May 2016 issue of the Pepper Box

Staff Editorial

No one’s life goes as they plan it; after all, it involves not only them, but also other people. Some yearn for things that they might not be able to gain in their entire lifetime. They are so blinded by their greed that they do not realize the things that other people could be wanting for is what they actually have.

No one is completely and utterly happy with themselves and with what they have. They would rather lust for the objects that those around them possess. Most of the time, one needs to learn to make do with what they have, but that does not mean it should stop one from being successful. It should only make one persevere to be better rather than be in a depressed mood, thinking poorly about themselves.

In the game of Scrabble, one is given letters to make words, but in real life, obstacles are placed to challenge the person. The obstacles may be difficult to surpass, but there will always be a solution no matter how long it takes to get there.

Everyone has low points and moments of stress when they cannot find a solution to the problem. Much like Scrabble, life is a jumbled up mess of events and problems that lead us to think there is no solution. There will always be moments where the brain does not function as one wants it to; a brain fart as some may call it. They come and go, but they do not stay for long and the mind eventually clears to find the solution.

One has learn to deal with what is brought upon them.

One should make the best of what one is given instead of tormenting himself for what they do not have.

Life has many impediments for one to surpass, but most do not take advantage of them to show how determined they are to be successful. They have false hopes for themselves for not obtaining the skills or capacity to overcome the challenge. One needs to know that they do obtain the capacity to do what they desire in life.

Perseverance is a goal, as well as the desire to be someone at the top of the ladder. Who knows, maybe the tiles already exist that will make the special word to win the game after all, if one takes their time and analyzes life’s letters.

PEPPER BOX STAFF Advisor: Ron Steinschriber Content Manager: Sean Baker Design Editor: Morgan Diamond Opinion Editor: Sidney Lee Online Editor: Carcea Carr Sports Editor: Ryan Tiefenbruch Spotlight Editor: Leia Boyd Staff Members: Shaquan Brown, Cheynne Harris, Will Qualls, Bri’Asia Mays, Royalty Knight, Sarah Barbeau, Makayla Smith, Alicia Watson

Editorial Policy: The Pepper Box is designed and created by members of the newspaper staff of Ritenour High School. The purpose of the newspaper is to provide a forum for the students to focus on issues, give opinions, and share information with the Ritenour High School community. The opinions expressed in this paper do not reflect opinions of our faculty or administration.

Letters to the editor are welcome and accepted, but they may not contain profanity, obscenity, or anything inappropriate to school. They may be e-mailed to Ron Steinschriber at steinschriberr@ ritenour.k12.mo.us, or dropped off in room 240. The staff reserves the right to edit these letters.

Buy your 2015-2016 yearbook in room 240. Price is $60.

Women need better role models Young women are not looking up to the right women in society.

Anything, but Chey By: Cheynne Harris

At a young age, girls are told what to wear, what they cannot wear, what to be like, and who to be like.

Why are celebrities like Beyonce, Adele, and Taylor Swift the “role models” for young girls?

Are there really no women in other fields who can be reported on and spotlighted by the media?

There are, but they just are not emphasized because they are not wearing tight clothes, or singing about heartache, or Snapchatting their latest meal, or having millions of followers ready to repost about their day.

The women classified as

celebrities cause our aesthetic values to be too high. A woman who we see on television is not the average woman; she is the beautiful, skinny, clear skinned, model who we all know we will never be able to be like or remotely look like. The most powerful woman right now sings and dances. She is not in the White House, she is not solving world problems, but everyone wants to be like her.

People tell girls they can be whatever they want to be, but they do not put an emphasis on things that do not deal with feminine standards. For example, if a girl wants to be the next person on the moon, she should be told to “go put your feet on the moon,” not “honey are you sure you don’t want to do something else?” People always talk about pushing past the people saying you cannot do it, but how can a person be inspired to do that if no one in the limelight resembles them?

Despite all these issues there are in the media, there has been no public strive for change. Media influences people beyond belief. The essence of free speech is belittled when it is a woman giving her voice. Kids are exposed to that with very little or no

mediation to help them regulate and determine what is wrong or right.

People would rather know what celebrity is pregnant than know that the ozone layer is deteriorating or that racism still exists. We can all tell you about the new Kanye West outfits and how he’s broke, but do not even seem to care about the problems in our own backyard. It’s not okay.

Women can spend their lives being terrified that being tall and curvy is ugly, or that being darker skinned is unattractive. Women in the media are portrayed as skinny, pale skinned, flawless beings, and that is never going to be accomplished by a regular women unless she has an eating disorder or surgery that puts her into debt.

Why does it feel like me, a young female, can’t surpass men in my field? Because I’ve never been shown anything different, and it feels like I never will be because I have to get up and do it myself. I have to be the role model a future young girl needs in order to be inspired to go further because I’m tired of waiting.

Graduation will be held on Saturday, June 4th at Chaifetz Arena from 6 - 7:30.

Other graduation information: • Graduation Rehearsal - June 1, 8:30 - 10 am in Costilow Field House • All fines must be paid by seniors last day of school on 5/25 • Tickets are not required, graduates can invite as many guests as they would like.

• Dress code is business attire, no shorts, jeans, tee shirts, flowers, sunglasses, tennis shoes or flip flops

Opinion

The many costs of driving

While teenagers worry about the financial costs of driving, there are other responsibilities that must be considered

teacher Kelly Holloway says the finances of owning a car can be draining.

“The literal cost of driving is probably about $200 a month, making it come to about $2,400 per year. It’s expensive at first, and then the car isn’t worth anything when it’s paid off,” Holloway said The American Automobile Association (AAA) produces a yearly report called “Your Driving Costs.”

They estimate that in 2015, it costs about $10,000 a year to own and maintain a car, but they include items like depreciation as negative values towards cars. They also take into account potential expenses for car maintenance, which tends to happen more to older cars.

The lure of driving the open road brings along with it financial and emotional costs.

“Gas money is expensive, insurance Photo Illustration by Cheynne Harris is expensive, and my car is not nice, By: Sarah Barbeau but I eventually want a nice car, and that will be expensive,” Staff Reporter junior Samantha Schafer said.

H

igh schools house a population of students who all become eligible to become drivers over the course of their four years, and because of this, teens discuss the pros and cons of driving on a daily basis.

While teenagers are allowed to obtain a permit at 15 and a license at 16, there are financial and emotional costs that are not always considered when preparing for a driver’s license.

Sophomore Ry’n Dubose is currently studying for his permit test. He is anxious about passing the test, but looking forward to the freedom that the permit will allow him.

“I read my driving book, I read stuff on the Internet, and I might ask my family members some questions,” Dubose said. “I’m looking forward to just getting away and being able to go to places I want to without asking people to drive me.”

THE FINANCIAL COSTS While new drivers like Dubose are dreaming of just jumping in his car and going wherever he pleases, more experienced drivers understand that there can be consequences along with the rewards. Personal Finance

THE TOLL ON FRIENDSHIPS When a teenager gets a car, it does not take long until their friends start asking for, and then expecting, rides.

“If someone asks me for a ride, I decide depending on where I am already going. I don’t ask for money because I feel like that is rude, but if I’m going in that direction, then I will give them a ride,” junior Bri’Asia Mays said.

Mays said that car ownership had already torn apart a friendship before she got her own car.

“My friend made me feel like I was below her because she had a car, and I do not like depending on people, so it upset me when she threw it in my face that she could drive,” Mays said.

Since Mays has purchased her own car, she has repaired that friendship, but started to feel pressure from her other friends when they ask for rides.

“If they ask me in person, then I feel pressured to take them, but if they text me, then I have more time to think of a reason to say no,” Mays said. “People are just getting used to asking me for rides, and they believe it is an expectation.

If it continues, I am going to have to start asking for gas money.”

STORY CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

THE EMOTIONAL COSTS While losing friendships can be disappointing, there are costs of driving that could be much more devastating.

“The other costs are getting into an accident, someone hitting your car, and the worth of your car depreciating once it’s paid off,” Holloway said. “More people are killed in car accidents, and for teenagers it’s the highest cause of death, which is a little bit scary.”

The casualty rate among teenagers is high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only 6% of the American driving population is aged 15-20, but 9% of drivers involved in all fatal crashes fell into that category.

Automobile fatalities are the leading cause of death in teenagers, and the addition of cell phones as a daily part of life has made distracted driving more prevalent. “(A car is) a very powerful machine, and teenagers might think they are invincible and drive recklessly,” Holloway said

6000 5750 5500 5250 5000 4750 4500 4250 4000 3750 3500 3250 3000

The financial costs of driving

2750

Key Fuel Insurance Maintenance License, registration and taxes Finance charges

2500 2250 2000 1750 1500

Total added costs

1250 1000 750 500 250 0 Yearly cost of driving

Infographic by

by Makayla Makayla Smith, Smith, created created on on easel.ly easel.ly Infographic

Seeking out their counsel The counseling department has helped many students this year with a variety of group programs that aim for mental and social support Bri Mays Staff Reporter

Ritenour High School’s counseling has offered a series of programs to support their students mentally and socially.

Programs include the Grief/ Loss Group, which helps students cope with family losses. Guy’s Group is another group offered by the guidance office, and it allows teenage boys to explore their beliefs about teen relationships, relationship violence and masculinity. Girl’s Group and LGBTQ are also other programs offered by the school.

The Guidance Office utilizes several different approaches to support the emotional, social and personal needs of students.

“One of the ways we do this is through small group counseling.

When we see that a number of students need support in the same area we will form a group to meet those needs,” Counselor Karen Coughlin said.

Groups are facilitated by RHS counselors and social workers as well as non-profit agencies from the community who partner with the school.

One specific program the school offers this year that is respected by certain teenage girls and their families is a class offered for teen moms and girls who are currently pregnant. This program has given relief for many of the girls in the group, such as junior Cheyenne Wheeler.

“This program has provided

Spotlight

Students walk into the counseling office looking for guidance. The office provides support on many levels for students’ mental and social support. Photo by Sean Baker

so many resources for me, there are nurses that come and screen our kids.

The program all in all is a huge outlet for me to talk to people who know what I’m going through,” Wheeler said.

This program was put in place this year and has met students’ expectations to help relieve stress and support young girls while they stay in school, all while providing for their child.

“The pregnancy and parenting group provides education, community resources as well as peer support to the students. Being a parent is a tough job and managing a pregnancy and/or baby while also trying to juggle school can be very challenging. I believe that the group is helpful to the students so they know they are not alone and that

they have supports available to them both in school and in the community.

It provides a place for students to connect with other mothers that are dealing with similar challenges and I have really seen the students in the group benefit from having that peer support,” Coughlin said.

Another way this program has helped the girls get involved was helping them to not feel alone.

“This program showed me how many people care for you, that I am not alone, and that I can still finish school,” junior Haley Inman said.

After seeing the success and benefits of this program, there has been talk about starting a group to support teen fathers as well.

Leaving their mark Principal Gary Spiller moves onto a new position, and other teachers retire from years of service at Ritenour By: Sidney Lee Opinion Editor

There are always changes at the end of the school year. Some are changes that are placed in order to help the next school year be an even better year, as well as to make things go smoother than the previous years before.

The end of the year changes this year are that Principal Gary Spiller is leaving Ritenour and there are many teachers retiring.

Math teacher Patrick Blake is prepared to move onto the next stage of his life after his 19th year in the classroom.

“I have mixed emotions about retiring. I really feel like it is just another phase of life. I am looking for a fourth job now. I don’t want to just sit around and do nothing.” Blake said.

Blake has been teaching at Ritenour for so long that he is now teaching previous students’ kids, nieces and nephews.

“I think one of my favorite things about teaching here at Ritenour is seeing the family members of students I have previously taught. And I feel like I made an impact in that way,” Blake said.

Blake is not the only teacher who has decided to retire. SSD teacher Cate Peterson will also be leaving her classroom after 13 years in education.

“I had a health problem. I had surgery done on my neck and arms and they don’t move the same way they used to and it makes things harder to do. If this wasn’t the case I would have stayed longer,” Peterson said.

Peterson said that being a

Principal Gary Spiller interacts with Social Studies teacher Isaiah Melendez and his class.

Spiller will be leaving Ritenour to work as the Director of Student Services in the University City School District. Photo by Sean Baker

teacher has given her a lot of positive memories as the years go by.

“I loved going to prom. And one year I had a student with a lot of special needs and when he went to prom everyone was very welcoming and made sure he enjoyed his time there. I am going to miss the students and people I work with,” Peterson said.

There is a lot of consideration and thinking that goes into retiring or changing jobs. Spiller thought a lot, and asked for advice and opinions on what was the best decision.

He also said that being a man of his faith, he prays on his decisions as well. Spiller will be the new Director of Student Services in the University City School District, where he will be working to improve the learning systems and provide support for all students.

“I have to think about our kids

here at school, and my kids at home.

And when you’re putting 60 to 70 or 80 hours a week, there is a cost, there’s always going to be a cost. Being a man of my faith I pray on every decision I make,” Spiller said.

Spiller is leaving Ritenour with a few words of advice for the next principal, former Hoech principal, Dr. Shane Hopper.

“Ritenour is a special place.

Love our students as you would love your own children. They deserve the very best, and they have great potential to do great things. Don’t let any adult issues take your attention off of them and their education. The focus has to be on the students and their success,” Spiller said. “They need a leader that believes in them 110% and will support them to succeed in both school and life.”

News

Maryville St. Joseph

Chicago Wheaton River Forest

Kirksville Canton

Parkville Lexington Marshall Kansas City FultonSt. Charles St. Louis Warrensburg Columbia Jefferson City Linn Union Hillsboro Park Hills Rolla Cape Girardeau Springfield Joplin

By:Leia Boyd Spotlight Editor

Macomb

Bourbonnais Eureka

Lincoln Charleston Edwardsville Belleville

West Plains Carbondale

Colleges that have accepted Ritenour seniors

Alabama - Alabama State Arkansas - Arkansas State University California - Fresno State University Of California Los Angeles Georgia - Emory University Hawaii - Hawaii Pacific Illinois - Dominican University Eastern Illinois University Eureka College Lincoln College Northwestern University Olivet Nazarene Robert Morris Southern Illinois University of Carbondale Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Southwestern Illinois College Western Illinois University Wheaton College Indiana - Depauw University Indiana State University Purdue University Iowa - Iowa Wesleyan University Of Iowa Kansas - Johnson County Community College Kansas University Wichita State Kentucky - University Of Louisville Murray State Michigan - Kalamazoo College Minnesota - Hamline University Mississippi - Jackson State Mississippi State Missouri - Columbia College Culver Stockton East Central College Fontbonne University Harris Stowe Jefferson College Lincoln University Lindenwood University Maryville University Metropolitan Community College Mineral Area College Missouri Baptist University Missouri Southern State University

Missouri State University Missouri State University West Plains Missouri University Of Science & Technology Missouri Valley College Missouri Western State University Northwest Missouri State Ozark Technical Community College Park University Paul Michell Ranken Tech Southeast Missouri University State Technical College of Missouri St. Charles CC St. Louis Community College Saint Louis University Truman State University University of Central Missouri University of Missouri - Columbia University of Missouri - Kansas City University of Missouri - St. Louis Washington University of St. Louis Webster University Wentworth Military Academy Westminister College William Woods University New Mexico - Santa Fe University New York - New York University Rochester Institute Of Technology Ohio - Sinclair Community College Wilmington College Xavier University Oklahoma - Langston University University Of Oklahoma-Norman University Of Tulsa Pennsylvania - Franklin & Marshall College Lehigh University Tennessee - Tennessee State Texas - Austin Community College Trinity University University Of Texas San Antonio Virginia - Hollins University Washington - Northwest University Washington D.C. - George Washington University Wisconsin - Lawrence University University Of Wisconsin LaCrosse

Finding the right school Ritenour seniors have been admitted to “top tier schools” and have received over $5 million in scholarship money Nine students were accepted into “top tier” schools from the class of 2016. Shown are Alyssa Johnson, Michael Savage, Shelby Wesche, Elvis Phung, Marilyn Nguyen, Khalid Murray, Thaoi Bui. Xiomara Mendoza-Colon and Christian Barnes are not photographed. Photo courtesy Ritenour School District

By: Jenna Hutson Staff Reporter

The school year is coming to an end and decision day is getting even closer.

The decision of many seniors is to enroll into college. This year has seen nine seniors receive multiple acceptances to colleges and universities that are ranked “most selective” and “highly selective,” according to Barron’s college rankings.

Some of these schools are nearby, like Washington University of St. Louis, and others are as far as Washington D.C., like George Washington University.

However, the deciding factor for many students for choosing a school is the amount of scholarship money they receive from a college or university.

This year, Ritenour students have reported over $5.9 million in scholarship money so far. Some students still have yet to report their scholarship money, but this number is up from $2.6 million in 2015.

College Counselor Julie

News

Kampschroeder and College Adviser Antonio Quiles have mentored students and helped them find both schools that would be a good fit for them, as well as scholarships that they can qualify for. From organizing college visits to early morning group sessions, they have been doing everything they can to get the seniors ready for the next chapter of their life.

Senior Allysia Howerton was lucky enough to get accepted to the school of her dreams for a reduced price.

“I received a scholarship to Mizzou, which is where I’m going,” said Howerton

For Howerton, the process of waiting for the financial reports to come in was very nerve-wracking.

“I waited until I got all my financial reports from all the schools I applied to, such as Southeastern Missouri and Northwestern, before I made my decision.” Howerton said.

“Mizzou ended up giving me the most money which worked out because it was my top choice.”

Scholarships are very beneficial and save many students a lot

of money year to year to help further their education. However, sometimes a students’ financial limit conflicts with their dream school. Senior Shelby Wesche had to make the difficult decision of picking a school based on its national ranking or a school based on a high end scholarship.

“I was originally going to go to Purdue University, but there was a change of plans and now I’m going to Missouri S&T,” Wesche said. “It was a hard decision because I was accepted to a lot of colleges, but S&T was the best decision for me financially and it is still a great school.”

For other students, it is not a matter of how much, but a matter of where. Senior Elvis Phung said picking a college was a neutral decision for him. He chose Missouri S&T amongst a number of colleges that offered him money.

“I got a scholarship to S&T but I also got scholarships to various other similar colleges so it was really just a choice between which school,” Phung said.

Ritenour gives all student athletes a chance Ritenour High School has completed another successful Special Olympics By: Sarah Barbeau Staff Reporter

This year’s Special Olympics was held on April 26, and the event was open to all Ritenour students to participate, whether they were a freshman, a senior, or somewhere in between.

The end of the school year is always marked by the all-day event where new friendships are continuously made throughout the day. Ritenour students, the buddies, are paired with special needs students ranging from elementary to high school, who are the athletes.

The director of Ritenour’s Special Olympics event, FACS teacher Denise Schindler, was proud of the results of the day.

“The day went well and overall everyone had a good day and the athletes enjoyed the event,” Schindler said.

Each Ritenour student had a different job for the event, whether they were working in Victory Village, helping to run the track and field games, or personally escorting a buddy all day. There was much work put into the production.

“The only major adjustments planned for next year’s Special Olympics are that we need to tighten up the volunteer process. The day before we were short a few [buddies], the track workers were also late making commitments,” Schindler said.

Freshman Jada Baylor got to experience being a buddy for the first time this year. She went out of her way to make her buddy feel as comfortable

Junior Amanda Stief interacts with her buddy at Special Olympics. Photo courtesy Ritenour School District.

as possible. Many other buddies used this tactic as well, including junior buddy and captain Sierra Davis and sophomore buddy Elizabeth Young.

“I welcomed my buddy by trying to interact with them, to make them comfortable with me,” Baylor said.

Juniors and seniors got the opportunity to be chosen as a buddy and a captain of their assigned school.

Junior Sierra Davis was assigned as a captain of her school.

“It’s the best feeling in the world to give something back.

Those buddies do not get the same opportunities as us, so it’s always amazing to make their day,” Davis said.

For new members of Special Olympics, it was a wave of nerves. New buddies like Baylor had to figure out just what approach to take with this new venture.

“[I was nervous about] doing things wrong, not bonding, and being awkward,” Baylor said.

For other buddies like Davis and Young, it was another fun day, and they both believed that the Special Olympics were a success.

Overall, the end of the year event received high praise from the participants. Ritenour students enjoyed their athletes’ company by creating bonds and friendships that’ll last a life time.

News

An unassuming dual sport star By: Ivy Huynh Staff Reporter

Although sophomore Alexis Ramey is often dressed in athletic clothes, not everyone who looks at her know immediately that she is an athlete.

Unassuming off her fields of play, Ramey is an impressive athlete, being on both the varsity basketball and the varsity soccer team since her freshman year. Ramey is known to be a strong opponent on the field, but her coaches say that all her success has not changed her in any way.

“She doesn’t get a big head, and doesn’t think she’s better than the others on the team,” varsity basketball coach Ron Steinschriber said.

Ramey is a quiet person and is constantly working hard to improve her skills on the court and the field.

She does not get upset and continues to do what she is best at. However, Steinschriber wishes that Ramey would show off more of her leadership skills on the field, because she is one of the most skilled players on the team and it would be extremely beneficial.

“She’s fairly loose most of the time, really quiet, it’s actually something I hope she improves,” Steinschriber said. “I’d like her to get a little more vocal and become more of a leader. She always pushes hard, she doesn’t ever complain, she just works and does what she’s supposed to do.”

Ramey finished among area leaders in goals scored for the spring soccer season, and her teammates rely on her frequently on the field.

Teammate Andrea Wanta points out that she personally relies on her a lot.

“ I definitely do, our coaches do, and we probably put more stress on

Sports

Sophomore Alexis Ramey has made a splash on the St. Louis athletic scene

Sophomore Alexis Ramey controls the ball in a game against Clayton. Photo courtesy RHS Athletics her than we should, but we definitely do. She’s a good asset to the team,“ Wanta said.

The teammates know that her presence is important and stress that she is a vital player who is extremely valuable to the team.

“There are times where Alexis is like “Oh, I can’t make it to this” and the team would say “Ramey you better make it, you better make it, we need you,” sophomore Reese Sherman said.

Ramey suffered a knee injury over the summer at a basketball tournament, but therapy sessions got her back into shape. The injury cost her half of the basketball season, and she was never really at full strength.

“I went to physical therapy twice a week, and did stretches for about three months,” says Ramey.

Getting injured has changed her outlook, as Ramey sometimes has fears of getting injured again when facing tough opponents.

“If we play a really aggressive

team and they come at me hard, I get scared sometimes,” Ramey said.

Although frightened, Ramey always stays calm and focused.

“The other team knows about her and marks her well, but she knows the game well and uses her time away from the ball wisely to set herself for success when she does get the ball,” varsity soccer coach Jim Coletta said.

Coletta believes that Ramey takes direction well, and that helps her as an athlete who others can look to as an inspiration.

“She is a very coachable athlete. She’s always willing to take advice and work on her skills and her overall games. During games, Alexis is one of my hardest workers and most skilled players,” Coletta said.

Ramey’s teammates appreciate the work ethic she shows, and acknowledge that she is a major focal point of their team.

“We don’t know what we would do without her,” Sherman said.

Athlete’s Hard Work Pays Off Many senior athletes achieve their goal of getting to go to college because of scholarship money

Senior Maya Biesterfeld signed with Maryville to play tennis. Photo courtesy Ritenour School District

Ritenour students have worked hard through their high school sports career and their academics to get to the next level in sports, which are college sports.

No matter the division of the college getting a scholarship for that sport is an accomplishment in its self.

Senior Ricky McCoy will be attending Lindenwood University in the fall under a scholarship for football. Through high school McCoy played many positions on the football field. In his high school career he has played quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver, and safety. Moving on to his college career,

he will be playing the position of corner.

“I have worked hard to get my technique together and become a smarter player. I look at professionals just to look at the little things I need to do, to make me a better player. This is for me to excel on the next level to become a better player,” McCoy said.

There are many different sports to excel in and not everyone has the same skills. Everyone finds what they love to do and stick with it. Some are not even looking for a scholarship to the next level, they just want to be the best and do what they love.

Senior Maya Biesterfeld has received a scholarship to go to Maryville University for tennis.

She chose this school because of the great physical therapy program, and the coach was interested in her more than any other school. She is ready to go to the college level because she feels there will be more structure there, coaches will be serious, and practice will be longer and harder.

“I’m thrilled, I can’t wait to show my coach and my teammates what I’m made of. I’m excited to make new friends and learn new things,” Biesterfeld said.

One of the hardest sports to get a scholarship in is basketball; everyone is competing for the same spot to be a one of the starting five to play. Everyone has to prove they can shoot, have sportsmanship, and have skills. One player has shown that he can play on the next level and have these focus points.

Senior Fermin Jeff is going to Shawnee Community College on a full ride for basketball. He plans to transfer to a Division I school after two years. He has chosen to go to this college because they treat him like family, they will make him a stronger player mentally and physically, and to challenge him on what he is capable of.

“I am excited and ready. Be prepared to see me on t.v. and the news,” Jeff said.

Sports

Spring sports capsules Baseball

• Record: 8-14 • Standout players- Ryan Tiefenbruch, Zach Macha, Jordan Strachan, Josh Hanners, Kendall Powell • Key newcomers- Jared Zbinden, Talen Jackson, Alex Arismendez, Seaver Sherod, Brad Lowe • Coach Buxman’s thoughts: Our record did not indicate how well we played this year. We played a lot of close games.

Senior Zach Macha connects on a hit. Photo courtesy RHS Athletics

Boys Track

Sophomore E’myzra McGruder leaps over a hurdle at a track meet at Clayton.

Photo courtesy RHS Athletics

• Standout runners- Ricky McCoy, Rashad Hughes, JC Biayi • Coach Gregory’s thoughts - The runners moving on to sectionals deserved it, the ones who are not got what they worked for.

Boys Golf • • • •

Sophomore Tanner Voelcker swings at a meet this season.

Photo courtesy RHS Athletics

Record: 2-5 Standout golfers: Nathan Fogel Key newcomers: Tanner Voelcker Coach Heeter’s thoughts: Everybody got better as the season went on and we are set up pretty well next year with three seniors and a couple of returning juniors.

Boys Volleyball

• • • •

Record:3-25-1 Standout players:Devin Fowler, Jake Selby Key newcomers: Eric Silva, and Dakota Wagster Coach Schuessler’s thoughts: It was a little rough, obviously we didn’t win a lot, but we definitely got better. Overall it was an improvement, we had fun.

Sports

Senior John Woolfolk serves the ball.

Photo courtesy RHS Athletics

Girls Soccer

Junior Maddie Stiebel controls the ball against Hazelwood Central. Photo courtesy RHS Athletics

Record: 7-14 Standout players: Alexis Ramey (Forward), Andrea Wanta (Midfield), Maddie Stiebel (Defense) Top newcomers: Michaela Reed and Jessica Schantz Coach Coletta’s thoughts: We had a very tough start to our conference season, but as the year went on, we developed a defensive style of play that kept us in some games that we possibly should not have been. We found out what it takes to play high level, talented teams and I think that will give us a good barometer for the amount of work that we need to put into the offseason in order to raise our level of play and compete with the elite teams in our conference.

Senior Leslie Brooks leaps during the long jump at the Luteran North meet. Brooks is competing in the State Championships in this event. Photo courtesy RHS Athletics.

Girls Track • Standout players: Leslie Brooks and Kelsey Hunn • Team Highlights: Brooks is going to State in the triple jump and long jump.

Hunn is going to State in 300 hurdles.

• The 4X100 team qualified for State with sophomore Montriece Bolden, junior Ma’isah McMillan, Brooks and Hunn

Boys Tennis • Record: 1-14 • Standout players: Sean Baker, Garrett Phillips, and Jon Bishop • Top newcomers: Jon Bishop, Martin Trujillo, and Kylon Taylor • Coach Kim’s thoughts: This year was a rebuilding year after graduating 6 seniors last season. We got better as the year went on and as long as there is some offseason growth we should be much improved for next season. We know what to expect now and the only obstacle will be continuing the momentum we ended the season with hard work over the summer.

Senior Sean Baker serves in a match this season.

Photo courtesy RHS Athletics

Sports

Congratulations Pepper Box seniors

Columnist Cheynne Harris, Reporter Kelsey Hunn, Sports Editor Ryan Tiefenbruch, Online Editor Carcea Carr and Content Editor-In-Chief Sean Baker