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Volume 105 Issue 5 January 2020 1 0 0 S e l m a Av e . w g e c h o . o r g
Women’s basketball strategizes more wins pg. 6
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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Community honors MLK with march, celebration District wide school day schedule to change DECA students travel to New York STUCO holds annual Winter Formal Webster to show ‘Angst, Raising Awareness around Anxiety’ Webster Skatesmen thrive in the rink Women’s basketball strategizes success Men’s basketball aims high Custodial staff maintain school, make connections Voss leaves behind decades of service Climate can inhibit political viewpoints Miller’s ‘Circles’ completes ‘Swimming’ ‘Little Women’ leaves big impact Impeachment should be larger focus in classrooms NHL All-Star Game entertains students, city Students adopt Chiefs as football team Willie’s Comic
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The Echo is a member of SSP, Quill and Scroll, MJEA, JEA, MIPA, NSPA and CSPA.
Echo Family
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!
Bill and Cindy Bennett Melanie Bennett Aerin Johnson Keillyn Johnson Trinity Madison Frank and Molly Peterson Terri Riutcel Stisser Family Gail and Owen Taylor Wilke-Grimm Family Christian Zareh Zareh Family Cover Cutline: Junior Ja’Mise Bailey attempts a contested layup on Jan. 24, against Jackson. Photo by Emily Goben
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Community honors MLK with march, celebration Zora Thomas Business Manager Webster Groves and Rock Hill Community members gathered at Henry Givens Elementary School on Sunday, Jan. 19. from 4:30-7 p.m. to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and his impact on the community. Before the celebration, celebrators participated in the annual mile-long march from City Hall to the Steger-Givens Elementary School. Marchers met at the elementary school at 4 p.m. for a bus ride to the City Hall. At 4:30 p.m. the marchers marched from Elm Avenue to Euclid Avenue, Euclid Avenue to Rock Hill Road, then Rock Hill Road to Steger-Givens Elementary. After the mile-long march, community members met in the school cafeteria at 5 p.m. for a light dinner of finger sandwiches and soup, provided from local vendors and volunteers, served at no charge. At 5:45 p.m. the program began in the
auditorium and featured music/singing, readings and arts performed by students from various schools in the district and Webster University. Ras Jones Awards were also given out during this celebration. Participants were encouraged to join together to sing the anthem “Lift Every Voice And Sing” led by Major Edward Mahan. The high school senior and junior step team also performed. Lamar Fitzgerald, music coordinator said, “Usually I put together a community choir of all the churches in Webster...The last few years it’s been difficult to bring people together, so this year we took a different approach. We basically have all the schools contributing to the entertainment portion. We have the steppers from the high school. We’ve got an elementary school that’s providing the choir. We have also a group opening the program from the high school...and Webster University is offering some entertainment.” High school students who participated
Photo by Donald Johnson
Superintendent John Simpson speaks at the 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Jan. 20, at Givens Elementary.
include senior Aryka Cooper, who wrote the opening skit performed by junior Jaden Fields, sophomore Seneca Mahan, senior Aryka Cooper and junior Stephen Cooper. The Voices with Vision All-Star Choir performed the closing music, directed by Des Reichold.
District wide school day schedule to change
Photo by Elise Keller
Principal Matt Irvin prepares a presentation to students over options for where to place additional 15 minutes in the 2020-2021 school year.
Elise Keller Editor-in-Chief Due to Missouri legislature, the school day and school year will be slightly altered. The 2020-2021 school year will begin on Aug. 24, two weeks later than the 2019 year, and end on May 28, one week later than the 2019 year. Because of this shift, the school day will be extended.
January 2020 | News
“Our board recently approved the ‘20-21 calendar which will still get us out right before Memorial Day. The feedback received by the calendar indicated people favored getting out at that time and keeping a longer winter break at the expense of a few minutes added to the day,” superintendent John Simpson said. According to principal Matt Irvin, “What we are doing is starting later in compliance with state statutes but not getting out later, then the choice becomes do you take away vacation days or add time to the school day, which is what many schools are doing, including Webster Groves.” The additional minutes will be “20 at K-6, 18 at 7-8, and 15 at 9-12,” according to Simpson. Late start Mondays will be affected but will not be removed. “Depending on where we add 15 minutes at the high school, maybe the time of the late start will change, but not the late start itself,” Simpson said. Irvin is looking at five options on what to do with the additional minutes, and is holding meetings with students and administration to finalize the decision. Recently, rumors have arisen that threaten teachers’ plan periods. “DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) is in the process of revising its model for accreditation, and one of the current things up for consideration is eliminating a guaranteed 250 minutes of plan time per week for full time teachers. This doesn’t mean that teachers across the state will lose that plan time, but it does mean that it’s no longer protected,” Simpson said.
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DECA students travel to New York
Photos by Emily Stisser and Kara Siebe
Students on the DECA trip to New York saw sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, State of Liberty and the skyline from Hudson Yards.
Lindsey Bennett Print Editor DECA students traveled to New York City from Jan. 14 to Jan. 19. The trip marks the 14th trip taken since THRIVE program director Kara Siebe started accompanying students to the city. This year, 19 students enrolled in the THRIVE program and 20 Marketing II students met with marketing teams and businesses from Live Nation to Samsung. Senior Aiden Scariano enjoyed visiting Samsung because it had activities for the students to engage in. Students had the chance to connect with alumni including Spencer Milford, Allie Rosemann and Katie Stack. Marketing II teacher Kathryn Laurentius and Siebe stressed the importance of students meeting people who came from the same background living and working in New York City. Senior Peyton St. James said, “It was important because it reminded me of the things that can be accomplished when you are driven and motivated. Meeting with these alumni inspired me to not take education and opportunities for granted.” The group did have several chances to enjoy the city on breaks. On Jan. 14, students attended a Nets v. Jazz NBA game, and on Jan. 16, a group went to the musical “Lion King” and another group went to the musical “Beetlejuice.”
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News | January 2020
STUCO holds annual winter formal
Photo by Lydia Urice
Senior Cole Schnettgoecke leaps out of the crowd at the Winter Formal on Jan. 25, in Roberts Gym.
Elise Wilke-Grimm News/Opinion Editor
Winter Formal took place in Roberts Gym on Jan. 25, from 7-9:30 p.m. There were roughly 380 tickets sold. The number of tickets sold this year was around 20 tickets fewer than last year’s dance which sold around 400 tickets. The funds for this dance come from the ticket money. FACS teacher Lauren Maedge sponsors STUCO and has lots of involvement in the school dances. As a head coordinator, she is passionate about students attending this dance. “The Winter Dance is an opportunity for the Statesman stu-
dents to come together and enjoy a dance dedicated for them. Also, it’s an opportunity for some good sound fun,” Maedge said. Students were required to abide by the dress code which Coach Cliff Ice described as business casual. This means no jeans or no admittance. The DJ this year was TKO DJs, changing from previous years due to students liking crowd participation the DJs incorporated. Senior and STUCO secretary Patrick Lee said music is one of the most important qualities of any dance. It’s logical to keep the people entertained by playing music that makes everyone happy. STUCO makes sure to keep students’ interests in mind while choosing the music. STUCO is expanding student impact on Winter Formal Court nominations. There are four students nominated for each grade, and one male and female per grade will win at the dance. The theme this year will be Black and White. “We wanted to keep things simple and make sure that it’s not too tacky. This also keeps it more formal since we’ve changed the name to the Winter Formal,” Lee said. The Winter Formal is anticipated to be a lot smaller than the Friendship Dance, like it generally is every year, but this is an aspect that students seem to prefer compared to the Friendship Dance being very crowded and full of people. “People who go to the Winter Formal seem to go to just have fun and have a good time, whereas with the Friendship Dance you get people who just go for the tradition,” Lee said. Winners of Winter Formal king and queen for each grade were freshmen Gavin Wilson and Adrieana Dyson, sophomores Ryan Austin and Rachel Sebastian-Asbed, juniors Nate Hudson and Madeleine Collier and seniors Khotso Moore and Bryce Warren.
Webster to show ‘Angst, Raising Awareness around Anxiety’ Maeve Taylor Podcast Editor Webster will offer an open community screening of “Angst, Raising Awareness around Anxiety,” on Feb. 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Knight Auditorium, presented by IndieFlix. There will also be a panel composed of counselors and specialists as well as discussion following the screening. This is a free event and those interested can register online. Counselor Karen Verstraete, who is involved with this event, said, “According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly one in three of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. These numbers have been rising steadily; between 2007 and 2012, anxiety disorders in children and teens went up 20 percent. The students of WGHS are certainly not immune to this.” The 56-minute-long film, according to its website, is a “documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety.” The film is comprised of interviews with children, teenagers, educators, experts, parents and Olympic athlete Michael Phelps. According to Verstraete, at least 150 have already acquired tickets for the showing outside of school.
January 2020 | News
There will also be a school wide screening, Feb. 5, divided by class: first hour for freshmen, second hour for sophomores, fourth hour for seniors and sixth hour for juniors. After student screenings, students will be asked to complete an exit survey indicating if they need to talk to someone, with counselor and social workers being available. Assistant principal Dwight Kirksey, who is involved with this event, regarding the reason for showing this film, said, “We want to make sure we are educating our students on how to take care of their overall wellness while they’re here, and that they can take these tools when they leave. ” As far as for the reasoning behind a community showing, Kirksey said, “Parents and staff have to work as a team. Any time we get information that we think can be valuable to our parents, our students, our staff- because we are all one community-we want to share that and make sure we are all equipped to address certain issues as they arise.” “If each student can take away one tip, I think its successful... we are looking forward to putting some information in our students minds, so we can help each other. Our safety here, our culture, is [defined by] looking out both for ourselves and for each other,” Kirksey said.
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Fields from the Frontline
Webster Skatesmen thrive in the rink Jaden Fields Junior Editor
Following past seasons of hardships, the Webster Groves Skatesmen have come through with a more successful season. In seasons past, the team, as any good sports team has, had its fair share of obstacles. Although the team has always been rather strong, according to some players, it had some issues with finishing the games as strong as it would start them. “Last year was good. We just could never finish a game,’’ sophomore Edrie Gowan said about last season’s difficulties. Along with some issues in ending strong, the team also had some players fall victim to injuries, damaging the team synergy and productivity. Another issue the team faces lies within issues of not being considered a school- sponsored sport. There’s several theories as to why this is, one being the fact that hockey is a very expensive sport, but the real reason being that as hockey isn’t a MSHSAA recognized sport, so the school can’t sponsor it. As a result, the team does not get too much recognition on school grounds or through school centered things. “It’s alright. I wish we were school sponsored, but every high school team in the state is not school sponsored… It’s kind of hard because you see all this stuff around the school, but there’s nothing about hockey. I wish we had maybe a team picture on the wall. . . but I understand because we aren’t school sponsored,” senior Alex Wiedemann said about not having a larger amount of school support. One could understand how it could be a bit disappointing not being recognized with the other sports of Webster, Skatesmen’s events not publicized on the morning announcements or on the
Photo by Shawn Buchanan Greene
The Skatesmen play at the ice arena against John Burroughs. The final score was 2-2 as the result of a clinch tie in the last 30 seconds of the game. More games like these gather people and inspire interest of the sport for the future.
sports calendar, but the Skatesmen do not allow this to work as a hindrance to its success and productivity. Despite not having a large prominence within the walls of Webster, the Skatesmen continue to thrive on the rink. The team has made a bounceback from having players out for injuries, and now have a fuller team with more success. One of the team’s bigger wins was a game where it won 13 to 2 against St. Mary’s Nov. 16, a huge success for the independent team.
Women’s basketball strategizes success Zora Thomas Business Manager Women’s basketball team plans to make a comeback this season, using new strategies and techniques to observe opposing teams’ plays and use them to their advantage. As of Jan. 24, the team has a 9-4 record. Four games have been postponed, After winning 15 out of 28 games last year, the team has tried to better prepare for games before playing in them by studying their opponents’ usual plays. About how the team has been preparing, sophomore Jenna Clark, shooting guard, said, “We watch a lot of film as a team, and we go over the other teams’ plays, out of bounds and their offence, and we set a defense depending on what their offense is doing...Every game we have a new game plan.” Clark’s personal goal is “to just help my team, make them better when I’m playing.” Another teammate, sophomore Eliza Maupin, center or power forward said, “I think our team’s goals are to play well as a team
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Photo by Emily Goben
Sophomores Jenna Clark and Ellie Paloucek and junior Gabriela Moore go after a ball on Jan. 24, in a game against Jackson. The team won 41-34. Last year, Jackson won 5739.
well together and to do better than we did last year.” The team plays tonight, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. at Center High School. The next home game is Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. against Ladue in Robert’s Gym.
Sports | January 2020
Men’s basketball aims high Elise Keller Editor-in-Chief
Starting off with a 12-6 record on the season, men’s basketball is looking to push harder later in the year. “We’re pretty battle tested at this point in the season,” head coach Justin Mathes said. “Overall I’m proud of the way we’ve started the season. We showed our youth and inexperience at times early, but we’ve played a lot of close games.” Webster Groves has a history of good men’s basketball with four State championship titles, the most recent being in 2018,. Senior Quinton Nehring isn’t worried about how this season compares. “Previous years have set the bar high for our team, but we look to make our mark this year too,” Nehring said. Although last year had a record of 22-4, already a three-loss difference, Mathes is leading Photo by Jaden Fields the team to find different successes. Sophomore Matt Enright looks up court during a game on Jan. 8, in Mathes said, “One of the strengths of this Robert’s Gym against St. Louis University High. The final score was 45-52. year’s team is our balance. We have five players Enright leads the team in points, with 227 as of Jan. 28. averaging over nine points per game, and that’s a testament to our depth and unselfishness. It’s a great weapon because it makes us hard to scout when you can’t key on one guy.” “I think our best basketball is still ahead of us,” Mathes said. Even with some difficulties getting back on its feet after the coaching change, the team seems to have many high points, as well as high hopes. Lantern Security supports the ECHO, “Our expectations its continuing contribution to local haven’t changed, we still expect to comjournalism and the example it sets Photo by Jaden Fields pete for a conference about the importance of an ethical Sophomore Luke Maupin is helped title and peak in March up by teammates during a game free press. during playoff time,” against St. Louis University High Mathes said. on Jan. 8. “The best part of the “Our liberty depends on the freedom season so far was that we continued our tradition of beating Kirkwood,” Nehring said. of the press, and that cannot be limited Also notable is 6 foot 4 inch junior forward Luke Maupin. without being lost.” “What I’m most proud of is that this group has shown the work -- Thomas Jefferson ethic to match their goals. They’re working hard every day, and as long as we do that we’ll take our chances,” Mathes said. The next game will be at Jennings High School on Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.
January 2020 | Sports
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Photo by Zeke La Mantia
Custodian Brenda Naeger cleans the cafeteria floor before lunch. The cafeteria is one of the areas she cleans in addition to the drama department
Custodial staff maintains school, makes connections
Zeke La Mantia Social Media Manager
Custodians do their work behind the scenes, so their contributions may go unnoticed. Custodian Christopher Swinney has worked for the high school for four years. His assigned area is the shop area and the basement. Before that, he was a machine operator. He enjoys video games and talking with students. “They (the ‘kids’) come to me for advice or just to talk; I enjoy that much,” Swinney said. Students not only connect with Swinney, they connect with other custodians as well. “I talked to some custodians at Hixson Middle School. There was this one lady who was a very important person to me. She always had nice things to say and checked in on me. She reminds me of my mom, and I’ll remember her long after I graduate,” senior Carmichael Crump said. “They’re really nice people, and sometimes you can just have a convo with them, and it’s good,” junior Zak Gilliland said. Assistant principal Dwight Kirksey said, “I speak to quite a few whenever I see them in the halls. I ask about their families and what they like to do. Just like our students, we try to get to
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know our staff.” Outside of school, custodians are involved in the community. Custodian Loretta Brown has worked for the high school as a custodian since August 2018. Her assigned area is the band and choir hallway. Before that, she worked in the cafeteria as a lunch lady. Brown enjoys singing in church and has an extensive art background. She also enjoys her job and being back in a high school setting after she herself had graduated. “The most interesting thing about my job is being back in high school. I work in the band wing, and that’s where I spent most of my time in high school. It’s really strange to be back. “I see the kids, and I see myself,” Brown said. Lack of respect towards the custodians may be inferred when people leave trash in the cafeteria and at least once someone defecated in the stairwell. “Respect them; I think their job is looked over. At the end of the day they’re the ones that clean up after us,” Crump said. “They don’t get as much respect or recognition as they should,” Crump added. Their job is important, they have lives outside of the school, and all they do is to benefit the space lived in and worked in by the students and staff, according to drama teachers Sarah Ro-
Feature | January 2020
Naeger has worked for the high school for 16 years. Her assigned section is the drama department and the cafeteria after lunches. Before that, she worked in multiple factories for 20+
“They don’t get as much respect or recognition as they should,” Crump said.
Photo by Zeke La Mantia
Custodian Loretta Brown dusts the door frame Friday, Jan. 24, after school is dismissed.
manowski and Todd Schaefer, and Crump. Romanowski said she has become very close with custodian Brenda Naeger, who cleans the drama department in the mornings. “They travel and are real people, too. Being aware you are making a mess and cleaning it up will help them a great deal,” Romanowski said. Schaefer has known Naeger for many years. “Brenda was our custodian when the drama department was in the Little Theater still. She left us for a bit, and we had another woman, but then we got Brenda back when we moved into our current location near the cafeteria,” Schaefer said. “No one really loves their job, but she likes doing her work for you guys. She’s invested in her job for the students, and I love that,” Schaefer said.
years. She enjoys bowling and socializing with her coworkers; she has plans to travel in the foreseeable future. The school has in place trash bins and recycling bins to help ease the jobs of custodians as well as notes for the students on the morning announcements about keeping the air in the school clean by not smoking on campus. Signs in the bathrooms about proper disposal of trash and signs in the hallways about respecting the environment are also ways administration is trying to help ease the custodians’ work load. “I think right now we’re trying to see what they need from us; we don’t want to dictate what they need; we try to see what other endeavors we can do for them,” Kirksey said. In the summer of 2019 the custodial break room moved from under the stairwell next to the cafeteria courtyard to the old ISS room right across from the main office. The reason for the sudden move was lack of space and the fact that the room was right next to the boiler. About how students could assist the custodial staff with their jobs, every custodian interviewed said that it would be helpful if students picked up after themselves during lunch. “Our school would be a trash heap if they weren’t here, not gonna lie, “ sophomore Alyssa Rahn said.
I-Story
Compassionate custodian saves day Zeke La Mantia Social Media Manager Late October, two days before “Chicago,” the musical, opened at the high school, disaster struck. I work sound for the drama department. I was tasked with not only making the mic chart for the whole show telling people backstage who to mic and when, but also with remapping the board when we got new mics. After I remapped the board during my ac lab earlier in the day, I took the old mic chart and threw it away, not only because I had no use for it anymore but also because it was ripped. The end of the day came, and we were about to start dress rehearsal for the show and were doing a mic check before we began. We had just gotten five new rental mics, and they didn’t seem to be working with what I had previously done with the sound board and our preexisting mics. We had to stop rehearsal two days before we opened while I bawled my eyes out and every sound techie tried to help figure out what went wrong. I went back to the library where I had thrown away the old
January 2020 | Feature
mic chart so I could try and piece it back together and get us out of the mess we were in. The trash cans had been emptied, and I lost hope that we’d get to have any rehearsal with mics before opening night, but then Loretta Brown, custodian, came and saved the day. Brown walked up while I was standing in the library crying and asked if I’d lost something. I told her what happened, and she told me to wipe my tears away, and that it’d all be okay. She pulled out all the trash bags she’d already dumped out, and we went through them together looking for the many pieces of the mic sheet. The whole time she was encouraging me that it was going to be alright in the end, and that the show would go on, and I didn’t need to stress out. Drama teacher Todd Schaefer came in some time later along with senior John Sterbenz, who is on sound crew with me. All three of them helped me tape together the mic sheet and find all the little missing pieces. “Her helping us piece it together like a puzzle… helping us find all the scrapes… it was a moment. I mean you’ve heard of it takes a village,” Schaefer said.
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Voss leaves behind decades of service Emily Stisser Entertainment Columnist
Not many are able to say that they have retired twice in their career, let alone from the same workplace. This coming May, current alumni relations director, Pat Voss, is retiring after 51 years in the WGHS community. First officially retiring in 2003, Voss was hired back to open the alumni office 17 years ago. “When I took this job in my retirement,” Voss said, “I told Brent Underwood (former superintendent), ‘I’ll give you three, no more than five years.’” Voss’ job was simply to found an alumni office. “Well, I fell in love with the job,” Voss said. Despite her passion for the role, Voss said, “I think I’ve come to the point that to be fair for the job, we need to bring somebody in that’s got some new ideas. It doesn’t hurt to turnover, because either by people joining the staff or taking over greater responsibilities, new ideas come in. I’m very proud of what I’ve founded with (alumni coordinator) Shannon (Daniel), and what we’ve created and made grow, but now it’s time to bring somebody new in, who says, ‘Ooh! Let’s do this instead of that,’ and that’s great. That’s what it should be all about, and let’s face it. I’m 76 years old; I really do want to retire!” Prior to her growth-filled time spent founding the alumni office, Voss has worn many hats within WGHS. Originally hired as a social studies teacher in 1968, Voss admitted she had “never been in a public school until the day I walked into Webster Groves High School.” Entirely Catholic school educated, Voss started her teaching career in the community. Recalling the details of her switch to Webster, Voss was initially questioned by a teaching associate. “She said to me one day, ‘Why are you working for the money?’ She called Dr. (Max) Wolfrum, who was superintendent at that time. I never interviewed for my job. I’ve never interviewed for a job here until I wanted to be principal. I had to interview for that position, and he hired me sight unseen. I walked in the door 51 years ago and fell in love with the place.” Although different from her past experiences, WGHS offered a new, enriching community. “When I came in, with the kids it was the diversity which had not been part of my life,” Voss said. “Catholic schools and private schools sometimes tend to be less diverse than we are. I loved that. I learned a lot from that. I really was a little nervous because you know Catholic schools are so uptight, and at that point I’d left them then and didn’t know what I’d find here, and that was never, ever, ever, ever a problem,” Voss said. Following her time as a teacher, Voss took over the activities program full-time for three years. “They were all involved kids,” Voss said. “They wanted to do stuff; they loved to do things; they are big on community service. The other big thing was they were always so caring about Mother Earth. The two biggest lessons I learned from the kids was the diversity lesson and being kind to the environment.”
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Voss then was an assistant principal for 17 years and the principal for 10. About what she plans to do in retirement, Voss shared she prefers to “stay busy.” Photo by Donald Johnson “I’m happier when I’m busy. With all Former principal Pat Voss and social of the connections I studies teacher Jay Blossom share have made in the 34 a moment in the alumni office store years worth of alum- room. ni that I’ve worked with here, and having some very current strong political views, I went to my kids who are in politics. I am going to work, at least from now through December (2020) with the Democratic National Party here in the state of Missouri. I don’t want any big responsibilities, but I want to help in any way that I can. That will fill me in, and then I’ll figure out from there where I’ll go.” As an individual who has spent decades coming to the WGHS environment daily, people, peers and routines will be missed. About what she will miss most, Voss said, “I will tell you, I’ll miss the same thing I missed when I retired the first time, the reason there are kids in and out of my office, is I have to get my ‘kid fix.’ I will miss the kids. You [kids] wear us out, but you keep us young. It keeps the mind stimulated. There are always new ideas to think about, new things that are coming up. I feel better when I read the newspaper or do things because I hear from you guys, but so much of that is happening and how your perspectives in that are. I will miss what I’ve always missed. It’s the kids.” Additionally, Voss said, “And then teachers, I can tell you right now that my best friends I made when I joined this staff, and they are still my friends.” Throughout her time at WGHS, Voss has seen, as well as pioneered, many progressive ideas, changes and advancements within the building. Most specifically, technology has completely altered since the beginning of her teaching career, now aiding education in unimaginable ways. About these changes, Voss said, “What kids still want hasn’t changed all that much, but it’s how you get to it.” Voss then specifically mentioned the annual New York Trip Marketing II and Thrive students take as a classic example of this change. In fact, Voss has attended the trip several times herself. “By the time you get ready to have a job, it might not currently exist. All the kids want to figure out what they are going to do with the rest of their lives, and that’s the same. It’s just that I’ve seen them be able to do so many different things with their lives. The same basic needs exist for all of us, it’s just that we can have different answers as times change,” Voss said. Despite her retirement, Voss will have left a lasting impact on the entire WGHS community. “I didn’t stay some place for 51 years if I did not love it,” Voss said. “I can tell you honestly, in all the years that I have been here, I have never gotten out of bed dreading coming to work.”
Feature | January 2020
Climate can inhibit political viewpoints
Photo by Ethan Weihl
Junior Sarah Kaul participates in a Speak Up meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Speak Up was formed two years ago by a group of students that was trained by the Anti-Defamation League in facilitating discussions with peers about bias and discrimination.
Ethan Weihl Video Editor In 1969, the Supreme Court ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines that students maintain their First Amendment rights while in school. However, some students feel that their speech isn’t being respected. “I have freedom of speech… but it still feels like I’m being judged,” senior Preston Haney said. Junior Sarah Kaul echoed those sentiments. In regards to talking politics, Kaul said, “There are areas where I don’t think I can… People will take advantage of that part of me.” Both Kaul and Haney said that a lot of the issues come down to the maturity of their peers. “They just try to make jokes about it,” Kaul said. In an ECHO survey of 33 respondents, over half felt that those with more right leaning views are more often silenced than those with left leaning views.
“I think that my personal views will often be respected, but I would think that more conservative or Republican views would be less respected,” one respondent said. Haney and Kaul felt teachers were not a part of the problem. “Teachers do a fairly good job of keeping politics out of conversation,” Haney said. As for steps that could be taken to address this issue, Haney kept it simple: “It’s literally the golden rule… You can do it to me as long as you think it’s accepted.” Kaul suggested a club that could help bridge the divide: “I think that Speak Up has really noble intentions… Facilitating those anti bias trainings can really have an impact.” Kaul also hoped people would “start asking real questions,” to try to understand others better. However, Haney pointed out that “people need to be able to understand that people’s opinions are people’s opinions.” Kaul hopes that these changes can take effect soon, as “That can be so much more… successful than teasing me about what I’m passionate about.”
Have an Opinion?Write the Echo! Email us at wgecho@wgmail.org January 2020 | Opinion
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Stisser’s Scoop
Miller’s ‘Circles’ completes ‘Swimming’ tude. Malcolm’s family.” McCormick died in September 2018 at age of 26 in Studio City, CA. His death was classified as an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol. Remembered by his loyal fan base, supportive since before 2011, the young artist’s passing was a shock to all. Boasting five top studio albums, McCormick’s album “Swimming” came out a month before his death. In just weeks, the representation and meaning of the work completely transformed. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard top 200 chart, receiving a best-rap Grammy nomination the following year. Rolling Stone called “Swimming,” “the most impactful album of his career.” Brion, LA composer and musical mastermind, helped shaped innovative artists such as Kanye West, Photo from www.macmillerswebsite.com Fiona Apple and more. Mac Miller’s distorted album cover from newly released album, According to the Washington Post, “In a Vulture “Circles.” profile published the day before Miller’s death, writer Emily Stisser Craig Jenkins noted that the rapper, who was ‘finally making the music he’s always wanted to make,’ had reached out Entertainment Columnist to renowned music producer and composer Jon Brion toward Malcolm McCormick’s, known publically as Mac Miller, post- the end of recording sessions for ‘Swimming.’ Miller, outwardly ‘awestruck,’ told Jenkins that Brion taught him ‘a lot about puthumous album, “Circles,” was released Jan. 17. In relation to Miller’s previous album, “Swimming” (2018), ting together stereo sound, using all of the space in the speakers “Circles” was thoughtfully named in connection, creating a and what that does to texture.” In anticipation of its release, fans questioned if “Circles” could “swimming in circles” ideology. According to McCormick’s family, “Circles” was created as a be a depart from “Swimming,” rich in its hip-hop roots. “Circles,” the first track of the album, is just as much honest as companion album, stating, “two different styles complementing it is genuine. The title track of the album is incredibly reflective each other, complementing a circle.” Prior to the release, McCormick’s family took to his social of McCormick’s time on earth and the universal impact he has media platforms to announce the album’s upcoming release and instilled within the people on it. Simple stylistically, “Circles” is one example of McCormick’s share its feelings. The harrowing message began with, “Here we are. The act of one-of-a-kind R&B style. More than anything, it’s Mac. Equally impactful, “Complicated,” “Blue World,” “I Can See’ having to write this at all feels surreal.” In the words of the Washington Post, McCormick’s family mourned privately, as alluded and “Everybody” are standouts on the record. “Good News,” the lead single off of “Circles,” truly hits home to in the statement. The community mourned publicly. “He had been working with Jon Brion, who after hearing some with listeners. Upon it’s release, postings of the song flooded soof his early versions of songs, cleared his calendar to help Mal- cial media. One of my personal favorites, “Woods” reflects past work that colm fine-tune them. After his passing, Jon dedicated himself to finishing ‘Circles’ based on his time and conversations with Mal- cult fans and followers know and love. Initially soulful and rhythcolm. We are eternally grateful to Jon and to those who gave their mic, the beginning of track seven automatically sets a precedent best to the difficult and emotional task of putting out this body of for a stand-out song. Equally catchy and passionate, “Woods” is out of the ordinary. work,” the Post reported. Simple beats, unparalleled vocals and poignant lyricism make The Post continued, “This is a complicated process that has no right answer. No clear path. We simply know that it was impor- up track eight. “Hand Me Downs” proves that when Mac has tant to Malcolm for the world to hear it. One of the most difficult something, anything to share, people will listen. They always decisions in the process is how best to let people know about it-- have. “Hands,” “That’s on Me,” “Sutf” and “Once a Day” close the how to communicate meaningfully while keeping sacred what should be kept sacred, so this will be the only post on any of his album beautifully. A few constant characteristics come to mind when describchannels… Thank you to all of the fans who’ve supported him unconditionally through the years. We miss him. We are left to ing the track: sultry, addictive, unmatched, and of course, amiss imagine where Malcolm was going and to appreciate where he without McCormick’s incomparable vocals. “Circles” is available on all streaming sites including Apple was. We hope you take the time to listen. The look on his face when everyone was listening said it all. With humility and grati- Music, Spotify, SoundCloud and more.
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wgecho.org
Entertainment | January 2020
Review
‘Little Women’ leaves big impact Jaden Fields Junior Editor
Based on the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, the 2019 film, directed by Greta Gerwig, “Little Women” took to theaters Dec. 25, bringing in $113.6 million. Bringing in an estimated $16.5 million its first three days in theaters, and holding a 95 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Little Women” proved itself as a satisfactory film for lovers of the classic and movie goers in general. Following the lives of four sisters, both through flashbacks and at the current time, the film tells a tale of familial and community unity, showing the hardships that the women must face. The Oscar nominee for best picture features phenomenal acting, a powerful performance given by all cast members allowing for not a single dull moment on the screen. The eldest sister, Meg (Emma Wat-
January 2020 | Entertainment
Photo by Wilson Webb/Sony Pictures/TNS
This image released by Sony Pictures shows Florence Pugh, Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson in a scene from “Little Women.”
son), is the most responsible of the sisters. She is the sister who seems to best fit the time period, wishing to marry a wonderful man, raise children and live as a housewife. Beth,(Eliza Scanlen) is more reserved, and blessed with a musical talent. Amy, (Florence Pugh), is among the most sensitive of the sisters, easy to upset and incredibly dramatic. Lastly, Jo, (Saorise Ronan) is an intelligent independent writer. While all the sisters had gone on to lead their own separate lives in different areas, Jo living in New York and Amy living in Paris studying art under the care of their intense great aunt, the family is driven back together through the
illness of their sister Beth. The cast is a who’s who of popular actors in Hollywood. Representing the younger generation is Timothée Chalamet, portraying Laurie Laurence, the dashing rich heir who is in love with Jo. The film also includes popular older actors, like six-time Golden Globe award winner Meryl Streep who portrays Aunt March, and five-time Golden Globe Award winner Laura Dern portraying Mary March, the girls’ mother. The chemistry all characters display on screen is moving and convincing, creating an accurate portrayal of youth and family. One of the more fun-filled scenes portrays Jo (Ronan) and Laurie (Chalamet), wildly dancing outside a proper ball, showing the innocence and excitement of youth. Upon talk of the film, fans were rather skeptical of the creation, as there already have been several film adaptations of the novel created. While this is true, all the major “Little Women” film adaptations seem to take their own unique twist on the movie. They all tend to lean towards issues that are particularly prominent in the world at that time, the 2019 version taking a more feminist approach. The film is rated PG, and has a runtime of two hours and 15 minutes.
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Op-Ed
Impeachment should be larger focus in classrooms Ethan Weihl Video Editor On Dec. 18, 2019, President Donald Trump was impeached, becoming the third president in history to be accused of violating their oath of office. This is a historic event, and, regardless of what your political leanings are. Trump is only the third president ever to be impeached, and the trial will have a profound effect on the future of America. However, the significance of the impeachment has not been emphasized enough by the school. Teachers, specifically social studies classes, should spend more time teaching students about impeachment, so they are better informed about what is happening in their government. Impeachment is a confusing process, and it’s important for students to know what’s going on. In addition, most seniors and some juniors will be able to vote in the upcoming 2020 election. New voters need to be educated about what impeachment means, so they are better informed at the ballot. U.S. History teacher Julie Burchett has daily discussions with her students about the trial. “I watch it and fill them in about what happened,” Burchett said. Burchett also believes the impeachment should be a larger focus. “It’s really of interest to the students,” Burchett said. According to census.gov, only 46.1 percent of 18-29 year olds voted in the 2016 election. This is the lowest percentage out of any age demographic. This is unacceptable. While there are a number of reasons why people are unable to vote, apathy should not be one of them. It is also important to educate students on how to have thought-
Photo by Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images/TNS
Chief Democratic prosecutor Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) speaks to the press at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on Jan. 27.
ful conversations with each other about controversial topics. This would be a great time for students to build valuable skills that they will need for the rest of their lives. Having hard conversations will never go away, and being able to respectfully debate with others is something that adults do every day. However, these conversations can be uncomfortable, and it’s important to make sure students feel both heard and respected. There are a number of ways that the impeachment could be discussed in the classroom. The most obvious connection would be in U.S. History and Government classes. It would be relatively simple to weave in discussions of the current trial with examples from the Johnson and Clinton impeachments. In Psychology, students could show how certain psychological concepts are playing out on the Senate floor. The impeachment is one of the defining moments of this generation, and the school should take more time to teach students about our government, as well as how to be good people. Burchett also hopes that more students learn about this important event: “Because it is history.” Photo by Emily Stisser
In the 2018-19 school year, Julie Burchett monitors the student discussion in Real World Problem Solving, a class dedicated to the understand of poverty and how it affects people across the globe.
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Opinion | January 2020
Op-Ed
NHL All Star Game entertains students, city
However, another event that came to Enterprise Center allowed fans to celebrate not just the St. Louis Blues, but the whole National Hockey League (NHL) and its best players. This year, the St. Louis Blues hosted the 2020 NHL All-Star Game for the third time in franchise history. Senior Evan Furfaro said, “I feel it brought a little more recognition to the great people who have been through our city.” All-Star weekend took place starting on Thursday, Jan. 23, with an alumni game at the new Centene Community Ice Center. However, the biggest events started on Jan. 25, with the NHL skills competition. The best players from the NHL skated to decide who was the fastest, most accurate, hardest shot and best goalie. “The alumni and players who either played here in St. Louis, or were from St. Louis provided more excitement to the crowd during events,” Furfaro said. On Saturday Jan. 25, the NHL All-Star Game took Photo provided by the St. Louis Blues place. This game combines players from around the league into four teams competing in a tournament-style Clark Avenue is home to Enterprise Center, where the 2020 NHL matchup. All-Star Game took place. For the weekend, the street signs were St. Louis Blues players Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan also adorned with the names of Blues alumni and ‘All-Star Avenue.” O’Reilly and David Perron as well as head coach Craig Lindsey Bennett Berube were chosen to represent St. Louis. Furfaro said, “I personally enjoyed the presentation of the Print Editor Blues players, not only because it was the Blues players but It seems that hockey in St. Louis couldn’t get any better. A because they were announced by Laila Anderson. It was heartStanley Cup win and sitting atop the league in points are all part warming watching every Blues player come out and give her a of what has made hockey so entertaining for St. Louis Blues fans hug after their names were called.” and WGHS students.
Op-Ed
Students should adopt Chiefs as football team Emily Stisser Entertainment Columnist
Photo from Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the Super Bowl Opening Night at Marlins Park in Miami on Jan. 27.
January 2020 | Opinion
In lieu of the Ram’s heartbreaking departure, many St. Louis football fans were left just as they were about 30 years prior when the Cardinals left, betrayed and teamless. Following the community-wide anger of the Rams’ 2015 move to Los Angeles, many long-time fans turned to other successful organizations across the country or gave up on the NFL all together. However, for the first time since 1970, the neighboring Kansas City Chiefs are headed to the Super Bowl. Although students may be looked at as “bandwagons,” they should adopt the Chiefs as their football team of choice. Geographically the closest team to St.
Louis, only three and a half hours away, the Chiefs boast a loyal and Midwestern fan base that St. Louisans should join. Senior Jake Greer said, “I didn’t care that the Rams left because I didn’t go to games since they were bad. I was kind of already a Chiefs fan because my dad grew up in Kansas City.” About the current following of the team, Greer said, “I don’t think St. Louis has adopted them yet (the Chiefs) because it seems like most St. Louis sports fans still like a lot of other random teams.” Following a possible Super Bowl win this coming weekend, students should continue to support the team and come together. The Chiefs will compete against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 2, on FOX at 5:30 p.m..
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Join us in Celebration of the Lord!
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Comic | January 2020