August 2023

READ MORE ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE ON PAGES 12-14

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LADUE HORTON WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL 1202 S. WARSON RD. ST. LOUIS, MO 63124 AUGUST 2023 VOL. 73, ISSUE 1

table of contents

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

Editor’s Note 7KH ÀUVW GD\ RI VFKRRO PHDQV WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI PDQ\ WKLQJV For some, it’s the beginning of the end, their last year of high school. For others, it’s the beginning of a very promising next four years of their lives.

Some may be jump starting their college careers by working hard to gain the attention of college coaches and recruiters. Other VWXGHQWV PD\ EH WDFNOLQJ WKHLU ÀUVW \HDU RI D QHZ ODQJXDJH RU facing Calculus III with a new teacher. Speaking of new teachers, there are plenty of new faces to meet this year, and we’re excited to learn about them and their goals for the year.

For this issue’s in-depth, we talk to students and staff about the best ways to prepare for school and how to combat the societal pressures that are often placed on teenagers to “make the most

of their high school experiences.” We talk to those who can now ORRN EDFN RQ WKH SDVW IHZ \HDUV DQG UHÁHFW RQ WKHLU SHUVRQDO H[SHriences, as well as our incoming students who have many hopes IRU IXOÀOOLQJ WKHLU RZQ H[SHFWDWLRQV While many of us have waited in anticipation for the school year to start, many others are still looking in the review at their summers, fondly recalling camp memories and mistrials. So, whether you are entering this year with nostalgia, recalling the well-loved Barbie dolls and ice cream truck treats of your childhood, or loking forward to a future with driver’s licenses and sports seasons on the horizon, please curl up with a cup of hot tea—or coffee, you decide—and enjoy the latest issue of the Panorama, as there is something for everyone.

FQ^_bQ]Q IdQɏ Editors-in-Chief

News, Health & Sports Editor

News, Health & Sports Staff

Features Staff

Tarek Al Husseini Riley Coates Mimi Zhou

Michael Zegel

Marie Demkovitch Ira Rodrigues

Grace Huewe Will Kodner Celina Zhou

Associate Editors Luke Lochmoeller Rory Lustberg Annie Zhou

Art Editor-in-Chief Olivia Chen

Photo Editor-in-Chief

In-Depth Editors Arti Jain Katie Myckatyn

Opinions Editor Emily Liu

Arts & Entertainment Editor Jay Heintz

Vincent Hsiao

In-Depth Staff Alzhraa Mahmoud

Adviser Sarah Kirksey

Opinions Staff Maya Mathew Nitya Nara

Arts & Entertainment Staff Grace Kweon Sara Rohatgi Kelly Zhang

Panorama Policy Panorama is a monthly newspaper that strives to inform and entertain students, staff and community members and to uphold professional standards of accuracy and fairness. The publication hopes to engage the student body by eliciting dialogue among stuGHQWV ,W DLPV WR UHÁHFW WKH GLYHUVLW\ RI WKH SRSXODWLRQ LW VHUYHV DQG to observe the journalistic principle of doing no harm.

Panorama is a member of the National Scholastic Press Associate, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Educators Association.

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All surveys are completely anonymous and results cannot be used against respondents.

Panorama is produced by the newspaper class of Ladue Horton Watkins High School at 1201 S.Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124. The publication lab is located in room 1311, (314)-9936447 ext. 5844. Read more stories on our website at laduepublications.com. Follow us on Instagram @laduepublications.

Front and back cover art and design by Olivia Chen.

Table of Contents Setting for Success

4-5

First Day Jitters

6

A New Dimension

7

Sibling Success

12

8-9

“

“Beep! Beep! Beep!

Your alarm clock’s incessant dinging sounds throughout your room...

Caffeine Comparison

16

Rewarding Roots

17

A Scoop of Nostalgia

18

Barbie Through the Ages

spread design by Tarek Al Husseini & Riley Coates

19

“

4

During Spring Break 2023, senior Maddy Gladson received an offer to play volleyball...”

10-11

Home Away from Home

12-13

The Price of Productivity

14

Scaling Down Stress

15

Pano Perspective

“

16

Picture this: The early morning sun lazily peeks over the horizon as you reach for a mug...”

03

news, health, and sports

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

Setting for Success Maddy Gladson commits to beach and indoor volleyball for 2023-2024 at UT Martin

MARIE DEMKOVITCH new staff

D

URING SPRING BREAK, 2023, senior Maddy Gladson received an offer to play volleyball at The University of Tennessee at Martin from their head coach while on a visit to the campus. After starting the recruitment process freshman year, Gladson committed to UT Martin and will now play both indoor and sand volleyball for the college starting in 2024.

For Gladson, trying to commit to a college added additional pressure to her schedule. She would need to contact colleges and send them film of her games, as well as make multiple phone calls.

“It was definitely a little stressful,” Gladson said. “Trying to stay on top of emails and schoolwork while doing club [volleyball] at the same time, sending out emails before a big tournament to have them come watch you and being at your best while they’re watching you.”

Gladson started playing volleyball in fourth grade at Reed Elementary when her mom created a team for the school. Now she has been playing for Team Momentum since 2020, practicing over the summer.

During the school year, however, Gladson as well as other club volleyball players began facing difficulties balancing school with a competitive sport.

“We have practice every day after school and then we have club two days a week, so it’s a lot of repetition and time spent at school, and then I’ve got to go back and figure out when to fit in homework,” said junior Gabby Clinkscale.

Other players on the Ladue team who hope to commit to collegiate volleyball have started to email and call coaches from universities. Along with this, posting on social media helps promote their image to universities.

“

You can’t be selfish on a team thats trying to succeed, you need to focus on staying positive and winning this match and this point for your team.”

MADDY GLADSON “I have social media accounts that I run to push out my stuff towards colleges,” said sophomore Aribella Stephens. “And on top of that, I have a college recruiting service that helps push my name out to colleges nearby and in other states.”

Being prepared for recruitment places a lot of stress on athletes, especially in a school environment. However, playing a sport can help student athletes by giving them a break from those pressures.

“I enjoy volleyball because it’s like a getaway during the school year when we’re taking different classes and we have tests,” said Stephens. “I normally have volleyball practice twice a week, so on top of studying, I get a two-hour break to go to volleyball outside of school.”

In addition to being a distraction from school stress, volleyball creates an uplifting atmosphere for the players. Playing with others and concentrating on a sport gives student athletes comfort. “[Volleyball] is really just a way for me to release strong emotion, and it’s really fun; I just get a lot of enjoyment out of scoring points and hyping up other teammates,” said Clinkscale.

Many also agree that the coaches are great and create a tight-knit Volleyball community. Having a strong team helped Gladson overcome struggles both on and off the team.

“I have amazing teammates and just an amazing coach to go to if I’m having trouble with academics or anything else on the team,” Gladson said. “I feel like it’s a great support system.”

Gladson’s love and dedication to volleyball supported her throughout her recruitment and commitment to UT Martin.

Her drive in the sport was a great help for her accomplishments.

“It’s been a part of my life for so long, and I love the sport,” Gladson said. “I can’t imagine my life without it.” P

The Recruitment Process How athletes get recruited by a college

04

Emails

Phone Calls

College Camps

Visits

First, a student athlete would need to reach out to college coaches and send them film, along with more information about themselves.

Then they will have multiple phone calls with recruiting agents discussing possible recruitment.

Next, they would want to attend college sport camps to get to know coaches and have them see their talent/abilities.

Finally, coaches may invite the student for a college visit if they are seeking to recruit them.

Offer

TOP LEFT: Maddy Gladson (12) jumps to hit a volleyball at the open gym held

by Ladue High School. Last season, she was co-captain of the Ladue volleyball varsity team. “During highschool it gets really hard because we are just constantly playing and having games all the time and practices after school,” Gladson said.

TOP RIGHT: Gladson teaches Halle Tatum (9) how to serve a volleyball at the open gym. The practice was held for all who were wanting to try out for the Ladue team. “I got closer with my friend Maggie on the highschool team through volleyball, and then I have other people who I played with for like 3-4 years,” Gladson said.

MIDDLE: Gladson stands at the open gym with other players, waiting on instruction from coaches. Gladson recieved her offer to play for UT Martin in March. “I want to win the sand volleyball districts for the championship,” Gladson said.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Gladson lunges towards a volleyball in the gym. Last season, she practiced twice a week as well as working out with her team.

“It’s more of the mental game that challenges me,” Gladson said. “Trying to stay focused on your sport and not cracking under the pressure.” (Photos by Vincent Hsiao) spread design by Marie Demkovitch

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news, health & sports

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

First Day Jitters

Seeing what our new teachers are excited and nervous about

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“

I want to help you guys become the better version of yourselves. Make sure everyone is always striving to be better, whether its math or whatever im there.”

My goal is to get to know everyone and ensuring them they are seen and heard. Also finding my community and becoming apart of the ladue family.”

Eliza Lazaro

Shana Bobbitt

“

I just want to get into the groove and find my belonging and my work family and be the best teacher I can be. I also need to get the hang of the new content.

Lori Vaughn

The New Recruit’s Names of the new staff and what they will teach

STAFF NAME

DEPARTMENT

STAFF NAME

DEPARTMENT

Bill Edwards

Practical Arts

Shana Bobbitt

Counseling

Ruth Grollman

Performing Arts

Adam Hamiliton

Science

Jessica Winningham

Performing Arts

Eliza Lazaro

Math

Amy Logan

English

Ryan Rzeszutko

Math

Cheryl Ogolin

English

Avery Hardy

Science

Lori Vaughn

English

Justin Ragland

Science

Allen Stringer

Practical Arts

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features

A New Dimension Teacher Casie Sambo prepares for a new curriculum in the upcoming school year LEFT: Casie Sambo stands at her podium in her classroom.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to take us to learn each calculus topic, so it’s going to require flexibility on all of our parts,” Sambo said.

“But I think it’s going to be fun.”

RIGHT: Casie Sambo sits in front of a shelf of calculus texbooks she’ll use in the upcoming school year. “I would be lying if I didn’t say I was a little nervous,” Sambo said. “But overall, I’m really excited,” (Photos by Vincent Hsiao)

CELINA ZHOU features staff

T

HE LANDSCAPE OF teaching is changing — that’s undeniable. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of artificial intelligence and growing unrest with work environments and wages, the lives and rosters of teachers are beginning to shift.

For Ladue teacher Casie Sambo, that means a new challenge: for the 2023-2024 school year, she will be teaching Calculus III. Sambo, a veteran math teacher of seven years at Ladue, plans to spend the summer preparing.

“It is requiring me to do some work this summer because I was very good at Calculus III when I took it in undergrad, but unfortunately undergrad was quite a few years ago for me,” Sambo said. “Some of the more nuanced details and formulas I just haven’t had to use in a number

of years. I don’t assign a homework assignment unless I’ve already done it. The first year I taught Algebra II, I had to spend time doing the homework. I’ll have to do that again.

Calculus III is a new course and so it’s going to require preparation.”

“

I think [Calculus III] is going to be a class that lets us learn math and have fun with math.

It’s just going to be an adventure together.”

CASIE SAMBO Despite all the added effort needed, Sambo, having primarily taught algebra courses previously, looks forward to teaching a new aspect of math.

“I really love the applications of calculus, and the puzzle and the depth of it,” Sambo said.

“I do love algebra, don’t get me

spread design by Luke Lochmoeller | Celina Zhou

BY THE NUMBERS

20%

of high schoolers in the US take a calculus course.

50%

of high schools in the US offer a calculus course.

Of the top 10 high schools in Missouri,

ONLY LADUE

offers a multivariable calculus course.

Source: US News

wrong, but I think calculus has this added layer of depth and study that I’m really excited about.”

Sambo plans to be open about her inexperience with her students.

“I’m planning to say this pretty much day one of class — I hope that they are all ready to just learn some cool math and take it day by day,” Sambo said. “There’s going to be times when I don’t have the semester mapped out because I don’t know how a particular lesson is going to go,” Sambo said.

“In my perfect world, I wouldn’t have taught this course for a few more years. But that never happens, of course; reality just takes over.”

Sambo plans to take all of the changes in stride.

“At the end of the day, there is no AP test. There is no next class at Ladue,” Sambo said. “I think [Calculus III] is going to be a class that lets us learn math and have fun with math. It’s just going to be an adventure together.” P

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photo

Sibling Success

Ladue tennis players Aiden and Grace Qian bring their nonprofit tennis program to St. Louis VINCENT HSIAO photo editor-in-chief

T

HE SUN GOES DOWN AT THE Fifth Grade Center tennis courts as elementary aged children head to their parents cars on a warm Sunday in July.

Sophomore Aiden and senior Grace Qian look on, having finished teaching another lesson to their youth tennis program, Qian Tennis. The siblings brought the nonprofit from Madison, Wisconsin to St. Louis after moving last year.

“We decided that it would be fun to bring tennis more into the community and get more people involved,” Grace said.

Aiden and Grace got their start in tennis five years ago, when they started taking group lessons themselves. Today, both siblings are top players who helped earn Ladue state championships last season.

“Everyone brought really positive energy,” Aiden said. “It was easy to stay focused and be able to get pumped up during matches.”

As for Qian Tennis, their focus is not only to sharpen the skills of young Ladue students, but to help those in need. At the end of their first year, the Qian siblings were able to donate $250 in profits to their old school’s tennis program. This year, they are looking to donate balls and rackets to an underprivileged St. Louis school.

“We already gained so much beyond the monetary value of it and we actually plan on giving that money back,” Grace said.“We want to make as big of an impact as [we can] on our local community. That’s the goal.” P

08

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com Aiden and Grace Qian stand for a portrait after instructing a tennis class at the Ladue Fifth Grade Center July 30. They have formed a strong relationship through tennis and school. “I respect Aiden so much as a human being, as a rising tennis star, as an athlete, as a computer science genius.

There’s a lot of things that I cannot do that Aiden does very well and I’m really glad to have him by my side,” Grace said. (Photo by Vincent Hsiao)

LEFT: Eighth grader Kevin Liu hits a ball back to Grace Qian (12) as other students watch and wait their turn during a class July 30. The focus for the class that day was on volleys and overheads.

MIDDLE LEFT: Second grader Andrew Fang reaches out to hit a ball while practicing volleys with Grace Qian (12) and classmates. Fang is among the youngest of the group, which ranges from elementary to middle school students.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Sixth grader Allie Fang holds up strawberry shortcake Oreos at the end of class. Aiden and Grace Qian handed out the Oreo cookies as treats for completing class.

BOTTOM: A shadow of fourth grader Oliver Yuan is spread across the tennis court as he hits a volley tossed up by Grace Qian (12) while others watch and wait in line during class. Students in Qian Tennis are beginners, so it takes them practice to hit over the net. “Seeing the kids literally get better just from a couple months of classes, it’s like the most validating [thing] and it just makes us really happy,” Grace said. (Photos by Vincent Hsiao)

spread design by Vincent Hsiao

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features

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com LEFT: Eleanor Keller (11) gets Sauk Ton Qua’d.

She had been looking forward to this moment for years and was excited to experience this camp tradition for herself.

“Getting Sauk Ton Qua’d was something I had been looking forward to for a really long time, and I was the first out of all my friends to get it,” Keller said.

(Photo courtest of Eleanor Keller)

Home Away From Home

Students reflect on camp traditions, memories over summers at Camp Taum Sauk GRACE HUEWE features staff

WILL KODNER features staff

T

he sounds of trees swaying and tires crushing rocky paths dampen the busy noises of the interstate. As you reach for your GPS, you realize the road you’re driving on doesn’t have a name. Log cabins and rivers surround you and you start seeing Taum Sauk State Park signs everywhere. The town of Lesterville, Missouri may not sound like a place of meaning for most people, but for those who return here every summer, it’s a second home.

Coming to Camp Taum Sauk year after year is a sentimental feeling for camp counselors. lala-

10

la “On the way there, you hear the gravel dust behind you and then you see all the cabins,” junior Eli O’Neal said. “It’s just nostalgic.”

This is O’Neal’s seventh summer at Taum Sauk.

O’Neal’s mom attended and encouraged him to go in fifth grade. Junior Eleanor Keller has just completed her first decade at Taum Sauk.

“My first year, I remember getting off the bus and everyone was running up and hugging their friends that they hadn’t seen in a year and I knew no one,” Keller said. “The next year I was able to do that, and every year after I’m able to get off the bus and go run and see my friends that I haven’t seen in a really long time.”

While the connection to the campgrounds and the scenery are crucial to the typical sleepaway camp

CAMP RUNDOWN

1

7:30 a.m. wake up

2 8:00 a.m. breakfast

9:15 a.m.

3 activities

12:30 p.m.

4 lunch + rest 3:00 p.m.

5 activities

5:30 p.m.

6 dinner

6:30 p.m.

7 sports +

program

8 10:00 p.m. staff free time

experience, it’s the social connection to the people that is the other half. Junior Annie Martin has recently transitioned from going with camp with hometown friends to flying solo in an effort to make new friends. This is Martin’s seventh summer at Taum Sauk.

“Everyone is so welcoming and it doesn’t matter what type of person you are,” Martin said. “I feel like there’s such a diverse amount of people and personalities but everyone somehow ends up clicking.”

While camp friendships are often described as “family-like,” Keller lives that reality. She is living out her family legacy at Camp Taum Sauk, passed down to her from her Mom who attended as a child. She attends camp alongside her sister as well. Although it can be hard at times, Keller values sharing this experience, especially with her sister “I love it and I hate it at the same time because I went by myself for a while, so it was kind of my thing,” Keller said. “I would go and I liked

TOP LEFT: Annie Martin (left middle) (11), Whitney Rygmyr (bottom right) (11) and Stephen Foy (top middle left) (11) make silly faces for their annual cabin photo. They both enjoyed getting to know everyone else over the time that they all spent together. “It’s so much fun to see who will end up in my cabin each year. I love to make new friends and reconnect with the friends I made last year,” Martin said.

TOP RIGHT: Annie Martin (11) performs talent show during color wars. They dressed up together and showed their spirit. “The talent show is a good time because everybody gets to laugh and enjoy other people’s acts,” Martin said.

BOTTOM LEFT: Eli O’Neal (11) and Annie Martin (11) exit the Black River with a camper. They were net fishing and digging while in the river. “There’s a bunch of stuff when you’re a camper, and then when you’re CIT you’re expected to watch some of the kids,” O’Neal said.

BOTTOM RIGHT: From left to right, Kelsey Long (11), Josie Patterson (11), Olivia Morrison (11), Posie Marbarger, Eleanor Keller (11), and Giselle Hausberg dress up for color wars. They all enjoyed getting to show their camp spirit. “I like getting away from home and getting to appreciate being outdoors. We get to spend time outside and it’s fun to be with my friends,” Keller said. (Photos courtesy of Annie Martin)

to get away from my family and hang out with my friends, but I love seeing [my sister] love camp as much as me.”

Tradition is another important part of the Taum Sauk dynamic. One tradition in particular, Sauk Ton Qua, recognizes loyal returning campers. O’Neal, Martin and Keller were all recognized by this tradition last summer. They all note the initiation process isn’t exactly fun, but the achievement makes it worth their while.

“You have to go through a whole process and you can’t talk for an entire day,” Martin said. “Then you go on a five mile hike, pass or swim. It’s a cool experience that most campers look forward to. I got it last year and you get a name. My name is Everlasting Love.”

While traditions like these are of great value to the staff and campers at Taum Sauk, there has also been a rising conflict over recent years concerning the native roots of the camp.

“They’ve been straying away from these origins and traditions of our camp because of the different ways it can be seen offensively,” Keller said. “We’ve had to change the names of things like our cabins, which have indigenous names.”

During the 14 days that they spend at

camp, O’Neal, Martin, Keller and the majority of camp staff are obligated to leave their phones behind so that they can disconnect and get the true sleepway camp experience.

“All of the social stuff that goes on in your phone just goes away and you can just forget about it since everything is planned,” O’Neal said. “It’s really chill.”

Without phones, it’s impossible to stay in contact with friends back at home.

However, this is not an issue for Keller, who has been going to camp with her best friends from St. Louis for years now.

Seeing familiar faces helps to soften the blow of being away, but 14 days straight with the same group of people has an effect, good or bad.

“It definitely bonds us a lot because we’re living with each other for a few weeks,” Keller said. “Obviously we get into arguments because it’s like becoming siblings for

spread design by Will Kodner | Grace Huewe // illustration by Olivia Chen

a few weeks. It’s also fun when we

home because we get to see TAUM come all of our other friends and SAUK they’re always asking

STATS

OAK, HICKORY & SHORT LEAF PINE are the most common trees found among Taum Sauk State Park.

Taum Sauk State Park occupies

7026

acres.

The Peak of Taum Sauk Mountain rises to

1772 feet ,,

the highest point in Missouri.

how it was. It’s always nice because we’re able to tell them about it together.”

While Martin holds her St. Louis friendships dear to her heart, she has learned to appreciate relationships that she’s made with camp-exclusive pepple just as much. The bonds that she has made have helped Martin to branch out and expand the platform in which she socializes on, but also to engage with a completely different group of people.

“You always make new friends,” Martin said. “I’ve made so many friends that go to different schools because of camp. You never know what it’s gonna be like when you go but it always ends up being so much fun.” P

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in-depth

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

SCAN FOR

Stress Relief 1.

Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, elevating one’s mood.

2. laugh

4.

Source: American Psychological Association

a list of possible plants to grow

3. exercise

5.

journal

sleep

grow plants

The Price of Productivity Recommendations of how students can make the most of the high school experience

ALZHRAA MAHMOUD in-depth staff

ARTI JAIN in-depth editor

KATIE MYCKATYN in-depth editor

B

EEP! BEEP! BEEP! Your alarm clock’s incessant dinging sounds throughout your room, stirring you from your slumber. As you mechanically reach for the snooze button your eye catches on the date, immediately jolting you out of your groggy state. Aug 22, 2023. The first day of school.

As you get ready, you can not help but think: this is the year. It is the year where you will somehow magically manage to stop procrastinating. The year where you strike that perfect balance between academics, extracurriculars and social life.

While the beginning of a new school year can reinvigorate energy and ambition, it can also bring about excessive stress. Ultimately,

12

this may have a negative impact on a student’s well-being.

by the numbers

Excellence and Achievement There are typical questions that we have all been asked since elementary school: What do you want to be when you grow up? What college do you want to go to? Where do you see yourself in ten years? But all of a sudden, these are not cute hypothetical icebreakers—instead, things to be seriously considered and planned for.

“I’ve actually come up with a road map of what I want to do from watching YouTube videos about how people got into MIT,” freshman Kai Chen said. “I’m set on taking [classes and extracurriculars] related to engineering and computer science.”

Accessing prestigious schools and high levels of achievement can be great motivators for students.

However, a narrow perspective on what avenues lead to success may have a negative impact on students whose paths diverge from the norm.

“I think schools teach many people that they need to go to a univer-

According to a Gallup-Lumina Foundation survey,

54% of business leaders don’t believe that university prestige matters.

55%

of high school graduates have no plans or are uncertain that they will attend college Sources: Business Insider, Harvard Business Review, Best Colleges

sity in order to succeed in life and I think that this can be [both] beneficial and harmful, as it may motivate some or stress out others,” junior Eelise Riddle said.

In today’s society, college can have an incredibly significant impact on students’ choices surrounding extracurricular activities and classes. Oftentimes students may opt for the path that is deemed more difficult, considered more impressive or viewed to fit better into a college application.

“Our students sometimes think that they must take AP everything,” associate principal Dr. Beth Rapoff said. “[Instead,] you should be building a schedule around passions, interests and rigor.”

The message our prestige-obsessed culture pushes greatly differs. Students must face the contrasting ideas that high school is a time to explore and make mistakes while also being told that they must pursue a set path in order to grasp a socially-acceptable future.

“The pressure on high school students has skyrocketed,” teacher Janet Duckham said. “I do not re-

member ever having a conversation with anyone in high school about my grades or even about college admission. I remember enjoying learning and just being in the moment. I did not give tremendous thought to my performance or my future.”

Productivity and Success At the core of this issue lies the concepts of success and productivity. Today’s culture often pushes the message that success is defined by prestige and income and that one should only pursue so-called “productive” activities.

“Successful” as a word, can really torture us,” Duckham said. “To me, the high school years are years of growth. Growth is messy, not neat; growth is individual, not standardized.”

Ironically though, so much of how our value assessed in high school has become standardized.

From grades, volunteer hours, acceptance letters and the number of sports tournaments won, individual human beings are often shrunk down to be encapsulated in an easily measurable non-human form. In order to avoid the seemingly horrifying fate of being “average,” students sometimes push themselves to the very edge.

“I do think that our current system inadvertently gives kids wrong ideas about learning and about life,” Duckham said. “I hate watching young people worry so much about their performance, their appearance [and] their futures.“

?

resources to help manage stress SCAN FOR techniques to reduce stress

Harvard Health reports that spending

In turn, this can have a large impact on student’s mental and physical health. A 2015 study conducted by the CDC found that 72.7% of high school students reported insufficient sleep. Another study conducted by Victoria University found that school-related stress hindered motivation, led to reduced academic achievement and increased dropout rates. This is also present in pressure related to athletic activities.

“As someone who wants to play sports in college, sophomore year is vital,” sophomore Adela Gingrich said. “Because of this, I’m facing [a lot of] pressure to perform my best at every game and improve more at every practice. It’s nice to have a goal but it’s also scary that suddenly everything is leading up to something.”

20 “

minutes with nature can lower stress hormones.

It’s okay to be a normal teenager and do teenage things.”

BETH RAPOFF

SEE PAGE

14 for quotes to help with stress

Reinventing Productivity While the cultural framework ad definitions of success and productivity may not change overnight, individuals have the power to change perceptions of those words and redefine them. This can start by removing assumptions of what high school “should” look like.

“I would urge everyone to not

have only one view of what their perfect high school experience would look like,” said counselor Leah Jones. “There are always going to be obstacles and setbacks and things we have to problem-solve.

People [should] think about more the qualities that they want instead of one specific end goal. [...] Everyone’s going to define what makes a good high school experience a little differently.”

Bringing awareness and changing our attitudes towards pathways that do not conform with the standard will help to destigmatize choices that may be more beneficial for students in the future.

“Everyone thinks that they have to go to a four-year university or they’re not going to have a successful happy life, and that’s [just] not for everybody,” said Dr. Rapoff.

“There are many trades that pay extremely well and that are extremely reputable careers. Military is a really great option for kids and I feel like all the media does is portray just that typical college life.”

For many students, success is far more loosely defined than today’s culture may make it out to seem.

The beginning of the school year can be clouded by pressures surrounding achievement, expectations and comparison, but the high school experience is not a one-size-fits-all.

“I’m not quite sure where I’m going to be in a year. And I haven’t really ever known,” senior Aiden Lambert said. “But I’m going to try.” P

Q&A with counselor Leah Jones Q: What defines a good high school experience?

?

A: I would urge everyone to not have only one view of what their perfect high school experience would look like. Because if something does not go as planned, that's life. They're always going to be obstacles and setbacks we have to problem solve. If we focus on the qualities that we can do, instead of the outcome, we're become better problem solvers and can cope with discomfort to find greater fulfillment.

spread design by Annie Zhao

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in-depth

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

Scaling Down Stress

A brief overview of how stress may occur for students along with solutions to help ANNIE ZHAO associate editor

Strategies to Alleviate Stress Words of wisdom for the new school year from staff and students “Find something you like to do and do it a lot.”

Aiden Lambert (senior)

“I definitely did not have everything figured out in high school.”

Dr. Janet Duckham (teacher)

“Make sure to find a balance in both academics, and [your] personal life.”

Leah Jones (counselor)

Origins of Stress Students are becoming increasingly stressed

Common causes of stress for students are:

college

49% of students felt stressed on a daily basis

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grades

activities

COLLEGE

Sources: New York University (NYU), Harvard University

editorial

Pano Perspective

Ladue should prioritize the safety of students through required driver education courses 16 out of 18 Panorama staff members agree

B

EING A BAD DRIVER IS LIKE A BADGE OF HONor. Hitting a curb is normalized. Poor parking jobs are something to post (identified by the inconspicuous Ladue parking pass). Fender benders are laughed off. Though these actions are relatively harmless individually, repetition of them creates a culture of adolescent drivers that don’t value safety. In order to better emphasize the importance of cautious driving, Ladue must offer a driver education class to its students and make it a graduation requirement.

Much like a graduation-required PE class, a driver education course is important to students’ physical well-being. According to a study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, young drivers who have not completed driver education are 75% more likely to get a traffic ticket and 24% more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident. Though Ladue holds the power over the creation of a class, students need to take the first step: taking driving seriously.

Though it can be tempting to laugh off minor car missteps, students must actively emphasize safety when driving by avoiding texting and driving, not driving while intoxicated and wearing a seat belt.

Since Ladue does not currently offer or require a driver education program, students turn to other avenues to learn. One of

these is Coach Harder Driving School, which prepares students for their driving test through a variety of lesson packages, including an online classroom, practice driver exams and provided practice cars. Though this program can be invaluable for students, it is also expensive, with a tryout priced at $140 and lesson packages ranging from $270 to $900. At Ladue, this creates a disparity between students who can afford these lessons and those who cannot. In order to create the safest driving culture possible, Ladue administration needs to provide a driver education course to all students to equalize the playing field, similar to how they provide ACT study materials and sessions to assist students in doing well on their ACTs. Ladue also has graduation-required personal finance and physical education courses. Why not, while preparing students for their futures, set them up for success as drivers?

Due to the safety and economic impacts on students, Ladue needs to implement a graduation-required driver education class.

While the first step starts with students, driver education can help everyone. Ladue has the money; now they need to put it toward what’s important: increasing the safety of their students in and out of the school parking lot. Hopefully, with a required driver education course, next time you see a bad parking job, there won’t be a Ladue parking pass swinging from the mirror. P

Editorial Note: Each editorial, Panorama selects an issue that the staff thinks is important to address and expresses a view that belongs to the majority of the staff. Panorama welcomes the opinions of its readers, and encourages letters to the editors. Please bring signed letters to room 1311 or email Panorama at publications01@ladueschools.net. Panorama reserves the right to revise submissions for length as long as original intent remains unaltered.

spread design by Arti Jain, A’Mirra Turner, Annie Zhao | Riley Coates // illustration by Annie Zhao | Olivia Chen

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opinions

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

Caffeine Comparison

Panorama debates which popular caffeinated beverage, coffee or tea, is superior

Classic Coffee

Tasteful Tea

EMILY LIU

NITYA NARA

opinions editor

opinions staff

P

I

ICTURE THIS: The early morning sun laziT’S TIME for society to grow up and admit tea is betly peeks over the horizon as you reach for a mug, ter than coffee. Tea and coffee may have certain comready to pour yourself a cup of piping-hot, velponents in common, but the ability to create the perfect vety-smooth goodness—coffee. Of course. No other drink taste and aroma to your exact liking is what puts tea on top. could, dare I say, brew itself into American culture like cofLet’s begin by taking a look at the widely varied world fee has, making it the unparalled beverage of choice over tea. of tea tastes. Even the most reluctant tea drinkers would be For coffee and tea enthusiasts alike, the primary allure of amazed by tea’s range of flavors, which range from the subboth drinks stems from that sweet, sweet rush of caffeine. tlest white tea to the boldest black tea—the options are limitWhen you consider efficiency and potency, coffee bests the less. In contrast, coffee can occasionally hide its actual flavor competition at 97 mg of caffeine per cup compared to tea’s under heavy roasts. Tea inspires you to slow down and enjoy modest 47 mg. Plus, its wide availability makes it a more conevery moment, whereas coffee hurries you through each cup. venient energy source than stronger teas which are sold less As most of us are aware, sugar, which is often added to both and at greater costs. coffee and tea, is an addictive substance. According to research Beyond its practical effects, coffee also boasts an unrivaled from the University of Illinois, coffee drinkers are known to add flavor profile. While both coffee and tea are inherently bitter, 41.5 calories of sugar per day to the coffee they drink while tea coffee’s taste can be adjusted with delightful additions such as drinkers only add 36.7 calories to their tea. Although sugar is chocolate or caramel, which are just plain distasteful in tea. often added to both coffee and tea, coffee does not solve many With a plethora of options from brewing techniques to flavorof our health problems. Beyond the etherial experience, tea uning syrups, you can easily suit coffee to your unique taste. doubtedly has many significant health advantages. Green tea, Lastly, there’s coffee and communicawhich is known for its high antioxidant contion; a classic pairing. In our modern world THE US’ FAVORITE tent, strengthens our immune systems and proof bustling cafes and Starbucks, coffee tects against a wide range of chronic illnesses.

Coffee Brewing Tea serves as a true conversation starter. It’s “But coffee gives you a higher caffeine Methods Varieties no surprise that coffee dates and meet-ups spike,” some would counter. Well, let me give 1% prefer white tea 6.6% prefer other at coffee shops have become popular reyou a little introduction to matcha, a green 15% prefer cently. The beverage just exudes an aura of tea powder with a punch. In addition 8% prefer Instant Green Tea acceptance and understanding that enables to providing long-lasting energy, Sources: 23.2% prefer diverse connections and has formed many matcha offers a smoother ride, Statistica, Ground Coffee The Tea of our most meaningful relationships. preventing the well-known cofAssociation of the To many, coffee is more than simply a fee jitters that make us nervous.

USA 31% prefer tasty drink; it’s culturally significant and The evidence speaks for 84% prefer Coffee Pods Black Tea a staple of our daily routines. Whether it’s itself. Tea’s tranquil experilending an invigorating burst of energy or igence, health benefits and vast vaniting conversations, coffee’s dynamic role in riety of tastes make it the clear winner.

31.2% prefer Drip Coffee our lives solidifies its position as the ultimate Coffee has dominated the spotlight for too beverage over tea. long, but now it’s time for tea to take over. P

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opinions

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

Rewarding Roots

Students should learn Latin Roots in English class to enrich their vocabularies

MAYA MATHEW opinions staff

A

T THE BEGINNING OF high school, Ladue students were presented with the opportunity to choose Latin as the primary language they wanted to learn for the next four years.

Some students chose Latin because they were fascinated by the language, while others desired to expand their vocabulary to boost their performances on standardized tests.

However, since many students were interested in learning other languages besides Latin, they were forced to choose between Latin and another language that they were interested in studying. Eventually, some students decided not to take Latin so they could learn another language that fascinated them. In reality, it isn’t necessary for students to learn the entire language of Latin to obtain its benefits when they can study Latin roots. Therefore, English classes should include Latin roots in their curriculum.

Latin roots are Latin words that THE ORIGIN are used in many words from varOF LATIN Latin was invented in

700 BC

Latin became a “dead” language in

600-750 AD

Latin roots are still used in various languages

today

SCAN FOR a list of Latin roots

ious languages, including English.

One Latin root can be found in numerous words. For example, the root “mal-” means bad in Latin.

The knowledge of this root could aid in the understanding of other words, such as “malfunction” or “malnutrition.” Incorporating Latin roots into our English curriculum would improve students’ vocabulary skills without requiring them to study Latin as their main language in high school, which is much more efficient. The skill of deciphering unfamiliar words by utilizing Latin roots would be incredibly useful for students as they take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. This would allow students to gain most of the academic benefits of studying Latin without forcing them to learn Latin entirely as a language.

Some would argue that solely teaching about Latin roots would maintain a Eurocentric bias in language education. While this is a valid point, Latin has had the largest influence on the English lan-

guage as compared to all other languages; according to Stacker, 60% of English words consist of Latin roots. Despite the fact that the English language has been majorly influenced by Greek, French, German and numerous other languages, including those that do not originate from Europe, focusing on roots from more than one language would be time-consuming and confusing for students. I believe that centering lessons around root words from Latin would be the strongest and most practical approach.

As we progress through high school towards our prospective career paths, no matter what type of success you would like to achieve, having strong reading and writing skills is critical.

Whether it be writing your college essays or preparing for job interviews, having an extensive vocabulary is a necessity. Integrating Latin roots into our English curriculum would allow students to expand their vocabulary in an efficient manner. P

Common Root Words Latin roots frequently utilized in the English language dict | speak

aqu | water

1. aqua 2. aquatic 3. aqueous 4. aquamarine

1. diction 2. dictionary 3. dictation 4. predict

audi | hear

1. audio 2. auditorium 3. audible 4. audience Sources: Britannica, Stacker

spread design by Emily Liu | Maya Mathew // illustrations by Emily Liu | Maya Mathew

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arts & entertainment

panorama august 2023 // laduepublications.com

SARA ROHATGI A&E staff

a l t g s i o a N f o p

o eam truck treats r c e o c i ic c s s a l S ive c

Anking f Ra

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Strawberry shortcakes are by far the most aesthetic popsicles on the market with its pink and cream color palette. In addition to its tasteful design, the flavor is out-of-this-world heavenly. The tart flavor of strawberry combines with the sweet vanilla, and the soft texture of the outside cake crumble builds up to a delectable taste of a cool strawberry cheesecake.

It’s an incredible twist on a classic dessert!

1

SPONGESICLE

2

The artistry that goes into Spongebob popsicles is comparable to works like “The Mona Lisa” or “The Starry Night.” Many disapprove of how Spongebob manages to look different every time, but that’s the true beauty of it. It’s the excitement of wondering what unique combination of Spongebob you will receive. It’s the happy giggles you share with your friends when the popsicle ends up missing an eye and looking like Mike Wazoski.

ICE CREAM SANDWICH

3

Ice cream sandwiches solve the age-old dilemma of choosing between cookies and ice cream by combining them into one. However, as soon as you take that first bite, you find yourself in a race against time and gravity, frantically licking, trying to catch every drop of melting ice cream before it reaches your hands. One might say it’s part of the experience, but if I’m looking for that kind of exercise, I might as well go to the gym.

4

BOMB POP Bomb pops are an interesting mix. Cherry, blue raspberry and lime blend together to create a burst of patriotic flavor in your mouth, leaving you refreshed on a hot summer day. But, other than the sentimental value, I would simply prefer to eat a different popsicle. There are so many flavors of popsicle to choose from, and while I appreciate the practicality of putting three flavors together to enjoy all at once, the tastes tend to clash and leave a confusing aftertaste.

KLONDIKE BAR Klondikes are downright disappointing. I understand that this can be a hot take for many, but as soon as you break the cement sheet that is the chocolate, a waterfall of thick, melted ice cream follows suit.

Klondikes are absolutely the messiest, most frustrating ice cream to eat. You might as well eat a Häagen-Dazs bar; they taste better, have more flavors and won’t ruin your hand, clothes and day!

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5

In 1959, the original Barbie doll was manufactured.

The year that she was released to the public, over 300,000 Barbies were sold.

1959 The beginning of Barbie’s plethora of careers, astronaut Barbie reached the moon four years before Neil Armstrong. (With 249 more jobs to come).

1965

The original “Barbie DreamHouse” was brought to life in this year.

Though originally one room, it has grown to become a mansion.

Dubbed the “year of Ken,” 1961 was the year that Barbie officially began dating her now boyfriend, Ken.

1961

1962 The first Black Barbie and Hispanic Barbie were released in 1985. There were black dolls before her, but none of them named Barbie.

President Barbie dropped jaws because she was made before anyone thought that a woman could ever be president.

1985 1992

then and now

a simplified version of how barbie has evolved since her original form JAY HEINTZ A&E staff

The first episode of “Barbie Life in the Dream House” aired this year.

2012 spread design and illustration by Kelly Zhang | Jay Heintz

Mattel released the Inspiring Women Series including Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Katherine Johnson, and Sally Ride.

Earlier this year, the new Barbie movie came out, showing that no one, not even Barbie, is perfect.

And those who seem “perfect” have flaws.

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