The Echo is a monthly publication of the newspaper staff of Webster Groves High School, 100 Selma Ave., Webster Groves, MO.
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Unsigned editorials are the opinion of a majority of staff members; signed articles are the opinion of the writer
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Cover cutline:
Senior Evan Mager carries the puck during the men’s hockey senior night on Wednesday, Jan. 1. The game ended in a 5-1 win for Webster.
Photo by Sam Enlund
theecho
Students work to help fund blood cancer research
WGHS graduate returns as drama substitute
Webster Groves district hires new superintendent
Editorial: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views threaten Americans
School assists students with rising mental health concerns
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Students work to help fund blood cancer research
Jasper Winterton Feature/Video Editor
“I’ve really enjoyed the process so far. I’m really excited to be a part of this,” Arianna Peper, junior, said about her role in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Peper and Kela Ndoni, junior, were nominated to be a part of the Student Visionaries of the Year program for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) to raise money for blood cancer research. Peper said they were nominated by Grant Williamson, a Webster University student, at the end of July during a phage biology camp that she and Ndoni had attended.
Ndoni said via email that she was “Participating in an internship at Webster University relating to scientific research when the professor’s student assistant approached me with the offer. I was nervous at first because I have had no experience campaigning, but the cause was very important to me and I wanted to use the opportunity to make a true difference in the world. I’m truly proud of myself and Arianna for all the hard work we have put into the campaign and I can’t wait to see our success.”
Both students went into the process of forming a team, Team Peperoni, after being nominated. Ndoni said, “Arianna and I have hand selected team members to help us plan events, raise funds and ask for sponsorships.”
According to the official website for LLS, the organization has invested more than $1.8 billion in ground breaking research since 1949, and there are more than 100,000 volunteer advocates within the program spread across the country.
The website says, “We are raising $175 million to support global, collaborative research and treatments for children’s blood cancers, the LLS PedAL Master Clinical Trial, as well as widening our range of free education, personalized support services, connection to fi-
RADIOACTIVE
Juniors Kela Ndoni and Arianna Peper stand together at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student Visionaries of the Year Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Photo provided by Arianna Peper
nancial assistance, and advocacy on behalf of all children and their families.”
Peper said that she “got nominated at the end of July and we started having our meetings in September. From there, we’ve been planning and going over a bunch of different parts of our campaign, writing our letters, creating our team, and making our fundraising pages.”
The organization’s official website says, ”Student Visionaries of the Year is a groundbreaking philanthropic leadership development program for high school students. Every year, courageous young leaders embark on an exciting seven-week journey with a goal to create a world without blood cancers, striving to earn the Student Visionary of the Year title.” This is the program that Ndoni and Peper are currently a part of.
The website also includes a variety of statistics relevant to the cause, stating that only 5% of cancer medications have been approved for the first time use in children, and approximately 80% of child cancer survivors develop chronic health issues from treatment.
“It’s something that I am so excited to be a part of, because it means a lot to me. I know how much of an impact cancer has on people so getting the opportunity to help fund new cures and new research for treatments really means a lot to me,” Peper said.
Ndoni and Peper said they planned a virtual run starting on Jan. 17, and they are planning on organizing a trivia with prizes. The virtual run is a 5k where people can register for $20 and buy a T-shirt for an additional $12. Peper said registrants can run wherever and whenever they want in support of blood cancer patients.
Informing readers for over 45 years.
Team Peperoni’s website says, “Blood cancer is a devastating reality that affects countless lives every day. In the United States alone, it takes a life every nine minutes—that’s around 157 people every single day. These are not just numbers; they’re mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends. No one should have to endure the pain and heartbreak this disease brings.”
WGHS graduate returns as drama substitute
Margaret Korte Print/Podcast Editor
“One of these days, maybe I can help the whole world, but for now, helping a couple students is enough,” said Trinity Madison, long-term substitute for drama teacher Alexandria Dickens.
Madison attended Webster as a student, graduating in 2019. She said the switch from student to teacher has been “an adjustment.”
“I know the majority of the teachers here from when I was in school, and so in some ways it’s hard to see them as coworkers instead of superiors,” Madison said. “There are some people that have really made the push to make me feel welcome…but in other ways, when I’m walking down the hall…I still feel like a student.”
Madison first came back in April as a parttime building substitute. She started filling in for Dickens when her maternity leave began in November and will continue until March 31.
Besides being a former student, Madison’s family has a long connection to Webster Groves High School.
“I’m, I think, the fourth generation of Webster [students],” Madison said. Her great-grandmother went to Douglass High School, and her grandmother went to Douglass before integrating into Webster. Her mother also went to Webster, and her uncle was the head custodian.
“When I came back [from college],” Madison said, “this was the first place that I thought of.”
According to Madison, drama teacher Todd Schaefer suggested the substituting job to her: “I recently was looking for po-
sitions, and I mentioned that to him, and he was like, ‘Hey, Mrs. Dickens is going on maternity leave; it’d be nice to have you in the department again.’”
As a student, Madison was a member of Webster’s theater troupe, which she credited for helping her find her passion for teaching drama.
“We traveled, we competed, and we were good at it,” Madison said. Her freshman year, Webster’s troupe went to state for its performance of “Hamlet.”
According to Madison, hundreds of schools would attend these conferences, and the winners in different categories would go to the next level. If a school in a specific category was judged as best in the state, then it would go on to the International Festival during the summer.
“There are these Student Thespian Officers…who helped put on the conferences every year,” Madison said. “I saw these STOs, and they were kind of the glue that held everything together for the students.”
“In between the competitions we had a bunch of different workshop classes that were just really, really fun and I…absolutely adored all of them, and I thought to myself, ‘Okay, so I’m going to go to this conference every single year, and then I realized I could apply to be an STO as well,” Madison said. “I also applied to be an officer of [Webster’s] troupe, Troupe 191.”
Madison was also chosen to be a Missouri State Thespian Officer, where she helped put on six conferences.
“We got to lead our own workshops, and that was my first time teaching a room of others, but it was all my peers and so it was really, really fun,” Madison said. They also helped to choose themes and judge different shows. “It was my first really big commitment, leadership-wise.”
was the most eye-opening thing of that time in my life.”
During that time, Madison was also an All Write intern and won it twice.
“I was getting really good in my writing, and I was doing gigs around St. Louis where I would do poetry readings and get paid for it, and I was like, ‘You know what? I think that I can make this a thing for others,’” Madison said.
Madison also credited some Webster staff members with encouraging her to follow her passions as a student: “[Todd] Schaefer, [Donald] Johnson, and then, we used to have an English teacher named Tamara Rodney, and they were…my big three mentors that made it possible for me to even go into education. I studied theater education in college, and there was a long time where I didn’t think…I could actually make a career out of it, and they are the three that, in their own different ways, supported me within that dream.”
Drama teacher Todd Schaefer said that Madison was a leader even as a student, when she served as an STO.
He also said that he’s happy she’s getting the opportunity to teach a class, and “Start a class with a roster, dip her foot in the pool.”
“I used to be a really big writer too, and I got a minor in English, and so Mr. Johnson and Ms. Rodney were really supportive of that side too,” Madison said. “Mr. Johnson puts his entire heart and soul into journalism…and is doing really well with so little resources. Just being in the Echo for those two years opened so many doors for me, and pushed me so far out of my comfort zone, and it got me so many practical skills that I still use today.”
Through being an STO, Madison said she realized how many different careers theater came with. “I didn’t really put two and two together until I got that position, and it
Madison also credited a board member of the Thespian Society, Chad Little, for pushing her harder. “He had some of the strictest guidelines and highest expectations and asked the most out of me…I felt like I was being challenged and pushed and I was rising to the challenge.”
As a teacher, Madison hopes to make an impact and connect with her students.
“So far, I really do think that I’m making an impact, at least a couple of students for each of my classes…I am their safe person, and that’s important to me,” Madison said.
Webster Groves district hires new superintendent
Arianna Peper Junior Editor/Business Manager
“Being selected as Webster Groves’ next superintendent fills me with immense pride, purpose and joy,” new superintendent hire, Jana Parker, said.
On Friday, Aug. 2, Webster Groves Superintendent, John Simpson, announced via Student Square and Instagram that he would retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Following this, the hiring process began in September of 2024 when the Board of Education hired MSBA as its search firm to assist them with a national search for a new superintendent.
During this process, the board issued a survey to staff, parents, and the community where it received around 700 responses. In October the board conducted five different focus group sessions with teachers and staff, administrators, parents and community members.
Board President, Todd Allen, said, “From the results of both the survey and focus groups, we built a leadership profile highlighting the skills and qualifications our stakeholders thought were most needed in our next leader. We used that profile to not only advertise the position but to also craft the interview topics and questions”
There were around 30 applicants for the position and during the interviews, the board “evaluated our survey feedback and the qualifications we wanted in our new superintendent, it was clear that staff and community engagement, relationship building, equity and innovation were all important to our stakeholders and to the board. As we went through the applications and interview process, Dr. Parker clearly rose to the top,” Allen said.
Prior to coming to Webster, Parker was the Executive Director of Student Learning at Highline Public Schools in Seattle, WA.
Parker said, “This role represents more than leadership - it’s an opportunity to build on our district’s inspiring journey with our incredible educators, families, and community partners. Webster’s commitment to transcending traditional boundaries while maintaining academic excellence sets a high bar, and I’m proud to help write our next chapter. Together, we’ll continue creating an environment where every student can explore their passions, shape their path, and build their future with confidence.”
timately, the board was looking for someone that could lead our district into the future. Dr. Parker is someone that understands our traditions, but is innovative. She has been a leader at many different levels and her ability to build relationships and make positive changes on behalf of kids really stood out.”
Parker said, “Webster already has strong traditions of excellence and innovation, and any changes should build thoughtfully on that foundation rather than disrupt what’s working well.”
Parker plans to spend her first few months observing classrooms, meeting with staff and engaging with the communities at large.
She said, “ What’s most important is that any changes we make are purposeful, collaborative, and always focused on what’s best for students.”
Editorial: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views threaten Americans
Donald Trump picked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human services, despite Kennedy being a loud voice against vaccines and a conspiracy theorist.
According to the Guardian, Kennedy “is the son of the former attorney general and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of president John F. Kennedy.”
Kennedy first decided to run as a presidential candidate in the 2024 election. He first made a bid as a Democratic candidate, but then decided to run as an independent to appeal to more voters and hopefully gain more support. He posed himself as an alternative for those Republicans not wanting to vote for Trump.
“A syringe is prepared with the COVID-19 vaccine at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 4, 2021. Health care workers and first responders are the first Airmen eligible to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second dose given four weeks after the first.
Kennedy, not gaining enough traction, then decided to drop out of the presidential race and endorse Trump. Then, in November Trump announced that he would nominate Kennedy to run the Department of Health and Human services.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Class Jennifer Gonzales
Kennedy’s nomination is particularly concerning because he is known “for spreading conspiracy theories and questioning scientific research-often posing himself as someone who is better qualified than scientists to understand diseases and epidemiology,” according to The Guardian.
Scientists are heavily trained in their fields and their research is for the purposes of helping prevent diseases and increasing awareness about prevention of diseases. Having Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, repeatedly deny the claims of these scientists is jeopardizing the health of every American.
Kennedy not only denies the credible claims of scientists, but he also spreads baseless and absurd claims. “Kennedy’s baseless claims have included that Wi-Fi causes cancer and ‘leaky brain’; that school shootings are attributed to antidepressants; that chemicals in water can lead to children becoming transgender; and that AIDS may not be caused by HIV,” National Public Radio said.
Kennedy’s beliefs are opening the door for discrimination against vulnerable communities, like the transgender community. The transgender community already faces discrimination from ordinary Americans, and they do not need to be fighting against discrimination from the government as well.
Kennedy’s claims will also target the LGBTQ+ community, people struggling with mental health, and other minorities.
However, Kennedy’s beliefs go deeper than just encouraging discrimination against minorities. His beliefs also threaten the health of Americans, specifically regarding his stance on vaccines. According to The American Journal of Managed Care, “Kennedy is an outspoken vaccine skeptic, claiming that no vaccine is entirely safe and effectively linking vaccines to autism-a claim disproven by scientific research.”
Vaccines are important for everyone to have because they are a
safe way to prevent diseases from spreading. Diseases like chickenpox or measles used to constantly spread around, and some people even died from these diseases. With vaccines, these diseases and others no longer vastly affect Americans.
The key phrase that has emerged under Kennedy’s campaign is “Make America Healthy again,” a phrase inspired by Trump’s slogan “Make America Great again.”
If Kennedy truly wanted to make America healthy, he would stop spreading conspiracy theories, denying scientists’ claims, and fighting against vaccinations. Instead, he would embrace the credible research of scientists and would work with them to help improve Americans healthcare and their access to good healthcare.
In order to improve the health of America, one can make sure they are vaccinated against easily preventable diseases. In addition, they can speak out in support of vulnerable communities and work to help prevent discrimination against these communities.
One can visit the Center For Disease Control website or the World Health Organization website to get credible information about vaccinations or health.
School assists students with rising mental health concerns
Sam Enlund Social Media/Graphics Editor
Mental health is a rising concern for people of all ages, but particularly children and teenagers. As the number of students dealing with mental health concerns rises, schools have to adjust in order to help.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the “number of adolescents reporting poor mental health is increasing,” and “four in 10 (40%) students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.”
Students can be affected by a number of different mental health issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and more.
School counselor Ken Winingham explained that the most important part about helping people with mental health is to bring it to an adult that is trained to help.
Winningham said, “You feel so strongly for your peers, and when a peer is struggling you want to help, and that’s great, but you might not have the right tools. Quite often it causes the helper serious stress because they don’t know how to help but they know they should be helping.”
“You feel so strongly for your peers, and when a peer is struggling you want to help... but you might not have the right tools.”
Winingham added trying to help a peer through mental health problems is sometimes harmful to the helper. The best thing that students can do is direct the student to someone trained to help them.
-Ken Winingham, counselor
At Webster Groves High School specifically, a number of resources are available to students and staff struggling with their mental health. The counseling office has a quiet room: a space set aside where students can go during the day whenever they are feeling overwhelmed or just need a break.
School counselors are also available to help and talk to students. While part of their job is handling schedules and problems that occur alongside them, all school counselors are also certified every year and are trained to help students with mental health issues.
There are resources available to help students such as a number of different contacts listed on the school’s website. This ranges from professionals able to help with general difficulties to specific problems.
The Webster Groves High School website says, “Please contact WGHS’ social workers or counselors for assistance identifying local mental health professionals. They can provide names of therapists and psychiatrists with whom other families have had positive experiences.”
Anne Gibbs is also a social worker available through the school who can help, along with counselors and staff that are trained and more than willing to talk with students that are struggling or need someone to talk to.
