The Vol. 7 December 18, 2019 Issue 2
LEDGER PLEASE STAND BY
“That’s so fetch.” “These are no spirit fingers. These are spirit fingers, and these are gold.” “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” “Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?” “One does not simply walk into Mordor.” “My Precious.” “This is not a democracy, it’s a cheerocracy.” “Nobody makes me bleed my own blood. Nobody!” “I am Iron Man.” “Puny God.” “Yep, that’s me!” “You get the best of both worlds.” “You’ve got a friend in me.” “Life’s a climb, but the view is great.” “Alviiiiin!” “You’re a wizard, Harry.” “Who lives in a pineapple under the sea.” “You’re wrong.” “Ogres are like onions.” “This is Sparta!” “You gonna eat your tots?” “Just keep swimming.” “I volunteer as tribute.” “With great power comes great responsibility.” “Honey, where’s my super suit?” “Why so serious?” “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.” “You sit on a throne of lies.” “You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!” “She doesn’t even go here!” “There’s 104 days of summer vacation...” “You like jazz?” “Ugh, as if!” “Well then, good luck Charlie.” “What’s Gibby thinking about?” “SHEcago, Chicago!” “Hi, I’m Bella Thorne, and this is the story of the time I...” “Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya Del a Rosa Ramirez.” “And you’re watching Disney Channel!”
Content
5 News New Road Extension Opens
Road connecting Paul Renaud Boulevard and Sommers Road officially opened Nov. 6
The LEDGER Liberty High School 2275 Sommers Road Lake Saint Louis, MO. 63367 636.561.0075 ext: 28039 jonathanhall@wsdr4.org
Volume 7 Issue 2 Editors Alyssa Bailey* Brooke Huffman*
6 Features The Koi - Kings Of The Pond
Students create rec. basketball team that has led to popularity among student body
10
In Depth
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Upcoming Events January
15 Editorial Time Is Now
February
17 Commentary Through The First
Dealing with grief during the holiday season
2
Content | lhstoday.org design by: A. Haberberger
Reacting
Letters to all editors can be submitted in room 239, emailed or mailed to Liberty. All letters Reporters must be signed. Limit letters you wish to be Mollie Banstetter (Layout Editor), Emily Barnett, published to 250 words. Letters may be edited Fiona Flynn, Ashley Haberberger, Elizabeth for space requirements and libelous material to Hamby, Brandon Hennis, Lizzie Kayser (Assistant the discretion of the editors. If you have a news Editor), Ianne Salvosa (Assistant Editor), Ally story idea or comment, please contact us in room Schniepp (Sports Editor) and Lauren Spakowski 239. (Photo Editor) *Each editor also serves as a reporter Credentials The Ledger is a member of the Sponsors of Intentions Student Publications of Greater St. Louis. The Ledger is a publication that releases 4 issues (one per quarter) throughout the year, Advertising distributing 1,000 free copies to the student To further facilitate the space available for body, faculty and administration. student writing, advertising will not be offered in The Ledger magazine is a part of the district’s The Ledger. curriculum and is designed to provide a practical journalistic experience for written expression on
Taking the past with us into a new decade
To what extent does activism influence our society?
a variety of topics. It is a student-led publication class that reports on stories relatable to the school community. Students write, take photos and design the publication and the adviser will supervise the student journalists. The opinions expressed in this magazine may not be those of Liberty, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District, faculty, staff or administration. The main editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the Liberty editorial staff.
6: First Day Back 13: Late Start 17: No School, PD Day 20: No School, MLK Day 27: Late Start 31: Talent Show 6: “Sail Into Senior Year” for juniors and parents (6-7p.m. in the auditorium) 10: Late Start 14: No School, PD Day 17: No School, President’s Day 24: Late Start Twitter: @LHSJourn Instagram: @lhs.publications
LHS Today: LHSToday.org
A 2019 School Newspapers Online Distinguished Site
Bell Schedule Wednesday, Dec. 18 1st Hour 7:15-7:49 2nd Hour 8:04-8:48 3rd Hour 8:53-10:13 FINAL 5th Hour 10:18-11:03 6th Hour 11:08-12:31 A lunch 11:03-11:33 B lunch 11:33-12:02 C lunch 12:02-12:31 7th Hour 12:36-1:20 8th Hour 1:25-2:15 Thursday, Dec. 19 (ALL FINALS) 1st Hour 7:15-8:42 2nd Hour 8:47-10:12 (Grab and Go Lunch) 10:17-10:33 5th Hour 10:33-12:00 Friday, Dec. 20 (ALL FINALS) 6th Hour 7:15-8:42 7th Hour 8:47-10:12 (Grab and Go Lunch) 10:17-10:33 8th Hour 10:33-12:00
YouTube: @lhsstreaming
Next Year’s Calendar Released That Brings New Changes for the Upcoming Year New state law leads to a later start date of Aug. 24 and end of June 3
Biggest Calendar Changes
by Elizabeth Hamby Reporter
Year after year the calendar portraying the school year ahead looks about the same, but that’s all ending as the year of 2020-2021 approaches. A new Missouri law has passed that will shift the start of next school year for the state’s public school districts. The law entails that the start of school will be pushed up two additional weeks, giving students and staff much longer of a summer. According to Ms. Rosner, a biology teacher and a member of the Wentzville School District calendar committee, the first day of school can be no more than 16 days before Labor Day, meaning that the earliest school can start is August 24. Next year’s calendar has recently been approved by the school board and can be viewed next to this story. In an attempt to increase the flow of tourism, Missouri found the fact of extending summer as a benefit for more quality time for families and an opportunity to visit some of the many attractions throughout the state. While this decision to open the door for the longest summer ever, it will also greatly affect the school year. One of the biggest changes is the fact that finals, usually scheduled before the dismissal of winter break, are now moved forward to after the winter break, in January. Although students aren’t used to the huge change, Rosner is hopeful for the outcome. “To me, it’s kind of normal, with the stress of the holidays and vacations and such. I think it’s just easier to have finals in January,” Rosner expressed. As for sophomore Sarah Dickson, she has a different perspective. “I see positives and negatives,” she said. “I normally study really hard to get ready for the midterms and decompress and mentally reset, but with them pushed back I feel that I might forget everything, and then not have time to decompress.” And although late starts are not displayed on the calendar as of yet, they are later added into the mix of the calendar days by another committee of the district. The one thing that remains the same next school year, is the number of days we are required to attend school, 175 days. Since the start of the school year is later, the end of the school is inevitably going to be later as well. “It’s like we are robbing one end of the calendar and shifting to the other end,” Rosner said. Next year is set to close June 3, which doesn’t account for snow days. In comparison, this year’s school calendar is scheduled to end May 22 and makeup days could go as far as May 31. As for breaks, spring break, in particular, is undergoing a new benefit as well. All schools in St. Charles County will have the same spring break, which is beneficial to students that have friends in other districts. Coming soon is the 2021-2022 calendar, and you can easily access those by going to Liberty homepage.
First Day of School can be no earlier than Aug. 24
Last Day planned for June 3 (weather make up days June 4-11)
All schools in St. Charles County will have the same spring break
First Semester Finals planned for Jan. 14 and 15
Second Semester Finals planned for June 2 and 3
The 2020-2021 Wentzville School District academic calendar revision. The first day of school will be on Aug. 24.
provided by Ms. Rosner
News | lhstoday.org design by: A. Haberberger
3
A Tough ACT To Follow
The average ACT score for Liberty students has steadily increased since 2017 by Ianne Salvosa Assistant Editor Inarguably, one of the most daunting parts of preparing for college It’s no question that Liberty students have the potential to raise the is taking the ACT. Three hours of testing, four with the writing portion, average score for the ACT each year. But on the other hand, how to do can greatly impact the probability of getting accepted into a particular so is what’s needed to be asked. ACT Prep teacher Mr. Jarrett stresses the college. But luckily enough, the average ACT score for the school’s importance of learning from prior mistakes. graduates does not look so scary itself. “I encourage them to fail so then we know what you don’t know and In 2017, the average composite score was 21.1, rising to 21.7 in we can practice your weakness and make it your strength,” Mr. Jarrett 2018, and recently jumping to 22.4 in 2019. said. The big question in But on that note, when it mind is how did this happen? comes to failure, students shouldn’t In addition to the increase, be discouraged if they receive a Liberty’s ACT score is 1.6 score they aren’t too proud of. points above the state average “For some kids it works really of 20.8. well and it’s to their advantage “I think we’re doing a lot but for other kids there’s a huge of really good things in the disparity between how they test and classroom,” college and career how they’ve done in school,” Mrs. counselor Mrs. Gerringer T-O said. said. “We have students that In addition to analyzing former are committed to academic tests and incorrect answers, it is achievement and have high imperative to truly comprehend goals for themselves.” the test material in order to succeed Many dedicated students in the exam. Courses such as ACT reach out and get tutoring or Prep or reviewing before taking extra help to improve their the test can only help academic score. Fortunately, a variety performance. of resources are at a student’s “Memorizing stuff is not hands, a special facet of the learning, that’s how I look at it,” school. On Wednesdays, Mr. Jarrett said. “Most of the kids photo by I anne Salvosa English teacher Mrs. Tarrant- Due to an increase in preparation, the bar for ACT scores in the school has been raised. that I have in here that have taken Oliphant (T-O) offers free it before and then had retaken it tutoring for the English and do anywhere between 3-6 points reading portion of the exam. composite higher.” “I think that a lot of teachers emphasize all kinds of strategies within While the increase in ACT scores over the years is a highly their classroom that help kids read and deconstruct a text in a more commendable feat to the school, the pride should not lie in the numbers. effective manner,” Mrs. T-O said. “I’ll work with students on practice The scores not only reflect the academic achievement of students, but a tests and specific things with grammar and punctuation.” hunger and drive for success in the future.
The ACT has created a “benchmark score” for each portion of the test that indicates that a student has a 75% chance of receiving a C in a corresponding college class. For each college class, English Composition, Algebra, Social Science and Biology, Liberty students showed a higher readiness for college classes than the state average. Meaning, students had scored at least an 18 on the English portion, a 22 on the Math portion, a 22 on reading and a 23 on the science portion. photo provided by ACT.org
4
News | lhstoday.org design by: A. Schniepp
New Road Extension Opens
Road connecting Paul Renaud Boulevard and Sommers Road officially opened Nov. 6 by Elizabeth Hamby Reporter With a snip of the giant scissors and flashes of many cameras, the side road linking Paul Renaud Boulevard to Sommers Road was officially opened Wednesday, Nov. 6. The ribbon-cutting was held in the Liberty athletic field parking lot at 10 a.m. Among those in attendance of the occasion was the mayor of O’Fallon Bill Hennessy, city administrator Mike Sanderson, many O’Fallon councilmen, along with city engineer Wade Montgomery. The band helped commemorate the occasion with some songs, and Principal Nelson and Hennessy cut the ribbon with the huge scissors, and the crowd clapped as the road was officially opened. The mayor looked at the opening like a huge step for O’Fallon. “This is a vision for growth for O’Fallon,” Hennessy said. The opening of the road was in memory of Paul Renaud, a former O’Fallon mayor, whose term ended in 2005. Not only will the road be a huge help for the community, but it will also be a huge help to the school as well. Nelson especially appreciates the new road. “I have four kids myself, two that are drivers, so I understand how teenagers can be behind the wheel,” Nelson said. And student drivers also love the new road, especially students that park back in the athletic parking lot. Sarah LePage, a sophomore and new student driver who parks in the back lot, especially loves the new addition to the lot. “I literally cried tears of joy,” LePage said. “This is going to be a huge help to students and parents.”
photo by Sarah Downs
Mr. Nelson cuts the ribbon with O’Fallon mayor Bill Hennessy to celebrate the completion of the Paul Renaud Blvd. extension project Nov. 6.
Keeping Up with DECA The club that has a vinyl cutter that can help make t-shirts and other clothing by Brandon Hennis Reporter You may remember when DECA used to sell cheap snacks during lunch. Buying food at the DECA store was extremely convenient for many students if you happened to have a negative lunch balance at the time and had no other way to get food. Or even if you wanted something different compared to an average school lunch. However, due to new food regulations this year, the DECA store can no longer sell smoothies and other unhealthy snacks, according to Mrs. Taylor, who is the DECA sponsor. So the group has a new objective – creating a spirit shop. The club now uses a vinyl cutter and heat press to make custom items for clubs, sports, or even leisure. Just in the first quarter, the club made 90 HOSA shirts, 40 DECA shirts, and many more custom items for students and
staff. Groups looking for custom clothing can email Mrs. Taylor or come to the DECA store directly with their request. “I highly recommend DECA for your custom items,” Ms. Strathman said. “They did a phenomenal job with our HOSA shirts and the turnaround time for 90 shirts was amazing.” Later on this year, the club will be looking into making and selling popsockets, phone cases, cups, and more. However, they will continue to produce clothing for all of Liberty’s needs throughout the year. “After we had to stop selling food, we realized we could start selling Liberty gear and all kinds of other stuff,” senior Konner Darrough said. DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America and their main
photo by Brandon Hennis This vinyl cutter is responsible for all the new and customized Liberty gear this year.
goal is to improve educational and career opportunities in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship for students. DECA also helped out the 3-on-3 basketball tournament Dec. 8 and worked with Advanced Marketing 2 with the event where proceeds went to Mental Health America. News | lhstoday.org design by: A. Schniepp
5
K I N G S O F T H E P O N D 6
Zach Kerns, Jonas McCaffrey and Ben Ptasienski pose for an official captains picture. Photo by Lauren Spakowski
Students create rec. basketball team that has led to popularity among student body by Lauren Spakowski Photo Editor When walking around the halls of Liberty you may have heard people talking about the Koi or have seen a few people repping the orange, white and red fish basketball logo. If you have, then you’re in luck. This year a group of students have created a recreational basketball team called The Koi. “I remember we were talking about fantasy football and Jonas (McCaffrey) said who wants to do a recreational basketball league and we both just jumped on it,” senior Benjamin Ptasienski said. Although it merely just started as a joke, the two realized that this could actually be something. Together Ptasienski and McCaffrey, teaming up with senior Zach Kerns quickly began to come up with the details to start the team. Those details included finding a league to participate in, the team members, the team name and the sponsors. “We have been trying to decide on a team name for a very long time,” Kerns said. “Potential team names were the Deli and the Dragonslayers. Jonas and myself were sitting in our T.A. closet and we had a random fish species generator and we kept clicking, kept clicking and then the Koi came up and we just looked at each other and we knew it was the one.” Once the team name was found, the other pieces started to fall into place. The three managed to find nine other boys for the team, two sponsors and a league that would allow them to play. The league they chose is the competitive high school basketball league at the Jewish Community Center in Chesterfield. Since the team members are busy doing other things around school, there is no set practice. However, when the team is able to be all together and practice at their home court in the Wyndgate neighborhood, they run lay up lines and other drills to increase hand-eye coordination. So far the team has had seven to eight full team practices. “Hard work is our biggest value. We have a couple grinders, a couple hustlers,” Kerns said. On the official team roster, there are 11 seniors and one junior. The seniors include: Jonas (The Itch) McCaffrey, Zach (Marmaduke) Kerns, Benjamin (Craig Jetski) Ptasienski, Nick (Choppa) Mcguire, Charles (White Coco) Schraudenbach, Jack (Big Tuna) Elking, Dylan (Dchan) Chandler, John (Heat Check) Reynolds, Meyer (Big Rig) Fensterman, Noah (Bread) Braile, and Joey (Joe Mama) Mesnier. The lone junior is Sam (Ghost in the Post) Ardrey. Even though it is still the pre season, the team has big plans for the future. When asked what we can expect from the team, McCaffrey, Ptasienski and Kerns agreed that we should see “a championship trophy, some wins, an undefeated season (8-0), Sam Ardrey to put up 40 a game and if (school) administration let’s us, the trophy will be in the trophy case.” The Koi’s first game will be the first week of January at the Jewish Community Center. Additionally, the team is considering having a special appearance at the 3-on-3 DECA charity basketball game on Dec. 8, however, this idea is still in the works. Make sure to follow the team’s instagram @koibasketball for more updates. “With a combination of a few tanks in the paint and some mid range choppas along with some snipers behind the arc, I don’t see how the Koi wouldn’t be undefeated this season,” McCaffrey said.
Feature | lhstoday.org design by: L. Spakowski
Official Roster Jonas “The Itch” McCaffrey Benjamin “Craig Jetski” Ptasienski Zach “Marmaduke” Kerns Meyer “Big Rig” Fensterman Chuck “White Coco” Schraudenbach John “Heat Check” Reynolds Nick “Choppa” McGuire Jack “Big Tuna” Elking Noah “Bread” Braile Dylan “Dchan” Chandler Joey “Joe Mama” Mesnier Sam “Ghost in the Post” Ardrey
Something Special Coach Kling follows through on shaving his head after football team victories by Brandon Hennis Reporter
Q&A with Kling Liberty has never seen a football season quite like this. For the first time not only did the varsity team go to districts, but they became district champs. The hype has been building each week, and some have been going all out with showing their support for the team. Coach Kling, beloved science teacher and assistant varsity football coach, has been shaving his head, completely, for every football win. It all started when Mr. Kling told senior Gabe Gonzalez that he would shave his head if the team beat Holt, on Oct. 25. The team responded by doing just that. They knocked off Holt 42-32 at their homecoming game. Since then, the Eagles have won three more games. In total, Liberty football is on a seven-game winning streak and has not lost a game since losing to Washington on their Sept. 27 loss. “What’s interesting is this senior class, was actually 1-7 their freshman year, so it’s really cool to see their improvement throughout their careers and mine,” Mr. Kling said. Mr. Kling, 31, has taught and coached for four years at Liberty High School, and coached high school sports for seven years. He also spoke about the close relationships he has been able to form over the years, with his senior players, especially. Senior Jacob Grimshaw was asked about his experience on team. “I mean, yeah, Kling’s a great guy and coach, the last four years with him and team has been amazing,” Grimshaw said. Mr. Kling also spoke about how its been really special to see a class improve over the years to end up becoming district champions, something Mr. Kling never experienced himself as a player in high school.
Favorite NFL Team: Miami Dolphins Favorite Sport: Football Favorite Cereal: Golden Grahams Fun fact about you: Likes to collect coins Any summer vacation plans for 2020? I am traveling to Florida in July.
How is it seeing your first freshman class leave now as seniors?
Satisfying and heartbreaking. I’m very proud of this senior class and the work they have put in. I am extremely sad to see them graduate.
What will this offseason have in store?
Wrestling and preparing for the next football season, so lots of time in the weight room.
Coach Kling holds up his finger in a number one after the varsity football team wins the district championship. Photo by Lauren Spakowski
Feature| lhstoday.org design by: L. Spakowski
7
The Generation Gap
photo by Ashley Haberberger
‘Ok, Boomer’ has become the internet’s favorite way to shut down factually incorrect arguments from Baby Boomers.
A closer look at the generational division between Baby Boomers and Millennials/Generation Z by Ashley Haberberger Reporter
Tension between generations has always been a part of our society, so why does the division between Baby Boomers and Millennials/Gen. Z feel so big? With advancements being made in science, technology, and social justice almost every day, the world is changing (for the better), and for those not raised in this “modern era,” it can be hard to catch up. Every generation mocks the ones before them, but social media has made it easier to make jokes, tell horror stories of interactions with the stereotypical boomer, and start trends. But this also means boomers are more likely to see this “ridicule,” and possibly get offended by it, further cementing their idea of “disrespectful youths.” Sophomore Olivia Overton, a member of Generation Z, feels that if baby boomers took the time to work on being more open and accepting, intergenerational relations would improve. “So much has changed politically and socially in our generation. Boomers grew up in a drastically different time period; they either have to adapt or stay set in their ways,” Overton said. “Most boomers’ feelings toward Gen. Z, and vise versa, are just based on stereotypes.” While lack of understanding from both sides is actively contributing to this division, millennial Mr. Eversole believes that healthy conversation is the best way to help younger generations see eye to eye with boomers. “I think that whenever there are differences between people,
trying to have an honest dialogue while assuming the best intentions is the best way to lessen that difference. Part of the whole reason ‘Ok Boomer’ became a thing is because we tried to have that conversation and they didn’t listen,” Eversole said. Mr. Bertenshaw, a baby boomer, agrees that “there has always been a kind of battle or war between generations.” In comparing baby boomers to Gen Z or millennials, he feels it is, “the level of experience, which doesn’t make a person better or worse, it makes them different, almost incomparable.” “Millennials may believe they already know everything, but in reality, their education is just beginning. In addition, [technology] is either going to be a big distraction or a big opportunity for them,” Bertenshaw said. “They’ve already been handed so much, more than any other generation. Only they can decide what they’re going to do with it.” In order for society to move forward, differences must be talked through, so we can successfully embrace every generation. After all, coexistence is the first step towards a brighter future.
To read more, check out “Both Sides of the Story” on lhstoday.org
Generations by the Years Silent Generation 1925-1945
Baby Boomers 1946-1964
8
Feature | lhstoday.org design by: B. Huffman
Generation X
Generation Z
1965-1979
1995-2012
Millennials 1980-1994
Generation Alpha 2013-2025
A Lending Hand
Insight on Mr. Eversole’s widespread impact on students by Alyssa Bailey Co-Editor-in-Chief
been the best teachers as they’ve encouraged him throughout his life. More often than not, school doesn’t seem like a place that’s “[My parents] always emphasized treating everyone well and fun or exciting. It’s got a negative connotation that initiates feelings serving others. It’s been inspiring to watch Link Crew leaders make of boredom, misery and sadness, especially with a multitude of connections with other students, and I can state as a fact that Link tests being thrown at us just before break. However, one teacher’s Crew has saved lives. We’ve taken it further by expanding it to be perspective has been able to maintain a goofy yet productive the friendly, welcoming face for any student who might be feeling environment open to all his students. Through his laid back style of uncomfortable or alone,” Eversole said. teaching and entertaining demeanor, Mr. Eversole, who’s in his sixth Eversole’s ability to showcase kindness among everyone depicts year at Liberty, has created numerous connections with students and the importance of building relationships between teachers and provided an impactful insight on life that everyone can appreciate. students. He’s displayed the type of open-mindedness and comfort “He cares about everyone and wants people to be involved, he that enables students to not only feel accepted, but feel as if they can never excludes anyone at all,” senior Annalisa Kercher, truly talk to him. Link Crew member, said. “[Eversole] tries to keep “He’s definitely a role model of mine. I admire the way he it [the environment] fun and light-hearted but presents himself with other people, not only the students but with also ensure that we’re getting things done, that teachers too. He builds relationships with every person that he meets we’re making the school a better place; he’s so and he respects your boundaries. He’s made me feel very accepted passionate about that, which helps us be more in theater; it makes me feel like I am putting something into this passionate too.” production. I don’t think I could do theater without him,” senior Kercher has known Eversole since last Link Crew and theater member, Lilia Taylor, said. year but grew close to him this year as she Taylor has been working with Eversole for a couple of years in works with him everyday in the Link Crew some theater productions and she’s also joined Link Crew. Eversole classroom. Day in and day out, Eversole works maintains a productive yet unbiased environment, which enables with Kercher to encourage support for not just students to be their own individualistic selves rather than incoming freshmen, but for all students, in rely on his judgements. Eversole’s kind hearted yet order to understanding atmosphere can’t go unnoticed just like stimulate a how humorous and goofy he is in the classroom. welcoming Eversole, more recently, has incorporated the “okay, environment. boomer” meme as an ice breaker when meeting new “Everyone students. needs mentoring, “As someone who likes to get along with others and everyone needs help and find common ground, I always try that first, it’s fun everyone needs that safe to have a response that indicates that the conversation place, which is something is over and that shifts the power dynamic away from that Eversole is really what Boomers think they deserve. Not all Boomers passionate about and is are Karens, but the ones who are just aren’t worth our helping me with. Every single energy. As a millennial, it’s also fun to share a meme day, he asks me how I’m doing and with Gen Z,” Eversole said. I just feel comfortable talking to him Eversole’s goofy and accepting environment has because he’s got my back. He’s just provided a sense of belonging for all his students and there for everyone,” Kercher said. they’re ever so grateful for his compassion. What Eversole Eversole puts support in causes wants his students to know, more than anything, is: “I that improve the livelihood of others, hate cilantro and my door is always open.” especially groups that have historically been marginalized. “The Trevor Project serves LGBTQIA youth who are in crisis, and my advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention as well as my status as an ally means that they would be an excellent beneficiary of the Leader Academy’s efforts,” Eversole said. “When my brother was in high school, he almost took his own life, but it was a close friend who he trusted that gave him the opportunity to talk through things and convince him to get help.” Already in his third year in Link Crew and tech, Eversole has Feature | lhstoday.org been inspired by his parents, who’ve
“
I remember feeling helpless and having a teacher refuse to let us discuss current events, so I try to provide students with an outlet whenever I can. - Mr. Eversole
”
design by: A. Bailey
9
Nostalgia
Remembering our childhoods
by Emily Barnett Reporter, Fiona Flynn Reporter & Mollie Banstetter Layout Editor Everyone remembers their favorite childhood shows and their favorite cereals. We remember family members, pets, stuffed animals and even our security blankets. Some of us remember those Saturday morning cartoons and others recall Sunday morning games. Our childhood is something that molds us into who we are, whether or not we connect those dots.
“Looking back I don’t really see anything that negatively impacted me or how I see the world. The way that my dad has followed everything that he does, kinda stuck with me as I grew up.” -Zach Kerns photo provided by Zach Kerns
“Since I grew up with such a loving family, when I get older I want to be that same kind of mom.” -Megan Chambers photo provided by Megan Chambers
| lhstoday.org 10 In-Depth design by: M. Banstetter
Looking Back and Moving Forward Taking the past with us into a new decade by Emily Barnett Reporter, Fiona Flynn Reporter & Mollie Banstetter Layout Editor
O
ur childhood is what defines us. Whether it was filled with good or rough memories, we look back on them. As we move into a new decade we grow from those tiny moments with our family and friends and use them as a guide through the rest of our lives. Our first memories are ones that we cherish, and what shape our young lives and views on everything we know. Freshman Dylan Washington recalls his earliest memory, a first memory that is very different compared to others. “I come from a military family and we were in a cargo plane, flying back from Italy to Florida, and it was just really loud and had a bunch of scary looking dudes on the plane,” Washington said. The events that take place during our youth can be life altering or just another happening to be forgotten. Our childhood can easily be influenced by people, special occasions, ideas or even by a toy. We hold on to these things and think fondly of them, even so many years after having them. For sophomore Sarah Dickson, it was collecting silly bands, a brand of rubber bracelets that come in various shapes and sizes. “Silly Bandz, they were like a collectible. I remember everybody having them in 4th and 5th grade,” Dickson said. The impact certain people have on your life has the capability to change how you carry yourself, especially as a child. Most teens remember having at least one friend, parent, sibling or relative that took a huge role in shaping them as a child. Senior Megan Chambers, attending Missouri University of Technology and Science in hopes of majoring in Biology next year, is grateful for the strong bond she formed with her older brother as a child and the positive influence he set in order to encourage her to chase her ambitions. “My brother Tyler was always the good older brother that would want me to get my work done and he always got good grades too, so my parents encouraged me to look up to him. That’s what is getting me through high school because he worked really hard for his ACT scores and GPA and it paid out for him because he got a full ride,” Chambers said. “He told me to always get my work done and he’d always help me. If anything was going on, he’d always be there for me and that’s how I want to be as a person.” Similarly, some of our fondest memories are the ones we remember doing simple things and being surrounded by loved ones. “My favorite childhood memory was when me, my grandfather and my cousins were in this truck fishing. He said we had to go so we got into the truck and started driving back and we just had fun bumping in the back of the truck,” Washington said. We often wish we could grow up faster, hoping to pass our drivers test and escape the sometimes constrictive grasp of our parents. But every now and then, you may find yourself reminiscing over what once was and the freedom we never realized we had as children. Dickson recalls what she is going to miss the most about her time being little. “The lightness, and not being as aware of the problems, basically your obliviousness, to everything [is what I miss] because you are like ‘oh, let’s go have fun,’ or ‘let’s go play outside’ but now you have responsibilities and you are going to have to take care of everything that you need to,” Dickson said. With the passing of the decade, and our childhood coming to an end, we challenge ourselves to stay consistent in our progress and use what we know and what we’ve grown up with in carrying us into the next year, decade and from here on out. “I think I’ll have a very successful future. I am determined in the things I want to do, such as proceed into the military or become an EMT because I’ve always liked helping people and I just find it amazing that you can go out and help people whenever they need it,” Washington said. Whoever you are and wherever you come from, you are a person, constructed from memories, people and choices. Every decision you make from here on out is capable of changing you and your future.
In-Depth | lhstoday.org design by: M. Banstetter
11
Staff Favorites
What does the Ledger staff recommend?
by Brooke Huffman Co-Editor-in-Chief & Lizzie Kayser Assistant Editor Movies and books and music and TV, oh my! With countless streaming services filled with options, it can be difficult to choose our entertainment. Luckily, the Ledger staff has your back. Read below to find out what our staff has been tuning into this season. Then, fill in the crossword puzzle with the numbers corresponding to the clues. Think your the first to complete it? Bring this completed page to room 239 for a chance to win a prize! photo by Lizzie Kayser
DOWN 1. Ianne Salvosa I'll Give You the Sun
Junior Brooke Huffman jams out to her favorite songs as senior Alyssa Bailey reads.
1 2
Ianne's favorite won this award for excellence in literature in 2015.
3
5
4 6
2. Brandon Hennis South Park
7
In which state does Brandon's favorite take place?
4. Ally Schniepp 10 Things I Hate About You
8
9
10
11
Who wrote the play Ally's favorite is based on?
5. Lizzie Kayser Lover by Taylor Swift
13 12
What is track five of Lizzie's favorite album?
7. Fiona Flynn Heathers
Which Heather (spoiler!) is the first to die?
8. Emily Barnett The Pursuit of Happyness ACROSS
At the beginning of the movie, Chris attempts to sell X-Ray...
What is Mr. Hall's (second) favorite movie?
12. Lauren Spakowski Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
How many evil exes are there in Lauren's favorite?
3. Brooke Huffman Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
In S01E03, the lead of Brooke's favorite show has what, she definitely has what?
12 design by: L. Kayser
Interactive| lhstoday.org
11. Mollie Banstetter The Politician
10. Mr. Hall
6. Elizabeth Hamby Glee
The star of Mollie's favorite also starred in which Tony Award winning musical?
13. Alyssa Bailey Hitch
Who stars in both Alyssa and Emily's favorites?
What does Finn struggle to balance with the Glee Club?
9. Ashley Haberberger Six of Crows
Who's the main character of Ashley's favorite?
Impossible!
photos by Lauren Spakowski, Sarah Downs & Lizzie Kayser
Highlights of Cinderella
by Lizzie Kayser Assistant Editor
I
n Act I of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Ella proclaims that it’s “impossible” for a pumpkin to turn into a carriage and her rags to become a ballgown. From the lighting to the costumes to the massive set, Cinderella is one of the most technically heavy shows the theatre department has tackled. Paired with snow days at the beginning of tech week, the idea of bringing every aspect of the show together seemed to reflect Ella’s sentiments. Yet even without the Fairy Godmother’s help, the cast and crew of Cinderella have found creative ways to make the magic possible.
•
•
•
•
A Lovely Light! - The audience was captivated as lights danced across the stage during the overture, unaware that it was only the beginning of the fantastical lighting they would see during Cinderella. In the song “In My Own Little Corner”, Ella (Michelle Yoder) described the different adventures she wished to take. Every time the course of her imagination changed (about 20 times during the number), the lights changed with it. When she imagined “meeting a lioness in her lair” the entire stage turned red before turning blue and purple when Cinderella sadly realized she was back “in her own little corner”. Whose line is it anyway? - While one liners may seem like a minimal part of a show, Cinderella’s ensemble made them an exciting part of their show routine. Microphone checks were full of actors saying their lines in different ways, often imitating other ensemble members or reprising characters from past shows. Highlights include Dylan Lindke’s “I heard they have vanilla cake on the buffet! I love vanilla cake! Thank you to whoever made it!” during the ballroom scene, Amanda Yoder’s “Do you want to hold my baby?”, Lizzie Kayser’s hate-filled relationship with the line “The court is alive with laughter and warmth,” and Nash Gilbo’s “May his reign be a continuation of theirs!” in a cartoonish old English accent. Girls vs. Guys - Each act opened in hilarity with the numbers “Me, Who Am I?” and “Stepsister’s Lament.” After battling a giant (Nash Gilbo), Prince Topher (Wesley Nichols) had a well-sung existential crisis as the male ensemble praised his achievements. “Me, Who Am I?”’s simple dance moves and interesting characters made for a humorous beginning to Cinderella. However, the girls’ “Stepsister’s Lament” was tough competition. Led by stepsister Charlotte (Anna Decker), the girls complained about Prince Topher’s sudden disappearance from his own ball, questioning why he would choose someone as perfect as Cinderella over them. Decker and the ensemble stole the stage with each “what’s the matter with the man.” The Promise of Impossibility! - Perhaps the most iconic and long-awaited part of Cinderella was the dress and carriage transformation. This magic was all encapsulated in one number- “Impossible”. Ella’s fairy godmother Marie (Emily Gann) first took off her cloak to reveal a beautiful golden ball gown. With a flick of her wand, Ella spun and pulled a portion of her rags to transform it into a ball gown. While this was occurring, fog filled the stage and the crew spun a background set piece of pumpkins, revealing an ornate golden carriage. This impressive reveal required hard work from both the cast and crew to make it happen, certainly paying off in the eyes of the crowd. At the end of Saturday’s production, Gann threw glitter during her bow, one last bit of magic for the audience of Cinderella.
M
issouri weather and technical mishaps are no match for theatre. Their final performance was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, and each night both the cast and crew saw major improvements to their production. Cinderella was a massive undertaking, but in the end, it taught them how every aspect of theatre works together. Everything from the acting to the music to the props added something unique to their show. They learned alongside Ella that “impossible things are happening everyday”, setting forth the exciting “promise of possibility” for the rest of their season.
To learn more about Cinderella's crew, check out "Impossible!" on lhstoday.org Features| lhstoday.org design by: L. Kayser
13
What Feminism Means to Me Why I’m proud to be a feminist
photo by Alyssa Bailey
Elizabeth Warren, a democratic presidential candidate for 2020, preaches a message of equality for all women.
by Brooke Huffman Co-Editor-in-Chief
“Feminist” is a dirty word. Associated with radical misandrists, complaining about things that don’t really matter. Though it’s defined as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes, that’s not exactly how we think of it. Forgotten are the revolutionary women of first-wave feminism, armed only with their words, winning the war against women and gaining their right to vote. Gone are the warriors of second-wave feminism, sisters in arms set on being seen as equal to their brothers. The goal of third-wave feminism is loosely defined, spanning a variety of issues concerning the women of today. Today they fight for the importance of consent, the right to be paid appropriately for their labor, for sexual liberation, for the desexualization of women’s bodies, for their choice, for their voice, for personal freedom. It seems all over the place, but there’s a reason for that. Feminism has become much more personal, advocating for the issues that hit much closer to home. Everyone, men, women and every gender in between have their reasons for calling themselves a feminist, but they have one thing in common – a craving for equality. I’m an intersectional feminist, a term coined in 1989 by lawyer and advocate Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw. This is a feminism that understands how discrimination can overlap in cases of class, gender, race, sexuality, disability, etc. This spans far beyond one person, but accounts for everybody, acknowledging privilege. I wasn’t always an intersectional feminist, I wasn’t always a feminist, but as I grew and the world grew around me I realized that some sort of change was absolutely necessary, and I wanted to be fighting for it. I am a feminist for my little brother, raised on the fact that to be a man you must act, behave and live a certain way. He’s been taught that crying is an act of weakness, that strength is much more valuable than any type of intelligence. He deserves so much more than that, he deserves to be told that he is incredible, he is intelligent, his emotions can be expressed, he doesn’t need to live by this definition to be valid. I am a feminist because gender equality isn’t just about women. I am a feminist for each and every one of my friends who’ve been catcalled, too many to name and too many to count. It’s not as harmless as it seems, it’s telling us, young girls, that our bodies are sexualized, that before we’re even old enough to technically consent, others will use our image for their pleasure. That even our bodies can be taken by others. I am a feminist because we are still kids, and our childhood innocence is being stripped away against our will with every shout on the street. I am a feminist for my fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community, told the way they love is wrong yet they still do so passionately. When I came out as bisexual, I remember all of the words of encouragement and promises of support, but I also remember every
14
Opinion | lhstoday.org design by: B. Huffman
slur whispered in the hallway, every former friend telling me that I’m going to Hell, my cousin’s disgusted expression. My experience was much more positive than others. I was lucky enough to have supportive parents. Not everyone has that same luck, not everyone can safely come out, not everyone can even legally be gay. I am a feminist because love is the purest feeling in the world, and everyone should be encouraged to express it. I am a feminist for my transgender friends everywhere across the spectrum, living their lives in the wrong body, challenged by people who live lavishly in their palace of privilege. Not all women have periods, not all men are flat-chested, and our definition of gender needs to be expanded beyond just those two categories. Transgender men have a suicide rate of 50.8%, transgender women have a 29.9% suicide rate, nonbinary youth have a suicide rate of 41.8%, if you make this world a hateful place, then people won’t want to live in it. This is much more serious than an argument of biology, the science backing the validity of being transgender is a better source than an ignorant opinion. I am a feminist because acceptance is essential in making this world a better place. I am a feminist for women everywhere, for their right to choose as well as mine. To define our bodies as our own, not owned by anybody but ourselves. I know if I got pregnant today I couldn’t provide that baby with the life it deserves, I couldn’t emotionally handle nine months of hormones. Abortion is a choice for women like me who are aware of their preparedness, who could use every form of protection and still get unlucky. Roe v Wade was passed to allow us the right to our own bodies, to abolish it would mean to have control over women. I am a feminist because everybody has the right to make their own choices, just as I have the right to make mine. I am a feminist for the one in six women and the one in 33 men that will be sexually assaulted, for anyone who has ever been told they were asking for it, that their refusal was selfish, that they “owed it” to somebody. A life lesson – you don’t owe anyone anything. When I reported, I was told by everyone that justice would prevail, that he wouldn’t get away with what he did to me. I wasn’t that fortunate. Despite my assault happening in a room filled with over 200 people, they didn’t ask for witnesses, they didn’t want evidence, the police found him innocent and he’s still able to live his life with the experience behind him. I’m not. I am a feminist because everyone deserves justice, because no one deserves to be taken advantage of.
Read the full story on lhstoday.org
Time is Now
To what extent does activism influence our society? by The Ledger Editorial Board
H
ow do we define “activism” in today’s society? Is it simply defending your beliefs? Or, rather, is it wanting to be the change you want to see in the world? Maybe it’s both? Maybe it’s more than that? However you perceive activism, it’s difficult to deny that it envelopes our communities; it’s the belief that persuades us to want to become better people and fight for some type of change. Acts, no matter how minuscule or immense they are, help our society advance to progression. It’s fallacious to believe that you’re simply too young to be an activist. Of course, at such young ages, you feel almost discouraged for having a voice in fear that you’ll
photo by Alyssa Bailey Students band together as a united front to express their compassion and depict how important it is to be a young activist.
be told to stop, or that you don’t understand the complexities of this world just yet. We’re often told to take a seat and watch as the generation before us continues to argue and/or distort the truth into something ugly. If we want to display progression and steer away from misogynist culture, it’s important that we become assertive. Not passive. But not demanding. We need to find a balance so that our voices are heard but not overstepping our bounds to give into stereotypes that teenagers are too arrogant to listen to the older generation. It’s easy for people to take one look at us and judge our philosophies. Activism varies from feminism to environmentalism to politics, and students the same age as us, and younger, have been constant reminders of how activism influences a societal change. Greta Thunberg, Emma Gonzalez, for example, demonstrate how having a voice can be of the greatest impact in such a broken, corrupt world. Thunberg, a 16-year-old teen from
Sweden, first made headlines after giving a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September expressing a powerful message about climate change to our world leaders. Within her speech, Thunberg explained how older generations look up to “us young people for hope” since our future depends on the decisions we create. However, the hypocrisy, she reveals, is how our childhood has been robbed with empty promises; citizens’ lives are at stake and the fact is is that people are dying, as well as our entire ecosystem. Thunberg goes on further to describe how our environment is facing a mass extinction, which, as a result, is hindering our future for economic growth because all corporations do, these days, is gorge on money. Our priorities are led astray as we are all at risk of “irreversible chain reactions” that will, soon, become beyond human control. Emma Gonzalez is one of the survivors of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida that erupted in Feb. of 2018. Her, along with the other survivors, have created a united front that advocates for gun control; they’re formally known as Never Again MSD. Gonzalez, earlier in 2018, had delivered a speech at the March for Our Lives rally in just under two minutes. She gave, in emotional detail, the effects of gun violence, as well as the names of classmates that had been killed that day. Gonzalez then proceeded to remain silent for four minutes and 26 seconds. Gonzalez’s actions and words struck impact on the families and lawmakers regarding gun control, even when she had no words left to say. No act too little or too big should go unnoticed. Every bit counts. That’s what activism is. It’s not shouting profanities at lawmakers, hoping that our curses will make them understand. It’s the idea that standing up for your faiths and beliefs will display the depths of how important activism truly is, especially now. Activism can be a speech, an article of clothing, an emotion or a feeling. You can say so much without using any words. We are all activists in our own way. Age, gender, sexuality are factors that people commonly believe will limit their ambitions but it’s the exact opposite; they reinforce our voices and it’s crucial that we start listening to that voice, now more than ever. Editorial| lhstoday.org design by: A. Bailey
15
Through the First
Dealing with grief during the holiday season by Lizzie Kayser Assistant Editor
Dad never liked baking, but in middle school my ultimate goal was to make him be a part of our Christmas sugar cookie decorating. Unbeknownst to us, he was already sick. He promised that he would help out the next year, or maybe the next. He never did. My dad passed away from Frontotemporal Dementia on Friday, Sept. 6 of 2019. FTD is a degenerative brain disorder affecting functions like behavior, speech and empathy, eventually leading to their death. When September passed and I was able to deal with all my classes again, people seemed to believe the worst of my grieving was over. Instead, I’ve been thrust into a season of firsts: my first homecoming, my first Halloween, my first musical without him there. As we enter the holidays, it’s as if every memory is constantly teeming at the back of my mind, waiting for some kind of acknowledgment. What is it about the holidays that makes grief so heightened? In my case, it was less about the holidays themselves and more the time I spent with my dad surrounding them. Since my dad worked full time, breaks were our chance to be together. He would film home videos as my mom ran last minute Christmas errands; he walked me up to the houses with scary decorations on Halloween; we sat by each other each time we watched the Thanksgiving Day parade. I never truly realized how much time I used to spend with my family during the holidays until the core part of my routine memories was gone. Where I used to have my dad without blinking an eye I now spend every day wondering how I’m going to fill that void. My issue is that I don’t know what I want. Since October I have been engaged in a constant moral battle- do I distance myself from memory this season or should I do everything in my power to keep it alive? I don’t think there’s a clear answer. There’s this instinctive expectation that people should grieve a certain way. Everyone knows the five stages of grief - denial, anger,
bargaining, depression, and acceptance- but unless they’ve truly experienced them, most people view it as a straight line, leading to a life of complete acceptance. When people saw me in brighter spirits a month later, they seemed to assume that was where I would be forever. In reality, my grief changes from minute to minute. At one point I may be comforted, glad my dad is no longer suffering and somehow feeling that my dad is with me. An hour later, though, one song can send me into a state of depression for the rest of the day. Grief is not something definable; it is different for every person, for every loss. My grief therapist told me that this process isn’t going to stop. Although I wish that everything could be better, I know that would never happen unless my dad was back, so in a way it’s comforting. I don’t have to feel guilty for the days when I feel like you can’t face it. I don’t have to feel guilty for the days when grief hits me hard. I am taking time to grieve, but since my dad didn’t have the chance, I know he would want me to take time to live too. With and without FTD my dad was a sweet person. His behavior and empathy certainly took a decline over the course of his illness, and there were a few years before we knew he was sick that we thought he was completely apathetic. But FTD didn’t stop my dad from shining through. Towards the end, when he was no more mentally capable than a 3 year old, when each day he was suffering significant brain damage, if you asked my dad what he was thinking about he would say “thinking about how much I love you.” I know that if my dad was here and his brain was well he would make those cookies with us in a heartbeat. It might be too hard to make cookies this year, but I will spend every second of every day keeping his love alive.
Grief is not something definable, it is different for every person, for every loss. Here is me (Lizzie Kayser) in multiple instances with my dad. photos submitted by Lizzie Kayser
16
Opinion | lhstoday.org design by: E. Hamby
Sanjana Anand (left) and Jaden Zelidon (right) remind their friend Anna Morrison how much she means to them. photo by Sruthi Ramesh
A Day of Gratitude Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey by Ashley Haberberger Reporter With Thanksgiving just around the corner, most Americans are scrambling to finalize plans and survive until the long-awaited days off. But does everyone feel the same way about the holiday? Jaden Zelidon, a sophomore, has few relatives that live in town, so he and his family usually spend the holiday at his aunt and uncle’s house to spend time with some of his extended family. “To me, Thanksgiving is really a time for family,” Zelidon said. “The way I see it, Thanksgiving is kind of the official kick-off to the holiday season and the season of being with loved ones. It’s sort of the first day when people really start thinking, ‘Wow, it’s time for family stuff again.’ “Although the main purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks and kind of look back on the year, I also see it as this time where everyone is able to get together without any other commitments and just spend some quality time with family and loved ones.” Sophomore Alondra Mireles celebrates Thanksgiving in a pretty traditional way, but her family has time to speak on what they are grateful for before eating dinner. “I think it’s a perfect time to spend time with family and have a great meal with the people that love you no matter what,” Mireles said. Sophomore Sanjana Anand and her family technically don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but still use the day to relax and spend time with those they care about. “It’s just like any normal day, but since we have the day off, we usually have a potluck with family friends where we cook Indian food, and since we don’t eat turkey, we cook chicken,” Anand said. “We’ve never really celebrated Thanksgiving, but we still spend the day having fun and eating food.” Although Thanksgiving is often overlooked in the rush towards Christmas, Hanukkah, and other winter holidays, it’s important that we take the time to look around and appreciate the people in our lives, the opportunities we’ve had, and opportunities yet to come.
What Are You Grateful For? “I’m grateful for a great group of friends that support me in everything I do and for my teachers that help me not fail, and for my friend’s animals, because I don’t have any of my own.”
Morgan Feinstein (9)
“I’m grateful for music because it is my passion.” Jordan Brandt (11) “I’m grateful for my family and friends for supporting me through everything in life. They see me when I’m smiling and when I’m crying. They support me when I bombed a test and I’m so glad I have them for support.”
Sarah Dickson (10) Feature| lhstoday.org design by: E. Hamby
17
What Makes an Athlete? by Mollie Banstetter Layout Editor & Lauren Spakowski Photo Editor
Walking through the hallways, there are many types of people you see. The shy people, the outgoing, the book smart, and the athletes. We think we know these people based off of what we’ve heard, but do we really know them? Do we know their true story and what they believe in as an athlete? Here, meet the stand out athletes that Liberty has to offer.
Ally Kruger Ally Kruger, sophomore runner for cross country and track, ended up in her sport just by chance. “When I was little I did the Girls On the Run thing at school and I was good at it and my parents signed me up for a team, so I just kept doing it.” Kruger has attained her talent by working hard and setting goals. “Work together to get to your goal and push yourself to what you want to achieve.”
Kelly Karre Track
Golf Wrestling
Wyatt Haynes, a junior wrestler, is motivated by other’s talent. “I think that knowing that there is someone out there that could be better than me pushes me so I strive to beat them.” Haynes has been wrestling since he was 4 years old, and has been on varsity his whole high school career.
Kelly Karre, a junior golfer, mimicked the mindset and attitude of her athletic role model Justin Thomas, a pro-golfer. “He just has a good attitude while he plays and doesn’t get upset which is hard to do.” Karre has been playing golf for a while now and has found that the mental aspect of the game is just as much as a key component to playing a good game as the distance and direction you hit the ball, “Mentally what I do to prepare is I clear my mind, I can’t think about anything, can’t force anything. But physically I practice situational shots.”
Wyatt Haynes 18
Features | lhstoday.org design by: I. Salvosa
New Heights
by Ianne Salvosa Assistant Editor
submitted by Maggie Merz Maggie Merz, Carly Torbit and Abby Kuhn practice after school in preparation for their meets later in the season.
Swim and Dive Through the Years 15-16 • First GAC Championship
16-17 submitted by Maggie Merz
17-18
• Sarah Staats became the first swimmer to quality for state
• Seven swimmers qualified for state: Marjori Russo, Caroline Myers, Hallie Anderson, Hannah Kerr, Bennett Outman, Olivia Guffey, and Anna Decker.
18-19
As the weather gets colder and the school year gets tougher, winter sports launch into full swing. Athletes around the school get ready for another season of working towards success, or in this case, diving towards success. New this season, the girls swim and dive team has a total of three divers, the most it has had in recent years. The divers consist of senior Maggie Merz, sophomore Carly Torbit, and freshman Abby Kuhn. Diving since her freshman year, Merz has high hopes for the upcoming season. Placing at the 2019 Gateway Athletic Conference, she also looks forward to further growth in her sport and experience in diving. “My dives have become a lot cleaner for sure. I’ve gotten higher scores as the years have gone on,” Merz said. “I’m still learning, but I think I’ve done pretty well for just diving during swim season.” For Torbit and Kuhn, being new to diving is a commonality, both working hard in their diving lessons. Inarguably, many may be wary of leaping off of a platform 10 meters in the air, performing flips and tricks in the process. But luckily enough, neither show any fear of plummeting into the water, and both come with a wealth of skills that suit the sport. “I think my experience with gymnastics probably helps me with cheer and diving,” Torbit said. “I’m so excited to actually try diving because I’ve always looked at divers like on TV and it just looks so fun.” In a sport, an athlete can find much more than a way to stay fit and represent the school. With Kuhn, a new place of belonging was found in her search for a winter sport. “I just wanted to do something in the winter to stay active,” Kuhn said. “We’re all just really close with each other, and just from the first day you could tell.” Many students discover another place to call home in joining a sport or activity. A group of like-minded kids with a common interest can quickly become family. It’s no different for the swim and dive team, who has a history of being close-knit. “In the years past, it’s been really strong. I really consider them part of my family to be honest,” Merz said. “This year I’m really looking forward to it because we’ve nearly doubled in size so it’s very interesting to see how everything goes this year.” As a newcomer to the team, Torbit agrees, noting the welcoming nature of all the girls. “I’ve only known these girls for a week, but I love them all they’re so nice,” Torbit said. The bond between the group and the motivation of the new members already brings the team to a promising beginning to their season. Bringing a diverse set of skills and a light to this uncommon sport, the three daring divers exude the potential to bring their team to new heights.
• Became 4-time, consecutive GAC champions submitted by Maggie Merz
Sports | lhstoday.org design by: I. Salvosa
19
District Champs
Eagles defeated Hannibal 23-8 to become the first football team in school history to win districts by Ally Schniepp Sports Editor
photo by Lauren Spakowski
There were many highlights in the varsity football season but perhaps the biggest moment took place when the team took down Hannibal 23-8 in the district championship game. Tears were shed, “We Are the Champions” was played, and hugs were given. This moment is one Eagles will remember for years to come after their high school careers have ended. “If someone told me at the beginning of the season that we would be going to the district championship, I wouldn’t have believed them,” sophomore Alex Fillner said. photo by Chris Randolph This season was an unexpectedly amazing one. The Eagles finished photo by Chris Randolph (Photos left to right) with a 9-4 record, winning five more games this season than last year. Coaches and players celebrate the team’s first district championship. There was a lot of excitement in the distict title game. The Eagles Zach Dotson (39), Anthony got on the scoreboard early when junior Tyler Cotton scored the first Tavolacci (64) and Gabe Gonzalez touchdown of the game with 3:13 left in the first quarter and Josh “The (70) bring down the Kirksville ball carrier during Liberty’s victory in Leg” Paubel put the cherry on top of the play the district semifinal game. with his extra point attempt that gave the The Eagles celebrate their district championship moments after Eagles the lead over Hannibal 7-0. defeating Hannibal 23-6. After a scoreless second quarter, Hannibal ran in a touchdown and their two point conversion attempt was successful, making the score 8-7 Pirates. Shortly The Eagles’ final touchdown of the game was a one thereafter, the Eagles scored a field goal and yard run by Seaton and a strong finishing kick from took the lead 10-8. Paubel led to the final score of 23-8, Liberty coming Going into the fourth and final quarter, out on top. the Eagles were up by two points over the After the game it was obvious the team put their Pirates and were determined to keep the lead. heart and sole, and blood and tears into every play of After about a minute and a half, quarterback this championship that was a flood of emotions for all. Blake Seaton threw in his second touchdown Students, friends, and family rushed the field as the pass of the game to Cotton. buzzer sounded ready to celebrate with their team as a The crowd went wild and it was at this whole Eagles Kingdom. point the Eagles knew they deserved the win “I’m too tired to cry,” sophomore Tye Yeh said after and would stop at nothing to get the title of the game with a smile on his face and sweat running TJ Irlmeier T.J. Irlmeier photo by Lauren Spakowski district champions. down his forehead. photo by Lauren Spakowski
Girls Swim
Coach Althage What are your goals for this season? “Improve form and times, build strong team relationships, win GACS, make it to State!” What is your mindset going forward? “Focus each day, with the end goals in mind.” What are you expecting out of this season? “Strong team bonds and times to get us the Conference Championship!” Is there anyone you look to lead the team/program? If so, who and why? “Dessa Outman and Livi Guffey do a phenomenal job of getting the team pumped up and setting goals/ working hard.”
Maggie Merz, Carly Torbit and Abby Kuhn
20
Sports | lhstoday.org design by: A. Schniepp
Wrestling
Gabriel Ostrander
Coach Kling What are your goals for this season? “Just to compete in every match and get better every day and every week. We graduated five seniors last year. We have a lot of youth, which is a good thing.” What is your mindset going forward? “Hard work ethic and a can’t lose attitude.” What are you expecting out of this season? “Just to compete and win as many matches as we can. Try to get better every day.” Is there anyone you look to lead the team/program? If so, who and why? “Just the guys who have been around a little bit longer. We’re looking to a lot of our juniors for leadership.”
Girls Basketball
Toni Patterson Coach Walterbach What are your goals for this season? “To improve from last year and improve every game.” What is your mindset going forward? “Keep it simple and improve. I want us to focus on us not necessarily what the other team is doing.” What are you expecting out of this season? “I’m hoping to show our experience. We have a lot of returning players back.” Is there anyone you look to lead the team/program? “Seniors. They have been in the program for four years. It is their time to shine and lead!”
Boys Basketball
Coach Sodemann What are your goals for this season? “Our goals for this season is to improve every day. We want to be playing the best we can at the end of the season.” What is your mindset going forward? “Our mindset moving forward is to get better each day. We want our players to live and work with the mindset they must earn everything they get.” What are you expecting out of this season? “My expectations this year is for our players to come practice with a selfless attitude and work each day to get better.” Is there anyone you look to lead the team/ program? “Jaden Betton (10) is the only player we return who played in a varsity game last year. We will look to him to provide leadership on and off the floor.”
Alex Fillner
W I N T E R
S P O R T S
photos by LHS Swim and Dive, Jaxon Drezek, Derrick Docket and Chris Randolph