Parkway Central Corral October Issue

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Parkway Central High School 369 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Volume 60, Issue 2 Oct. 30, 2015

Does it

AD up?

District signs athletics deals pg. 11

Student wins hacking award pg. 3 Science teacher hones film talents pg. 5 Fall teams wrap seasons pg. 21

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02 corral Oct. 30, 2015

Photo Issue of the

As a new student, sophomore Dom Doray saw Cabaret Night on Oct. 16 as his chance to show people one of his talents, singing and playing the piano to two Billy Joel classics. “I was really hoping to get involved in theater, and when I had the opportunity to perform on stage in front of people -- especially a song I really enjoy -- it was a really enjoyable expirence,” Doray said.

Read more online at: parkwaynews.net/corral

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College decisions shouldn’t be so stressful pg. 10 Alex’s Appetite: Ices Plain & Fancy pg. 15 How to choose the best Halloween costume pg. 18 Spotlight on athletes Students buddy up to help out pg. 23 pg. 6

Tennis player places third in State pg. 21

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Senior in Spark! places third at competition

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enior Greg Cordover, along with other members of the Spark! program, participated in the Globalhack V Competition from Sept. 11 to 13, where they won third place overall and recognition for being the best high school team. The team received a total of $10,000 as their prize.

Cordover participates in an entrepreneurial program off-campus each day to immerse himself in the business community.

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: Why did you decide to do the Spark! program?

: It was recommended to me two years ago and it was really appealing to me because I didn’t like traditional school. I have a hard time paying attention in class for an hour and a half everyday and Spark! was more relevant to my interests than sitting in a classroom hearing lectures all day.

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: What do you during the program?

: This year I’m in Spark! technology. We got a 3D printer and I’ve spent time playing with that, and before that I worked on a bunch of other projects for people, and we’ve heard a few other people talk. It’s been a great experience.

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: What was the problem you were given?

KATE MCNEAL Editor-in-Chief @kateisgreat11

: Describe the competition.

What did you do during it? : They give you a problem that you need to solve, and you have usually 48 hours to solve it. You’re generally expected to stay there the whole time, maybe go home to sleep, and they provide food and you just work the entire time on programming something to solve the original problem.

News Tidbits

: Our problem was that they wanted courts to have an easier method to access information about driving citations, so if you had a ticket you could find out where and when you needed to appear in court. We made a system that you could call and type in your drivers license number and it gives you that kind of information, all through the phone so you could do it anywhere, no need to have computer or internet access. That was one of the major points, they wanted it to be accessible to anyone.

15 honored in National Merit program

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Nathan Dettlebach Christopher Gu Samuel Schaeffer Lucas Shanker Bobbi Throckmorton Jessica Volpe

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Speech and Debate finds success at first tournament

: Where will the money you earned go?

: Our team won in total $10,000, and there were three of us, so split evenly $3,333. I’m probably just going to save it until I have some expense where I really need it.

Six students were recognized as Commended in the National Merit Scholarship Program, placing in the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who took the PSAT qualifying test in 2014:

: How do you think participating in the competition helped your learning as a whole?

: I’ve gotten a few job offers from it, so I don’t know if it’s helped learning so much as it’s helped my professional career.

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: Were the job offers for right now or for the future?

: I interviewed at a company, and assuming that I actually take the job, it would be after the school year ends.

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: Do you want to go right into the job market?

: I’m probably going to go to college first.

Q A

The team competed at the Parkway West Fall Classic on Oct. 9-10. They were awarded third place in sweepstakes, an overall score. Individual participants also received honors: Souradip Ghosh and Luis Ocampo won Varsity Policy Debate Balaji Cherupalla and Daniel Berkovich won Novice Public Forum Mark Jewell won Novice Extemporaneous Speaking Emily Pfau placed 2nd in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate

: Do you have anything else to add?

: Spark! has been a really good experience for me so far and it’s really helped me understand what I want to do in my life, it’s been really eye-opening. I’ve gotten to experience a lot of things I would not otherwise be able to experience.

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Central High excels in recent state accreditation review The school scored 137.5 points out of 140, 98.2 percent, in the Missouri School Improvement Program 5 review, made public on Oct. 23. The points not earned came through student attendance, as only 85.7 percent of students attended more than 90 percent of school days.

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04 corral Oct. 30, 2015

thespians redefine trick-ortreating with can collection

Senior Jacob Scissors prepares to barricade the door to Lori Turnage’s room with a student desk during intruder training in Academic Lab on Oct. 20. Photo taken from video footage by Trasean Stepney.

intruder training updated, practiced TRASEAN STEPNEY Guest Reporter @pchcorral

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t’s been the same for years: lock the door, hit the lights and stay against the wall in silence. But on Oct. 20, students were introduced to a new intruder procedure that the district has decided is more effective than just a locked door.

“The old procedure of simply just locking down was not the best course of action,” Officer Mark Caswell, the school resource officer, said.

During Academic Lab this new procedure was presented to students in individual classes through a universal PowerPoint presentation that introduced the four E’s: educate, evade, escape and engage. After the presentation students were taught how to evade an intruder by barricading the door.

“I feel like I’ll be more prepared if that sort of thing happens, “ senior Brandicia Phillips said.

Other students believe that the new procedure just gave them added incentive to take care of themselves in an emergency situation.

“If I”m in a class with a door and a window in the back of the school, I’m just going to bolt if there’s ever an intruder,” senior Amanda Diamond said.

While this procedure was new to students this year; teachers completed an interactive training back in August 2014. They went through different scenarios of approaching an intruder and how to respond themselves and with their classes.

“It was actually kind of scary,” Dan Kelty, Spanish teacher, said.

“You would really think that you were in the actual moment.”

Caswell was one of the members of the police team that acted like the intruder in some of the scenarios.

“He was supposed to be a student who pulls out a gun,” Kelty said. “We jumped on him and tackled him and took his gun.”

While students have not yet gone through scenarios like this, the administration feels it is best to approach intruder training one step at a time.

“We thought it was best for the staff and teachers to go through that so they could have a more realistic sense of what we were talking about,” Caswell said.

Not all students believe that a little training will be much help to them if a crisis really occurred.

“It might be difficult to execute,” senior Caroline Rodgers said.

“You don’t know what you’ll do in times of panic.”

Check out more student and teacher perspectives about the new intruder training on the next episode of PCHtv: www.youtube.com/user/TheNewPCHtv

Senior Joanna Kolker, junior Rebecca Velasquez, and other members of the International Thespian Society count the cans they collected from residents on Friday, Oct. 23. “I like the fact that we get to have a fun Halloween party by helping the community,” junior Jessie Goldberg said. Photo by Tara Stepanek.

KATE MCNEAL Editor-in-Chief @kateisgreat11

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ollecting over 700 pounds of cans to be donated, members of the Internatioal Thespian Society held their annual event “Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat” on Friday, Oct. 23.

“Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat, or TOTS EAT, is a food pantry that gives food to children who need it,” junior Jessie Goldberg said.

The society collected over 200 pounds more cans in this donation than the previous year.

“This year, we had way more people than usual leave out bags,” junior Emily Kang said. “Talking to families to ask them to donate and seeing how much people are willing to contribute is really heartwarming.”

Members had to organize a route and deliver bags to each house for people to put donated food in. Volunteers divided into teams to deliver the bags, and then a week later drove back to the houses to, hopefully, pick up donated food.

There was a larger number of houses on the route this year, but Kang also believes that one of the main reasons for the success of the event was the number of participants.

“One of the most rewarding parts was seeing so many people come together for a good cause,” Kang said. “It’s amazing that we were able to donate so much more food, but that’s all possible because people in our department gave their time to run around Green Trails.”

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Senior Nathan Dettlebach makes a tower of cans with group member freshman Megan Baris on Oct. 23.

After collecting and counting the cans, participants competed in “can-struction,” seeing who could build the most creative figure out of cans. Photo by Tara Stepanek.

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Gunasingham aids in filming of Canadian web show The nature of the cafe offers many opportunities for stories.

Gunasinghman said that the show was made to bring a fictionalized account of the behind-the-scenes “stress and struggles of running the cafe” to life as a way to “showcase this aspect of Toronto, as well as this community of people.” hile grading papers and writing lesson plans, chemistry Gunasingham, who lived in Toronto for six years, heard about the film on Facebook. It was written and created by one of Gunasteacher Jonathan Gunasingham has lots on his mind: robotics club, GSA… and the next episode of “Snakes and ingham’s close friends, Drew Dafoe, and his wife.

Lattes.” Visiting Toronto for the summer, Gunasingham worked as “He wrote the script all himself,” Gunasingham said. “He had a production assistant on the new web show, helping out his friend already filmed a bunch of episodes before I went to Toronto.” and gaining insight on the intensity of the film industry.

Though he said it almost completely took over about two years of his life, as the director, screenwriter and producer, Dafoe felt ”It was just cool to kind of see the ins and outs of how they shoot that type of TV show or web show,” Gunasingham said. “That that the production was worth it.

“It was an experience that I will never forget,” Dafoe said. was the coolest part, just being part of it and creating it, even in a small little way.”

“I will never forget filming this first season with these amazing The show takes place in and revolves around a real, live “boardpeople.” game cafe” in Toronto, Canada called Snakes and Lattes.

Many people were necessary to produce the best filming, “It’s like a restaurant,” Gunasingam said. “They’ve got food and because they were working with a small budget, under a very strict drink, there’s a $5 cover, and you can stay there as long as you want time constraint. Even seemingly tiny jobs were vital to the show’s and play one of the various hundreds of board games that they have success, such as Gunasingham’s production assistant role. there.”

“Production assistants are integral to a well-run set,” Dafoe said.

“They are basically there to do whatever jobs we need done. On our set, that usually involved moving tables, chairs, large bookcases of board games or bag of Nerf guns. They are so important because they are doing the small miscellaneous jobs that the core production team doesn’t have time for.”

When he first started helping with the show, Gunasingham didn’t expect to take on the role of a production assistant.

“Originally I was there to just be an extra in a couple episodes, but it was way more exciting to be behind the scenes and helping set up the sets and props,” Gunasingham said. “It exposed me to the stress of that industry, but that was exciting.”

Some of the many jobs that needed to be done proved a challenge to Gunasingham because he lacked experience in film production.

“Not having a background in theater and tech stuff, not having a lot of industry knowledge, I felt very Tensions run high between characters as they gather round to play among the floor-to-ceiling self-conscious,” Gunasingham said. “Like, I want to be shelves of board games that line the cafe’s walls. Photo courtesy of Drew Dafoe.

KAYLA BENJAMIN Features Editor @pchcorral

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really involved and I want to be really helpful, but I don’t want to be a bother because I don’t know what I’m doing.”

But with so much to do, Gunasingham’s A sign welcomes customers into the real-life board game cafe after which the web show is named. Photo courtesy of Drew willingness to Dafoe. work and learn outweighed the drawbacks of being untrained.

“That was challenging: feeling new, and feeling kind of like ‘Oh, am I really being a help right now?’” he said. “But they were just really grateful for the help.”

This kind of acceptance was not uncommon for the group working on the project; Gunasingham described filming as “a really communal experience.” Dafoe wasn’t the only one to realized that the production required dedication and cooperation from everyone involved.

“It was one of the best team experiences that I’ve ever been a part of,” Gunasingham said. “Just because no matter how you’re involved, you’re involved, and everyone has this one goal. It can get really stressful, but you’re stressing out with those people at the same time.”

One of the most difficult challenges facing the team was the sheer amount of filming that needed to be done in the short months they had to work.

“You have to film a shot so many times,” Gunasingham said.

“When you do a single-camera thing, that means you’re filming the same scene, and you’re filming it multiple times because you want to get multiple tries to see which one’s the best shot, but then also you have to film each person’s perspective. That was probably the toughest thing, especially since we had a limited time frame.”

Another, more unexpected, struggle became apparent after all the filming was finished -- that of actually releasing the show.

“I thought releasing it was going to be the easiest,” Dafoe said.

“I think getting the proper file types and editing and exporting and coloring and mastering… ugh, exhausting.”

Black Student Union seeks to empower African Americans SIERRA DOWNING Staff Writer @sierraerra_

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lack Student Union was started by juniors Tj Cotton and Elyse Ellis to educate the student body as a whole but more importantly black students so they can spread positive news to other students in the school.

“I saw after the Mike Brown incident there was exposed racism going around the school, and I felt that it wasn’t acknowledged enough,” Cotton said.

Many students last year expressed their feelings through protest and marching around the school and to the superintendent’s office chanting, “Black Lives Matter.”

Both the presidents of Black Student Union agreed that they wanted an organization that could make black students feel important and welcomed at school.

“It seems as though there are groups for everybody except black students, and I don’t think we are represented properly in the school,” Cotton said. “If there’s a group, we can then unite within and discuss any current issues.”

The group has two adult sponsors who are black, but to have a different perspective on issues they also asked history teacher Ryan Banta to be a sponsor of the group.

“I consider myself an advisory who can talk honestly about the different perspectives outside the black community,” Banta said. “No topic is off limits.”

Ellis and Cotton received a lot of support from their fellow classmates, but also from faculty like Banta.

“I jumped at the chance to be a support mechanism for the group,” Banta said. “Growing up, most my friends were minorities, and even as a young person, I was frustrated by how difficult things were for them.”

The group has just recently started having meetings, but they have already formed goals for the group to help the school and community through the dedication of the members.

“We hope to inform students so they can speak on issues related to black culture,” Ellis said. “Also we want to establish academic institutions, like tutoring, along with our meetings so that we can be more helpful to the black communityall together.”

Black Student Union pushes to support African Americans so they feel like they have people in school that they would feel comfortable going to discuss any problem that may come up.

“BSU will facilitate support, values and care issues that are unique to the black community,” Banta said. “My hope is eventually as a grassroots effort we can advance African American achievement in and outside Parkway Central.”

Junior Mya Petty represents the Black Student Union group by wearing a “Black lives matter” hoodie. Photo by Sierra Downing.

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Community comes unites to make Special Olympics unforgettable PIPER ROTHER Entertainment Editor @thepiedPIPER26

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1 1. Senor Alec Rothman poses for a camera as a tiger with her athelete at Special Olympics on Oct. 21. “Special Olympics is my favorite event of the year,” Rothman said. “I always love cheering my athlete on and it makes me so happy to see how much fun they’re having.”

2. Soccer player and junior AJ Kazmi referees as the athletes play a game of soccer. "Most of the kids were very nice kids and supported their teammates," Kazmi said. "It wasn't hard at all to keep them on task; most of them knew what they were doing and even called some of the plays."

3. For the carnival the drama department set up a face painting booth. “They were all really sweet,” freshman Jeremy Alport said. “It was different because we had to paint their hands if they hadn’t played yet and we could paint their faces if they had.”

4. Members of the Epsilon Beta club, junior Jordyn Tobias, senior Jillian Hamill, and junoir Taylor Fink dance at their table to bring athletes to their booth.

5. Richelle Bain dances with her buddy out on the soccer field. “I got to help him with individual skills, which was fun,” Bain said. “Even though I didn’t get to actually play soccer with him, I got to work with him one-on-one.”

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students use creative outlets to take break from school DANIEL ROMAN Staff Writer @danielroman1999

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etermined to minimize stress from school and life in general, sophomores Jordan Chervitz and Parker Gold turn to artistic relief by working on projects or pages of drawings.

“Working on my photography is definitely a stress reliever,” Chervitz said.

“Sometimes I’m at school and thinking about taking pictures or making videos, but instead I’m stuck in class or doing homework. My digital art is my paradise when I’m just relaxing and working creatively.”

Finding relaxation in creative activities, students like Chervitz and Gold use their talents to create meaningful work and expand their mind while taking a break from the stress given to them by loads of school work.

“I’ve been drawing for like five years, since I was 11,” Gold said. “I try to spend a lot of free time drawing, and I try and draw when I’m stressed out.”

Chervitz, known for his video editing skills as well as his eye for photography, describes his anxiety with school pressure too.

“It bothers me when I come home from school and I would rather be spending my time teaching myself new things or working on editing or taking videos and pictures, but there’s so much more schoolwork that prevents me from enjoying stuff like that,” Chervitz said. “I’d much rather be letting my creativity flow, but there’s so much work even after school that constricts that.”

Chervitz said he gets easily frustrated with the balance he must make between school work and his creative work.

“School dramatically decreases the amount of time I have to create stuff and do the thing I love to do,” Chervitz said.

“It just adds stress and makes me unhappy sometimes when all I have is piles of work after six and a half hours of school.”

Aside from relieving stress, the pair work on their art just to have fun with it

and be creative. Their individual processes describe the passion they have for what they can create.

“I get inspiration from the things I see around me,” Gold said. “I start by drawing shapes of the ideas I have in my head and outline what I kind of want it to look like.

After that I’ll work on the small details and then start shading.”

Compared to the pencil-paper work Gold does, Chervitz’s approach is just as practical, but he focuses on the digital, fine editing that computer programs such as Adobe PhotoShop or Adobe Premiere Pro provide.

“It’s a very complicated process, but in the end, I really like full-size pictures with lots of bright colors and patterns, or just cool people interacting with the world around them,” Chervitz said. “When I go to cool places, I always take my camera and try to get some pictures of the landscape and setting around me.”

Aside from taking pictures, Chervitz is an accomplished video editor, having worked on various projects to seemingly professional results. His passion for photography and video editing combined make his dream career very fitting.

“I would love to be a film director in Hollywood and incorporate my photography and my creative impulses into that line of work,” Chervitz said.

Also hoping to follow an artistic career path, Gold has a basic idea of what he would like to do later in life.

“It’s possible that I would become a game designer,” Gold said. “Something that I’d enjoy and has to do with art.”

The two also are assisted in working on improving their skills through classes like photography, design arts and multimedia.

“Sometimes I work on my content in classes like photo or multimedia and I use that time efficiently,” Chervitz said. “I love those classes because they let me get in touch with my creativity. Since I have them both in one day, it’s just a giant stress reliever, and I’m grateful for that.”

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2 1: Long Exposure I-64 by sophomore Jordan Chervitz.

2: Sophomore Remi Levinson and sophomore Avery Rudman over a Colorado sunset, taken by sophomore Jordan Chervitz.

3: J Cole and Logic Album Covers by sophomore Parker Gold.

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corral money spent on scoreboard should be Editor-in-Chief Kate McNeal Managing Editor Jeffrey Eidelman Features Editor Kayla Benjamin Sports Editor Robert Shifrin Entertainment Editor Piper Rother Social Media Manager Alex Lanson Staff Writers Libby Archer JP Byrne Mike Conger Sierra Downing Alex Kaiser Garrett Lierman Daniel Roman Sammy Weber Noah Weidner Sarah Whalen Graphic Designer Dean Randolph Business Manager Mac Rogers Adviser Ms. Tara Stepanek

The Corral is a student-written, edited and produced publication of Parkway Central High School, 369 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017; 314-415-7978.

The Corral is given away free of charge to students and faculty. Subscriptions and patronships for one year may be purchased, starting at $20.

The goal of this publication is to provide accurate, informative and entertaining information in the true spirit of responsible journalism and to operate as an open forum for students, faculty, administrators and parents.

The Corral is created on Hewlett-Packard computers using Adobe Creative Suite 6 and is published by Missourian Publishing.

Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the majority of the staff. Signed columns and artwork reflect the views of that individual.

The staff appreciates comments and suggestions. Letters to the editor, guest editorials and other correspondence are encouraged but must be signed. The Corral reserves the right to publish or refrain from publishing, as well as edit, all submitted material.

used for more educational endeavors STAFF EDITORIAL @pchcorral

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ur school’s new agreements with Kelly Sports Properties and Winning Streak, in theory, will bring money into the district. Amid these deals (see cover story on pages 11-13), excitement over new scoreboards, uniforms, and spirit wear is reasonable and expected.

What isn’t reasonable or expected is the $1.8 million price tag for four video boards to provide commercials and instant replays at sporting events, or the thousands of dollars that will be spent on Adidas attire that may be saved with another, less prominent, uniform brand.

Here’s “the deal,” so to speak: the district is spending over a million dollars to purchase scoreboards to display advertisements from new partners. However, until the district gets enough financial partners who donate enough money, there isn’t a clear way to pay off the investment, or a clear date for when the money spent will turn into a profit.

It’s almost as though the district thinks the money will simply reappear out of thin air after we spend it on such a frivolous purchase. All of this money has been spent on items that we don’t, as a public school community, even need.

The flashiness of the scoreboard and fancy new threads are completely unnecessary. The deals will supposedly make the school more money in the long run, but unless that money can be used for educational purposes, the investment now will be a waste in the future.

Until this money -- which will come out of the student activities district-level fund -- is replaced through advertising revenues, the district will not be able to use it for necessary student athletic or activity purchases. If this money is “extra,” not accounted for in making essential purchases for the betterment of students, then it should be earmarked back to the funds that involve the education of students.

School isn’t a profit center, able to outfit students with the best gadgets and gear on the market; it is an

education center meant to outfit students with knowledge they can use for the future.

There is no data or even sound logic to support the fact that any significant profit could be made from sports marketing deals. The philosophy behind the plan is sound; it is intended to save the district and the students money for athletic and activity participation, as well as keep students from having to pay fees to play sports. But there are a few major flaws: The structure of the deal does not favor the schools, and our district has had to make extravagant purchases up front because of these agreements.

Extracurricular activities are one of the best parts of high school and can teach students applicable skills like discipline, time management, and communication. But the reason students go to school isn’t to watch replays of a play on Friday nights or have constant advertisements looming around our school. The reason we go to school is, obviously, to learn.

We want to hear from you!

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Burden or Tool? some Teachers struggle to Effectively incorporate Technology JP BYRNE Staff Writer @Byrne_in_Rubber

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“Some of the students with iPhones are not particularly skilled in mathematics, but they are highly skilled in the use of a smartphone. The ability to use a smartphone effectively was acknowledged as an important skill to have in the group.”

-- Sarah McNicol

ith the 21st century’s change in utilization of technology within school, students’ ways of learning are also changing. However, the way that the majority of teachers are still trying to teach is not helping these students.

Laurie Campbell, a writer for “Science Teacher,” an education journal, states that “technology-based activities and tools help students learn science content, increase academic vocabulary, build background knowledge, and foster 21st-century skills.

Students tend to interact with each other when using technology, so these tools and subsequent assignments can also help students increase their communications skills.”

Technology is also thought to be helping students build more confidence because it is a common outlet for them. Sarah McNicol, writing for “Mathematics Teaching”, an education journal, said that, “some of the students with iPhones are not particularly skilled in mathematics, but they are highly skilled in the use of a smartphone. The ability to use a smartphone effectively was acknowledged as an important skill to have in the group.”

At our school, each academic room has a Smart Board and access to either computers or laptops. However, are these tools the best way for each department or individual to teach?

“Technology to Best Fit the Need”, an article in “Science Children”, an education journal, states that teachers should “select the technology to best fit the need. Research indicates that this fit is the critical element in attaining academic performance.”

SMARTBoards are not always the “best fit” of technology because some classrooms operate different than others. With the majority of Smart Boards within the range of $4,000 to $7,000 dollars, there are other opportunities for this money to be invested in.

“For the same price as a SMARTBoard, I could have purchased high quality speakers, and a Large T.V. with an Apple T.V. device so that I could stream videos more easily,” stated Mr. Bradley, the Orchestra Director.

In a survey conducted about technology in the classroom, 92% of students stated that technology does help them learn. But are the majority of teachers satisfying this need?

“Most teachers use SmartBoards as white boards, but I believe that there should be more student interaction,” senior Ryan Radina said.

A possible reason this is occurring is because there is no required technology training for teachers, but there is training that is offered. Perhaps there should be a few intensive sessions during A poll including answers from 124 students when asked “which teacher uses technology the best?” late starts or early releases to help teachers incorporate more technology into the classroom.

Despite this predicament, there are some teachers finding ways to still incorporate the technology provided.

“I use my overhead projector to introduce new projects or show the image of the week, as well as showing students how to use different art techniques or designs,” said art teacher Cara Deffenbaugh.

In the words of Stephanie Boles, an author for “Science Scope,” an education journal, “because so much of students’ time is spent alone on a computer or video game, it is important for us to create opportunities for social interaction within the learning environment.”

Jon Gunasingham teaches about ionic compounds using the SMARTBoard. Photo by JP Byrne.

Top Technology Savvy Teachers Results - Bergeron - Wilson - BA - Lehmann - Pannett - Dobkin - Carr - Maloney - Lueken - Lukowski - Worman - King - Schaefer - Hoormann

Special Olympics day should be set aside KAYLA BENJAMIN Features Editor @pchcorral

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here are things more important than the work done in the classroom; practically any teacher or administrator will acknowledge this--the purpose of schoolwork is to give you the tools to get the most out of real opportunities. Sometimes we fail to see and understand and appreciate these opportunities; we stick to our school schedules because we’re scared of falling behind, scared of our grades dropping, scared of missing out on a lesson.

But we are missing out on the real lessons, the things that are truly important. And this is perfectly demonstrated by the way our school treats the day of Special Olympics. No class’s curriculum is more important than the happiness we have it in our power to create for hundreds of kids with special needs; yet, we see classes in which students are required to take a quiz, and not permitted to make it up. Every year there is a struggle to meet the demand for buddies, because we see students deciding that a day of helping another is just not worth the work they’ll have to miss.

This is what needs to happen--one full school day needs to be set aside for the sole purpose of Special Olympics. It can’t just be another missed ‘field trip day’ or a nuisance that teachers and students alike are challenged to work around. It is an incredible opportunity to do something good for someone else, not to mention learning more than a classroom could ever teach. If a day was taken aside, every student could participate. With more involvement, we could add to the activities offered, make the day run more smoothly, and show off more school spirit and talent during the opening ceremony.

Our school hosts the largest Special Olympics in the St. Louis area--but we could do more. A student sitting in class does not get half the learning as those that actively participate in making the world a better place.

We need to recognize the importance of these opportunities and take away the barriers that sit between students and participation in Special Olympics.

Charlie McIntyre, a Special Olympics buddy, makes connections with his young athlete as they walk together through the carnival. Photo by Piper Rother.

What do you get out of doing Special Olympics?

1. Learning how to connect with people who think different than you 2. Something cool for your college apps 3. Understanding how lucky we are for things we take for granted 4. At least one comfy t-shirt 5. The ability to take on responsibility beyond yourself 6. Smiles all day long 7. Watching and/or playing a few really fun games 8. Lasting memories 9. Free face painting 10. Overall amazing experience

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‘where are you going to college?’

The answer should be ‘wherever we want’ KATE MCNEAL Editor-in-Chief @kateisgreat11

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o you know where you’re going next year? Where are you applying? What did you get on the ACT? What’s your GPA? What activities are you involved in? Where do your parents want you to go? Have you taken a tour? Is it expensive? Do you think you’ll get in?

Ask any seniors and they’ll tell you they get asked at least once a day where they’re going to college. The decision is important, monumental: plans for the next four years, the next phase and likely the hardest choice any 18 year-old has ever had to make.

Letters from colleges pile high on kitchen counters, emails flood inboxes, college representatives try to explain why their college is better than any other. Applications are completed, tours are scheduled, and despite evident progress, pressure from every imaginable source remains.

Parents may have the best intentions, but it seems as if many of them forget that the one going to college isn’t them, but their child.

Apply to my alma mater. Have you gotten that recommendation letter yet? Remind me when we’re taking the ACT. Add another school to your list; five isn’t enough. How’s your essay coming along?

The nagging from parents pales in comparison to the pressure that students inadvertently place on each other. There is an unspoken judgment every time someone asks where you’re applying. And it goes both ways. If you have Ivy League aspirations, you are too self-absorbed or overly confident. If it’s a state school you’re pursuing, you are beneath your classmates or selling yourself short. Bragging about applying to high-ranked universities, and all of the scholarships being offered from “just another state school,” accomplishes nothing except making the person on the other end of the conversation feel lousy.

The source is understandable: students apply to “reach” schools and comment on how their application to that state school is “just in case.” The issue: the “backup” school that is a last resort for some might be another student’s top choice. Also, a ton of other factors go into the decision, and although someone may be able to get into a program, financial or family situations may make another decision more reasonable.

Instead of placing judgment on the opportunities people receive, or in this case, the schools someone has the ability to apply and get into, the real item up for assessment is how people utilize opportu-

nities. The iPhones in the hands of a majority of the student body were developed by someone who didn’t even finish college. The creator of Mickey and Minnie Mouse went to community college. Ellen deGeneres dropped out of college after just one semester.

Sure, choosing college is super important; this is a chance to choose the environment and information you’ll be exposed to as you live on your own for the first time. But it is a privilege to be able to worry about whether you’ll be accepted into your first choice, and students are lucky if they are able to count on any kind of higher education.

Students need to gain perspective and look at the bigger picture. The college decision, ultimately, is a personal one, and doesn’t determine who you are, or who you will be, and doesn’t make you better or worse than another person.

We want to hear your thoughts on the college decision-making process!

Tweet @pchcorral, use #college4me

corral 11 Oct. 30, 2015

pch

cover story

Does it

AD up?

A new district-wide marketing deal is coming into action. scoreboards are being constructed, media guides and programs are being created and distributed and businesses are signing up to partner with parkway. Now a clothing agreement will unify sports attire across the district. while long-term profits are forecast, the deals come with up-front district costs.

cover story

pch

12 corral Oct. 30, 2015

$452,000 video scoreboard to be installed JEFFREY EIDELMAN Managing Editor @jeffey44

P

assing by Parkway North on a Friday night, the light from the brand-new sponsor-adorned video scoreboard hits drivers in the face.

“It makes the games we have at North fun,” Parkway North football player Devin Griffin said. “Being able to see yourself on the big screen makes you feel the same way as if you saw yourself at a Rams game.”

Central will be installing the same high-tech video board in the near future as part of a January agreement with Kelly Sports Properties, yet many students, teachers -- and even coaches -- are unfamiliar of what this deal entails.

“I know we are getting a new scoreboard,” junior football quarterback Mitchell Goldenberg said. “Other than that, I don’t know too much about the situation.”

The effects of a deal signed on Jan. 13 between the district and KSP are starting to be seen by the school community -- in a big way. All four high schools have, or will have, a $452,000 video scoreboard (cost plus installation) like the one at North built by the end of the calendar year.

According to Mike Roth, district athletic and activities director, the contract signed with KSP has many intended goals: to create a more collegiate feel athletically through use of scoreboards, media guides and programs; to provide more equity in all activities and athletics; and to aid in the search financial partners.

“The scoreboards are being paid for by partnerships we develop out in the community,” Roth said. “Presently, we’re partners with title sponsors Maryville University, Mercy Hospitals, Signature Orthopedics and TJ’s Pizza.” “we are hopeful that There are four different levels of advertisers, we will have [the from sponsors donating $40,000 a year for three to five years down to partners with smaller scoreboards] funded investments in the district. Each sponsor tier by, at least paid for, by offers different advantages to a business.

“The top level of advertisements is a title the end of the second sponsor,” Roth said. “They will get a static sign year. then revenue can on the scoreboard, we’ll run video commercials, PA commercials. And the more they invest, start going back to the the more visibility they’ll get. Along with the schools.” scoreboard advertising and the commercials we also have print media that we hand out -- the -- patty bedborough, game-day programs, the media guides for all the parkway cfo teams -- and all of our partners will be noted in those publications also.”

For the fall season, these media guides have not materialized (as of press time), and only a few sports received game-day program cards. Roth attributes these missing items to logistical difficulties of starting a new agreement with a new company and not to a lack of district partnerships.

However, since only three businesses of the 10 allocated spaces for title sponsors have signed with the district at this time, the purchase of the scoreboards from Daktronics Inc. must come from a different source.

“Initially the student activities fund, a fund for capital projects, is fronting the money for the scoreboard,” Patty Bedborough, district chief financial officer, said. “As the sponsorships are aligned and as they start paying, then that will actually pay for the scoreboard.”

Despite the logistical challenges as the district’s partnership with KSP gets rolling, in the mind of John Theobald, athletic and activities director, the deal with Kelly Sports was a no-brainer.

“Mostly the return that we will get, and obviously the scoreboards, I think will be a huge asset to the schools,” Theobald said. “To have that in place, to have the money to be able to do that through this partnership was an easy sell; then couple that with the fact that it will continue to bring revenue in for us for years to come, and to develop good partnerships with local businesses, it made the decision easy.”

Kim Carr, a business teacher and a mom, believes that the deal provides a unique opportunity for this public school district.

“One of my kids goes to Marquette and plays three sports,” Carr said. “For football, there was over $500 of fundraising needed so he could play, not to mention equipment that we needed to buy. If there is an opportunity for our school to drive prices down for things like that, I think it’s great.”

Contrary to Carr, student body president and three-sport varsity athlete Michael Rembold believes the deal is unnecessary.

“I am very strongly against the Kelly Sports marketing deal,” Rembold said. “While media guides and a scoreboard are cool things, I think there are better things that we can put our money toward.”

Rembold notes several deficiencies in facilities he sees in his playing and spectating around campus.

“Our pool has pretty much been the same for the past 40 or 50 years -- it’s easily the worst pool in Parkway,” Rembold said. “We have showers that don’t work. The only true acceptable locker room we have is the varsity basketball locker room.”

Rembold also mentioned that, since part of the deal is advertisements being played during games, the marching band also will have less time to perform, which he sees as a detriment to the game-day experience.

Rembold, and other students who have knowledge of the agreement with KSP through some of their organizations, question the use of taxpayer money for the initial costs of the scoreboards.

Although the fund fronting this purchase is financed by taxpayers, Bedborough said she has full confidence in the district finding the remaining partnerships to reimburse the money being used.

“I know they are working diligently to gather more sponsorships,” Bedborough said. “We are hopeful that we will have them funded by, at least paid for, by the end of the second year. Then revenue can start going back to the schools; but right now we are uncertain of that timeline.”

The responsibility of finding advertisers lies on KSP, but district administrators have been in contact with businesses who have previously worked with the district and other corporate connections.

“We help Kelly Sports find the companies we want to partner with,” Bedborough said. “Then Kelly Sports actually helps to provide the information For on how the advertising will work, and then in the Every end they get paid a commission for that.”

For the first $1 million in sponsorships collected, Sets of Fall 30 percent goes to Kelly Sports in commission, leavuniform Sport s ing Parkway with $666,667 in revenue. If district revenue from sponsorships is between $666,667 and $1 million, then 15 percent commission goes to Kelly Sports. An increase in revenue above $1 million leads to a bigger decrease in commission for KSP. It will be necessary for the district to raise funds well above that $1 million to repay the costs of the video scoreboards; two of the three remaining scoreboard installations will begin as football season ends.

“The plan is for Central High and West High to begin construction in the middle of November,” Roth said. “So hopefully the video boards will be up working at Central and West by the spring seasons.”

Theobald, however, recognizes the chance for slight delay due to the amount of remodeling needed on the current scoreboard site. Also, the location million of the scoreboard will require the road entering school to be shut down during construction.

Scan“Towards the middle of November they’re going tron to be working on the press box, which is the first Sheets phase,” Theobald said. “The scoreboard itself will begin construction in December. We’re going to have to shut down the main drive for a few days.

We’re going to try and schedule that over our winter break and have the scoreboard completely up and ready to use for all of our spring sports.”

Once installed, the scoreboard may require the community to get adjusted.

“My uncle who lives a mile and a half away can hear the scoreboard when games are being played,” Parkway North student Caleb Rosen said.

As part of the agreement, KSP has also set up athletic websites for each high school for schedules, rosters, biographies of coaches and athletes, and space for sponsor advertisements.

Kee

Pearson

: e r o c S pi n g

$431 sco plus

1

score

Textbooks

is the sam

price

Nexus 9 Tablets

4.7

Contributing reporting by ALEX LANSON, PIPER ROTHER and ROBERT SHIFRIN

3

green buses

Infographic by ALEX LANSON and PIPE

corral 13 Oct. 30, 2015

pch

cover story

Does it : $452,000 b

1,000 for oreboard s install

oard

eboard 9

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teacher

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Contributing reporting by ALEX LANSON, PIPER ROTHER and ROBERT SHIFRIN

tr dis ted s

1

Other teams purchase their own personal uniforms rather than check them out each year to individual athletes.

“Certain sports, tennis for example, buy their own uniforms every year because they want to keep them every year,” Theobald said. “We will highly encourage everyone to purchase Adidas uniforms.”

These anamolies, for instance, are the reason why many are opposed to a brand-specific deal.

Phil Steele, a representative for Johnny Macs, a local sporting company who submitted an unsuccessful bid to the district, believes that the district locking itself into a brand-specific deal creates unnecessary challenges.

“When you lock every sport and every team into one supplier, it’s generally not a great situation,” Steele said. He adds that a “one uniform fits all” model doesn’t work for such a diverse collection of sports.

Coaches and athletes alike have voiced similar concerns. Senior Isabel Mosley, the captain of the girls tennis team, says that a mandatory transition to Adidas would interfere with their plans for next year.

“I don’t like it, because it limits the “I hope ultimately we options for other teams,” Mosley said. “I can see why it’d be nice to have a uniform will give families an look, but it’d be helpful to have more opportunity to save options.”

Though there will be an effort to progmoney.” ress this winter with the purchase of new -- john theobald, uniforms for some teams, the deal will not be fully in effect until spring, as orders for athletic/activities those uniforms will be placed during the winter months. director Winning Streak has partnerships throughout the country, including locally with Maryville University and Lindenwood University. According to Chris Braun, president of Winning Streak, the size of the district was part of the incentive to form a partnership.

“I think Parkway is an excellent school district,” Braun said. “They have an excellent track record with their athletic department, and it’s the type of situation that makes us feel really good to be partnered with them.”

a g nk tim in ra es av n r i bid in de s he er wi hig th ts ny o in po an a th

86 for every student

NOAH WEIDNER Staff Writer @FUTURTOPIA

T

3,930

Hover boost Hoverboard

district ENTERS EXCLUSIVE adidas PARTNERSHIP

he school board has recently approved a deal with Adidas, in collaboration with Winning Streak, that means most Parkway sports teams will be outfitted in Adidas uniforms for the next five years.

Employ “I guess there’s perks, because they’re kicking back, getting money and giving lots of stuff to us because of the contract for with them,” fitness teacher and girls soccer coach Megan Meyer said. “But, even then, people are saying, “I’d rather do what I want to do.’”

The deal, voted on by the Board of Education, will result in discounts of 40 percent off on uniforms and apparel, and 35 percent on footwear for all district athletic programs through the 2020 school year. Additionally, the four high schools will each benefit from a $12,000 free product rebate annually.

The start-up costs for this endeavor are to come from district student activities funds, and teams will be put on a rotation to receive new uniforms. Specific information about this rotation or which teams will get new uniforms each season or year has yet to be decided.

The deal was introduced for approval by a committee of high school athletic directors and Mike Roth, district athletic and activities director, who received bids from several companies.

Among these were BSN Sports, Johnny Macs Sporting Goods, Fisher’s Yamaha Pro Line Sports, Winning Streak and The golf carts Graphic Edge. Winning Streak was rated 32 points higher on a 100-point rubric than all other companies who submitted bids based on numerous factors, including timeliness, level of service, and value.

John Theobald, athletic and activities director, said that the deal will have a cost-effective impact and will allow the district to purchase items at a considerably cheaper cost than before.

“I hope ultimately we will give families an opportunity to save money,” Theobald said. “In the past, every team was on their own; we did not have enough money to really support teams in that regard.”

While the deal does cover most school-sponsored athletics, for some, Adidas lacks product specific to the sports, such as swim, cheer and dance.

However, in absence of suitable swimwear or dance outfits, Winning Streak will adequately outfit teams with hoodies, t-shirts, jackets and more, and leave those sports to decide their own brand for sportswear.

1

me

AD up?

entertainment

pch

14 corral Oct. 30, 2015

Quick Questions and Rapid Responses Name (grade)

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

If you could only eat one food, what would it be?

What celebrity would you want to be stranded with?

How many pillows do you sleep with?

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

Lily Rudman (9)

“Born This Way” - Lady Gaga

Eggo waffles

Will Ferrell

Five

Scrunchies

Avery Cooper (9)

“Bohemian Rhapsody” - Queen

Chicken noodle soup

Dylan O’Brien

Six

Phone

John Kim (10)

“Firework” - Katy Perry

Brownies

Donald Trump

Seven

Lucky walnut

Jordyn Perry (10)

“Anything” - Beyonce

Hot wings

Beyonce

Two

Phone

Noah Prelutsky (11)

“Firework” - Katy Perry

Jimmy Johns

Barack Obama

Two

Bed

Karis Kim (11)

“Every Time We Touch” - Cascada

Spaghetti, breadsticks & vegetables

Niall Horan (One Direction)

One really long one

Chipotle

Scott Prywitch (12)

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” - Bonnie Tyler

Chicken burrito from Chipotle

Wilson from “Castaway”

Two

Music

ALEX KAISER Staff Writer

@AlexKaiser22

corral 15 Oct. 30, 2015

pch

entertainment

M

3

Mike’s Music of the Month Mike Conger Staff Editor @Mike_Unifish

Kolbeinn Tumason

Heyr Himna Smidur

This month, we are kicking things off with an old school jam. We’re talking really old school.

We’re talking 12th century old school. Sharpen your battleaxe and don your helmet, because this classic hymn is from 12th century Iceland. While lying on his deathbed, Kolbeinn Tomasson wrote this song addressed to God himself. Try this one out, it’s on Soundcloud.

Peanut Butter Chocolate

Creamery uses science to make superior ice cream ALEX LANSON Social Media Manager @wutangclanson

O

n a dimly lit street corner in the middle of downtown neighborhoods stands a small ice cream shop named “Ices Plain & Fancy.” The bright blue and purple store featured antique bottles and posters, along with a friendly staff.

While the outside porch was spacious, with Christmas lights hanging from the top, the inside was cramped with little room to stretch legs after a lengthy car ride. Despite the lack of space, the shop gave off an eccentric small-business feel.

The portions were large, but so was the absurd amount of money charged for a bowl of ice cream. Even though the store gave off an old-fashioned feel, the paying process was done completely electronically using a large tablet.

The flavor of the ice cream

was worth the drive. The peanut butter chocolate was superb with light brown chocolate ice cream topped with a darker chocolate powder. It was exceptionally creamy and rich, yet still very light and soft thanks to the way the ice cream was made.

While sometimes the chocolate seemed overpowered by the peanut butter, the overall flavor was well above average compared to other creameries around.

Inside the ice cream was a great deal of chocolate chips and peanuts. The add-ins enhanced the flavor and added a much-needed crunch to the frozen dessert. Despite the improvements it made to the ice cream, sometimes there was too much of it, which took away from the ice cream.

If you have extra money in your pocket and don’t mind a drive, it’s worth it to check out Ices Plain & Fancy at 2256 S. 39th St., 63110.

Alex’s Appetite

Adele

Hello

Adele surprised everyone with a new single last week and the announcement of her new album, 25 which comes out November 20th of this year. She’s recovered from her vocal cord surgery, and It’s been four years since she released her last full length album, and three years since her last release at all. Hello feels like a campfire smoldering on the wet dirt at the crack of dawn.

Justin Bieber

Sorry

Following the massive success of What Do You Mean, and Where R U Now, Justin Bieber has just released another single, Sorry, leading up to his new album. Skrillex lends a reggaeton beat and a tropical house vibe to the track. All three of Bieber’s recent songs are related in a way that foreshadows an interesting and chic album. It’s okay. You can admit that you like Justin Bieber now.

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 scoops

Kanye West

Say You Will

Kanye West needs no introduction. Say You Will is a rework of a song from a previous album that was released on soundcloud a couple of weeks back. Hopefully this chilly, mechanical sound is a taste of what Kanye’s upcoming album has to offer. With all of the release date postponements for the album, it is beginning to feel like Kanye has scrapped whatever he had been working on in favor of something completely different. How much longer will we have to wait?

F

entertainment

pch

16 corral Oct. 30, 2015

alling into

ood

PIPER ROTHER Enertainent Editor @thepiedPIPER26

W

hen fall comes, I get excited because my mom gets into cooking mode. Our kitchen is often filled with a variety of fragrances that come from fresh produce and spices that scream “autumn.”

Here are two of my family favorites that don’t take much time or many ingredients. Cook some today to add to the aromas in your household and make your taste buds happy!

corral 17 Oct. 30, 2015

pch

entertainment

Cool Cutouts!

Cut this pumpkin out and put it wherever you want!

MIKE CONGER Staff Writer @Mike_Unifish

Put it on your car, on your shoe, or even on your dog. Use the black space on to the right to cut out eyes, a nose, and a mouth.

Then, tape them to your pumpkin to turn it into a frightening jack-o-lantern!

Teachers Gettin’ Spooky!

MIKE CONGER Staff Writer @Mike_Unifish

H

alloween is a spooky time for students and teachers alike.

And on November 1st, among our friends we like to share our stories from the night before, and reminisce. However, we’re not the only ones in the school with fun and frightening tale.

Here are three stories from three members of PCH staff. Check them out, but you might want to leave the lights on!

Randall Krone’s Story

During his Sophomore year of high school, Mr. Krone and his friends were driving around town with a truckload of toilet paper in their trunk. Suddenly, out of the rearview mirror, he spots what all teenagers fear the most, the blue lights of a police vehicle. The forceful arm of The Man had struck again. Bingo, bango, bongo, Mr. Krone and all of his cronies are in the local police station, waiting for their parents to pick them up. When asked about this fateful evening, Mr. Krone said, “that’s why I’m afraid of Halloween… and toilet paper.”

Sarah Lueken’s Story

Sarah Lueken was not always the nice Marketing teacher we know and love today. Not long ago, she was the Student Body President of Parkway South High School and was conjuring up a naughty scheme in her mind. She was planning a senior skip day on Halloween. Unfortunately the Principal got word and begged her not to go through with her scandelous plan. What happened after?

Nobody knows. Mrs. Lueken doesn’t even remember.

John Visor’s Story

Mr. Visor, Special Education teacher, recalls a certain collegiate Halloween. Imagine a party. A rowdy costume party on the rowdiest night of all: Halloween. The night of debauchery was only beginning when a man in a police officer costume walked through the door. Visor walked right up to him and asked him how he was doing and if he could play with his gun. Visor then found out that the man was in fact not dressed in a police costume, instead, the man was a police officer. The boys in blue had struck again.

entertainment

pch

18 corral Oct. 30, 2015



with the FLOW

darth vader



spock

parties!





what kind of party?

i’m into... adventurous funny

music

football

“mean girls”

“the hangover”

solo 19

watching

doesn’t matter

playing

tj oshie

What’s the best time to see a dentist?

kiss

my favorite part of sports is...

my friends are... rude

what type of musician?

marshall faulk

group

other

baseball

scooby doo & gang

yes

technology sports

my favorite sport is...

are you trying to do a group costume?

i like the...

no

sci-fi/fantasy

Graphics by DEAN RANDOLPH

Yadier molina

villain

hero

ALEX LANSON Social Media Manager @wutanglanson

small gathering

steve jobs

huge bash

What Halloween costume best suits you?

what is 9+10?

21

2:30 tinder profile

michael jordan

fetty wap

clown

ceiling fan

corral 19 Oct. 30, 2015

pch

entertainment

Start Here: halloween is about... scaring people!

fruity sweet or sour?

both

m&m

jelly belly

vending machine

nerd

the world will end in...

jack the ripper

2096

4072

2015

zombie apocalypse

mass killing

jump and scream

how will the world end?

freddie

“walking dead�

humans who will cause the world to end?

cowboy

using advanced weaponry gaining our trust first

environment

they will kill us by...

female

male

what gender stereotype are you going for?

policeman

sweet

sour

whistle

not notice me

chocolate or fruity? chocolate

alien takeover

when people see your costume, you want them to... laugh

candy!

princess

evil e.T.

laser-armed alien

sun

entertainment

pch

20 corral Oct. 30, 2015

“I thought that it was dumb until I got one,” junior Adam Boonshaft said. “I love playing with it.”

“It’s really cool and it’s super helpful,” junior Rachel Bernstein said.

Once you POP... students trick out phones with functional accessories Robert Shifrin Sports Editor @brightfuturerob

“Pop Sockets are awesome, I really like them, and they’re useful,” senior Charles Murphy said.

Photos by Thomas Rechenberg

P

“I thought it would only be decorative at first, but it’s really useful,” senior Katie Heitz said.

6-part serial

Part 2: “The Disappearance of Katherine Greene”

op Sockets have taken Central by storm, providing students with a customizable plastic disk that allows them to express themselves while adding a combination grip, stand and toy to the backs of their phones.

DANIEL ROMAN Staff Writer @danielroman1999

T

he golden lights dimmed as the harmonic symphony rose. Sam Hubbard, police chief, sat at the Metropolitan Opera House with his wife, Adele, and three other men. Hubbard and the others stood up and excused themselves from the row, heading towards a conference room in the very back. It was a hidden, dark room equipped with a bar, out of reach and virtually unknown to all the guests attending the performance. The men accompanying the police chief were those by the names of Luther Barnett, Mark Ziegler, and Robert Byleen, all underground business associates of Hubbard.

“You better keep those freaks in the woods…

And keep them happy for God’s sake,” said a visibly nervous Ziegler. “That high-school kid didn’t help either, he’s just brought more attention to us.”

“I’ve got it under control Mark,” replied Hubbard. “Everything’s fine. Relax, have a drink, enjoy yourself tonight.”

The men seemed to lose their anxiety at his calm demeanor, but Ziegler still remained shaken and angsty, not knowing how to feel at the moment. It was a peculiar situation for the mysterious business man.

“You ready to go out?” asked Detective Hall.

It was early at the police station and Hall and O’Brien were getting ready to leave and check up on more information.

“Yeah, let’s go.”

They rolled out of the station with a new lead. The night before, O’Brien had pulled up Katherine’s credit card history to reveal some interesting transactions; various purchases at the local department store including a ski mask, black clothes, knives, and other such materials.

“I don’t know, maybe she was trying to break in somewhere,” said O’Brien, puzzled at the materials. “There was also an order for pictures to be developed, we can go check that out.”

The detectives pulled into the drug store and went into the photo section. A bored-looking attendant stood at the counter.

“Can I help you?” she whined.

“Yeah we’re looking for some photos ordered

by Katherine Greene,” said O’Hall.

“Those already got picked up,” the attendant explained. “Yup, September 27th.”

“Who picked them up?” asked Hall.

“Some tall white guy came in here and asked for them, really lanky and pale.”

The detectives were confused; who had known about the pictures and why did they come pick them up? They left the store puzzled.

“September 27th,” said Hall “That’s a week after she disappeared. If we can find out who picked up the pictures, we could maybe get a lead going and round up a few suspects.”

The detectives pulled out of the parking lot and rushed over to her workplace, a financial firm where she had interned before she had gone missing.

“We can ask around here, someone could name a person who fits the description or give us

To continue reading this chapter, go to www.parkwaynews.net/corral Stay tuned for part 3 in December! some info to go off on,” said O’Brien.

They found the owner of the firm in his office on the top floor and walked in.

“Good Morning Mr. Ziegler, can we ask you a few questions?” asked O’Brien.

Why of course detectives, what seems to be the matter?” Mr. Ziegler asked.

Hall tensed up for a moment; it was hardly noticeable but it was still there.

“We want to ask you about Katherine Greene,” asked Hall.

“Who?” “She worked here sir, a high school girl, around 17… she was an intern. She disappeared a bit ago after her high school prom, I’m sure you’ve heard the story by now.”

“Oh, yes. I knew of her, hardly ever spoke, I was much too busy to become acquainted,” Ziegler replied.

“Is that all you can tell us?” asked Hall cooly.

“Yes,” he answered. “And if you don’t mind, I really need to get back to work. I hope I gave you boys something you can work with...

The detectives left the building, feeling as if they had wasted valuable time on this invaluable subject.

corral 21 Oct. 30, 2015

pch

sports

Junior places third at State in tennis Sarah whalen Staff Writer @

M

aking it to State in tennis was a big event in junior Elena Wilner’s life, especially when she wasn’t even sure she was going to be able to play.

“Right before at the end of the summer, I broke my elbow,” Wilner said. “So to be honest, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to play.”

Still, Wilner battled back from her injury to not only compete this tennis season but to qualify for the State tournament.

Sixteen girls qualified for the State singles tournament, playing in brackets. Wilner got as far as the semifinals, winning both matches in two straight sets, before being defeated by St. Joseph’s Academy athlete Mary Burger.

She then played Lee’s Summit North athlete Logan Morrissey in the third-place match, and Wilner triumphed to bring home a medal.

“I was definitely a little disappointed from the match before; I played a girl who I would consider myself pretty even with. But on that day she just played incredibly, and there wasn’t much I could do,” Wilner said.

Wilner said that she new her mindset going into the third-place match was going to be the key to her victory.

“After having lost, I could have taken it two ways: I could have totally tanked and been really upset, but I really needed to end the tournament on a good note, so I really focused on trying to stay positive for the last match,” Wilner said.

Wilner said that a positive mindset has been one of her goals all

season.

“I kind of have to remind myself not to focus on the results because it’s when you start thinking about results that you get really nervous and freaked out, so I couldn’t let myself do that,” Wilner said.

This is especially true when she gets frustrated at herself during a match.

“She’s pretty intense,” teammate and junior Lexi Ecker said.

“She likes to scream at herself and slap herself when she messes up. She’s very confident on the court, and she tells herself that she won’t miss and won’t lose.”

Wilner’s expectations for next year are high, even as this year’s season has only recently wrapped up. She is planning on her team being able to win State; she also expects to go to State individually.

“My biggest advice would be to not worry about the results,” Wilner said. “It should be something like a refuge. When I play tennis, it’s kind of a break from everything else.”

Tennis has been “a break” for Wilner since she picked it up at age 10.

“I played non-seriously as a kid, but before that I swam and tennis was just kind of a hobby,” Wilner said. “At 10 I really started playing at least five days a week and academy year-round.”

This devotion to the sport has led Wilner to want to pursue tennis in college, even if she is not sure where she wants to go yet.

Still she says her school work is what is most important.

“I try and have academics take priority, and I do take some hard classes,” Wilner said. “If there is a test coming up I have to work with my tennis schedule. I just try to stay flexible but academics take a priority.”

Junior Elena Wilner returns a serve in a match against Pattonville on the 2nd of October.

Looking back at fall sports moments 5.

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ROBERT SHIFRIN Sports Editor @brightfuturerob

1. Soccer: Quinn Conlisk Highlight: Right now spirits are high playing in districts Lowlight: Team morale was at a low going into the Ladue game on Sept. 15.

2. Softball: Lauren Greenstein Highlight: Winning first round of districts against St. Joseph’s Lowlight: Losing final game to Marquette due to one poor inning.

Thoughts: “This season was different than the past with new coaches, but we improved a lot as a program.”

3.

3. Golf: Morgan Brody Highlight: Finishing 3rd in conference and 2nd in districts Lowlight: Underperforming at Sectionals on faster greens than usual.

Thoughts: “Overall it was a good season and a building year for next year.”

4. Volleyball Emily McCann Highlight: Winning the McCluer North tournament Lowlight: Losing in two sets to Parkway West on October 6th.

Thoughts: “It was definitely an enjoyable season, and I really couldn’t have dreamt of a better end to my career.”

5. Football Cooper Lohkamp Highlight: Defeating every conference opponent Lowlight: Losing to Parkway North on September 4th.

Thoughts: “We worked really hard through our teams immaturity and found success.”

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Athletes Aim to score big with club teams Alex Kaiser and Jeffrey Eidelman Staff Writer and Managing Editor @AlexKaiser22 and @jeffey44

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ttempting to encounter stronger competition, collegiate opportunities, and longer athletic seasons, athletes are choosing to play club sports instead of high school sports more often.

“It was smarter for me college wise,” senior swimmer Connor Ripp said. “I get more meets, and more exposure to coaches. For starters, my decision does not reflect the coaching staff at all. Spector is a great coach and I love the team.”

Ripp, who played on the team for the past three years, feels a little upset that he didn’t play for his high school team.

“I feel like they are a little upset with me,” Ripp said. “We went from a pretty stellar team to not doing so well in bigger meets so I do kind of feel like a let down the team a little.”

Senior Aidan Dunne, a soccer player for the Scott Gallagher Academy team, shares similar feelings with Ripp.

“Yeah I regret not being able to play and have fun with my all my friends from school,” Dunne said. “It’s definitely a regret I have from my four years of high school.”

Although high school coaches do have connections, club coaches appear to have a broader network.

“The coaches at my club team know a lot of people,” Dunne said. “I see them [my coaches] every day of the week for two hours over ten months. It really helps to develop a close relationship with them. My coach right now used to be the head coach at SIUE, which is a D1 school, so they have a lot of connections and they work closely with us to help talk to schools.”

Ripp agrees with that statement, and adds that more eyes watch his meets than just friends and family.

“Club is more competitive because there is a wider range of peo-

ple,” Ripp said. “There’s more kids in club and we are travelling more.

I have a meet in Dallas so instead of people from just the state, I’m going to see people from Texas and probably Oklahoma and surrounding states.”

Dunne also relishes the opportunity to compete outside of Missouri.

“We go out of the state 5 or 6 times every fall and spring,” Dunne said. “We have to stay in hotel rooms with each other. It definitely helps us get closer and bond.”

Sophomore Frances Adams developed her interest in club sports during high school. However the difference is that the sport she loves isn’t offered in school.

Sophomores Frances Adams and Zoë Rosenberg prepare for a race with the other members of their crew. Photo courtesy of “Some coaches came from the Frances Adams. rowing club in P.E. to talk about that’s one thing I would change,” Dunne said. “At high school rowing last year,” Adams said. “I was interested in doing another you get kids and students from school while at club games we get sport so I went and tried out.” parents and a couple of friends.”

Adams appreciates the individual strength and conditioning Ripp hopes that his decision to play club helps him out in the needed, but also realizes that it is a team sport. long run.

“It’s a really big team sport but it’s also individual, in the fact “I definitely miss high school and I miss all the guys and the that you have to push yourself really hard,” Adams said. “I love the meets,” Ripp said. social aspect because I have met a lot of people outside of school.”

“Everything was really fun but hopefully once I decide college One thing all club sports miss out on is a strong, consistent fan everything will have been for the best.” base, according to Dunne.

“We don’t get as many fans as a high school team would, so

Buy your 2016 yearbook

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Prices go up Jan. 1

Freshman Joins Rock Climbing Team Garrett Lierman Staff Writer @garrett_lierman

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en Barmak, a freshman, has been rock climbing for about two months now. He plans on joining his gym’s climbing team once he improves. The team has had major injuries in the past due to extreme routes and the physical stress of the sport.

When asked how long his practice sessions usually last, Barmak said, “I usually practice for around 4 hours or so.”

He takes his practices very serious, going to his local climbing gym every other day. He stays at said gym for almost 4 hours, constantly climbing. He even takes time to climb the tree outside his home everyday after getting off the bus.

“I tried, it and I loved it. I had a natural attraction to it.” Barmak said when asked why he climbs. He started climbing when his sister went climbing once and he began to get curious.

He went with her the next time and had enough of a good time to come back every other day to practice.

Barmak said about joining the team, “I’m not good enough for the team yet, I feel like I would drag them down.”

The climbing team at Barmak’s gym, Upper Limits, does tend to climb more difficult routes, sometimes leading to serious injury. They often take trips all the way to different states to climb near-negative angled cliffs, and other natural rock formations.

The worst injury in recent history at the gym was a compound fracture of a man’s leg, when he was slammed against the wall while he was lowering a fellow climber from route.

“I Boulder mostly.” Barmak said.

Bouldering is a form of climbing where you climb a free standing boulder usually hanging at more than ninety degrees.

Barmak climbs V3’s as opposed to the teams V10’s and V12’s. Bouldering is the most physically demanding form of climbing as there is no rope and you are supporting your whole body weight.

Multiple pulls and over-stretches happen at the gym monthly as rock climbing is a whole body sport, using almost all the muscles in the body.

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softball captain flies under radar

Hibbs displays leadership qualities known only to teammates SARAH WHALEN Staff Writer @skatherine123

There are so many unappreciated athlete’s that always have a great attitude and is very athletic, such as Junior Alexis Hibbs, varsity softball captain.

“Alexis is a big leader and she’s a player that’s very mentally there for you,” junior Paige Wallace, varsity softball player said.“She’s a person that leads by example, more of an undertone

leader.”

Hibbs is catcher for the team.

“I just kind of motivate them and keep my energy up, so it will bring everybody’s energy up too,” Hibbs said. “It’s kind of like a ripple effect. Being catcher means you lead the team and tell everyone where the ball should go because you can see everyone, and you also calm the pitcher down when they get frazzled.”

Wallace and Hibbs have been playing on the same team for many years.

“It’s really fun and interesting for Alexis and me to be together because we played softball together in six, seventh, and eighth grade so it’s exciting to be in the field with her,” Wallace said.

Juggling school and sports can be challenging for any athlete.

“I try to put school before softball because that is what will get me through life,” Hibbs said. “I always make sure that I set a certain amount of time aside to get it done.”

There is a lot dedication and responsibility required to be a captain.

“Being a captain involves pumping up the team and leading them. I really enjoy being a captain because everyone looks up to you and it’s really cool,” Hibbs said.

Hibbs loves softball and wishes to play in college and thinks staying positive before, during and after the games is very important.

“Even if things are not going the way you want them to be, stay positive and things will turn around,” Hibbs said.

Junior Alexis Hibbs plays in the game against Parkway South on August 18.

soccer player gains recognition for defensive efforts on field ROBERT SHIFRIN Sports Editor @brightfuturerob

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game changer in the backfield, senior soccer player Matt Kane’s ability has shone brightly this October and proved him to be a valuable defenseman.

“He’s solid in the back, always keeps our defense together and he’s a good captain for everyone on the field,” team captain senior Josh Konecek said.

Kane’s efforts Senior Matt Kane advances up field during a have strengthened match against Parkway North on September the team’s ability to 2nd. (Photo by Piper Rother) compete, and boosted camaraderie throughout the team.

“He’s helped us win by scoring a lot of head balls,” teammate senior Ben Levine said.

Kane has developed a strong passion for soccer, while recognizing that it is, in fact, still a game.

“I like to keep it calm and simple,” Kane said, “though it’s a lifestyle in the fall for all of us.”

Kane and his teammates have stayed focus every day in practice, with a team oriented mindset. Kane says that he views practice as a great opportunity to improve.

“How you practice shows up in how you play in games, so if you work hard in practice you should play hard in the game,” Kane said.

Kane’s Favorites -Snack: Trail Mix -Cleats: Adidas Messis -Jersey Number: 13 -Pump up song: Jump around -Moment this year: Scoring first goal against Parkway North

diver sets eyes on success at state meet in two weeks NOAH WEIDNER Staff Writer @FUTURTOPIA

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he most common place you will find Logan Sheehan after school is the pool, six days a week. The sophomore, in his second year of diving, is the first individual to qualify to state for the boys dive team in four years.

Sheehan’s road to qualifying has been a taxing process. Natalie Vonarx, the boys diving coach, explained that his progression from his freshman year of diving to this one has largely been based around learning new dives and overcoming difficulties.

“We had him learn a lot of new dives in order to qualify for state,” Vonarx said.

“Dives that are harder and have a higher degree of difficulty, which helps you

increase your score.”

The goal of the diver is to perform complex dives. There are five kinds of dives, all with variable difficulty that contributes to a score decided in part by the judges, the complexity and execution of a dive.

“His highest score last season was around 200 or 205, and this season his highest is 246,” Vonarx adds.

But regardless of his great deal of success this year, there is an underlying anxiety that comes with his admiration for the sport.

“Diving is very stressful, it’s scary and stressful and takes up a lot of time,” Sheehan said. He adds that it’s better once you learn the dives and get used to doing them. But regardless of the learning, there is always a fear that comes with doing it in a crowd.

Sheehan says that practice is loud, but he gets used to it. But when he goes to a meet, it’s a nerve wracking feeling: actually taking what you’ve learned and applying it.

So, with State approaching, Sheehan is tasked with preparing for a situation wreaking of the stress lying with him.

“Swimming is more physically hard, diving is more mentally hard.” Sheehan says, “If a swimmer messes up, there are other swimmers. When I’m diving, it’s just me.”

Logan Sheehan prepares to dive at a home meet on Oct. 16 while Tommy Kosinski looks on. Sheehan qualified for State in diving. Photo by Noah Weidner.

spotlight

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sole Underground artist Designs one-of-a-kind shoes LIBBY ARCHER Staff Writer @libbyarcher1

Jordan Lewis models an old pair of shoes he had altered. Lewis has always had an interest in designing and making clothes. Photo

by Libby Archer.

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ordan Lewis, senior, took a small idea that he and his friend had as middle schoolers and turned it into a growing business.

“It started when we were just messing around and drew a zebra and tiger print design on these shoes,” Lewis said. “Than we gave it to some homeless guy because we didn’t have any money to give him because we spent them on the paint for the shoes.”

Designing and making clothes has always been an interest to Lewis so when he saw his friend Peyso wearing shoes with cool designs that he had never seen in stores he was immediately intrigued.

“We once spent 3 days without eating or sleeping just working on this pair of shoes,” he said.

On their way to give the homeless man the shoes, they were stopped by a stranger on a basketball court who saw the shoe design and wanted a pair for himself.

“After we designed his shoes he told a lot of people,” he said. “Peyso and I would have people standing at our front door in the morning wanting some for themselves.”

Business was going well when Peyso, Lewis’s business

partner which he met in middle school, moved back to California.

“Peyso was like my brother and I’m not gonna lie, I miss him alot.”

Lewis plans to go into fashion design after graduation and hopefully move back to California, where he grew up, and start a clothing line with Peyso.

“I am thinking about going to a school for fashion,” Lewis said.

Lewis used to take all of his feelings out in his art and drawing and since he started designing shoes he’s just had another outlet to zone out the rest of the world.

“It’s been hard to work since school started,” Lewis said. “I can only design every other weekend or so.”

Without having his business partner or limitless amounts of time makes Lewis’s job harder.

“I work at lowes whenever I have free time and spend all the money I make there on the shoes,” he said.

Lewis draws his designs directly on the shoes with acrylic and paint pens.

“I sell them for about $100.”