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echo V olum e 1 0 7 I s s ue 1 Sep t e m ber 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 S e l m a Av e . w g e c h o . o r g
Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jackson Parks PRINT Ava Musgraves JUNIOR EDITOR Lydia Urice BUSINESS MANAGER Izzy Poole PODCAST Maren DeMargel SOCIAL MEDIA Zeke La Mantia VIDEO EDITOR Calum Shank NEWS/OPINION Emily Goben FEATURE/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Layla Johnson SPORTS EDITOR Owen Crews PUBLIC RELATIONS Calvin Lescher 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.
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Starbucks releases favorite autumn drinks Students share thoughts on coffee shop School resource officer takes detective position Creative writing branches out at WGHS Board chooses student advisors Dress code faces protest online/on campus Gossip Girl returns to screen with new characters Social media encourages vandalism in schools Chelsea Center presents street fair to celebrate ‘Learning in Action’ Football season begins Policy change allows for more spectators Working students balance school with jobs
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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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Cover Cutline: Volleyball team members take a selfie to commemorate the first in-person assembly of the 2021-22 school year. Photo by Jackson Parks
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Table of Contents | September 2021
Starbucks releases favorite autumn drinks Podcast Editor Maren DeMargel
pher whether or not the drink was enjoyable. Overall though, the drink was very sweet and reminiscent of fall. Starbucks released its long The Pumpkin Spice Frappucawaited fall drinks Aug. 24. cino took second place in the This year’s lineup includes an ranking. This drink had a very array of four pumpkin and apmild, enjoyable pumpkin flavor ple flavored beverages. which was complemented by Returning drinks include the the whipped cream and pumpPumpkin Spice Frappuccino, kin pie spices on top. This drink Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is great for people who don’t and the infamous Pumpkin like the taste of strong coffee. Spice Latte. These fan favorites In first place, defending its are now accompanied by a new reputation, is the iconic Pumpdrink, the Apple Crisp Macchiato, which is served both hot Photo by Maren DeMargel kin Spice Latte. This autumnal creation is truly the quintesand iced. Starbucks fall drinks include the Pumpkin Spice Frappucsential fall drink. The pumpkin The Pumpkin Spice Latte cino, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, flavor was evident, and coupled is known as one of Starbucks’ and the new Apple Crisp Macchiato. well with the taste of the coffee. more popular drinks, and, acHints of cinnamon and nutmeg ing of the Starbucks fall beverages was cording to junior Holly Travers, were also evident, adding a lot of fall flacreated. for good reason. In fourth place was the Pumpkin Cream vor to each sip. “My favorite drink from Starbucks Each of these drinks were good in their would have to be the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew. While this drink is great for Latte,” Travers said. “Although the pump- people who love the bitter taste of cof- own way. When looking for a drink with kin flavor is subtle, it brings out a perfect fee, it lacked the punch of flavor the other a strong coffee taste, consider ordering balance between the cinnamon’s sweet- drinks had. The cream on top added a lay- the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Trying to ness and the bitterness of the coffee. I er of sweetness, but it wasn’t enough to discover a new fall flavor? Try the Apple Crisp Macchiato. The Pumpkin Spice would definitely recommend to anyone combat the strong taste of the coffee. In third place was the Apple Crisp Mac- Frappuccino is perfect for those who love looking for a nice pick me up during the chiato. The drink had a strong apple flavor the taste of fall but don’t like the taste of day.” To see if this latte lives up to its repu- while still maintaining the taste of the cof- coffee. Finally, if looking to try the best fall tation, a series of careful taste tests were fee. However, these two flavors are quite established, and a final review and rank- an obscure combination. The taste was so drink at Starbucks, order the Pumpkin foreign that it was very difficult to deci- Spice Latte.
Students Spill--Coffee shop edition
Students share thoughts on coffee shop Junior Editor Lydia Urice
ter and cookies are 50 cents each. “I’d say that the prices are reasonable,” Herrman said over email. “I love the coffee shop so much! There are a variety of cream flaI go almost every day to visit my vors available-- including hazelnut, friend, Alex,” senior Camille Herhalf and half, pumpkin spice and rman said over email. French vanilla. Sweeteners include The coffee shop is open until 9:15 Sweet’n Low, Stevia and Equal. a.m. every day. “I get a French vanilla coffee, add Photo by Lydia Urice “The school’s coffee shop is great. Students stand in line for coffee before school. The French vanilla creamer, as well as I go there two-three times a week,” coffee shop is open until 9:15 a.m. every day. some sugar,” Swearengen said over sophomore Jada Swearengen said email. over email. “I personally think the pric“My favorite coffee flavor is the iced Hot coffee is $1. Keurig coffee is $1.50. es are great as well. It’s very affordable, Hot cocoa is $1. Ice coffee comes in two vanilla coffee! The hazelnut is not my fawhich I love.” sizes small and large-- $1.50 and $2. Wa- vorite,” Herrman said over email.
September 2021 | Opinion
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Former resource officer Bob Graeff gets pied in the face at the Turkey Day Pep Rally in 2019. “When Ryan Mckittrick threw the pie in my face to raise money,” for the Webster Community Closet, Graeff said about his favorite memory. Photo by Claire Vogl.
You know him, you love him, you probably don’t know his last name...
School resource officer takes detective position News/Opinion Editor Emily Goben Resource officer Bob Graeff left Sept. 3, to become a detective in the WG Criminal Investigation Unit. Graeff will be replaced by third-year patrolman Cassidy Thompson. “One of my things that I’ve aspired to do is to be a detective and get promoted, so I put in for this last detective position, and I was selected for that spot,” Graeff said. Graeff began his career as a patrol officer in Creve Coeur, and worked there from April 2012 until June 2016. In June 2016, Graeff transferred to the Webster Groves Police Department. In January of 2018, Graeff started working at WGHS. “They called me on a Friday and I started on a Monday,” Graeff said about his transition from patrolman to school resource officer. This transition to detective is happening almost as quickly. Graeff is excited but also will miss interacting with students. “It’s going to be hard to replace a lot of those relationships because we’ve got some really good kids, and the staff has been amazing to me,” Graeff said. “I always promised this class [class of 2022] that I would try to stay, and then this opportunity opened up, so I guess I might be breaking a little promise, but it’s for good intentions,” Graeff mentioned.
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Seniors Audrey Swaine, Elsie Zerega and Julie Bardelmeier have known Graeff for the last four years. “Officer Bob is always ready to have a great conversation and put a smile on everyone’s face. He’s been a friendly face in the building for all my years of high school,” Swaine wrote. “I like that he tries to connect with the students and give them a safe and fun environment to be in,” Zerega wrote. Bardelmeier wrote of her favorite memory of Graeff. “One day I came into school late, having a bad morning, and he [Graeff] could tell I was having a bad day so he brought me to his office and gave me candy,” Bardelmeier wrote. “I always wanted to put myself out there so the kids could, like, see that, yes, I’m here, you know, for safety and protection, to make sure, you know, nobody’s, like, violating laws, but really, like, here to show that, you know, the police are here, like, to build rapport and be part of the community with them,” Graeff said. Graeff wanted to stress the importance of community and positivity to students. “As I always express to the kids, you guys are a community, and everything you guys do here together, 20 years down the road, you’re going to remember a lot of those things, so I think it’s always… be a positive influence and help each other out to get through tough times,” Graeff said. “As long as you remain positive and keep a good outlook on life, you’re going to be able to get through anything and do anything that you want,” Graeff concluded.
News | September 2021
Creative writing branches out at WGHS Editor-in-Chief Jackson Parks
Then senior Kimmy Dang created the cover art for “The Branch’s” Volume 1, which was published in 2020.
In the midst of a hectic school year, WGHS gained a new school publication. “The Branch” is the school’s literary magazine, which features all forms of writing and art done by high school students. The magazine was revived by senior Sophia Wilson, and it is advised by English teacher Rita Chapman. Wilson said that starting “The Branch” was not an easy task. “It was challenging because of the pandemic. It was hard to get the word out last spring, when we were planning on releasing the first submission,” Wilson shared. Wilson is hopeful for the literary magazine’s future this school year though, especially with almost all students back in the building and different guidelines which allow for clubs, like “The Branch” Creative Writing Club, to meet. The club meets during Academic Advisory and works on generating work and
putting together the magazine. The Branch Creative Writing Club meetings center around discussing themes of the upcoming editions and work on submissions. “We are excited to explore colors and designs that best display the art work and writing presented. We can’t wait to show the school our work,” Wilson said. This year, “The Branch” is expected to put out at least two editions, possibly more though depending on the number of submissions the club receives, according to Wilson. Students interested in joining or submitting to “The Branch,” should check the morning announcements for information. This will be Wilson’s second year as editor-in-chief for the literary magazine. Her first year focused mainly on gathering submissions and ideas, since the club was building the magazine from the ground up. The magazine features anything from short stories, poetry, letters and a variety of art submissions from all students.
Webster school board chooses student advisers News/Opinion Editor Emily Goben Juniors Gavin Wilson and Olivia Hotze serve as student advisers to the WGSD Board of Education. They attend board meetings twice a month and are asked to share their opinions on issues as a representative of the student body. Both students are passionate about creating change and bettering the community. “I wanted to be a student adviser to kind of broaden my horizons on the issues in the community and just different ways that we can help as students in the community of Webster,” Wilson said. “Just so I could represent the student body and make Webster the best that it can be,” Hotze said about why she wanted to be a student adviser. The application process for this position had multiple steps. First, applicants were asked to write an essay on why they
September 2021 | News
thought they would be a good fit for this position, and from those essays, they were selected for an interview with members of the board. Wilson attended a board meeting earlier this school year. “The very first meeting, they talked about the new, it was like an anti-racism policy, like a zero-tolerance policy, so I thought that was really cool,” Wilson said. Hotze attended a meeting on Sept. 9. “They were talking about making sure that students, that we monitor students’ academics, but also their mental health and personal well-being, which I thought was really good, and we’re looking to just find ways to make sure that’s done,” Hotze said. Both students are very busy outside of school, as well. “In my free time, I play a lot of basketball, I’m hoping to play for a team this year, and I want to run track this year,” Wilson said
Juniors Olivia Hotze and Gavin Wilson serve as student advisers to the WGSD Board of Education. “We go to the meetings and give our opinions, and represent the student body,” Hotze said. Photo by Emily Goben. “In my free time, I like to just hang out with family and friends,” Hotze said. Hotze is also a member of Interact Club, Feminist Coalition and student council.
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Students Take Stand
Dress Code Faces Protest
Podcast Editor Maren DeMargel
as a condition of attending school.” Even though the Webster dress code appears to be directed at people of all genders, senior Emily Goben suggests this rule concerning abdomen coverage specifically targets feminine students. “Not only is this [rule] arbitrary, vague and subjective, but it also disparately and adversely impacts girls,” Goben said. “Crop tops and shirts that reveal the abdomen are marketed primarily towards women. If female students are more likely to buy and wear the crop tops being marketed to them, female students are dress coded more often than boys.” Senior Taylor Clifton was dress-coded on the second day of school this year, an experience that made her feel targeted and embarrassed. “I was being scoped out while I walked across the crosswalk by administration,” Clifton said in detailing her experience with getting dress-coded. “I did not get sent home, but I was uncomfortable in my own skin all day long,” Clifton continued. Clifton agreed on the discriminatory nature of this rule and how it is being enforced. “I do feel the dress code does specifically target women because the majority of the male student body is not choosing to wear crop tops or short shirts, nor are those types of clothing pieces marketed to men,” Clifton said. The discomfort Clifton felt after she was dress-coded both impeded her ability to focus in school that day and made her nervous about her appearance. “Even though I had nothing provocative on, I still felt shame in what I chose to wear that day,” Clifton said. “Something I had been 100% comfortable and confident to wear in and around the community this summer I became so, so incredibly uncomfortable and unconfident in the WGHS community.”
“I was being scoped out while I walked across the crosswalk by administration. I was uncomfortable in my own skin all day long” --senior Taylor Clifton
Webster Groves students are taking a stand against a controversial rule in the dress code. The rule, located in Line 3 of the Webster Groves Dress Code, reads, “Tops should completely cover the abdomen and should cover the upper body in a way that is consistent with an academic setting.” Under close investigation, it seems that this rule, which has been in place for years, may be a violation of Title IX. Title IX is a federal law that was passed in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments. According to the US Department of Education, Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” A North Carolina court recently ruled that Title IX also encompasses dress codes. An article by the American Civil Liberties Union states, “A federal appeals court ruled today that Title IX, the federal law banning sex discrimination in schools, prohibits discriminatory dress codes in a case involving a K-8 public charter school that requires girls to wear skirts Photos by Maren DeMargel
Seniors Bella Ferrell, Harper Kehl and Anna Barr pose in their crop tops at the student led protest of the dress code.
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Opinion | September 2021
t Online/On Campus Print Editor/ Co-Social Media Manager Ava Musgraves
Editor-in-Chief Jackson Parks
The first week of school always brings about nerves and butterflies, usually about finding classes, hoping friends are in the same lunch or seeing crushes in the hallway for the first time in a year. This time around, students’ nerves are centered around the overarching enforcement of the Webster Groves High School’s dress code, which has been more highlighted this past week than in several years as students begin to take action. Webster Groves High School’s dress code states, “Tops should completely cover the abdomen and should cover the upper body in a way that is consistent with an academic setting.” According to the student handbook, consequences for violating the dress code are “Consequences: attire that is not in compliance with this dress code will be addressed with the student in private and the student will be given an opportunity to correct the issue. Parents/guardians will be called. Consequences may also include confiscation of the item (hat, unsafe jewelry etc.), detention, or in cases of more serious or chronic issues the student may be given in-school intervention center, or suspended out of school.” Students are going against the dress code because they want to challenge what is deemed respectful in a school setting Senior Bridget Moehlman took the first in a series of steps to bring attention to the school’s dress code and ways of enforcing it. Moehlman created an online petition on the website Change. org, which collected over 1,000 signatures in the span of two days, and it still continues to grow. “I started the petition because I felt like the dress code wasn’t fair and sexualized women’s bodies. Male staff members asking females to pull their shirts down or their shorts up makes females feel uncomfortable. My crop top or midriff should not be distracting and a reason to get dress-coded,” Moehlman said.
If a student is “dress-coded,” it means that a correction must be made to the student’s clothes, and that they do not meet the requirements of the school’s dress code. Students followed Moehlman’s footsteps in creating stickers, cropped shirts and social media posts with the phrases, “I am not a distraction” and “Demolish the dress code.” Arguments among parents also arose on social media platforms. About 100 students of all genders demonstrated outside Roberts Gym on Aug. 27, to show support for the movement by all wearing cropped shirts that showed their “Midriff.” Not all students who participated found themselves dress-coded, only a select few, pointing out the inconsistencies of the policy. Dr. Matt Irvin, WGHS principal, doesn’t believe the dress code is being more heavily enforced than any other issue this school year. “I don’t think I would concede to that premise, being in school, as opposed to being virtual, and the ebb and flow of attires have probably shifted a bit as well,” Irvin said. He has set up meetings with students, including Moehlman, to better address the concern. “I won’t say I am a part of every conversation. I know it certainly got our attention when there was an action taken by some students to draw attention to it,” Irvin said. Photos by Jackson Parks and Maren DeMargel Stickers by Izzy Poole and Sadie Coalier Seniors Bridget Moehlman, Sophia Wilson, Londin Furfaro, Evan Patrick and junior Joe Nentwig participate in protest outside Roberts Gym on Aug. 24.
September 2021 | Feature
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‘Devious Lick’
Social media encourages school vandalism Junior Editor Lydia Urice
Business Manager Izzy Poole
“I would make it akin to a storm approaching, you don’t know how severe it’s going to be or how much impact it’s going to have,” principal Dr. Matt Irvin said. According to Wikipedia, the term “devious lick” refers to students stealing, or vandalizing things from their schools and posting on TikTok about it. A lick is defined as “a successful theft” from Urban Dictionary. The act of stealing or vandalizing school property is also called “diabolical licks” or “dastardly licks.” It all started from TikTok user @jugg4elias posting a video on Sept. 1, of stealing a box of disposable masks from their school. More students started to post TikToks stealing similar things like soap dispensers and others like sinks, mirrors and Smartboards. “I would just say a variety of items that are coming from hallways and restrooms,” Irvin said. “Some related to hygiene, some related to safety, some of them are inconveniences.” The punishment for theft or vandalism is 10 days of Out of School Suspension. Also every incident is reported to the Webster Groves Police Department which decides if further investigation and/or punishment is necessary. “Not being able to wash your hands is a greater inconvenience now in the middle of a pandemic,” Irvin said. “Five or less. So not a ton, but disconcerting because of what they physically do and the ripple effect of that,” Irvin said about the extent of the vandalism. “Let’s say someone removes something from the building, whatever that may be, right? Whether they leave with it and go off-campus with it, or if it’s a safety device of some type or if it’s a paper towel dispenser or something.”
“Sometimes those things are devices that have to be remounted or reinstalled by professionals,” Irvin said. “We’re pretty shorthanded on custodians and short-handed on some other staff, so they are taxed with tasks that are requiring them to be involved with recovery, replacement, whatever, and it’s problematic.” A student appears to be stealing a Members of the paper towel dispenser from a high men’s cross country school bathroom. Incidents like this team walked in on have occurred nationwide in response a student who apto a social media trend. peared to be stealing a paper towel dispenser off the wall after school. “I told Irvin because that’s what I should do. It was in the morning. I was like, ‘Hey can I talk to you?’ and we just walked to the other side of the front steps,” one senior said. The opposite of devil is angel, and in light of that, TikTok users have also posted videos of “angelic yields.” An angelic yield is when a student donates something to the school, like soap dispensers or toilet paper rolls to their school in hopes of promoting a more positive community.
Chelsea Center presents street fair to celebrate ‘Learning in Action’ Public Relations Calvin Lescher Webster Groves High School’s Chelsea Center will sponsor a fair on Oct. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Selma Avenue in front of the high school. The fair will be called “The Chelsea Center Presents: A Street Fair Celebrating Learning in Action” and will show off classes that include hands-on learning, band, art department, internships, Makerspace and family and consumer science. “We feel it will be a very fun way to celebrate the work that our students are doing and a fun way to engage the community to see what the high school students are up to. We are learning by doing as well, this is our first time trying it out,” Dr. Kerry Arens, head of the Chelsea Center, said. The Chelsea Center hopes the street fair will continue past this year and ideally become an annual event. The art department will display student’s work, whether it’s
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through painting, drawing or other mediums. The family and consumer science department will provide baked goods, and Jazz I will perform on the main entrance steps from 7-8 p.m. Dr. Arens reached out to the band department not long after this year’s Old Webster Jazz and Blues Festival was canceled. The Chelsea Center Presents: A Street Fair Celebrating Learning in Action was going to happen before Jazzfest was canceled; however, it’s become a larger event for the band now that Jazzfest is no longer an option for the band department. “It’s to help bring some of the spirit of the best stuff that we enjoyed about Jazzfest and bring it here,” band director Kevin Cole said. The drama department and Chamber Choir will perform on stage around 6-7 p.m.; official times are undecided. There will be no entry fee. The event is funded by the donation that Glenn Detrick made to the Chelsea Center. The goal is to keep as many things in the festival free as possible to allow everyone to participate.
News | September 2021
Hey, WGHS. Gossip Girl here
‘Gossip Girl’ returns to screen with new characters Editor-in-Chief Jackson Parks
Junior Editor Lydia Urice
Spotted -- Gossip Girl, your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite, back to keep the kids of the upper east side on their toes. “Gossip Girl” is back for the first time since its series finale in 2012. Switching from the CW to an HBO Max exclusive, it now has a new home. The reboot features an entirely new cast of characters in addition to a twist on the original’s plot line. 2 0 2 1 ’s reboot tries to function the same way as its predecessor: a group of privileged teenagers stirring up trouble and “Gossip Girl”worthy news. While the original focuses on the old money residents of the Upper East Side, the latest version is very current -- featuring a world filled with influencers, cancel culture and an accurate portrayal of LGBTQ+ youth. Both installments arguably serve as time pieces for different decades in the 21st century. The original is colorful, pronounced, and everything, including the characters, is over the top. The latest version is a bit more muted, sleek and modern -- almost drab. Both get their unique aesthetics through their fashion, technology and take on current issues -- just a few of the reasons for their time piece feel. T h e premise is similar for both series -- rich
September 2021 | Entertainment
and manipulative teenagers causing trouble in New York City and an ensemble cast doing so. 2021’s version lacks the energy that the original cast held, which might just be because of their rising star power at the time of the show’s airing. The latest installment’s cast is definitely wider and more diverse, rightfully so, featuring characters of different races, classes, backgrounds and sexualities -many issues in which the original barely brushed upon. 2021’s “Gossip Girl” follows the rich and powerful (in high school) Julien, who is the daughter of a famous musician. Other than causing chaos for her classmates and her so-called job being an Instagram influencer, Julien’s main focus seems to be standing her ground without getting cancelled. Weaving the cast together by their secret romances and elaborate plans similar to the original are Julien’s friends, which consist of Luna, Monet, Obi, Aki, Audrey, Max and Zoya, Julien’s estranged half-sister. Zoya transfers to Julien’s school in an attempt to reconnect with her sister, but the reunion only causes “Gossip Girl”worthy drama. Through glamorous events, unique character interactions, and teachers’ strange involvements in students’ lives (to put it simply without spoiling) “Gossip Girl” builds its world pretty well. Something that does feel off though about this year’s version is how hard it seems to be trying. It’s almost like it’s trying too hard to include social media, pop culture and slang references, which is something that the original just did so seamlessly.
2021’s reboot definitely takes a more “politically-correct” approach to be a current television show, which can be sort of annoying at points, but it does pay off -- especially their take on LGTBQ+ topics and culture. The series features a transgender female character, Luna. Something refreshing about her character and story line is that her gender role or transition are not her entire character or arc. It’s just who she is. Also, 2007’s version included Eric van der Woodsen, Serena van der Woodsen’s younger brother, who was part of the LGBTQ+ community as a gay cis-gender male. He was the only main character in the LGBTQ+ community. The only other recurring LGBTQ+ character was Damien Dalgaard, but he was only pretending to be gay to cover up what was really going on -- drugs. Damien only appeared in 10 episodes, but he doesn’t count because he’s a fake anyway. 2021’s “Gossip Girl’s’’ take on social issues is one of its highlights -- but only one of the few. Other than that, “Gossip Girl” still just lacks. Whether it is its bold attempts to be relevant in a time of social media or cancel culture, or its lackluster and homage-wannabe characters, the series is already a let down, even though it’s only ran for six episodes. That’s all for now, Upper East Siders. You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl Art by Sadie Coalier
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Photo by Zeke La Mantia
Freshman Quarterback Sean Patrick Keegan stands on the sidelines during the game against Oakville on Sept. 17. Oakville won the game with a final score of 14-10.
As football begins players show ‘commitment’ Video Editor Calum Shank Fall football season began Aug. 27, and goes through Nov. 25, when the Statesmen play Kirkwood in the annual Turkey Day game. “Our players continue to demonstrate a tireless commitment to improving themselves and our football program as a whole. I am proud of who they are along with what they are accomplishing each day,” head coach Matt Buha said. The Varsity team has lost its first five games of the season, 42-0 against Vashon on Aug. 27, 20-14 to Parkway South on Sept. 2, 14-10 against Oakville on Sept. 10, 47-7 against Lindbergh on Sept. 17, and against Northwest 14-0 on Sept. 24. The team plays Seckman on Oct. 8. “Each year I have been fortunate to have three or four really solid leaders. This team is different because our senior class is loaded with outstanding leaders and mentors for our younger kids to emulate. James Jones, Joel Lazarow, David Mansco, (junior) Qwame Miller, Will Roberts, Will Sheppard, Roy Smith and Sam Travers have all served as captains in some capacity thus far,” Buha said.
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Buha also believes he has some very talented underclassmen that include sophomores Jackson Torbit and Qwalan Miller on defense, and sophomore Trevion Hulsly and freshman Sean Patrick Keegan on offense. “I am just excited to be able to play football this year. It is a big deal for everyone on the team to have somewhat of a normal season. I am most looking forward to being able to take part in the Turkey Day game against Kirkwood, especially with missing out on that opportunity my freshman year,” cornerback, Torbit said. Last year the Varsity football team was only able to play three games, all ending in losses. “I feel good because we’re hopefully going to get to play a full game schedule which we were not able to do last season. These guys have worked hard so just getting to play this fantastic game is a blessing,”assistant coach, Chris Johnson said. “Just getting to be around a new set of guys who are working as hard as they do, has really motivated me to do my very best everyday. I was lucky enough to do my best every day. I was lucky enough to be a part of one Turkey Day game as a coach. Being able to be a part of the tradition is something I can’t wait to do again. Knowing that my Thanksgiving is already booked is exciting,” Johnson said.
Feature | September 2021
Policy change allows for more spectators Sports Editor Owen Crews With the start of fall and school sports on the rise, changes to the rule book are not just for the players; parents might just want to pay attention. According to an email sent by Kim Edwards, secretary to the activities director, and written by Jerry Collins, activities director, talking about how games will go this year, one change is that “At this time, we do not plan to limit the number of spectators allowed to attend any games.” Last year’s spectators limit was due to COVID restrictions that happened during the school year. According to Collins the new decision to remove the spectators limit is influenced by the county and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Schools right now don’t require or recommend masks for outdoor activities, but do recommend them for indoor sports. This doesn’t mean that all is back to normal though. The threat of COVID still has a hold on high school sports. “Spectators should be within their own family group and distance away from other family groups,” Collins said. In the student section spectators will be encouraged to wear masks and parents will be notified for sports that have large crowds and
when they need to wear their masks, Collins added. This year to help with safety the activities office are also bringing up digital tickets to make sure there is less time waiting in line and dealing with cash next to people. The decision for more spectators is also a huge relief to some of the fall sports. This was especially true for football. Munir Prince, assistant activities director and assistant football coach, said, “They were really excited because last year there were only two spectators per family which was the rule that outdoor sports had...and normally they had four to even six family and friends who wanted to watch.” “It raises morale and also raises spirit...It is one thing having friends or family. There is another thing of having your classmates cheering on, which didn’t happen last year which took away from the atmosphere and school camaraderie,” Prince said. Indoor sports are also affected by COVID concerns. Right now women’s volleyball is playing with COVID restrictions. Junior Eleanor Kanerva said via email, “It’s a little nerve wracking to have more people in the stands because there’s more eyes on you, but at the same time it makes it more fun to play, and there’s more people cheering for you which is nice.” “It doesn’t really change our style of play because we’re used to it from COVID last year,” Kanerva added.
Joins us in Fellowship and Celebration of God’s Love! Worship Service is Sunday Mornings at 11 a.m.
September 2021 | Entertainment
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Smart or not?
Working students balance school with jobs Co-Social Media Manager/ Graphics Editor Zeke La Mantia Being a student nowadays already comes with hardships. Add having a job into the mix, and sometimes life can be overwhelming. According to Walden University, nearly 30% of high school students are employed including 24 of the 15 year-old freshmen and sophomores who have obtained a workers’ permit from Central Office. According to Cathy Vespereny, during the months of April-June the applications increase significantly because most students want to work during the summer months. Jennedy Lombard, college and career counselor for last names L-Z, said, “It depends. In general it’s a good idea for them (students) to work during high school, but if you can’t balance your time and getting your school work done, I would say you probably shouldn’t” about holding a job as a student. Lombard added, “I think everyone should work before they graduate because working with the general public and answering to a supervisor before college is, in my opinion, smart. I would say that it’s also a good thing to put on your resume (having a job/being employed during your high school career). It shows time management and shows you know how money is earned, and it’s just a nice outlet.” “I think students who are busy and have full schedules end up being really good students. It (having a job) forces you to focus on your time,” Lombard said. While there are benefits to being a student worker, there are still downsides. The inability to properly plan can be one of the major issues facing student workers this year. With COVID still rampant in some communities, plans are constantly changing/ getting rescheduled. Senior Bridget Moehlman has worked at Salt + Smoke for over a year as well as doing theatre her whole life and most recently been in teen shows at The Muny.
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Photo by Zeke La Mantia
Senior Elsie Baker answers the phone at the host station of Cyrano’s Cafe and Wine Bar in Old Orchard, Wednesday, Sept. 22. About how Moehlman manages her time when it comes to her schedule involving The Muny, she said, “Some teachers have not been supportive of me not going home after school. I leave for school at 8 a.m. and don’t get home till 12 a.m. Because of COVID, The Muny schedule and the beginning of the school year overlapped. I’ve been doing both since Aug. 23.” About her work schedule and if being employed was sometimes overwhelming, Moehlman said, “Actually no, because I only work three times a week and two of the times are on the weekend, so I always have time for schoolwork.” Moehlman said the second week of school she’d only been in the building four days. “It’s hard sometimes to be an hourly worker and work with someone (an em-
ployer) who doesn’t appreciate the fact that you’re a student and have to sleep. If you’re in a job that doesn’t put you as a student first that can negatively affect your mental health,” Lombard said. Senior Elsie Baker is a host at Cyranos in Old Orchard and a babysitter. “I brought my homework to work with me, not because I needed to but because I didn’t wanna have to do it at 11 p.m. when I get off at 10:30 p.m. sometimes,” Baker said, adding that managing school and work is never a huge issue. She just wants better communication between teachers and students to ensure it doesn’t eventually become a huge issue. “Be flexible with students, especially upperclassmen because there are things going on that we either don’t have the time to share with teachers or don’t want to. Patience is key,” Baker said.
Feature| September 2021