CRUNCH TIME
Must know details regarding the final exams
FINAL(LY)
Friday, May 23
2nd Hour
7:30 AM – 8: 30 AM
4th Hour
8:35 AM – 9:35 AM
8th Hour
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
6th Hour
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
Lunch A
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
Lunch B
11:25 AM – 11:45 AM
Lunch C
12 PM – 12:20 PM
Ladue High School’s schedule for second semester finals: grades 9–11
AP TESTING
Morning Schedule Start: 8 am
Schedules for Ladue’s AP final exams
Afternoon Schedule
Start: pm
Monday, May 5
European History Microeconomics
Tuesday, May 6
United States Government and Politics
Wednesday, May 7
Computer Science
Thursday, May 8
World History: Modern
Monday, May 12 Music Theory
Tuesday, May 13
Environmental Science
Wednesday, May 14 Physics Mechanics
Thursday, May 29
6th Hour Final
7:30 – 9:40 am 7th Hour Final 9:50 – 11:55 am
TIME FLIES
By Aiyana Ungacta Staff
Sunday, May 18 marks the official graduation day for 2025 Ladue seniors. The ceremony is
Thursday, May 15
Computer Science Physics Electricity and Magnetism
Friday, May 16
Psychology
Information regarding the 2025 Graduation Ceremony for Ladue Seniors
free to enter at Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena. The entrance doors will close at 1 pm–with the ceremony beginning at 2
– 9:40 am 5th Hour Final 9:50 – 11:55 am page design by
pm. Items that may create a disturbance such as airhorns or large hand-held signs are not allowed during the ceremony, along with outside food and drinks. Accessible parking can be found at the Olive/Compton Garage, which is located at the Olive St. Entrace.
Revoked: International Students in Limbo
By Oleks Zolochevskyi Staff
Since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on Jan. 20, international students across the U.S. have faced growing uncertainty. Aggressive immigration policies targeting student visas have signi cantly disrupted universities and stirred anxiety at both local and national levels.
Immediately a er taking o ce, President Trump issued two executive orders focused on tightening immigration enforcement and intensifying scrutiny of certain countries. ese directives quickly resulted in stricter visa regulations, leaving campuses nationwide scrambling to adapt.
Between mid-March and early April, hundreds of international students faced sudden visa cancellations, o en without clear explanations. Some cancellations appeared directly linked to students’ involvement in campus protests, particularly pro-Palestinian activism, sparing widespread concern about the motivations behind the revocations.
Tensions escalated further when DHS(Department of Homeland Security) threatened signi cantnancial penalties against prominent institutions unless they provided detailed information on allegedly problematic foreign students. Such moves risk blocking all future international enrollments at these schools.
Foreign Capital Flow
ese tightening visa policies have substantial implications for universities, especially those relying heavily on international students in graduate STEM programs. Early signs already indicate fewer international student applications, potentially signaling nancial di culties for many institutions. e broader economic impact is equally concerning. International students contribute billions annually to local economies, and even small enrollment declines can result in substantial nancial losses and job reductions in college towns and surrounding communities.
Research e orts in elds such as AI and semiconductor technology have also been disrupted. Many international students play critical roles in federally funded research projects, and their sudden departure threatens the progress of important scienti c advancements and U.S. global leadership.
As visa policies continue to tighten, universities, local economies, and America’s global standing brace for ongoing uncertainty, underscoring the broad and interconnected e ects of immigration enforcement.
Between Teaching And Coaching
ADAM HAMILTON: FOOTBALL
Q. W t ll n s o you n m n n ot rol s, n ow o you overcome them?
A. T st ll n s t r ’s only 24 ours n y I try to m k sur t t w n I m som pl , m n n l k w n I’m work n w t t s n t rs, I’m 100% o us on work n w t t s n t rs. W n I’m w t t oot ll t m, I’m 100% o us on t m.
Q. What personal awards do you get from being both a teacher and a coach?
A. My vor t t n s to w t stu nt v som t n , on t oot ll fi l , n t l ssroom, w t v r. A lot o my s t s t on w t t n n o n s v ry mu l y , m n n I on’t xp t, som t m s you s t os r t r kt rou s, ut t t n s I w nt to s r k s l rn n p rs v r n n t rm n t on, us t os r the things that make successful adults, not just successful football players or biology students.
JACOB JAGODZINSKI: WATER POLO
Q. How do you balance your responsibilities as a teacher and a coach?
A. I try to m k l st o t t n s t t I n to t on , ot s o n s t r. I try to lso just k p, l k , om l l n . So I try to o my st not to o mu work t om I on’t n to. But t l st really just helped kind of keep my brain as organized as possible.
Q. What advice would you give to new teachers or coaches who are just starting out?
A. G v yours l p t n , t’s ok y you’r not p r t t first t m . I t nk or lot o t rs, sp lly p opl w o o nto t n r l ut on pro ss on, lot o t m v t n n y to put so mu pr ssur on t ms lv s to t t n s p r t t v ry first t m . I you v l ttl t o um l ty n r o n z t t you know you’r not lw ys going to get the things right, you can adjust and adapt to the students you become a much better coach.
Esp nos s t st, ’s oo t u n our soccer players to success!
Owen Luetji (10)
Mr. Str n r us ’s oo o .
Tyler Hayes (10)
photo by i. bly
photo by i. bly
Right: Exchange student Noah Mamodhoussen poses with his host family, the Pattersons, during his visit to America.
He stayed with his host family for two weeks.
“I wanted to come to the U.S. to upgrade my English and discover Saint Louis,” Mamodhoussen said.
(photo from N. Mamodhoussen)
EXPERIENCE FROM ABROAD
in America
By Helena Dawit Staff
Coming to a new country can be a big step. There is no one that you know and the language barrier is a common obstacle. But for 15-year-old Noah Mamodhoussen who came from Amnecy, France, it was an exciting adventure.
“I wanted to come to the U.S. to upgrade my English and discover Saint Louis,” Mamodhoussen said.
Back in France, Noah enjoyed playing sports and hanging out with his friends. Here in St. Louis, he has made some great memories with his host family.
“The [City Soccer] game was my favorite activity I’ve done so far,” Mamodhoussen said.
Traveling to a new country
brings many culture shocks. For Mamodhoussen, school in France felt very different compared to school in America. For instance, the school days are much longer in France than America.
‘[In France], we are starting [school] at 8 and finish at 4:30,” Mamodhoussen explained.
Beside school being a big difference for Mamodhoussen. He had been surprised at how early teens can start driving in America compared to France.
“[My favorite thing about America is] the possibility to drive at 16.” Mamodhousssen said, “[In France], it was 18.”
For some exchange students adjusting to a new country can be hard and nerve-racking, Mamodhoussen felt confident coming to America. He had
Taste the Difference
already visited America before as a tourist.
“I’m not surprised [about America] because I already came to the USA [before],” Mamodhoussen said. “[I have visited] California and New York before.”
Mamodhoussen also learned new things in classes here at Ladue that his school in France does not offer.
“You have some classes that we don’t have in France, finance, and engineering,” Mamodhoussen said.
After living in America for almost two weeks now, Mamodhoussen could see himself living here in the future. He really likes what he has experienced so far.
“I would like to live in the USA when I’m older.” Mamodhoussen said.
Exchange student Noah Mamodhoussen experiences life
A famous food that everyone loves in America.
invented in America. Burgers are one of the most consumed foods in America.
Pictures from PxHere, and CCNull.
Far Left: The Starlab is set up in the wrestling gym and is used by the astronomy club as well as other science classes at Ladue.
Bottom Left: The Starlab can display any part of the universe at any time of the day. The picture shows the stars in the galaxy.
Left: Chilakala teaches his peers about the different planets in the universe. The astronomy club hosted several meetings and activities this school year. “I like the ability to use slides and other activities to teach kids more about astronomy,” Chilakala said.
(photos by c. zhang)
SHOOT FOR THE STARS
By Claire Zhang
Sophomore Ashvik Chilakala creates a new astronomy club at Ladue Staff
Beneath a domed sky, Ladue stu nts n st f tr v l
ross t l xy n n nfl t l pl n t r um known s t
St rl . On n njoy t n t sky
n o s rv t un v rs ll n on pl . T St rl s ommonly us y t stronomy lu , n w lu t L u r t y sop omor As v k
C l k l n t p st ll.
“I ot nsp r [to r t n stronomy lu ] us t r w s pr v ously on run y [som on ], ut w n w s s n or, n’t m k n w lu ,” C l k l s . “So, I w nt to m k n w lu . An lso pr v ously, I’v on ot r stronomy work n r s r , n I w nt to s r t t t s ool.”
For C l k l , stronomy s not n wly oun p ss on. In t, C l k l s n nt r st n stronomy rom youn . H s rly ur os ty n stronomy nsp r m to r t n stronomy lu .
“I’v n nt r st n stronomy s n I w s 10 w n I first w nt to t St. Lou s pl n t r um,” C l kl s . “An w n I s w t st rs, I w s r lly nt r st out w t w s pp n n , v n t ou I n’t know w t t r lly w s.”
Astronomy s t s nt fi stu y
c. zhang
o t st rs, pl n ts n ot r
l st l o j ts. It n omp ss s t nt r un v rs , w m k s stronomy un qu n f r nt rom t
ot r r n s o s n .
“W t I njoy out stronomy s ow v rs t s, n ow t’s s lly l k t only un xplor s n n my op n on,” C l k l
s . “A lot o ot r s n s v lr y lot n t r , ut stronomy s urr ntly v n n w s ov r s n oun lmost ly.”
Curr ntly, t stronomy lu s ost v r ous m t n s n v nts, n lu n sol r o s rv t ons outs n n t St rl . T lu s sponsor y s n t rs Av ry
H r y n Just n R l n .
“I w s r lly, r lly x t [ out sponsor n n stronomy lu ],”
H r y s . “T lk n to ot r trs, t r v n m ny, m ny tt mpts to try to run n stronomy lu r t t s ool, n t’s n v r r lly ott n up of t roun .”
In t on to s p ss on or stronomy, C l k l s stron work t w s r o n z y s p rs n t rs. H st ountl ss ours to nsur t su ss o t lu .
“S n s r v , s t on, s ur os ty tow r s stronomy, I n fin t ly t ll t t ’s r t
STARGAZING TIPS 101
1 3 2 4 5 6 7 8
Find a dark location away from light pollution.
Make sure the view is clear and not obstructed. Mountains, deserts, and islands are good places. Winter is the best time of year with clearer skies.
The new moon phase is the best for stargazing.
Dress warm for the cold weather at night.
Use binoculars if you don’t have a telescope.
Have fun and learn new things about the universe!
source: National Geographic
l r or our lu ,” H r y s .
“An I t nk s fin t ly t p rson to r lly t n stronomy lu o n .”
As rom l rn n out t unv rs , t stronomy lu n lso s rv s ommun ty or stu nts to m k n w r n s n onn t w t t r p rs.
“My vor t p rt o t lu s pro ly t p opl ,” sop omor
N n Y s . “My r n runs [t lu ] n t’s r t on n t v ty tw n us.”
Alon t s journ y, C l k l s m ny ll n s n runn n t lu n or n z n t v t s or stu nts. T s xp r n s ontr ut to s p rson l rowt n t u t m v lu l l sk lls.
“I’v l rn t stru l n t t sks n t r t t r qu r s to run lu ,” C l k l s . “I’v lso l rn ow to tt r ommun t us I to ommun t w t
lot o f r nt p opl n s w t t y l rn rom t lu s w ll.”
T s s only t first y r o t stronomy lu . C l k l pl ns to xp n t lu n t mor stunts nvolv n t utur .
“My o l s to try to t mor t v t s out t r , l k o n to t FGC n us n t st r l to t mor k s out stronomy,” C l k l s .
TEST TRUTHS
DO YOU THINK TESTING ACCURATELY REPRESENTS YOUR SKILLS?
“No, I don’t. I’ll be doing really well in class and then I’ll take a test, but my test does not reflect what I did in class.”
Esther Badmus, 9
THE TEST TOLL
Students face stress over testing season
By Meagan Zimmerman In-Depth Editor
By Miran Sheley Staff
By Addie Flintrop Staff
L“No, because there’s a lot of real life skills that can’t be applied to in school [testing].”
Felix Zhang, 10
“No, because a test makes it more stressful because you have to memorize everything.”
Gaby Verstappen, 11
“Absolutely not. I’ll feel like I have a really strong understanding of the material we’ve covered in class, and then I go to take a test and either feel totally lost, or get stressed out about my grade and totally choke.”
Sophie Hughes, 10
egs bounce, making chairs shake as tension fills t room l k ns o . T vy r t n s ts t l ss nto n rdeath state, creating a sense o mp n n oom. W t anticipation hanging heavy, p opl r st ll fil n nto t l ssroom, jo n n n on r nt conversations about the test. One student adjusts their chair, s r t n t stopp rs lon t t l floor, w l not r fills t room w t t soun o sharpener grinding against their p n l. T t r s ts lmly, w t t r n s so tly typ n f r nt k ys on t r k y o r , y t lso l n n roun t r l ssroom. T s s w t t s l k to ns o l ssroom t L u H S ool. But t’s not just your usu l v ry y l ss, t’s t t st n tmosp r w t n.
Casie Sambo, a math teacher
t L u , w tn ss s t toll t sts v on r stu nts first n . In r 11 y rs o t n , s has observed her students that t k C l ulus T r , l ss r n or ts r or, o t n s ow mor s ns o str ss roun testing season, compared to her ot r l v ls o m t . S s s n m ny stu nts nt rn l z t r t st n out om s, s w ll as the pressure that goes into pr p r n or ny ss ssm nt. “A test is a measurement o your un rst n n o t
content, it is not r fl t on on you as a person,” Sambo said. “It is not r fl t on o your character. Is not r fl t on o your person. It’s just a r fl t on o ow w ll you un rstoo t s p rt ul r su j t t t s p rt ul r t m .”
For some students, testing gives them the opportun ty to s ow s t r knowl , n t y njoy that. Students that thrive in a testing environment see it as n opportun ty to tr l t r un rst n n o t ont nt, n l rn w t t y n to r v w. L m P pp n , s n or t L u , fin s t st n to lp ul l rn n tool, s n t l ts m tt r student.
“I t nk t s ru l n ny l rn n environment to st l s ow mu stu nt tu lly un rst n s,” P pp n said.
S m o lso r l z s t t t st n sn’t lw ys t st w y or r stu nts to pply t r knowl . E l ss n su j t r f r nt n ow t st n s n l , w s w y t’s mport nt to look t it through other scopes. The m n str t on n t r st o the district have sought other w ys to r ss t s ov r the years.
“One thing that I have been try n to o n t l st s v r l years is create opportunities to monstr t l rn n outs o t sts,” S m o s . “So t l st on s m st r, I l k to v proj t w r stu nts
t to pply t r l rn n n to monstr t n n lt rn t w y.”
Adam Durham, a current olo y t r t L u , lso understands that tests can n r or l t som on ’s p l t s. As stu nt, Durham didn’t experience test nx ty, n o t n p r orm w ll on s
the stress that a student might lr y l n .
“I don’t think that [tests] lp mp s z l rn n ,”
Sambo said. “I think they just mp s z ount l ty, w s som t n t t I
t nk s us ul n t syst m o u t on, ut not n ss r ly n p rson l l rn n u t on.”
P pp n s s t ompl x ty
t t nv lop s stu nts w l stu y n or t sts n x ms.
H o t n pr p r s or ll o s
t sts w t v r ous t n qu s, n lu n fl s r s n tutor n ot r stu nts. P pp n lso pointed out that tests are not n ss r ly only m or
LET’S TALK
TESTING
59%
FIND TESTING BENEFICIAL TO THEIR EDUCATION
during testing times, but that n ffi ult to r ss w t so m ny mot ons n on l ssroom. As n tt mpt to r s t o t nt m s p lp l t ns on w t n s l ssroom during tests, Durham has sought out f r nt w ys to lp s stu nts ll v t t pr ssur s.
“I lso n out m nts,” Durham said. “Not that that o s nyt n , ut, w nt r r n is soothing to your brain, so t’s n to k n o lm p opl own.”
illustrationby m.sheley
ss ssm nts. S m l rly to S m o, Dur m o t n v s n s or f r nt ss ssm nts w n n, ut s som t m s l m t y t A v n Pl m nt urr ulum.
“Som p opl t k t sts st r than others,” Durham said.
“Som p opl r st r t n ot rs. Som p opl know t m t r l tt r t n ot rs.”
Sambo has seen the nuances that go into testing. She has seen ow t sts r not n ss r ly lw ys t r t o or n t n som on ’s l rn n p l t s, ut r r t r stron mot v t on or stu nts to look ov r n try to un rst n top s. W n t om s to t st n , t r s no ompl t ly r t r um nt, s t y n lp students, or they can exacerbate
Sambo Math department “ ”
DO NOT LIKE TO TAKE TESTS
I would rather live in a world where students just do what they need to do, we check their understanding, and we move on with our lives.
84% 83%
FEEL PRESSURED TO TAKE AP CLASSES
S m o s n v r w nt to t k on s o t r um nt, saying that tests are a “good t n ” or “n t v f t” on stu nts. T r s no solut , w s w t m k s look n at each side the most important p rt o orm n p rson l opinion. Testing isn’t an exact s n , w s w t nt r sts m ny u tors l k S m o.
“I ompl t ly t t n l n t on to, put l n on it, and to say tests are bad, or t sts r t nx ty, or w t v r ls ,” S m o s . “An I just on’t t nk t t’s t r l ty. I t nk t r l ty s n r ly nu n n ompl x.”
t r’s n fit.
“I t t st s wr tt n orr tly
t n lp you r o n z w t you know out t su j t
s w ll s ow w ll you know t,” P pp n s . “T sts lso n our p opl to l rn t m t r l, s n you know you v to prov your knowl on it.”
In s 13 y rs o t n , Dur m s w tn ss w
r n o ow stu nts r t
n n l t st t k n , s som s mply just on’t r , w l ot rs m t ulously o ov r qu st on. H tt mpts to r t str ss r nv ronm nt
FEEL INTERNAL PRESSURE TO DO WELL ON TESTS
98% 89%
FEEL EXTERNAL PRESSURE TO DO WELL ON TESTS
160
STUDENTS SERVEYED
T st n s lso n prov n to aid student success on testing n r m m r n w t t y l rn . A or n to stu y done by Interscience, eighth r rs w o took pr t U.S. history test remembered 10 p r nt mor ts t n t os w o not t k t pr t t st. Dur m o s s m l r t st n , p rt lly s r sult o t AP urr ulum, ut lso to pr p r s AP stu nts or t r exams.
“W n I look t [AP x m] scores in the summer, nine t m s out o 10, I woul s y t y ur t ly r fl t ow I l the student did in the course,” Durham said.
Food Frenzy
Try n V r l oo s w t r l on st r v w; not or t likes, Laken and Emme give there rate on the viral foods
By Laken Hadley & Emme Hirsh Staff
Korean Corn dog
1.
Locared in Creave Coeur; Ssongs’s Hotdog. I had never seen or heard of these before they went viral on social media. It is a very interesting combo and unexpected. Crispy and hot, the Potato Moz St k w s ol n n stuf w t mozz r ll s . T first t you v to r k t rou t tou n run y pot to r n t t s mor fl vor to t sn k. On t top o fl vor, or l k t r o , I xp t t orn o to v mor s son n or fl vor ut t w s just pot to n s , lots o s . T r w s n qu l r t o tw n t n r nts n not n overwhelming amount of the other. I was impressed how well intact the entire corn dog stayed v n t n l o t, w t non o t ll n of or sl n own. I ov r ll njoy t s sn k n fin t ly r omm n t. Four out o fiv st rs.
Dubai Choclate Starwberries
2.
D ubai this and Dubai that. It has probably been all across your social media platform for almost y r now. W ll t l v s up to t yp , n Tw st Rolls C mn y knows ow to l v r. T pistachio cream that is evenly distributed throughout the entire cup, which is extremely large, has the perfect ratio. Not able to forget the perfect ripe strawberries that were delicious on their own n r t n v n tt r xp r n . K t fi, k y ompon nt n m ny m l st rn p str s, m k s t Du o ol t sp l. T r spy n ro st fl vor not s ppo nt, nor w s t ov rpow r n . H nts o z lnut t rou out mor v nly l n fl vor t t w s l ous. All o t s n r nts to t r m k or t sty sw t tr t t t s run fl vor and everything in between. Un ou t ly t s s rt t fiv out o fiv st rs
Grub
“I really like Shake Shack.” Haidyn Giese 10
“Chiplote hot honey chicken.” Humphrey Jiang 10
“Panda Express” Trever Walker 9
“Chiplote bowl.” Camille Garrick 11
3.
Saint Honoré doughnuts
S nt Honoré s l ous tr ts. T r r mult pl lo t ons roun L s V s n t y r very popul r. T r r m rul ou nut s vor t to m ny, n I now un rst n w y. It s r out r s ll, w r w n you t nto t ou nut t r s run . T ou nut s v ry sw t n s un surpr s r m n t m l . T r m lps ontr ut to t sw t fl vor. T only owns to St. Honoré s t pr o t r ou nuts. A l oz n o t r outur ou nuts osts roun $40. Ov r ll, t s ou nuts r m z n n 100% worth the price tag.
Soup Dumpling STL
4.
S oup umpl n s rom Soup Dumpl n STL r m z n ! You st rt t m l of w t v ry ot soup t t s s lty t st to t. T n you r s rv t soup umpl n s . I oos to r t s u to p my umpl n s n, om n n soy s u , v n r n l p st . T umpl n s w r so t n ot n n m z n om n t on o fl vors. T only owns to Soup Dumpl n STL s t r l m t sp . T r s onst nt lon l n n t t m s I v stru l to fin t l to njoy my m l. How v r, ov r ll t r s umpl n s r wort lon l n s.
Taste of Ladue
Stacked STL
25 minute drive from Ladue High School
Ted Drews
16 m nut r v rom L u High School
Ladue Taco
3 minute drive from Ladue High School
Sweedish Candy
5.
Swedish Candy has become very popular on social media over the past year. I bought t sw s n y I m r t n on T k Tok S op. W l I o r lly njoy sw s n y I t nk t s r lly ov r yp . T r r only s l t fl vors t t I t nk r wort buying however they all come in a big pack. In addition, I think the candy is way too sour, to t po nt w r t s not njoy l . Ov r ll, I t nk Sw s n y s v ry m snack, and not worth buying.
Companion
3 minute drive from Ladue High School
Lights, Camera, Chicken Jockey!
A Minecraft Movie Gains Fame For Its Unexpected Mob Reference
By Revathy Chadalavada Staff
The
Minecraft Movie:
Iwent into A Minecraft Movie expecting cringe and boy, did it deliver. But not in the way you’d think. This wasn’t your v r low- f ort s r film. No, t s was a hilariously bad cinematic masterpiece made out of pixels, Redstone logic and pure, unfilt r os. It w s l k w t n 12-y r-ol ’s first Youtu M n m om to life with a $100 million budget and absolutely no supervision.
The plot? Four randos who are drawn into the Overworld, a strange, cubic utopia that feeds on imagination, through a sketchy portal. They meet a mysterious guy named Steve (the best character by the way), played beautifully by Jack Black. The narrative attempts to balance epic fantasy conventions with Minecraft logic and lore references but then drops the ball, and then attempts to build with it. Steve had the emotional range of a stone block, and Henry was somehow both the main character and a complete sidekick. The dialogue reads like it was written by an overzealous AI program familiarized with Reddit forums and speedrun streams.
But let’s talk about the true highlight of t film: t C k n Jo k y s n . M w y t rou t film, out o now r , t ny zombie riding a chicken bursts onto the ttl fi l . St v x l ms, “C k n Jo k y!” a reference to Minecraft lore. I kid you not, the moment he said that, the entire theater erupted in a spontaneous scream: “CHICKEN JOCKEY!!!”
It was beautiful. People stood up. Popcorn fl w. Som k st rt o n t floss. I almost shed a tear. I had never felt such unity in a movie theater. Ever.
So, A M n r t Mov s no r t film y traditional standards. Part absurd, part laughout-loud and part unexplainably charming, t’s film t t s oul n’t work t ll—y t t somehow does—provided you’re willing to laugh with it rather than at it (or perhaps a l ttl t o ot ). It’s fin t ly mov you want to buckle up for.
F n l v r t: t r out o fiv s fl m. fiv out o fiv s n xp r n . Br n Friends. Prepare for chaos. Exclaim “Chicken Jo k y!”
Double Dash
By Yatri Barot and Tatum Curren Staff
Twins Delany and Zoey Brinker are making a name for themselves on the track. Even t ou t y t k p rt n f r nt events, they’re united by their love for competing and their bond as sisters. Together, they’re showing what it means to run fast and support each other along the way. Delany and Zoey Brinker have always been close, but their athletic journey took a new turn when they both joined the track team. Growing up as gymnasts, Delany decided to focus on track in high school, while Zoey continued to do gymnastics and also play volleyball. But this year, Zoey decided to join Delany on the track, and now the two sisters push each other to do even better.
“I’m so glad we get to do a sport together again,” Zoey said. “It’s fun to have someone to share the experience with, even if Delany gets really focused and sometimes ignores me during workouts.”
Even though they take part in f r nt v nts: D l ny n t 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints, and Zoey in high jump, long jump, and triple jump, they both have a competitive spirit and a love for their sport.
“My favorite event is the 400m,” Delany said. “We don’t do any events together, but I think that’s okay. We’d probably get compared a lot if we did!”
With their incredible skills Delany is already committed to running track at Kansas State University, while Zoey is still deciding on her next steps after high school. Delany’s goals
for the season are breaking 54 seconds in the 400m and making the U20 team. Zoey’s goal is to place at state, which woul om r first tr k v m nt. In fiv y rs, D lny imagines herself still running and maybe even competing in the 2028 Olympics. Zoey, on the other hand, loves watching snowboarding during the Winter Olympics and dreams of being involved in that world. With these big goals in mind the twins make sure to train to achieve these hard goals. Training can be tough, but the twins push each other to stay strong.
Their coach, Nick Buckvar, who has been at Ladue for 10 years and also coaches boys & rls tr k & fi l n ross country, believes in focusing on the journey. “I want athletes to be the best version of themselves possible,” Coach Buckvar says, “We will always focus on the process, not the results.”
“I keep a positive mindset when I’m working out, especially on tough days,” Delany said. Zoey motivates herself by reminding herself, “If other girls can do it, so can I.”
With these amazing goals in mind the girls have had an intense training schedule, with speed drills, recovery days, and weightlifting. They also make sur to t k Sun ys of to r st.
“It’s a lot of work, but we’re used to it,” Delany said. With all this training, fun race day rituals take place in the girls’ lives. Delany has a fun tradition of wearing colorful socks for every race, while Zoey doesn’t have ny sp fi sup rst t ons.
Twins Delany and Zoey Brinker, take over track
“I just try to stay relaxed and enjoy the experience,” Zoey said. While Delany is the more competitive twin, Zoey’s laid back attitude helps keep things light and positive.
“I try to intimidate other runners, but Zoey keeps things fun,” Delany said with a smile. Even though their events are very f r nt, D l ny n Zo y o us on their goal of getting better on the track. Whether they’re racing side by side or supporting each ot r rom f r nt orn rs o t fi l , t s tw ns r prov n that the bond between sisters is a very powerful force, and through all the hard work these girls make sure to enjoy their time together.
R fl t n on t t l t s coaches, Coach Buckvar emphasizes, “I am very upfront with athletes that success or progress is not linear. There are going to be ups and downs, setbacks and breakthroughs. So we focus on HOW to get to a particular performance and work on the individual elements of the race or event.”
“I always laugh my hardest when I’m with Delaney so just having those moments again while we’re doing a sport has been really fun.” Zoey said.
What are your Pre-run superstitions?
“We go to the suburbia neighborhood before every run.”
Marley Robinson, 9
“I only eat healthy foods on the day of the run.”
Even Via, 10
“I make sure to put my hair up the same way, even in the same order!”
Holly Fritts, 10
“I take a long look in the mirror for extra good luck.”
-Pharaoh Williams, 10
“I listen to my track playlist before the run.”
Molly Salvatori, 11
photo taken by Gigi Stoeva
Right: Di denes
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Igenimagnam quate aut ea volorem quia sam dolo tem fugit mos a nullo blaboru pta (photo by m.sheley)
The family reciving an award for there season. “This season has been such an honor with my sons by my side” Chad said. (photo submitted)
FULL COURT FAMILY
USE DIDOT FOR HEADLINES
Twins Jack and Brody Anderson coached by there dad Chad Anderson on varsity
This is the subheadline and it is in Shree Devangari 71, size 12, don’t change sizing
By Hobey Alton & Jake Oberman
Staff
By Miran Sheley Staff
Great coaches form great relationships with their athletes, and often times assume the role of mentor, role model, and even a p r nt-l k fi ur or t p opl they coach. Very rarely do coaches actually get to coach their kids, but what is even more rare, is when they get to coach two of them. Twins, Jack and Brody Anderson, are coached on the varsity basketball team by their father, Chad Anderson. Being juniors this year, Jack and Brody are approaching t r fin l s son o s ool basketball next year. Additionally, Coach Anderson reached the milestone of 300 career wins this year, and is looking forward to completing Ladue’s 17th consecutive winning record season next year. Teammates tend to form strong relationships over time, but teammates who also share an identical half of genes tend to be even closer. As fraternal twins, Jack and Brody don’t look exactly identical. But something that is identical for them, is their passion for basketball. The boys have become great teammates, but even greater friends. “I’d say
Great coaches form great relationships with their athletes, and often times assume the role of mentor, role model, and n p r nt-l k fi ur or t people they coach. Very rarely do coaches actually get to coach their kids, but what is even more rare, is when they get to coach two of them. The twins, Jack and Brody Anderson, are coached on the varsity basketball team by their father, Chad Anderson. Being juniors this year, Jack and Brody are approaching t r fin l s son o s ool basketball next year. Additionally, Coach Anderson reached the milestone of 300 career wins this year, and is looking forward to completing Ladue’s 17th consecutive winning record season next year. Teammates tend to form strong relationships over time, but teammates who also share identical DNA tend to be even closer. As fraternal twins, Jack and Brody don’t look exactly identical, but something that is identical for them, is their passion for basketball. The boys have become great teammates, but even greater friends. “I’d say
he’s probably my best friend. I’m with him all the time, and I hang out with him everyday,” Jack said.Although it seemed like an obvious path for them, basketball wasn’t always the direct goal. It may have been inevitable that they would play, but it was still natural. “I wanted Jack and Brody to play basketball but certainly didn’t pressure them until they made the choice to be passionate about the game. They found their love of the game on their own path,” Chad said. Fortunately for the twins, they both played varsity this year, but this wasn’t always the set expectation. “It was their choice but I was hopeful to be able to coach both of my boys since they have supported me and my teams since they were very young. I am fortunate to be able to coach both of my boys. Not many coaches get a chance to do what I am experiencing,” Chad said. The love for the game goes beyond just highschool basketball for this family though, as when they aren’t training for Ladue, you have a pretty good chance catching them doing something else basketball related. “We both love basketball.
he’s probably my best friend. I’m with him all the time, and I hang out with him everyday,” Jack said.Although it seemed like an obvious path for them, basketball wasn’t always the direct goal. It may have been inevitable that they would play, but it was still natural. “I wanted Jack and Brody to play basketball but certainly didn’t pressure them until they made the choice to be passionate about the game. They found their love of the game on their own path,” Chad said. Fortunately for the twins, they both played varsity this year, but this wasn’t always the set expectation. “It was their choice but I was hopeful to be able to coach both of my boys since they have supported me and my teams since they were very young. I am fortunate to be able to coach both of my boys. Not many coaches get a chance to do what I am experiencing,” Chad said. The love for the game goes beyond just highschool basketball for this family though, as when they aren’t training for Ladue, you have a pretty good chance catching them doing something else basketball related. “We both love basketball.
How would you describe coach Anderson in one word?
“Experinced.” Harry Margraf, 11
“Fundamental.” Adam Klein, 11
“Intense.” Jack Edgerton, 12
“Passionate.” Georgie Bisig, 11
We both watch basketball every night. We like to talk about game films f r ntly, s ool teams that we will play, and college teams. And who we think is gonna win March Madness,” Jack said.
We both watch basketball every night. We like to talk about game films f r ntly, s ool teams that we will play, and college teams. And who we think is gonna win March Madness,” Jack said.
Having coached Ladue basketball for the last 25 years, Chad has evolved as a coach over time from his experiences.
Having coached Ladue basketball for the last 25 years, Chad has evolved as a coach over time from his experiences. “As a young coach, I was more nt ns n fi ry. A t r l rn n and coaching for as long as I have, I have become more calm in games which I think has been n fi l or my t ms. W n the coach is more calm, the team is more composed in pressure situations,” Chad said.
After completing a historic s son, C r fl ts on w t it meant to him to reach 300 career wins at Ladue. “It was a great feeling,” Chad said, “I have been fortunate to coach at a great school surrounded by great coaches, and most importantly, I have been blessed to have great kids that work hard and have bought into our program and culture.”
“As a young coach, I was more nt ns n fi ry. A t r l rn n and coaching for as long as I have, I have become more calm in games which I think has been n fi l or my t ms. W n the coach is more calm, the team is more composed in pressure situations,” Chad said. After completing a historic s son, C r fl ts on w t it meant to him to reach 300 career wins at Ladue. “It was a great feeling,” Chad said, “I have been fortunate to coach at a great school surrounded by great coaches, and most importantly, I have been blessed to have great kids that work hard and have bought into our program and culture.”
Right: Jack, Chad, Brody, and Dana Anderson stand in the gym.
Papers and Wrappers and Trash, Oh My!
Trash in high schools is piled high, leaving students and teachers uncomfortable
As the morning school bell rings, waves of Ladue students are greeted by the antiseptic scent of freshly l n floors, s mm r n n t rt fi l l t n . But w hours later, as the lunch bell resounds, they prance through a st ky l n s p o ov rflow n trashcans, crumpled wrappers, n sp ll m lk pu l s. T s begs the question: why has cleanliness become a battleground at high schools across the nation?
Complaints about Ladue’s cleanliness are frequent; according to many teacher and student accounts, the post-lunch cafeteria is a wasteland riddled with half eaten pizza slices, and french fries that litter the floor l k on tt . B t rooms around midday are often worse, n on w st l t unflus in toilets and trash cans overflow n w t t n s qu lly s s ust n .
T m ss o sn’t stop n t os pl s, t ou . Cok ns n
empty chip bags are often found in bleachers weeks after football and basketball games, McDonalds bags in the parking lot and empty drink cans littered around trash cans after failed “Kobe!” mom nts. An t sn’t just our s ool suf r n t s pro l m. according to a study published by Unilever, nine in every 10 students feel their schools are x n ly rty. W t s ools n t onw suf r n t s ssu , we’re left to wonder: what is the problem?
W l t’s ommon or stu nts to to l m usto l st f , t s l ks ount l ty. Mu o t mess, from abandoned cafeteria trays to gatorade bottles tucked in corners, can be attributed to stu nts. W l p k n up garbage is taught in elementary school, it seems to have become lost rt. T s s o t n ttr ut to entitlement and social pressur s mon yout .
Covid, which led to a massive shortage of custodians in
of students complain about their school’s bathrooom being dirty
Filth Facts 90% 50% 70% 24%
of schools report poor indor air quality of Chicago public schools failed random hygiene inspections of public school buildings are in poor or fair condition
schools, as corroborated by Vanguard Cleaning Systems, contr ut to t pro l m. F r n s o j n tor l st f w n s ools went online during Covid, lead to many abandoning the pross on, r t n l r fi t. T n, t os w o on onsered taking custodial positions became wary due to the burden o m k n up t t fi t.
W l tru t t t w n n l ty o usto l st f todress cleaning problems contributes to issues, blaming only them for the abandoned trash in schools ignores the fact that students are the ones making this pl t or o m ss s. R sp t or our s ool n ts st f m n that we address the cause of this pro l m: our own t ons. N xt time you’re at lunch, clean up your trash and encourage your r n s to o t s m . To t r, we can make our school look a l ttl l ss l k t r t p fi r p t .
illustration by t. curran
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
The pros to having AMI ram days
Paris Nahrgang Staff
Between school, friends, sports, clubs and work, there’s barely any extra time left for us students to decompress. Of course having shorter days or a four day week would be ideal, but there are always the required hours for school that we need to account for. If we took a day out of our week, our school days would need to be longer, or we’d have to cut into our summer time. While some students may be okay with that, losing days in our summer means less time for vacations, days without homework and being stress free of tests. For those of us who like working, it means less days to put towards a job and smaller paychecks. Cutting into our summer limits a lot of the freedom students get from the stress and pressure of school.
If we avoid cutting into our summer, what would be the best way to achieve the goal of giving more students time to decompress? While not the most perfect solution, a reasonable compromise would be to make one of the days in our week an
Cartoon by Chip Calvert
AMI day. With Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s block schedule, the best day for this would be Ram day’s so no classes would fall behind or lack an in-person lecture that might’ve been crucial for the class. While the amount of assignments might feel like more, the goal would to fin s w t v r you n to n less time than a normal in-school Ram day.
Students would also be able to pace themselves however they feel best during those days. Instead of sitting in one place for an hour or more, students would be able to take breaks whenever they need to. Students could take however long of a lunch they want or need, and could even begin classes later.
While some classes might require a Zoom meeting for a quick lecture, there should be a limited amount of time, like 15 minutes, where the teacher would be required to then leave more time for students to focus on their assignments. There would need to be a predetermined t m or zooms or f r nt l ss periods to avoid any overlapping
timeto get HWdoneon time!!!
MONDAY
TUEDAY
WEDNESDAY
meeting, or optional times throughout the day. The hope would be that students wouldn’t feel as pressured to t to l ss t sp fi t m n llow students to get more rest or have a less stressful and rushed morning.
An issue that might arise would be what day these AMI days would take place. While it could make sense to completely replace the Ram days and hold these AMI days on Wednesdays, the weird break in a week might l unn tur l n srupt o flow of learning. Instead, AMI days could take place on Mondays or Fridays to give students a sense of an extended or longer weekend or break.
Before the school board would make a decision based on these days, it would have to be highly recommended to have students give their input. The school board should send out a form asking which days students would prefer, and an explanation to explain their reason if they feel strongly on the subject. Considering the main focus of this compromise would be students well being, allowing our voices to have a say will help give students a higher chance of success with the new schedules.
Curbing The Climate Crisis
How eating more plant-based foods can help solve climate change
WBy Sophie Cowlen Staff
hat should I eat tonight?” is a question we constantly ask ourselves. For many, even us foodies, it is a pretty simple decision. Whether we decide on a salad, burger, sushi, tacos or soup, the decision doesn’t impact us much. Although, when it comes to animals and the environment, the choice we make s t f r n tw n l or death and a safe or burning planet. This is what I realized a few years ago. Since then, I’ve given up meat and dairy. And I still eat all the things I love–just without the cruelty and carbon emissions, and if society collectively makes this switch, it will transform the environment and save future generations.
Animal agriculture is detrimental to the planet because behind a slab of steak or gallon of milk, there are numerous sectors of greenhouse gas-emitting processes. To start, land use for farming feed for animals us s up s n fi nt mount o land and resources. Additionally, the deforestation caused by n m l r ultur s n fi ntly impacts our environment. Beef production alone accounts for a staggering 40% of deforestation.
Other sectors of animal agriculture include the production of pesticides and fertilizers, the use of electricity in slaughterhouses, the transportation of animals and agricultural products, the release of nitrous oxide from soil, the release of methane gas from cow manure and more. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is 270 times more potent than carbon dioxide, meaning it traps s n fi ntly mor t. S m l rly, methane gas is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Taking all these sectors into account, animal agriculture is responsible for around 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions.
And while 14.5% may not seem like a lot to some, it is incredibly s n fi nt n k y r v r o climate change. I’d say you could imagine the impact if we eliminated the animal agriculture industry, but you don’t have to, because researchers at Stanford and UCLA did, and what they oun r v ls t s n fi n o eliminating animal agriculture. Researchers predicted that if animal agriculture was completely phased out over 15 years, it would provide over half of the net emission depletion necessary to minimize destructive climate crises. In addition, the Stanford Report states that “the phase-out would create a 30-year pause in net greenhouse gas emissions” if all other emissions remained the
Creating collective action is one of the most powerful things we can do to combat the climate crisis. And one of those things is collectively eating more plantbased foods.”
Sophie Cowlen staff
Curious? Scan here to explore the environmental impact of different foods
same. This pause would allow us time to solve other climate issues and build climate resilient communities. Simply put, the elimination of animal agriculture related-emissions could save our pl n t rom t worst f ts of the climate crisis.
Yet, as I’ve explored the topic of plant-based eating, I’ve heard numerous reasons people don’t give up meat, like “the animal is already dead” and “becoming vegan isn’t going to change anything.” The problem with these statements is they are backed by ignorance, not data. The simple truth is the less demand for animal products there is, the less supply there will be, meaning t r w ll l ss suf r n n carbon emissions, ensuring a safe planet for years to come.
So, next time you ask yourself, “What should I eat tonight?” take into consideration the impact of your meal. By choosing plant-based, you are choosing to n n m l ru lty n s n ficantly reduce carbon emissions. You are choosing a planet where people and animals will be able to thrive for countless generations.
Day in the life of Ladue B7
Grade level counselour Joe Serot works on responding to numerous of emails he has gotten throughout the day. Serot was working on many different things, his biggest priority being the countless of emails he had gotten that day. “Just a typical day as a grade level counselour,” Serot said.
Ladue orchestra practices in the Ladue Performing Arts Center as they are being conducted by Orchestra tecaher (unknown). As I walked around the PAC area, I heard a strong sound of organized instruments play as I was walking from class to class. I watched in silcence in awe as they practice playing their instruments like they were performing.
Right: STUDENTS Sophi Strayhorn (11) and Marah Swillenger (11) work on project for AP History. The girls both worked hard as they talk to me about their stressers in AP history. “Oh nothing, just working on APUSH, unfortunatley,” Said Swillenger
Bottom
Right: Journalism teacher and students work on final project for yearbook prep class. Teacher Sarah Kirksey was helping some of her children with the difficult task of created a mini yearbook. “Lock in,” Kirksey said to the
