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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Cover Cutline:
Senior Gabe Wright runs with the ball during the soccer game against Vianney on Thursday, Oct. 24, The players used the game to celebrate the life of sophomore Kelsey MacBryde. Photo by Sam Enlund
theecho
Theater produces 1st musical in Black Box Theater
Students make Friendship Dance predictions
Senior cross country runner breaks 5-year-old record
Men’s swim team goes nearly undefeated in regular season
Earth temporarily gains ‘mini-moon’
Camp Wyman canceled due to staff changes
Statesmen Preschool reopens after construction
NHS hosts annual blood drive with Mercy Hospital
Norwegian exchange student makes impact on soccer team
Word search
Theater produces 1st musical in Black Box Theater
Jasper Winterton Feature/Video Editor
“This is an amazing cast. You’re gonna see some power players take on some roles, so it’s gonna be a very tight show,” Todd Schaefer, producer and director, said.
“Cabaret” will be shown in the Black Box on Nov. 7-9, and 1416, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $10 for students and $15 for parents at the door.
The show will be the first musical to be produced in the Black Box, and Schaefer added some new cast members will join drama department veterans to be in the play.
Chloe Bronner, junior, is one of the new cast members who will play Sally Bowles in the production, who is one of the female leads.
“I decided to audition because I’ve always wanted to do a musical, and I love performing. I love singing, I love to be on stage, and I just never did it before because I haven’t had the time, but I had an (independent period) added to my schedule this semester so I decided to finally try it,” Bronner said.
a good environment,” Snell said.
“Hunting Season,” a play written and directed by senior Parker Collier, interfered with some of the rehearsals for “Cabaret,” but Collier and Snell both said that catching up with rehearsals afterwards wasn’t that big of a problem.
Collier has worked in previous high school productions, and said the way the musical is being put on is different than how the
Bronner added she was a part of a one-act play during her freshman year but hasn’t done anything in the theater department aside from that.
Bronner described how her experience being an A cappella member compares to being a member of the cast. She said,“The music part is similar, obviously you’re still on stage singing and telling a story, but it’s different not having as many background singers with you all the time, but I still get a lot of support from the cast the same way I get support in A cappella.”
Schaefer said, “It was on my bucket list for a Black Box musical. This is the first musical we’re producing in the Black Box since we’ve installed it as a theater. It’s an intimate show, and it wouldn’t work as well on the (auditorium) stage.”
Cast member Charlotte Snell, junior, said that the black box allows for more flexibility in arranging the set, and with the type of show “Cabaret” is, it’s the best place to produce it.
Snell is cast as Fraulein Schneider, another female lead. Similar to Bronner, this will be Snell’s first big role in a production, but she has worked with the theater department on productions in the past.
“Everybody is really nice and supportive of each other, and it’s
others have been in his experience.
“The way we’re doing this one is very linear. We are doing it scene by scene in order, but for other productions I’ve been a part of have definitely not been in order and have been all over the place,” Collier said.
Sophomore Mimi Mueller dances at the auditions for the Cabaret fall musical on Sept. 4.
Photo by Jasper Winterton
Students make Friendship Dance predictions
Sam Enlund Social Media/Sports Editor
Friendship Dance is approaching, as is the need to buy a dress for the dance. There are many different styles, but what is the most common, and what is the style for this year?
With Webster’s dance being scheduled for much later than a typical Homecoming, most students already have dresses for the dance. Female students were asked about their dresses and what they think is the typical style this year brings.
Junior Kiran Bergfeld said, “Honestly, I was kind of looking for something quickly because I feel like because our homecoming is so late, it’s hard to find a dress because a lot of stuff gets sold out. So I was really excited to find a dress over the summer that I liked.”
With styles tending to change year by year, there are different dresses available this year that may not have been seen last year. What was popular last year, may not even be sold in stores this year.
On the topic, sophomore Phoebe Rohlfing said, “I honestly feel like it is kind of narrow… I’ve only seen a couple dresses, and I feel like I’ve seen a lot of repeats if I’m being completely honest.”
Senior Sonia Archambault said, “I’m looking at malls like West County. Also online, like there’s a lot of online things. You don’t know what’s good though because some of them look like scams.”
Rohlfing described her dress as a strapless, seafoam green, and that it was sparkly. She added that she got it from Splash.
Freshman Elizabeth Foppe said, “I would say it’s definitely up there. It’s like more tans, more strapless dresses, more makeup, more sequins. So it’s more of everything.”
Students like Rohlfing and Hinyard-Lash had an idea of what they wanted before they began the shopping process, but where they looked was a variety of different places. Some opt for the in-person options with places like West County and Dillard’s. While others choose online shopping.
Senior Sonia Archambault said, “I’m looking at malls like West County. Also online, like there’s a lot of online things. You don’t know what’s good though because some of them look like scams.”
Another thing to think about is pricing. There is a wide range of prices for dresses and finding the right price could be a major factor into where you look. At places like Windsor the prices range
from $10 to $160. Following current trends or not, everyone deals with shopping for their outfit beforehand. Everyone has their own way of doing it, whether that is well beforehand, right before, in person or online.
Graduates Kyzer Strawbridge and Mia Willis were crowned Webster Royals at the Friendship Dance on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. The dance was held at Webster with Kirkwood, continuing a long tradition.
Photo by Soledad Lee
Senior cross country runner breaks 5-year-old record
Sam Enlund Social Media/ Sports Editor
Men’s cross country started the season breaking records with senior Dominic Buckman in the 5K. Buckman broke it at the Missouri Southern Stampede alongside teammate senior Corbin Cole, who finished .19th of a second behind.
About his team, coach Jon Petter said, “It’s been incredible. The guys have been jelling really well, coming together. We had a great summer. We’ve had hiccups, you know, the usual bumps and bruises, and things like that, but the guys have been really just grinding, working hard, taking care of each other, caring about their teammates and racing has become part of that.”
Both Cole and Buckman are motivated by their team and want to do well for their teammates. Cole described how his teammates are his favorite part about the sport and how he wants to do well for them.
Cole said, “My teammates. Definitely my teammates… especially this year because we are all seniors, or most of us are seniors, we have a few juniors.” He also said, “It’s like we have all worked so hard for four years, and now we are finally getting to see it pay off.”
About what motivates him, Buckman said, “Definitely my team. We are looking pretty good right now, and you know ranked top in the state right now. Obviously, it doesn’t really matter until you race the State race, but for now definitely the team just knowing everybody so well and wanting to win for the team is definitely a huge thing.”
The team has started its season off with first place overall at Missouri Southern,
First Capital and Blackburn. With multiple medals from Buckman, Cole, Junior Drew Upperman and Senior Henry Boland.
A long standing school record in the 5K is now being held by Buckman, who broke the record alongside his teammate, Corbin Cole. Buckman finished in 15:34.13 and Cole finished in 15:34.32. The record was held by Charlie Teeter with his time of 15:39.27.
About how he felt afterward, Buckman said, “It was definitely pretty crazy because that school record has been a thing for a while, and it’s always kinda been a big goal of mine to break it, and after last year it was kind of like it felt like a weight off my shoulders to kind of do it. So to finally have it happen was really cool and also especially since Corbin was only like right behind me it was very cool for both of us to do that.”
The dynamic between Buckman and Cole is a very unique one. The two are very close in race times and can constant-
ly push each other to run better. Both of them said their favorite person was to run against was each other.
Buckman said, “My teammate Corbin probably because he’s right next to me and obviously your teammates are the people that are pushing you during practices and all that, so he’s definitely my favorite person to run against, but it’s like friendly competition because like we are there for the team.”
Cole said, “I’d say Dominic just because we are both competitive, but it’s also like I like seeing him succeed, and he likes seeing me succeed. So it’s fun running against him because no matter what the outcome is I’ll be happy with it.”
Both of them help to motivate and push each other and have similar goals for the end of the season. Buckman and Cole both have goals in terms of time, Cole wanting to break 15, and Buckman wanting to beat 15:20. However, they both have a bigger focus in wanting to place well in State.
Men’s cross country ran its home meet at Blackburn on Saturday, Oct. 12. Overall, Varsity and JV placed first, and freshman placed second.
Photo by Sam Enlund
Men’s swim goes nearly undefeated
Arianna Peper Junior Editor/Business Manager
“I want them to look back on this season with pride, joy and smiles no matter what happens in the end,” men’s swim and dive coach, Evyn Spencer, said.
As of Oct. 25, the men’s swim and dive team has gone nearly undefeated in its regular season with a record of 10 to 1. The team won the Summit Quad and placed second in the Summit Invitational.
In addition to this, the team placed third at Marquette Relays on Sept. 7, and in the COMO invitational meet at Mizzou, it placed 18th out of 52 teams.
Senior and team captain Emmett Shank said, “It means a lot; it’s our best record in probably around 50 years. It just shows that you can swim individually, but at the end of the day, the points matter as a team.”
As for what contributes to the team’s success, sophomore Clark Montgomery said, “Everyone getting along. Like we have a lot of depth and everyone contributes to the team.”
Junior and team captain Ryan DeMargel agreed that the team’s bond has contributed to their success.
DeMargel said, “We all get along super well, and also we’ve been working really hard getting up at 5:30 in the morning to go practice.”
About the morning practices, senior Gavin Closson said, “It’s
a grind, but I think that’s what makes us able to win meets because we have that experience of waking up and swimming hard every morning so it just helps us swim faster.”
Shank also said winning the meets is from “putting in all the work that we do before the sun even rises at 6 a.m. We only have four lanes to work in yet the team still shows up willing to work for both their individual goals and the team goals.”
So far this season, Shank and Montgomery have broken several records. Shank broke the 500 freestyle (4:44.38) and 200 freestyle (1:44.39) during the COMO meet at Mizzou. Montgomery, on the other hand, broke the 100 freestyle (48.02) and the 100 backstroke (52.74).
About the records, Montgomery said, “It’s a lot of fun. It’s a good goal because it’s something that you know is gonna be there for a little bit, and it’s just a good feeling once you do it.”
As the season has progressed, the team has worked to improve upon several things.
Closson said, “At first everyone was a little rusty from the off-season, but we went straight into it going hard and I think over time everyone has gotten more equal in the way we practice. The whole team has progressed, every single one, no matter what talent level, everyone has gotten better.”
Spencer said the biggest change she has noticed this season is in the team’s training. “They’re challenging themselves more in practice and from that drive at practice they are seeing results at meets, and I would say one of the biggest things this season is their understanding of the idea that hard work
Senior Emmett Shank spits on the blocks before his race during the meet against Ladue at Webster University on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Shank placed first in the 100 butterfly, and Webster won the meet 105-65.
Photo by Arianna Peper
Coach Evyn Spencer talks to the team before the meet against Clayton at the Center of Clayton on Thursday, Sept. 26. Webster won 92-88.
Photo by Arianna Peper
undefeated in regular season
works. [And they are doing] all of that without sacrificing the importance of being a whole team.”
Closson said he also believes the team is closer this season than they have been in past years.
Closson said, “Some years the older kids weren’t as close with the younger, but I think this year we’re more of a family then before.”
DeMargel said, “We have team dinners before every meet so we are all very close and they are always fun. Being close as a team definitely makes us better, as swimming is a mental sport, and without a support system it can be challenging.”
Spencer said, “There’s a big impact in the sport of swimming when you are in the middle of your race and you can see and hear your teammates.”
“These boys specifically love a good post-race celebration so they have really taken the time to hype each other up and motivate each other to try their best and just go hard and when you have that you get that team bond because they are invested in each other not just their own swimming,” Spencer said.
This season, the team is also working towards bringing more swimmers to swim at State on Nov. 15 - 16.
To swim at State, there is a qualification time that swimmers must make in order to have the opportunity to compete. Then,
the top 32 times for each event in Missouri get to swim at State.
So far nine individual swimmers on the team have qualifying times to participate in State. In total, the team has 30 state qualifying times which includes all three relays (the 200 medley, the 200 freestyle, and the 400 freestyle relay).
Shank said he believes the team is also front runners to win conference and they have hopes that the 200 freestyle relay can win State.
Shank said, “The team has just grown to embrace racing and embrace challenges for every year.”
Senior Alex Magee swims the 200 IM during the meet against Ladue on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Webster won 105-65.
Photo by Arianna Peper
Earth gains temporary ‘mini-moon’
Ali Schulz Editor-in-Chief
There is a small asteroid joining earth’s atmosphere until Nov. 25, nicknamed the new “mini-moon.” While it can not be seen by the naked eye, larger telescopes may be able to pick it up.
The asteroid “dubbed 2024 PT5,” according to NBC News, is expected to stay in earth’s orbit for about 56 days.
According to Northeastern Global News, this “mini-moon” is actually a “small asteroid- only 33 meters across.”
Because of its small size, it does not pose any risk to earth. The asteroid has temporarily been picked up by earth’s gravitational pull but will not do a complete orbit like our regular moon does and will leave to continue its path around the sun shortly.
Although this seems rare, it is actually a
relatively common occurrence. According to astronomy teacher Greg Heard, “Earth has likely ‘captured’ millions of rocky objects throughout the formation of our solar system.”
Heard added, “Another small minimoon just broke away from earth’s gravitational influence in 2020 after orbiting for nearly three years.”
This asteroid was “named 2020 CD3,” according to NBC News.
However, for all those disappointed they can not see 2020 CD3 or 2024 PT5, there is an opportunity to see an asteroid in 2029. The asteroid Apophis, is “named after the ancient Egyption and ‘Lord of Chaos,’” Northeastern Global News said.
Although, after lots of observation of Apophis, NASA concluded that “A risk of impact [with earth] in 2029 has been ruled out, as was the potential impact risk posed by another close approach [to earth] in 2036.”
Astronomy students will discuss asteroid 2024 PT5 in class as questions about it come up. Students with questions can also visit Heard in room 374 to learn more. One can also research this event on their own through trusted scientific sources.
The coolest thing about events like this is “that it reminds us that our solar system is dynamic (changing). The solar system is evolving from when it first began forming nearly five billion years ago,” Heard concluded.
Graphic made in Canva
Camp Wyman canceled due to staff changes
Jasper Winterton Feature/Video Editor
“Camp Wyman experienced significant staff changes in mid-September, just over one week prior to the first week of school camp for Hixson students,” Dr. Shenita Mayes, Hixson principal, said in a letter sent to students and families regarding the cancellation of Camp Wyman.
Camp Wyman was originally founded as a youth camp in 1898, and in the 1990s it expanded to what it is now, including the camp itself along with a Teen Outreach program and Teen Connection project.
According to Allison Williams, Camp Wyman CEO and president, Wyman serves over 1,000 teens in the St. Louis area through the programs, and through 74 na-
Wilke-Grimm
District holds a unique place in the history of Wyman as the longest running partnership – coming in at a strong 75 years of supporting students in the district. That longevity of service made the decision to not hold Camp Wyman for Hixson sixth graders this fall so very hard to make.”
Williams slightly edited the content of the letter to provide more context in regards to this article.
Williams said, “Wyman operated primarily as Camp Wyman for many years, serving children through summer camp programs, as well as developing school camp models such as the one with Webster Groves during the school year.”
tional and local partnerships, 24,000 teens are served from connection with Wyman’s Teen Outreach and Teen Connection programs.
With the staff changes occurring slightly over a week prior to the first scheduled sixth grade trip, Williams and Hixson’s camp coordinators worked together as efficiently as possible to try and figure out a solution and collectively decided that the best decision would be to cancel the fall trip, as there weren’t enough workers on the program team to provide the full experience.
According to Williams, they are currently assessing their ability to reschedule the trip for this spring.
The letter sent to students and families impacted by the cancellation additionally stated that the “Webster Groves School
Camp Wyman counselor Adelyn Armstrong practices her rock climbing skills during the 2019 Camp Wyman program.
Photo by Elise
Seniors Noah Dent, Che Sanchez, David Kern and Noah Burgess high five before attempting the climbing the wall at Camp Wyman on Monday, Oct. 5, 2016.
Photo by Caroline Fellows
Statesmen Preschool reopens after construction
Margaret Korte Print/Podcast Editor
“Statesmen Preschool has been an integral part of [our] FACS program for over 40 years,” FACS teacher and Statesmen Preschool director Alissa Griffing said via email.
The preschool was closed for the past few years due to its proximity to the construction of the Frick Theater. It was remodeled along with the new theater. This is the first year the preschool has been reopened since the construction.
This is Griffing’s eighth year teaching Child Development and her third year teaching at Webster, as well as having taught preschool in the past. As director, she works with both high school and preschool students.
“My role as director of Statesmen Preschool is to facilitate the learning environment for our students and the preschoolers. I provide instruction to our students on best practices related to working with young children, assist in lesson planning, and supervise the overall operations of the preschool,” Griffing said via email. Through her class, she helps students “improve their teaching skills and deepen their understanding of child development.”
The preschool and the class are “a great learning experience for our students as well as children in the community. Many WGHS students even went through Statesmen Preschool when they were little,” Griffing said.
“There are so many reasons students should take Child Development,” Griffing said. “The courses offer opportunities to work directly with children, providing practical, real-world experience.”
The courses also offer college credit: Child Development I and II offer credit through Missouri State University, and students can also log A+ hours through work in the preschool.
“These courses are ideal for students interested in careers in education, healthcare, psychology, or social services, as well as those who want to better understand child development or plan to become a parent,” Griffing said.
The Child Development program has four levels and each class is one semester. Child Development I teaches students about the child development process and includes observations at local preschools. Child Development II is when students begin to work with the Statesmen Preschool. It becomes more advanced as the years go through.
According to Griffing, “In Advanced Child Development III and Child Development Internship, students will take on more roles in Statesmen Preschool. [They] visit other early childhood programs, study a variety of educational philosophies, complete an individual passion project, and deepen their knowledge of child development.”
“My high school offered a Child Development program with a lab preschool and I loved my time working with the preschoolers,” Griffing said. “My experience in those classes sparked my love of teaching and child development. I hope that I can offer
a similar, enjoyable experience to my students, and maybe they will discover a new interest as well.”
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Preschool trick or treaters sit in the high school classrooms on Oct. 30, 2014.
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Norwegian exchange student makes impact on soccer team
Exchange
2-1.
David Trampe News Editor
Christian Stavnem, a junior exchange student from Norway came to the U.S. with the goals of improving his English, meeting new people and experiencing a different culture.
Confident about the exchange process, Stavnem had a unique advantage: his brother had participated in an exchange program before, and he already knew his host family. This helped Stavnem feel well-prepared for his year in America. So far, he’s been having a great time.
About the differences between schools in Norway and Webster Groves, Stavnem said, “There’s a big difference, especially when it comes to diversity. There are many more types of people and groups here than I’m used to. The school is also much bigger, with a lot more students. In Norway, instead of students switching classes, the teachers switch
classrooms.”
One of the biggest culture shocks for Stavnem is how people dress in school. With there being a huge variety of clothes that people wear in the U.S.
Stavnem joined the Varsity soccer team right away, a sport he has played his whole life back in Norway.
Junior Brig MacMullan said, “I love him—He’s turned into one of my best friends quickly. He fits right in with the rest of us.”
The team is currently 11-5, having faced some tough competition, including an overtime win against Kirkwood.
“The season has been great—It’s a lot of fun. Our record is okay, but everyone on the team has been very welcoming,” said Stavnem.
Senior Ambrose Abotsi said, “Christian has been an important addition to our team. Whether it’s his competitiveness in practice or his passion during games, he has shown that he is a vital piece to our success.”
Senior Joe Wetzelmeehan said, “He knows a lot about soccer and is great at helping communicate to us on the field.”
NHS hosts annual blood drive with Mercy Hospital
Arianna Peper Junior Editor/Business Manager
“For me, it is really important to support our local hospitals and community,” head sponsor of National Honor Society, Amy Rowland said.
The National Honor Society will host a blood drive with Mercy Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 12. It will be in the in the Auxiliary Gym at the high school from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Anyone 17 and older can donate, and 16-year-olds are allowed to donate with parent permission.
QR codes for students to sign up to donate will be available on the announcements and posters throughout the school.
Rowland said, “You never know when you might be in a situation when you need blood but just knowing that what we’re doing helps people in St. Louis means a lot. It’s something everyone can do – it’s easy– and I think it’s just important to help out.”
student junior Christian Stavnem passes to a teammate in a game against Kirkwood at Moss Field. The Statesmen won with a score of
