The Ledger - Issue 2 - Dec. 2025

THE

LEDGER

LET’S TALK DRUGS The impact of common drugs on teens.

Pg. 8-9

ISSUE 2

V O L U M E 13

W I N T E R 2025

2

CONTENT ISSUE 2 Designed by Meghan Lynch

CONTENT

Learn about athletes and the underdog mindset on pages 16-17.

Photo by M. Brown

Take a look into the art department and students’ creations on pages 14-15.

Photo by A. McClelland

3 | The Lost Art of Civility

10 | Adultification: How it Robs Teens of Their Childhood

4 | Do the Letters Mean Anything?

12 | Coach Glavin Behind the Wheel

6 | A Deadly Fascination

14 | A Look Into the Art Department

7 | The Loss of Originality

16 | The Underdog Mindset

8 | Let’s Talk Drugs

18 | Student’s Stickers

Read about common drugs and how they effect teens on pages 8-9.

Photo by E. Quinney

The Ledger

Liberty High School 2275 Sommers Road Lake Saint Louis MO. 63367 libertyledger17@gmail.com

Volume 12 Issue 2 Intentions 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.

The Lost Art of

CIVILITY

A

nyone who has made the mistake of bringing up politics at Thanksgiving dinner knows that disagreement isn’t always civil.

It seems that these days, a difference in opinion is synonymous with an argument. It’s a natural reaction to defend one’s beliefs and ideas—especially with more serious topics—but it’s gotten to a point where even the smallest misunderstandings can turn into huge fights.

One would be remiss to find someone who hasn’t been involved in a situation like this, where what seems like a small fight turns into something much more dramatic. Over the past 10 or so years, we—as a society—have undergone a shift in emotional regulation and reactions.

There’s this new mindset that every thought has to be a “hot take” or “unpopular opinion,” and because of that, we’ve lost the ability to compromise in all spaces—not just politics. From movies, to music, to fashion, many of the spaces in our lives have been overtaken by the constant need to debate, even over the simplest things.

Pew Research Center published the article “America is exceptional in the nature of its political divide,” in which they discussed the new link between identity and politics. “... divisions between the two parties have intensified over time as various types of identities have become “stacked” on top of people’s partisan identities. Race, religion and ideology now align with partisan identity in ways that they often didn’t in eras when the two parties were relatively heterogeneous coalitions.” The merging of personal and partisan identities has led to an extremely argumentative society.

The recent divisiveness in America wouldn’t be possible without another newfound issue: the instant circulation of opinions via the internet. For the first time in human history, we know what everyone is thinking about any given topic. That—coupled with the deluded belief that one needs to share their every opinion with the whole world—has led to an entire online world that feeds on anger and conflict.

Unfortunately, problems from our online world don’t disappear when we close the tab or exit the app. That argumentative urge leeches into our real lives, which leads to weak and tense relationships.

According to Psychology Today, “Continuous conflict about anything, including political views, can lead to stress, resentment, and a feeling of being unheard or unvalued in the relationship.” Over time, these negative feelings can chip away at even the strongest relationships.

The only way to solve this problem is to truly listen to people, not just hear them. We need to listen to understand, not only to respond. Every media source we’re exposed to thrives off of argument and anger, so we need to focus on facts instead of sensationalized headlines. Only then will we be able to rediscover civility.

Is it possible to disagree without arguing?

Social media and technology have a way of coming between reality and one’s perception of reality. This phenomenon has had a huge impact on relationships and behavior.

Illustrations by K. Boschert

4

POINT-COUNTERPOINT ISSUE 2 Designed by Loukya Vaka

The Effort Behind the Letters: Grades Matter By Loukya Vaka, Copy Editor I

Grades affect all lives, as they track a student’s progress over the years.

Today, certain fields, like the medical field, place high importance on grades because they show mastery of skills.

Photo by L. Vaka

Photo by L. Vaka

Other fields, like woodworking, don’t require the traditional pathway for education and mastery.

Photo by L. Vaka

t’s become second nature to only see the numbers and letters, hyper-fixating on how close we are to a certain score. With this attitude, grades appear to determine students’ education and futures.

“College is the reason why I want to have good grades. I believe it matters for college, and I want to do the best I can do for myself,” Saylor Walters (10) said.

A singular grade cannot define a circumstance or measure intelligence, but does this mean the grading system doesn’t matter? In simple terms, no. Grades matter more than we realize.

Now, there is an imperative question to ask: when did our education system become so distorted?

“I don’t really fixate on what I’ll need to do to maintain a grade. That feels like trying to do the minimum amount of effort to achieve a goal,” Milo Weston (12) said. “Caring about grades for the wrong reasons means taking a class for an easy A, versus taking a class that is interesting despite it being more difficult— therefore possibly hurting your GPA.” It isn’t uncommon for a student to treat schedules as battle strategies. Additionally, many students prioritize shortterm memorization for a specific exam instead of absorbing information with the intention of holding onto it. So, when did we forget what grades are meant to signify: the effort students put in daily?

“People should feel like they’ve grown and worked hard for what they wanted or earned,” Sree Gogineni (9) said.

Assignments are not simply a way to boost an average; they are a way for students to gain understanding. Tests are not statements of intelligence; they are a way to measure knowledge.

While grades have become a traditional pathway to college admittance or the job market, they’re an impactful part of education for other reasons. Grades show students’ progress and an improved understanding. Moreover, grades themselves are a learning curve. After all, one C in a class does not have to be a deterrent from pursuing the subject in the future. Rather, the grade you initially receive is a chance for growth.

Today, the grading system may be overemphasized as a deciding factor of a student’s entire future. Still, it’s important to understand the merits of the grading system that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“If the current learning environment is challenging and your grades are reflecting that, talk with your teacher about how you may learn better or if there are extra credit assignments that can help your grade and show you understand the material. Develop a plan for success,” Weston said.

The letters on report cards are stepping stones to move across, not inescapable weights. Grades matter as a student’s consistent records of work ethic within education and as signs of improvement over time. Most importantly, grades are not fortune tellers–they are meaningful landmarks that track what students gain over years of learning.

“It may not seem like it matters now, but it will matter in the future, where it can be a regret. You should always try now, so you don’t regret later,” Gogineni said.

POINT-COUNTERPOINT

5

Do the Letters Mean Anything?

DEC 2025

Designed by Koda Clay

The Effort Beyond the Letters: Grades Don’t Matter

By Koda Clay, Reporter

M

any high school students’ main focus is their grades. Some students come straight home from school and immediately dive into studying for their next big test. Some students study as long as it takes to maintain an unrealistic standard. They’ll do whatever it takes to get an A, even if striving for these unrealistic ideals affects their wellbeing.

Many people don’t even realize focusing on getting perfect grades lowers their self esteem, which eventually leads to them basing how happy they are with life on their grades.

For others, it affects their stress level. Despite this pressure, students and parents still care about grades.

Schools contribute to this pressure to have high grades even more, as high school students are expected to keep their grades high, especially when getting close to applying for college.

Some people believe that because of their grades they won’t be able to get into the college they want.

“A lot of people think if their GPA goes

Culinary arts is a field that can transcend the traditional importance of grades. Cooking is both a life skill and a potential career.

Photo by L. Vaka

down they’re not getting into college, even though that’s not true,” Sree Gogineni (9) said.

Some people prioritize getting good grades so they can get a scholarship for college.

“I do because I need scholarships for college.” Tucker Hughes (12) said.

Contrary to popular belief, there are many colleges that don’t emphasize grades when admitting students into their school, and there are also colleges that don’t rely on grades when awarding scholarships.

Not every student plans on going into engineering, computer science, or chemistry— which are some majors that usually require high grades. Some students want to major in more creative subjects, which might require portfolios or auditions instead of emphasizing grades as much. There’s a whole other group of people who don’t want to go to college at all—preferring to go to the military, start a business, or continue working.

“I want to go straight to working after high school. As long as I get my diploma, I

Learning skills are crucial. Yet, grades themselves can hold varying levels of significance. Photo by M. Stroud

don’t care about my grades,” Madi Webb (11) said.

Ultimately, why should students jeopardize their mental health when, for many students, grades aren’t going to be that big of a deal? If everyone is choosing a different path after high school, shouldn’t we stop acting like grades determine everyone’s future?

6

OPINION

A Fascination ISSUE 2 Designed by Keena Boschert

Deadly Deadly

How has media romanticized serial killers?

By Keena Boschert, Reporter and Brielle Vassel, Reporter

A

Netflix’s famous series, “Monster” recently gained its third installment, centered around serial killer Ed Gein. This show has received numerous criticisms throughout its airing.

Photo by K. Boschert

s the influencer pats on her blush, she explains to viewers how the victim left their home that night. The beauty guru then brushes on mascara, and reflects on the number of stab wounds they received. When she finally applies her setting spray, finishing her makeup look, she comments on the devastation felt by their family.

As the 2010s came to a close, a peculiar genre began to top the charts in America. Edison Research Center found that, as of 2024, 84% of Americans had consumed some form of true crime media.

“I think people are interested in serial killers because they show the extreme of humanity and the depravity that people can go to,” Louis Stoyanov (12) said.

This morbid fascination plaguing the minds of Americans has since been manipulated by the film industry. TV shows like Netflix’s “Monster,” which is composed of three seasons, each portraying a different murderer, have begun to receive massive amounts of attention.

These true crime shows and podcasts have also facilitated the creation of videos like true crime “get ready with me”s, which involve influencers applying their makeup while they analyze specific cases.

But, what is the problem with these shows and this genre of videos? Why do directors and influencers come under such fire for their publication of these stories? The issue lies in the heart of the

The rise of the true crime genre has led to the creation of true crime “get ready with me”s, in which YouTubers delve into cases while also providing audiences with makeup tutorials.

Photo by K. Boschert

creators.

In the case of true crime television, directors have adopted the habit of casting popular and attractive actors to play disgustingly violent serial killers.

Americans are not watching shows like “Monster” to learn; they are watching out of attraction. People are streaming to see Evan Peters or Charlie Hunnam.

Additionally, no attempts were made to contact the families of those murdered by Jeffrey Dahmer before the creation of the first season of “Monster.”

Numerous aspects of Ed Gein’s life, including murders, were fabricated by “Monster” in its third season for the entertainment of viewers.

True crime YouTubers often ignore pleas from victims’ families, who ask them not to discuss the intimate details of the murders. Influencers lack any respect or care as they chat about the real murders of innocent people, all while applying their makeup.

“It’s like a story time, but it’s not your story. It’s someone’s murder,” Stoyanov said. “At a certain point, you are kind of removing the gravity of the situation.”

True crime media, as a whole, displays an utter disrespect for victims, exploiting tragedies for views.

“I am disturbed by it,” Stoyanov said.

“This is somebody’s life.”

Because of these creators, killers have been transformed into celebrities, while gruesome murders are exploited for engagement and views.

OPINION

DEC 2025 Designed by Sage Kennedy

7

The art of live performance is inherently human, and an integral part of the culture of artistry. As we move into a world of AI, some wonder how theater will be impacted.

The Loss of Originality Originality Photo by A. McClelland

Has AI become a threat W to creativity and individuality?

By Sage Kennedy, Reporter

Photo by S. Kennedy

With AI programs able to generate virtually any image in a matter of seconds, the humanity in the vulnerability of physical media is called into importance.

Photo by M. Stroud

As music companies start investing in AI artists, the training and diligence vocal artists put into developing their voices risks becoming undervalued.

ith the growth of AI, there has been a curve for how it’s being used.

What was originally a tool to help search for answers has now become a way to create both entertaining and disturbing replications of videos, music, art, or even silly photos people make of their friends.

The increase of AI in the music and art industries has come to a point where someone could present a song to another person, and they would be fooled that the song was an original piece. Many would believe it was made by an artist, when it was actually a work of artificial intelligence.

There is a growing dependence on validation from AI, aspiring new ideas and taking away from other artists. There is hard work and time put into creating music and art, but when AI is introduced into the equation, the originality is lost.

People are constantly looking for perfection, but humanity has finally grasped that concept and it is taking away more than it is benefiting the masses. AI can make beautiful pieces of work, but when it comes from a person, there are choices and imperfections in the art.

“There’s a certain feel to it. You can tell that a human made the art because it has human emotions,” Malieya Williams (9) said. Williams continued to discuss how AI is soulless, and while some of the images it creates may be nice to look at, without that soul, there is no story or meaning behind the art.

“The best thing about music is the human emotion that comes with it; it shows your emotions in different ways. With AI, it doesn’t do that,” Sophia Otto (10) said.

Human imperfections add the soul and bittersweetness of reality.

These imperfections may be judged by the masses, but it is only up to the artist if they are content with these choices. Without such mistakes and intentions behind the message or art, the purpose is further lost.

Art is the way that people connect with one another and share their stories, personal to the artist or not. Art also invokes more than communication with the artist and the individual. When the artist is not present, it is up to the individual to interpret art or music, finding the message when no prompt is given. Deep and meaningful conversations cannot come from AI attempted art and music, but rather come from the deeper meanings of individual art created by a person.

“Another thing about music is that it is very individual,” Otto said.

Originality and imperfections are immersed in the connections people make on a day to day basis, but now that AI has brought in the idea of easily accessible perfection, the software has only created isolating ideas of needing to reach the standards of perfection.

Overdose, addiction, and treatment.

8

NEWS ISSUE 2 Designed by Lexi Hufty When considering the dangers of using drugs, there are two main concerns: overdose and addiction.

An overdose occurs when a person consumes a substance in excessive quantities, leading to immediate harm and posing a serious risk to life. Addiction is the continued use of a substance, which damages one’s mind and body over time. Treatment for overdoses can vary depending on what was taken and how it was administered. An opioid overdose, for example, can be quickly treated with Naloxone—commonly known as Narcan—which quickly reverses the overdose if given in time. Other overdoses are often treated by attempting to remove the drug from the body, such as by pumping the stomach (if the drug was taken orally) or giving intravenous fluids (to help the body flush the drug out on its own).

Drug addiction, or substance use disorder, is considered a chronic disease that affects one’s mind and behavior. For addiction, treatment differs based on what the individual needs. Therapy is often helpful, with many groups existing to specifically deal with drug addiction and support one another. Some may be prescribed medication by their doctors, such as methadone or buprenorphine, to help reduce cravings and treat other symptoms.

Marijuana is not only smoked but also added to foods and gummies called “edibles.” Edibles can take a longer period of time to go into effect and are illegal to consume for anyone under 21 in Missouri.

*

Photo by B. Vassel

*

Prescribed medications can help with anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Photo by E. Quinney

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, you can get help.

Call or text 988, a crisis hotline where professionals are available 24/7. * This is a staged photo with fake drugs pictured.

An opioid overdose can be treated with Naloxone—commonly known as Narcan.

Photo by L. Hufty

Let’s

Talk

Drugs Nicotine is one of several addictive substances that are used recreationally today.

Photo by B. Vassel

*

The impact of common drugs on teens.

By Lexi Hufty, Reporter and Brielle Vassel, Reporter

B

etween 2021 and 2023, “16% of adolescents reported taking any prescription medication [that was prescribed to them] to help with their emotions, concentration, behavior or mental health,” the CDC said. Regarding issues with concentration or one’s mental health, prescription meds seem to be the most commonly-used solution. If used correctly, there is a possibility of some minor side effects, depending on the drug and dose.

Even so, it seems that prescription meds help.

“Concerta [an ADHD medication] has helped me focus better, become more productive… Fluoxetine [an anti-depressant medication] has helped me become happier,” anonymous source 1 said.

The important thing to remember is that these prescriptions are only good until misused. In recent years, prescription medications have been misused for a number of things. People commonly abuse an ADHD stimulant named Adderall. If prescribed and used correctly, Adderall can do a number of good things, from helping people focus to reducing tics. Even so, Adderall has frequently been used for less responsible reasons.

Adderall is similar to meth, so people tend to abuse it in a similar fashion. Reports have shown that people are abusing Adderall to help them study, lose weight, or even be a better athlete. This abuse can lead to a number of problems, ranging from brain damage to psychosis.

Prescription medication can be used for both good and bad. As long as it is used correctly, prescription medication can be a solution. Before doing anything, it is important to talk to your doctor, who can help you make the right decisions about what medication could possibly help you.

Vaping has countless negative impacts on one’s health. Its addictive effects stem from one substance: nicotine.

The CDC stated nicotine is “a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development.” Nicotine usage creates a constant need for more of the addictive chemical, creating a never ending cycle of consuming and craving. The side effects of nicotine range from cancer to burning throats.

Another chemical in e-cigs is aerosol.

“Aerosol from e-cigarettes can also contain harmful and potentially harmful substances.

These include cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into lungs,” the CDC said.

A common misconception that has been perpetuated by advertisements is that vaping is better than smoking. Most of the time, however, it’s actually worse. “Almost a decade ago, the average vape cartridge had the nicotine content of about a pack of cigarettes or 20 cigarettes,” Pamela Ling, director of UCSF (The Center For Tobacco Control And Research) said. Now, popular vapes can possibly have the nicotine content

of about three cartons of cigarettes, adding up to 600 cigarettes. All in all, the body is harmed by all forms of nicotine—whether it is vaping, smoking, chews, or patches.

Marijuana, also known as weed or pot, is a common drug produced by the Cannabis plant.

Laws regarding its use vary by state, with some considering medicinal use legal and others allowing recreational use. In Missouri, a person 21 years of age or older can legally have up to three ounces of marijuana for recreational use. Medical use is also allowed for qualifying conditions. Marijuana is commonly used to treat severe and chronic pain, muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and seizures, sickness from chemotherapy, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other illnesses and symptoms. Research also suggests that it could be used to treat anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. “[Marijuana] calms me down all the time, and it takes away stressors. I have pretty bad anxiety,” anonymous source 2 said.

While marijuana does have real medical use and can benefit many, it is not without its risks as a drug. When using it at a young age, it can permanently alter neurons and their connections in a way that cannot be reversed later in life. Usage also affects movement, resulting in poor coordination and timing. It is also linked to mental health issues—such as depression, anxiety, and psychotic episodes.

10

IN-DEPTH

ADULTIFICATION: How it R O B S Teens ISSUE 1 Designed by Koda Clay

of

Their Childhood

Adultification’s lasting effects follow teens into adulthood.

By Koda Clay, Reporter

T

here are only 17 years to be a child. Unfortunately, some teenagers get those years cut short because they are forced to play the role of an adult. At school, these unrealistic expectations can mean holding students to a higher academic standard than their peers, meaning that when students actually need help, they don’t know how to get it. These impossible standards also explain excessively severe grading, or some cases of suspensions, detentions, or expulsions. It’s easy for adults to abuse their power over students by reading behavior as “disrespectful” or having an “attitude.” Students’ actions are often viewed through a lens of delinquency, instead of mistakes that young people sometimes make.

This concept is known as

adultification. Adultification is when children are viewed as adults and are in turn forced to grow up before they are ready. Stereotypes often follow teenagers who have been adultified, and they can be seen as rough, aggressive, unkind, or too mature. This is especially true for black students at school, as it’s common for them to be seen as more mature and “adult-like” than their white peers. The concept of adultification is often rooted in racial bias and is continuously affecting how school systems see black students.

When it’s finally time for teenagers who have been adultified to start applying for college, it can be even more difficult for them in comparison to other students, because these children are expected to be able to go through the process

on their own. This can lead to them being unprepared as they transition from teens to adults, because of the fact that they never got to truly experience childhood.

“Yes it’s made it a little harder. It kind of scares me we’re not even there but being pushed to be there,” Chozen Coleman (12) said.

Solving this problem isn’t simple.

It starts with the education system through policy change. Anti-bias training can be beneficial. Training that actively opposes racism and works to ensure that all students are treated equally and aren’t stereotyped. Therefore one day will come where adultification is no longer a problem.

IN-DEPTH DEC 2025 Designed by Ella Quinney

11

“I didn’t know what I was going to paint on it. Then all the sudden I had a little koi pond,” Wise said.

Photo submitted by N. Wise

Fighting for Childhood

How teens are fighting against their adultification.

By Ella Quinney, Editor-in-Chief of the Ledger

The Oxford Dictionary definition of an inner child is, “a person’s supposed original or true self, especially when regarded as damaged or concealed by negative childhood experiences.”

Photo by L. Vaka

With busy schedules and heavy workloads, teenagers are constantly trying to find ways to fight against adultification.

Social media has played a major role in the push towards the crusade for childhood.

With Gen-Z feeling as though Covid-19 took away a part of their childhood, they have taken to social media—using the term “inner-child” to fight for their childhood to come back.

The “inner-child” movement’s main focus is on “healing your inner child.”

This can mean something different for everyone. However, the main way teenagers are doing this is by going back to doing what they love.

“I have this little Kalimba, and I thought ‘I should paint this.’ So I did. I thought about how younger me would have loved it” Noelle Wise (12) said. “And, at the end of the day being care free and happy is what being a child is.”

With constant pressure from school, parents, and work, teenagers are finding simple and personal ways to fight against growing up too fast.

12

FEATURE ISSUE 2 Designed by Emery Miyasaki

Coach Glavin the

Behind Wheel

Glavin is able to drive his cross country team to events after Wentzville Department of Transportation clears coaches to get bus licenses.

By Emery Miyasaki, Reporter

Photo submitted by T. Glavin

Coach Glavin drives the bus to the cross country team’s event.

DEC 2025 Designed by Emery Miyasaki Photo submitted by T. Glavin

“It makes so much sense for us, that way we don’t have to wait for buses to pick up our teams,” Daniel Wheeler said. “If I want to, I can take a field trip or something like that, I don’t have to worry about getting a bus. I can just get one. So that’s pretty sweet.”

The bus driver shortage has been an ongoing issue for about five years and caused many problems with scheduling and student transportation. Poor working conditions and pay make the job undesirable to many. This hasn’t stopped Glavin, who enjoys driving the bus.

“I just enjoy driving. I would much rather drive across the country than fly, so driving is just fun to me. I really like being up high in the bus,” Glavin said.

The height of the bus seems to be an appealing factor to many, with Wheeler saying, “It’s just a matter of being cautious and driving safely, but I do like it because you’re super high up.”

With the bus driver crisis continuing in full swing, we need every bus driver we can get. Allowing sports coaches to train and receive their bus licenses only makes sense. This allows bus drivers to be available for more important tasks, such as driving students home and sports teams to get to events on time. Glavin can take the cross country team to practices and meets without the stress of finding a bus driver, and while making memories with his team.

Photo by K. Stroud

There were 21,200 fewer bus drivers nationwide in August 2025 than in August 2019.

C

ross Country coach and math teacher Toby Glavin has been driving buses since 2009. Glavin first became certified to drive at his previous school, where he drove a Type A bus for their cross country team. After moving to Liberty High School, Glavin was unable to drive buses due to district policies, but, as of last spring, Glavin is back behind the wheel.

Wentzville School District’s Department of Transportation sent out an email incentivising all coaches to undergo training and receive their bus driving permit. Many sports coaches such as Wheeler, Luedecke, Haynes, and McDaniel passed the tests and can now drive a bus. The transportation department provides the training required to get certified to drive a bus.

“We spend a lot of time at the transportation department practicing skills in the parking lot, practicing driving on the roads, practicing inspecting our bus. Those are the big three parts of the CDL driving test,” Glavin said.

Although Glavin had previously driven a smaller bus, he still had to receive training for the larger, Type C bus. The differences between the buses are mostly in length and weight of the buses.

The training is also based on the size of the bus.

“Everything on CDLs is based on weight classes,” Glavin said.

“It weighs a lot more so you have to have a high level class of CDL.” Being able to drive the bus comes with many advantages.

Coaches are now able to transport teams without worrying about a bus driver being available. Previously, if a teacher wanted to take their kids on a field trip, or a sports team had an away game or practice, they weren’t always able to go, due to the shortage of drivers.

”

nt.

13

FEATURE

Varsity athlete Kailey Lawrence (12) runs in event at Forest Park.

It was awesome.

I love it. You feel like you’re driving a monster truck or something.

”

- Daniel Wheeler

14

FEATURE ISSUE 2 Designed by Patricia Stewart

Art Department A Look Into the

Lucas Nowak (11) levels the slab for his Photo by J. Dieye pottery house.

Kendyl De Los Reyes (11) uses the process known as “wedging” to prepare the clay for her project.

Photo by J. Dieye

Bella Mitchell (12) works on her house sculpting project. “I have taken drawing, sculpting, painting and now ceramics. I love the opportunities to explore the arts,” Mitchell said.

Photo by J. Dieye

FEATURE DEC 2025

Designed by Ella Quinney

15

Payton Unnerstall (11) etches a design into her ceramic piece.

Photo by A. McClelland

Zoe Snell (12) sculpts a Halloween mask for one of her projects in art class. “I chose this class because I’m a senior and trying to get out, but I also used to do a lot of art,” Snell said.

Photo by J. Dieye

Art classes are not only about creating pieces but also finding a community. “This class allows me to have fun with my friends and also do art. I love it,” Kenna Harris (12) said.

Photo by J. Dieye

Olivia Grams (10) enjoys the creativity that comes from art. “I have a lot of freedom, and I get to design whatever I like,” Grams said.

Photo by A. McClelland

The

16

SPORTS

Underdog Mindset ISSUE 2 Designed by Emery Miyasaki

Will underrepresented sports still turn out dedicated athletes? By Emery Miyasaki, Reporter and Jay Dieye, Reporter Photo submitted by A. Manne

Photo by M. Brown

Anna Manne (9) swims the 100 meter for the Rec Plex at age 11.

Dakota Cantrell (11) begins match in Warrenton tournament.

Photo by M. Brown

Victoria Abramczyk (10) wrestles in match at a tournament in Wright City.

SPORTS DEC 2025 Designed by Emery Miyasaki

17

Photo submitted by L. Cabezas Padron

Lucia Cabezas Padron (12) practices kicks with her friend and teammate Àngel on the Club Natación San Juan in Spain.

T

hink of your favorite sports movies.

Maybe it’s a football movie, like “Rudy”; a hockey movie, like “Mighty Ducks”; or a baseball movie, like “Sandlot.” Regardless of what movies you enjoy, the storyline follows a familiar arc: a small, under trained and underfunded athlete or team powers through a training montage and ultimately defeats the so-called best team. But, how do all these stories of hope and growth compare to real life? How do average high school athletes write their own underdog stories and become the best player they can be?

Sports teams, such as wrestling and swimming, have small crowds during events because most students don’t think much about them. Even so, this doesn’t affect athletes’ competitiveness or commitment to their sport.

“They are still doing what they need to in order to be successful. Sometimes, you don’t have to have all the fanfare and be in the spotlight—like football, or baseball, or volleyball. If you love the sport, you’re dedicated no matter where or how you play,” Greg Franklin, the girls’ swim coach, said.

It doesn’t have to be a widely publicized sport for students to be enthusiastic and involved, which is where the concept of the “underdog team” comes into play. An under recognized team with students who love it go

to compete; will they care about winning if there isn’t a crowd to perform for?

“Just because you’re not surrounded by very many kids, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lot of success and actually win a state championship on your own,” Kevin Haynes, boys’ wrestling coach, said. “You don’t have to be surrounded by a ton of other people.

Basically, you need a good partner, and you need the willingness to work. You get out of it what you put into it. I don’t really think numbers make a huge difference there.”

Having huge crowds or fanfare doesn’t play a role. According to coaches and students alike, it’s the mindset that matters most—the desire to do your best and the drive to become the best. Your mindset affects your performance: making sure to keep a positive attitude and focusing on yourself or your team is essential.

“I perform like I’ve never, ever won. I practice like I’ve never lost,” wrestler Jayden Mhandu (10) said.

In every sport, the underdog’s story is about much more than the final score.

It’s about kids who stay after practice when everyone leaves, wonder if they are really good enough to keep going, and keep showing up day after day—even when no one is watching.

“The same kids who thought about

quitting end up with medals around their necks. That’s what belief can do,’’ Mhandu said.

Every sport has its underdogs: the kids who doubt themselves, and the ones who keep going when no one’s watching. They may start unnoticed, but it’s these individuals who turn doubt into determination and surprise everyone, including themselves.

Photo by C. McDonnel

Jayden Mhandu (10) celebrates her victory in a tournament match.

18

A&E ISSUE 2 Designed by Keena Boschert

Students’Stickers

“

I like stickers because they give me a sense of individuality. I like how they make the items that I use every day stand out.

- Clementine Arey (12)

.”

How do students customize their items with stickers?

By Keena Boschert, Reporter

A&E DEC 2025 Designed by Keena Boschert

“

19

I believe stickers are able to communicate to other people what kind of person I am without even requiring face-to-face communication.

- Sophia Frerichs (10)

.”

Photos by K. Boschert