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echo Volume 105 Issue 6 M ay 2021 1 0 0 S e l m a Av e . w g e c h o . o r g
Drama department to perform “The Meta Plays” pg. 4
Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Jaden Fields PRINT EDITOR: Maeve Taylor JUNIOR EDITOR: Jackson Parks VIDEO EDITOR: Calum Shank SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/ GRAPHICS EDITOR: Zeke La Mantia NEWS/ OPINION EDITOR: Elise Wilke-Grimm FEATURE EDITOR: Ava Musgraves ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Addie Palmquist PODCAST EDITOR: Lydia Urice ADVISOR: Donald Johnson
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Jim Schoemehl run celebrates 20th anniversary Men’s track takes precautions for spring season Students select STUCO officers ‘Meta Plays’ offer May entertainment Women’s soccer begins comeback season 93rd Oscars has overflow of ‘firsts’ Senior athletes commit to college teams COVID changes prom experience
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See page 5 to read a profile on the women’s soccer team
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 314963-6400 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. Cover Cutline: Senior Ameilia Griesedieck demonstrates puppetering in preparation for “The Meta Plays” by Andrew Bliss. Photo by Zeke La Mantia
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See page 6 to read a recap of this year’s Oscars See page 8 for a story on prom
Table of Contents | May 2021
Jim Schoemehl run celebrates 20th anniversary
Photo by Ashli Wagner Runners begin the 16th annual Jim Schoemehl Run for ALS on Saturday, May 6, 2017, in Webster Groves.
Maeve Taylor Print Editor The Jim Schoemehl 5K run celebrated its 20th year running this May. The run was created in 2001 by a WGHS marketing/DECA student after Jim Schoemehl, the husband of a WGHS teacher, was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). According to the website, “ALS has devastating effects on the victims and their friends and family. The Jim Schoemehl Run exists to help them all through the battle.” Run director and marketing teacher Kathryn Laurentius, regarding the 20th anniversary, said, “The teacher and students that started the event are planning to come this year to participate and celebrate and I think that is such a cool experience, for them to see what they started 20 years later is probably an amazing experience.” Every year, the run accepts donations and sponsorships to raise money for the ALS Association of St. Louis, as well as an individual affected by ALS and their family. This year, the benefi-
May 2021 | News
ciary was Boris (Bo) Powell. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the operations of the race had to be changed from other years. The 2019 race was fully virtual, and this year, there were options to participate in person and virtually. Other changes included the elimination of water stations, children’s events, the one-mile Fun Run and formal awards ceremonies Those participating in the run were expected to wear masks during warm-ups, cool-downs and when picking up their packets, but during the race itself, they could be removed. Race start times were be staggered to ensure that runners are spread out. Additionally, VP of Sponsorship and senior Reagan Austin, said, “It absolutely has. From my position, it is a lot harder to ask local companies for money because COVID has impacted them so much.” Donations were available at https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MO/SaintLouis/JimSchoemehlRunforALS. For more information, visit their website at http://jims5k.org/. This year, the run raised $19,000 in proceeds that were donated to Bo Powell and the ALS Association of St. Louis.
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Men’s track takes precautions for spring season
Photo by Jaden Fields
Senior Nate Hutson winds up to throw the javelin at the Webster Groves Track and Field Quad Invitational on April 16. Hutson threw 28.17 meters.
Calum Shank Video Editor Men’s Varsity track team has 13 scheduled meets stretching from March 31 to May 27. “The team is less connected than usual. Each event group (sprints, distance, throws) is split up from the rest of the team to keep the numbers of people around each other down. That has made it more difficult to develop great team chemistry, although our team has adjusted very well,” sprint coach Tim Levine said. The track team has several precautions because of COVID
such as wearing masks at all times and social distancing from other schools while at meets. “Although we are able to run without the masks on, masks make the sport more difficult. Putting a mask on right after you run is one of the last things that you are thinking of,” Levine said. All runners are allowed to race and drink/eat without masks but are required to wear masks at all times otherwise. The men’s track team has several leaders, but some that may stand out include seniors Naejuan Fisher and Stephen Cooper. “Both great leaders and track athletes. They have done a great job of developing and teaching the younger athletes on the team and are the two fastest athletes on the team and in the St. Louis area,” Levine said. Both Fisher and Cooper also play on the Varsity football team. A positive on the men’s track season is that all the athletes feel safe with the precautions placed. Freshman sprinter Peyton Miller mainly runs the 100 meter, 200 meter, 4x100 meter relay and the 4x200 meter relay. “Running track with the impact of COVID changes the sport because there are less runners than normal,” Miller said. “Practice and meets feel safe because athletes are outside, wearing masks and taking the necessary precautions,” Levine said. “I am always looking for ways to test their mental toughness and dedication to the sport. Even early on, it becomes clear what athletes are serious about trying to get better and what athletes might not be able handle the physical and mental demands of track and field,” Levine said. The next Varsity Track & Field meet is Saturday, May 15, at Poplar Bluff High School.
Students select STUCO officers
Ezekiel La Mantia Social Media STUCO elections took place Friday, April 9. Students voted via a Google Form sent over email. STUCO elections were moved from March 31, to April 2, and then to April 9, to allow students who are running more time to campaign instead of having to work around spring break. FACS teacher and STUCO sponsor Lauren Maedge said, “We have a really good group of juniors who have been active since their freshman year, so I think we’ll have a good group of officers.” To prepare for running for STUCO office, candidates were required to fill out a
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“I’m excited for next school year, we have all women STUCO officers so I’m excited for this experience,” junior Avery Terri said.
small packet of questions, get signatures from other students in their grade and make a video telling/ showing why they should be nominated as a candidate. The candidates and what position they ran for were announced on April 9, the
same day as voting. The candidates were junior Gabriella Ramirez for president, junior Scarlett Patton for vice-president, junior Jillian Sanders for secretary, juniors Avery Terri and Joseph Leyson for treasurer and freshman Rebecca Fairbanks for historian. Results were released on STUCO’s Instagram on Thursday, April 22, and in the morning announcements Monday, April 26. The results for the election were easily to determine since only one student ran for almost every position. For the position of treasurer, Terri was elected. “I’m excited for next school year, we have all women STUCO officers so I’m excited for this experience,” Terri said.
News | May 2021
‘Meta Plays’ offer May entertainment Ava Musgraves Feature Editor Theatre during a pandemic presents challenges for all involved. The drama department has despite this put on multiple productions including recently, “The Glass Menagerie” and now “The Meta Plays.” “The Meta Plays” are student directed, which allows for more student involvement than previous productions. The production is made up of eight ten-minute plays, all about the art form itself; theatre (hence the word “Meta” in the title). The format allows for students to experience directing and acting in under a twohour show, offering a “well-rounded experience,” senior Amy Griesedieck said. Griesedieck is new to the directing scene in the department. Previously they have acted in several productions as well as ran the sound board. “It’s just a challenge, but a good one. It’s something new I get to do, and I’m ex-
cited about that,” Griesedieck said about directing her play amongst the Meta Plays, “The Skewed Picture.” They will also act in “A Rebel Amongst the Wretched,” which is directed by sophomore Cat Draney, giving all parties involved a chance to work on stage and off in such a hard year for theatre. “I like acting and directing about the same. Probably acting a little more. I think you get a better idea of what theatre really is and a better perspective on what goes into a show, and you get to end up working on more shows which is always fun.” Griesedieck said. The Meta Plays will be performed May 12, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission is free with a maximum of 175 people in the audience, masked and distanced.
Photo by Zeke La Mantia
Senior Amelia Griesedieck demonstrates puppeteering in preparation for “The Meta Plays” by Andrew Bliss, a series of eight one-act plays that break the fourth wall and teach some things about theatre.
Women’s soccer begins comeback season Kelly Woodyard Staff Writer
Post brief hiatus with the entirety of its season getting cut last year due to the pandemic, women’s soccer has resumed and is back in full swing for this year. So far, the team’s record is two wins and seven losses. The team has had a few close games this season, one being against Nerinx Hall, a historically rival team, ending 2-3 with Webster falling short by just one goal. The game previous to that was a win against Oakville, the score being 1-2. Seniors Sydney Frillman and Shelby Schwieterman are captains for the soccer team. Both players discussed how they feel the team is doing this season. “I think the team is getting all organized. We have a lot of talented players that are learning how to work together in a new program and with a new playing style, so while it’s hard, we all have gotten really close,” Frillman said. “We’re doing really great overall, every game we seem to look better and better and the team environment is better than it has ever been before. Everyone is excited to be there everyday and the effort is consistent. I think we have good things in our future,” Schwieterman said. The next upcoming game for the women’s soccer team is Photo by Kelly Woodyard. May 7, against Marquette at 5 p.m. Senior captain Sydney Frillman strategizes how to make her way around Westminster’s defense, in pursuit to score Webster a goal. The team has played a total of nine games.
May 2021 | News
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93rd Oscars has overflow of ‘firsts’
Photo by Chris Pizzello/Pool/Getty Images/TNS
Lee Isaac Chung and Valerie Chung attend the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station on Sunday, April 25, in Los Angeles. monumental, as was only the second film Leading Role for his work in “Minari,” Jaden Fields directed by a woman to earn that title, the the nomination making him the first Asian Editor-in-Chief first being Kathryn Biglow’s “The Hurt American to be nominated for this award. Locker.” Riz Ahmed of “Sound of Metal” was also The 93rd Academy Award ceremony While it is an amazing accomplishment nominated for the Best Actor award, maksaw an influx of firsts, with numerous to have two women nominated for best ing him the first Muslim to be nominated women and individuals of color being director for the first time, it can be specu- for this award. recognized. lated that this was long overdue. NumerSome movie fans think that while AnThe award show has been occurring ous women directed films nominated for thony Hopkins was indeed deservant of since 1929. With how long the awards best picture over the years did not receive the Best Actor award for his incredible show has been going on, one may think nominations for best director, despite the performance, the award should have gone there are not many “firsts” to be expected. popularity and overall excellence of the to Chadwick Boseman for his work in The 93rd Academy Awards proved this film. A few examples of this would be: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” wrong. “Selma” (dir. Ava DuVernay), “Little Hopkins expressed his own surprise in Historically, it has been rare for a per- Women” (dir. Greta Gerwig), and “Zero being the one to win the award. “I want son of color, especially a woman, to win, Dark Thirty” (Kathryn Bigelow) to pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman. . . let alone be nominated, for an Oscar. This This year’s Oscars also saw the first I really did not expect this, so I feel very year there were changes to this. Chloe ever Black winners in the category of hair privileged and honored.” While some beZhao, director of “Nomadland,” became and makeup. Two of the stylists behind lieve Boseman to be the one to deserve the the first Chinese woman and woman of period piece “Ma Rainey’s Black Bot- award, others reflect on the fact that his color to receive the award of best director. tom” received the award. loss of the award does not take away from The film also took the title of best picture. History was also made with Yuh-Jung his life or his performance. Also nominated for best director was Youn for her work in “Minari.” Youn was One commenter on Hopkins acceptance Emerald Fennell, the director nomi- named best actress in a Supporting Role, speech, Michael Maps, says “[Chadwick] nated for her film “Promising Young this title also making her the first Korean gave a strong performance and losing Woman.”This makes history with two actress to win an Academy Award. doesn’t take away from his talent. All women being nominated for best director Although he lost the award to Anthony the nominees deserve to win including for the first time ever. Zhao’s “Nomad- Hopkins in “The Father,” Steven Yeun [Chadwick] and Anthony. I’m happy for land” win of best picture was also rather was also nominated for Best Actor in a Anthony.”
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Entertainment | May 2021
Senior athletes commit to college teams
Photo by Jerry Collins
Committed seniors represent their schools in the Roberts Gym. Students pictured from left to right: Robert Percival, Michael Landau, Madelyn Buske, Stephen Cooper, Sophia Howell, Kreighton Bluette, Libby Placke, Grace Hartwig, Madeline Collier, Cecilia “Quinn” Tegenkamp, Brett Krueger and Jon Campbell.
Elise Wilke-Grimm News / Opinion Editor Seniors anticipating playing sports at their future college will sometimes make a commitment to that school. These seniors have had special interest shown towards them by the coaches of their chosen schools. About 17 seniors have currently committed to playing their sports at their chosen colleges. The students were congratulated for their commitments to these schools recently. Senior Madeline Collier has been swimming for 10 years. After falling in love with the sport in kindergarten she has been in the water ever since. Collier committed to swimming at DePauw where she anticipates studying either Economics or Communication. Due to swimming being a huge part of Collier’s life since she was in kindergarten she is excited to continue with it in college. “When I met with the team, they were so welcoming, loving, and it really reminded me of being on the high school team here at Webster. I also loved the coaches approach to practices, meets, and just being
May 2021 | Feature
an amazing teammate,” Collier said. Seniors who’ve been members of a team for a long time generally become adapted to having that “support system.” This is also shown with senior Brett Krueger who has been running track since freshman year. “I finally felt like I was welcome on a team and my hard work paid off in my athletic performance… Like all sports there are good and bad experiences within it, but after high school I realized I wanted to find a new program that would be the perfect place for me for the next four years,” Krueger said. After four years of utter dedication to a sport it becomes a big part of life, this is why Krueger is looking forward to continuing his passion about his love for running and to his commitment to XC/Track at Rhodes College. Senior Robbie Percival also agreed that the dedication and hard work put into training is very important. Percival has been playing sports since he was around four years old. He ultimately decided soccer was what he wanted to play, since it is what he excelled in. He likes how he can devote his attention specifically to soccer when he is on the field
and “cut out” all of the stress that happens within daily life. Though Percival does look forward to continuing with playing soccer throughout college, he has not decided his major yet and wishes to focus on more than just playing soccer. He anticipates deciding as time goes on and as he adapts to the environment of Webster University. “I want it to be a big part of my college experience but I don’t want it to drown out other important experiences that happen in college,” Percival said. Senior Cecilia Quinn Tegenkamp also said that her sport, lacrosse, was a part of her decision when committing to Depauw University, but she made her ultimate decision when choosing her school because of the “amazing campus programs and the individual attention it gives to the students.” “I’ve been playing sports in general since I was about three when I started playing soccer, and started lacrosse when I was 10. I love the organization of lacrosse and the control it gives players with ball movement. It’s such a unique sport and takes so much precision and practice, but is so much fun once the basics are mastered,” Tegankamp said.
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COVID changes prom experience
Photo by Elise Wilke-Grimm
Seniors attend prom on Saturday, April 17. The dance was held on the Weiser Terrace over the field at Busch Stadium. Students were given wristbands in one of four colors which corresponded to a dance floor they were to dance on as a way to ensure social distancing.
Jaden Fields Editor-in-Chief
Addie Palmquist Entertainment Editor
Prom took place on Saturday, April 17, at Busch Stadium from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets for prom were available for $35 per person and available through HomeTown Ticketing. The event was permitted to take place after discussion between the board and health officials. “Approval. . . from the St. Louis City Health Department and St. Louis County Health Department were quite intensive. That being said, we have received approval from both the City and County Health Departments to launch a safe, exciting event and honor the resilience of our Senior Class,” Mickey Erb said via announcement email. Due to COVID there were certain restrictions and rules new to this year. Outside guests were not permitted, nor were WGHS students who are not a part of the senior class. Masks were worn at all times, and no food or drink was permitted. Because of the shortened time period to purchase prom attire
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there was only a semi-formal dress code, with the normal dress code for dances being enforced. Dance floors were sectioned off and limited to 25 students per zone. Students were also required to complete a COVID symptom screening before entry was granted. Senior Amelia Griesedieck had a positive experience at prom. “Prom was fun! I enjoyed how it was outside and in a pretty open space so you could get away to less crowded places while still being able to hear the music. The dance floor was fun but I think they could have figured out a better system to keep social distancing. Overall, it was a nice time!” Griesedieck said. Senior Ava Andrews experience at prom was also positive. “My experience at prom was very interesting. My friends and I were excited about having a school event at such a big place like Busch Stadium, so we decided to buy tickets. Seeing all of our classmates dressed up and having fun made me feel good, in light of our covid senior year. My favorite part has to be when it started to rain towards the end of the night... It allowed everyone to just let go and dance in the rain, and it made the whole experience a positive one,” Andrews said.
Feature | May 2021
