WG ECHO January 2019 Issue

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Volume 104 Issue 5 January 2019 1 0 0 S e l m a Av e . w g e c h o . o r g

The Mental Health Issue

2018-19 ECHO STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Cole Schnell PRINT EDITOR: Ellie Marshall JUNIOR EDITOR: Elise Keller BUSINESS MANAGER: Trinity Madison VIDEO EDITOR: Evelyn Trampe SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Rosa Parks OPINION EDITOR: Emily Stisser NEWS EDITOR: Ethan Weihl SPORTS EDITOR: Greg Frazier FEATURE EDITOR: Lindsey Bennett PODCAST EDITOR: Maeve Taylor ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Josie Krueger GRAPHICS EDITOR: Colin Shue TECH COLUMNIST: Sean Mullins 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 Avenue, 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.

The Echo is a member of SSP, Quill and Scroll, MJEA, JEA, MIPA, NSPA and CSPA.

The Echo Family

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Letter to the Reader Toxic masculinity affects men’s mental health Mental health should be integrated into curriculum WGHS needs more women’s studies classes Willie’s Comic Troupe 191 heads to Kansas City for State Women’s March partakes despite the weather Webster feeds senior’s passion for change Marketing ll students take on New York City High school students struggle with mental illness Local organizations offer opportunities for teens Students perform at MLK celebration Jay Blossom hangs up the whistle after 20 years Athletics come with mental health consequences Review: ‘On the Basis of Sex’ appeals to all ages Kevin Hart steps down from the Oscars Review: ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ reflects poorly on interactive films Podcast makes depression hilarious

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The Echo Family helps make the Echo possible. To become a member of the Echo Family, please contact wgecho@wgmail.org. Thanks to all of our members!

Aerin Johnson Keillyn Johnson Brad and Amy Krueger Curtin Family Melanie Bennett Hepfinger Family Cover Cutline: Senior Sarah Morgenthaler creates charcoal artwork of distressed women.

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12 Table of Contents | January 2019

Letter to the readers

Echo dedicates this issue to mental health Dear readers, The Echo dedicates the fifth issue of the 104th year of the publication of the Echo to increasing awareness and attention to the fifth of teenagers (13-18 year olds) who deal with mental illness.

Throughout this issue, six stories relate to mental health, including stories about initiatives to combat mental health problems, mental health as it relates to athletics, a podcast that works to destigmatize depression, and mental disorders that students

have to deal with throughout their high school years.

The motivation of this dedication is to inform the Echo’s readers and not to deindividualize or generalize any person’s experience with mental illness or mental health.

Thank you for your attention, Cole Schnell Editor-in-Chief

Ellie’s Expression

Toxic masculinity affects men’s mental health Eleanor Marshall Opinion Columnist Let’s get one thing straight: the term “toxic masculinity” doesn’t imply that men are evil, far from that. It simply means that the unfair expectations that society put on boys and men are toxic.

Just like society believes women should be submissive and dainty, men are often told to be tough, physically and emotionally. Now, being tough isn’t inherently a bad thing, but anything that is taken too far can become harmful. This pressure directly impacts the mental health of boys and men.

“Research suggests that socialization practices that teach boys from an early age to be self-reliant, strong, and to minimize and manage their problems on their own, yield adult men who are less willing to seek mental health treatment,” a Public domain photo from Wikimedia Commons study by the American Psychological A comic book panel shows a young boy (Dan Garret, aka Blue Beetle) being told Association (APA) stated.

Fewer men seek treatment, like thera- not to cry after his mother’s death. From page 3 of Blue Beetle #1. py, to avoid looking weak, and as a result of this, studies show that they are “... Four times more likely than aware of their emotions and fashion and all that stuff, but I definitely think, especially like you said, we see a lot of gender idenwomen to die of suicide worldwide,” the APA article said.

According to the APA, “Men (are) less likely to be diagnosed tity confusion,” AP Psychology teacher Jon Petter said. “(Stereotypes) don’t allow them to be comfortable being a with internalizing disorders such as depression, in part because internalizing disorders do not conform to traditional gender role male and being emotional, which can obviously make you want to mask your identity. This going to create a conflict within yourstereotypes about men’s emotionality.”

To many, it may seem that this idea of toxic masculinity is no self: self confidence issues, low self esteem. I see it all the time. longer as relevant as it was 10 years ago. More men are wearing Men think they have to be aggressive and athletic,” Petter said.

“The older generation, I think, still adheres to it, so if someone makeup, painting their nails and dressing in clothes once deemed has a very toxic masculine father, that really puts a lot of presfeminine.

Even the shaving brand, Gillette, recently put out a commer- sure on them to embody those stereotypes, and they don’t, that is cial that shows men correcting other men’s sexist behaviors. As a going to create attachment issues, emotional issues, depression, society we have made leaps and bounds, but we’re still far from identity issues, perhaps sexual confusion. There are a lot of mental health issues that come up anytime you try to put any child where we need to be.

“I would agree with you that men are starting to become more into a box that they aren’t meant to be put in,” Petter said.

January 2019 | Opinion

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Editorial

Mental health should be integrated into curriculum Mental illness affects one in 25 adults. Mental health is something that students must be aware of in order to function in this world. It must be taught to students, so they are prepared for life.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “one in five students has a mental health condition.”

By applying that statistic to the population of WGHS, it can be reasoned that roughly 300 Webster students are affected by a mental health condition.

While the school has a good number of resources for students who do have mental illnesses (reference story on page 8-9), mental health needs to be incorporated more into the curriculum.

By being taught about mental health illnesses and mental health in general, students (no matter if they are affected by a mental health condition or not) will be able to become more knowledgeable and aware of it.

Jon Petter, psychology teacher, said, “I would argue that unless students take psychology, they are often ignorant to mental health issues unless it directly affects them (and even then, it’s not always the case). I think that, unfortunately, without it students are often misinformed, and that can dangerous in of itself.”

NAMI states most illnesses begin before age 14, but the average time between when symptoms appear and the person starts getting treatment is about 10 years.

According to Pewtrusts.org, “‘By educating children of all ages about mental health, the hope is that they will learn how to recognize early symptoms in themselves and their friends and seek help before a crisis develops,’ said Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Mental Health America, a nonprofit that advocates for better mental health care.”

Graphic by Doug Griswold/Bay Area News Group/TNS

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Along with this, a Echo poll respondent said, “Yes [mental health should be taught], because many students have different mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, and it may make it easier for people to be understood by their peers. As well, students may take their mental health more seriously, notice signs of unbalanced mental health within themselves. Education will certainly help with any sort of judgment of mental illnesses, as that comes from ignorance.”

In order to treat any illness, one must be aware of the possible symptoms; however, if students do not know what these symptoms are, then it will be hard for them to want help, get help, etc.

New York is an example of one state that works towards better mental health education in school. Passed in 2018, a New York law requires mental health to be taught about in middle and high school.

Part of the justification for this bill reads, “Over 50 percent of students with emotional or behavioral disorders drop out of high school, and of those who do remain in school, only 42 percent graduate. Health education that respects the importance of mental health and challenges of mental illness will help young people and their families feel more comfortable seeking help, improve academic performance and save lives,” according to NYassembly.gov.

The facts are the truth, and they are over the top. Suicide still remains the second leading cause of death in children aged 10 to 19 (CNN.com). As stated above, about 50 percent of students who struggle with mental illness end up dropping out of high school. These statistics are too high, and much more can be done to lower the numbers.

Petter said, “I absolutely believe educating students about mental illness will work to help destigmatize it. Students will learn the truths about the disorders, the prevalence and realities, and work to be more empathetic toward those with mental disorders. In AP Psychology, I work to emphasize realities of the disorders and teach students that these individuals are truly suffering. I expect them to be ambassadors of psychology and mental health when they leave my classroom and help others do the same.”

If Webster Groves and the rest of Missouri follow in New York and Virginia’s footsteps, mental health will be destigmatized, and hopefully, this will help the shocking numbers in these statistics drop down.

Students are taught how to use commas, how to do taxes, how to live as adults, but they are not being taught how to survive mentally. By having these necessary conversations about mental health, students will be safer, wiser, more aware of what mental illness is, the symptoms and how to treat it.

Send in letters  to the editor at wgecho@wgmail.org Opinion | January 2019

Op-Ed

WGHS needs more women’s studies classes Gretchen Skoglund Contributing Writer Ever since humans learned to write, male history has taken precedence over female history. Novels have been written about epic conquests of masculine heros. Stories have been told about powerful men fighting in stubborn wars.

Even today, most history classes teach subject material from a man’s perspective. It seems like only men have the ability to save the day.

Currently, WGHS offers social studies classes including U.S. Government, World History, U.S. History and American Military History. They are available for every grade level, and all focus nearly exclusively on man’s role in shaping the world and the United States.

Only one women’s studies class is offered at the high school, an ACC level class open to only juniors and seniors. In addition, out of the 13 teachers belonging to the social studies department, only two are female.

This educational imbalance needs to change. WGHS should offer a broader range of classes that encompass the many contributions women have brought to society. Just as male history has many classes devoted to it, so should female history. Possible class additions may include the History of Women in the World, the History of Women in America, the History of Women of Color, and the History of Women in Science and Engineering.

“I think that the incorporation of more women’s studies into the general history curriculum is something that I would really be interested in seeing,” Amie Keane, who teaches Women, Gender and Diversity, said. “Historically, women’s contributions to society have definitely been undervalued and underrepresented.”

Maybe if schools like WGHS start to make women’s studies required, female representation and success in the workplace, specifically, in political offices would increase.

Women make up 51 percent of the United States’ population, but currently, only 23 percent of U.S. senators and 19 percent of U.S. House members are female, according to the Center for

January 2019 | Opinion

Public domain image from www.wikipedia.org

1992 was labeled the “Year of the Woman” after a number of females were elected into the Senate. Pictured are the female democratic representatives in 1993.

American Women in Politics at Rutgers University. In addition, zero percent of women have been elected president.

“I’m sure that there would be people who would be less than enthusiastic to take [the class],” Keane said, “but hopefully, if the course were successful and as they learned more about it, they would become a little bit more open minded.”

Women’s studies can easily be added to the course list at WGHS, and at least one women’s studies class should be a part of the required curriculum for all students. The administration could implement this simply by making a half credit women’s social studies course mandatory, just like the required classes of Government and World Geography.

With groups at Webster such as the Feminist Coalition, the Social Justice Club and the History Club, there would be plenty of interest in these proposed classes.

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Troupe 191 heads to Kansas City for State Maeve Taylor Podcast Editor

Inducted members of Troupe 191 started off the year by attending the Missouri State Thespian Conference.

The conference, held on alternating years in St. Louis and Kansas City, was centered in the Marriott in downtown Kansas City.

The conference days, running from about 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., were occupied by workshops, competition, and performances, as well as for potential awards and scholarships.

Students were able to participate in Individual Events (IE) in performance and technical categories, as well as team works like the Tech Challenge and the Improv Intensive.

Seniors Tea Gardner and Grace Engel for Duet Acting and junior Jessica Peterson for Solo Acting were chosen to perform in the IE showcase.

Senior Joseph Castleman, who has attended the conference every year since he was a freshman and performed with the improv team this year, describes the experience as “amazing.”

“The thespian conference is a great culmination of theater and people from across the state. My favorite thing about it is always meeting new people.” Castleman said, “Everyone there is so friendly, outgoing, and shares a passion for theatre that makes it easy to go up to strangers and say, ‘Hello.’”

Photo by Amelia Gresnick

A group of the thespians take advantage of the snow. They created Milky White, a cow from the musical “Into the Woods,” which was performed at the Missouri State Thespian Conference in Kansas City from Jan. 10-12.

The conference, which ran from Jan. 10-12, ended in the same snow experienced in Webster, which resulted in the students return home being postponed a day later.

Women’s March happens despite the weather Rosa Parks Social Media Manager Despite a winter advisory, hundreds participated in the St. Louis Women’s March Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.

This year’s march was a little different, along with the normal speakers and the march, there was also an action fair, which

featured a variety of informative booths.

The Women’s March has been an annual event since January 2016, but recently the Women’s March, has been under fire due to allegations of anti-Semitism.

The rumors and doubts held by some caused some loss of support for the Women’s March. Less money was donated, and marches across the country were can-

Photo by Greg Frazier

The 2018 Women’s March was the second march. The theme was “Truth.”

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celled due to insufficient funds and perceived lack of attendance.

While numbers did indeed drop at this year’s march, it can’t be said whether due to the anti-Semitism allegations or the weather.

However, the allegations of anti-Semitism are not directed at all marches, mainly the National Women’s March, which is a separate entity from most other ‘sister’ marches.

The St. Louis march is not in relation to the National Women’s March and does not receive funding from the national march.

The STL Women’s March stated, “There is significant work to be done right here in St. Louis, and as long as we can use this collective voice to inspire action that helps women of all colors and creeds, we will.

“We are dedicated to honoring what connects us and respecting what divides us, as we work towards breaking down those barriers. We will continue to organize a St. Louis march that is inclusive of all women and that aims to expand upon the inspiration of the day by turning that inspiration into action.”

News | January 2019

Webster feeds senior’s passion for change

Photo from Rosie Ryan

Senior Rosie Ryan collects donations for Webster Feeds.

Webster Feeds, a volunteer program run by Ryan and her family since 2011.

Eleanor Marshall Print Editor Senior of the month Rosie Ryan has always been passionate about social justice. She is the president of the Feminist Coalition and volunteers for PotBangerz and Planned Parenthood.

Ryan and her family have also run a canned food drive, Webster Feeds, for nine years.

The organization was actually started almost accidentally by Ryan’s sister, alumna Irene Ryan.

“My sister was in the gifted program, Project Plus, at Hixson,”

Ryan explained. “In seventh grade they had to do a service project, so she was like, ‘What if we do a canned food drive?’ It was so easy and so fun that we kept it going.”

Thus Webster Feeds was born.

From 2011-2018, Webster Feeds has collected 9037 pounds of food and $13,095.62. This food and money was able to feed 33,256 for one whole day, 45 percent more people than live in Webster.

Webster Feeds has raised this money by holding events such as “cans for tacos” at local restaurant Milagro and setting up tables and bins for donations at the Webster Schnucks on Super Bowl Sunday. The Super Bowl Sunday event will continue this year on Feb. 3. Ryan is also looking into doing another event like “cans for tacos,” but this time at a different local restaurant.

“We are looking at a couple different options for this year,” Ryan said.

Despite Ryan being the last of her family in the district, the legacy of Webster Feeds will live on next year.

“We’re passing it on to Coach Chris Allen’s family (next year),” Ryan said. “They have three young kids of varying ages, so we’re passing it on to them. This year they are shadowing us to figure out how it runs, so hopefully it will continue in Webster, and if not, we have done a lot of good.”

In addition to the new family takeover, Ryan is also trying to get the school more involved.

“I’m working with (principal) Dr. (Matt) Irvin right now to try to get the school more involved, but it has been really hard.

There have been a few ‘cement walls,’ but Dr. Irvin is really interested in getting it here,” Ryan said.

Through this organization, Ryan has learned that nothing is too big to fight.

“Webster Feeds taught me that it is so easy to help and to give.

Hunger seems like a huge mountain to conquer, but it just takes a little bit of effort and a Facebook page to help others,” Ryan said.

Marketing ll students take on New York City Maeve Taylor Podcast Editor Marketing II students took a trip to New York Jan. 15 through Jan. 20.

Much of the trip was composed of meeting with business executives with whom the program has built relationships over the years, as well as some alumni working in the area.

German teacher Brent Mackey, one of the trips chaperones, said, “We had our days (and nights) full of meetings with business and marketing experts, so from an educational perspective, this trip was packed.”

Other events included a Broadway show (students had a choice between “The

January 2019 | Feature

Lion King” or “Wicked”) and visits to the 9/11 memorial and museum and the Empire State building. The trip ended with ice skating at the Rock Center Mackey added his experience on the trip was “incredible.”

“I liked that almost every single business person that talked to us iterated how important it is to build positive relationships with people, because, they argued, no one got where they were by themselves,” Mackey said.

Senior Natalie Hanrahan, one of the students who attended the trip, said,“Overall, the trip taught me how many different components the label ‘marketing’ can include and reassured me that is okay not to know exactly what you what to do or where you want to go.”

Photo provided by Evelyn Trampe

Marketing II students visit New York.

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s t n e d tS u s t r u ggle with men s e s tal llnes i Trinity Madison Business Manager

Ethan Weihl News Editor

It’s common for high school students to feel down, whether it be stress-induced anxiety, “senioritis” or just a lack of motivation, but perhaps what students are experiencing is something more serious.

Anxiety Disorders According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 25.1 percent of teens age 13 to 18 are affected by anxiety disorders.

“Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences and engage in substance abuse,” the ADAA said.

Available forms of treatments include anxiety medication, hospitalization, psychotherapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, etc.

Bipolar Disorder Another common mental disorder is bipolar disorder. This is “a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression),” according to Mayo Clinic.

Common symptoms are unpredictable mood swings and sudden changes in behavior. Many who suffer from this disorder experience stress and difficulties in daily life.

Caitlyn Lewis, senior, said bipolar disorder affected her everyday “by really just being out of control of myself. It was my emotions controlling me.”

The three main types of bipolar disorder are Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II disorder and Cyclothymic disorder.

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Elise Keller Junior Editor

Bipolar I disorder is when a person experiences “at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis),” according to Mayo Clinic.

Bipolar II is when someone has “at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you’ve never had a manic episode,” according to Mayo Clinic.

Cyclothymic disorder is the diagnoses for someone who has had “at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression),” according to Mayo Clinic.

“Basically being bipolar, it’s like there’s a normal range of emotion for everybody else that fluctuates up and down, but for people with bipolar disorder, it goes to the extreme, so I will get unreasonably angry, sad, happy at things,” Lewis said.

Bipolar disorder can be helped with medication, therapy and hospitalization.

Panic Disorder Panic disorder is defined as when someone experiences several recurrent and unexpected sudden panic attacks of fear that last for several minutes that span over at least a month.

Panic attacks are characterized by feelings of large discomfort and fear in addition to at least four of the following symptoms: palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of choking,

chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills or hot flashes, numbness or tingling sensations, derealization, depersonalization, fear of losing control and fear of death According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Panic disorder often begins in the late teens or early adulthood. More women than men have panic disorder.”

Panic disorder can be treated with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is characterized by “an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivityimpulsivity that interferes with

functioning or development,” according to NIMH. A CDC published study from 2016 found that 6.1 million children aged two-17 years old had been diagnosed with ADHD in the U.S. Symptoms can include being off task, being disorganized, lacking focus, lacking drive to complete a task, being fidgety, moving around frequently, needing to stand up and walk around, frequent talking and impulsivity However, inattention in ADHD is not caused by ignorance.

According to NIMH, “Some people with ADHD only have problems with one of the behaviors, while others have both

Feature | January 2019

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inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.”

Senior Sophia Rios-Gotto, who suffers from acute ADHD, said, “For people with ADHD, you don’t have one song stuck in your head, you usually have three to four depending on how bad it is...Which gets slightly annoying, because you are actually trying to concentrate on things and do one homework assignment without thinking about the color pink or elephants in the zoo or the tiles on the floor. It’s crazy.”

Eating Disorders Three primary types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

Peop l e with a n orexia nervosa suffer from “a distorted body image that causes them to see themselves as overweight even when they’re dangerously thin,” according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Those afflicted with anorexia nervosa can refuse to eat, compulsively exercise and partake in dangerous diets.

This all leads to massive weight loss, but this may also lead to starvation or death.

Those with bulimia nervosa will eat large amounts of food, and then purge that food using methods like laxatives, vomiting, exercising, etc. According to the APA, those who suffer from bulimia nervosa can “feel disgusted and ashamed as they binge, yet relieved of tension and negative emotions once their stomachs are empty again.”

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Binge eating disorder is similar to bulimia nervosa, however the individual does not purge, following the binge.

Depression Depression is widely considered to be the most common of mental disorders according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Statistics provided by SAMHSA in 2016 estimated 3.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 have had at least one major depressive episode. That number represents almost 13 percent of adolescents.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) clinically defines depression as, “A period of two weeks or longer during which there is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, self-image or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.”

Fortunately, there are two main treatments, psychotherapy and antidepressant medicine, that help make depression manageable.

Senior Olivia Bickford, who suffers from depression, said, “Sometimes [depression is] really dark, and it’s really heavy, and it hangs over you and kind of affects everything you do. Other days, [depression is] kind of, you know, in the back of your mind, but you might think of it every now and then.”

Medicine can help make depression manageable.

“Sometimes I’m less focused on class, and I’m nervous to raise my hand out of fear of ridicule from my classmates,” said one respondent to an ECHO survey when asked how having depression affected school life.

Mental health issues affect a number of high schoolers. According to teenmentalhealth.org, “One in five young people suffer from a mental illness.”

If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health issue, you can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. According to its website, “The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.”

of chronic mental illnesses begin by age 14.

90%

of people who commit suicide have a mental illness.

10 million

adults live with a serious mental illness in America.

Statistics provided by nami.org

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Local organizations offer opportunities for teens

Photo from Jeff Stein

Sophomore Ada Foley rakes leaves outside of Safe Connections on Oct. 13. The French National Honors Society helped the organization in this school year.

Lindsey Bennett Feature Editor Almost everyone knows someone who struggles with mental health, whether it is a family member, a friend or oneself.

When trying to navigate ways to assist others, it is often easy to feel helpless.

However, St. Louis initiatives offer opportunities for teens to get involved.

Senior Leigh Bird found a way to assist those struggling through opportunities with the counseling center and experiential learning.

Bird volunteers for the Kids Under Twenty One (KUTO) Crisis Helpline, a helpline that is youth-staffed and offers a promise that teens “will talk with someone who knows what it’s like to be a young person.” Bird went through a month of training to qualify.

Work at the helpline started as a way to gain experiential learning that coincides with her interest in psychology and criminology, but, Bird continues to volunteer at KUTO when she has the time.

“There are a few hard topics that we cover because we do role playing with the calls… there were a few topics that I’ve been around… but they teach you how

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to get through it,” Bird said.

KUTO offers four types of volunteer opportunities specifically tailored to teens.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, French National Honors Society (FNHS) members have volunteered for Safe Connections, an organization focused on preventing domestic violence that also provides free counseling for those in crisis or recovery.

FNHS members volunteered their time by gardening and cleaning the handicap entrance of the building.

The club has also organized schoolwide drives dur-

ing the holiday season in order to collect presents that survivors of domestic abuse can give to their children.

The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program said, “Your skills can make a huge difference for a charity you care about… many local and national charities need skills in a variety of specialized areas, but don’t have the funds to hire a professional. You can help meet this need by giving to charity without worrying about money.”

However, if volunteering isn’t right for someone, there are other ways to help.

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) organizes 5k walks to “raise awareness of mental illness and raise funds for local, regional and state NAMI organizations.” The St. Louis 5k will take place Saturday, May 4, at Center Park in Chesterfield.

The St. Louis branch of NAMI also offers three different types of workshops for those seeking more information on mental health, ranging from seminars to mental health-centered first aid classes.

Feature | January 2019

Students perform at MLK celebration Emily Stisser Opinion Editor Step Team performed in the MLK Celebration last Sunday, Jan. 20, at Givens Elementary.

The event serves as a platform to honor the life and work of Dr. King and the impact he has had on the community.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m. from City Hall, the one-mile march to Givens Elementary kicked off the celebration.

The march was followed by a free dinner reception at 5 p.m.

Then the Community Celebration program started at 5:45 p.m., and included song, dance and spoken word.

Rev. Tracy Blackmon, Photo by Donald Johnson pastor of Christ the King Sophomore Myah Bradford, sophomore Tanzania Bates and senior Aysha Gray perform with the United Church of Christ WGHS Step Team at the MLK Celebration at Givens Elementary. in Florissant was the keynote speaker of the “I think it went well, because it was new we had never actually program. done that performance before, but we be thought it went really Rev. Blackmon spoke on creating “bridges, not walls.” well,” Giles said.

The Webster University Chamber Choir performed, as well as The theme of the performance was to “relay the history of the Step Team. black colleges and history of step,” Giles said.

Dressed in all black, the team first stepped out to the theme The team’s performances always have significance to the song from “A Different World,” by Aretha Franklin. events in which it performs. For example, at last year’s All Write Step Team veteran, junior Tanys Giles, was enthusiastic about festival, the team performed to spoken word by black poets or the team’s performance. writers.

Regarding the significance of performing in the celebration, Giles said, “It meant a lot (to me) because we haven’t gotten as much recognition as we should have, and this year we have gotten way more, and people actually want us to come to performances like this. Being able to step in front of a lot of people and higher up people, like (superindent) Dr. (John) Simpson, was really cool. I think it’s good for us.”

Dr. Simpson spoke at the event, introducing the various performers, scholarship winners and speakers.

Several district students, including freshmen Sophia Nittinger and Matt Good won a cash prizes for an essays they wrote regarding ways to better the community.

Although the public was encouraged to attend the 24th annual celebration, attendance was lower than previous years due to weather.

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Frazier from the Field

Jay Blossom hangs up whistle after 20 years Greg Frazier Sports Editor Men’s head Varsity coach, three-time State champion and owning a ridiculous career mark of 486 wins 189 losses. Can you guess who? Jay Blossom.

It’s easy to understand why hearing “Coach Blossom” anytime during a basketball game compels the fans to cheer.

The man is a living legend on the court.

For my mere three years of covering men’s basketball, the one thing I have noticed about Blossom is a voice. No matter how loud Coach Zach Smith gets with his cheers, he will never compare to the voice Blossom has.

He’s able to guide the players like a conductor through a Beethoven piece, only this time, the instruments are dribbles off the ground and shot clocks ringing out. It’s really quite impressive.

It took a while, but I managed to take a picture of Blossom smiling. Now, that is a rarity.

Gabby Blossom, his youngest daughter, plays women’s volleyball at Penn State

University. Blossom didn’t want to miss out on her three remaining seasons.

Blossom left Webster after two back-to-back State championships. That’s quite a high to leave on. The elephant on the court is this question: who will take his place now? Assistant coach Scott Stallcup, who is also retiring, said, “There is a lot interest inside and out of the program.”

Personally, I’d like to see Coach Justin Mathes take the position. It’s a right fit. Mathes has that voice that Blossom is Photo by Greg Frazier taking with him. What Mathes Coaches Scott Stallcup, Jay Blossom and Justin Mathes and the rest of the Statesmen look out on the court as the Statesmen battle Liberty in the Semi-final match for the State championship on March 3. need to do in these next definWebster would go on to win back-to-back champions. ing years is to build a reputathem once.” tion. Blossom was a big part The Statesmen have found success in of the WGHS basketball program, but it’s every game this year, but that isn’t a reatime for change.

Another thing to consider is whether son to think that Districts won’t be hard.

When/If Webster wins Districts, then having a back-to-back-to-back State title it’s a straight path towards the hat trick. is a possible send off for Blossom.

Stallcup said, “You only have to beat 3-0 State Champions.

Athletics come with mental health consequences Evelyn Trampe Video Editor Starting in kindergarten Physical Education (P.E.) class, students learn that there are countless benefits from being physically active; however, the negatives are never mentioned.

The P.E. teachers weren’t wrong, being physically active does have benefits, such as, reducing the risk of heart problems, increasing energy levels, improving brain and other muscle functions, bettering sleep and warding off depression.

Statistics show teens are more depressed than ever before, with 20 percent of teens struggling with depression and only 30 percent being treated.

This is partially why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend teenagers have at least an hour of physical activity a day and encourages

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students to join athletic teams.

While exercising the body releases hormones (endorphins, dopamine and serotonin) that help enhance one’s mood and make one feel good. Sometimes athletes even experience a heightened experience, a drug-like high, a euphoria, while exercising.

For some, this high is addictive, and athletes might strive to reach it daily.

There’s nothing wrong with consistently achieving what is known as a “runners high.” However, withdrawal from physical activity isn’t typically the best for one’s mental health.

The typical high school sports team practices six times a week for two hours a day, but once the season ends the level of these hormones released drastically drops, which means the same level of hormones that an athlete might have been reaching daily, giving him or her an athletic high is suddenly gone.

This leads some athletes to experience Post-Athletic Activity Depression (PAAD), and according to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), along with PAAD, lack of maintaining hormonal levels from physical activity, can unveil anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse.

A study conducted by the National Institute of Health found athletes are three times more likely to develop an eating disorder than the average person.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) 21.4 percent of student athletes have depression, and according to the National Institute of Health, 14 percent of athletes struggle with either bulimia or anorexia.

To prevent depression and eating disorders post season, Ohio University recommends that all athletes should find ways to stay active and eat healthy during the off season.

Sports | January 2019

Review

‘On the Basis of Sex’ inspires all ages with RBG’s story Emily Sisser Opinion Editor “On the Basis of Sex,” directed by Mimi Ledger, was released on Dec. 28. This biopic about Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspires hope for all ages.

Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything”) play Ginsburg: new mother, dedicated wife and top of her class. The film illustrates Ginsburg’s challenges as an educated woman in a maledominated society, her trials in law school and struggles in finding a job that views her as an equal.

Martin D. Ginsburg, played by Armie Hammer (“Call Me by Your Name”), is a tax lawyer and Ruth’s husband. The two have an equal marriage without gender roles, and Martin values his role as a husband and father more than how society defines him as a man. The Ginsburgs’ equality is later solidified through their partnership on tax case Charles E. Moritz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

Leading up to the court case, the Ginsburg works closely with ACLU leader Mel Wulf, played by Justin Theroux (“Zoolander”).

Wulf’s character consistently challenges Ginsburg throughout the film, attacking her credibility to cover the tax case, but his hypocrisy ultimately contributes to the development of her tenacity and strength while taking on the case.

Ginsburg’s preparation for the case was not traditional, lacking formal practice as a lawyer or attorney. Instead her own experiences as a minority and knowledge in gender discrimination prepared her for the trials to come.

Director Mimi Ledger said, “Here were countless generations of women before her who fought very hard against gender discrimination, and it took a man who was being discriminated against to fight for a win that overturned a century of gender discrimination.

Photo from Focus Feature

Mel Wulf (Justin Theroux), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) and Marty Ginsburg (Armie Hammer) arrive prepared for their court case, Charles E. Moritz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

I find that to be very telling,” as reported by Slash Film.

Prior to her first case, Ginsburg was a professor of law at Rutgers Law School. She later taught at Columbia University before and while preparing for the case, teaching courses covering sex discrimination. Ginsburg’s students at Columbia, primarily female, serve as support system before and during the court case.

Jane Ginsburg, played by Cailee Spaeny (“Pacific Rim: Uprising”), inspires hope, reflecting a new outlook on the trials of the time. The trial, originally a point of tension in Jane’s sometimes challenging relationship with her mother, ultimately contributes to the growth of both individuals. Jane’s view of her mother evolved as they shared the experience and challenges of the trial.

“On the Basis of Sex” runs for two hours and is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive content.

Review

Breaking down ‘Beautiful Boy’: Film offers look into addicts’ families Isabella Ferrell Contributing Writer Plenty of films in the last decade have circled the topic of substance abuse. Movies like fictional films “A Star is Born,” to autobiographical films like “Moonlight” capture the heartbreaking reality of addiction. “Beautiful Boy” does the same.

The movie is based off a series of memoirs written by father and son, David and Nic Sheff. Nic Sheff started experimenting with drugs at the age of 12. By the time he was 19 he was taking regular trips to rehab.

In 2005 David Sheff published an article in the New York Times, which led to his book “Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction” published

January 2019 | Entertainment

in 2008. The Amazon Studios film primarily focuses on the two and how they were both affected during the time of the addiction.

Though stories portray substance abuse, “Beautiful Boy” approaches the issue from a different angle. Rather than diving into the emotional pain that the characters endure, the film focuses on the visual aspect of it. This creates an ambience to the film in which the characters don’t directly express their feelings but show viewers by their actions.

Timothée Chalamet and Steve Carell are Nic and David Sheff in the film.

Chalamet, a fairly new actor in Hollywood, gives it his all in reenacting the emotional and physical suffering that Nic Sheff went through during his addiction.

Both actors consistently represent the mental state in which those involved in a time like this would occupy.

It may be hard to get the humorous Michael Scott (a goofy and mildly inappropriate character from the American TV series “The Office”) image out of the viewers head while watching Carell, yet he still does justice to the character.

All in all “Beautiful Boy” takes the viewer on an emotional ride through substance abuse, while doing so in a brilliant and beautiful way. From the gorgeous setting of northern California, to the well crafted soundtrack featuring John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” this film has everything it needs to tug at the heartstrings.

The R-rated film runs for two hours and can be viewed on Amazon Prime for free.

wgecho.org 13

Josie’s Journal

Kevin Hart should host the Oscars Josie Krueger Entertainment Columnist

The annual Academy Awards is the most esteemed award ceremony in the film industry, and the announcement of the host is highly anticipated each year.

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart was announced to host the 2019 ceremony on Dec. 4.

Shortly after, though, a series of Hart’s Tweets resurfaced by internet trolls, which suggested homophobic opinions and actions.

One tweet from 2011 read, “Yo, if my son comes home and try’s 2 play with my daughters doll house I’m going 2 break it over his head & say it n my voice, ‘stop that’s gay.’”

After receiving social media backlash for his controversial tweets, Hart’s immediate response was portrayed through an Instagram video. In the video posted on Dec. 6, he “passed” on giving an apology, and said, “You live and you learn & you grow & you mature. I live to Love…”

Within hours, Hart announced via Twitter, “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars. This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”

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Photo by Gregory Pace/Rex Shutterstock/Zuma Press/ TNS

Kevin Hart poses for photos at the “Kevin Hart: What Now” film premiere on Oct. 12, 2016, in New York City.

While promoting his starring role in the film, “The Upside,” Hart was asked about the issue on platforms such as “The Breakfast Club,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “ABC News.” He continued to apologize but eventually said he was “over it” and had “moved on.”

It is obvious Hart has changed as a person since 2011, and the continuous attention brought to his past words and actions hinder the ability to move on from them.

Senior Imani Walker said, “(The Tweets) were from 2011, and he has apologized publicly multiple times. I think it takes courage to do that in this industry. So many people get exposed and try to make it a sympathy thing.”

Most recently, Hart appeared on the “Ellen Show,” where Ellen Degeneres admitted she had called The Academy to plead Hart’s case, and she ultimately urged him to take up the opportunity of hosting again.

It is officially undecided whether Hart will reclaim the host position or if he will be replaced.

The door of hope seemed to close, though, with a recent “Good Morning America” interview in which Hart said, “I can’t do it this year. It’s not going to happen. In the future, if it does, it does, but it’s not the conversation of today.”

Hart also mentioned the lack of time he would have to prepare and how that might affect his overall performance.

All of these factors considered, though, hosting the Oscars is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Hart is the perfect candidate, and reclaiming his position as host would show him moving on from the controversy and from his past self.

Hart is one of the few famous figures that willingly and directly addresses their wrongdoings instead of fading into the shadows until the issue is forgotten. Hopefully, Hart will have a second chance to host the Oscars in the future.

Entertainment | January 2019

Electric Retrospective

Review: ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ reflects poorly upon interactive films Sean Mullins Technology Columnist Since 1967’s “Kinoautomat,” a movie based on audience choices, filmmakers have attempted to make interactive films mainstream, yet little has come of this. “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” shows that basic mistakes are holding back this advancement.

“Bandersnatch” depicts the year 1984, when solo game developer Stefan (Fionn Whitehead) adapts the titular choose-yourown-adventure novel into an adventure game. The book’s author, Jerome T. Davies (Jeff Minter), is infamous for having a mental breakdown and believing his choices were controlled by a higher being, and Stefan parallels Davies in that he slowly loses his grip on reality, quickly coming to dangerous decisions he doesn’t think he made alone.

Stefan’s assumption is correct, as the gimmick behind “Bandersnatch” is choosing paths. At certain intervals, viewers are prompted to pick one of two options to progress the story, much like the choose-your-own-adventure book Stefan adapts, though inaction leads to a default choice. There are roughly five major endings that lead to credits and several minor endings that don’t, and viewers can return to earlier points to see other endings.

This isn’t Netflix’s first interactive media; that distinction goes to “Puss in Boots: Trapped in an Epic Tale.” In fact, before Telltale Games closed, the adventure game company cancelled significant projects to finish an interactive series for Netflix based on “Minecraft: Story Mode.” What sets “Bandersnatch” apart from other Netflix interactive programs is that it’s a mature feature-length film, as previous offerings were short episodes of child-oriented Netflix exclusive shows.

Stefan’s descent portrays an interesting perspective on how evildoers justify their actions: upon surrendering to his puppeteer for advice, he believes his lack of control makes him innocent when committing atrocities. However, Stefan and the majority of the cast lack personality in their performances. The only interesting character is anarchist game designer Colin Ritman (Will Poulter), whose deadpan humor and bizarre knowledge of the multiverse steal every scene he’s in.

Outside of Colin, the writing continually shifts between entertaining metahumor and lines without any nuance. The lack of subtlety is most prominent if viewers let the film choose default paths only, which leads to a game reviewer stating that the story’s creator was on “autopilot.” In contrast, further default choices lead to a metahumor-focused ending that’s the film’s best moment, even if it’s tonally inconsistent with the other endings.

Speaking of the other endings, the major endings each turn “Bandersnatch” into drastically different movies. While all endings leave Stefan in situations of varying awfulness, they can change the film into a convoluted time travel plot, a madman’s descent into sociopathy, or a slow buildup to a comedic twist.

It feels like each ending had writers with different visions, and none of them connect in the story’s overall progression.

Each ending fails to properly conclude at least one major plot point or theme, and even after viewing all endings, the majority of the film’s lore is left unexplored. While this works for Co-

January 2019 | Entertainment

lin’s character, as his performance revolves around his inexplicable knowledge of the choice and rewind mechanics, barely any screen time is given to Davies, the book or its game adaptation, despite being the cause of Stefan’s fall.

Replaying for all endings requires immense patience. The film doesn’t clarify which choices have the most impact, so it often sends viewers farther back than necessary, and without a guide, it’s unclear how much of the film has been seen. Fast-forward and rewind features only function within the current scene, and since there’s no scene selection, skipping scenes is impossible.

Although the show’s social commentary became increasingly inept in later seasons, “Black Mirror” typically revolves around the benefits and dangers of technological advancement, but “Bandersnatch” neither comments on games nor game development. Instead, the film shows that any individual who adapts Davies’s story will be driven insane. Not only is this uncharacteristic of “Black Mirror,” it sounds more like a cheesy campfire horror story than thoughtful commentary on technology.

Furthermore, by stating Davies’s story is responsible for Stefan’s mental state, “Bandersnatch” ignores an excellent chance to comment on stressful working conditions in the game industry, like those experienced at the aforementioned Telltale Games.

The story begins with a solo developer who has to finish a game within a short deadline and feels pressured by harsh reviews, yet this has little effect on Stefan’s downward spiral.

“Bandersnatch” acts as though its acknowledgement of viewers’ actions is original, but these mechanics, especially compared to numerous games that explore how players’ choices impact the story, is nothing new. Even the film’s most interesting character, Colin, feels like a lesser version of “Undertale” boss and meme icon Sans, with a mix of comic relief and knowledge of the viewer’s actions, even those from alternate timelines.

While “Bandersnatch” isn’t Netflix’s first interactive film, it likely isn’t the last, and Netflix has a perfect opportunity for its next project. The first two seasons of the fantastic “Castlevania” animated series are based on “Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse,” which introduced branching paths and additional characters, so a retelling featuring optional paths and the missing playable character, Grant, would play to the strengths of “Bandersnatch” without its glaring narrative weaknesses.

“Bandersnatch” is certainly a worthwhile experience, but it’s best enjoyed as a mindless game with friends or as a B-tier “Black Mirror” episode rather than an engaging film. This was an admirable attempt to further the evolution of interactive cinema, but points for effort only go so far. For those seeking a well-told story, an original concept, good acting or a user-friendly experience, “Bandersnatch” is the wrong choice.

“Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” is available on Netflix. The film is rated TV-MA for explicit drug use, gore, profanity and intense scenes, and has a variable running time, with a minimum of 40 minutes for the shortest ending and a maximum of two-hoursand-30-minutes when viewing all possible endings.

Visit the Electric Retrospective blog at https://electricretrospective.wordpress.com/ for gaming news, reviews, and editorials. New articles release every Tuesday.

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Review

Podcast makes depression hilarious Cole Schnell Editor-in-Chief

Depression is hilarious, at least to John Moe and some of the comedians and celebrities who come on to his podcast, “The Hilarious World of Depression.”

Every episode starts with Moe asking the guest(s), “Do you think depression is funny?”

Not every guest says, “Yes.” Despite sounding anti-thematic, this is an important part of the show. The discussion of the comedic value of depression strings all the episodes together, providing a consistent story of different perspectives.

Some people don’t find depression hilarious. The show doesn’t discriminate between guests based on their feelings towards the hilariousness of depression, allowing for a full appreciation of the complexity of this discussion.

Though it seems that after listening to a few episodes, almost anyone could see the hilariousness of depression.

The motivation of the show is to destig-

matize depression. This is simply put, not simply done, but “The Hilarious World of Depression” succeeds, defogging some of the mysticism of depression. The key to the podcast’s success is having an uncensored and translucent discussion of experience with depression.

The podcast’s typical episode features an interview with a comedian (and occasionally other celebrities) who has struggled with depression and discussion about her/his experiences mixed in with audio clips of the comedians stand-up. The guests have included John Green, Neal Brennan, Ana Marie Cox, Rachel Bloom and John Ross.

The show is not limited to the interview with comedian set-up. Sprinkled throughout are episodes that discuss specific features of depression or invite listeners to share their experience or favorite whenI’m-feeling-down song.

The podcast is more than just laughing at depression, but creating insight into the listeners’ depression or perhaps their lives.

Between the laughs and jokes, Moe

and his guests have serious discussions of their experience with the depression.

During the interview, Moe will interrupt and narrate, mention resources or clear up parts of the interview. This allows the discussion to be natural and raw without neglecting the seriousness of depression.

Moe has the ability to guide the discussion into an intriguing and thoughtful story.

“The Hilarious World of Depression” is worthy of any workout routine, commute or lie in bed for anyone, not just the depressed. The show gives perspective, insight and most importantly, laughs.

“The Hilarious World of Depression” just wrapped up its third season and will return for a fourth. The show is produced

by American Public Media and can be streamed on almost every podcast platform. Each episode runs for 30-60 minutes with exception of the live shows (“Hilarious Nights of Depression”) that are closer to an hour and a half.

“The Hilarious World of Depression” has a parental advisory and contains occasional strong language.

Join us in Celebration of the Lord!

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Entertainment | January 2019