Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Hadley Hoskins PRINT/PODCAST EDITOR: Sam Klein JUNIOR EDITOR: Ali Schulz SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/ GRAPHICS EDITOR: Soledad Lee VIDEO EDITOR: Margaret Oliphant NEWS/OPINION EDITOR: Arianna Peper FEATURE EDITOR: Jasper Winterton ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Margaret Korte ADVISOR: Donald Johnson SPECIAL THANKS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE ECHO: Melanie Bennett Ariel Johnson Keillyn Johnson Jenny Korte Tracy Willis
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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. The Echo is a member of Quill and Scroll, JEA, MIJA, NSPA and CSPA.
Cover Cutline: Senior Trevion Hulsey runs with ball as an Oakville player tries to take him down. Senior Tyrese Reid runs to help Hulsey during home football game on Thursday, Sept. 7. The Statesmen lost 24-35.
Photo by Sam Klein
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Men’s swim holds 1st home meet in 4 years
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Letter to the editor: Retake policy should be revised
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Students, staff decide: Is football dying?
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Webster adopts 1:1 computer policy
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Alumnae discuss: Webster then and now
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Music department prepares for performances
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Fall, spring sports to change due to renovations on Moss Field
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How hot is too hot for sports?
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Counselors give college application advice
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New choir teacher brings back old tradition
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Students showcase clubs through activities fair
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Transportation issues arise during heatwave
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Season 2 of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ sparks debate
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Barbie movie shows new perspective on misogyny
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Editorial: New retake policy should be changed
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12 Table of Contents | September 2023
Men’s swim holds 1st home meet in 4 years Arianna Peper News/Opinion Editor Men’s swim and dive held its first home match in four years on Aug. 29, at Webster University against Rockwood Summit. For the past few years, the team has been without a home meet because Webster University’s pool has been in use by St. John Vianney High School. As a result, Webster’s team has used different pools over the past few years for their meets, and it wasn’t until last year that they were able to use Webster’s pool for morning practices. Evyn Spencer, who is going on her fourth year as the men’s swim coach, and athletics director Jerry Collins, were able to get in contact with Vianney and schedule home meets at Webster University while Vianney’s team is away. Collins said, “Even though the past Junior Emmett Shank swims the 200-meter freestyle in the men’s swim and dive meet few years have been different for the against Rockwood Summit on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Webster University. Webster won swim team after COVID hit, I really ap- with a score of 95-75. Shank said, “A win is a win.” Photo by Arianna Peper preciate their flexibility and admire their dedication.” Spencer also had not had a home meet while at coaching at Web- advantage, and it is so fun to have a home pool for the support of ster until this year. She said without a home pool, the team’s swim- family and friends who get to come watch.” Senior Calum Shank, who’s been on the team for four years, said mers didn’t have as much opportunity for their friends and family having a home pool has not only brought the team closer together to come and watch, since they were always at away meets. Senior Ryan Kleitsch, who has been on the team for four years, and made practices more accessible, but it has also given the team said without a home pool, not only had traveling been annoying, a pool to defend. Although it wasn’t just defending a pool that made a difference but the team didn’t have a place of its own to defend. He also stated he thinks having a home pool allows the team to have more for the team-- it was having a place to call home. Shank said, “Having a home meet means having a home in genof a sense of togetherness. Spencer said, “Having a home meet is so important as it gives eral. Not only is it good for team chemistry, it’s good for the whole the team a sense of ownership, a place of their own to defend. They high school sports experience. The seniors on this team haven’t get to race in the pool they train in every day, which gives them an gotten this opportunity yet, so it’s awesome to finally call somewhere home.”
Letter to the editor: Retake policy should be revised Anonymous Webster’s newly-instituted retake policy, which took students entirely by surprise on the first day as there was no mention of it in the student handbook, is counterproductive. The two tenets of the policy are as follows: that retakes will only be available if a student gets a 70 or below on a test, and that, once the test is redone, it won’t register as greater than a 70 no matter the raw score. Who does this policy help? It’s opposed to the real learning process that’s supposed to be at work in a school, the much-cited
September 2023 | News
refrain that “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Grades aren’t everything, and a student’s mastery of the material may not be defined by a test grade. However, as long as letter grades are the measure by which success is judged, there should be an option for students to prove that their grasp of the material is well above “proficient.” Naturally, there will be students who wish to retake tests and students who don’t. Instead of equalizing the playing field and telling all students that they aren’t defined by their test scores, this policy only takes away the option to amend mistakes.
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Students, staff decide: Is football dying? Sam Klein Print/Podcast Editor Clayton High School and Brentwood High School chose to merge their football teams for the 2023 football season due to low numbers, according to KSDK, showing that small school districts are struggling to put together football teams. Football is a sport with a long-standing history at Webster Groves High School, with traditions such as Turkey Day, which has been celebrated since 1907. However, Webster football has suffered decreased numbers in the past due to concerns surrounding head injuries. “We did see a drop. Probably our lowest numbers were right around that time in the late 2010s…The numbers Senior Tyrese Reid protects ball from Oakville defensive player durhave started to pick back up,” Collins explained. ing home football game against Oakville at Kirkwood High School The drop in numbers was the followed by a 21-gameon Thursday Sept.. 7. The Statesmen lost 24-35. long losing streak for Webster, which was broken in the Photo by Sam Klein game against Northwest High School on Oct. 14, 2022, with a score of 27-13. nor White explained. The win from last year has left seniors like Henry White also talked about how athletic training surrounding Brewer ready for the 2023 season. football has developed. “You hear the old saying like, ‘Oh I got “We had a good scrimmage and jamboree against some good my belt rung,’ Well, a lot of people thought that was just someteams, but we’re still working hard. Even though we improved thing that went away. Now we’re a lot more educated and ina lot, there’s still way more we can do. We’re not 100% yet, but formed on what concussions are, so we can kind of ID [identify] we’ll get there,” Brewer said. those symptoms better and make sure if somebody does have While Brewer is ready for the season, he reflects on how his concussion-like symptoms, we make sure we get them out of the mom reacted when he began playing the sport. game and out of that situation.” “At first my mom was really concerned, but it took just a little White said he does see how the decrease in youth numbers bit of convincing. She asks about me sometimes, but she’s cool could affect the high school level. with me playing,” Brewer said. “I think the big thing that we need to do as a program is getWhile football is still top-rated at the college and professional ting parents more informed and comfortable with our feeder prolevel, in the late 2010s controversy over head injuries in football gram, because I’m as big of an advocate for football as anybody, led to decreasing numbers. but if I don’t trust or know our youth level coach, I would never When the debate started, the sport of football had to adapt and have my son play football unless I know that he’s being taught change to become safer and more marketable for athletes to play. correctly and safely,” White said. These changes mainly involve tackling style and a better under“I think once parents see how we’re teaching football and how standing of head injuries. we practice football I think they would be a lot more comfortable “I think for being a collision sport, it’s always going to have with the precautions and everything we’re doing to make it as an element of risk of injury. Potentially serious injury…you’re safe as we can,” White explained. never going to get the risk completely out. I believe football has Collins noted other factors that might contribute to decreasing become safer,” activities director Jerry Collins said. numbers in football. The risk of head injuries has had a large effect on the growth of “If you think about several years ago, there weren’t as many youth football. The Aspen Institute’s State of Play report shows clubs or other things. Club soccer, club lacrosse, club basketthat participation in tackle football for athletes ages six to 12 ball, club whatever. The one sport that doesn’t really have a club went down 18% from 2020 to 2021. element is football and those other club sports… They go yearWhen discussion began around the safety of football, the game round these days. So if a student is playing club baseball, club began to adapt and change to be safer. lacrosse…they have to make a choice to play football,” Collins “One thing is the emphasis on taking the head and neck out explained. of everything. Whenever I was playing, you would always hear “Another thing football has working against it is all those that when you’re trying to tackle someone get your head across. other club sports start playing at five, six, seven…whereas you Now, you know people are venturing more towards the rugby really don’t start playing football until maybe middle school,” style of tackling where it’s a shoulder tackle; your head’s behind Collins said. the play and not necessarily involved,” head football coach Con-
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Feature | September 2023
Webster adopts 1:1 computer policy Hadley Hoskins Editor-in-Chief A one-to-one computer policy was adopted for this school year. Students were either assigned to a school Chromebook or could bring a computer from home. Chromebooks were individually assigned to students during Back-to-School check in for those who wished to use a school Chromebook. The policy is intended to help prepare students for college and career settings, as well as provide equal technological opportunities for students outside of school, Dr. Matt Irvin, principal, said. “We think for students to be fully prepared to get into college and careers, those are important tools to be able to utilize in every setting after they go to after high school. It’s an important step to their learning now, and an important preparation for what’s around the corner,” Irvin said. Teachers said the policy would help them by allowing more assignments to be available online. “I’m going to have all students who have to turn in homework turn it in on Canvas,” math teacher Elizabeth Steckman said, adding, “I will keep using Desmos this year as a graphing calculator tool for students, as a way for them to do math and check answers.” English teacher Sarah Gray said she intended to use the policy to assist students with the writing process. “I want to sort of explore working with students as they’re drafting papers. If I use the correct settings on Canvas, I can view what they’re viewing, and that can help with going through and revising and drafting,” Gray said. While teachers sometimes ask students to use phones for educational purposes, such as joining Kahoots or taking photos of homework, Gray said another benefit
she saw in the policy was preventing inclass phone use. “If we have the laptops, there is absolutely not a need for phones,” Gray said. Gray added it would make it easier for the school or district to implement a stricter cell-phone policy overall. Irvin said there were no current plans to change the school cell phone policy, saying, “I think we kind of have to learn from our usage, and ultimately the goal is to promote learning and whatever that looks like, we’ll see how that goes.”
“It’s an important step to their learning now, and an important preparation for what’s around the corner.” - Principal Matt Irvin
September 2023 | News
Students expressed mixed opinions about one to one Chromebooks. Some, like senior Rose Mossinghoff, were excited, stating it would help them stay organized. “It’s nice to have more things online because it’s less physical things to keep track of,” Mossinghoff said. Others said they didn’t see the policy benefiting them. “I just like using notebooks more because it helps me remember it better than just typing it on a computer,” senior Ella Beck said. Overall, Irvin said the main benefit of the policy was ensuring all students had the same ability to do work outside of school. “Putting a device into everyone’s hands allows our teachers to most effectively provide instruction both in the classroom and with what’s happening on the other side, when students leave school, and utilize all the technology that our learn-
ing management system, Canvas, allows them to have,” Irvin said. “That levels the playing field for everybody… I think that’s great,” Steckman said. Irvin added additional devices for students without internet access at home were available. As well as Chromebooks for students, laptops were provided for English teachers and Newline Boards, an interactive teaching board similar to Smart Boards, were also provided for some teachers. “It’s based on what instructional needs the teachers have. We’re trying to move away from a one size fits all and more towards what teachers might need,” Irvin said. “[Going one-to-one has] been a goal for many years,” Irvin said. He explained during the pandemic, making sure every student had access to a computer and the internet was a struggle. “During those circumstances, we were trying to fill those needs with limited devices,” Irvin said. The process to adopt the policy started with assigning one-toone Chromebooks last year, for the 20222023 school year. This year, funds from ESSER -- Elementary and Secondary School Relief funds-- were used to provide all other students with Chromebooks, “filling in the gaps,” Irvin said. Parents and guardians were required to fill out permission slips and acceptable use forms during online registration this year. Students who elected to use school chromebooks were also required to pay a $25 insurance fee. As for how the policy has been going so far, Irvin said, “I think we’ve been seeing teachers being thoughtful about their utilization…I feel like we’re getting pretty close to filling all the gaps-- that’s the hard part, making sure every student has a device. We’re still working with that and as we’re getting new students, we want to make sure we’re supporting them as well.”
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Alumnae discuss: Webster then and now Sam Klein Print/Podcast editor Webster Groves High School was founded in 1889. It was first only one classroom in the original Bristol Elementary building but moved to its current address on Selma in 1906. The school itself has undergone changes over the years. One of these changes included Webster Groves High School’s name change. It was first known as Frank Hamsher High School, named after the school district’s first superintendent, and the name stuck for 39 years before it became known as Webster Groves High School. History teacher Jessica Pursell, Class of 1998, Students can still see the engraved name of “Frank Ham- pe sings in a school rformance. Photo from 1998 Webster Groves Ec sher High” if they look above the senior entrance when enterho Yearbook ing the building. The school buildcauses ing has undergone that really mean a lot renovations and adto them, and they do ditions such as addthings about,” Puring on the new scisell said. ence department, but “Students really another thing that’s being engaged in changed is the way some of their classes. in which students I love to see how exact. cited they get about History teacher History Teacher Jessica Pursell the classes that mean Jessica Pursell, the most to them, Class of 1998, notes and I know they’re some changes she not always history,” Pursell said about what was the same. sees in students as a teacher that she didn’t see as a student. Ten years prior to Pursell’s graduation, the Class of 1988 “I think students are much more involved in the world. I know walked the stage, including alumna Anne Klein. somebody asked me once, ‘What causes are you involved in?’ and “Friday night football games for sure. Hanging out in the hall I don’t think that was very common when I was in high school, by Roberts Gym by our lockers. We had so and I think that’s really common here. People have much fun in that hallway,” Klein said about her favorite parts of high school when she was younger. The school itself has undergone changes, according to Klein. “Obviously the security is totally different than it was back when I was there. People could come and go at will. There’s also the new science addition. It’s fantastic compared to what we had when I was there,” Klein said. Klein also noted the changes in not just the high school but in Webster Groves as a community. “I feel like Webster in general just has a lot more happening in terms of a hub that people can come and visit. All oto from the restaurants and shops and things, it’s much more vibrant and Ph ss. cla in dy stu , Anne Klein Students, including es Echo Yearbook draws in people from all over the St. Louis region,” Klein said. 1988 Webster Grov
“I love to see how excited they [students] get about the classes that mean the most to them, and I know they’re not always history,” -
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Feature | September 2023
Music department prepares for performances high school from 9 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 20. Along with the high school choir, the Hixson choir will learn new music, Webster’s concert season and then the two choirs will begin in September. will perform their piecJazz band will play at 1 p.m. es. A free concert open on Sept. 16, as part of the Old to the public will be held Webster Jazz and Blues Festiat 6:30 p.m. in the audival. The performance will be torium. on the Allen Avenue and North “I can’t wait to sing Gore Avenue stage. with the middle school“I’m very excited for Jazz ers. I have a friend who Fest this year. Last year was a is in sixth grade, and I ton of fun playing outside for can’t wait to see her,” a big crowd. Last year, there junior Eleanor Szevery were tons of people. The only said. problem is the heat,” senior Orchestra has an upJack Hendrix said. coming concert planned The marching band played at for Oct. 30, from 7 to the football game on Sept. 7, at 9 p.m. at the Webster 6 p.m. Due to the renovations Jazz band performs during the 2022-23 school year. Groves Presbyterian on Moss Field, the game was at Church. Kirkwood High School. It will These events can be found on the Webster Groves High School also play at all future home football games. In addition, the choir will host the District Choir Festival at the website calendar.
Ali Schulz Junior Editor
Join us in Celebration of the Lord!
September 2023 | Feature
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Fall, spring sports seasons to chang Hadley Hoskins Editor-in-Chief No home games, competitions or practices will be held at Moss Field this school year because of construction at the site. As a result, fall and spring sports have seen major changes to their seasons. The construction is due to a complete remodeling of Moss Field. It began on Aug. 21, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2024, according to activities director Jerry Collins. Football, field hockey and lacrosse will play all home games at other locations, but the track and field teams will host no home meets. “Last year, we thought they were already going to b e doing construction, so we didn’t get to have home meets then either,” senior and member of the women’s track and field team Sarah Staab said. Varsity football will play its home games at Kirkwood High School on Lyons Memorial Field. “It’s definitely going to be weird, but hopefully we’ll still get some fans that come to games, so hopefully that’ll help it feel more normal,” senior football player Jackson Torbit said. Collins said the decision to borrow Lyons Field from Kirkwood came after comparing Webster’s season with several other nearby schools. “I actually looked at about six or seven schools around us and compared our schedules to their schedules, and Kirkwood actually matched up better than anyone else with us,” Collins said, adding, “Three of our four home games, they actually have away games, so we can play there on Friday nights.” The fourth game is Webster’s first home game, to be played Sept. 7, a Thursday. Field hockey will play three home games at Nerinx High School this year, a cut from other years. “Typical years, they would have half a dozen home games, so
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it’s certainly less,” Collins said. Field hockey coach Patty Perkins expressed mixed feelings over the renovations. “I think it’s going to be tough on the seniors, just not to be playing any home games,” Perkins said, adding, “but I think having turf and being competitive with our opponents is going to be exciting, and it’s just the growing pains with any construction that stink.” Collins said the location for
L a c r o s s e ’s home games h a s n o t b e e n determined yet. “We d o n ’ t have the girls’ lacrosse schedule y e t , that usually comes out later in the fall o r early w i n t e r when we get that, and we’ll hopefully be able to find some place to have a couple of ‘home’ games somewhere else,” Collins explained. Senior athletes expressed disappointment to be unable to play or compete on Moss Field. “It definitely kind of sucks not to have a senior night in the place that we’ve played for our entire four years of being on the team,” Staab said. “Obviously, we can’t have any last games at Moss… I’m kind of sad, but I’m with my team, and t h a t ’s all that matters,” senior and member of the cheer and lacrosse teams Gabbie Voelker said. Practices have also been subject to change because of the renovations. Football practices, for instance, were moved to
News| September 2023
ge due to renovations on Moss Field the upper field at Hixson Middle School. Torbit said this presents challenges for the team, especially in the event of bad weather. “If it rains, we can’t practice out there, and we have to go inside, so we can’t accomplish as much,” Torbit said. Cheer practices, while still held at Hixson Middle School, have been subject to change as well. “We can’t go and run on the field; we can’t go outside. We have to do everything inside,” Voelker said. Most track and field practices will be moved as well. “We’ve been talking with a few other close by schools to see if we could share their track with them on some days,” Collins said. He added those who participate in throwing events, such as shot put, javelin and discus would be able to continue practicing at Hixson because
those facilities are not within the construction site. Field hockey practices continue to be held on Kopplin Field, and women’s lacrosse practices will continue to be held at Givens Elementary School in the spring. Students and coaches agreed the new Moss Field would ultimately be beneficial- even if the renovations themselves hinder their seasons. “[The renovations] are going to improve us a lot because so many field hockey schools are playing on turf, and we’re always a step behind them because we don’t practice or play on turf,” Perkins said. “I think it’ll be really nice to have because we’ve been dealing with no parking, wet fields, no grass, broken tracks, broken bleachers, for a long time,” Staab said. “I think it’s really cool for the guys coming up, that they get these cool facilities that we didn’t get to have,” Torbit said.
September 2023 | News
Moss Field has not been renovated in this capacity since it was built. The two notable updates in the last 80 years include replacing the cinder track in the 1940s, and adding stadium lights in the 1970s. “The entire footprint, from the parking lot all the way through the stadium, is being completely replaced,” Collins said. Updates come a f t e r t h e passage of Proposition S in August 2022, a $45 million bond i s s u e intended to improve and repair aging infrastructure across the Webster Groves School District. Updates include an eightlane track, new home and away bleachers with coaches offices and training rooms, and a new building for concessions and bathrooms. The field will also be replaced with an artificial turf field, which means inclement weather will no longer prevent home games. In the past, home games meant to be played on Moss Field had to be moved to other locations because the field would become muddy and hard to play on. This will not only benefit the football, field hockey and lacrosse teams, but also the soccer teams, who Collins said would be playing some games on the new field. Collins added there are efforts underway by the “For the W” campaign to raise money for additional features, such as a covered event space and a video screen.
Art by Tania Perez-Landerio wgecho.org
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How hot is too hot for sports?
Freshman Augie Warneke chases after ball during a JV soccer game against Lindbergh on Aug. 30. The Statesmen lost 4-0.
Photo by Sam Enlund
Sophomore Kat Clark pitches during a softball game on Sept. 7, against Kirkwood High School. The Statesmen won 4-3.
Photo by Ava Selby
Margaret Oliphant Video Editor August’s heatwave took its toll on athletes with record high heats getting as high as 102. During the August heatwave, sports had to move practice to the early hours of the morning due to high temperatures. Teams followed the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer, the same as other athletic trainers. “The Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer is a device that takes into account the temperature, humidity, direct sunlight, etc and gives a reading. Based on what it says, our teams may be limited in how long they can practice and how often they need to take water breaks,” athletic director Jerry Collins explained. The Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer, or, WGBT assumes athletes are in direct sun as well as taking in sun angle, wind speed and cloud cover so that it is not assumed that they are in less intense conditions. Men’s cross country coach Jon Petter used this thermometer to decide to move the practice to 5:30 a.m., and after school used the weight room to practice. Petter was hesitant to not have the team run due to fear of losing progress, due to how much endurance running takes. There were no health issues on the team. Petter made sure to always practice with water around, as well as
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bringing Gatorade and the team brought water bottles “We communicated with all of the coaches the previous week that the heat wave was forecasted, so we were prepared. Athletes needed lots of breaks and water if they did practice during the safe times,” athletic trainer Sean Wright said. The school used to use the heat index to measure whether or not to practice; however, the heat index is not as accurate as it assumes athletes are in the shade. According to Wright, the only health issue has been minor cramping at a football game during the heatwave. When athletes do face health issues due to the heat, they are taken to a cool place and given water. The progression of heat stroke begins with heat cramps before escalating to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In the event of a heat stroke, the school would call 911. For high school, 82 degrees Fahrenheit and under, all teams are guaranteed three separate rest breaks with a minimum of three minutes long. If temperatures range from 82.1 to 86.9 degrees Fahrenheit teams are to be careful of intense or long practices and athletes carefully with at least breaks every hour for at least four minutes. For temperatures of 87-89.9, they need four separate breaks each hour that are at least four minutes long. Football players will not wear their protective gear and there will be no conditioning activities for this or any hotter conditions. At 90-92.0 degrees Fahrenheit, athletes will have 20 minutes of breaks within an hour of practice. Games and competitions will have additional water breaks. Above 92 degrees, all practices, games and competitions are rescheduled. Junior and field hockey player Piper Westendorf practiced outside only one day (Aug. 21) before practices were moved inside. Coach Patty Perkins did not want the team to practice outside. Although players were tired, no one experienced any cramps. “We didn’t play as good because of how hot it was outside,” Westendorf said.
News | September 2023
Counselors give college application advice Margaret Korte Entertainment Editor According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66.2% of high school students enroll in college—but before students can step into their first lecture or log onto their first ZOOM meeting, they have to apply. “I think it can get very overwhelming sometimes,” Ellen Silverstrand, college and career counselor, said. Most college deadlines are around Nov. 1, and materials from the counseling department need to be requested by October 15. “Not being afraid to start,” according to college and career counselor Jennedy Lombard, is the most important step for juniors and seniors looking to continue their education. “Colleges can’t do anything until they have your application,” Silverstrand said. Lombard recommended starting early, a little at a time, to not get overwhelmed. For seniors, she said “being organized is super helpful.” One way of doing this is checking your email to be aware of opportunities. Students can look out for the college fair in October, as well as visits from schools during the day, which are open to upperclassmen, as well as sophomores with specific interests or goals in mind. Planning for college throughout high school is useful, too: Lombard recommended, “(Freshmen and sophomores) take classes that are interesting to them.” The types of classes are important, along with extracurricular activities, which “help you become who you are… any opportunity to show leadership is great,” she said. Colleges want their students to do well there, Silverstrand said, and “want you to be able to meet the benchmarks.” Having a well-rounded resume is typically a green flag for schools.
September 2023 | News
As for seniors, the Common Application is used by many, and is a way to see what certain colleges are looking for. It’s available as a website and an app and is growing in popularity. “See if the schools you’re applying to are on the app,” Silverstrand said. If they are, information on the school and its applications will be available there, as well as links to apply. If a school isn’t registered into Common App, information can typically be found on its website. Silverstrand said many colleges realized they were asked mainly the same questions, s o c o m piled them into one resource. “It’s meant to be an easier way to apply,” she said. Writing a college application essay, according to Silverstrand, can be one of the most stressful components—but is also a chance to show your personality. “When I was a college rep, essays were my favorite part… they’re the way you can add your voice to the application.” She said admissions offices see so many transcripts with grades, lists and numbers. The essay is where each applicant can stand out. To write the essay, Silverstrand recommended students play to their strengths. “If you’re funny, be funny, but if you’re not, don’t try to be,” she said. The essay is a chance to show personality and to set oneself apart from other applicants. “Be who you are,” she said, “[and] find a way to convey that.” Silverstrand said to ask yourself “What
makes you, you?” and to make sure the essay reflects it. Another component of a college application is the letter of recommendation: they may be from a teacher, counselor or other adult that works at the school. “Start thinking of teachers you would like to ask,” Silverstrand said. “Give the teachers enough notice.” “Not all schools require them, some don’t want them and won’t read them,” Silverstrand said. It all depends on the college. The ACT and SAT can also be useful: Lombard described them as “tools, but not requirements.” Although not mandated by all colleges, they can help to earn scholarship money. “I think some students are worried about how they’ll do,” Silverstrand said. “Just go for it.” Have the score, just in case. Silverstrand pointed out that “you control” what goes into the application. Not all scores have to be reported—and not all colleges require them. Silverstrand recommends treating college applications “just like any other project… taking small steps and working backwards from the deadline” can both be helpful methods to apply.
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New choir teacher brings back old tradition Margaret Oliphant Video Editor Choir will start the year off by performing with the middle school choir and directors from outside of the district. Choir students will spend the day in the auditorium working on songs and techniques. The performance is from 6:30 p.m. -7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, with free admission. The choir started working on the songs right away in the school year, starting with learning “Oh Love.” It took one week for the group to learn. The choir is also learning a new version of the “Star Spangled Banner” to use throughout the year. “It’s going really well. We sound really good if I do say so myself; we have a really good blend,” president of choir and senior Lily Justis said. “Davis is changing a lot and in a good way,” senior and choir liaison of Tri-am (a club for band, orchestra and choir) Layla Salmon said. Chamber Choir and Hixson’s choir will each sing one song separately and one together. International educator Maria A. Ellis will also make an appearance. Ellis is a music educator and conductor and owner of Girl Conductor LLC, specializing in music education resources, and she serves as the artistic director of The Sheldon’s All-Star Cho-
The 2022-2023 choir class prepares to sing their winter concert.
Photo provided by Jaylen Davis
rus and the UMSL Voices of Jubilation Ensemble. The festival is to help integrate the choir into the school and give students exposure to music as well as to encourage the younger students to take music classes. The middle school will sing “Spark of Light,” the high school will sing “Bring Me Little Water Sylvie,” and together, they will sing Pink Zebra’s “A New Day.” This will be choir director Jaylen Davis’ second year at Webster, and he has given some students jobs: two student conductors (junior Cami Smith and senior Andi Zigler) will help conduct music, and as president of choir Justis will plans events for the choir and run them.
Students showcase clubs through activities fair Soledad Lee Social Media/Graphics Editor Activities Fair for students was hosted Thursday, Aug. 31, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The fair was an interactive way for students to learn about extracurriculars and clubs from members. Senior Owen Barrs, who is president of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Club, encouraged freshmen to join the club. “It looks really good on your college applications, that’s a big thing. Freshmen, I know what you’re looking for. College is only going to get harder to get into. Join APIDA,” Barrs said. If students are interested in the arts, film making, Short Film Club is the club for them. “If you’re interested in making films, this is a great opportunity to kind’ve share your ideas for films, get actors for them,” junior Casey Drilingas said. “It is a great way to build your portfo-
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lio, if you want to do acting, editing, filmmaking,” senior Saroya Williams said. Robotics is full of opportunities to make friends and learn new things. “You learn a lot, if you’re looking to become an engineer or even anything technical, this will help you out a lot,” senior Zander Smutz-Ulmer said. “When I first joined Robotics, I knew, basically no one here, in Robotics. I met a lot of friends doing this,” sophomore Aden Wilisch said. These extracurriculars have the benefit of providing an easy way to meet new people. “I think people should join yearbook as an opportunity to meet new people of all different types of stuff, like different clubs and sports,” senior Vanessa Schroeder said. “You should join Interact because it’s all about giving back to the community. It’s a great time, you meet a lot of people,” junior Will Hotze said. For those interested in pursuing Journalism, the ECHO newspaper or yearbook
is a great opportunity. Students create stories, interview people, and take photos at school events. “Especially if you don’t play sports like me, I go to a lot of sports events now,” Schroeder said. Joining Interact gives the benefit of working with other students and teachers. “Dr. (Kerry) Arens is one of the nicest people in the building, you get to work side by side with her,” Hotze said. Dr. Arens is the coordinator of the Chelsea Center, which has a lot of opportunities for students to get internships, earn credit hours and learn. APIDA has meetings, but also plans in advance for a showcase in May and they do other work to diversify the school’s environment and build community. Barrs said, “Our big thing is planning a showcase in May each year. This year we’re doing a professional development with the high school teachers, which also looks really good on your college applications. Make a difference, it’s fun, but it’s also a lot of work.”
News | September 2023
Transportation issues arise during heatwave Jasper Winterton Feature Editor “I decided I had to get someone to pick me up, so I had to have my poor grandma get me after school because it’s so bad,” sophomore Kate Spellecy said about her bus. About 175 high school students ride the bus, and a portion of the school walks as well. A heat wave hit the Midwest, officially bringing a heat advisory Aug. 20. Since the first day of school, several students have spoken about the dangers it has put on transportation. “There are like small fans at the front (of the bus), but none of the students feel that. It’s just for the driver. When I get off the bus in the morning, it’s colder outside,” Spellecy said. The bus Spellecy takes has about a 30-minute long route to school from her bus stop and is fairly packed. There are heaters in it during the winter, but with the lack of air conditioning, extended periods of time in intense heat causes a risk to students’ health, according to the City of St. Louis Department of Health Heat Warning Guidelines. Heat exhaustion is commonly pushed aside by students experiencing it, as the symptoms don’t seem serious at the early stages, including nausea, A Webster bus drives away from the high school after dropping off stuheadaches and fatigue. Then as the exposure to heat dents. progresses, it can turn to Photo by Jasper Winterton heat stroke, which can be fatal if not treated. who have cars or has to walk, and the simple walk When buses break from the parking space to the school is enough heat down or have issues to cause her to experience headaches, nausea and getting to a location, other symptoms of heat exhaustion. The lack of students can be forced parking availability plays into it, and for her, reto wait up to hours Spelgardless of the car available, she ended up walking lecy said. roughly three blocks to get to school. “In the mornings it’s At least one student in another district passed out super miserable,” Spelfrom the heat. lecy added. “There was “During my mom’s open house...she had a kid some sort of issue with fully pass out from the heat. It was 98 degrees outthe bus, and people were side, and currently it’s 101. That’s a three degree waiting on my bus bedifference,” Brunk said. She mentioned multiple fore they picked me up, times the exhaustion the heat has caused her, and and I assume that was both Spellecy and her reported symptoms of exmiserable- it’s half an hour from my stop to school.” haustion- even if only one of them ever has to walk. Spellecy said there is usually at least one person in one seat, Not only is the safety of students a concern, but around St. but usually all are fully filled on her bus. Louis, there has been an increase of bus drivers calling out sick Spellecy said she has been experiencing headaches as a result due to the heat, causing hour(s) long bus delays. of the heat, and the bus has made them worse. Due to the complications and conflict of the transportation for Sophomore Izzy Brunk also has been exposed to the heat dur- students, school districts such as Lincoln County, Wentzville, ing her way to and from school, but not from the bus. When she Frances Howell and Belleville west announced early dismissals, isn’t able to get a ride from her parents, she carpools with friends according to news sites such as Fox 2 news and NBC.
“When I get off the bus in the morning, it’s colder outside.” - Sophomore Kate Spellecy
September 2023 | News
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Season 2 of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ sparks debate Soledad Lee Social Media/Graphics Editor
“The Summer I Turned Pretty’ divides viewers,” senior Josh Delay said, “I know it’s a hot take, but I find him [Jeremiah] comforting.” Viewers of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” tuned in each week After watching Season 2, Delay’s opinion changed. starting July 14, for Season 2. Each episode brought anticipation Delay said, “I’m Team Conrad actually; I switched sides. He’s of who the main character, like a poet I feel like, and Belly (Lola Tung) would end his face is so concenup with. trated and majestic. JerThe show continued to emiah looks scary.” divide viewers. According One viewer had a simto an Instagram poll by @ ple answer to why she is wgecho, 74 % voted Team Team Conrad. Conrad and 26 % voted “He’s complicated Team Jeremiah. Seventyand hot,” senior Rebecca two persons responded to the Fairbanks said. poll. Besides Team Conrad It is safe to say that Seaor Team Jeremiah, there son 1 of the show was lightare people who are Team hearted, but Season 2 took an Belly. For seniors Branemotional toll on viewers. don Parikh and Simon “The last episode made me Lang, it is quite the opreally sad. I loved Conrad’s posite. sassiness in it, but it did hurt Parikh said, “I’m anti Photo by Erika Doss/Prime Video from “The Summer I Turned Belly. She causes too my Conrad heart,” sophoPretty” media kit much drama in the whole more El Markham said. Season 2 begins with a thing and she plays the peek into Belly’s dreams brothers.” where she and Conrad (Christopher Briney) are together and Su“Yeah, I just hate Belly so much. She’s basically just a terrible sannah (Rachel Blanchard) is alive. Viewers are informed when person, and she only cares about herself,” Lang said. she awakes from her dream, that everything is the opposite. Senior Frances Baken reflected on not who Belly is perfect The show is based on the books by Jenny Han. Those are “The with, but Belly’s best friend Taylor (Rain Spencer). In Season Summer I Turned Pretty,” “It’s Not Summer Without You” and two, viewers got to see feelings mutually develop between Tay“We’ll Always Have Summer.” lor and Steven. Student viewers who are Team Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) “I’m Team Steven [for Taylor] because he is the silliest one; say one of the reasons is because of his looks. he’s just so good with Taylor. She’s been in love with him for her “He’s so cute, and he’s very nice, and I think that he’s the best whole life, and now he’s finally realizing that she’s so beautiful for Belly,” senior Sam Murdock said. and he’s goofy with her, but he’s still sensitive,” Baken said. “Come on, it’s obvious; he’s cute. He also treats her better,” senior Elizabeth Williams said. While others can disagree, finding Jeremiah’s feelings only sparked for her because of her glow up and thinking he is unlikeable, believing Conrad is the better choice for Belly. “Jeremiah only started liking Belly when she turned pretty. Conrad and Belly have had a thing the whole time,” senior Charlotte Collier said. “I think he’s better. I think he’s better looking too. He’s a little sassy, but it just adds to the plot, and I think that he just likes Belly more. I think that Jeremiah only likes her cause she had a glow up,” junior Piper Westendorf said. “I am a strong Team Conrad person. I feel like for Belly it’s always been Conrad for her. I feel like it should always be that way, I also feel like the chemistry in Season 2, like the flashbacks especially, they’re very cute together,” Markham said. In an interview last year, for the Echo article,
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Entertainment | September 2023
Barbie movie shows new perspective on misogyny Jasper Winterton Feature Editor
main ones got watered down too much, which is why the person who I was with got a little confused and took it as an attack… like he compared girls to ants and said we all look “It might not have shown every aspect of a woman’s daily and act the same,” Harris life and how hard it can be, but it did a very good job showing said. just a smidge of it,” an anonymous sophomore said. Harris isn’t the only one “Barbie” was released on July 21, has gained worldwide who has heard backlash, recognition, beginning before the movie was released. It was but the sophomore has as previously featured in news stations and magazines including well. The Hollywood Reporter, NBC news and Rolling Stone. The “I think people are takmovie has a twist on unattainable societal standards, where ing it as propaganda of hatBarbie suddenly starts to show flaws, and from thereout foling men and that men suck lows her journey trying to save Barbieland. and shouldn’t exist, but it’s The attention it gained was both positive and negative. literally just putting reality Some have gone as far as saying it’s an attack on men, and into perspective for morons according to others, those people were missing the point of to understand,” the sophothe whole movie. more said. He added while Clover Harris, freshman, has witnessed some of the backFrom “The Barbie Movie” me- he thought the movie was lash surrounding the movie. dia kit simply going to be about “I enjoyed it overall but I went to see it with a man, and Barbie dolls, he was pleasI noticed that a lot of the metaphors went over his head and antly surprised to see the were interpreted as an attack on men when it was intended to deep meanings shown through it. be put into perspective,” Harris said. The movie has an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating with its reWhile the movie went over some people’s heads, for others, it communicated a stronger understanding regarding the impacts views applauding the filmmaker, cast and clever script. “Gerwig didn’t just make a great movie; it’s something that of misogyny and created a safe space for people affected by it. “I received a lot of positive feedback from my female friends will buckle the knees and tug hard on the heartstrings for generawho watched it with me, but the boy I was with did not like or tions of viewers. This is the work of a marvelous filmmaker who understand it,” Harris said. While it was easy to stay interested knows exactly what she is and wants to do,” Dan Buffa, Rotten in the movie due to how watered down and lighthearted it is, it Tomatoes reviewer, said. Similarly to Buffa, critic Leonard Maltin touched on the imcaused some people to interpret it in a different way, Harris said. “I think because it had so many different points, some of the portant role models the movie shines light on for future generations. “When I became a father, I searched for Old Webster Groves movies that would show my daughter posi111 W Lockwood Ave tive role models, and it was tough going. 314-395-6094 ‘Barbie’ makes up for lost time and should LeMacaron1StLouis@gmail.com M-Sat 9am-10pm Sun 9am-9pm warm the hearts of parents and daughters lemacaronstlouis of Saint Loius alike,” Maltin said. The reviews of the movie are filled with mixed opinions and perspectives, but one thing the majority of critics seem to agree on is the representation and deep meaning of feminism the film holds, coated in satire to make it more appealing to all audiences. The movie concludes on an empowering Enjoy Autumn note, with multiple characters speaking out on our patio! on the unrealistic standards held for women- highlighting the meaning of imperfection and unfair societal standards pointed towards femininity. “Barbie” is showing at most local theaters, and is available for pre-order on multiple streaming platforms including Prime Video and iTunes.
September 2023 | Entertainment
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Editorial
New retake policy should be changed Webster Groves High School implemented a new, controversial retake policy for the 2023-24 school year. This policy changes the requirements for an assessment retake, differing from the 2022-23 school year. During the 2022-23 school year, students were allowed two retakes per semester per class. The grade on their original assessment did not matter. The retake score was to replace the original score. Now, students are only able to retake an assessment if they scored below 70% on their original assessment. A student will either get to keep the better of the two scores or receive an average of the two scores, assuming that it will be below 70%. A reassessment committee for Webster Groves met months prior to discuss the retake policy. It established “pillars” that all of the high school departments had to follow. This committee was made up of assistant principal Dr. Tony Gragnani and teachers from all the core departments: math, science, English and social studies. A counselor was also included in the discussions. “It was a very long process. Lots of students were brought in as well. We will review the policy further into the school year and see if changes need to be made,” Dr. Gragnani said. Gragnani stated teachers reported that they repeatedly saw students trapped in an endless cycle of wanting to retake a test but also wanting to save their retakes. He explained this policy was supposed to encourage students to use their retakes when needed. According to Education Week, the modern notion of retake policies was created in the 1960s by Benjamin Bloom. He theorized that the best learning happens not during the assessment, but rather through the corrective work after it is taken. “To bring improvement, Bloom stressed formative assessments must be followed by high-quality, corrective instruction designed
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to remedy whatever learning errors the assessment identified,” Education Week said. While the new retake policy is designed to encourage students to retake tests more often, it is also taking away possible learning opportunities. When wanting to retake, almost all departments require students to show proof of improvement and understanding. Students who do not typically score below 70% on these assessments are now not able to retake this assessment and truly go back and learn the content if they do not understand. While 70% is the basic level for proficiency, students typically strive to push themselves into the next level of learning. Only allowing below-proficient scores to be considered for this process is taking away students’ abilities to learn the content above what is considered proficient. In some ways, it even teaches the students that they should only strive for proficiency, and not try and achieve that next level of learning and understanding. Rather than harming the achievement of students and their mindset toward improvement, the policy should be altered to allow students to earn at least an 80% on a test after retaking or it should be reversed to what it was in the 2022-23 school year. Scoring 70% or lower on a test falls below a proficient score so students will not be encouraged to relearn material if it would not have any effect on their grade. Instead, if the policy is changed to 80%, students can earn an average grade and still feel like they made an improvement while putting the effort into learning the tested materials. Retakes are designed to teach students to go back and master material; however, this policy will do the opposite until it is changed.
Art by Gracie Giles
Editorial| September 2023