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Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Elise Keller PRINT EDITOR: Lindsey Bennett JUNIOR EDITOR: Jaden Fields BUSINESS MANAGER: Zora Thomas VIDEO EDITOR: Ethan Weihl SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/ GRAPHICS EDITOR: Zeke La Mantia NEWS/ OPINION EDITOR: Elise WilkeGrimm FEATURE/ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Emily Stisser PODCAST EDITOR: Maeve Taylor ADVISOR: Donald Johnson SOME MATERIAL FROM TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE The Echo is a monthly publication of the newspaper staff of Webster Groves High School, 100 Selma Ave., Webster Groves, MO. To contact staff members, call 314-963-6400 ex. 11157 or write to wgecho@wgmail.org. Unsigned editorials are the opinion of a majority of staff members; signed articles are the opinion of the writer. Letters to the editor of 300 words or less are welcome; submit letters by the 10th of the month to wgecho@wgmail.org, or room 155. All letters must be signed, although the name may be withheld from publication if requested. The Echo has the right to edit letters for publication as long as intent remains unchanged.
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Band director announces retirement Statesmen Symphony grows, plans concert Drama presents winter one acts Bands perform annual holiday concert Numbers propel women’s swimming to next level Men’s and women’s wrestling teams begin strong Women’s basketball gives back to community Coach Clifford Ice announces retirement Decade’s end brings best and worst memories Step team keeps traditions alive Cafeteria staff work to provide healthy meals ‘Fine Line’ illustrates transition, honesty Frozen II lets standards go Instagram likes should not be removed Stay sustainable, shop local this holiday season Willie’s Comic
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Cover Cutline: Sophomore Emma Hendrick performs in a one act directed by Gray Maynor. Photo by Maeve Taylor
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5 Table of Contents | December 2019
Band director announces retirement
Williams began his work at the high school in 1989. Since then, he and the band have performed countless times at venues all over the world. However, Williams’ most memorable experience was following the September 11th attacks. The band was set to march in the Greentree Festival Parade. There was question as to whether or not to perform, but the band decided to play. “They did the parade because you needed to,” Williams said. “All the way down the route, it was kind of a moment.” In regards to teaching, Williams hopes everyone feels included. “There’s a spot for someone who’s gonna be a pro and a spot for someone who wants to balance their life,” Williams said. Senior and drumline section leader Lillian Ortinau has worked with Williams since she was in sixth grade. Photo by Zeke La Mantia “People like Mr. Williams not only because he’s Seniors Lillian Ortinau and Noel Spatola give band director Dane Wil- a great teacher but because he’s always here for his liams flowers and a card following the holiday concert Dec. 5, in Knight students,” Ortinau said. Auditorium. Band teacher Jill Young echoed these sentiments. “Mr. Williams is one of the most caring and selfEthan Weihl less people I’ve ever met… [He’s] done a lot of things behind the Video Editor scenes that get us where we need to be,” Young said. As for advice for his students, Williams encourages students Band director Dane Williams is retiring after 31 years of teach- to “be kind to yourself. Your effort and your thoughtfulness is ing at the high school. enough.”
Statesmen Symphony grows, plans concert Zeke La Mantia Social Media Manager Statesmen Symphony will have a concert Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Jerry R. Knight auditorium. The purpose of the concert is not only to showcase what the students have been working on all semester but also to persuade the administrative board to make this a class next school year. The activity started after the 2019-2020 school year began, so there was no way to put it into the already existing curriculum. Junior Maeve Taylor plays violin and has been with the Strings program since age eight. “Next year we’re hoping it’ll become a class and not just an out of school thing,” Taylor said. Statesman’s Symphony is a group made of both orchestra and band members from the high school. Entry is made possible by audition and rehearsal for the group is af-
December 2019 | News
ter school on Wednesdays and sometimes in the mornings. Junior Ava Andrews plays violin and has played since age five outside of the Strings program. “Everyone that plays an instrument should try out. It’s not like a cutthroat group,” Andrew said. This year is the first time Webster Groves High School has had a full symphony orchestra, and it’s led by band director Jill Young and orchestra director Andrew Pulliam. Although Young and Pulliam both direct for the Statesman Symphony, they have different fields of expertise. Young has performed with many ensembles including Webster Symphony, St. Louis Wind Symphony, University City Symphony and Opera Theater of St. Louis. Pulliam has a bachelor of music in education- K-12 instrumental and vocal certification and a masters in educational
Photo by Zeke La Mantia
Orchestra teacher Andrew Pulliam conducts in front of a class on Friday, Dec. 13.
leadership. “We want to be able to combine the best orchestra and band musicians and play real orchestral music like at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and give our students that symphony experience,” Young said. Webster is one of the few schools in St. Louis to have a full symphony orchestra.
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Drama presents winter one acts Maeve Taylor Podcast Editor Winter One acts were held on Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater with an admission price of $5. Winter One Acts is a festival hosted yearly by the drama department that celebrates student-run theater, through student involvement in the writing and directing process. Students were invited to submit a personally-written one act play in late October. Then, they were able to cast their plays based on auditions, which were on Nov. 8. The total performance consisted of eight one acts. First was “Planet B,” written and directed by sophomore Sienna DeSuza, and portrayed by junior Julia Hamm, senior Ashley Cimarolli, freshman Xavier Jurotich, junior Alex Bahr and senior Max Klement Next was “Banana,” written and directed by sophomore Millie Thum, and acted in by sophomore Aiden Owens, freshman Luca Giodano and Hamm. After that was “Russian Mistake,”written and directed by freshmen Gray Maynor and acted in by sophomore Emma Hendrick, freshman Jahon Moore, Owens and senior Aliyah Dill. “‘Who Eats Breakfast’ Club” was written and directed by sophomore Camille Herrman and portrayed by Owens, junior Amissa Blumenthal, freshmen Arctic Grosvenor, freshmen Alexis Romano, freshman Ellie Halls, sophomore Frank Dartevelle and sophomore Cate Curtis.
“Invisible,” written and directed by sophomore Ezekiel La Mantia, was portrayed by sophomore Ava Musgraves, junior Annalise McCann, junior Alex de Foy and freshmen Spencer O’Brien. “Understand?” was written and directed by senior Kwan Willhoft and portrayed by Klement, de Foy and sophomore Lauren Perry. “The Murder of a Princess” was co-written and co-directed by sophomore Thomas Kessler and Giordano, and was portrayed by junior Ada Foley, junior Marshall Glaus, junior Amelia Griesedieck, senior John Sterbenz and Kessler. The night ended with “Captain Clove and the Amazing Adventure for Space Treasure,” written and directed by sophomore Zach MacCartney, and portrayed by Glaus, sophomore Claire McCarthy, sophomore Elsa Serfas, sophomore Samantha Massena, Perry and freshmen Catalina Draney. The student directors overall enjoyed the experience of One Acts. Kessler said, “My experience was kind of stressful but overall fun. It was stressful because of scheduling, but if anyone even remotely wants to write a one act, they should just do it.” Thum said, “My experience in preparing the one act was pretty good… Everyone worked so hard on it and was super dedicated to making the show look great. If I get the chance I will definitely try again next round of one acts.”
Art from PublicDomainVectors.org
Bands perform annual holiday concert Zora Thomas Business Manager Student musicians performed the bands’ annual holiday concert on Dec. 5, from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. in the WGHS auditorium. The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band performed some classic holiday songs, and students all wore ugly holiday sweaters while performing. The concert was free to attend. One of the band directors, Kevin Cole, said, “We were very pleased with the performance and turnout for the concert, and we all felt like the kids and the music were very well received. From a purely technical standpoint, our students performed very, very well.” Band student, senior Evan Palmer said, “I think it went really well, wind symphony and symphonic band did a very great job, preparing each person for their specific roles and what-not, so I think the whole concert itself went pretty well.” About the preparation for the concert, Cole said, “We have been preparing throughout most of October and November for this holiday concert. We have, of course, had to balance our rehearsal time with preparing for a few football games during that stretch, but we’ve probably spent most of our time in preparation
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for these pieces.” Palmer said, “When it comes preparation for the band concert...Practicing in the orchestra room is pretty great, but you have to take time on your own to practice and outside of school.” Most of the songs chosen for the concert were traditional, holiday-related songs. The other songs were aimed at challenging the students while keeping in mind the time frame they had to practice. About the significance of the concert, Cole said, “Our concerts in the music department aren’t unlike tests in the core classes; they’re administered after several weeks of work both as a longterm learning goal and as a measurement for how well we’re all doing. This one was obviously timed as it was to coincide with the holidays.” Another band director, Dane Williams, is retiring after 31 years of teaching at the high school. Palmer said, “ I’m upset that he’s leaving because, even though it’s my last year. People aren’t going to be able to see him as I did and to be taught by him, but I’m also very glad for him, for this opportunity he can have for moving on with his career and doing what else he can for the school system. I just want Mr. Williams to do big things outside of his retirement.”
News | December 2019
Numbers propel women’s swimming
Photo by Lindsey Bennett
Women’s swimming defeated Hazelwood West at Webster University on Dec. 5. This was its first win of the season with a final score of 131-37.
Lindsey Bennett Print Editor “We knew it was going to be one of the hardest of the season,” senior co-captain Grace Lock said about the opening meet. The team lost 69-101 to Kirkwood on Dec. 3. Despite the outcome, it still has high hopes for the season. “We have depth in our team that no other team does,” senior co-captain Parker Hagemann said. The number of swimmers was evident when the team faced Hazelwood West on Dec. 5, for its first home meet at Webster University. The outcome was 131-37 in favor of Webster. Almost the whole pool deck was swarmed with orange swim caps. Hagemann accounts for only losing one senior last season, Kendra Howard, as a reason for the number of swimmers. “We’ve gained at least six freshman who will swim at State,”
Hagemann said. Although competing and winning at State is the goal for the team, the co-captains express a desire for something else as well. “We are hoping to have a really positive and fun environment for the whole season,” Lock said. “Every single swimmer, every girl has a role on the team whether it’s to go the fastest they possibly can or be cheering from the side.” Hagemann said that the numbers of swimmers are important, but so is training. “The training style this season might need to change,” Hagemann said. Training is needed to accomplish the goals of the team this year. “Last year we got third in State and this year we hope that we can win,” senior Elisabeth Ragan said. The next meet is Dec. 17, at Pattonville High School.
Men’s and women’s wrestling teams begin strong Elise Keller Editor-in-Chief Men’s and women’s wrestling competed in their first meet of the season Friday, Dec. 6, at John Burroughs High School. Hannah Jansen, junior, placed first in her weight class of Friday, after placing third at State. “It went really well, all around everyone did well. We had five guys and two girls place in the top three in their weight class. I placed first in my weight class, and it was a great start to the season,” Jansen said. Jansen said, “My goals for this season are to be a leader for my teammates, have confidence in myself and to always be giving
December 2019 | Sports
everything I have, so that not only can I can pick up where I left off last year and do even better, but so that I can push my teammates to get better as well.” This year is the first year that Webster wrestling has had separate men’s and women’s teams, but Jansen said the dynamics of the team have stayed the same. “The only difference about having separate men’s and women’s teams is who we wrestle in meets,” Jansen said. “Having ‘separate’ teams hasn’t affected our team specifically because male or female. We are one team, and at the end of the day, we are family, and we are all fighting for each other and supporting each other and pushing each other to be the best we can be,” Jansen said.
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Fields from the Frontline
Women’s basketball gives back to community
Photos by Emily Goben
Junior Gabriela Moore plays defense and Junior Ja’mise Bailey shoots the ball during a game against Lutheran South on Thursday, Dec. 5. Webster went on to win the game 48-37. The teams also held a diaper drive with all proceeds going to Nurses for Newborns.
Jaden Fields Junior Editor Women’s basketball started its season with its first game on Thursday, Dec. 5, against Lutheran South. The team is led by head coach Josh Spuhl, who’s coming in for his third year as head coach. Winning is always a priority for any sports team, but this year the team also put another goal in it’s headlights: giving back to the community. The team was competing against Lutheran South in more ways than on the court with a diaper drive. Both teams had a section for diapers to be dropped off in support of their team, and the side with the most diapers at the
end of the evening is the victor. “I felt it was necessary for our program to find ways to give back to our community. Our first community project was a Diaper Drive. “All of the proceeds went to Nurses for Newborns. We are still deciding what we will do next,” head coach Josh Spuhl said via email. The team hopes to do more community centered projects in the future. The team started the season with a 4837 win against Lutheran South on the court and with the diaper drive. In years past, the women’s basketball team has had some issues with lower numbers, but this year thsoe numbers are rather promising. The team has 30 players in the program, which is a significant improvement. It is
have enough players for a Varsity, JV and C team, which is composed of primarily underclassmen. This year, the team has a smorgasbord of different types of players, ranging from rather experienced players, and some that are fairly new to the game. “There’s some good players and then there’s some that have never played before. We have a big range of talent,” sophomore Jenna Clark said about their underclassmen community. The team also has a feeder program, and the girls involved in that are now in eighth grade, so they will be joining the Statesmen next year. The next matchup for the team is Dec. 20, in Robert’s Gym against rival Kirkwood before competing in the Visitation Christmas Tournament over winter break.
The Echo Staff wishes all a safe and joyous Winter Break! 6
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Sports | December 2019
Coach Clifford Ice announces retirement
Photos by Felicia Smith and Addie Palmquist
Coach Clifford Ice gives directions to players during the first home game against Hazelwood Central at Moss Field on Friday, Sept. 7, and during the Nov. 28, 2009, State championship against Fort Osage at the Edward Jones Dome. The final score of the State game was 31-14, making it Webster Groves’ fourth State championship. Coach Ice looks back at assistant coaches as team approaches the end of second half of this year’s Hazelwood Central game.
Elise Keller Editor-in-Chief Coach Cliff Ice, who has worked as assistant activities director and head football coach since 1999, plans to retire at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. “What we’ll miss is a darn good football coach,” athletic director Jerry Collins said. Ice was only the eighth coach in Webster football history. His coaching career of 21 years brought him two Class Five state championships, as well as a 151-82 career record. “I mean, he’s very successful and that’s not by accident. He’s very, very smart and very, very good,” Collins said. Ice led his teams in 2002 and 2009 to win the State championships. He also led his 2003 and 2010 teams to place second in the State tournaments. His 2005 and 2013 teams also competed in the State semifinals. “He’s also a very good leader of not just his players but also of the program and his assistant coaches,” Collins said. Ice went further than just being a great coach, though. “He has a great personality. He’s always willing to help the kids, and he always has the best interest of kids in mind. He’s even said before he can’t recognize enough kids, so he really loves the students.,” Kim Edwards, secretary, said. “He’s fun to work with. He’s a good guy,” Edwards said.
December 2019 | Sports
“He’s a very likeable guy. He’s very professional in how he tries to treat kids fairly. He tries to consider all aspects of his program, and I’ve never seen a coach do more to work with the kids,” Collins said. “I like Coach Ice very much. He’s like a father figure. He always kept me out of trouble. He always did a lot for me,” senior Enrique Quinones said. “When he has students that are struggling or students that aren’t always doing it the way you’d expect things to be done, he’s, without hesitation, flexible in working with students to help them succeed. I’ve never seen a coach be more flexible and more open to working with students that need help in order to help them be successful,” Collins said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have such stability in that program for such a long time. Not just with him, but many of his assistant coaches have been with him for a long time, too, so having the stability and positive leadership in that program will be missed for sure,” Collins said. “I think we’re gonna miss him tremendously. He’s gonna be some big shoes to fill. His dedication to his job and his coaching-- he’s the best of the best. I’m gonna miss him,” Edwards said. Students, though, are still hopeful for the future of the football program after Ice. “Webster has always had a good football program so I’m pretty sure it’ll be fine whoever head coaches,” Quinones said.
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Decade’s end brings be Elise Keller Editor-in-Chief As much as the year 2020 seems like a made-up number, it is only days away. The turn of the decade draws nearer and nearer, and it’s a great time to reflect on the highs and lows the 2010s brought.
2010:
Best: Löded Diper “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” was a series that unified anyone born between 2000-2004, and Löded Diper was a key point of this childhood unity. At some point, we all wanted to be in Rodrick Heffley’s band or even just be friends with Heffley. Junior Quinn Tegenkamp said the band is “better than Queen.” Nicola Rikand, junior, is “personally not into the screaming part” but believes the lead singer, Heffley, to be very attractive. Worst: Justice clothing brand Many girls in the fifth grade were seen wearing the signature glittery monkey shirt or matching track suits from Justice, and to put it simply: horrendous. Justice’s tracksuit trend came at least five years after the peak of tracksuits, which was made popular by Paris Hilton in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and likely ended with Amy Pohler’s “cool mom” portrayal in 2004. Justice hopped on this trend after it was long dead, in 2010, and the elementary age girls followed, donning bedazzled pink and neon turquoise sweatsuits. 2011: Best: “What Makes You Beautiful” One Direction’s 3-minute-and-18 second gift to mankind came out in 2011. The song changed music for the better. The song brings back memories of summer, happiness and life before high school. The song represents simpler, happier times. It’s nostalgia-- it is the definition of the word. Worst: Rebecca Black’s “Friday” 2011 was musically all over the place. There were highs, and there were lows and basically no in between. “Friday” is one of those lows, and even Rebecca Black agreed. “I would love to say that I knew what a good song was at that time, but I didn’t,” Black told Billboard in an interview this year. Black was only 13 when she recorded the song. According to Billboard, ARK Music Factory wrote and released the auto-tuned song and the corny, heavily-edited video that went along with it. 2012: Best: U.S. Women’s Gymnastics summer Olympic team This iconic team, dubbed the “Fierce Five,” won the overall team gold medal and four individual medals. The team was made up of Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wieber, all of whom were between 15 and 18 years old. They were not only America’s sensation that summer but also an inspiration for long after they returned from London. Worst: 12/12/12 December 12, 2012, was the rapture that never happened. A manifested state of worldwide, apathetic panic-- over nothing. It was this generation’s version of Y2K.
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2013:
Best: Vine Everything anyone does is based on Vine. The English language at this point is about one third Vine quotes. People quote Vines on a daily basis. Nothing from the 2010s will be remembered as fondly as these iconic, wonderfully stupid little videos. Worst: “What Does the Fox Say” Not much needs to be said about this. Everyone was there for this. It was fun for a day, and ever since then, it continues to decrease in tolerability. It is simply the worst earworm to exist. 2014: Best: Pharrell Williams’ big hats In a year filled with events like Jay-Z getting attacked by Solange and Nicki Manaj’s “Anaconda” video, Pharrell Williams’ big hats were a fun, refreshing breath of style, one that people could laugh at. Williams paired his big brown high-topped fedora with a gray cardigan for a laid-back look. He also paired it with a red Adidas jacket for a more suave style at the 2014 Grammy’s. The oversized fedoras made people happier than his song “Happy,” released the previous year. Worst: Old Webster Middle school was a time for embarrassing iPod touch selfies, trying out horrible trends and making generally questionable decisions. Old Webster was representative of all of this and more. At the time, nothing felt cooler than walking down to Panera or Fizzy’s on a Friday after school. Looking back, some of the worst memories were made on these afternoon outings. 2015: Best: Barack Obama Aside from his politics (or including them if one leans that way), Barack Obama peaked in 2015. Obama marched on Selma with Rep. John Lewis, laughed at a child dressed as the pope, took a selfie Photo by Brian van der Brug/Los with U.S. Women’s Angeles Times/TNS National Soccer Team, President Obama, first lady Miand was awesome at chelle Obama and former President the correspondents’ George W. Bush are on stage at the dinner with Keeganfoot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Michael Key. Selma, Ala., on Saturday, March 7, Obama peaked as a public figure, and provided a bright, smiling face that represented most of America at this time. Worst: Cultural appropriation Although Zayn left One Direction in this year, it can’t be ignored that in 2015 cultural appropriation became a fashion trend. Many cultural styles became “trendy,” like Katy Perry’s gelled baby hairs. In an article from 2015, Elle said Perry created a
December 2019 | Opinion
est and worst memories “new trend,” but the style was actually created in the 1970s by black women and worn throughout the decades by black women. Kylie Jenner wore fake dreadlocks and cornrows, Miley Cyrus wore dreadlocks, Khloe Kardashian wore a headdress to Coachella, and Bindis were sold as a “costume.” Taylor Swift filmed her “Wildest Dreams” video in Africa, featuring an all-white cast dressed in colonizer clothes. The list goes on. Not okay, 2015. 2016: Best: Harry Styles’s haircut Harry Styles was a popular favorite member of One Direction, but when he began growing out his hair in 2014, fans were unsure. This haircut was long awaited and well worth the wait. The haircut also came at the time of his solo career, which is amazing. Styles, a true sweetheart, donated the chopped hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity dedicated to providing real hair wigs to children with hair loss and funding childhood cancer research. Worst: The election For both sides of the spectrum, the 2016 election was the end of common sense politics and the rise of a new era in American history. Not only did the electoral college fail to represent the public, but an outrage erupted when it was thought that it represented Russia’s interests instead. Actual issues didn’t seem to matter. Instead it was parties defending their own parties, with a blindness to scandals, emails, racist remarks and implications of sexual assault. 2017: Best: Women’s March The women’s march began a massive social movement. It brought an estimated 3.3 million to 5.3 million people across the nation, according to Britannica. That means that a little over 1 percent of Americans felt empowered to mobilize for social change on January 21, 2017. Not only was this Photo by Andy Kimball movement huge in at- The 2017 St. Louis Women’s tendance, but also in the March was one of about 600. support from organizations. According to the Women’s March website, the march was backed by American Civil Liberties Act, NAACP, National Domestic Violence Hotline, and more. Worst: Man-buns Man buns embodied the entire hipster movement that took place. Microbreweries, handlebar mustaches, Crosley record players and “listening to that band before they were cool” can all be categorized under the umbrella of the man-bun. Preston Haney, senior, and frequent wearer of the man-bun, believes trends like this don’t matter.
December 2019 | Opinion
“When it comes to trends, you shouldn’t care. Just do what you want and never worry about what others say,” Haney said. 2018: Best: Emma Gonzalez 2018 was a year without a lot of hope. According to Business Insider, 340 mass shootings occurred. More people (373) died in mass shootings than there are days in the year, and over 1,300 more were injured. America was broken, but Emma Gonzales channeled this angry, lost, desperate hopelessness many Americans felt into strength in her February 2018 gun control rally speech, where she said, “We call BS. They say no laws could have prevented the hundreds of senseless tragedies that have occurred. We call BS. That us kids don’t know what we’re talking about, that we’re too young to understand how the government works. We call BS.” Gonzales showed this generation how to start a movement and look what we were able to do. Teens continued the gun control movement, started the climate crisis movement and continue to protect their future. Thank you, Emma Gonzales. Worst: Dr. Jon Clark retirement Webster will always remember and love Dr. Jon Clark, who served as principal from 2003 until 2018. “He was pretty great. He was the heart of the high school,” senior Mary Claire Wolk said. In a statement to students, Clark said “As you know, I love Webster Groves,” and Webster Groves will continue to love him back. 2019: Best: Stanley Cup Obviously. This was the coolest thing to happen to St. Louis since the World’s Fair. From partying with the players at O.B. Clark’s to seeing Tarasenko’s baby in the cup to eating toasted ravioli out of the cup on the hill, St. Louis celebrated hard. St. Louis deserved to celebrate hard. At the beginning of the year, six months before the championship, the Blues had a losing record and were dead last in the league. However, after a winning streak in February that topped the franchise record (11 games) and some injury recovery in March (Tarasenko was out for 10 games, Schenn for six, Perron for 24), the Blues made it to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 49 years. On June 12, St. Louis became home to the Stanley Cup for the first time in history, and St. Louis couldn’t be prouder. Worst: Saying “Goodbye” The world says goodbye to the 2010s, and Webster says goodbye to the class of 2020. This is the end of childhood. Despite its lows, no decade could ever top the ‘10s. The generation that grew up in the 2010s has truly changed the world and will continue to change the world long after attending Webster Groves High School. Freshmen were only entering kindergarten when this decade began, and faster than they know it, high school will fly by, just as the decade did. So much has happened in this decade, and for most high schoolers, more than half of life was spent in it. Here begins grown-up life. Here’s to making the most of living in the ‘20s.
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Step team keeps traditions alive
Photo by Jaden Fields
Senior Nakaya Bratcher prepares for the step team performance at the annual Turkey Day community pep rally.
Jaden Fields Junior Editor Step team recently had its Turkey Day performance. This year’s performance was especially important as the team had brought out faculty members to participate in a step performance. The faculty members each represented a different Greek letter fraternity or sorority, including Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Zeta Phi Beta. These organizations are predominantly African American and have a strong step prominence. While modern stepping has its roots in black sororities and fraternities, its historical origin dates back to Africa. Miners would do something called Gumboot dancing, a form of stepping wearing boots, to communicate with one another as they weren’t able to talk in the mines. The tradition made its way over the seas and found a home in black sorority and fraternities at Historically Black College Universities (HBCU) and from there the Divine Nine, an organization of nine historically black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities, adopted the art form. The Webster Groves Step Team continues the step tradition through organized performances and paying tribute to the black fraternities and sororities they originate from. Step holds a special place in those who participate in it, and they view
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each other as a family. “Since it’s predominantly black females, it’s like a sisterhood. It’s like a home away from home for me and for a lot of the other girls.” junior Maya Bradford, one of the step team leaders, Photo by Jaden Fields said. Along with being Simone Cunningham and fellow Delta Sigma Theta alumna a form of entertain- strike a pose at the step team Turkey Day performance. ment, community, and communication, stepping is also a part of my involvement with my sorority form of expression and acts as an oppor- Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated. tunity for those involved to have an outlet We really use step as a way to show our African history, our African roots. . . [befor expressing themselves. “It just gives me an avenue to express ing able] to showcase my love for my ormyself through stepping. Growing up in ganization is important to me,” Cunningan all white district, I didn’t really get the ham said. Curriculum coordinator Pam Washingchance to show myself off because I was a minority, so this just gives me a chance to ton was involved with the Turkey Day show what I have,” junior Tanzania Bates step performance. Washington pledged Alpha Kappa Alsaid. Stepping is also a way to help alumni pha in college and views stepping as a stay in unity with their former Greek letter way to connect with her sisterhood and pay her homage to her sorority. fraternities and sororities. “We had to create a step show. . . It was Counselor Simone Cunningham is a part of the sorority Delta Sigma Theta and a way for us to work together, to learn participated in the step team performance something new. It was hard. We had to all be in unison, and it was just a lot of fun. It for Turkey Day. To her, step is about Unity and remem- was a way to just celebrate being together bering her roots. “Stepping is an important as a sisterhood,” Washington said.
Feature | December 2019
Cafeteria staff work to provide healthy meals
Photo by Elise Wilke-Grimm
Cafeteria employee Jessica Proyaseng prepares nachos in the cafeteria during first lunch on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Elise Wilke-Grimm News/Opinion Editor Behind the scenes work of a cafeteria is more thorough than one would assume. The school and Chartwell work together to ensure that every student eats proper meals. The process begins at 6:30 a.m. when the employees start preparing breakfast, which is served from 7:30-7:50 a.m. After breakfast the employees will clean their surfaces, wash dishes, wipe tables and start preparation for lunch. Between lunches there is around a 30-minute time gap for the employees to wipe down tables and surfaces. They’ll cover all the food to keep it warm, and depending on what food went low, they’ll cook more to serve for second lunch. When the bell rings after second lunch, they’ll separate what can be kept for the next day and what to throw away. Workers measure the amount of food waste, so they can compare it to previous days and see what they can do to omit the food waste issue. Workers will keep in mind foods that went low or foods with too much leftover, they’ll use this to calculate the amount they’ll cook for future lunches. The closing duties after a regular work day are washing dishes, wiping down tables and disinfecting surfaces, basically normal duties of any food business. Jessica Proyaseng is a cafeteria employee, and she has very few complaints about her job. She enjoys cooking at work and cooking new dishes in her free time. Similar to any cooking job
December 2019 | Feature
in the food industry the menu items can be relatively repetitive to cook since there are the same choices or similar choices everyday at lunch. “One time I made chili, and I liked that because it was something new and different compared to the repetitive meals we cook everyday,” Proyaseng said. Chartwell and the school are separate, but both of their goals are to keep students healthy, happy and fed. They work together to ensure that these goals are met. The recipes that are used in public school cafeterias are chosen by the government, and depending on food waste or other possible factors, the meals will hardly change throughout the year. “We work together pretty well actually. We use a lot of student input which mitigates a lot,” Mary Ann Schafer, registrar, said. A recent Echo poll of 30 responses shows about 60 percent of students eat cafeteria food at least once a week; however, 47 percent of respondents said there should be more options. “I eat their food once or twice a week. I would eat it more, but they run out of the things I like...grilled cheese sometimes also the nachos,” Myia Bradford, junior, said. Though most students find something they enjoy, students with allergies or vegans/vegetarians can have difficulties finding something to eat. “I always bring my own lunch anyway, but if I forgot my lunch or wanted to buy a lunch one day, I don’t even think I would be able to. I’m allergic to gluten, and there doesn’t seem to be any gluten free options,” Sophie Delay, junior, said.
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Review
‘Fine Line’ illustrates transition, honesty Emily Stisser Entertainment Columnist Harry Styles has made his long awaited return. Loved by cult followers, fans and One Direction junkies alike, “Fine Line” was released everywhere on Dec. 13. Comprehensive in soulful guitar riffs, rich imagery and unparalleled background vocals throughout, “Fine Line” asserts Styles continued 70s influence. In contrast to his previous debut solo album, “Harry Styles,” Styles’ early releases were exceptionally upbeat, sparking initial radio play and buzz. The first three singles released are some of the best tracks off the album. According to Rolling Stone, Styles said, “‘This time I really felt so much less afraid to write fun pop songs. It had to do with the whole thing of being on tour and feeling accepted.’” The album opens with “Golden,” an experimental track that successfully elates Styles’ intended tone for the rest of the album. The song begins with the lyrics, “Golden, golden, golden/ As I open my eyes/ Hold it, focus, hoping/ Take me back to the light.” “Adore You” was the third single and is the third song on the album. Longer than its earlier single releases, “Adore You” is my personal favorite, an unbeatable pop-rock blend. Complete with an engrossing music video, just under eight minutes long. The lead single off of the album, “Lights Up,” is a compelling blend of Styles’ love for pop ballads, as well as a sprightly liberation from past tracks. Repeatedly questioning one’s identity, Styles again and again asks, “What do you mean?/I’m sorry by the way/ I’m never going back now,” and “Lights up and they know who you are/ Know who you are/ Do you know who you are?” According to Rolling Stone, “‘It all just comes down to I’m having more fun, I guess,’” Styles said. “‘I think ‘Lights Up’ came at the end of a long period of self-reflection, self-acceptance,’” Styles said. Equally upbeat, “Watermelon Sugar” is carefree, sweet and addictive. The second single from the album and second track is again extremely upbeat, much more so than past work. One of my personal favorites, “Watermelon Sugar” is sure to satisfy one’s love for pop and rock n’ roll. Track five, “Cherry,” signifies a turning point in “Fine Line.” The song is a recognizable salute to Styles’ ex, French-American model Camille Rowe. The track concludes with voicemail from Rowe in French, speaking nonsense phrases (translated into English) such as “‘Hello! Are you asleep? Oh, I’m sorry… Well, no… Nope, it’s not important…Well then… We went to the beach and now we—Perfect! Harry,’” according to Cosmopolitan. Fans have also speculated that the song’s title is a tie to the past couple’s “ship” name, Charry. In conclusion, “Cherry” is a reminder that heart wrenching songs can still be somewhat upbeat. I want to give a nod to “Falling,” “To Be So Lonely,” “She” and “Canyon Moon” and tracks six, seven, eight and 10. Each song conveys something different: two breakup ballads, a rock saga and a possible ode to Styles’ time with model Kendall Jen-
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Photo from www.harrystyles.co.uk
Harry Styles’ second album, “Fine Line,” came out on Dec. 13. “I just feel more comfortable being myself,” Styles told Rolling Stone magazine following the completion of the album. Following the release, Styles will go on a global tour, stopping at Enterprise Center on July 21, 2020.
ner. Additionally, Styles primarily cultivated “Fine Line” while living, playing and creating in Malibu, California, leaving a west-coast twang in each track. “Sunflower, Vol. 6,” is the crazy, fun relative of the album. Completely disco influenced, track nine is sure to get one dancing. The 11th track on “Fine Line” is “Treat People With Kindness.” This infamous phrase, well known to Styles fans, has been relevant for a while. Initially used during Styles’ first solo tour, this phrase was made popular through tour and online merchandise. It only seems natural his second album would give a nod to this motto. According to Rolling Stone, “‘Through the two years of making the record I went through a lot of personal changes—I just had the conversations with myself that you don’t always have, and I just feel more comfortable being myself,’” Styles said. The final track of the album, “Fine Line” flawlessly wraps up the album. Styles’ upcoming world tour, “Love on Tour,” launches next spring. On July 21, 2020, Styles will perform at Enterprise Center. Tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster.
Entertainment | December 2019
Review
‘Frozen II’ lets standards go
Photo from movies.disney.com
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen II,” Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven journey to far beyond the gates of Arrandale in search of answers.
Elise Wilke-Grimm News/Opinion Editor
Zeke La-Mantia Social Media Manager
Going into “Frozen 2,” there were high expectations fluttering the room due to how amazing the first “Frozen” was. Unfortunately, these expectations were not met. The first installment of the iconic icy Disney movies was re-
December 2019 | Entertainment
leased Nov. 2013. The plot is rushed and the storyline is subpar. The entire movie was hard to follow, and it seemed that the writers were just making stuff up as they went. Maybe they just made it fast paced so it could hold the attention of children, but it appeared as if they didn’t have enough time to close the plot holes and fix imperfections. In the script things had to constantly be covered up in order for the previous happenings to be tied in. As an example, take Anna’s first line: “That permafrost seems to be working well for you Olaf” to explain why he no longer was followed by the snow cloud from the first movie. Lines like this continue throughout the movie, context clues are basically nonexistent. Though some songs might’ve been a tad catchy, none can compare to the first “Frozen’s” soundtrack. Most of the songs came at very inopportune times and their lyrics weren’t relatable in any other situation besides the movie. Many parts of the music created issues. “Frozen” (2013) had a total of 10 songs, and “Frozen II” had seven. They come one after the other with very little time for dialogue, and it feels quite rushed. Another let down involving the movie’s music was the fact that none of the songs hit as hard as anyone hoped they would. “Let it Go,” performed by Idina Menzel, in the first movie was so iconic that a child doesn’t exist who can’t sing every word. Walking out of the theater on opening night was completely unimpactful; there wasn’t a single hum to the music heard. The songs were ultimately good, but none were what is known as being iconic. Though the movie had a lot of unsatisfactory qualities, the autumn aesthetic of the movie was an enjoyable factor. The colors and the quality of the animations were unique to other animated films. The warm colors in the forest scenes and the movie’s general vibe, and the animation skills that bring the characters and the setting to life are aspects that will also leave a lasting positive imprint.
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Op-ed
Instagram likes should not be removed because tons of other people have already is called “like momentum.” Certain Instagram users who have large followings (called “influencers”) are paid by brands to promote a product using social media. According to Traackr and as reported by Vox, 72 percent of major brands are dedicating a major portion of their marketing fund to influencers. People make money on Instagram. The platform is not just for interacting with friends anymore. The amount of money made by influencers depends on a number of factors, including post engagement. Likes are a way for companies to garner how much an influencer should be paid. However, Instagram’s motives might not be so pure. Although Instagram’s experiment with hiding likes seems to be an effort to promote user’s mental health, reports are surfacing that it is actually in hopes to increase how often users post. The theory is that if users feel less judged with like counts removed, they will feel less inclined to post perfect photos, leading to an increase in volume of personal, unfiltered content. “It’ll likely effect [sic] how much some people engage on Instagram, probably liking a bit less and posting a bit more...” Mosseri said in a Tweet, as reported by CNBC. In an effort to come off as mental-health conscious, Instagram has muddled the waters of its true intentions and put influencers and businesses in harm’s way. Photo from News-Journal/TNS
Instagram started experimenting with removing like counts from their photo feeds.
Lindsey Bennett Print Editor Instagram has been experimenting with removing like counts over the past year. The company claims removing the emphasis on number of likes will create a more enjoyable, less stressful app experience. Instagram is testing a new feed where other’s like count is unavailable to anyone but the person who posted it. Users are still able to see their own number of likes and view who liked a certain post. However, the big tally below the picture is removed. “We don’t want Instagram to feel like a competition,” the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, said at an event in April as reported by the New York Times. “We want people to worry a little bit less about how many likes they’re getting on Instagram and spend a bit more time connecting with the people they care about,” he said. Although Mosseri’s message about connection is touching, it does not reflect what the app has turned into: a business powerhouse designed to influence. Businesses rely on Instagram to make money. If likes are removed, users are unable to tell how many people are interacting with its competitors. Also, users will be less inclined to like a post if they aren’t tallied up. The phenomenon of liking a photo
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Opinion | December 2019
Op-ed
Stay sustainable, shop local this holiday season
Photo provided by Abbey Eilermann
Abbey Eilermann, owner and founder of Daily Disco, started the custom chainstich company in 2015. Daily Disco’s new storefront is located in the heart of the Hill, at 2103 Marconi Ave.
Emily Stisser Entertainment Columnist During the frenzy of the holiday season, opting for sustainability, affordability and mindful shopping often falls between the cracks. Here are some recommendations of how to stay sustainable this holiday season, while supporting local women-run businesses. Upcycling, equally affordable and environmentally friendly, is just one sustainable option. An opportunity to enrich a well-loved piece, Daily Disco is here to make one’s embroidery dreams come true. Bring in an old denim jacket, tote bag or bandana to give life to a new gift. Located in The Hill, at 2103 Marconi Ave., this womanrun business is just as much one-of-a-kind as sustainable. Follow Daily Disco’s journey and find inspiration on Instagram, at @daily_disco. An alternative choice is thrifting. Thrift shop in style at The Vault, located at 325 S. Brentwood Blvd. This mother-daughter trio is an all women-run enterprise, complete in girlpower and sustainability. Bring in old clothes to make some extra
December 2019 | Opinion
cash on the spot, or earn store credit, during the holiday season. Shopping second hand allows for unique and rare gifts givers may not be able to give normally. Additionally, The Vault is aiming to be completely plastic free in the coming year, including all tags. Follow The Vault on Instagram at @ thevaultluxuryresale to stay updated or new finds and pieces. More traditional stores, still local, such as Goodwill, Savers, ReFresh, or a local Antique Shop are additionally just as green. Furthermore, practicality and sustainability go hand in hand. Shop this season at LARK Skin Co., a clean skin care line made “by women, for women,” based locally at 8709 Big Bend Blvd. Made with high-quality natural ingredients, LARK is a consciously clean company, promoting green beauty. According to LARK, green beauty is,”a blanket term for totally natural skincare. This typically refers to your products that are made with eco-friendly ingredients, ones that are good for the environment while also being good for your overall health.” Promoting sustainability, LARK refrains from using excessive plastic in its packaging, opting for glass containers. Selling products anywhere from custom
face masks, to sculpting tools, to natural perfumes, LARK has a gift for everyone this holiday season. Additionally, one does not need to give a physical gift for the token to have meaning. Sometimes, experiences are just as, or more, meaningful to recipients. LARK offers a surplus of custom facials and treatments. Each services begins with a trip to LARK’s “Ritual Bar,” where customers will have a one-on-one consultation with a Holistic Esthetician. Facials are often individual, but those interested in booking a party of two or more can contact LARK via email on phone. Additionally, a theater show, concert or trip downtown can create a meaningful experience. One method that makes an impact is being mindful of gift packaging. Tissue paper, for example, is easy to save, store and reuse. Many conscious givers also have an endless cycle of gift bags, kept and reused from gifts they have received. Earth Art by Aja Trachtova Recycling Symbol by Elise Keller
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Join us in Celebration of the Lord!
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Comic | December 2019