamieson, Jaehyung Rhee, Cassidy Viox Videographer: Cameron Fuller

editorials

12.10.15 • www.bearingnews.org • therock

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Triggering the conversation Legislation needed to curb number of mass shootings

Firearm limitations infringe on Second Amendment rights

jenna liu

ji-ho lee

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obert Lewis Dear was not someone most would trust with a gun. His criminal record contained a restraining order and a Peeping Tom charge filed by a female neighbor. His wife once reported domestic abuse after Dear allegedly hit her and pushed her out of a window. In 1992, Dear was charged with raping a woman at knifepoint.

Despite this history of predatory behavior and violence, Dear purchased an AK-47-style gun. Last week, he used that gun to murder three people and injure nine at a Colorado Planned Parenthood. The tragedy in Colorado Springs marked the 351st mass shooting this year and was quickly followed by the San Bernardino shooting four days later, killing 14 people. There’s been 334 days in 2015. Those figures calculate to slightly more than one mass shooting per day, a statistic that is terrifying and shameful.

After 20 children died in the Sandy Hook shooting three years ago, members of Congress proposed a bipartisan bill that required simple background checks on private party firearm sales. Even this common-sense piece of gun legislation ignited deep opposition from gun rights groups.

The bill did not receive the 60 Senate votes needed to pass.

How many more lives must come at the cost of the gun lobby’s inability to compromise on reform?

These mass homicides do not begin to cover the countless accidental shootings that take place every day as a result of negligent gun owners. The United States leads the world in unintentional firearm deaths by far, with a rate double that of the next highest. David Hemingway, a researcher at the University of Michigan, also found that American children younger than 15 years old are nine times more likely to die from a gun than children in the rest of the developed world. Those numbers are shocking and unacceptable.

It’s clear that America has a gun problem. The question remains; is the public willing to do something about it?

There are a number of reasonable gun control options that would tighten loopholes and require more gun safety training. These are proposals that almost everybody can agree on. Gun rights lobbies such as the National Rifle Association, however, have engaged in so much fear-mongering that many people associate even the most simple of regulations with the complete violation of their Constitutional rights. Nobody is trying to round up all the guns and leave people completely defenseless. The hysteria surrounding gun control has reached a point where it is drowning out reasonable discussion in the political sphere.

What many proponents of gun control actually want are regulations that make sense and make a difference. If a background check at a gun show or an internet gun sale can minimize easy access to guns for mentally ill individuals or violent criminals, gun control has done its job.

There is no promise that gun control laws will magically stop all mass shootings and tragedies, but it seems incredibly irresponsible and callous not to attempt any legislative change in the face of dangerously familiar shootings.

The power to enact this change ultimately lies with each of us. From marching in rallies on Capitol Hill to writing letters to state representatives to volunteering with organizations like the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, there are myriad ways the average American can join the fight for a safer society.

A

fter removing themselves from an oppressive monarch, the Founding Fathers called for a government of laws, with the Constitution the most valuable of them all.

To this day, there is no text more respected, no statute more important than the Constitution, particularly the inalienable rights stated in the Bill of Rights.

However, certain leaders of this country have ignored the legislation found in the Constitution and Bill of Rights, especially the Second Amendment protecting Americans’ right to bear arms.

The Founding Fathers created the Second Amendment in response to dangerous British soldiers and the need for selfprotection.

Although the current situation of our country is not the same as in 1776, citizens still have the inalienable right to self-defense as well as the protection of families and neighbors.

Not only is the right to bear arms constitutionally established, but it is also judicially upheld. In McDonald v. Chicago, the High Court held that the right of an individual to “keep and bear arms” was protected by the Second Amendment. Their right to own firearms was incorporated by the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment which also applied to the states.

Despite the rulings of the Supreme Court and the federal laws established in the Constitution, the facts and numbers of school shootings are disturbing. But the tragic and unfortunate deaths of students were not because of the gun; they were because of the person holding the gun. It takes a severely distorted human, or someone driven by extremist religious views, to consciously pull a trigger, causing the death of an innocent civilian.

Of the six most fatal shootings in U.S. history, all six involved a perpetrator with mental illness or extremist ideas, while more than 62 percent of the 62 most fatal cases involved a mentally ill shooter.

Still, many feel guns should not be distributed to all citizens because of the grievous casualties displayed in these school shootings.

Indeed, government officials need to prevent fatal firearms from being placed in the hands of unstable, unhealthy people. But, the mistakes of a few mentally disturbed people should not strip others of a constitutionally promised right.

Furthermore, the implementation of strict gun laws do not always correlate to fewer homicides. For example, the United Kingdom enacted its handgun ban in 1996. After the ban was enacted, homicides reached a peak in 2003 at a rate of 18 homicides per million, according to the UK Office for National Statistics. Meanwhile, in Russia, the laws restricting firearms have been largely loosened, while the number of deaths via firearm has decreased.

The issue of gun control is not guns. Gun massacres are correlated to the mentally unstable people holding the guns, not the weapon itself.

Guns should not be wildly and blindly distributed to anyone who requests a firearm. But U.S. citizens deserve a right to self-protection and the government should fulfill its duty by enforcing the Constitution and bestowing the right to bear arms to responsible citizens.

To protect U.S. citizens’ basic right to own guns, don’t stay silent as legislation encroaches. The Constitution must be defended, lest the United States forget her doctrine.

photo illustration by Devesh Kumar

First Amendment misuse sparks dispute with UMC employees ji-ho lee

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uring the course of the past month, a series of disturbing events rattled Columbia. These incidents, which primarily took place at the University of Missouri — Columbia (UMC), bombarded the community with unprecedented drama and distress.

Many of the episodes were a result of protests, in which students and faculty, most notably Assistant Professor Melissa Click and staffer Janna Basler, participated. As a result of the debacle, the city of Columbia is investigating potential assault charges against Click.

The protesters’ opinions, which called for former UM system President Tim Wolfe’s resignation, were publicly displayed at the demonstrations — an action protected by the First Amendment right to petition and speech. Click, Basler and the supporting cast of students who surrounded them, however, would disallow reporters the same right that protected their actions.

Tim Tai and Mark Schierbecker were two such reporters. Both received aggressive requests from protesters to leave the scene and a large crowd of students attempted to push Tai

from the area. Furthermore, Click controversially stated, “We need some muscle over here.

Who wants to help me get this reporter [Schierbecker] out of here?”

Charges of assault have emerged.

The highly disturbing events that took place at the protests were not only embarrassing to students, faculty and the University, but were also an attack on the First Amendment. Not only is the charge against Click acceptable, but it is correct and should be extended to Basler,

who also hindered Tai, Schierbecker and other journalists.

The First Amendment is too often taken for granted. Furthermore, it is a law so well known and respected that it is rarely publicly neglected. When such action occurs, however, the public and government officials fail to respond in a correct manner. As a result, city officials must take proper action to attend to the issue.

The reporters engaged in the incident were exercising their First Amendment rights of as-

photo illustration by Neil Cathro and Cassi Viox

sembly, press and expression, which falls under the umbrella of speech. By inhibiting the reporters’ ability to accomplish their job, the protesters’ actions, although less severe and on a lesser magnitude, fall parallel to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, in which reporters who criticized the government were jailed.

When someone breaks a law, the penalty is criminal punishment or judicial oversight. This incident should be no different. The protesters, led by UMC employees, were committing a crime by preventing others from exercising their freedoms stated in the Bill of Rights.

People must take action, not only to punish the criminal behavior, but also to teach younger generations about the importance of the Constitution and to ensure that similarly troublesome actions do not occur again.

The protesters must have forgotten that the most significant, valuable and influential law in the United States applies to everyone, even the people that they don’t agree with. As citizens of the city and the country, we have the tremendous gift of perspective. It is our responsibility to respect, honor and obey the laws set forth by government and address the situations when that fails to occur.

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therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

features therock 12.10.15

photo illustration by Neil Cathro

How rolling tears leads to positivity grace dorsey

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ears aren’t only physical release of frustration or stress, but also a reflection of what’s going on with a person internally. Unfortunately, crying in public is often thought of as “weak” or “mopey” rather than both an opportunity to liberate stress and identify someone in need of support.

The forbidden act of crying while in public is a stigma evident in a study that showed nurses were more likely to achieve release (catharsis) by crying in public, as they weren’t scared of what others might do or say.

In fact, a poll by care2.com found that only 21 percent of people are comfortable crying in public.

So why does such a natural process have such a negative connotation?

Sophomore Olivia Rothwell agrees that publicly crying is associated with negative feelings, such as

embarrassment and shame. Rothwell herself avoids crying in public and believes social rules are what enforce the aversion to public displays of emotion.

“I think society has [created a stigma], and it’s led to the personal belief that you shouldn’t do it. Society has made [it so if] you cry in public, you’re a crybaby,” Rothwell said.

“It’s embarrassing, everyone tries to get in your business. They don’t take you seriously from that point on, and so it’s usually something people don’t like to do.”

Sophomore Ben Clinton knows that same feeling of preventing himself from crying. He recounts that in second grade he did cry, but it was “super embarrassing and awkward.”

Clinton believes that gender plays a role in outwardly showing emotion.

“You only ever see girls crying in the hallways of school, or really anywhere. You don’t see guys break down and cry, probably because guys hide their emotions more,” Clinton

said. “Guys don’t really want to show over events not viewed as traumatic anyone what we’re thinking. We are labeled as ‘over emotional’ or don’t want to seem unmasculine.” sometimes even ‘crazy,’” Arth said.

Furthermore, Clinton explained “In general, society continues to that even socialize men to though he is believe crying is uncomforteffeminate and a [People] don’t able with weakness, while we take you seriously himself crystill socialize others ing, he nevfrom that point on, to believe it is more er would ‘normal’ or ‘acceptand so it’s usually associate able’ for women to something people those same cry because they don’t like to do. thoughts are more ‘emotionand feelolivia rothwell al beings.’” ings toward Arth believes sophomore American societal someone he ideas about not saw crying.

Instead, Clinton would hope the only crying, but also other ‘unpleasperson felt better soon, or if he/she ant’ emotions, prevent people from were his friend, he would try to con- communicating to others’ needs. This sole them. can lead to unhealthy habits when it Emily Arth, an outpatient thera- comes to relationships, with patterns pist, knows that gender stereotypes of passive aggression and negligence.

“Both men and women have emoaffect emotional response.

“I think a lot of people who are tions and often people suffer due more comfortable crying in public to their inability to express them-

selves and process their emotions in a healthy way,” Arth said. “Culture also has an effect on how we socialize people to express emotion. America has its own culture and social constructs, as do all other countries and communities around the world.”

Regardless of if a person cries in public or private, it’s still a sign the person may be emotionally compromised, according an article by scienceline.org.

Rothwell believes the best course of action when someone sees another crying isn’t to judge them but to help, when and if they can. She herself knows everyone goes through hard times and it can be hard to hold it in.

“It’s okay to cry [because] everyone cries. We all have reasons. If you feel like you’re going to embarrass yourself, or if you feel uncomfortable, then go to a place you feel comfortable,” Rothwell said “If you have a friend or even just a teacher, I think that’s always a good place to go because you can talk it out .”

A new side of sustainability RBHS students show passion for environment grace vance

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n a school that has 50 different clubs and ten branches of Rock Bridge Reaches Out (RBRO) volunteer programs, RBHS is not new to helping the campus and community.

Junior Sam Baumer, one of the RBRO core leaders of Environmental Coalition, was almost predestined for his position in the recycling club.

With both of his parents in the sustainability job sector — his mother working in the conservation department for more than 25 years and his father working as a water quality engineer for more than 30 years — his background made him aware of environmental issues early on.

“Both of my parents have stressed the importance [of sustainability] and have raised me to treat the Earth with respect,” Baumer said.

Also a member of Environmental Coalition, sophomore Anna Inslee works to improve conditions of the Earth around the school and beyond.

To add to her sustainability efforts, she con-

vinced her family to start recycling at home as well as plant flowers that aid the bees in pollination.

“Since [my mom] always plants flowers around spring and summer, I just asked her to find ones that would be better for bees specifically,” Inslee said.

“I also do things like Clean Up Columbia. It’s an annual Columbia [event] where you’re assigned an area that you pick up trash [or recycle] with a group of people. [I have gone] three times.”

While Inslee and Baumer were drawn to sustainable efforts through their own interest, EEE (Exploring Educational Excellence) teacher Gwen Struchtemeyer was led to school environmental activities through the students that frequent her classroom.

“Mostly students who hang out in this room are involved in this club,” Struchtemeyer said. “As a result the gifted education specialists have often [overseensustainability clubs] because he or she would see those students most often.”

Even with the support RBRO core clubs provide

to enact environmentally friendly methods to the school, Struchtemeyer still believes some improvements could be made.

“I do think that we could improve the recycling in this building profoundly by having more recycling bins. There is no budget for what we have, but I think that could be something that we do,” Struchtemeyer said. “I have a [recycling bin] outside my door, but what I notice is that even though it says, ‘Recycle, recycle’ all over it, half of the time I’m digging trash out of it.”

In the past few years, the popularity of the buzzword “sustainability” has fluctuated.

In 2014, Toyota started working on a car that would emit water and heat rather than gasoline, according to ecowatch.com.

A photo by Cassi Viox

C

photo by Devesh Kumar

B photo by Devesh Kumar

A. Thoughtful outerware: Juniors Tyra Bias and Divya Divya gather to make t-shirts during a RBRO True/ False Film Core activity.

Read more on Bearing News

D photo by Cassi Viox

C. Group Effort: Pennella, and sophomores Dominic Williams, Kathleen Meninger and Michael Stephens clean the campus of trash.

E photo by Cassi Viox

E. Health sustainability: Junior Divya Divya writes a donation card to the B. Lending a hand: Senior Michael D. Making t-shirts and memories: American CanPennella picks up trash around RBHS Junior RonTayza Hill laughs at a True/ cer Society.

False Film Core meeting. for Roots and Shoots.

B2 features

therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

Leaving the den

Students prepare for early graduation elad gov-ari

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t this time next year, junior Gabbi Schust, like her classmates, will be studying for final exams. The difference is she will be on a college campus instead of in the halls of RBHS. Schust is one of nine students who will graduate early this year.

“I have doubled up on classes some years in order to make up for the gap. For instance, this year I’m taking AP English Language/AP United States History as well as AP Government,” said Schust, who said she had finished her math requirements by the end of her freshman year.

“That has really allowed me to take all the core classes I needed without having to worry as much about taking electives. Last year I took chemistry and honors biology at the same time, which has allowed me to get all of my credits out of the way.”

RBHS counselor Dr. Jordan Alexander says graduating early can be difficult, as some students may not be mentally prepared to start college without that additional fourth year.

“Graduating a full year early is a challenge for most students,” Alexander said. “It’s definitely possible as we have students who do that quite often. It requires planning from almost sophomore year in terms of gathering those additional credits. This typically involves summer school and the students would need to focus on that early on. Graduating a semester early is also possible, and it can be done as late as junior year.”

For students to graduate early, they would have to double up on some classes, specifically English and math in order to be able to graduate in December, but that is primarily based off their choice of post-secondary education.

Different motives have pushed students to consider graduating early. Initially, for Schust, the idea of spending a year abroad was enough for her to take the challenge on.

“I originally wanted to graduate early in order to spend a year studying abroad but still not be a year behind my class,” Schust said. “My plans have now changed, though and I’m thinking of going straight to college. Academically, it hasn’t really been an issue. I have taken a very rigorous course load, so I don’t think I will be behind my peers in college.”

Schust is also fairly independent, so she thinks being away from home will be a refreshing change.

Likewise, sophomore Hannah Potter said the appeal of college has driven her to arrange her high school classes with hopes to graduate

early.

“I’m planning to graduate a full year earlier,” Potter said. “This seems like the right choice for me as I intend to go to law school, which is an extra four years on top of the regular four of college, and so the earlier I start, the earlier I get out. I’ve also been recruited [to attend] by some colleges such as Notre Dame and Yale, and they all look so interesting and fun, so I’m really looking forward to start my college career.”

Dr. Alexander, however, does not think everyone will be prepared to take the leap.

“Students have several reasons they want to graduate early,” Alexander said. “The one that’s most appealing, I think, is that they want to proceed with their post-secondary experience sooner.”

Alexander has had students who have graduated a full year early, applied to college and attended what would have been their senior year.

“There are obviously both advantages and disadvantages to this, starting with the fact that you might not be as well prepared with three years as you would be with four years of school, and for some mature students, this option certainly makes sense,” Alexander said.

“Some students want to take a gap year or gap semester to get some work experience or travel or take some part-time courses and that makes sense as well. “ Schust, despite taking rigorous classes at RBHS, still feels she had an advantage having attended Columbia Independent School (CIS) up until the seventh grade.

“It helped me gather my required credits because they had a mandatory foreign langauge program.” Schust said. “This required that you take Spanish until the 6th grade, and I actually continued to take it all the until I left, which granted me a Spanish credit. Also, CIS is about two years ahead of CPS in math, so I took Algebra One as a seventh grader, Geometry in eigth grade and Algebra Two as a freshman. All this put me on the fast track to getting my math credits out of the way, and made it easier to attain the rest.”

Although graduating early has a certain appeal, Alexander suggests another alternative that could perhaps give the best of both worlds.

“The other thing we always talk about as counselors with graduating early is going part time senior year,” Alexander said. “Going part time allows you to finish the courses you need throughout the year and then you can also enroll part time in college classes at local universities, so it’s possible to have kind of one foot in high school and still get the head start on college.”

For me, it was easy to give up my AUT and take the extra class I would need. I am excited for college, and I’m ready to move onto that part of my life.

I had set myself up for early graduation by taking summer school classes throughout my high school career.

marley wurzer junior

bryce banks senior

How are your classes preparing you for your future?

infographic by Ana Ramirez; source: isu.edu

Gap year opens students’ eyes to outside world ronel ghidey

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ith gap year programs becoming a more financially available option for students, high school graduates like Hayley Wilson, an alumna of 2015, have decided to take one as an alternative to traditonal graduate plans.

Gap year is a program connecting high school graduates to their future plans, as graduates can choose different places around the world to study or volunteer for a year or two before returning to the workforce or attending a four-year college.

For Wilson, that was the plan. After the rush of her last days in America, trying to spend as much time as possible with friends and family while packing for the year ahead, Wilson left for Cambridge, England to do an apprenticeship at a local church that she had made personal connections with. Her travels didn’t come without sacrifice, though. This year, she’ll only see her family a total of two weeks.

Despite the distance from her family, Wilson said her choice to take a year off was beneficial and that it changed her perspective on not only her life but the world around her.

“Going in, I had the gap year mindset: this is just a year of my life that I am dedicating to service and ministry and then I will go back to the U.S. and go to college as planned.

Being here for three months now, I have already learned so much about myself, my identity as an American, the English culture and my faith,” Wilson said. “I was warned that a gap year would change my perspective on the future drastically, and how true this is. For me, this has meant applying to universities in the UK now as well, since I hope to continue learning from the wonderful, odd culture I’ve been living in, as well as continuing my education.”

Contrary to common belief that taking a year off from school might make students lose their drive for education, a study from the Wall Street Journal shows that nearly 90 percent of students who take a gap year return to school. Also, more than 60 percent of those students take their grades and school more seriously after, and even score better on standardized testing.

Guidance counselor Leslie Kersha said the reason there’s still only a few students in these programs is that most people don’t know much about

them. surement for students who take gap “I had one student who has gone years, a recent survey from the Highthrough the Americorp program, and er Education Research Institute at the he really just wanted to travel and University of California, Los Angejust have the opportunity to meet new les showed that out of the 300,000 people at a different location,” Ker- incoming college freshmen, only 1.2 sha said. “For students like him, even percent waited a year to enter college. if it’s Americorp, they usually want Senior Anna Hickman will be a to take a break from school while still part of that 1.2 percent.

Of the many having an experience that abroad prowould help grams availThis is just a year able, she’s them build a of my life that I am choosing beresume and dedicating to sertween three just be a posidifferent protive influence vice and ministry grams. One is on them. But and then I will...

Link Year, a in the end I go to college as program based think that it’s planned. out of Branimportant to hayley wilson figure out the son, Missouri.

RBHS graduate right fit. Some that focuses on students who equipping their it may be very beneficial for are those participants spiritually and also prowho aren’t ready for the college rig- viding opportunity to gain college or, or don’t know what they want to credit. Another is Food Corp, which do; there are all sorts of reasons.” is a group through Americorp whose Regardless of the statistics and mission is to provide volunteering the increase of students choosing to services within the U.S. Food Corp, study or travel abroad directly after gives grant money to certain indihigh school, gap years are still not a viduals that can go towards tuition or student debt and has a program commonly used option.

Although there’s no specific mea- in Amsterdam where she would live

and serve at a Christian hostel open to the public.

Hickman says that although she’s still applying to colleges, she’s set on doing a gap year because she’s unsure of what she wants her future to hold.

“I want to take a gap year for many reasons. For one I’m not super set on one college yet and I also have no idea what I want to major in, not because I haven’t discovered a passion but because there are so many things I’m passionate about.” Hickman said. “Also, this is the best time for me to just travel, have fun and simply learn. I don’t want to be ignorant to the world around me.”

Wilson agrees with Hickman on her decision to take a year to travel abroad, as she wished to explore the cultures of the world outside the United States.

“I’ve learned that as Americans we tend to think we have all the answers and that our way is the best way. We need to learn from those around us and teach each other, as well,” Wilson said. “No one has all the answers, or necessarily the right ones, but it is so important for us to be able to talk through and better understand our differences and where people are coming from.”

indepths therock 12.10.15

t r a p a n o i t a n a g n i r a te school shows support in wake of parisian terrorist attacks joy park

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he evening of Friday, Nov. 13, RBHS French teacher Kristin Reed and her family were making lefse, a thin flatbread made from a potato-based dough, when Reed’s Norwegian holiday festivities were cut short.

She received from word-of-mouth that Paris was under attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The attacks claimed more than 120 Parisian lives.

“It breaks our hearts. This attack is so sickening for the entire world, and it enrages me that these [terrorists] try to impose their ideas by violence and terror,” Reed said. “It increases all of our feelings of patriotism and hope for love and peace.”

At approximately 9:20 p.m., the first of three bombs detonated during a France-Germany soccer match at Stade de France. Among the spectators was French President François Hollande, who was quickly evacuated from the venue after the explosions.

Simultaneously, gunmen opened fire at restaurants and cafes — Le Carillon, Le Petit Cambodge, La Bonne Bièrein, La Belle Equipe and Comptoir Voltaire — in the 10th and 11th arrondissement, killing around 40 people.

At 9:40 p.m., three attackers opened fire in the Bataclan concert venue where an American band, Eagles of Death Metal, performed to a full house of 1,500 people. The Bataclan attack was the deadliest, leaving 89 civilians dead.

RBHS students, along with the rest of the world, awaited further details in silent horror.

“It was very confusing at first because [people] only hear a flash of information on the news,” Kayla Glaser, copresident of French Honors Society (FHS), said. “It was very alarming and it brought a lot of questions to mind.”

When RBHS French students returned to class on Monday, Nov. 16 after a three-day weekend, they found the classroom atmosphere dull and desolate. Regular classroom protocol consisting of conjugations and vocabulary were put aside, discussing the matter at hand more than 4,000 miles away.

Reed utilized the full 90 minutes of class time to discuss Paris, accompanying it with provoking questions on a 17-slide Power Point.

What do we do with people we are in conflict with? What do we do with people that hate us? How can we bring back kindness?

“I was impressed with all of my students the week following the attack,” Reed said. “We had discussions and watched a variety of news video clips. They were compassionate, knowledgeable and they really cared. That made me so happy.”

In addition to conversing, RBHS French students showed their support and love to Paris by coloring sheets of paper blue, white and red, writing a short message in French on the bottom. Some incorporated French artist Jean Jullien’s “Peace for Paris” logo.

Reed brought up the idea during their weekly Sunday collaboration. RBHS French teacher Wyatt Shults and Reed carried out the idea the next day in class to make the idea an uplifting reality.

“The significance [of the paper flags] was to show love, support and desire for peace,” Reed said. “The artwork in the middle of the French flag is a symbol that was circulating on social media in support of Paris following the attacks. The students showed pride and felt connected.”

Also gaining attention on social media was a heart-wrenching video of a Parisian father reassuring his six-year-old son that they were still safe in their home, France, amidst all the violence. The father persuaded his son that everyone was laying down flowers to fight against the guns, and that the candles were lit to honor the victims of the attack. Captured and posted by Le Petit Journal Nov. 16, the video racked up more than 17.5 million views on Facebook.

It was a reminder for all that love comes in all colors, shapes and sizes, and that it, too, can conquer fear.

“It’s definitely a cute, inspiring video,” Glaser said. “But at the same time, you’re hearing from a small child saying that there are bad people in the world, that they have guns and that they’ll hurt us. That’s very shocking. In America’s culture today, most kids can go to school and feel safe. We don’t have to worry about safety, but for this poor child to have to worry about such things is really saddening and alarming.”

Read the full story at BearingNews.org art by Neil Cathro

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bigotry, islamophobia impacts local muslims alice yu

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t’s not obvious senior Hanna Abdulkhaleq is Muslim. On a normal school day, you won’t see Abdulkhaleq wearing a hijab, and she could easily blend into the crowd. But when she leaves the Islamic Center of Central Missouri (ICCM), Columbia’s mosque, with a hijab on, she’s greeted with an attitude of wariness and suspicion in downtown Columbia.

“When I did wear a hijab one day, I was coming out from the Mosque, and I was just going downtown with my friends,” Abdulkhaleq said. “A group of guys rolled down their windows and was just like, ‘Osama Bin Laden,’ and shouted other slurs similar to that.”

This anti-Muslim sentiment, sometimes referred to as Islamophobia, existed before the attacks on the World Trade Center, but the 9/11 bombings served as a catalyst for the rapid rise in this view. After every terrorist attack associated with Islam, a hike in Islamophobia is sure to accompany the influx of sympathy for victims.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks as well as the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, four in 10 Americans acknowledged some feelings of prejudice against Muslims, according to a 2006 USA Today Gallup poll. The Pew Global Attitudes Project found that roughly half of non-Muslims in Western Europe and the United States viewed Muslims as violent, even when a majority of Muslims are not, according to a report authored by Neil Smelser and Faith Mitchell and released by the National Academies Press. The reactions following the Nov. 13 Paris attacks, the San Bernardino shootings and the London stabbing once again led to spikes in Islamophobia.

Within a week after the attacks, 31 state governors protested the admission of Syrian refugees from settling in their state for fear that militants planning a terror attack would try to enter the nation as a refugee, according to CNN. “I don’t think that it’s right that [state governors] should do that because it’s not [the Syrian refugees’] fault,” senior Noah Mafrakis, Muslim Student Union (MSU) vice president said. “In Syria, their homes are being destroyed. They have nowhere else to go, so they need a place to stay, a place that’s safe and closing borders, that’s not helping anything.”

Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri rejected proposals from the Missouri legislature to join the 31 other state governors in protest.

With more than half of the U.S.’ governors vowing to reject the Obama administration’s efforts to resettle Syrian refugees, the Office of Refugee Resettlement reminded resettlement officials that states themselves do not have the legal authority to refuse Syrian refugees, according to CBS News.

“People are just ignorant and think that the whole group is just representing all of the Muslims,” Abdulkhaleq said. “I think that’s definitely a huge thing that’s stopping us from getting along.”

Even though Abdulkhaleq experienced instances of prejudice in Columbia, she says the occurrences are rare and Columbia is a safe and accepting community for Muslims. Adam Zino, the outreach officer for the ICCM, agrees the social climate in Columbia is an open-minded one.

“I believe Columbia is an extremely unique community, being a college town.

It is filled with many people who challenge ideas and seek to fully understand everything they encounter,” Zino said. “As such, I believe that this significantly reduces the presence of anti-Muslim sentiments because many of these individuals challenge the ideas regarding Islam that predominate what is heard on the news and in doing so, find that the manner in which Islam is portrayed is counter to the true and correct teachings of Islam.”

Abdulkhaleq and senior Ferris Dweik, co-presidents of RBHS’ MSU, try to facilitate communication among the Muslim community and other students. Even with prejudice working against them, MSU members are trying to dissolve misunder-

infographic by Neil Cathro; source: psychologytoday.com,

standings about Islam.

“Once you hear something in the media, you just kind of stick to it. I feel like the media just talks about the negative for Islam on the most part, and when they do, of course people are going to get that idea, ‘Oh, Islam equals bad, equals violence,’” Abdulkhaleq said. “It’s our job as a Muslim community just to show people the positive and spread that so then people start to change their minds about Islam.”

Just the simple act of friendship can remove layers of prejudice and misconceptions. Some of Abdulkhaleq’s friends have expressed a deeper understanding of Islam that wouldn’t exist had they not been friends.

By showing Islam in a different light than how the media commonly portrays it, members of MSU hope to give the community a better, more holistic view of Islam and what it truly emphasizes, said Dweik.

“The biggest thing that we try to do in this Columbia community is we try to just show everyone who we actually are,” Dweik said. “It’s really just about being kind and showing Islam as what it really is.

I’ve seen around in a lot of places, that is what works. It’s not about being hateful.”

But with the media coverage following a terrorist attack associated with ISIS— like with the Paris attacks—the finger pointing sometimes extends past the extremist Muslim community and is directed toward Islam as a whole.

“I guess it just comes down to researching it yourself,” Dweik said. “What’s important is for people to look into things themselves and not just listen to what the news says, what the media says, because they have their own ideas as well that might be different from yours.”

An article published in June by the Clarion Project, an organization with the focus of exposing the dangers of Islamist extremism, cited that the Islamic State of Iraq the Levant (ISIS) has up to 42 million supporters in the Arab world and warned readers of ISIS’ potential for growth. Even with the intent to help the public understand Islamist extremists, the Clarion Project provided misleading numbers.

The report combined four polls conducted by four separate organizations that asked different questions—one asked whether a respondent considers ISIS a terrorist movement and another inquired about which faction respondents favored in the Syrian civil war—and used data collected on only 11 countries to determine the temperament of all 22 Arab speaking countries, according to an article released

by Georgetown University.

Furthermore, 42 million supporters may have the appearance of an overwhelming and alarming statistic, but of the 1.6 billion adherents of Islam, 42 million comes up as only 2.6 percent.

Even in a Pew Research Center report released on Nov. 11 countries with significant Muslim populations overwhelmingly expressed negative views of ISIS. While the more recent percentages estimates a pool of 64 million ISIS supporters, 64 million only comes up as 4 percent of all Muslims.

After the world witnessed another act of terror carried out by extremist Muslims, many solidified their idea that Islam is synonymous with violence, using less than 3 percent of a population to determine the ideals of an entire denomination. But for the other 1.6 billion adherents of Islam, they know a world much different than what the media portrays, a world where they, like many other religions, live peacefully.

“Honestly, we live our lives like everybody else, just practicing a different religion than others,” Abdulkhaleq said. “I do not promote violence. I hate violence, and in Islam, the word in Arabic translated to English means ‘peace,’ and ‘salam alaykom’ is what we say to everyone. It’s like saying ‘hi,’ but, ‘peace be upon you.’

I’d say, Islam is very peaceful, but in the media, it gets portrayed as very violent.”

Scan the QR code on the In-depths cover to read the full story.

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infographic by Neil Cathro; source: thinkprogress.org

tweet tweet

To

rochita ghosh

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he French flag no longer flies just in reality. Since the terrorist attacks in Paris, thousands of users across Facebook and Twitter overlaid the French flag onto their profile pictures, feeling compelled to act and help somehow.

In response to these feelings, Facebook introduced a filter that users could easily utilize, hoping to show support for the victims in Paris.

Rachel Proffitt, AP World History and AP Psychology teacher, said reaching out to those who have suffered is a natural human response to make people feel linked to one another because of a shared humanity in times of tragedy.

“People are born wired for connection with others, both animal and human,” Proffitt said.

“We cannot exist without support from others, and, therefore, we empathize when others are in pain. Even something that happens far away can trigger a strong response in us and a desire to help.“ Because of this attachment, humans inherently seek out companionship among one other, as people need each other in order to not only to survive, but also live.

“From an evolutionary perspective, we are simply not capable of surviving without a group,” Proffitt said. “We need help growing food and protecting ourselves and our young from predators. Therefore, we have evolved to not only take pleasure from social interaction and physical touch, like being held by our mothers as babies, but to really need these

or not to

things in order to thrive.” the Western world, Besser says, and because of In the case of Paris, social media actions such that, there is a greater need to concentrate on as hashtags and filters were meant to replicate events that occur outside of the West. this connection of support to the victims of “This happened in France, and we’re going the attacks, or at least that’s why senior Jamey to hear about it because Europe and America Jackson applied the filter to her Facebook pro- are very connected in many cultural aspects file. She hopes that by applying the filter, some- so it gets a lot more coverage,” Besser said. “I one in Paris feels supported, and is glad to see think we should focus on bringing awareness that many profiles don the French flag as well. to the things and places that people don’t hear “I am proud that many Americans and many about, because they deserve attention, too.” others from all over the However, Jackson beworld are reaching out to lieves the attention reParis,” Jackson said. “We ceived by Paris is justified I am proud that all share a common fear because of how detrimenmany Americans of terrorism and the want tal the event is on a global and many others to put an end to it.” scale, in regards to terrorWhile Facebook creism. from all over the ated the filter with the Alan Manevitz, a psyworld are reaching intent of empathy, some chiatrist in New York who out to Paris. people see it as a sign of is nationally and interjamey jackson nationally recognized in a western-centric culture. senior particular for his skills in For sophomore Valerie Besser, she believes the treating Post-Traumatic filter is selective, compared to other places that Stress Disorder, says the Paris attacks bring into suffered tragedies in the same time frame but perspective on how the threat of terrorism can received less media attention, such as Beirut affect America. and Baghdad.

“We have never faced this kind of terrorist “There’s nothing wrong with having a re- threat before,” Manevitz said. “It’s new. As action, but having such a big reaction to Paris never before, the risk of terrorism is now real while other places are completely ignored is for each one of us in America. Before, it used not great,” Besser said. “Social media can be to be something that might happen to ‘them,’ really good at bringing awareness to things, but somewhere else. Now, as never before, the risk it should be for everything, not just select inci- is to you and me, not just ‘them.’” dents.”

Manevitz cites the idea of risk-perception; The focus of the media is predominantly on when people are more aware of a risk, the more

afraid they are of the risk occurring. In America, this fear grows larger from the uncertainty surrounding terrorist acts taking place in the country.

“We don’t know what [attack] may come next, or when, or where, or even who the ‘bad guys’ really are, or where they are, or whether they are among us,” Manevitz said. “The more uncertain we are, say the risk-perception studies, the more afraid we are.”

Jackson believes social media enables societies around the world to bond together under a shared fear and cause, but feels cautioned because of how it can twist the story. “[Social media] can give lies and false information, then the issue can get blown out of proportion,” Jackson said. “I don’t think we can credit anything from social media as a reliable source, but it can be a good way of bringing sympathy and understanding to a tragedy, like with the Paris attacks.”

As communication across the world becomes easier through these websites, a heightened sense of urgency comes, Proffitt says, but people cannot take action for a cause they have not heard of. While Besser thinks social media directs its attention onto global crises disproportionately, Proffitt says the medium prompts empathy for the people involved and as a result, any following response.

“When we can actually see pictures of events and read about them as they are happening, it makes us feel like we are there, and we can empathize with those in danger,” Proffitt said.

“This is what spurs us to action.”

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Keeping it real with television nikol slatinska

I

f “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” is bad for the brain, then 8.4 million Americans are destined for destruction, according to socialbakers.com.

For those who enjoy watching reality television shows like “The Voice,” “Dance Moms” and “Chopped,” it’s debatable whether or not it’s a waste of time to spend your life watching someone else’s.

Anything can be harmful when taken to the extreme claims Dr. Erik Gregory, executive director of the Media Psychology Research Center of Boston.

“Eating only fast food or hyperexercising is equally as problematic,” Gregory said. “[It becomes harmful] when watching TV takes away from other experiences such as being with friends, family or outdoors.”

Sophomore Brayden Hawkins feels an almost familial connection to reality stars, saying scripted shows aren’t believable.

“You actually get to see what’s going on [in people’s lives],” Hawkins said. “Also, I actually watch them. Other shows I just put on in the background for noise and occasionally look at them.”

Like Hawkins, sophomore Billie Huang enjoys all the drama and the way reality television keeps her up to date on style trends, but doesn’t find it completely convincing.

“Not everyone becomes a millionaire from porn,” Huang said, referencing none other than Kim Kardashian and her now infamous sextape.

Despite the lewd connotation, Huang still watches the Kardashians, as well as “House Hunters,” “Top Chef” and “Catfish.”

photo by Tyson Jamieson

Never going out of style: A student watches an episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”. Despite its popularity, the show is currently on its eleventh season but nowhere near the longest-running reality TV show. According to msn.com, the longest aired reality shows are “The Real World,” “Big Brother,” “The Amazing Race” and “American Idol.”

Also a Kardashian fan, Hawkins’ favorites include “Big Brother,” “19 Kids and Counting” and “Worst Cooks in America.”

He finds the latter particularly relatable because he is a self-proclaimed terrible cook, specializing only in ramen noodles.

The show, which airs on Food Network, inspired Hawkins to attempt cooking on more than one occasion. One of those times was when he tried making cinnamon rolls with his aunt. The recipe required one fourth of a teaspoon of salt, but Hawkins put in one fourth of a cup of salt instead.

Aside from their relatability, Hawkins likes that reality shows educate him on current events.

“Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” for instance, often includes political matters in episodes, like when middle sister Kim addressed racial issues around the world and how they made her worry about her biracial daughter, North West, growing up in a prejudiced society.

“You’re not going to learn anything if you only watch fictional shows,” Hawkins said. “All they do is take up your time.”

In contrast, Huang believes seeing too much of other people’s

lives causes viewers to feel jealous over the glamour and not appreciate what they have in their own lives.

Despite Huang’s opinion, Gregory said enjoying reality television doesn’t mean one has a voyeuristic personality.

He associates people’s need to watch the lives of others with the fact that they are just naturally curious about how others behave and interact. Reality television can give people the feeling that they are a part of what’s happening on the screen.

“People choose different types

of media and entertainment to consume,” Gregory said. “In this case, reality television allows people to vicariously live through the experiences of others.”

Although Gregory believes it’s not harmful to enjoy reality television, one must realize that it’s anything but reality.

“Reality television may seem real to many,” Gregory said. “But it is carefully scripted and edited like most television programs and holding it as a basis of authentic interaction or interaction applicable to the outside world is going to be incorrect.”

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sports therock 12.10.15

photos by Cassi Viox

administer multitude of advantages faaris khan

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he popularity of sports is on the rise.

According to a June 2015 study conducted by Gallup, 59 percent of Americans are fans of professional sports, compared to 54 percent in 2007.

While many enjoy watching professional athletics, playing these sports is a also hobby for others. Ranging from the physical sports of basketball and football to skill-based endeavors such as golf, sports are each highly enjoyable activities for hundreds of millions around the world. Such an intense fervor for these ‘games’ in general raises quite an interesting question: what is the reason people enjoy sports?

Jenelle Gilbert, a professor of Kinesiology at California State University — Fresno and a certified consultant with the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP) explained that there are a multitude of positive reasons for why millions across the globe enjoy sports.

“When kids start out [in sports], they start out because it’s fun, and they continue because it’s fun and some of them like the competitive nature of sports,” Gilbert said. “Some like playing sports to accomplish something and some like the feeling of satisfaction and confidence they receive from sports. As adults, oftentimes

people also use sports as a way to relieve stress and find social outlets.”

According to a recent study conducted by the Statistics Brain Research Institute, teammate camaraderie was the main reason for participating in an organized sport for 65 percent of 36,000,000 surveyed athletes.

Senior Ali Siddiqui, who plays varsity soccer, shares this reasoning. Siddiqui, through countless hours of practice and long road trips with fellow teammates, has developed many acquaintances throughout his high school soccer career, which has led Siddiqui to believe that sports bring people close and develop relationships, and with good reason.

“Sports help you a lot,” Siddiqui said. “They teach you about teamwork and working with others. They also help create new friends. A lot of people I know are through soccer, and they have become great friends of mine.”

Several institutes, including the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, have proved this positive impact. They state the significant benefits of participating in sports include a stronger family connection, development of leadership skills and a positive impact on academic studies.

For sophomore Joe Pulickal, sports provide a variety of positive benefits. While he has no official team affiliation, he enjoys playing

sports not only for enjoyment with friends, but es is to play in season in terms of the burnout also because of the psychological benefits they issue and to really go back to why we even play provide. Basketball, in particular, helps him sports from the beginning: to have fun,” Gilbert said. “People can also relieve the daily stress work on their mental skills he accumulates from training. They can work school.

[Sports] can be a on how to deal with their “I really do enjoy wonderful outlet, stress, they can work on deplaying sports,” Puand are a lot of fun. veloping positive thinking lickal said. “I like to impress people whenThey can provide a skills and they can work on ever I play, and it’s lot of opportunities developing good focus.”

Gilbert concluded with fun to see their reacfor people. stating that her prior extions. By doing this it also helps with making Jenelle Gilbert- periences with sports have Professor caused her to have mixed more friends because I feelings toward athletics; can relate more to cerhowever, she still said sports tain individuals.”

While there is no doubt that sports provide can be a wonderful experience and millions numerous positive benefits, there are also neg- find satisfaction indulging in them, so really, ativities particularly associated with organized they can affect individuals in different ways. sports, Gilbert said.

“I can’t support that sports are good because This includes burnout, defined as physical I have seen too many bad things, heard about or emotional exhaustion from overindulging too many bad things and experienced too many in a specific sport. Also included is unhealthy bad things,” Gilbert said. “But, there are a lot stress from coaches, teammates or the player of benefits. They can be a wonderful outlet, themselves. However, like anything, these neg- and are a lot of fun. They can provide a lot of ativities can be solved. opportunities for people. But I think like any“One of the best ways to alleviate the stress thing, we have to think about sports critically. or mitigate some of these negative consequenc- Sports can be good and bad.”

Dead week disrupts practice ji-ho lee

Y

ear after year, RBHS teams find ways to bring home hardware and hang banners after hoisting state trophies on the court or the field.

In 2015, however, the Bruins delivered a state trophy from the water, as the girls swimming team collected the second state title in school history.

But in sports, one win, one trophy and one victory is never enough; consistency is key.

The Bruins wish to repeat the success in the 2015-16 season, which begins Dec. 12 at the Marquette Relays, and hope to finish well at the state meet.

A reason for the Bruins’ success is that many members of the team also participate in a highly competitive club team called Columbia Swim Club (CSC).

The swimmers are allowed to swim for CSC because of an exception given to swimming by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).

“Swimming is … the only sport allowed to participate with their club team at the same time as their high school team,” Associate Executive Director Harvey Richards said in an email interview.

Although the exception seemed to benefit the RBHS swimmers, a different rule implemented by MSHSAA called the non-contact pe-

riod, commonly known as “dead week,” served as a large dilemma for the team.

“The non-contact period is a seven day period right before each season begins,” Richards said. “During that time the students can still lift weights and [condition].

However, the coach cannot coach them in the instruction or skills of that sport because the season has not started yet.”

The issue was that the club swimmers could not participate in club practices during the period of time, which was, unfortunately, placed right before the Jim Devine Invitational, a meet that CSC annually participates in.

“During dead week, club practices aren’t even allowed or group sessions with a trainer,” senior Kelley Tackett said, describing the frustrating requirements of dead week.

As a result, swimmers made several adjustments to prepare for both seasons, whether for the club or RBHS season.

“We all got together and trained without the coaches present,” senior Anna Willcoxon said about the team during dead week. “We kept everyone accountable for what [training] needed to be done in order to be ready for the season.”

However, training without coaches was not the only issue the team faced.

“We had to work around the Mizzou pool schedules since we couldn’t use any

high school facilities, [and we had to work around] the schedules of the girls participating,” Tackett, who recently committed to Brown University, said. “Finding a free [swimming] lane to run a workout without a coach is a lot more difficult than finding a place to run or a field to practice on.”

Overcoming the adversities were especially important because, Tackett said, one week without training can have detrimental impacts and perhaps hurt an entire season.

However, adjusting to practicing without coach supervision and making accommodations to new facilities may have inadvertently strengthened the team.

“I’m really proud of the way we made [dead week] work,” Tackett said. “Many girls pushed themselves to faster intervals than usual and showed up to swim at times that normally we have off. Despite the struggle to make things work and the negativity towards the rule, dead week ended up bringing us closer together as a team.”

Hopefully, the improved camaraderie will translate to success similar to the previous year’s season and fulfill this year’s goals of victory and success.

“Most teams have high expectations as do we this season, especially after being state champions last year,” Willcoxon said. “I believe we will finish top four if not first again.”

photo by Skyler Froese

Dead depths: During the week of Nov. 1 RBHS swimmers were not allowed to participate in either CSC or RBHS coached practices, meaning pools like Hickman’s stayed empty.

photo by Cassi Viox

Meet me on the mat: Henry Cleavinger drives down fellow junior Brock Davis in the wrestling room. The Bruins next home match will be Dec. 15 against Fulton and Smith-Cotton.

Inexperience provides difficult endeavors for wrestling team john flanegin

I

n the 2013-14 season a bustling, high-octane RBHS wrestling room pumped out seven state qualifiers, four state finalists, and two eventual Class 4 champions during the team’s historic second place state finish, the highest the squad had ever placed.

Two years later lies a program that is a shell of its former self with the mat-clad sauna once overflowing with grapplers housing a measly 15 wrestlers on its busiest of days.

Along with the drop in numbers comes the departure of Graham Ratermann and Josiah Kline, two of RBHS’s three state qualifiers in the season prior. Ratermann was a threetime state qualifier and placed third in the 170-pound weight class in his senior campaign before walking on to wrestle collegiately at West Point Military Academy.

Kline, a three-time state qualifier and champion at 113 pounds moved to Arizona before beginning his final season.

The duo’s farewell signifies the passing of the torch to junior Brock Davis, the team’s only returning state qualifier, as RBHS’s leader.

Joining Davis as returning varsity wrestlers are Henry Cleavinger, Isaac Lage, David Feng, Kian Pilot, John Flanegin and Don Hammers, each with no more than three years of experience barring Cleavinger and Davis.

The team’s lack of experience and numbers, however, haven’t put a damper on Feng’s mindset. He believes each dual and tournament can withstand as a base to improve throughout the season.

“Seeing the team’s numbers dwin-

dle as the season started made me want to work harder and set an example for the newer wrestlers and show that sticking with it is something to be proud of,” said Feng, who wrestles at the 138-pound mark. “As one of the seniors I want to be focused on getting better and show the underclassmen to keep with it even when something is hard.”

Matching up with many of their opponents will be hard for RBHS, who will struggle to fill even half of the 14 varsity weight classes. With each open weight class the Bruins will concede six points, the same total as a pin, giving opposing schools a huge advantage before the matches even begin.

“We will most likely lose most of our duals simply because we don’t have enough guys to wrestle and make it close,” Lage said. “Some of the more inexperienced guys will be forced to wrestle varsity just so we aren’t giving up free points.”

Many of the Bruin’s victories will come morally rather than on the mat, and the team taking the time to get better with each practice. For Feng, who is in his last year, the season will be about building a foothold for the team’s future and paving the way for the younger wrestlers to learn and continue to improve throughout their career.

“Since I’m not at all concerned with collegiate wrestling, my goal is just to help the wrestlers that are going to make up RBHS team in the near future,” Feng said. “And if winning matches is what it takes to motivate them, that’s what I’ll aim for.”

Editor’s note: The author is a member of the varsity wrestling team.

C2 sports

therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

feature photo by Jaehyung Rhee

Wrestlers shed pounds for advantage on mat john flanegin

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weat glides off of junior Brock Davis’s nose, pooling beneath him as his breathing slows. With practice now finished, his gaze shifts to arguably a wrestler’s most vital piece of equipment.

Tucked behind a small strip of padding in the RBHS wrestling room’s northeast corner, Davis hops up on the small square metal box, insinuating one of the most tense moments of a grappler’s day.

Seconds resemble hours as Davis waits for his magic number. The past two and a half hours of drilling, conditioning and layering himself in mounds of extra clothing has only been the latest chapter in his tale of cutting weight. The scale begins blinking, calculating, trying to determine Davis’s fate for the following day.

With the wait comes the questions for the twotime state qualifier. Has he done enough? How much will he be able to drink? What kind of food, if any, will he have the luxury of eating? Finally the scale has deducted its answer: “119.8,” Davis says with a sigh of relief, “barely under.”

Davis is only one of the 260,000 students participating in high school wrestling in the United States, each fighting their own battle with weight.

Scholastic wrestling has 14 weight classes ranging from 106 pounds to 285 pounds, also known

as ‘heavyweight’. Davis will be competing in the can’t eat or drink for extended periods of time, I 120-class, meaning at both duals and tournaments can’t imagine having to do something like that.” he can not top out at more than 120 pounds withAnd while dropping the weight may not be out facing ineligibility at that weight class. easy, experienced wrestlers like Davis have Weighing at nearly 132 pounds before begin- learned the ins and outs of the most efficient and ning his junior season, Davis made the decision to quick ways to cut. shed the extra load, giving him a distinct size and “Most people who cut weight usually just strength advantage over his throw extra layers on for competitors. practice, and that’s what I “Cutting weight is do most of the time. If that Knowing that they doesn’t get the job done integral to success as a can’t eat or drink there are lots of things I’ve wrestler,” Davis said. “If you’re someone who can for extended peri- tried to lose weight, but lift a good amount for your ods of time, I can’t the one I really like to do size and then drop down turn on a fan and sleep imagine having to iswith a couple classes and face no blanket,” Davis do something like said. “Whatever helps my guys who may be younger, that. weaker and less experibody burn calories during Abby Blitz the night and help reduce enced, you’re already at an manager the amount of work I do is advantage before you even shake hands.” beneficial.”

For junior Abby Blitz, who is in her first year To safeguard against dangerous and risky as a manager for the wrestling team, adjusting to forms of losing weight, many institutions such as the culture and importance of cutting weight was MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Activities a tough task to say the least.

Association) have implemented stricter rules for “It was crazy to come into the wrestling room weight class certification. The process involves and watch the guys who needed to lose weight put the wrestler being hydrated at a level of 1.025 on on an extra jacket or sweatpants. In 30 minutes a urine specific gravity test as well as being at a they’d already be dripping in sweat and I’d feel body weight close to their desired weight class so bad for them,” Blitz said. “Knowing that they according to RBHS’s head athletic trainer Greg

Nagel. Prospective wrestlers must also measure skin folds on the tricep, shoulder, and stomach and each must correlate with their body weight in order to calculate percent body fat and certify them for their individual weight class. If a wrestler cannot meet the qualifications they may try again or attempt to certify at a different weight.

Nagel believes the certification is great for high school wrestling but doesn’t completely eradicate the dangers that wrestlers can face when cutting weight.

“One of the most common conditions that is seen in high school wrestling is heat exhaustion or heat stroke and a condition called rhabdomyolysis, which is where your body overheats to the point where your muscles literally break down,” Nagel said. “Rhabdomyolysis forces your kidneys to flush out amino acids from your muscles and it results in your urine looking red. Fortunately here at RBHS we haven’t seen conditions that serious for quite a while.”

Even with the risks of overworking and overheating themselves, wrestlers like Davis continue to cut weight because of all the benefits and added competition it provides.

“It’s such an important part of wrestling that I think no matter what limits are put on cutting weight,” Davis said, “it will still be something that is found in every wrestling room across the country.”

Lady Bruins back for fifths

New leaders aim for another state title john flanegin

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photo by Cassi Viox

Leading lady: Senior guard Brianna Ellis looks for an open teammate in a 41-76 loss in the Norm Stewart Classic to Kickapoo Dec. 4 at Columbia College. As captain for the Lady Bruins , Ellis hopes to lead her squad to a fifth straight state title.

our years, four state titles. That statistic alone explains just how much of a force the girls basketball team has been on the hardwood in both Missouri and the national scene of high school hoops in the past four seasons.

The Lady Bruins (1-2) had built themselves into a well-oiled machine under Head Coach Jill Nagel, widely renowned as one of the state’s most brilliant basketball minds, and sealed their reputation as one of, if not the premier sport, of RBHS. That machine, however, lost two of its cogs when Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year Sophie Cunningham, and 6’4 paint protector Cierra Porter made the 2.8 mile trip north to play basketball for the Missouri Tigers after graduating last year.

The exodus of the star tandem has left two massive holes for the Lady Bruins on both sides of the ball and leadership for the back-to-back-toback-to-back champions.

Enter 5’7” senior guard Brianna Ellis, a three-time state champ and the

latest team captain adding her name to a long list of elite players to head RBHS girls basketball. Like those before her, Ellis is up to the challenge of guiding her squad to yet another state title.

“I definitely want to lead the team back to the destination we made it to last year,” Ellis said. “It’s going to be a different journey with a new team.

We’re young but talented, and I’m glad I get to lead such a great group of girls.”

Among the group is the duo of juniors Madison Treece and Avery Schroeder. Standing at 6’4” and 6’5”, respectively, the pair make up twothirds of one of the state’s tallest front courts and will be integral if RBHS hopes for a fifth straight title.

The Lady Bruins also return a talented group of sophomores including Katey Klucking, Payton McCallister, Kanisha Green-McClain, and Addie Logsdon each with a year of varsity experience under their belt.

For Klucking the ability to earn playing time during her freshman year on a championship team has groomed her for an increased role in her sopho-

more campaign.

“Last season prepared me for this season by allowing me to be in a hard game, learning how to handle pressure, and finding openings to shoot or to find my teammates and give them looks to score,” Klucking said. “Playing with the seniors last year really pushed me to become a better player.”

Those same seniors also had a big impact on Ellis, who this year hopes to carry on some of the lessons Cunningham and Porter instilled in her in the trio’s time together.

“There’s two things you can always control and that’s effort and attitude,” Ellis said. “That’s always something we instill in the program. We’re a family, and we play for God and our teammates. It’s basically a sisterhood.”

Expecting a child in January, the team will be without Nagel for a chunk of the season.

“We will be fine. Coach Smith and Coach Ruppe are awesome coaches and as players we know what to do and what the coaches expect from us,” Klucking said. “We all want to make Coach Nagel proud so we are going to work extra hard.”

commentary

12.10.15 • www.bearingnews.org • therock

Vegans attempt to solve issues of humanitarianism

Ode to Bed H

nikol slatinska

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ello my darling, to admit we have grown How long has it been, Dear? I have , my sweet bed, that we apart. Do you recall not so long ago together? Those were the spent more than six hours at a time with Netflix and a bag out ns splayed days. I remember those tender afternoo my side, but like, my not be . Okay may of potato chips, with you by my side gave me. I want it you -eye s all the shut back. You are a bed, after all. I mis back more than anything. umptions are g us down, but your ass rin sta es ey l tfu mp nte t a business I can see your co d the desk is nothing bu an me een tw be on ing sk, and I know wrong. What’s go lot of time with the de a ing nd spe am I t mi and coming back relationship. I ad til three in the morning un it th wi e tim ing nd not cheating on how it looks spe ing suspicious. But I am be for u yo me bla ’t can exhausted. I ck. e you to the moon and ba we you. My dear bed, I lov urmountable, I believe ins tween us seems be t rif jthe w pro no of ht ean rig oc Though cross this n’t last forever. When I wo ek n we tha als re Fin mo it. u r yo ue I miss can conq er. For now, I miss you. eth tog be at ll re wi sta to we t ts, jus tes en ects and a nap, or ev know what I would do for uld anything, Babe. Do you of my finals for you. I wo ht eig all would forsake I rk? wo t no d an g lin the cei laptop to the wind. as they fling my notebooks and the sadness in your sheets see can I t bu rk, wo s thi n you really I’m trying to make All you do is sit there. Ca h? ug tho s thi for me slump. Can you blame , bed, alive, over my GPA? Oh the force that keeps me , ep of fisle de lue tsi va ou to p me shi ct on expe a perfect relati ve ha we e lik t no It’s swim practice, don’t be ridiculous. ing coming between us: eth som s ay alw is ere I feel like you nals week either. Th e nights… Sometimes lat r pe pa ws ne , dia me homework, social rk. ject, after all. The don’t try to make this wo You are an inanimate ob u. yo me bla n’t uld sho I time with you, I need Then again, e. I need to spend more tiz ori pri reto ed ne I . problem is me We just need to get at will be soon enough. week we will be to catch up on sleep. Th If we can get past finals . be Ba , tch pa gh rou s I love you so through thi re than five hours a night. mo for er eth tog , me d an okay. You soon. in your sweet embrace much, and hope to nap

With love, Skyler K. Froese

photo by Sophie Froese; art by Erin Barchet

Welcome to the saddle club — no, really nicole schroeder

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t’s barely 32 degrees on a Saturday morning in December. Frost crunches under our boots, and our breath turns the air in front of us to steam. While our classmates snuggle deeper under their comforters at home, my little sister, Jessica, and I stamp our boots against the ground to try to regain feeling in our frozen toes and ignore the tingling sensation in our hands while we fumble with the leather straps on our horses’ saddles.

Most people can’t fathom why we would give up our Saturday mornings to trudge around in frozen pastures or the open-faced areas of the stable. On mornings like this, there are times I feel the same way. Between the biting cold, the unwelcome alarm ringing at 6:30 a.m. and the studying and homework that awaits my return home, it’s sometimes difficult to pull myself out of bed in the winter months.

Yet, as long as the roads aren’t frozen over and the wind chill doesn’t dip below freezing, Jessica and I will be at the barn at 9 a.m. every Saturday, looking at the ride list posted on the bulletin board before heading off to collect our horses for lessons at Walnut Slope Riding School.

Our teacher affectionately calls us “die-hards,” as we are some of the few horseback riders who continue with lessons past the summer months and the annual horse show. Aside from a few other girls in the nine a.m.

Saturday class and the advanced riders in the 7:30 a.m. class, we are the only ones who are less likely to cancel a class ourselves

than our teacher is to cancel the lessons for everyone that day.

In the winter months when the weather is bad, it’s the unconditional love of the horses and these six other “die-hard” girls that encourage me to return every week. Together, we have little in common — one girl is a freshman at Battle High School, another a junior at Hickman High School and yet another a Moberly Area Community College student. One of the advanced riders isn’t even out of middle school.

In fact, looking at the eight of us, it’s hard to imagine us spending time together in any other circumstance. We’re all so different from one another, except for one thing — we share the same passion for horses. With our arrival at the barn every Saturday morning and the sound of our boots tromping through the long grass in the pasture, we’re suddenly as similar to one another as if we’d grown up alongside one another.

In some ways we have, spending years side by side as we learned how to find our diagonals (the rhythm of the rider’s movement when trotting) and take the hunter hack jumps, as we grew to be better equestrians and matured as young women.

In those two hours a week that we have together, the “diehards” and I have all grown closer to one another than we would’ve ever thought possible.

I’ve confided in them about problems in school and they’ve done the same with me, building a unique trust among all of us that’s hard to replicate in other groups. Riding around in the fields after class or huddling together before entering the ring

at shows, we’ve kept each other calm and relaxed in environments that used to stress each of us out yet now bring only smiles and laughter to our small circle of friends.

There are times I’ve wondered how each of us can be so different yet find such strong friendships in our time together every Saturday. In each of our differences, however, our passion for horseback riding brings us together more than anything else. It’s this passion that makes the barn like a second home to me — somewhere I can open up about almost anything without a second thought.

Sharing a passion with others can’t guarantee friendships, but the joyful memories that come with experiencing those passions together is often hard to match. I might have only known the girls

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at the barn for two or three years — some even less time than that.

Yet in that time I’ve grown closer to them than I ever would’ve thought possible, all thanks to our shared love of horses and the sport that brought us together.

So even though the winter weather and the looming reminder of finals make it hard to drag myself out of bed Saturday mornings, I can at least be sure my friends will all be there, too, making the barn my own safe haven and reminding me why every chilly morning I spend with them is all worthwhile. And as I begin to consider college and the daunting reality of the many beginnings I will face in the years to come, I am content in knowing friends aren’t hard to find, especially when sharing in the joys of doing what we love most.

photo by Alex Schroeder

Pasture playtime: Jessica Schroeder, Madison Constance, Angel Coffey-Dolan and Nicole Schroeder lead their horses in from the 40 acre pasture before lessons begin July 4, 2015.

egans are obsessive, annoying, fanatical, stubborn — and they have every right to be. This seemingly crazy lifestyle of eating no animal products, including meat, milk, cheese, eggs and honey can be difficult to get accustomed to for the average omnivore but could just save the planet.

I am not vegan and couldn’t find enough selfcontrol to go vegan thanks to gouda and HäagenDazs coffee ice cream. However, after spending nearly two weeks in Mexico practically inhaling as much food as I could from the hotel’s generous buffets this past summer, I came home feeling sick, bloated and in need of a healthy change.

I discovered a huge community of vegans on YouTube who are like preachers in a church, only with a much bigger platform. They urged their viewers to give the lifestyle a try. At first, I only acknowledged the fact that their diet has the ability to fix many health problems, particularly ones associated with being overweight. But the more I kept reading and watching, I realized veganism addresses important environmental and medical issues that I never even knew were such a big deal and ones that are easily masked by our love for eating.

More than 56 billion animals are killed each year for human use and consumption, according to animalequality.net. If the images of helpless chickens getting their beaks torn off and calves getting separated from their mothers for slaughtering don’t make you to at least question your habits immediately, perhaps looking at food production’s toll on the environment will.

Because these nearly 60 billion animals need space to grow before they are plump and ready for the kill, more than 250 million acres of trees get cut down in the United States every year, as reported by vegankit.com. In the end, we don’t even get much out of it; farmers can harvest 40,000 pounds of potatoes from one acre of land, comparable to 250 pounds of beef from that same acre.

Another way to look at it is in order to produce enough meat to feed one person for a year, cattle must eat roughly 2,000 pounds of grains, but if that person ate the grains directly without eating them through the cow, they could sustain themselves on only 400 pounds. That means that direct consumption of grains would feed five times as many people as it does by being eaten through animals.

Not only does this excessive meat production harm the land, but it also pollutes our air because livestock feed contains nitrogen fertilizer to promote growth. That creates a greenhouse gas called nitrous oxide, which is 300 times more destructive than carbon dioxide.

Concurrently, cows emit 20 percent of the methane discharged in the United States, according to scientificamerican.com, making them the top producers of greenhouse gases, which are speeding up the global warming process. In fact, according to an article by sustainabletable.org, animal food production creates more greenhouse gases than all vehicles, ships and planes in the world combined, and red meat such as beef or pork is responsible for up to 40 times as many greenhouse emissions as vegetables and grains.

Although it is obvious to Americans, who consumed 52.2 billion pounds of meat in 2012, according to National Public Radio, that too much meat consumption leads to heart disease and various cancers, people still claim that a vegan diet does even more harm than an all inclusive diet.

The most argued point is about protein. How can you get enough protein, or calcium for that matter if you don’t consume milk or meat?

Easy: lentils, tofu, beans, nuts and seeds. As for calcium, it’s ironic that meat eaters even mention the problem of calcium deficiency, when many of them take vitamins specifically for that purpose.

The reason why is because meat, and even dairy itself, is alkaline, meaning that once it enters the body it becomes acidic. When too much acid builds up, the body attempts to alkalize it by taking alkaline minerals, like calcium, magnesium and potassium out of the bones and tissue. Vegans can get plenty of calcium from leafy greens, nuts and beans without having to borrow it from their own bones.

Clearly, veganism is the solution to many major problems not only in America but across the world, from deforestation to disease. And clearly, I’m a giant hypocrite for even trying to convince others to change their ways as I reach for another mini chocolate-covered donut. However, simply educating myself on why vegans do what they do has made me more aware of what I consume and its potentially hazardous effects on my body.

I’ve cleaned up my diet, eating more fruit and less meat, even if it has been for only a couple of months. It’s understandable that like me, most Americans associate food with happiness and tradition — it’s the staple during holidays, football games, movies and just ordinary bad days.

But statistics for our dietary habits are only showing negative results, which will continue to worsen in the future, and the only solution come up with so far is to ditch our beloved greasy pizzas, burgers and pastries for something that is perhaps at first a bit more bland, but a lot more ethical.

C4 commentary

therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

feature photo by Devesh Kumar

As the years change, childhood stays the same joy park

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inished are the days when learning comprised of grasping onto the concept of letters and numbers — the characters of the universe that intermingled to create words, sentences and communication.

Looking back, my childhood was a glorious era from the days spent at Barnes & Noble for hours on end with my nose buried deep in illustrious picture books (partly for the enjoyment of reading and partly for my strange pleasure of smelling new books) to the fun, stress-free learning environment of elementary school.

Several times throughout the year, I sit down to peruse old family albums. One album holds a photograph of my sister and me playing in a communal sandbox on Stone Road.

Several frames later, two other kids that I had never seen are featured in the photo with us.

The picture captured us laughing and making horrendous faces at the camera.

Last summer, my family and I took a trip up

to Michigan. We swung by our old neighborhood; the same place where the photos were taken. Meandering around the neighborhood, fascinated by how little things had changed, we came across three little girls.

“Are you guys lost? I can show you the way. I live here,” boasted a sweet redheaded girl.

When we told her we were fine, she retreated a few steps, suddenly shy because of the denial. Instead of going back to her friends, the redhead retraced her steps and walked towards us again. She proceeded on by asking how our day was going, like nothing had happened.

Our conversation sparked the curiosity of her two other friends as they began rumbling over on their outgrown tricycles. The other girls began talking to us, too, as if they had known us for years and not just seconds.

Not a single thing had changed. The essence of childhood remained. In fact, I realized childhood doesn’t change.

How did those little girls, only six or seven years of age, have the boldness to confront

three complete strangers as if we were long lost friends?

I’d like to think that childhood protects us all from the evil happenings of the world. The innocence, the naiveté. It protected us from discerning our differences.

Looking back on my childhood, I remember everyone was loving, from my patient teachers to the friendly cashiers at the local supermarket. What ran the world was love.

Or so I thought.

As we mature, we begin to be more informed and educated on current issues and topics. We harness the power of knowledge by thinking and arguing on our own free will.

And by thinking, we begin to condemn those who think differently from us. Society begins to separate like the Red Sea. It’s ironic how we were all raised and disciplined to respect and listen to one another. At the rate we’re going, children seem to be more mature than adults attacking one another for having different thoughts and opinions.

Sure, not all kids are worth learning from.

There are those occasional gross booger-eat-

ing kids, the whiny ones, the crybabies and those that are wickedly cunning. But they can’t help it — children will be children.

As Whitney Houston sang in “Greatest Love of All,” we should, “teach them well and let them lead the way; show them all the beauty they possess inside; give them a sense of pride to make it easier; let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.”

Kids love and they respect. Never do they hate or hold grudges for long periods of time.

They forgive and forget, and they move on.

For adults, love and forgiveness may be the hardest act in the world.

Children treat people like people. Kids don’t judge each other based on the color of their skin. There’s no such concept as “superiority” or “inferiority.” They’re all on the same level. And that’s why we all have a thing or two to learn from kids.

I hope the essence of childhood remains constant throughout the ages. I hope they’re kind and loyal to one another, treating each other with respect and dignity, as we all should.

Vital opportunities come from an extra class, not from an AUT abby kempf

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art by Megan Goyette

Talent comes from more than birth At the time I was only seven years old and had two years of instruction rowing up with a mother who under my belt. Nonetheless, with the never got the chance to learn flurry of attention from all the other piano outside of basic lessons piano moms, teachers and family in high school, my sisters and I were friends, I kept hearing how musically showered with musical opportuni- talented the three Yu daughters were.

But then as the years slipped by ties. In a way, she let us live the life and I continued to perform, some she always wanted.

I grew up with etudes accompa- people began to say, “Oh, the three nying my baby babble. My sisters’ Yus? They’re just talented. They practice piano books became color- were born with it.” Understandably, ing books the moment I learned to I liked when people said I was talhold a crayon. Lullabies were tracks ented. After all, who doesn’t like to hear that they’re good at something? off a Suzuki Violin School CD. While I can recall the day my But this new addition “just” made me mother enrolled me in violin lessons, feel sick inside.

I might have been born with some the beginning of my history with piano is more blurry; in fact, I doubt talent in understanding and performmy mother even asked if I wanted to ing music, but it wasn’t the only thing begin lessons. But since the age of to get me where I am now. Talent can five, I’ve spent almost every Friday only get someone so far.

As Daniel Coyle mentioned in playing on a Baldwin grand piano his book, “The and listening to Talent Code”, the instruction of of it does not world-class talAll my teacher, Ma- come from talent. ent is developed bel Kinder. and cultivated, With two oldIt comes from not just dropped er sisters already time, pain, sweat, into someone’s in piano lessons, frustration, tears lap. Oftentimes, I had a reputagrowing this tion to maintain. and sometimes talent involves My oldest sister even blood. deep practice was a model stuand long-term dent who practiced every day for more than what commitment. Deep practice itself was expected and understood what calls for hard work, mountains of mental struggle and acute attention and how to practice.

It was during her performance for to fine details.

Saying that I’m just talented atthe Missouri Symphony Society’s get-together that she caught the at- tributes the achievements I made tention of Bill Clark, a columnist for after practicing multiple days for The Missourian. A few months later, three hours straight to the idea that I an article appeared in The Missouri- just magically “got it.” Success does an and the phrase, “The Three Yus,” not come from talent. It comes from time, pain, sweat, frustration, tears appeared for the first time.

alice yu

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and sometimes even blood. I have played until my fingers bled. Nothing out of a horror movie, but my liquid life force leaked out for the sake of expressing my musical soul.

Just like how a basketball player’s height and daily practice routine can contribute to a high success rate of free throws making it into the basket, talent and practice work together to bring a pleasurable performance.

To say a basketball player only makes his free throws because of his height and ignoring the days he spends perfecting his shot from the charity stripe is insulting.

To say people perform well because they’re genetically predisposed to do so and ignoring the hours they’ve spent practicing technique and refining the sound of each and every note is insulting.

Before attributing the success of an individual to her genetics, something she has no control over, realize that more often than not, there are hours of practice and preparation supporting her. To package all that time and effort into thin strands of DNA and call it someone’s sole source of success is hurtful and deprives the performer or athlete the credit they are due.

I don’t perform well because I’m just talented. Swimmers don’t reach the finish line first because they were just born with speed. Administrators didn’t get in positions they’re in now because leadership runs in their blood. For many who succeeded in their fields, their journey included sacrificing fun for grueling workouts and working overtime. The power behind recognizing someone’s conscious effort to improve and grow is truly the ultimate compliment.

very freshman awaits the day they receive that crisp salmon piece of paper and are allowed to craft their sophomore schedule.

Most autonomy-seeking ninth graders quickly scrawl AUT into a slot, their first taste of ‘sweet freedom.’

The AUT, or Alternating Unassigned Time, is a tradition celebrated by almost every RBHS student.

I, however, deplore it.

Last year I opted to take eight wonderful classes that taught me lessons I couldn’t have received in an AUT. In my AP English Language and Composition class, I learned to read a document and understand more than the stated words. In AP United States History, I learned about the fundamentals of our nation, and how we may still be falling short of them. In AP Biology I discovered my future career.

Each class taught me something relevant to my life, even if it wasn’t exactly what I thought the class might have to offer. In chemistry I learned how to take ownership of my own education. In precalculus I learned how to study and work incredibly hard.

Many students, even I, love to joke about how much they hate school, but in reality we are incredibly lucky to attend a school with such a wide array of classes and character-building experiences. Few schools offer the numerous AP classes that RBHS does, which can help us earn college credit for a tiny portion of its cost in college.

RBHS is the only school in the state with a career center next door, bursting with real-world opportunities. Just the other day my calculus class visited the Columbia Area Career Center for

a presentation that the engineering design class was putting on. Two students pitched a new phone case design to my friends and I. This is the same pitch they will give to real companies who may consider developing their product if they believe it could be successful.

If you go through RBHS just focusing on graduating, you are going to miss amazing things. During my sophomore year, I wasn’t even thinking about science as a career. Mrs. Graham, my biology teacher, simply asked me what other science classes I was going to take. I told her I was taking chemistry, the course I needed to graduate, and would be finished. She suggested that I take AP Biology, to save some money as biology is a general education requirement at many colleges.

Now, two years later, I plan to major in biology.

Now is the time to delve into our passions and discover what we want for our lives, not to watch Netflix during our AUT. Everyone needs some time to study or to just relax. You have the weekend for that. Don’t just take an AUT because all of your friends are, take an AUT because you have a job, an internship or are enrolled in timeconsuming classes at the CACC. Take an AUT because you have already figured out that you are going to be a doctor and you are the president of HOSA, a volunteer at the Hospital, and are in AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Honors Anatomy and Physiology and Project Lead the Way’s Body Systems.

With all these chances, you would be insane not to push yourself to your breaking point because on the other side is a strong person who knows exactly what they want and how to get it.

photo by Devesh Kumar

Hitting the books: Junior Stephanie Zhang studies for an upcoming AP Physics test.

C5 arts & entertainment

therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

Netflix killed the video star

Did you know?

The 40% drop in TV ratings in 2014 was the result of online TV streaming.

Netflix has 40 million subscribers in the U.S. In 2013, the U.S. had 53 cable subscribers.

million

61% of Netflix users binge

watch at least every few weeks.

Online streaming’s accessibility proves fatal to cable kat sarafianos

J

unior Divya Divya is not new to sitting on a couch for hours at a time and binge watching a show on Netflix.

In fact, she can’t remember if her family even has a cable subscription because she only uses Netflix.

Online television streaming media such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have revolutionized the U.S. television landscape.

One advantage these technologies have over normal television streaming is scope.

The adoption of tablets and advanced smartphones on a larger scale is moving their business past the computer screen.

The Netflix app alone has more than 100 million downloads with a 4.4 star review with over 2.4 million reviews.

More than just the apps, gaming systems like Xbox 360 make it possible to have the Netflix app on consoles.

Along with renting out traditional DVDs and streaming films and television shows, these forms of media allow viewers to watch anytime anywhere, not just on the couch in the living room. source: huffingtonpost.com, expandedramblings.com

However, this accessibility has brought problems to the American teen.

Instead of just watching television when mom gives permission, teens can binge on “Parks and Rec” at 1 a.m. on a school night with the lights off, under the covers.

“I watch Netflix every night, for about one hour on a school day and like four hours on the weekends. I feel guilty but great at the same time because it's fun,” junior Sarah Bai said. “I keep [watching] even when I am tired and then I'll stop when it gets to a boring point. I just hate waiting to find out what happens next.”

Another innovation made by online streaming sources, especially Netflix, was offering not only one episode per week but the entire season at a time.

“I think Netflix has played into the modern idea of efficiency. In today's world, we don't have to be very patient because we have access to most of our things at once,” junior Megan Polniak said. “Netflix has revolutionized American television. Netflix allows anyone to have an interest in cinematography without having to adjust their schedule.”

Along with an accessibility factor, online

streaming media, especially Netflix, have taken another turn to woo more subscribers and tempt back those who might have strayed.

Netflix began ordering its own shows, going straight for high-production value projects that are on par with cable channels like HBO and Showtime.

Only Netflix’s shows have entire seasons put up at a time.

The shows Netflix have created are pop culture icons already.

The first original show released was the Golden Globe and Emmy winning political thriller, “House of Cards.”

Their second original television show, “Orange is the New Black,” nabbed 12 emmy nominations during their first season and a recent survey from the investment bank RBC Capital Markets reported 57 percent of Netflix viewers claimed the show is the most popular original series on Netflix right now.

“I love ‘Orange is the New Black.’ It’s one of my top favorite shows,” Divya said. “I like that it's so unique, set in a prison. There aren’t many shows like that and the ones that are are usually really serious, but this show is very funny.” art by Erin Barchet

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therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15

The best albums of 2015

T

hough 2015 might be remembered for Miley Cyrus twerking and many songs centered on one trivial dance move, there was real music that came out, too. It’s a year to be remembered, so here are The Rock’s picks for the best music of 2K15, with a mix of Hip-Hop instant classics, head-bobbing electronic hits and indie music galore.

1. Kendrick Lamar - ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’

Kendrick Lamar scores again with this critically-acclaimed chart-topper.

Undoubtedly the best project of his career thus far, To Pimp a Butterfly delves into a series of topics ranging from Lamar’s depression and anxiety surrounding his fame to growing up in the hood.

This diverse collection ventures from the standard structure of most rap: an intense beat with an angry rapper speeding through aggressive lyrics.

With undernotes of jazz, rock and funk, Lamar truly pours his soul into his lyrics, leaving an impression of sincerity and rawness in the songs. The album, debuting at number one and named the best album of 2015 by Rolling Stone and Spin, is named To Pimp a Butterfly because Lamar said he liked the juxtaposition of an intense word like pimp and an innocent creature such as a butterfly. Lamar’s love of opposites is an apparent theme in the life of a man who continues to produce amazing music but fights the repercussions of fame.

2. Jamie XX - ‘In Colour’

‘Jamie XX’ is an eccentric. The one man group of Jamie Smith (currently a member and producer of the great indie chill group, The XX) sampled all of the spoken word tracks on the album from a totally obscure 90’s movie called “Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore.” Little idiosyn-

crasies such as this shouldn’t deter anyone new to ‘Jamie XX”s fantastic debut though, as the genre-bending Smith is able to weave together trap beats and classic European house sounds to create the best electronic album in recent memory.

mo turned it into a positive. The driving synths and ’80s influence are amplified to a completely new level of chill, sexy funk. The original discotech synth lords of ‘80s would be proud, but thankfully the album is still great in the 21st century.

3. Drake - ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late’

5. Rae Sremmurd - ‘Sremmlife’

This surprise album captivated the attention of millions of Americans, solidifying Drake’s position as a top rapper. Debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, this chart-topper landed Drake as the first rapper to hold the top position on U.S. Billboard’s Artist 100 list.

While songs such as “How About Now,” which was added to the physical copy of the album after the initial iTunes digital download, are obvious anthems of the album there were hidden treasures. The obvious treasure was “You & The 6,” in which Drake talks about his relationship with his mother and with issues he has faced as a young black man. It’s songs like these that show the true heart of the album: a project that seeks to give more than a beat and catchy lyrics to rap, but instead dig deeper and spread important messages.

4. Neon Indian - ‘Vega Intl. Night School’ To say this album created a lot of hype would be one of the biggest understatements of 2015. It makes sense, though, with their last release as a group was 2011’s fantastic ‘Era Extraña’. In the past, major breaks in writing music have hurt bands such as ‘U2’, but somehow Neon Indian’s lead songwriter Alan Palo-

Whether this apparently self-obsessed duo, who named their album Sremmlife after themselves, is someone’s forte or not, no one can deny that they have absent-mindedly sung along to hits such as “No Flex Zone,”“Come Get Her,” and “No Type.” The pair signed to Ear Drummers (which is where the boys got their name from, Rae Sremmurd is Ear Drummers spelled backwards) Entertainment in January of 2014, and in January of 2015, the two released their debut album, landing themselves in the musical big leagues.

“No Type” climbed the charts, settling at 16 on the Hot 100. The boys will release their second album, equally as vainly-titled as their first, Sremmlife 2 sometime this month.

6. Alabama Shakes - ‘Sound and Color’

It comes as a major surprise to many that they have actually heard some of this album before, as the title track Sound and Color was recently featured in many Apple commercials. On another front, what does it say about our culture today that the only way we can learn about great alternative bands is through Apple?

In the end it’s fine because Alabama Shakes wrote an incredible rock/soul album all on their own. The influences and styles are broad here as lead singer Brittany Howard is possibly one of the most dynamic singers ever with her ability to sway back and forth between strong bellowing rock tunes and much smoother soul ballads.

It’s no wonder The Rock gave it a nine out of 10. photo by Kat Sarafianos

And the Oscar goes to...

One of the most prestigous award ceremonies for film is the Academy Awards, a.k.a. the Oscars. This ceremony has been hosted by famous actors, singers, comedians and entertainers of all kind. Here are some of the most memorable moments so far.

Moment 1: Ellen’s star filled Oscar selfie broke

Twitter’s most retweeted record with over three million retweets.

Moment 2: Ellen DeGeneres speaks during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, Mar. 2, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

Moment 3: Jennifer Lawrence stumbles as she walks on stage to accept the award for best actress in a leading role for Silver Linings Playbook during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Two weeks off and time to binge kat sarafianos

A

wards season is in a couple of weeks, and everyone wrapped up in the chaos of film will be thirsting for a trophy.

In order to celebrate these great films, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites from this year in hopes you’ll see their great value.

So to kick off this list, one of my top movies of this year was Alejandro Iñárritu’s Birdman. This movie was able to keep me invested with its thought provoking exploration of popularity vs. art and slick humor.

While the film’s aesthetic of long, uninterrupted shots are what kept the eye entertained, what keeps the brain invested is the meta dialouge and the comments the movie makes on the relevance of social media and how technology has truly shifted this world.

With Michael Keaton’s character, Riggan Thomson, we see how narcissism can be trampled as soon as one realizes that in an ever-changing world, what’s cool yesterday isn’t relevant today.

Birdman says when change comes along, adapt or be left behind to grumble.

Another film that stood out this year was Nima Nourizadeh’s box office disaster, American Ultra.

While it was panned by critics and ignored by moviegoers, I can’t help but love this movie. This film is the Rocky Horror Picture Show of our generation.

Despite the added character development in American Ultra, the absence of gaudy musical numbers and cringe-worthy character tropes, makes this movie so bad it’s good.

The actors did as much as they could, but not even this star-studded cast could save this cinematic trainwreck from itself.

Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg, along with a personal favorite performance by Topher Grace, carried this film gracefully through a too-fast story progression and corny bouts of emotional drama.

However, its hilarious animation sequences, wonderful fight scenes and witty dialogue are all a disservice to describing its twisty charm.

This list is rounded out by a more emotional film, Bill Condon’s Mr. Holmes.

Mr. Holmes tells the story of an older Sherlock Holmes trying to recall his last case as he deals with dementia and the physical limitations of getting older.

However, what makes this film so heartbreaking is that I know Sherlock Holmes.

I grew up with the franchises that painted his sharp wit and clever thinking as the traits that made up his very being, so to see a character that’s made up of entirely those traits have them stolen from him by something as natural as aging, is heartbreaking.

It’s like realizing superman can’t fight evil forever.

That being said, the sad points are what make this movie the amazing drama it is,

making it the last film featured on this list.

Culture is our way of looking at the world and our way of living in it; it’s the collection of our willful interactions with the environment, people and ourselves.

It shows how we are programmed to interpret and understand everything and anything.

With films being at the center of all that, it’s vital to not overlook their importance.

They attempt to explain us to ourselves.

art by Shelby Yount

arts & entertainment

12.10.15 • www.bearingnews.org • therock

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Riveting Reflection: Sophomore Roz Eggener begins the night’s series of mini-scenes by explaining the creation of the world and water’s importance. This pool was pivotal in all of the scenes, leaving many actors drenched by the time the curtain fell.

photos by Abby Kempf

ever-evolving, always going through

METAMORPHOSES

1. Insatiable son: Taking on the character of the hottempered demigod son of Apollo, senior Neil Cathro screeches at his therapist.

2. Psyched out: Sophomore Rebecca Simmons lights the way, portraying the role of Psyche. She falls in love with Eros, the Greek god of love, played by junior Felix Brightwell, who floats lazily in the pool.

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3. Frightening fate: Senior Amber Klasmeier holds the scissors she used to cut the rope signifying the life of Eurydice, an oak nymph who suffered an untimely death after her husband Orpheus ignored Hades’ warning and looked at her.

4. Foot feast: Erysichthon, played by senior Kyle Shearrer, prepares to eat his own foot in an attempt to stop his endless appetite. Ceres, the goddess of Earth, cursed him with hunger after he chopped down one of her sacred trees.

5. Good as gold: King Midas, Shearrer, tells his daughter, sophomore Tamara Holliday, to go inside so that he doesn’t harm her. After he is gifted with the ability to turn everything he touches to gold, his daughter jumps into his arms, causing her to die.

3.

The story behind the splash

4.

abby kempf

I

n an attempt to make ancient playwriting more accessible, director and playwright Mary Zimmerman brought Metamorphoses to Broadway in 2002, pulling in a Tony for her adaptation of a classic Ovid poem by the same name.

The Advanced Acting class took on the challenge, showing off their extensive repertoire. Students performed numerous scenes, ranging from humourous to heart-breaking, and each student dawned more than one role to make up for the small class size.

The highlight, of course, was the real pool on stage, putting the front row in the ‘splash zone.’

“As childish as it sounds, I [loved] that I got to lay in the pool and play in the water,” senior Gabby Jones said. “Having the water there for my scene was definitely an advantage, not a crutch.”

While Jones enjoyed taking a dip, she said playing many parts was more difficult.

“It was definitely a challenge. I enjoyed playing different roles and experiencing different parts of myself,” Jones said. “[I] would definitely do it again.”

Confusing conundrum: Eggener dawns another role. This time she is a therapist, who tries to solve Apollo’s son’s daddy issues. She denotes the traits the son exhibits, establishing her wide knowledge base.

5.

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therock • www.bearingnews.org • 12.10.15