the
image
Lafayette High School
17050 Clayton Rd. Wildwood, MO 63011
St. Louis fans celebrate as Lafayette alum David Freese leads the Cardinals to their 11th World Series title ... pages 8 and 9
lhsimage.com
Wild Cards Volume 43, No. 4 11.4.2011
tableof
2 contents
November 4, 2011
8-9
4
4 gifted ed
As the economic climate continues to cause a budget crunch, Rockwood’s gifted program faces the possibility of cuts.
8-9 cardinal nation
11
Fans catch Cardinal Fever as the Wild Card team upsets top-ranked teams to become the 2011 World Series champions.
11 ski girl
15
While the average student spends time preparing for a math test, freshman Abby Murer trains in preparation for future Olympic games.
15 #allnew
Get out of the Facebook and Twitter rut with these new up-and-coming social networking sites. Photo by Gian Wessel
cover sounds
Lafayette cheered on grad David Freese and the St. Louis Cardinals as the underdog team beats the odds and wins the World Series. The Cardinals found success late in the season with the help of the Rally Squirrel and Freese, who was named the NLCS and World Series MVP.
Cover Photo by Joe Puetz
theimage people&policies Max Thoman................. ..................Editor in Chief Leanne Beasley...................................Managing Editor Grace Bueckendorf......................................Webmaster Jessica Zadoks.....................................Campus Editor Hannah Boxerman..............................Lifestyle Editor Sarah Greenlee......................................Opinion Editor Christine Jackson ...................................Sports Editor Mia Schenone.............................Entertainment Editor Danielle Slauter ..............Asst. Entertainment Editor Gian Wessel ...............................Online Sports Editor McKayla Treat ...................................Asst. Webmaster Maddie Henning ..............................Asst. Webmaster Kelly Carpenter ...............................Business Manager Mrs. Nancy Y. Smith, MJE ...............................Adviser
Staff:
Paige Antolik, Katherine Blackstone, Anisha Chellaswami, Dominic Corvington, Alyssa Knowling, Alex LaMar, Gabrielle McDaris, Claire Norfleet, Sydnee Stottlemyre and Molly White
Information:
The Image is published nine times a year by the Newspaper Production Class. Subscriptions are $30. Free issues are distributed on campus. The 2009-2010 Image received a rating of First Class with three marks of distinction from the National Scholastic Press Association. lhsimage.com received a rating of All-American with four marks of distinction.
Philosophy Statement:
The newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population. The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. Operating as a public forum, student editors will apply professional standards and ethics for decision making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper.
Contact Us:
Located in Room 137A at Lafayette High School, 17050 Clayton Rd., Wildwood, MO 63011. Our phone number is (636) 733-4118 and our e-mail address is smithnancy@rockwood.k12.mo.us or visit on the web at: www.lhsimage.com
Policies:
A complete explanation of the Rockwood School District Policies and Regulations concerning official student publications and the policies and procedures used by the Image staff can be found on the website www.lhsimage.com under the About Us tab.
the
Rockwood implements Standards Based Grading
gabrielle mcdaris jessica zadoks
reporter
campus editor
As first semester hits its midway point, students and teachers are reflecting on the district-wide grading changes that began implementation this year. The new system, known as Standards Based Grading and Reporting, is Rockwood’s way of making sure each school is grading on the same criteria. Principal John Shaughnessy said, “In developing the system, we wanted to make sure we were being consistent in a number of factors considered in grades, such as extra credit, homework, retaking work and participation.” Before this year, each of those factors were assessed differently in each high school and even in individual classes. “What we tried to do is make a much more systemic approach to grading in our core areas, meaning all teachers would grade the same way,” Shaugh-
nessy said. However, the district is still in the process of developing a full Standards Based Grading system. For now, standardizing grading is the only change that has been implemented. Now, a student’s grade is divided into two sections: one for formative assessments, which does not factor into grades and one for summative assessments, which does. “Formative assessments are ways to show learning and growth. Summative evaluations are assessments given to kids after an initial lesson has been taught and there was time to practice and get help. It’s a better representation of what a student knows or doesn’t know,” Shaughnessy said. He continued, “I expect homework and homework is still going in the grade book. It’s supporting why the grade is what it is, but it’s not factoring in to the actual grade.” More policies are in line for revi-
sion as well and include attendance and cheating policies. To reflect a true Standards Based system, the district may change how they handle these offenses. For now the district is still assessing reactions to the initial change. The two big changes are allowing students to re-test and not counting homework in the final grade. Science teacher Ryan Bixby disagrees with the test retakes. “Why should someone deserve a second chance when they didn’t really capitalize on their first opportunity?” he said. Another Lafayette teacher also disagrees with the changes. “In my subject area, practice is essential to success,” she said*, disputing the dropping of homework as a graded assessment. The teacher said she gives students a full week after their assignments are due to correct any mistakes and then grades the problems on accuracy. She also gives homework quizzes to assess their comprehension and under
the new system, these vital portions of her student’s grades could be hindered. Many students are also concerned that homework no longer factors into grades. Sophomore Connor Knutson said, “Although tests are important, I think that you need some sort of filler other than tests to help your grade out.” Freshman Jordan Wipke agreed, but said, “It would help if we had the points, but some people don’t do their homework normally [anyway].” Wipke said she still completes the same amount of homework as she did when it was counted for points. However, Bixby has noticed a decline in homework completion from students. “I would say the largest deleterious effect of the new grading system is an erosion of work habits,” Bixby said Administrators will be comparing past data on student performance to see if the new policies have caused a large change in overall student grades. *source prefers to remain anonymous
campus
campus 3
image
campus
4 campus
November 4, 2011
Guiding Change:
Rockwood reevaluates gifted education program molly white
reporter
Architecture, poverty in the third world and organ donations aren’t typically topics on the minds of elementary school students. But, with the help of the Center for Creative Learning (CCL), gifted students all over Rockwood have been exposed to an education that consists of challenging lessons, engaging topics and hands-on activities. However, with the economy in a downward spiral and Rockwood in a financial crisis, budget cuts may snip their way into the CCL’s territory. Gifted Resource counselor Paige Hereford said, “With the district budget concerns, when they asked for suggestions from the public and staff members about how to save money, closing CCL was mentioned frequently.” As a result, the Guiding Change External Evaluation was set in place to assess the program. “The purpose of the
The mural located outside the CCL displays tiles created by CCL students. (Photo by Molly White)
external evaluation is to see the effectiveness and to make suggestions for improvements on the gifted program,” Gifted Resource counselor Caroline Podgornik explained. Hereford continued, “They’re not going to totally get rid of the gifted program, but they may restructure it.” Senior Laura Wade believes cutting the CCL is not the answer to a budget crisis. “Gifted education is not an unnecessary expense. It challenges gifted thinkers so that they can better succeed in school and in the real world,” she said. The evaluation is currently in the input phase of reconstruction and consists of surveys, focus groups and open sessions. Wade was randomly selected to participate in a high school focus group that met on Oct. 14. “We talked about how the gifted program works at the three levels: elementary, middle and high. Then, we talked about how effective each one was and about how schools accommodate for gifted kids and how AP classes aren’t sufficient enough for gifted stu-
dents,” Wade said. Hereford also attended a meeting that was open to the entire Rockwood staff with Carolyn Callahan, a gifted expert who has been hired as a consultant to be in charge of the external evaluation. However, besides the 40 gifted teachers that attended, only three teachers showed up. “I don’t understand how everyone complains and then doesn’t show up to the focus group,” Hereford said. In fact, not all the students invited to the high school focus group showed up either. However, the Open Session for Community Input that took place on Oct. 12 was an open invitation event where all could come and voice their opinions. Dana Hollander, a mother of two students who attended CCL, said, “I don’t want the program cut. If anything there are shortcomings having it only once a week.” Wade agrees, “For me, CCL was an incredible experience and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have such broad academic interests today if it
weren’t for CCL exposing me to subjects like entrepreneurship, genetics and aquatic science.” Many parents spoke in defense of the CCL saying kids with high IQs are “special needs” kids and cost cutting could go toward other programs. Wade said, “In order for Rockwood to maintain its highly coveted ‘academic excellence’ it needs to give more of the pie to gifted education, if anything.” But others argue the CCL promotes elitism, where parents and students considered themselves “special.” The next step in the process was an online survey. From Oct. 17-24 anyone could give input on the benefits of CCL or improvements they could make. Phase Three of the program review begins next and will include Options Development. Based on their findings the external evaluators and Design Team will create options, gather feedback on those options and then present them to the Board of Education on Dec. 1.
For more on the Guiding Change Gifted Ed Evaluation:
lhsimage.com
LACROSSE AND FIELD HOCKEY 1721 OLD FRONTENAC SQUARE ST. LOUIS, MO 63131 314 - 991 - 7999
the
Rockwood financial state reflects economic slump sydnee stottlemyre
reporter
2004
From 2004-2006, the Rockwood School District was in relatively good financial shape. The economy was booming and the district was attractive to not only the community, but also to job seekers. However, after every ride to the top there is some downward slide. Currently, Rockwood is in a financial crunch, but to plan for the future, understanding the past is necessary. Rockwood’s Chief Financial Officer Shirley Broz said, “Certainly, the economic condition of the area has an effect on the revenue of the district.”
2009-2010 As time went on, debt accumulated for Rockwood. Of the total $22.4 million in budget reductions since 2007, $17.7 million was cut in just the last three years. The school district receives a tax levy from local business for funding and economically speaking, the school can win big or lose big. According the Rockwood School District website, the negative impact of the local Chrysler plant closing down is about a loss of $1.5 million a year. Broz said, “With lower levels of tax collections, the state can’t fully fund (appropriate money for) the Education Foundation Formula. Therefore, the school districts in the state do not receive the amount of state revenue that was forecast.” Mary Battenberg served on the Rockwood District Board for nine years between April 1995 and April 2008. She said, "It's very difficult to stay ahead of the curve because everything across the board has increased in costs. We live in an area that does not look favorably on a tax increase referendum, which is why boards have avoided putting one on the ballot." Therefore, when business and tax levies began to hurt, so did funding.
2008 The year 2008 marked an unforeseen global economic meltdown. In 2008, the Rockwood School District restricted $371,000 to stay above water. Gary Kacich, Assistant Controller of Operations at Peabody Energy, shed some insight on the global economic financial state. Kacich explained that when the economy shifted, the amount needed to shelter the damage and time spent in the recession was underestimated. Thus, businesses and many districts continued spending within their means, hoping for another turn-around. However, that wouldn’t come as soon as hoped; outside factors would hurt Rockwood.
2011
Rockwood is faced with a proposed $5.3 million reduction for 2011-2012. If the tax levy was to flat line, the districts debt would be paid off by 2027. Cost-saving actions have already been applied to save money and the district has worked to create a list of additional cost cutting measures. Included in a chart of proposed ideas shared by Broz, of about $15 million in needed savings, $3 million could be saved by freezing or pending salaries of employees. Combined, another $3 million could be saved by reducing bus services and altering other means of transportation. By changing from a hybrid schedule to a blocked schedule, the district would save about $2.8 million. Totaled up, these four ideas would save about $11 million of the proposed $15 million. These decisions could come later this winter. “Frankly, it’s amazing what our district has been able to accomplish with the funding we have,” Battenberg said. “Each board member has the responsibility to be fully informed about current internal and external factors that affect our district's bottom line.” “It’s their duty to take the necessary actions that will keep the district financially healthy today and well into the future,” she concluded.
JK Nails 16085 Manchester Rd. Ellisville, MO 63011
Your Ad Could Be Here! Color & Black/White Available Prices start as low as $12 Online Ads also available For more information visit lhsimage.com/advertising-info
636-527-4144 Open: Monday-Friday : 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday : 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday : Closed
lhsimage.com
campus
campus 5
image
lifestyle
6 lifestyle
November, 4 2011
Got Beat We’ve the
Vox Solus brings popular hits to Lafayette stage anisha chellaswami
reporter
This next act is ready to get you dancing on your feet. Many people are fans of the show Glee, but may not be aware that Lafayette’s own a capella group is making waves in its second year. Vox Solus is an a capella choir composed of vocal musicians from various parts of the student body. They perform popular music ranging from Use Somebody, by Kings of Leon, to Kiss the Girl from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The music they sing is not like traditional choir music. With each piece of music, the choir members have to sing separate parts. Each person matches up with a part based on the song and their individual range and abilities. “Everyone gets to showcase their talents at one point or another,” senior Vox Solus member Marie Bowman said. Though solos are typically assigned by director Michele Rodgers, many times the group gives its input when choosing parts. And, being an a capella group, there is no accompaniment, students make all the sounds that appear on the sheet music. What may usually be a drum or a violin must be reproduced with nothing but voices. Some of their music comes from shows like The Sing-Off, but the group adds their own parts to them. Unlike most ordinary choirs, Vox Solus does not follow a traditional warm-up. Instead, they begin by standing in a circle and stretching or giving each other back massages before proceeding to vocal warm ups. Special Education staff member Tran Trung plays an important role in creating the mash ups and arranging the music. “Without him we would have nothing,” Bowman said. Trung has had a lot of experience with music. He helped start the a capella group “Barenaked Statues” at St. Louis University. Rodgers asked Trung to help with Vox Solus when it was created last year. Trung not only arranges the music but is also there to help and advise. “I serve as the eyes and ears for Michele Rodgers,” Trung said. During rehearsal, Trung told the group, “That energy is going to be coming right at you, so you need to return it back.” The performances are composed to keep the audience entertained. Senior Ryan Beike has been a percussionist for Lancer Regiment for four years and wanted to try something new. “A capella is a great form of music, it really inspires me,” he said. Beike sings bass and beat boxes for Vox Solus. He audtioned after being recruited by Rodgers. “I love being able to invent and ad lib and not having a set part,” he said. The group rehearses Zero Hour Tuesday through Friday. Even though it is early, they are still full of energy. Rodgers was interested in doing something new with her students, so she introduced Vox Solus after trying out the less-formal style with the Chamber Choir. “You have to add and make up stuff as you go along. The goal is to sound just like the recording,” Rodgers said. Rodgers likes how the singers are accepted in the school and only hopes as time goes on, they will become a known entity like Escadrille or football. Senior Lit and AP Art History Teacher Jean Peters is among many of the staff who have heard the group perform. She said she really appreciates the strength of the group. “They are strong as individuals, but have great strength together,” Peters said.
(Photo by Alex Vanderheyden)
Call for Information on Group Rates or to order tickets by phone. 1 hour performance, ideal for all ages! Hope you can join us!
the
cache ifme youcan katherine blackstone
reporter
What is Geocaching?
What do you get when you combine a GPS and hide and seek and magnify it on a world-wide scale? The answer is the international game of geocaching. As the activity grows around Lafayette, many are asking, “what exactly is geocaching?” Geocaching is a real-world search to find hidden objects, called caches, using a GPS device. A cache can be hidden by anyone in a public place. In fact, according to the official geocaching website, just in a10-mile radius around Lafayette there are 459 caches. Geocaching is simple enough for anyone to try. Senior Connor McAndrew said, “You can choose which difficulty you want it to be, it can be hard or easy.” Sophomore C. J. Maesaka added, “You need a little technical know-how to use the GPS, but other than that it’s pretty easy.”
Getting Started
To start any geocaching adventure, go to the official geocaching website (www.geocaching.com) to find coordinates. Maesaka also suggested that beginners should, “Choose the easier caches first, or else you could get really lost.” Depending on the location of the cache, other supplies, like hiking gear, might be needed. Science teacher Todd Decker said caches are “all over the place” and it’s important to know the terrain of where the cache is hidden before going out on the search. Decker has had some experience of rocky terrain in his 10 years of geocaching. Once he braved harsh winter elements and climbed a steep cliff just to find a cache.
Actually Searching
After choosing a cache and plugging the coordinates into a GPS, it’s time to actually start searching. McAndrew advises that reading the GPS correctly is necessary; once he walked in the opposite direction for a few miles before realizing his mistake. Despite that, he still enjoys geocaching. “It’s fun, walking through the woods looking for stuff,” he said. However, just because students have a GPS it doesn’t mean the caches are an easy find. Caches can be anything: a box, a birdhouse or a rock with a secret compartment. They’re usually camouflaged and can be very tiny.
•Vanilla Latte •Cafe Mocha •Whole Bean by the Pound •Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans •Frappe Drinks •Iced Tea and Smoothies
Bring this coupon in with your student ID and receive 10% off of your purchase. Expires: Dec. 2, 2011
Like us on Facebook for special Wehrle’s offers. www.facebook.com/wehrles
97 Chesterfield Mall (next to Dillard’s lower level)
636-532-6500
Finally Found
No matter how small, caches usually have a logbook where geocachers can sign their name to show that they were there. The geocaching website also says that some of the larger caches have small items inside to be exchanged with other things. But the most important thing to remember when finding a cache is not to keep it. Once the logbook is signed, geocachers have to put back the cache exactly as they found it. After returning home, geocachers are invited to log their adventure online for others to use. Don’t despair if a cache can’t be found on the first try. There’s more than a million out there just waiting to be found.
lifestyle
lifestyle 7
image
gian wessel
online sports editor
christine jackson
sports editor
Winning their 11th championship in ‘11, the St. Louis Cardinals made an improbable run to a World Series Championship during “Red October.”
The Fans of Lafayette The Squirrel Girl
Name: Morgan Alwell Junior “The rally squirrel is really important because it’s like a second mascot. My brothers were watching the game, then saw the shirts and had to have them. Since they go to private school, I had to wear the shirt.”
Hometown Hero Lafayette students and faculty had even more reason to show their pride with Class of 2001’s David Freese having a breakout postseason. The Cardinal third baseman had an NLCS to remember against the Brewers, hitting for a team-high .545 average and earning the series MVP award. Freese also set a team record by getting a hit in 13 straight games this postseason. Lafayette had double representation in the NLDS when the Cardinals faced the Philadelphia Phillies, with Freese going up against Class of 1998 graduate Ryan Howard. However, it was Freese’s performance in game six of this World Series that will be remembered most vividly, as he forced the game into extra innings in the bottom of the 9th when he hit a two-run triple into right field tying the game at 7-7. But what happened in the 11th inning was the stuff of legends. When Freese stepped up to the plate facing a full count, St. Louis held its breath. But, with one swing of the bat, he rocketed the ball to center field in a walk off home run that forced a game seven, propelling the Cardinals to an 11th World Championship.
Erik Schou @SCHOUbaru “No one talk to PJ Gigliotti today since he is wearing a Rangers jersey.”
David Freese @dfreese23 “Lafayette High School, too kind with the sign out front of the school. Thanks for the thought. Means a lot to me. Good old days!! #LHS”
Marquette @MHSproblems_
Dom Bisesi @DommyPrimeTime
“Not having a famous MLB player that attended Marquette. #MHSPROBLEMS #worldseries #StepUpYourGameMHS #Lafayette #WeWillMeetAgain”
“Chuck Norris may be the walker TEXAS RANGER, but Jesus Christ was a CARPENTER.”
The Neutral Party
The Converted Texan
Name: PJ Gigliotti Senior “A few months ago I learned my family and I are moving to Dallas. I decided to follow the Rangers a bit more. Just by luck, I got to see my two favorites play each other in the World Series. No matter who won, I was happy.”
Name: Dana Phillips Math Teacher “They moved the Washington Senators (to Texas to become the Rangers) and they weren’t very good. But when Nolan Ryan came from Houston, I rooted for them. But now I have no problem rooting for the Cardinals.”
Baby Birds
These Lafayette students have been lifelong Cards fans. Can you match the name to the baby face?
a
b
c
Lafayette alumn and Cardinal third baseman David Freese fields a ball during the World Series. (Photo by Joe Puetz)
A: Brittany Willis B. Brian Hacker C: Erica Hoeferlin D: Jake Lee
lifestyle
Wild Cards
lifestyle 9
November 4, 2011
lifestyle
8 lifestyle
d
sports
10 sports
November, 4 2011
Postseason pushes pay off
Senior Alec Morgan (Photo by Kurt Rahe)
Sophomore Haleigh Chobanian. (Photo by Jill Chobanian)
Senior Claire Norfleet. (Photo by Sydnee Stottlemyre)
Boys swimming takes Chobanian overcomes Norfleet savors trip undefeated record injury to place fourth to State following two into postseason at State Tourney tough seasons
christine jackson
sports editor
After an undefeated season of dual meets including a win over previously undefeated Parkway Central, Lancers hold first place spots in eight of 12 events in the Suburban West Conference. The team will also be taking eight individual members and three relay teams to State: seniors Lucas Bruder, Josh Daminato, Anthony Levy and Alec Morgan, juniors Jon Glaser and Connor Parsons, sophomores Jacob Alspaw and Patrick Vega and the 200 free, 200 medley and 400 free relay teams. “It’s been really cool [to go undefeated in dual meets] because the guys team hasn’t done it in a while. To be undefeated now is a huge confidence booster going into postseason,” Morgan said. The team then went on to travel to the Springfield Invite from Oct. 28-29, where they earned second place behind Rockhurst High School. Lafayette is currently hosting Conference, with finals to take place Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. They will then head to State from Nov. 11-12 at the St.Peters Rec-Plex. “We have high goals and we’re going to try to fulfill them,” Morgan said.
dominic corvington
gian wessel
reporter
Just as this past season had been the first time in school history that the varsity girls tennis team qualified for State, it was also the first time sophomore standout Haleigh Chobanian was able to play in the same competition as an individual. The team took their top six seeded players to compete. This included seniors Chelsea Weise, Julia Vranas, sophomores Chobanian, Arianna Demos and Kayla Neskar, and freshman Abby Carpenter. Their play helped solidify a third place finish in the team’s first State appearance. They defeated KC Park Hill 5-2 after an early loss to Rock Bridge. “Well it was our first time going to State and I think we did really well,” Chobanian said. Chobanian had also qualified for State during her freshman year; however, an injury kept her sidelined. This year, she was able to bounce back and earn fourth place in singles play. “I was anxious,” she said “I didn’t get to go last year, so I felt like I had to make up for it.” Overall, Chobanian went 13-3 in singles play and 11-1 in doubles competition.
sports editor
After three years on the varsity golf team and plenty of adversity, senior Claire Norfleet finally was able to make her first trip to the MSHAA State championship. Norfleet had her first day of play cancelled due to rain after trying to tee off twice. The following day she played a full 18 holes and finished with a 96. “State was a great experience because it was my first time, but I wish my whole team was there,” Norfleet said. The rain delay was appropriate because she was used to waiting for her opportunity to play at State. Norfleet suffered a separated her shoulder in 2009 and missed the cut in Sectionals by one stroke last season. She made sure to turn things around this time. “I just worked harder and pushed through even the bad holes. The hard work really paid off,” Norfleet said. To make State this year, she shot an 89 at Sectionals, which turned out to be the cutoff for advancing. She received four medals throughout the season. Her success provided a satisfying end to her career. “All four seasons were a lot of fun and I’ll always remember my coaches and teammates,” Norfleet said.
lhsimage.com
the
Competitive skier races toward Olympic finish paige antolik
reporter
The Junior Olympics isn’t on the bucket list of most high school students. But freshman Abby Murer lives and breathes ski racing as she competes for her veteran position on the Junior Olympic team. Murer said she started ski racing due to her family’s love of skiing. She was two years old. “I started skiing at Hidden Valley down in Eureka on a team from when I was 6 to when I was 12,” she said. Murer travels to keep up with skiing. She leaves Missouri from November to April to attend the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy (VSSA) in Vail, CO. “I ski every day for four hours and go to school for four hours,” Murer said. The curriculum Murer would be learning if she attended Lafayette is transferred to VSSA for tutors to teach to her. Murer said, “In the past, I would come back to school and just jump right back in. This year I have to take classes online [when I return].” Living in a different state for half the year also affects Murer’s social life. “I have a lot of friends in Colorado. But it is still hard to leave and I miss all my friends here,” she said. Murer not only travels to Colorado to ski, but goes out of the country too.
“I’m usually home for a few months [during the summer] and then in June I go to a summer training camp in Whistler, Canada,” she explained. But Murer’s out of the country traveling doesn’t stop there. “In the beginning of August I usually go to Chile. And this year I actually got to travel with the United States Olympic Ski team because I want to race in March,” she said. Murer’s favorite events to ski in are the ones that get her blood racing, as well as her speed. “There are four disciplines in alpine ski racing: Downhill, Super G, GS and Slalom. I race in all four of those but my favorite would be the speed events which are Downhill and Super G—that’s the fastest you go,” Murer explained. All this training leads up to the Junior Olympics, which Murer described as the biggest race of the year, and takes place in March. Murer will first have to compete in the Junior Olympic Qualifiers in February to determine if she will qualify for the Junior Olympics. “If I make it this year,” she said, “it will be the fourth year that I’ve made it.” The best that Murer has done in the Junior Olympics was winning third place in Giant Slalom in Winter Park, Colorado. “My ultimate goal is to win a gold
Tony Russo’s Hair Designs Paula Fuller-Ogilvie Stylist
15880 Manchester Road Ellisville, MO 63011
636-256-9330
ST. ALBAN ROE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL LEAGUE • 2011-2012 season for grades 9-12. • Sunday night games, weeknight practices (all games and practices at SAR gym; games January-March). •Registration now through Nov. 15 (late sign-ups at discretion of League). For questions contact League Director Ron Wessel, rwessel1@charter.net. For eligibility information and link to registration, go to http://www.stalbanroe.org/site/ Athletics/Basketball/Leagues/HighSchoolLeague/tabid/235/Default.aspx
medal in the Olympics,” Murer said, “I’m hoping to make it to the 2018 Olympics in South Korea.” Sara Radamus, Murer’s Alpine coach, is proud of her student’s progress. “She has already achieved great things in ski racing due to her dedication of skiing and competition,” she said. Murer has always been passionate about skiing and making improvements. Radamus said, “She has transferred her athleticism to ski racing and this has made a huge jump in her results.” “It’s really entertaining to me and fun. It’s a lifelong sport,” Murer said. “She has always had an incredible ability to give it her all, every run. She just goes for it,” Radamus said.
Top: Skiing in the Aspen Giant Slalom race in 2011, Abby Murer races to the finish and takes third place in the Junior Olympics. Bottom: Murer holds her trophy from the competition. (Photos courtesy of Ken Murer)
sports
sports 11
image
opinions
12 opinions
November 4, 2011
staff editorial
Good intentions fuel safety in RSD
St. Louis has consistently been named one of the most dangerous and crime-ridden cities in the nation thanks to a crime rate that is five times the national average. Looking at this statistic made us question how safe our school really is. The initial purpose of this editorial was to expose the potential safety hazards at Lafayette. But as we did some research and talked to school employees, we realized our concerns were falsely configured. Our first concern was that there is no longer a Welcome Center attendant at the front entrance, and therefore it’s easier for visitors to walk in. Hypothetically, this means intruders could enter the building unnoticed. However, the majority of people coming into school
are Lafayette grads visiting teachers and students, or parents volunteering their time on campus. School Resource Officer Ollie Helbig said he believes our school is safe. He pointed out several areas that help with student safety at school. For example, because we have one building, the school is fairly easy to lock down. In addition, a mandated, oncampus lunch is much safer because you don’t have a rush of people coming and going, who may or may not be students. “You have to judge the amount of security, inconvenience, money and time you put into your security versus the threats and risks. At some schools, you need to have [extra security
precautions] but until we establish a need for it, I don’t think we need to [increase our security],” Helbig said. Helbig’s statement is completely accurate. You have to weigh your school’s own personal threats and compare them to the amount of security you really need. At some schools, like Metro High School, just 25 miles east of Lafayette, the students are required to wear ID badges and enter through securityguarded metal detectors. This can become expensive. Not only is the equipment costly, but the school must also pay the salary of the guard monitoring the metal detectors. Rockwood’s financial situation has become a well-known issue and the district is trying to save money
everywhere it can. By living in a safer community, we’re lucky that we can save money by having to spend less money on security precautions and therefore leave more money for a better education and an enriching experience. On Oct. 18, Rockwood hired Jesus Villahermosa to hold seminars about safety in our schools and on how to find and prevent intruders. Villahermosa has worked in many different jobs and positions with the police department in Tacoma, WA. Through his program, Crisis Reality Training, he has visited numerous schools. Among the schools he has visited, he named Rockwood among the best examples of a safe school environment.
Occupy Wall Street’s complaints too broad
Unfiltered Sarah Greenlee
The Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement has been going on for nearly a month. Occupiers call themselves “The 99 percent,” and they believe they represent the general public of America. However, many Americans don’t even understand what the group is protesting. When you’re protesting something, it’s important for your objectives to be clear. If no one knows what the group is protesting because their objectives are too general, it’s hard to gain mass support. What I have determined through research is that the Occupiers are protesting not only what they view to be the improperly functioning government and the influence of big business and wealth on our political system, but also protesting the fact that they can not rise above their current social status. Desperation and hopelessness have spread throughout the middle and lower classes of the United States, and people are frustrated with the high unemployment rates and rising income of the top one percent of America. According to the Congressional Budget Office, in 1980 the share of all pre-tax income collected by the top one percent of earners was 9.1 percent; in 2006 it was 18.8 percent. In other words, there’s less money available for the 99 percent. The movement gained support nationwide and on Sept. 17, as planned, OWS officially began. Over 1,000 occupiers
gathered in Liberty Square in Manhattan’s Financial District. The movement has continued to grow since then and according to National Public Radio, has inspired over 951 cities (St. Louis being one) in 82 countries to join and start protests against their own unjust political systems. Tens of thousands who named themselves “the Indignant,” marched in cities across Europe on Oct. 15 and occupation movements continue globally. However, these problems are very large and can’t be solved by a simple blockade of Wall Street. If these people really want to accomplish something, they need to start laying out their ideas and posting them for non-protestors to see. The idea behind OWS is that by clogging up Wall Street with masses of bodies, the people trying to do business there will be hindered. Not only do they block up the streets and sidewalks but they also force the businessmen to notice the “99 percent” everyday. Also, interestingly enough, over 70 percent of the voters in a poll on the OWS site classified themselves as politically independent, meaning this isn’t a war of politics. It’s an opportunity for Americans to unite and stand up for our future. With an occupy movement here at home, it’s easy to take a stand, and help define exactly what the “99 percent” is upset about and what we propose to do to fix things. What are you doing to fight “the man”?
photo opinion
The Image asks: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? With Nov. 4 marking “Use Your Common Sense Day”, the Image wants to know, what is the best common sense advice you have ever been given?
“Stay alert.”
Damontay Battle, 9
“If you have a Plan A, but you have a Plan B, then you don’t believe in Plan A.”
Kate Pennington, 10
“Go with your gut.”
Hannah Schnieder, 11
“If it smells bad, don’t eat it.”
Drew Young, 12
the
Expand horizons, give respect
The other day, a friend of mine came to me a little disgruntled. He wanted to know why I thought students attended only football games and other “important” events. He explained that boys swimming had a significant varsity meet coming up, and he expected the turnout to be low in keeping with the team’s past fan attendance numbers. In the end, he was right. Two Superfans watched the meet, despite promotion of the event on the Superfan Twitter feed. Perhaps this was because varsity soccer had their Fan Appreciation Night that evening as well, and even the most super of fans can’t be in two places at once. Or maybe it was what he’d said: students only pay attention to what’s already noticeably on their radar, like football. In a large school like Lafayette, a lot can fly under a student’s radar. One can’t possibly be expected to keep track of all the events, clubs and sports Lafayette hosts and be a fan and supporter of them all. But how much of this obliviousness is by choice? Even popular culture can be divided into mainstream and indie. Do Lafayette students do the same to our unique school culture and only support what
Take a Minute
Hannah Boxerman
directly involves and interests them? Sometimes, signs point to yes. After all, I’ve been to countless assemblies where students laugh and cheer if a member of the Color Guard drops a flag during their routine. I’ve heard students giggle over ROTC’s serious demeanor during their salute to the colors before class meetings and I’ve heard students scoff at the thought of attending a Lafayette play. However, I’ve never heard students
react with anything but pain and dismay to an incomplete pass by our varsity football team. In high school’s short four years, time is hard to come by. As a senior, I learn this more and more every day. I don’t attend even a fraction of the school events that I should. Sometimes, life just gets in the way, and I notice only what is “mainstream” to me. Fortunately, no member of any team or club expects the whole school to fall at their feet after a successful meet, game, show, routine or performance. Choir just wants to be heard. Color Guard wants you to enjoy the show. Swimming wants fans in the stands, and we just really want you to read the paper. But more than this, these groups want and deserve your respect. For the hours of practice, for their days of travel to out-of-area competitions, for their expertise in the field they’ve chosen to devote their time to-for being just another group of kids that are trying to excel. Respect is easier to give than time, and the true super fans of Lafayette show equal consideration and respect to those Lancers outside of their radar that they do to those on it.
Hate has become hereditary I’ve never really understood the obsession that some people seem to have with invading the personal lives of others, nor have I come to terms with the ability of humans to develop deep seeded emotions about one another without even a proper introduction. For the most part, humans have become creatures of habit, learning from observation and then through repetition but not through experience, which is the most critical and nourishing of all forms of knowledge. Certain items that are instilled in a child from birth and through their parents nourish the child throughout life, like certain essences of religion or spirituality which combine many positive traits into a package that preaches acceptance. Children learn from these, mature through them and become better citizens while utilizing these traits. However, it pains me to say that not all of these traits end up positive. Sometimes, parental biases slip through the cracks and become invested within children. Sometimes these biases are purposely passed on. So, negative and dogmatic political ideologies, religious indoctrinations and even racial, sexist and homophobic tendencies persist. Now, hate has become as much of a hereditary trait as blonde hair or blue eyes. One source of hatred in particular
On the Contrary Max Thoman
has come to my attention recently, as more and more I am noticing its existence in our school. When I heard a student two weeks ago say, “I’m a homophobe and I’m proud to admit it,” I couldn’t help but cringe at the deep seeded hatred that lined every word and the depressing display of superiority that he produced. And he didn’t even have a reason. I inquired as to whether or not he had ever actually conversed with a person of homosexual orientation about said orientation. He said he hadn’t. I asked whether he hated all homosexuals or just disliked the ones he had met. He said he wasn’t sure. I asked why he was a homophobe and why someone should be proud of
hate. He was silent. The fact is, this homophobia has become a trait like any other and instead of being based upon any knowledge whatsoever, is now the product of parental and hypocritical religious ideologies being instilled into children. If God loves all of his children, why are so many excluded? It has become a hasty generalization for homophobes to immediately hate all those with the opposing orientation to their own, though they may know few or none. It has become a matter of politics, when in fact it should be viewed as a matter of humanity. Everyone deserves the same treatment. Everyone deserves the same rights. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—the big three. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and I’m not arguing against that fact, but rather I am merely stating that it is the obligation of students to formulate their own opinions based on facts and personal experiences. Parents should have no say in our personal beliefs and religion should not preach prejudice. I encourage everyone to reach out and become their own person, one of peace, not of hate. “Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?”—Ernest Gains.
stars & gripes Stars to:
•Cardinals winning the World Series. #underbirds •The varsity girls tennis team for placing third in their firstever appearance at State. •The Twitter account @LHSProblems, which hilariously allows students to share their complaints. Now all we need to do is make Twitter accounts mandatory for freshmen. •The Lancer Marching Regiment for taking first place in their division at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival. •iPhone 4S feature, Siri, for its all-knowing, mother-like guidance that has every answer for your questions. •St. Louis Blues for winning their 1,500th game. For those of you that weren’t aware, hockey season has begun.
Gripes to:
• MTV showing new episodes of Beavis and Butthead, adding to an impressive lineup of shows about absolutely nothing. •Netflix for raising rates, forcing people to include a trip to Blockbuster on their romantic nights in. •Silent resource hours in the Flex Room, which provide all the comforts of detention, but during the school day! •Warner Brothers for taking a page out of the Disney playbook and putting the Harry Potter movies in the vault. The series went from battling black magic to fighting the black market for copies.
Keep Up! @lhsimage lhsimage.com
Keep In Touch! Bring letters to the editor to Room 137A or comment on lhsimage.com
opinions
opinions 13
image
entertainment
14 entertainment
November 4, 2011
Picks of the Month
Movie:
The Other F Word
Out Nov. 2, The Other F Word is a documentary that follows various punk rock artists, such as Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as they transition from rockstars to parents. Several artists talk about their rebellious teenage years and dysfunctional upbringing, and how they try to make their kids’ upbringing just the opposite. The Other F Word is both comical and heartwarming, a must see for any rock fan.
Album:
Finally Famous by Big Sean
Released in June 2011, Finally Famous by Big Sean is rapidly becoming more popular. With songs like My Last and Marvin and Chardonnay being top radio hits, Finally Famous is getting some well-deserved publicly. Each track on the deluxe edition compliments one another for a great rap album.
Entertainment Editor Mia Schenone gives her picks for November
Concert:
Event:
On Nov. 6, Hollywood Undead will be taking over the Family Arena in St. Charles. Headlining the World War III tour, the infamous rap/rock group will be co-head lining with Asking Alexandria. The hard-rock concert will also feature an un-signed local band, D.R.U.G.S. Tickets start at $36.
Taking place in the Central West End, Craft Out Loud is the area’s newest craft fair. Featuring 37 nationally recognized local artists, Craft Out Loud showcases categories of Jewelry, Painting, Print making, Fiber, Glass, Wood, Textile and much more. Admission is only $5. The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 5-6.
Hollywood Undead and Asking Alexandria
Craft Out Loud
Book:
The Leftovers
After the rapture, billions of people have disappeared. So what is everyone left behind supposed to do? They’re forced to rebuild everything, including themselves. Follow as the characters struggle with depression, anxiety, hopelessness and the occult. The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta is a can’t-put-down book, and will leave the reader wondering and thinking about it long after the book has ended.
the
Now Trending:
entertainment 15
New social networking sites pick up steam danielle slauter
asst. entertainment editor
Tumblr
What is it: Tumblr is a microblogging website that allows users to post text, pictures, videos, links, quotes and audio to their “Tumblelog,” similar to a timeline on Twitter or Facebook. Users can also follow other Tumblr accounts. There are currently 32,692,942 blogs and 11,949,991,573 posts.* Who’s using it: senior Jenny Chan Why they love it: “I use Tumblr because it’s a fun way to blog and follow other friends on what’s going on in their lives,” Chan said. How it’s different: “It’s different from other social networking sites because most of Tumblr is full of posts or entries of pictures and blogs that relate to everyone,” Chan said. Addictiveness: (Scale of 1-5) 1 “I don’t consider it as something addictive, it’s more of an occasional website to me,” Chan said.
StumbleUpon
What is it: StumbleUpon is a discovery engine that finds and recommends web content to its users. Users can discover and rate web pages, photos and videos that are personalized to their interests. The user can select their interests when they sign up and either “like” or “dislike” a page. StumbleUpon takes this into consideration when pulling the next page for the user. There are currently over 10 million users.* Who’s using it: senior Lizzi Reynolds Why they love it: “I use StumbleUpon because it allows me to explore my interests in a way I probably wouldn’t by myself. I can discover lots of great music, recipes and funny videos just by clicking ‘stumble’,” Reynolds said.
Spotify
What is it: Spotify is a music streaming service offering music from a variety of record labels. Users can see what others have listened to. Free accounts are available, but after the first six months, the user must limit their listening to 10 hours a month. Premium accounts can be purchased for either $4.99 or $9.99 a month. Spotify has around 2 million paying subscribers. * Who’s using it: Steve Klawiter, social studies teacher Why they love it: “It allows users to build playlists in a manner similar to iTunes, but no purchase is required. I like to use it to play songs in between classes and I’ll use it to rock out while I cook dinner for the family,” Klawiter said. How it’s different: “Spotify wants users to share the playlists through social media. It’s an easy way to let users market their service,” Klawiter said. Addictiveness: (Scale of 1-5) 4 “I have old music that’s trapped on cassette and vinyl. It’s also useful when you need to checkout a CD,” Klawiter said.
FourSquare
What is it: FourSquare is a location-based social networking website. Users checkin at various locations using a mobile website, text messaging or device specific app. Each check-in awards the user points and sometimes badges. There are 10 million users.* Who’s using it: senior Jake Eisele Why they love it: “It’s a fun way to check in to local places and get special discounts,” Eisele said. How it’s different: “It’s different from other social networking sites because you earn points when you check in. You compete with your friends list to see who can rank themselves as number one. Also, you can earn ‘Mayorships’ of places because you check into that place day after day,” Eisele said.
How it’s different: “It’s different because while you can see what others liked, you don’t really interact much with other people, it’s more focused on your own interests,” Reynolds said.
Addictiveness: (Scale of 1-5) 3 “For me, I would say it’s addictive. Every time I go somewhere I am constantly checking in to earn more points,” Eisele said.
Addictiveness: (Scale of 1-5) 5 “Yes, [it’s] very addictive,” Reynolds said.
*Statistics from Tumblr.com, VentureBeat.com, Foursquare.com and StumbleUpon.com
Attention Seniors - Juniors Spring2011 2011 Fall one-on-one
ACT/SAT Tutoring Call Dr. Jack Arnold 314-805-4561 for appointments Tuesday/Thursday evenings or Saturday/Sunday afternoons
www.JackArnold.org
entertainment
image
entertainment
16 entertainment
Rebirth: alyssa knowling
reporter
At one point in history, Gaslight Square was a center for music and alternative culture in St. Louis. Time Magazine called it, “A three-block oasis of nostalgic frivolity” in an article from 1962. But in about a decade, the square faded and is now a street of townhouses and condominiums. “Air, train and car travelers going coast to coast would make that deliberate stop in St. Louis to witness Gaslight Square. Gaslight Square was ‘it.’” This focal point synthesized into a phenomenon that burned brightly for just a few years, and then allowed by the lack of political will,
November 4, 2011
indie music plants roots in STL
police protection and public apathy to fade, to dim and to die,” gaslightlightsquare.org said. The fall of Gaslight Square marked a time in St. Louis when a focus on the arts, especially music, diminished. Math teacher Paul Krull lived in South St. Louis until he was about 30 and recalls the lack of emphasis on STL’s music scene as he was growing up. “There was very little live music where I grew up. There was maybe a local band at a bar, but even that didn’t happen often,” Krull said. In the past couple of years there has been a major
change. Neighborhoods once overlooked are now being recognized for their emerging music and alternative culture scenes. Take Cherokee Stree, for example. “Cherokee Street was a rough neighborhood when I was growing up. It was worn out because it was in an older, less maintained section of St. Louis,” Krull said. Now, the area is flourishing with new galleries, shops and performance spaces. The impact of the arts on Cherokee Street is one of many indicators that St. Louis is returning to a state where there is an emphasis on art. Though jazz and blues have always maintained a
live: local and national bands hit the stages of STL venues The Firebird
Nov. 5- Dr. Dog w/ Wax Fang, Quiet
Life, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 15- Pomegranates w/ The Soil and the Sun, 8:45 p.m. Nov. 25- Ha Ha Tonka w/ Tommy and the High Pilots, Kentucky Knife Fight, 8:45 p.m.
The Old Rock House
Nov. 8- The Blind Boys of Alabama w/ Sara and Sean Watkins, 8 p.m. Nov. 9- Memoryhouse, 8 p.m. Nov. 17- Kopecky Family Band w/ Matrimony, 8 p.m.
Off Broadway Located on Lemp Avenue, Off Broadway is a great little venue that hosts both local and national bands. The workers are lovely and the sound is always mixed well, but what makes the venue stand out is its atmosphere. The coziness of Off Broadway, marked by the old wooden floors and upstairs loft for seating, allows concert-goers to truly connect with the bands playing. Concerts are never expensive, most well under $20. As the venue continues to book a wider variety of genres and more nationally renowned bands, Off Broadway’s future is looking bright.
Nov. 8- tUnE-yArDs and Pat Jordache, 8 p.m. Nov. 17- The Fling and Yukon Blonde, 8 p.m. Nov. 24- A Salty Salute: St Louis Does Guided By Voices featuring: Bunnygrunt, Popular Mechanics, The Deciders and more, 8 p.m. Nov. 25- Tandoori Knights, 8:30 p.m.
listen: local indie folk band Pretty Little Empire
photo credit: Pretty Little Empire
Formed in 2008, the members of Pretty Little Empire have become the folk darlings of the STL indie music scene. Their beautifully layered harmonies, wide variety of instrumentation and minimalistic, yet droning production allows them to stand out from your typical cluster of local bands. Pretty Little Empire has released two albums, Sweet Sweet Hands (2009) and Reasons and Rooms (2011). The band often plays in St. Louis and brings with them the typical drums, guitar and bass, but also the not-sotypical organ, harmonica and lap steel. All of the members of the band participate vocally, filling space in their often quiet songs. Instrumentally, the band shines through with their use of intricate, repeating guitar parts that simultaneously excite and capture the listener into the murmur that the song will become. The slow builds, the clear influence from many genres and the brilliant use of pauses allows Pretty Little Empires to stay innovative and entrancing, leaving the listener wanting more. In years to come, the group could easily make it big. But if not, St. Louis will get to keep this marvel happily to themselves.
certain level of prevalence, the alternative culture that is emerging throughout the city is leading to a rebirth in St. Louis’ music scene. With the help of bands, musical festivals and city movers and shakers, seeds have been planted to form the now growing indie music scene that dwells throughout the downtown area. This rebirth is leading to more venues, more concerts, more national acts and more city-wide entertainment. Here is the best of the best of what St. Louis has to offer.