The Ledger is a publication that releases four issues (one issue per quarter) throughout the year, distributing 900 free copies to the student body, faculty, and administration.
The Ledger is a part of the district’s curriculum and is designed to provide a journalistic experience for written expression on a variety of topics. It is a student-led publication class that reports on events related to the school community. Students write, take photos, and design the publication while the adviser supervises the student journalists.
The opinions expressed in the magazine may not be those
of Liberty High School, nor the Wentzville R-IV School District faculty, staff or administration. The staff editorial, when included, expresses the opinion of the Ledger staff.
Credentials
The Ledger is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association.
On the front cover: Kayla Kroehnke (12) stares at a broken mirror, representing how beauty standards shatter self-image. Photos by E. Quinney and B. Vassel
On the back cover: Discover what your Tarot Card is based on your zodiac sign. Designed by Ella Quinney
Is Reality?
Becoming Reality? Dystopia
Dystopian literature often serves as a warning to society, but did we fail to listen?
Dystopia—an imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or postapocalyptic. In our modern world, dystopian literature is extremely popular, but these stories are so much more than twisted tales of a world so far removed from our own. The very essence of the dystopian genre is that it reflects an ugly, often ignored aspect of our current society and plays it up to an extreme degree where it is unable to be ignored. With that in mind, are we really becoming a dystopian society? The answer, unfortunately, is that we already are one.
Book bannings have become increasingly common in the past several years. One of the many books people seem to have a problem with is “Fahrenheit 451,” which is ironic considering the book is about the dangers of censoring literature. In this novel by Ray Bradbury, reading is outlawed by the government and firemen are tasked with the burning of any and all books.
The common excuse for wanting to ban books—and it is an excuse because the motivation is never truly about others’ wellbeing—is to preserve the innocence of children that may read these books. This action purposefully affects the perception and circulation of the book, far beyond the kids that they claim they want to protect. It is irresponsible and vile for people in positions of power to do anything that limits the common man’s education and access to new ideas. In their minds, it’s easier to keep people complacent if they’re too ignorant to notice the
corruption of the powers that be.
“If you don’t want a house built, hide the nails and wood. If you don’t want a man unhappy politically, don’t give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none,” Bradbury wrote. It’s very clear what kind of ideas book bannings are trying to eliminate. There’s an undeniable pattern of discrimination and racism involved in book bannings, which is detrimental to our growth as people and our progress as a society.
A much more popular piece of dystopian literature is “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, the story of a world extremely divided by poverty. The novel is a commentary on the power of money and propaganda. The people of the Capitol are almost disgustingly wealthy compared to those of the Districts.
“Days of hunting and gathering for this one meal and even then it would be a poor substitution for the Capitol version,” Collins wrote, explaining the inescapable wealth gap between the districts and the Capitol. Like in Collins’s world, there’s a significant wealth gap between the richest and poorest citizens in the United States, and it would be naive to say otherwise.
While “The Hunger Games” is about as extreme as a dystopia can get, that doesn’t mean that we’re unable to draw parallels to our real world.
All of us, from the middle class and up, ignore the problems of the world for a life of comfort. This includes
our online lives, which often overtake reality. There’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying what one has been blessed with, but when one avoids the harsh truths of the world in favor of mindlessly scrolling on TikTok and buying a new SHEIN haul every two weeks, it turns from appreciation to abuse. We have a moral responsibility to empathize with and care for our poorest citizens, and to ignore their strife is to be a Capitol citizen decked out in diamonds while letting children kill each other for entertainment.
America is supposed to be the land of the free, and instead we are the land of political unrest and government distrust. It just so happens that those two qualities are the very foundations of a dystopian society. The question isn’t are we living in a dystopia, it’s one much more grave: how far is too far gone?
Photos by M. Lynch
POINT-COUNTER POINT
Game: More Than a
Personally, I don’t watch many movies or shows. With ‘Squid Game,’ I think I watched it just because it was popular. Jack Galloway (12)
“ “
The power of popularity.
By Sage Kennedy, Reporter
Some shows are less about the story and more about the moment. Streaming services push out shows like “Squid Game,” for example, and it wasn’t just watched—it was everywhere. There were endless conversations, social media, ads, games, art, and thousands of edits.
Its popularity turned into a wave that pulled everyone in, not because they were searching for the deeper themes, but because being a part of the trend was almost unavoidable.
People will continue to watch what is popular because it gives them something to discuss and partake in, from Halloween costumes to students playing “Red Light, Green Light.” Most aren’t sitting down to dissect social commentary; they want the thrills, plot twists, and shocking moments that keep them hooked.
Binging becomes easy when every episode ends on a cliffhanger or delivers an unexpected twist, making the next episode almost irresistible. Many young adults also watch to fit in, influenced by trending fashion, accessories, and the media.
Because of the sensationalism that has overcome the media, it’s common for people to simply enjoy the show or movie they’re watching, rather than go into a deep dive about the themes or lessons one could learn from the story. These ideals are meant to entertain us—they thrive on the popularity and mass consumption of the general public. Even when discussing the deeper messages of things, discussions and observations gain traction through the trends that pop up.
Just being a part of the bigger conversations brings the kind of adrenaline people look for. While some do enjoy the deeper messages in these shows, the countless conversations often center around favorite characters, iconic moments, and viral trends.
Other common topics come up about whether obtaining an unfathomable amount of money is worth it if the winner is traumatized, or if fighting for life is the real reason people continue forward. “Squid Game” brought about many opinions, with viewers debating the theories about Seong Gi-hun’s final line where it leaves the audience curious what humans are and the importance of this statement. The topic still gets ignored because there will still be those that may simply enjoy watching shows just because of the thrill and entertainment while those that think there is meaning to the quote look for the ideas that challenge humanity more than what’s being put on screen. These are assumptions left and right, but they are equally important to think about.
Social media has captured many people in the loop of curiosity. This curiosity thrives on the desire to not only to be a part of the conversation and relate to the many, but also the consistent pattern of rapid popularity, consumption, and reposts. This raises a new question: How much longer would it really take for people to realize there are meanings in these stories and a message to be heard? Or, is the adrenaline and happiness of finding an exciting plot to follow enough for people to find contentment?
Photo illustration by M. Lynch
Why We Watch
Violence with a voice.
By Koda Clay, Reporter
When choosing a show to watch, many people’s first inclination is to watch what their friends have been recommending or because their favorite celebrity makes an appearance. However, some people decide to take a different approach altogether, and choose a show to watch based on the message.
The meaning of a piece of media is why it was created in the first place. Most popular shows have a meaning that many miss in favor of focusing on the pop-culture buzz. A recent example of this is the cultural phenomenon, “Squid Game.” Ari Gomez (10) believes that the message of “Squid Game” was about greed.
“The competition was for a lot of money and people were risking their lives and other people’s lives for it,” Gomez said.
The creator of “Squid Game,” Hwang Dong-hyuk, intended the show to portray several messages: class struggle, capitalism, exploitation of the poor, dehumanization, and a call to change. The whole concept of “Squid Game” is based around these issues.
The show is set up with people who are thousands of dollars in debt being gathered to compete for around $33 million. One of the biggest scenes that shows the dehumanization of the players is the round where they have to play jump rope. When some players take too long to proceed, other players push them out of the way.
Before the main character of “Squid Game” dies,
his final words are hard-hitting: “We are not horses. We are humans.” This single phrase states that every single human is unique, rejecting the system that dehumanized the players in the show.
The “Hunger Games” movies and books, like “Squid Game,” also have a deeper meaning—that is often overlooked. The show is meant to be a warning against oppression, injustice, the dangers of unrestricted power, and the fight for freedom. In “Hunger Games,” children from each of 12 districts are forced to fight in a deadly tournament.
The most intense scene in “Hunger Games” that shows this is the Cornucopia scene. The Cornucopia scene, like many scenes in “Squid Game,” demonstrates the intense desperation the tributes, like the adults in “Squid Game,” feel to survive. The weakest tributes are unknowingly pitted against the strongest, resulting in the deaths of many. It also shows how the immense wealth of the Capitol has led to corrupt power.
Many scenes in “Squid Game” and “Hunger Games” demonstrate similar themes. Shows and movies like these, open our eyes to new and different ideas. It’s imperative to watch shows or movies for the meanings because it allows viewers to challenge their perspectives, allow for personal growth, and–most importantly–inspire change by spreading light on important problems in society motivating people to take action.
In the “Squid Games” season one finale, the final contestants have to play the squid game. In the squid game, competitors are forced to fight each other with knives, tell only one is left. This scene portrays how a far a person can, and will go, to win. Illustrated by S. Kennedy
OPINION
Vital
Vital Part of C o n s e r v a t i o n A
By Keena Boschert, Reporter
Many people ask themselves questions when they visit their local zoo. Are the behaviors of animals in captivity different from that of animals in the wild? Is life in captivity boring to these species on display? Are zoos good for animals?
Do zoos actually harm the animals they keep?
The lion paces, longing for some form of entertainment. Could a lone gazelle cross its path? Could a zebra wander into its den? Unfortunately, this lion is confined to its enclosure. All it sees are the gloating faces of the humans who have traveled to stare at its torment. It crumbles to the ground, succumbing to its one form of entertainment: sleep. But is that true? Is this really the life of a lion in a zoo?
Despite how the media may portray them, zoos have come a long way from their disappointing history. Animals in the captivity of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos each receive their own unique care and enrichment. Additionally, zoos–including the local Saint Louis Zoo–partake in some of the world’s most vital conservation efforts.
“We have conservation centers around the world. We work with penguins in Peru, polar bears in Alaska, and amphibians in Ecuador,” a Saint Louis Zoo worker, who chose to remain anonymous, said.
Similarly, most AZA accredited zoos work with animals doesn’t end at their front gates, as they will participate in some form of conservation outside of their main location. Whether it be field work, rehabilitation, or research, there are teams of scientists
employed by zoos to further the protection of endangered and threatened species.
So, with these efforts in mind, why is it still so common for people to view zoos as prisons for wild animals? Many people see the morality surrounding the captivity of animals as cloudy.
“It depends on the zoo, and if they are keeping animals for care or for profit,” Cameryn Emberton (10) said. In the end, the zoo’s mission is the most important factor on whether or not it is truly immoral for an animal to be kept outside of the wild.
“There are plenty of [zoos] that focus on conservation, and give animals that need it the proper space,” Mark Berry (12) said.
Another common complaint about zoos is in the care the animals are receiving. Many believe the animals at the zoo should be given better enclosures or enrichment.
“I think that the facilities of the zoo could be improved,” Deveshisai Chitturi (11) said. Even zoo keepers share this feeling.
Craig Saffoe, the curator for large carnivores at the Smithsonian National Zoo, explained that, typically, “staff want to do better,” but may not have the means to do so. The workers at accredited zoos give everything they can to the animals in their care, but there is always a way an exhibit
could be improved. Despite this, having room for improvement should not be mistaken for a lack of proper space or enrichment.
Each animal housed at an accredited zoo is required to have care that will fit its unique needs. What people may identify as the behavior of an animal that is bored with their environment, like resting, is not proof of poor care.
“Just because an animal is resting does not mean that they are not engaged with their environment,” the anonymous zoo worker said. “We like when they can rest.”
Saffoe explains people tend to “romanticize life in the wild.” They forget that many behaviors animals exhibit in the wild are their efforts to stay alive. In an environment where a species no longer faces the threat of starvation, they do not need to stay alert like they would in their natural environment.
“I wish people knew that it takes more than what you are seeing. There are many people working behind the scenes,” the anonymous St. Louis Zoo worker said. No matter an individual’s belief about the morality of maintaining animals outside of the wild, it is a fact that zoos are integral to the overall conservation of endangered species.
Photos by K. Boschert
How media portrayal is perpetuating polarization in an already divided world. Beyond
“If it bleeds, it leads” is a common saying among news outlets. It means that any topic involving violence, pain, or confusion is going to capture the attention of readers. And, more likely, going to cause conflict and tension amongst the readers.
“Violence always draws attention, because it is the most immediate and obvious way to do so,” Lorelei Wise (12) said.
A prime example of this is the “Unite the Kingdom” rally that took place in the UK on Sept. 13 in honor of Charlie Kirk. More than 100,000 people gathered together, marching to honor Kirk and protest against immigration.
There was no ill intent with this rally initially. In fact, the organizer of the event, Tommy Robinson, had posted on “X,” asking attendees to avoid violence. His wish did not come true. Several protesters ended up turning to violence, attacking police officers who were attempting to separate them from a counterprotest.
On the other hand, a counterprotest received substantially less coverage than the “Unite the Kingdom” rally. The reasoning that the opposing side received substantially less coverage, most likely, has to do with the lower attendance and non-violent nature of it.
Professional media outlets tend to have a pick-and-choose mindset, meaning that they will write and publish stories that they believe will draw attention to their website, even if the stories don’t convey both sides of the
the Headlines
By Ella Quinney, Editor-in-Chief
situation.
American news outlets tend to lean towards pick-and-choose coverage, picking to cover the more violent events, and painting them, in some instances, to be larger than they are.
In June of 2025, Los Angeles experienced the LA protests. The LA protests had no organization, or intention, and started unexpectedly after a Home Depot had been raided for undocumented immigrants. Following this raid, protests sparked against ICE and the National Guard across the city. This uproar caused protesters and police to clash.
Shortly after the unrest in LA, protests were sparked across the nation, most of which were peaceful; even St. Louis held one. The peaceful protests received little coverage, being overshadowed by larger, more violent ones, because, once again, “If it bleeds, it leads.”
But, “bleeding” isn’t the answer. Violence isn’t the answer. The answer is
“ “ The state of living is kind of insufferable with the way we’re living right now. Navya Manchala (10)
simple: community.
Where violence tears us apart and creates pain and confusion, community builds hope. It builds empathy.
“Empathy doesn’t mean you’re against someone. It means you’re with people,” Navya Manchala (10) said.
Community is a hard thing to find in our society. With ever innovating technology and the polarized world we live in, it’s nearly impossible to understand others. To understand each other.
Social media and news outlets will never stop trying to convince us that others are different. And that those differences mean we can’t get along.
But, they’re wrong.
We were made to connect with each other, not to hurt each other, lie, fight, and hate.
“Even though it might be rare to see people who have opinions you have, and it might seem like the entire world’s against you. It really helps to come together on an issue and talk about it,” Manchala said.
Take Nepal as an example. After coming together to fight against corruption in their nation, Nepali youth overthrew their government. This new found camaraderie didn’t stop at changing their government, but it continued on, with citizens helping to clean up the literal mess they made.
“I feel like community is extremely crucial to help fight the polarization that we find in our country and the violence in our media,” Wise said.
Photo by E. Quinney
Development P A S T
Sommers Road
With many stores opening around the nearby intersection, the school body is affected in various ways.
By Loukya Vaka, Copy Editor and Jay Dieye, Reporter
As new stores pop up at the intersection of Highway N, Sommers Road, and Ronald Reagan Drive, it’s clear that the surrounding environment is continuously changing. These changes affect staff and students in various ways, from added excitement to new questions.
One known fact about the stores at the nearby intersection is that they are popular, especially among students.
“Many students usually stop by, especially on game days, during concerts, or during any big event happening around the town. And, it’s not just LHS students–students from other schools come, too,” Connor Velleca (12), a student employed by the Chick-fil-A near the intersection, said. With new development around every corner, the daily lives of community members are impacted, changing day-to-day life.
With new development comes more customers, many of whom are a part of the school body. For many students, new
businesses allow for more purchases before and after school.
“Stores being so close to school is more convenient. After school, for example, it’ll be easier for people to hang out,” Lydia Davis (11) said. As business has continued to boom around this intersection, there have also been changes to further accommodate longer lines at certain times of the day. “Before there was the stoplight, it would get really busy with just the stop sign, and people would get backed up down the road. Now that we have the stoplight, it’s definitely a lot smoother,” Davis said.
Others would argue that the new development creates more complications. Though the stores are popular among members of the school body, a result of frequent business is worse traffic in the area. Unresolved issues at the intersection have resulted in concerns from many drivers.
“I now have to take a different route to get here otherwise I won’t make it on time. I avoid that intersection like the plague,” Ryan
Barnes (staff) said. Even with some changes being made to the roads to improve driving conditions, the flow of traffic is still being affected.
Overall, the safety and efficiency of driving is a problem that has become more serious as a result of the development of the area around the intersection.
“There aren’t enough ways for kids to get out of the school, and the parent pick-up line backs all the way up to Highway N, too. Until we get this figured out, it’s going to continue to cause issues,” Barnes said.
Photos by J. Dieye
With popularity comes added concerns about travel. “I live pretty close to school, and I go to a lot of the stores in that area,” Jennifer Strathman (staff) said. “I’ve seen it get really backed up traveling toward the school from the Ronald Reagan Drive side.”
Development has been a steadfast companion of the surrounding area, leading to many changes. “You’re never going to stop progress,” Barnes said.
Many people are not only enjoying the products offered
so
since
to have
Around this area, business is booming, with many frequent customers arriving after school hours. “Right after school, it gets really busy with the middle schoolers and underclassmen who walk over,” Velleca said.
by the stores, but they also appreciate the efficiency. “I’m excited
things closer. I know there’s a Chipotle over there,
I’m excited for that
the other location is a little farther from my house,” Davis said.
From QuikTrip to Seven Brew, popular stores at a close location provide great options. “Last year, I probably got Seven Brew in the morning more times than I didn’t,” Davis said.
IN-DEPTH
Shattered
Every young woman faces a moment in their life where they feel like they are not enough. They look in a mirror and only see what they dislike and what others dislike. They see the flaws and imperfections. They see the things that make them human.
The world we live in is riddled with the concept of the “ideal woman.” A woman who is skinny, but not a twig. Loyal, but not overprotective. Confident, but not overpowering. Kind, but not a pushover. She’s perfect. Perfect looks. Perfect behavior. Perfect thoughts.
But this “ideal woman” doesn’t exist. She’s a piece of fiction written by the world we live in.
“Even lines in movies have shaped and shown how women are supposed to view their bodies,” Sophie Pena (11) said.
With characters like Penelope from Bridgerton being considered unattractive or the classic 2000’s romcom scenario, where the writers want you to believe Anne Hathaway is ugly with glasses, it’s hard for young girls to ever truly feel accepted for being who they are.
“If a guy sees a girl, and there’s a certain physical feature, hair color, eye color, or way
she dresses, he doesn’t want to be around her,” Kylie Smith (9) said.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a perfect example of this. Belly went unnoticed by boys her whole life until she had a glow up. After removing her glasses and changing her style, she is suddenly the center of every guy’s attention. While attention from guys may not have been her reason for changing herself, it is teaching girls that they have to change themselves in order to be seen by men.
This is a toxic lesson that the media loves to push on to girls.
“Influencers post stuff, and the people see them and think, ‘she’s so pretty; I want to be like her.’ Then, they start changing their style to become more like that influencer,” Maelyn Sacheck (9) said.
Influencers bombard girls with “glow ups” and “get ready with me” videos flooding their feeds.
“You see other girls, and you think, ‘I’m not as pretty as them. I’m going to make sure I try and be as pretty as them,’” Kayla Kroehnke (12) said.
“Everything that girls see, the influencers or whatever else they tend to follow, creates an expectation to look like and look up to those
The
Effect of Female Beauty Standards Mirror: Deception: the A Ultimate Standards
By Ella Quinney, Editor-in-Chief
women,” Pena said.
This “expectation” doesn’t only create a preconceived perception of how women are “supposed” to look, but it impacts girls’ mental health.
“When we don’t see our moles, bunions, tooth gaps, or back rolls on any magazine, we wonder, ‘Is this okay? Is it okay that I look different from everyone else?’ Then, we start to feel things like shame. The shame gets turned onto ourselves, then onto other people, and the cycle continues,” Leah Dudley (12) said.
But how can this cycle be broken?
“Do whatever you like to feel beautiful,” Kroehnke said.
Beauty isn’t concrete. It’s not one body type, hair color, or style. It’s flexible. It’s personal. It’s unique to you.
“No matter what you look like, no matter if you fit in, you are beautiful,” Pena said.
“You’ll be able to accept yourself a lot better if you do whatever makes you feel beautiful,” Kroehnke said.
“There is no ugly. There is no beautiful. There’s just us. And that’s all that it is,” Smith said.
Beauty standards are a constant presence, affecting the way people look at themselves and others.
Designed by Loukya Vaka
Beauty is a journey that is individualized. “You’ll be able to accept yourself a lot better if you do whatever makes you feel beautiful,” Kroehnke said.
Beauty Standards Effect of Invisible An Weight: the Male
By Loukya Vaka, Copy Editor
It’s what stares you in the face, and it’s what slips past your eyes. They’re loud, quiet, obvious, and invisible all at once. Welcome to the reality of men’s beauty standards–the ultimate paradox.
Even when one isn’t actively looking for the “ideal man,” the popular belief of what is considered good-looking is inescapable.
From Chris Hemsworth in “Thor” to Michael B. Jordan in “Creed,” the standards set for men’s beauty are everywhere, whether we like it or not.
“They come from movies and go to social media in a pipeline,” Kallen Stromlund (9) said.
With these standards, perfection is not a concept; it’s an expectation that thrives on the notion of the perfect body, the perfect hair, and the perfect man.
More accurately, the perfect illusion.
Advertisements and popular culture only feed the relentless fire of beauty standards, as society is reminded of what “should” be considered beautiful everywhere they go.
“Advertisements and marketing push beauty standards a lot, and it applies to how beauty standards are taught and learned,” Emory Pais (12) said. “Even a pop-up ad or an ad on YouTube TV can be where they come from.”
Whether it’s seeing perfected Calvin Klein advertisements or hair supplements that men apparently need to be able to retain confidence,
by E. Quinney
beauty standards underscore a large part of consumed content.
Past this, when entertainment sticks to the mold of conditional beauty, it’s even more difficult to avoid compartmentalizing male features that society has considered optimal.
“People usually fantasize about looking like certain male actors,” Pais said. The influence of male portrayals of what it means to be the main character, combined with social media accounts, further influence people into believing dictated standards at all times.
“For many actresses and actors, they’re either losing so much weight or putting on all of this muscle, and they’re not doing it healthily. But, people are seeing these influencers as role models,” Colt Archer (11) said.
With beauty standards being ingrained into society and perceptions, they are invisible forces that lurk behind men’s outward presentation. As a result, the physical and mental health of many have been harmed. With men being instructed to change their bodies in mere months, for instance, they are put under strain while
Working out is not simply about following a trend or matching an aesthetic. “Working out and being fit is extremely connected to mental health,” Pais said.
moving on an unsustainable, stressful path.
“It can feel like you have to live up to a certain standard,” Raven Steinbruegge (12) said.
More often than not, the price to pay for “perfection” is not only costly, but it is also not displayed because male beauty standards are more internalized than we may realize.
“Guys are most often taught that they need to do better and build themselves up,” Tabers said. “While that’s not necessarily bad, if it’s taken too far, it can be detrimental.”
With the detrimental effects of beauty standards affecting people across the globe, how does anyone win when surrounded by such diverse opinions? The answer lies in understanding that beauty is subjective.
“Beauty is not a look; it’s a lifestyle. It’s how you act, and it’s who you are,” Archer said. “You don’t have to fit a standard or be all strong. Every single body is beautiful.”
It’s unlikely that beauty standards will fade from society. Nonetheless, rather than perpetuating the opinions that thrive on shame or insecurity, there are steps that can be taken to teach men an important mindset: acceptance. Acceptance of others, and–most importantly–acceptance of themselves.
Photos
Check out our podcast, Deep Dive Discussions where we talk more about our personal experiences with beauty standards.
Student Dives
into the
NAIL WORLD Dives
From a simple passion to a powerful business, Cat Paige’s passion is paying the bills.
These nails were custom designed by Paige. “I like doing all the cheetah, zebra, and camo prints,” Paige said.
By Patricia Stewart, Reporter
Cat Paige has created a known and successful nail business in just two years.
“I had a skill that I realized I could make money with,” Paige said.
She started her business in April of her sophomore year. She keeps it as a side hustle, because she has “more potential than nails,” Paige said. However, she is unsure of her career path yet. In essence, she has built herself a prosperous business that is popular among teen girls.
Paige is admired specifically for her “low-ball” prices. “It’s not necessary to charge that much, and I can still make a profit,” Paige said. A lot of girls love to get their nails done by her for this reason. Her personal salon is known as an affordable and accessible place to get nails done.
“Cat’s nail quality is above anything else, and it’s also cheaper than anywhere else I have been to,” Willow Love (12) said. Paige tries to use as little product as possible when doing nails to avoid waste. It’s important to her that she preserves her product and makes the most out of her money. She makes an order to restock her materials once every month, and puts profit margins down on a document to keep track of her money and budgeting.
“The money coming in is definitely profitable, generous money,” Paige said.
Having said that, she has changed her prices over a year and a half of doing nails by increasing it by $5 from the start of her business. She charges $50 for a full acrylic
set and $40 for a BHL set. Her acrylic set is the most popular among her clients. Many high-school girls have recommended her nails as the best of the best.
“She’s really easy to talk to and really brings your vision alive in terms of design. She is good with detail,” Tabby Musangali (12) said.
Paige always makes sure her clients are well taken care of and get the best nail experience possible. Not only does she make her clients feel comfortable, but she also provides an area for clients to wash their hands and a free oil for nail aftercare. Her professional image and top-tier service lures clients into her salon.
“Cats’ nails are better than a normal nail salon because she takes more time and effort than any other nail salon would have done,” Josephine Smith-Moreland (12) said.
Many girls have tried to compete with Paige’s business but have found it a challenging process.
“Other girls lack in areas, such as marketing, so no competition is directly affecting my business,” Paige said. She has sustained a consistent, completely booked schedule. She markets her business mainly through social media, such as Instagram and Tiktok @kittycouturenails.stl.
She loves doing nails and encourages others to start their own business because it can teach people a lot about money, being independent, and having a career.
For these nails, Paige used an inspiration photo provided by her client, aiming to create a pink-summer time vibe.
Paige takes pride in creating new designs and strategies to take her business to new heights.
Paige really enjoyed sculpting the flowers for this set. The flowers are made from a putty clay material, which she then sculpts and paints on each detail.
FEATURE
Clash Royale: the NEW Roman Empire Welcome to the tower defense game of the decade.
By Brielle Vassel, Reporter
Every few years, there’s a new “Roman Empire,” which, according to social media, is something everyone cannot stop talking about. Right now, Clash Royale is having its moment in the limelight.
Clash Royale is a tower defense game that has blown up, becoming the Roman Empire of the video game community. People enjoy the standard gamemode of 1v1, as well as joining clans, participating in clan wars, or even playing 2v2.
“There’s a lot of game modes, so there are endless opportunities,” Jonah Chisholm (9) said.
The players build decks of eight cards that they feel will be the best and most powerful in matches. During a match, the player uses cards from their deck to go up against their opponent’s cards.
“It’s got more strategy to it, with the difference in cards, decks, and how people can counter your decks with certain cards,” Gabriel Short (10) said.
The overall goal of the game is to eliminate the opponent’s two princess towers and one king tower. The two main strategies
for achieving this are destroying one princess tower and then playing defense until the time runs out, or destroying all of your opponents towers. Destroying the king tower grants you an automatic win. When players win the match, they collect rewards, such as trophies, gold, and crowns.
Trophies are not just something you win; they are a status symbol. The more trophies, the higher your ranking.
“Every game matters because you’ve got to get your trophies. If you lose a game, you lose your trophies,” Colin Ashby (11) said.
How was it that this tower defense game gained such popularity? After all, with there being countless games to choose from. There must be something about Clash Royale that makes it different.
One of the main differences stems from the opponents people play against in a match. In other tower defense games, players are pinned against computer-controlled characters. However, Clash Royale does not follow the status quo.
“It’s just different because some tower defense games are just placed down. You’re
not playing against people; you’re just playing against random bots with a health bar.” Short said.
In Clash Royale, people enjoy playing against others. People are unpredictable and imaginative, which creates engaging matches. Thus, this game challenges the brain to think more strategically, which in turn makes the game more interesting and enjoyable for everyone involved.
“You’re playing directly against a person who is actively trying to win,” Cale McClelland (9) said.
Clash Royale’s entertaining gameplay has created a positive community that is not simply limited to the internet, but one that is also present in person as well. Clash Royale brings people together, giving friends something to talk about and bond over.
“If you mention the game in class, someone will join in and talk about it with you,” Ashby said.
Whether it be the opponents you face, or the community that was made, it’s safe to say that through its gameplay, Clash Royale has taken over the gaming world.
Colin Ashby (11) focuses on winning his match. Clash Royale is a strategic game, where each game is different and unpredictable. “You can’t just go willy-nilly to a game. You gotta actually lock in and be focused on that one game,” Ashby said.
FEATURE
Jonah Chisholm (9) plays Clash Royale. Unlike some other video games in which you have to play on a computer or another device, you can play Clash Royale on your phone.“It’s easy to play it. It’s on my phone and not on the console, so I can play it anytime, anywhere,” Chisholm said.
Gabriel Short (10) sits at a lunch table playing a match. Clash Royale brings people together, giving friends something fun to do together instead of sitting on their phones in solitude.
“We have clan wars all the time, and our friends talk about it at the lunch table. It definitely does create a sense of community,” Short said.
Kyle Halstead (12) buys something in Clash Royale. A huge part of the Clash community seems to stem from the idea that it is a “pay to win” game. “It is pay to win; no other tower defense game is like that.”If you have a wallet, then you can go and get a bunch of Evo shards, and you can get new max spells.” Halstead said. Evo shards help to upgrade and change the cards. Each card has a different type of shard specific to the card. It takes six to upgrade.
Aaron Carlton (9) is in the middle of a match of Clash Royale. Unlike other tower defense games, Clash Royale players compete against other players. “People can play against each other, and there are clan battles, where you play against other people,” Carlton said.
Photos by B. Vassel
WHAT Makes Students SHOW UP
How football games gather the community unlike any other event.
By Emery Miysaki, Reporter
School is out for the weekend, yet the school’s parking lot is overflowing with cars. When the last bell rings on a typical day, kids are rushing to make it out the door, so this voluntary return to school grounds on a Friday night can mean only one thing: football season.
While the stands at other school sports can have room to spare, you’ll be hard pressed to find space in the stadium during a football game. There must be more going on here than just a group of guys throwing around a ball. So, what has teenagers and the community at large coming together in such a way?
In truth, many students who attend the football games leave at the end of the night not knowing the final score or even who we played. However, that doesn’t really matter because people come for a good time.
“I’m here because all my friends are here. I don’t even watch football,” Teertha Golconda (9) said.
Not only are football games a good way to meet up with friends, but they provide a chance to support loved ones. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins all show up, cheering on relatives who participate in this production. Many families come to support not only football players, but also cheerleaders, dancers, color guard, and marching band. Essentially, the game isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about connection.
“I’m here tonight to watch my boyfriend and celebrate senior night, obviously, but I also love to support the school and show school spirit. I love football,” Izabella Signaigo (12) said.
The gathering of the school body outside of school hours may be caused by a weekly football game, but it is fueled by pride and a sense of togetherness, as we all cheer for the same thing.
“It’s fun to have school spirit and get to watch your team kick butt,” Penny Weston (10) said.
If the tutus, glitter, and body paint found at football games were seen in any other place, they would get stares and looks of concern. But, on these Friday nights, it’s expected and even encouraged.
“I showed up to show spirit and be here for my team. I have my Captain America partner right here with me. We’re partners in crime, superheroes, all the way. We’re rocking the theme and showing spirit,” Colin Ashby (11) said.
“I’m Captain America, and I’m repping out for Liberty. We’re bringing the spirit and bringing the energy,” Jacob Jones (11) added.
Evidently, Friday Night Lights is not just about the sport. Whether students show up for the game, their friends, or just to have an excuse to dress up, everyone is in the stands. The community shows up and rallies together behind their team in unity, and no matter if we win or lose, you know everyone will show up next week to do it all over again.
Students cheer our team to victory against Warrenton, 35-0 on Sept. 12. Photo by E. Miyasaki
Miyasaki
Another essential part of football culture is the halftime show. In the NFL, the halftime show usually refers to the country-wide phenomenon that is the Super Bowl. On the high school level, it’s just as important. Cheer, dance, band, and color guard all put on performances during the break between halves. The production involves students from all different areas of interest. Whether a kid enjoys music, dance, sports, or just performing in front of a crowd, there is some way for every one to participate.
The students who participate in the halftime show put in a lot of effort to make it look good for the crowd. Dance and cheer teams practice many times, nitpicking the performance until everyone is perfect.
“It’s called cleaning the dance. We go by each eight count and make sure that everyone is doing the same thing at the same time,” Myleigh Turnipseed (12), a dance team member said. Once the show is finetuned, students must show the student body their work, and all the effort the students put in is shown to hundreds of other students.
“Theres a lot of adrenaline that goes on, especially when you go out onto the field. It just makes it a lot more fun and exciting, and I think the crowd really enjoys it,” Turnipseed said.
The dance and cheer teams, color guard, and marching band put so much work into the halftime show. So, next time the halftime show rolls around, instead of using it as a bathroom break, stay and watch our peers do some thing they love and work hard on.
Season Highlights
- First time in school history: varsity football started season 3-0
- Defeated Timberland 44-14
- Shutout Warrenton 35-0
- Jaylen Mack (12) leads the team with 12 touchdowns and 506 rushing yards
- Quarterback Sullivan Thornton (12) has 11 passing touchdowns with 2 interceptions
- Wide receiver Camden Cooper (12) leads the team with 288 yards
- Logan Shuster (12) has the most tackles on the team
Haylee Carlson (12) executes a toe touch jump during the halftime performance.
Photo by E. Miyasaki
Christian Martin (12) embraces teammate CJ McClain (11) after Martin scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
CJ McClain (11) pours water on Coach Parks to celebrate the teams first win of the season on Aug. 28 against Howell Central.
Photo by K. Stroud
Everyone’s seen “Man of Steel,” the “Dark Knight” trilogy, and the rise of the Avengers that led to the epic cinematic showdown of “Endgame.” But, what could possibly follow that? The fourth Avengers movie was the culmination of years of build-up and anticipation. Everyone, including the studios producing these movies, just seemed to want the next “Endgame.”
During the pandemic, however, the world was changed, and a new “Endgame” wouldn’t have had the same impact. Only recently have studios realized that they have to start from the ground up. They have to make something
the general public can relate to now, not what was relevant ten years ago.
Enter “Thunderbolts*.”
“Thunderbolts*” marked the first stark difference between the old and the new. The threat wasn’t aliens or monsters–it came from within, revealing the doubt and loneliness that plenty of people feel today.
Every major character in “Thunderbolts*” greatly struggled with their mental health and individual traumas, contrasting the times when past heroes were confident, proud, and nearperfect.
As many young adults today also struggle
with similar problems, “Thunderbolts*” creates a home for them. Few people today can relate to Captain America’s unwavering morale, but many can understand Yelena’s yearning for familial connection.
to include the superpowered family that made their Marvel debut this summer: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” With Sunday family dinners, friendly banter, and Reed Richard and Sue Storm expecting their first child, “First Steps” already broke the trope of lonely orphaned heroes.
A NEWERA ofSUPERHEROS
Three
new superhero movies
all focus on bringing people together.
By Lexi Hufty, Reporter
Thunderbolts* theatrical release poster.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps theatrical release poster. Courtesy of Marvel Studios
Courtesy of Marvel Studios
Illustrated by L. Hufty
Yelena Bolova hugs her father Alexei Shostakov.
The Void stares into the screen in front of an ominous sky.
Illustrated by L. Hufty
Designed by Lexi Hufty
In our highly online world, few interactions nowadays are so genuine, intimate, or familial. The “fantastic” family’s bond is all of these things. And it never wavers—even when Galactus offers to spare Earth in exchange for Reed and Sue’s child, Franklin. In this situation, Reed knows the deal makes logical sense and ve lives, but he can’t fathom sacrificing his son. This conflict reflects the kind of closeness a lot people yearn for, especially during such a turbulent and uncertain time. At every corner, it seems that there’s a new tragedy to mourn. It’s almost numbing. et, “Superman” (2025) defies this bleak outlook on life. With this movie, viewers get to see what being the ‘Symbol of Hope’ truly means during a time when hope is desperately needed. The new Superman conveys that every life—from a park squirrel, to a crazy dog, to a bald
On the other hand, the “Man of Steel” many grew up with does not contain this message. That Superman was much more “super” than “man.” The new Superman makes it a point to show that he is also y, and his love for others reflect the Superman (2025) inspires viewers to help one another without expecting anything in return and to trust the humanity in each other. It gives them hope that the world is not solely
“Superman is all about how being kind is the best thing you
Overall, the modern movie heroes of today exist in a very
“The newer superhero movies left me with a sense of fun but also left me thinking more about the real-world implications and meanings,” Echo Brooke (12) said. She continued to say, “I think one of the biggest changes in modern superhero films is a much bigger focus on
However, these three movies are only the beginning. A new era of
Superman theatrical release poster.
THE ZODIAC SIGNS
By Cody Zhang, Reporter
Gemini
- May 21- June 20
The Lovers are a good depiction for Geminis. You appreciate communication, deep connections, and freedom of choice in your relationships. The Moon can bring The Lovers confusion, fear, and illusions of grandeur, resulting in impaired judgment in the Gemini’s mind. The Magician can bring The Moon’s tricks to a stop and focus The Lovers. The Lovers will gain clear insight and sense of self from the Magician.
Virgo - Aug 21 - Sept 20
The Hermit represents a Virgo’s wisdom, intelligence, self awareness. The Fool brings The Hermit pain with acting leaps of faiths, imperfection, and uncertainty of the future. What The Hermit needs is to begin anew when The Fool annoys a Virgo. The Devil from a Capricorn will scare away The Fool with their strong sense of self, discipline, and responsibility.
Sagittarius - Nov 21 - Dec 20
Sagittarius’ understanding, philosophy, and perspective represents the one of Temperance. The Sagittarius’s Temperance may clash with The Hierophant. The Hierophant will restrict with rules and structure, while Sagittarius enjoys liberty and freedom. An Aquarius’ holds The Star, bringing their determination to leave the world better than they found it. This can help the Temperance seek the freedom and change that The Star may bring for them.
Pisces - Feb 21 - March 20
The intuitive Pisces brings a mysterious fluidity with the Tarot Card, The Moon, with dreams unlike any other and the means to achieve it. A Pisces’ dreams can be crushed by Justice with her harsh truth, unbreakable logic, and undeniable facts. The Hanged Man teaches Pisces to surrender but embrace their dreams into reflection, turning their dreams into insight.
Aries - March 21 - April 20
As an Aries born, you are The Emperor. You are a figure of courage, spontaneous energy, and leadership. However, you must learn from The Hanged Man. In order to achieve action, you must learn to be patient and surrender when you must. The Chariot from a Cancer can help an Aries focus their energy and emotions to a focus and declare victory over their struggles from The Hanged Man.
Taurus - April 21 - May 20
As a Taurus, your Tarot Card is The Hierophant. You hold structure, stability, and order close to your heart. Though sudden chaos and disruption like The Tower will haunt you, a Libra’s Justice can bring balance. Thus, you can grow into something greater than you once were with the stability you carve through shared disgust over imbalance.
Cancer - June 21 - July 20
Cancers hold more emotional strength and determination. The Chariot represents your strong and capable self. The Devil tempts the Cancers with distractions and attachments that can scatter The Chariot’s direction and entice its curiosity. The High Priestess will overcome The Devil with her intuition and clarity from The Chariot, giving Cancers the knowledge and understanding on how to incorporate both emotions and thoughts into the purest of wisdom.
Libra - Sept 21 - Oct 20
As a Libra, it is fitting for your Tarot Card to be Justice. You appreciate balance, fairness, and the truth. When all seems fine and well, The Tower knocks upon your door, bringing chaos and disorder to disrupt a Libra’s peace. However, a Taurus with The Hierophant will help ground you with sympathy and shared dislike over disruption and chaos.
Leo - July 21 - Aug 20
With courage, vitality, and passion, Leos are the depiction of the Tarot Card, Strength. Withdrawal from a Leo’s Strength will cause quiet reflections. The Hermit will force upon solitude, regret, and sorrow to Strength. The Leo’s Strength will find solace with The Sun. The Sun will not directly interfere with The Hermit but remind Leos that strength can be found in solitude with just a bit of joy and comfort in the silence.
Capricorn - Dec 21 - Jan 20
The Capricorn’s Tarot Card, The Devil, is a show of discipline, responsibility, and hard work; not one of darkness and evil. The Devil will resent the risk of The Fool, for it disrupts the Capricorn’s discipline. The Fool, however, can be outsmarted by the Virgo’s Hermit, using knowledge and wisdom to confuse and leave The Fool behind.
Scorpio - Oct 21 - Nov 20
Death is not always a bad thing. Scorpio’s adaptability and acceptance to endings depicts the Tarot Card, Death, as change and new beginnings. The Star can tempt Scorpio’s Death with hopes and optimism of the past, preventing Death to begin anew. The Star, in the end, cannot win. The World will come along and inspire Death to complete its cycle of transformation, accept loss, and feel the wholeness of rebirth.
Aquarius - Jan 21 - Feb 20
Aquarius has a bright vision for the future, holding hope and revolutionary causes for the Tarot Card, The Star. The Hierophant will cause The Star to fade due to the conformity of order because Aquarius thrives on experimentations and open opportunities. A Sagittarius will be The Star’s biggest supporter. Temperance will lend an ear and listen to The Star’s struggles, sympathize and understand the conformity of The Hierophant, and support The Star’s great goals.
